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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Growing displacement of EU exports in Latin America due to China’s trade expansion – E-002636/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002636/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markus Buchheit (ESN)

    China is rapidly strengthening its presence as a trading partner in Latin America through bilateral agreements and strategic investments[1]. As a result, European industrial products, particularly those from Germany, are losing market share to Chinese alternatives. This shift threatens long-standing EU-Latin America economic ties and undermines the EU’s ability to defend its strategic industries in global markets.

    • 1.What concrete actions is the Commission taking to safeguard the competitiveness of European industrial exports in Latin America amid China’s growing presence?
    • 2.Has the Commission assessed the impact of Chinese trade agreements on the ability of EU companies to access and maintain key markets in the region?
    • 3.Will the Commission adapt its trade strategy to counterbalance China’s influence and better protect the strategic interests of Member States like Germany?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    • [1] Some experts first predicted the potential displacement of EU exports in 2018 and over the past eight years China’s market presence has clearly expanded. (https://www.giga-hamburg.de/en/publications/giga-focus/china-is-challenging-but-still-not-displacing-europe-in-latin-america?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategies to attract international professionals from third countries to the EU – E-002642/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002642/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Joachim Streit (Renew)

    In an increasingly globalised labour market, the EU is competing with other economies, in particular the US, for highly skilled international talent. While the US Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme allows international graduates to work in the country for up to three years without prior job offers, there is no comparable flexible model in the EU. The extensions of the OPT in 2008 and 2016 resulted in a 400 % increase in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) participants – a clear indication of its effectiveness in tying highly qualified third-country nationals to the US labour market[1].

    While Germany allows third-country nationals with a German degree to stay for up to 18 months to seek employment, this approach is limited to that country and not harmonised across the EU. At the same time, it is clear that many international students prefer to go to the US, including as a result of restrictive EU visa policies and a lack of awareness of career prospects. Given the acute shortage of skilled workers in areas such as health, AI and STEM, there is an urgent need for an overall EU strategy to actively attract international talent from third countries.

    • 1.Is the Commission planning to develop an EU model of employment-related follow-up support, akin to the OPT model, allowing third-country nationals with an EU university degree to transition temporarily into the EU labour market?
    • 2.What funding instruments are there currently at EU level for international talent outside the higher education sector, in particular with regard to professional integration or qualified employment?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.pewresearch.org/global-migration-and-demography/2018/05/10/number-of-foreign-college-students-staying-and-working-in-u-s-after-graduation-surges/
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ensuring the decentralised nature of cohesion policy in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework – P-002720/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002720/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elena Kountoura (The Left)

    Cohesion policy is a crucial tool for reducing disparities and for the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the EU. On 25 June 2025, 149 regions of Europe from 20 Member States sent a joint letter to the Commission President expressing concern about the direction cohesion policy seems to be taking in view of the upcoming presentation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)[1]. The regions call for the continuation of the decentralised nature of cohesion policy and the place-based approach, with their direct involvement in both the design and implementation of the relevant programmes, through shared management and multi-level governance[2].

    Given that the European Parliament has repeatedly stressed in its resolutions its opposition to any form of centralisation reform of cohesion programmes, calling for greater decentralisation, enhanced involvement of local and regional authorities and a more ambitious post-2027 cohesion policy with reinforced funding[3], can the Commission say:

    • 1.How will it ensure that the core principles of cohesion policy are upheld in the upcoming MFF, including its basis in the decentralised programming model, the specific needs of local communities, the principle of shared management and multi-level governance, the place-based approach and the enhanced involvement of regional authorities?
    • 2.Is it committed to proposing a reinforced, dedicated budget for cohesion policy, with indicative regional resource allocations based on territorial, social and economic criteria, in the next programming period?

    Submitted: 3.7.2025

    • [1] See https://aeur.eu/f/hn5
    • [2] They also express their opposition to any form of centralisation reform that would strengthen centralised management at Member State level, thus jeopardising the objectives and effectiveness of cohesion policy.
    • [3] According to its resolution of May 2025 on the ninth report on economic and social cohesion, the European Parliament ‘is opposed to any form of centralisation reform of EU funding programmes, including those under shared management, such as cohesion policy, and advocates for greater decentralisation of decision-making to the local and regional levels.’ By the same token, it calls for ‘enhanced involvement of local and regional authorities and economic and civil society actors at every stage of EU shared management programmes.’ Similar positions have been adopted in other resolutions, such as resolutions 2024/2051(INI) and 2024/2105(INI).
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Financial priority for third countries, red tape for EU Member States – P-002578/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002578/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georg Mayer (PfE), Roman Haider (PfE)

    According to media reports, in order to address concerns about the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Commissioner responsible has offered financial support to non-EU countries to set up traceability systems (for example during a trip to South America in March 2024). Meanwhile, the regulation creates a huge amount of red tape in EU Member States: in Germany alone, the government has announced that 59 full-time positions are already planned at national level.

    • 1.Which non-EU countries have used or been promised EU funding so far?
    • 2.To what extent is the Commission also providing EU Member States with financial support to prepare for and implement the EUDR?
    • 3.With how many countries has a formal dialogue been entered into in accordance with Article 29?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – B10-0329/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0329/2025

    European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

    (2025/2800(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on EU-China relations,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020[1] (Critical Raw Materials Act),

    – having regard to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the principles of free, fair, and rules-based trade,

    – having regard to WTO dispute settlement rulings DS431, DS432 and DS433 on China’s rare earth export restrictions,

    – having regard to the G7 critical minerals action plan,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas on 4 April 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce imposed export restrictions on magnets and seven rare earth elements (REEs): samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium;

    B. whereas China’s new export licensing process for rare earth elements results in significant delays, has negative impacts on supply chains and threatens imminent stoppages for production in certain sectors; whereas it is also forcing industry to disclose sensitive information reaching beyond standard licensing processes;

    C. whereas China’s new export restrictions further undermine its reliability as a supplier for EU industry; whereas delays and difficulties in obtaining customs clearance arise even when licences are granted;

    D. whereas China’s decision to start issuing export licences for rare earth elements and magnets to some European companies represents only temporary relief and falls significantly short of a systemic solution;

    E. whereas these new export restrictions represent just the latest development in China’s increased use of unilateral controls on exports that are broader in scope than the multilateral export controls and do not have a clear security rationale;

    F. whereas China introduced export restrictions on gallium and germanium in August 2023, and further export restrictions on graphite in December 2023;

    G. whereas China has, in the past, already been found in breach of its WTO Accession Protocol commitments and Article XI(1) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade for introducing unjustified export restrictions on REEs; whereas this demonstrates a clear pattern of action;

    H. whereas China’s use of export restrictions is a clear example of its exploitation of its dominance of the global critical raw materials market and economic blackmail, resulting in supply chain disruptions;

    I. whereas 100 % of the EU’s supply of heavy REEs comes from China; whereas the EU’s general dependency on critical raw materials from China remains a major threat to the EU’s economy and resilience and a cause for concern;

    J. whereas the EU faces the complex challenge of securing a sustainable supply of critical raw materials while adhering to its environmental and societal commitments;

    K. whereas the EU’s demand for critical raw materials is surging and is projected to rise further, due among other things to developments in the defence sector, as well as the digital and energy transitions;

    L. whereas the shift in energy policy has increased demand for previously underutilised resources, including REEs, as well as ‘conventional’ commodities such as copper, nickel, cobalt and lithium; whereas, additionally, the shift has heightened the need for metals and metalloids, including gallium, germanium, selenium, indium and tellurium, which are often only obtained as by-products during the extraction of primary commodities and have low recycling rates, further complicating their supply chain and availability;

    M. whereas apart from raw material extraction, China is also increasing its dominance of critical raw materials markets through refining and processing; whereas 94 % of the Australian production of lithium minerals and 99 % of the Congolese production of cobalt goes to China for refining; whereas China imports 67 % of the world’s supply of manganese ore, and exports 70 % of the world’s refined manganese;

    N. whereas China’s political objective is to secure access to raw materials in other countries and strengthen its dominance in global markets; whereas China has been accused of demanding exclusive access to resources as a condition for investment through its Belt and Road Initiative, which invests heavily in resource-rich countries; whereas such conditions reinforce monopsony power and accentuate concentration, thus making critical raw materials markets less resilient;

    1. Expresses serious concern about the People’s Republic of China’s unjustified use of unilateral export controls on critical raw materials, including its latest measures targeting seven rare earth materials and magnets; deplores China’s weaponisation of critical raw materials and its use of market dominance for geopolitical leverage;

    2. Calls on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to immediately remove these rare earths and related products from its control list, thereby restoring a stable, predictable and sufficient supply;

    3. Condemns the PRC’s coercive economic and trade practices and calls for swift, coordinated and proportionate responses to its systematic use of trade dependencies as a tool of influence; emphasises that such practices extend beyond critical raw materials, affecting a wide range of strategic sectors;

    4. Notes with concern that for a large number of raw materials, the supply risk for Europe has gone up significantly[2]; believes that an increasing supply risk over time is symptomatic of Europe’s growing reliance on raw materials from a limited number of suppliers located in countries with governance and/or trade risks, its lack of progress in research and development targeting substitute materials, and the inability of current recycling practices to meet growing demand;

    5. Recognises the need to diversify supply chains for raw materials as a critical measure to enhance economic resilience, reduce strategic dependencies and ensure stable access to essential inputs in the face of geopolitical and market disruptions; calls strongly for the EU and its Member States to closely cooperate with global allies and like-minded partners in order to counteract abusive and distortive practices in the critical minerals sector; welcomes, in that respect, the G7 critical minerals action plan, announced following the 50th G7 summit that took place in June 2025;

    6. Recalls that the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act will establish a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, for example by identifying critical and strategic raw materials, setting benchmarks for domestic production and promoting improved circularity; Calls, in this respect, for the provisions of the Act to be implemented in full;

    7. Emphasises the need to step up domestic extraction of raw materials in the EU; notes that mineral extraction within the EU operates under stricter regulation than in most other countries globally; stresses that this, coupled with shorter and more secure supply lines to EU customers, offers distinct advantages, including enhanced economic resilience and a reduced carbon footprint associated with raw material sourcing;

    8. Expresses concern about the negative public perception of extraction projects in Europe; stresses that this demonstrates a clear disconnect between EU policymakers and local populations, as well as other stakeholders, regarding the implementation of energy and climate policies, as the green transition and the move away from fossil fuels require increased production of many raw materials and the establishment of secure supply chains; regrets that a number of mining projects in Europe, for example for lithium, have been significantly delayed or entirely cancelled due to public opposition; notes that while all human activities, mining included, have some degree of impact on the environment, the European mining sector has made substantial progress in developing methods and implementing strategies to mitigate its environmental footprint, balancing the need for resource extraction with responsible stewardship of the natural environment;

    9. Notes that the complexity of the EU’s mineral raw materials legislation is additionally exacerbated by the requirements of EU nature protection regulations, such as the Nature Restoration Regulation[3], which also limit the availability of land for mining activities, as extractive projects will likely face stricter environmental assessments, and areas designated for restoration may be off-limits to mining projects;

    10. Draws attention to the fact that China not only produces the vast majority of critical raw materials, but also controls a significant portion of global processing capacity; notes, in this regard, that in order to resolve its supply problem, the EU, apart from gaining access to resources from a wider variety of countries and developing its own EU domestic resources, needs to (re-)establish processing capacity within Europe;

    11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council and the Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Consequences of the blackout in Spain and Portugal and the risks of an ideologically driven energy transition – E-002632/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002632/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markus Buchheit (ESN)

    On 28 April 2025, a major blackout severely affected Spain and Portugal, leaving millions of citizens without power for several hours. According to various reports, the main cause was grid instability resulting from a high dependency on solar and wind energy sources, combined with unfavourable weather conditions. This incident highlights the real risks of an energy transition driven by ideological dogma rather than technical or strategic considerations.

    • 1.Does the Commission acknowledge that a forced energy transition, without ensuring stable backup capacity, can endanger the security of electricity supply in the Member States?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission propose to ensure that national electricity systems are resilient to adverse weather events, especially in the context of a high share of intermittent renewable energy?
    • 3.Is the Commission considering revising its current energy policies to allow Member States to maintain or strengthen conventional energy sources, such as nuclear or gas, in order to safeguard national energy security?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Communicating European policy in third countries – focus on Canada – E-002640/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002640/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Joachim Streit (Renew)

    Against the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval and the growing importance of transatlantic partnerships, the question of how the EU can strategically develop its foreign policy communications in third countries – particularly in Canada – is becoming increasingly important. Canada is seen as a reliable partner of the EU, while at the same time debates about deeper institutional ties and even possible membership are on the rise. As a result, the way European policies and values are communicated in Canada is increasingly coming into focus.

    Targeted provision of information on the ground is decisive for ensuring understanding and acceptance of European policy. Strategic initiatives play a central role in making European policy visible and comprehensible to the Canadian public, political decision-makers and institutions.

    • 1.In view of the growing debate on closer institutional ties between Canada and the EU, is the Commission planning targeted measures to significantly intensify the communication of European policy to the Canadian public and to firmly root it there in the long term?
    • 2.Do any specific programmes exist for media professionals from Canada – such as invitations to Commission press briefings, exchanges between European and Canadian journalists or special accreditation opportunities?
    • 3.Is the Commission considering strategic cooperation with leading Canadian media outlets, think tanks, universities and educational institutions as well as a possible association of Canada with the Erasmus+ programme in order to strengthen cultural exchange and promote deeper mutual understanding?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Leaked internal note regarding Israeli war crimes and violations of human rights – E-002628/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002628/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marc Botenga (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Manon Aubry (The Left), Chloé Ridel (S&D), Anthony Smith (The Left), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Estrella Galán (The Left), Evin Incir (S&D), Arash Saeidi (The Left)

    A leaked note from the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) shows that, since at least November 2024, the Commission has been aware of Israel’s war crimes and/or other violations of international law throughout Palestine, as observed by UN entities and international courts. The note also lists responsibilities under international law for non-EU states[1].

    Neither the Commission nor the VP/HR has acted upon this information. Neither has proposed suspending EU support, including financial assistance, for Israel.

    The note highlights breaches of human rights that warrant the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, breaches sufficiently serious to preclude the need for further study. Instead, the Commission has chosen to actively defend the agreement.

    • 1.Why has the Commission kept this analysis from the public?
    • 2.Why has it not acted on the information in the note?
    • 3.Considering the EU’s continued material and political support for Israel and noting its legal obligations, including under the Genocide Convention, as specified by the ICJ’s 2007 ruling on the application of the Genocide Convention, what is the Commission’s assessment of the legal responsibility of the EU and its Member States under international law?

    Supporter[2]

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    • [1] https://euobserver.com/eu-and-the-world/ar13e20dff.
    • [2] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Dario Tamburrano (The Left)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Planned EU harmonisation of ride-hailing regulations and its impact on national sovereignty – E-002635/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002635/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markus Buchheit (ESN)

    The Commission has announced its intention to review and possibly harmonise the rules governing ride-hailing services such as Uber and Cabify across the EU. Currently, these services are regulated at the national or even local level, allowing Member States to respond to their specific transport, labour, and urban planning realities. A centralised EU approach might risk undermining national sovereignty, increasing red tape and delivering less effective services to citizens.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s rationale for proposing the harmonisation of ride-hailing regulations across all Member States, despite differences in their legal systems and infrastructure?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to ensure that such an initiative does not infringe the principle of subsidiarity or create additional bureaucratic burdens for national authorities and service providers?
    • 3.Does the Commission recognise that further centralisation of everyday policy decisions in Brussels may erode public trust in the EU and reduce service quality by disconnecting regulation from local needs?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations – Committee on Constitutional Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Constitutional Affairs will vote on the Statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (recast) Regulation on 16 of JULY 2025, a major step towards ensuring greater accountability in the rules governing political parties and foundations.

    The new rules will increase the transparency of European political parties and foundations, will contribute to their financial viability and will limit the administrative burden, while promoting gender balance and compliance with the fundamental values of the EU. The committee will vote on the provisional agreement resulting from interinstitutional negotiations.

    Legislative Observatory 2021/0375(COD)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – B10-0332/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0332/2025

    European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

    (2025/2800(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of 11 April 2024 on establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (the Critical Raw Materials Act)[1],

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724[2] ,

    – having regard to the upcoming EU-China summit on 24-25 July 2025,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas China dominates in rare earth refining, especially in heavy rare earth elements; whereas China accounts for roughly 70 % of global rare earth mining and over 90 % of the world’s refining capacity; whereas China holds a near monopoly over the global supply chain of several critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements (REEs) and other minerals that are vital for high-tech applications like powerful magnets;

    B. whereas critical minerals and REEs are crucial for both the green and digital transitions, owing to their essential role in enabling technologies in areas including renewable energy, electric vehicles, advanced electronics and defence;

    C. whereas the global demand for REEs, which are critical materials for various technologies including clean energy, is surging, with a significant increase projected for the coming years;

    D. whereas on 4 April 2025, in response to US President Donald Trump’s tariff increases on Chinese products, China imposed export restrictions on 7 of the 17 REEs: samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium;

    E. whereas on 27 June 2025, Washington and Beijing announced a new trade framework, under which China would resume approving export licences for REEs over the following six months;

    F. whereas the new rare earth restrictions are already causing export delays (of up to 45 days for processing a licence application, with additional time needed if the state council or military has to be consulted) as the Chinese Government establishes the licensing system;

    1. Expresses deep concern about and strongly criticises China’s recent and unjustified export restrictions on rare earth materials and magnets, which are crucial for European industries such as automotive manufacturing, renewable energy and defence;

    2. Notes with concern that the EU, which is not responsible for starting the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China, is nonetheless bearing its economic consequences and should not become collateral damage in this conflict;

    3. Recalls that conservation policies do not allow members of the World Trade Organization to adopt measures to control the international market for a natural resource, which is what the export restrictions do; expresses the view that China’s export restrictions are designed to achieve industrial policy goals rather than conservation; underlines that the export quotas do not work together with measures restricting domestic Chinese use of rare earths, as required by the second part of Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, and are therefore intended to secure preferential use of those materials for Chinese manufacturers;

    4. Calls on China to lift the restrictions and urges both the Commission and the Member States to take a firm and unified stance and engage with the Chinese authorities to seek a structural solution for these unjustified restrictions, which are undermining the global green and digital transitions; calls on the Commission and the Council to address the issue with the Chinese authorities in the upcoming EU-China summit on 24-25 July 2025, with a view to restoring a level playing field as well as securing the lifting of Chinese sanctions against former MEPs and think tanks;

    5. Stresses, however, that the EU must firmly reject any attempts by the Chinese authorities to use these restrictions as a tool of coercion to force concessions in ongoing disputes on other unfair practices, such as the anti-dumping duties on battery electric vehicles;

    6. Is concerned that this may lead to an unfair trade-off between export restrictions and access to European technological know-how, undermining our industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy;

    7. Urges the Commission to mitigate the risks of the EU’s overdependence on China for critical REEs and regrets that, despite the good intentions and policy initiatives of the Critical Raw Materials Act, the EU’s dependence on China for critical raw materials has continued to grow or, at best, remains stubbornly high;

    8. Underlines the need for a clear strategy to ensure the long-term security of supply by focusing on diversification, increased domestic production and the circular economy, with robust recycling infrastructure at its core for the recovery of critical minerals from end-of-life products;

    9. Calls on the Commission to make full use of the Clean Industrial Deal to build strategic partnerships with resource-rich countries, strengthen domestic capabilities in extraction, processing and recycling, and reduce reliance on single suppliers;

    10. Emphasises the need to secure access to critical raw materials; stresses that the upcoming circular economy act should improve resource efficiency, including through better waste management of products containing critical raw materials, as well as fostering the demand and availability of secondary raw materials; stresses the need to define those secondary raw materials that are strategic and that should be subject to export monitoring, such as steel and metal scrap, and to tackle any imbalance in their supply and demand, including by exploring export restrictions; insists on the effective enforcement of the Waste Shipment Regulation[3];

    11. Welcomes the critical minerals action plan agreed at the G7 leaders’ summit in June 2025;

    12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: EIB Grants €150 Million Loan to Alfasigma to Accelerate Innovation in Rare Diseases and Specialty Care

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Alfasigma

    • The EIB financing will support Alfasigma’s R&D investments for the three-year period from 2025 to 2027.
    • The funds will help develop and market new medicines in Alfasigma’s main therapeutic areas.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €150 million loan agreement with Alfasigma, a global pharmaceutical company founded in Italy, whose products are present in more than 100 markets worldwide.

    The agreement, announced today by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Alfasigma’s Chief Financial Officer Tatiana Simonelli, will support the development of breakthrough therapies in the areas of rare diseases and specialty care. The EIB financing aims to support Alfasigma’s R&D activities over the three-year period from 2025 to 2027, focusing on new treatments in gastroenterology and hepatology, vascular medicine, and rheumatology. It will help accelerate the translation of scientific advances into patient-centred solutions, aiming to address unmet needs and deliver high-impact health outcomes.

    The operation is part of the EIB’s strategy to bolster competitiveness and innovation in the European healthcare sector and to create highly skilled jobs.

    “This financing confirms the EIB’s commitment to promoting scientific innovation and supporting European biopharmaceutical research,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “Investing in research, development and innovation is key to strengthening Europe’s industrial competitiveness and to offering new therapeutic solutions to those currently without alternatives.”

    “We are grateful to the EIB for this agreement, which will help us to fast-track our ambitious growth strategy, particularly in expanding our footprint in rare diseases and specialty care innovations to better address the unmet needs of the patients and communities we serve”, said Alfasigma Chief Financial Officer Tatiana Simonelli.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight key priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed over 900 projects worth nearly €89 billion in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. The EIB Group signed 99 operations totalling €10.98 billion in Italy in 2024, helping to unlock almost €37 billion of investment in the real economy. All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment. Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the funds made available by the Group unlocked over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised a further €110 billion for startups and scale-ups. Around half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    Alfasigma is a global pharmaceutical company founded over 75 years ago in Italy, where it is headquartered (in Bologna and Milan). The group operates in over 100 markets spanning Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. It has offices in many countries, including Italy, the United States, Spain, Germany, Mexico and China; production sites in Italy (Pomezia, Rome; Alanno, Pescara; Sermoneta, Latina; and Trezzano Rosa, Milan), Spain (Tortosa, Baix Ebre) and the United States (Shreveport, Louisiana); and research and development labs in Italy (Pomezia and Bergamo). Alfasigma employs approximately 4 000 people dedicated to research, development, production and distribution of medicinal products, contributing to its mission to provide better health and a better quality of life for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. It focuses on three main therapeutic areas: gastroenterology, vascular and rheumatology. Its portfolio ranges from speciality care to rare disease medications and consumer health products, including nutraceuticals.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Topical debate on Digital Sovereignty – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

    Source: European Parliament

    AdobeStock_935874090.jpeg © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    At the ITRE Committee meeting of 16 July, ITRE Members will have a topical debate on digital sovereignty, in the presence of Mr Roberto Viola, Director General, DG CONNECT, and Mr Matthew King. Head of Unit, JRC, at the European Commission.

    ITRE Members will have a debate about the nature of the EU’s dependencies on non-EU technology providers for essential digital services, and explore concrete policy, regulatory, and technological responses to ensure the EU’s digital sovereignty and resilience.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Press conference with President Metsola and Prime Minister Frederiksen

    Source: European Parliament

    Following the debate on Denmark’s Council presidency priorities, President Metsola and Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen will hold a press conference at 12:15 today.

    When: Tuesday, 12:15

    Where: Daphne Caruana Galizia press room, Strasbourg, or via Parliament’s webstreaming, Ebs

    From 10:30 on, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, will present her country’s priorities for its six-month Council presidency, which began on 1 July. After the debate, at 12:15, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will hold a press conference.

    The press conference will be interpreted into English, French, Danish, German, Italian and Maltese.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Participation of EU Commissioners in Bilderberg Meetings – E-002608/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002608/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mariusz Kamiński (ECR)

    Bilderberg Meetings are criticised for their lack of transparency and unclear alleged influence on global political and economic decisions. Some investigative journalists point to the correlation between the annual Bilderberg Meetings and some important decisions made by the EU, as well as the rapid career progression of some of the politicians that have taken part in the meetings.

    The Commission has highlighted its commitment to transparency, procedural rules and respect for public funds. For years, EU Commissioners have occasionally taken part in Bilderberg Meetings, however, until at least 2014, the Commission claimed that they were doing so as private individuals[1].

    However, in recent years more Commissioners have been taking part in these meetings more regularly. In addition, the meetings’ official programmes show that Commissioners are attending in an official capacity[2]. Transport, accommodation, food and other costs are paid for using EU taxpayers’ money, with one Commissioner’s official mission costing a few thousand euro. Meanwhile, none of the four Commissioners that took part in the 2024 meeting in Madrid published information on any of the meetings that took place there. In addition, Commissioner Ylva Johansson even concealed the purpose of her mission[3].

    • 1.When did this change take place allowing EU Commissioners to participate in Bilderberg Meetings as part of their official duties and on what basis?
    • 2.With whom did Commissioners Maria Luís Albuquerque, Michael McGrath, Wopke Hoekstra and Maroš Šefčovič speak during this year’s event in Stockholm and on what topics?

    Submitted: 27.6.2025

    • [1] Response from President Barroso in 2014: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-7-2014-000218-ASW_EN.html; Response from President Prodi in 2003: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:92003E001370; Response from President Santer in 1999: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-4-1998-3880-ASW_EN.html.
    • [2] https://www.bilderbergmeetings.org/meetings/meeting-2025/participants-2025https://www.bilderbergmeetings.org/meetings/meeting-2024/participants-2024
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/transparencyinitiative/meetings/mission.do?host=97cfcbd7-4cc8-493b-9643-66100e578cf9&missionsperiod=2024_2
    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP TODAY

    Source: European Parliament

    Danish Presidency

    At 10:30, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, will present her country’s priorities for its six-month Council presidency, which began on 1 July. Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner responsible for interinstitutional relations will also attend. Parliament President Roberta Metsola will hold a press conference with Prime Minister Frederiksen in the Daphné Caruana Galizia press room from 12:15.
    Thomas HAAHR
    (+32) 470 88 09 87
    presse-DK@europarl.europa.eu

    EU-China relations

    Earlier, at 9:00, the day will begin with a joint debate on EU China relations. MEPs will first prepare for the 2025 EU-China summit, to take place later in July. Plenary will then move on to discuss the issue of China’s export restrictions on critical raw materials. A vote on a resolution on the latter is scheduled for Thursday. The debate will include statements by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre, for the Council.
    Viktor ALMQVIST
    (+32) 470 88 29 42
    Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
    (+32) 470 96 08 19
    @EP_ForeignAff

    Situation in the Middle East

    In a mid-afternoon debate with Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and Commissioner Jessika Roswall, MEPs will review the latest events in the Middle East and what the EU can do to help restore peace.
    Viktor ALMQVIST
    (+32) 470 88 29 42
    Snjezana KOBESCAK SMODIS
    (+32) 470 96 08 19
    @EP_ForeignAff

    European Climate Law

    A new 2040 greenhouse gas reduction target of 90% compared with 1990 levels, to be included in the EU Climate Law, is one of a new set of proposals adopted by the Commission on 2 July. Members will vote at noon on whether to fast-track Parliament’s work on the file. A debate with Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on the proposals will start at about 15:30.
    Thomas HAAHR
    (+32) 470 88 09 87
    @EP_Environment

    In brief

    Gas storage. Members will vote at noon on a draft law to address gas market speculation and reduce prices by introducing greater flexibility in gas refilling rules ahead of the winter season. Parliament and Council have already reached an informal agreement on the file.

    Chemicals package. An action plan to boost the EU’s chemicals industry and measures to simplify EU chemicals laws are part of a new package Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Jessika Roswall will present to Parliament at 15:00.

    Media freedom. The implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) will be the subject of a debate with Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre and Commissioner Michael McGrath starting after the votes. A seminar on the EMFA for journalists, with key MEPs and experts, will take place at 15:00 in room De Madariaga S5. Journalists can follow it in person or via Interactio.

    Enlargement. In the evening, Parliament and Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Jessika Roswall will debate the Commission’s 2023 and 2024 reports on progress made by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Georgia towards EU accession. The votes will take place on Wednesday.

    Votes

    At noon, MEPs will vote, among others, on:

    • whether to endorse Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro;
    • security of energy supply in the EU;
    • the EU-Greenland and Denmark Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement;
    • the progressive start of operations of the Entry/Exit System;
    • the European Investment Bank’s 2024 annual report;
    • preserving the memory of victims of Slovenia’s post-war communist period.

    Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming site and on EbS+.

    For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter.

    Find more information regarding plenary.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbekistan’s external debt in the first quarter amounted to $68.4 billion

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Tashkent, July 8 (Xinhua) — Uzbekistan’s total external debt amounted to $68.4 billion in January-March 2025, local media reported on Monday, citing the Central Bank of the republic.

    According to the report, the country’s external debt increased by US$4.3 billion in the first quarter. US$35.8 billion is external government debt, while US$32.6 billion is corporate debt.

    Let us recall that in 2024, Uzbekistan’s total external debt amounted to 64.1 billion US dollars. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japanese PM calls Trump’s new tariff decision regrettable

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TOKYO, July 8 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday called U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on Japan “truly regrettable,” saying bilateral talks will continue to reach a mutually beneficial deal.

    He said the government would continue to steadfastly defend national interests in future rounds of trade talks and pledged to do its utmost to soften the impact of upcoming tariff increases on Japan’s export-oriented economy.

    “We will continue to negotiate with the United States to explore the possibility of reaching a mutually beneficial deal while protecting our national interests,” the prime minister said. He attributed the lack of progress to “the government avoiding hasty compromises, demanding and defending what is necessary.”

    D. Trump said Monday that a 25 percent tariff on imported goods from Japan would be imposed starting Aug. 1. The U.S. president also warned that any tariff increases on American goods would be met with equivalent measures from his administration. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Films from China and Russia recognized as the best at the 2025 SCO Film Festival in China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The Chinese film “Endless Journey” and the Russian film “Air” won the Golden Camellia award at the recently closed SCO Film Festival 2025, which was held in the Chinese city of Chongqing (southwest China), the mobile multimedia platform “Russia-China: Main Things” reported.

    This year, 20 selected films from 10 countries, including China, Russia and Kazakhstan, reportedly took part in the main competition. The Chinese film “Endless Journey” and the Russian drama “Air” won the “Best Film” awards at the closing ceremony of the film festival.

    The Golden Camellia Award, named after the flower that is the symbol of Chongqing, symbolizes the flower of civilization that is watered jointly by the SCO member states. Actors and singers from the SCO member states performed on the same stage at the closing ceremony, which also reflected the principles of respect for the diversity of civilizations and the desire for common development that are embedded in the “Shanghai Spirit”.

    The red carpet featured special curved screens for virtual and augmented reality. This solution was in line with the main theme of the film festival, which sounds like “Technology Film”.

    Let us recall that the 2025 SCO Film Festival was held in the Yongchuan district of the Chinese metropolis of Chongqing. In recent years, Yongchuan, located in the western part of Chongqing, has become a dynamically developing center of innovation in the field of film technology. Currently, more than 100 film and television enterprises operate in Yongchuan. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tower Semiconductor and pSemi Win the Prestigious Industry Paper Competition Award at IMS 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Award-winning paper showcases breakthroughs in wideband RF switch performance, reinforcing Tower’s leadership in advanced RF front-end innovation

    MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel — July 08, 2025 — Tower Semiconductor (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), a leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, today announced receipt of the Industry Paper Competition Award at the 2025 IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS) for their co-authored paper with pSemi — “A Low-Loss, Wideband, 0–110 GHz SPDT Using PCM RF Switches with Integrated CMOS Drivers”. The paper was presented on June 19, 2025, during IMS’s session on Innovative RF Switches, Varactor and Modulator Technologies, and won the Best Paper Award in its category.  

    The award recognizes Tower’s PCM RF switch as a significant innovation and advancement in RF switch technology, capable of delivering a record-breaking combination of bandwidth (DC–110 GHz), insertion loss (<2 dB), power handling (30 dBm), and linearity (+15–20 dB improvement over RFSOI CMOS solutions) — results that have not been achieved by any other RF switch technology. Enabled by Tower’s proprietary BEOL integration and integrated digital control, this combination of ultra-low-loss wideband performance, power handling, and full CMOS integration simplifies implementation for end users and enables advanced circuits for 5G, future 6G, SatCom, beamforming, and millimeter-wave applications.

    “We’re honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Ed Preisler, Vice President and General Manager of the RF Business Unit. “This achievement reinforces our commitment to advancing RF front-end integration for the next wave of wireless devices and highlights the power of strategic partnerships like ours with pSemi.”

    “We are honored to be recognized by IMS alongside Tower Semiconductor,” said Rodd Novak, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, pSemi.  “This award reflects our team’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of wideband RF switch research and design.”

    For additional information about the Company’s RF platform offering, visit here.

    About Tower Semiconductor         

    Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for its customers in growing markets such as consumer, industrial, automotive, mobile, infrastructure, medical and aerospace and defense. Tower Semiconductor focuses on creating a positive and sustainable impact on the world through long-term partnerships and its advanced and innovative analog technology offering, comprised of a broad range of customizable process platforms such as SiGe, BiCMOS, mixed-signal/CMOS, RF CMOS, CMOS image sensor, non-imaging sensors, displays, integrated power management (BCD and 700V), photonics, and MEMS. Tower Semiconductor also provides world-class design enablement for a quick and accurate design cycle as well as process transfer services including development, transfer, and optimization, to IDMs and fabless companies. To provide multi-fab sourcing and extended capacity for its customers, Tower Semiconductor owns one operating facility in Israel (200mm), two in the U.S. (200mm), two in Japan (200mm and 300mm) which it owns through its 51% holdings in TPSCo, shares a 300mm facility in Agrate, Italy with STMicroelectronics as well as has access to a 300mm capacity corridor in Intel’s New Mexico factory. For more information, please visit: www.towersemi.com.

    Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. A complete discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements included in this press release or which may otherwise affect Tower’s business is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Tower’s most recent filings on Forms 20-F, F-3, F-4 and 6-K, as were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Israel Securities Authority. Tower does not intend to update, and expressly disclaim any obligation to update, the information contained in this release. 
            

                                            ###
    Tower Semiconductor Company Contact: Orit Shahar | +972-74-7377440 | oritsha@towersemi.com
    Tower Semiconductor Investor Relations Contact: Liat Avraham | +972-4-6506154 | liatavra@towersemi.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Hosts Exclusive Monaco Gala to Celebrate Prominent Global KOLs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, hosted the prestigious Whale Journey Monte Carlo Award at the renowned One Monte-Carlo in the heart of Monaco on June 28, uniting the Web3 industry’s most influential voices for an unforgettable evening of recognition and collaboration.

    The exclusive event welcomed over 1,000 attendees, including 55 top-tier KOLs from around the world, making it one of the largest and most high-profile gatherings of crypto influencers in recent memory. Designed as both a celebration and a strategic milestone, the award ceremony reflected MEXC’s commitment to deepening its global partnerships and elevating its presence in the European market.

    Held in one of Europe’s most luxurious and iconic cities, the choice of Monaco carried strong symbolic meaning. Known as a global hub of prestige and innovation, Monaco represented MEXC’s ambition to deliver world-class experiences to its partners and users.

    The event brought together a group of Web3 leaders. With more than 55 global KOLs in attendance, the event served as a powerful network catalyst — fostering new relationships and sparking conversations that will shape the next phase of crypto adoption and ecosystem building. MEXC curated a luxury atmosphere that embodied its brand values of innovation, excellence, and impact. Guests enjoyed an evening filled with meaningful dialogue, entertainment, and recognition — all against the stunning backdrop of the French Riviera.

    A highlight of the night was the recognition of Carl The Moon, a globally renowned crypto influencer, as “Icon of the Year.” Carl is the founder of The Moon Show, a leading YouTube channel dedicated to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency content. Known for his accessible and insightful analysis, Carl covers daily Bitcoin price movements, key market news, and both technical and fundamental analysis. Carl was selected as the “Icon of the Year, receiving a $500,000 reward dedicated to recognizing and empowering the most influential figures in Web3. His award not only reflected his outstanding contributions to the crypto space but also marked a new chapter as he signed a strategic partnership with MEXC. This collaboration represents a major step forward in MEXC’s influencer strategy, reinforcing its efforts to align with the most trusted and dynamic voices in the industry.

    “Europe is a key market for MEXC,” said Head of Europe at MEXC. “This event reflects our deep commitment to the region and our vision to grow together with the top KOLs and builders shaping the Web3 future. With a strong global following, Carl has become one of the most influential voices in the Web3 and crypto community. We believe in long-term partnerships and will continue to support those who push the boundaries of innovation.”

    The Whale Journey Monte Carlo Award is part of MEXC’s broader effort to elevate its global brand through meaningful engagement with creators, thought leaders, and communities. As MEXC continues to grow its footprint in Europe and beyond, events like this serve as a powerful platform to honor excellence and build stronger bridges across the crypto ecosystem.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    For media inquiries, please contact clemence.c@mexc.com or media@mexc.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/86e99de6-0d7b-400d-8e1a-5efbea33eb26

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrean Community Festival in Switzerland

    Source: APO


    .

    The 2025 Eritrean Community Festival in Switzerland was enthusiastically held in Zurich on 5 July.

    The annual festival was officially opened by Mr. Habtom Zeray, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Switzerland and Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices, along with Mr. Tewolde Yohannes, Head of Public and Community Affairs.

    Mr. Alsheday Mesfun, Secretary of the Holidays Coordinating Committee in Switzerland, congratulated the participants and commended all those who contributed to the successful implementation of the festival.

    In a seminar delivered during the event, Mr. Habtom stated that Eritrea, undeterred by ongoing external threats and hostilities, continues to contribute earnestly to regional peace and stability, standing firm in its national stance.

    Noting the politically motivated smear campaigns being waged against Eritrea, Mr. Habtom emphasized that the Government and people of Eritrea, through strengthened unity and perseverance, are effectively countering external hostilities. He also called on Diaspora nationals to reinforce their unity and increase their participation in national affairs.

    Mr. Tewolde, for his part, said the annual festival—which showcased the unity and harmony of the Eritrean people—was the result of months of preparation. He also highlighted the special significance of the festival for youth and children, as it plays an important role in preserving their cultural values and identity.

    The festival featured cultural and artistic performances by a cultural troupe from Eritrea.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ministry of Justice praises Plymouth Youth Justice Service for ‘exceptional performance’

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council’s Youth Justice Service has received outstanding recognition from the Ministry of Justice for their exceptional performance in delivering the Turnaround Programme, earning praise for their ‘dedication, professionalism and commitment to improving outcomes for children and their families’.

    The service has been congratulated for successfully diverting children from the youth justice system through innovative early intervention and prevention work that focuses on building meaningful relationships with young people to help them understand healthy relationships, peer dynamics, and the impact of their actions on victims.

    The Turnaround Programme focuses on early intervention and prevention work, which includes relationship building with children to understand healthy relationships, peer relationships, impact on victims, and understanding reasons why children display concerning behaviour and become in conflict with the law.

    It diverts children from the youth justice system at the earliest opportunity. The programme forms part of the wider early help and targeted support offer from Plymouth City Council’s Children’s Services team.

    The success has been remarkable, with the team not only working with the required number of children but being oversubscribed due to the exceptional value of their interventions. The Ministry of Justice contacted the service directly to congratulate staff on their innovative and creative approach to this vital work.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “The programme is helping to achieve positive outcomes for children with the aim of preventing them going on to offend.

    “It helps build on work already done to ensure all children on the cusp of the youth justice system are consistently offered the opportunity for support.

    “This work is crucial, and due to Plymouth’s contribution, the Ministry of Justice has exceeded its aim to support just over 17,000 children and young people in the UK over the past three years and there have already been some significant and positive changes achieved for communities.

    “I would like to congratulate the service, and to be recognised by the Ministry of Justice is a huge achievement, it shines a light on all of the great work they are doing to help our young people on to the right path.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: You’re Invited! Central Winchester Regeneration drop-in events

    Source: City of Winchester


    Central Winchester Regeneration’s Development Partner: Jigsaw- Partnerships and Places, will be in Winchester later this month and they’d love to see you!

    Would you like an update on their plans, or do you have any questions about the progress of the project? Jigsaw has been developing some ideas and they would like to share some early thoughts with you.

    They are hosting two drop-in information events at The Guildhall:

    Thursday 17 July 2-7pm

    and

    Friday 18 July 10am-2pm

    The Courtyard, The Guildhall, Winchester, SO23 9GH

    Everyone is welcome to attend to find out the latest update on the project; learn what happens next, give your feedback on early plans and meet members of the project team.

    There is no need to book- just turn up!

    Caption

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fostering for Wolverhampton hosts annual conference

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    This year’s conference focused on wellbeing, recognising the emotional and physical demands of fostering and the importance of supporting foster parents so they can continue to provide safe, stable, and loving homes.

    The event featured a range of sessions designed to offer practical tools, emotional support, and shared experiences. Highlights included a powerful talk on menopause and its impact on family life, including a male perspective, a breathwork reset session led by Little Earth, and an interactive workshop on stress and coping strategies delivered by Wolves Foundation.

    The conference also provided a space for foster parents to connect, reflect, and feel valued – reinforcing the message that when foster parents thrive, so do the children they care for.

    Alison Hinds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children’s Services, opened the event, thanking foster parents for their dedication and resilience. The day was designed not only to support current foster parents but also to show potential new foster parents the strong network and resources available to them.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We know that fostering is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly demanding. That’s why we’re committed to supporting our foster parents every step of the way – through training, wellbeing support, and events like this.

    “This conference is about more than just information-sharing. It’s about building confidence, strengthening connections, and showing our appreciation for the amazing work foster parents do every single day.”

    Fostering for Wolverhampton welcomes foster parents from all walks of life. To foster, you must live within 20 miles of Wolverhampton, have a spare bedroom, and the time and compassion to care for a child or young person.

    Foster parents receive full training, ongoing support, and a regular, tax-exempt fee and allowance. A buddy system is also in place to support new foster parents, along with regular social events and 24/7 advice.

    To find out more about fostering, visit Fostering for Wolverhampton or call the team on 01902 551133.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The growing case for trees on farms Land managers, farmers, foresters, researchers, and policy makers will gather in Aberdeen for a landmark event to explore how integrating more trees into farmland could play a pivotal role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and supporting resilient rural economies.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Tree planting at Glensaugh farm (James Hutton Institute)

    Land managers, farmers, foresters, researchers, and policy makers will gather in Aberdeen for a landmark event to explore how integrating more trees into farmland could play a pivotal role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and supporting resilient rural economies.
    Agroforestry—the practice of integrating trees into crop or livestock systems—offers a range of benefits from improved water cycling and the enrichment of soil health to carbon sequestration and a reduction in erosion.
    Trees can also provide shade and shelter for animals, act as windbreaks and create habitats for pollinators and wildlife.
    The Farm Woodland Forum Annual Meeting, organised in partnership with the University of Aberdeen and The James Hutton Institute, will be held in Aberdeen for the first time in 30 years.
    Themed ‘The role of agroforestry in integrated land management’, the eventwill highlight how trees can work alongside farming to deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
    Dr Josie Geris, Reader in Hydrology at the University and lead host of the conference said: “Farmland trees have often been overlooked in traditional agricultural models, this event will shine a spotlight on their increasing importance in addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food production.
    “In addition to increasing environmental and farm resilience, well-planned tree planting can deliver wide-ranging benefits, including timber, fruit, fodder and biomass production, alongside other alternative income and energy sources.”
    The conference will take place July 9–10, 2025, starting with a full day of talks and poster sessions at King’s College Conference Centre, followed by a field visit to Glensaugh Research Farm, home of the James Hutton institute’s climate-positive farming initiative where participants will explore long-term agroforestry trials and tree-based climate resilience measures in action.
    Highlights include first-hand insights from farmers integrating trees into livestock and arable systems, research on the role of trees in reducing flooding, improving soil health, and enhancing biodiversity, updates on policy and payment schemes supporting farm woodland expansion and a look at decision-support tools helping farmers plan tree planting to fit their land and business goals.
    Dr Julie Rostan, whose UKRI Treescapes programme funded research with colleagues at the University of Aberdeen and James Hutton Institute has looked at balancing socio-economic and environmental factors of the potential for agroforestry across Scotland, will showcase her work at the event.
    She said: “The research has developed farmed based knowledge and practical tools that can help with decision making about integrating trees into farms for a more strategic approach to planting which can be tailored to individual needs whether it is improving benefits for livestock or farm ecosystem health.”
    “Understanding of the importance and challenges to integrate tree planting into farmland is gaining momentum and this conference is an opportunity to hear from practitioners already seeing the benefits, as well as scientists developing the tools and knowledge to support wider adoption, and third sector organisations that facilitate this.
    “Agroforestry is not about choosing between trees and food production. It’s about designing systems where both thrive.”
    Glensaugh Research Farm has several areas of mature agroforestry which were planted in 1988 to explore the production benefits of integrating trees within a livestock farming system. These were planted as part of a National Network of seven UK research sites, co-ordinated by the Farm Woodland Forum (then the UK Agroforestry Forum). Three species were selected (Scots Pine, Hybrid Larch and Sycamore) and planted at a range of different densities, which allowed comparison of these differences on a range of factors including tree growth, grass production and livestock output. Findings from this have contributed significantly to advancing agroforestry research and knowledge.
    The project continues to provide a living demonstration of the longer-term practicalities of agroforestry management as well as wider environmental benefits for climate change mitigation and adaptation and biodiversity. Currently, several research projects associated with the farm, including the UKRI-funded ‘FARM TREE’ project in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen, which is part of the Future of UK Treescapes Programme. The ‘FARMTREE’ project concerns balancing farm and landscape-scale demands for integrating trees on agricultural land and is developing practical tools for farmers to enhance the expansion of trees on agricultural land.
    Building on lessons learned from these original research plots, as well as from agroforestry studies elsewhere, Hutton researchers planted a new design of silvopastoral agroforestry in early 2024. This integrates oak, a range of other amenity trees and grazing pasture, aiming to maximise the multiple potential benefits and minimise any disbenefits from such a system.
    Professor Alison Hester, who heads up the Climate-Positive Farming Initiative at Glensaugh, said, “We’re delighted to host day two of this year’s farm Woodland Forum Annual Meeting at Glensaugh. Glensaugh has been a core site for agroforestry research since the 1980s and it is wonderful to see the bourgeoning enthusiasm for greater integration of trees into farming systems with all the multiple benefits that this can bring.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University awarded prestigious AHRC Doctoral Focal Awards to power creative economy in rural areas The University of Aberdeen is part of a consortium which has been awarded a major AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in the Creative Economy.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The University of Aberdeen is part of a consortium which has been awarded a major AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in the Creative Economy.
    The Celtic Crescent Creative Economy Doctoral Focal Award will spearhead innovative research into the role of bilingual and rural communities in the creative economy, with a focus on regions often overlooked in national creative strategies.
    This award will fund 20 PhDs and brings together a consortium of universities committed to bilingualism, led by Bangor University and including Aberystwyth University, Falmouth University, Glasgow School of Art, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, The University of Aberdeen and the University of South Wales.
    The consortium is supported by 27 industry and sectoral partners, ranging from national public bodies, theatre groups, media producers and internationally recognised craft producers like Harris Tweed. The funding will support doctoral training focused on building research capacity in strategic areas.
    Professor Nick Forsyth, the University of Aberdeen’s Vice-Principal for Research said: “The University of Aberdeen is proud to work with partners on this important initiative which supports young scholars and will create inclusive, impactful research that will strengthen regional economies and enhance cultural life across the UK. This award underscores the University’s international reputation for research excellence in the arts and humanities, following our recent successful AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award, and demonstrates our commitment to supporting and preparing the next generation of scholars to ensure the vitality of these subjects.”
    This initiative will strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and communities to deliver broader societal benefits with a key focus on addressing underrepresentation and closing skills gaps in the sector.
    Professor Michelle Macleod, Head of the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture and Co-Investigator and Impact and Engagement Lead on the Celtic Crescent Management Board, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to develop a cohort of new researchers in the area of the creative economy with expertise in place-based, multidisciplinary research. Our focus is on the vital role that rural, coastal and multilingual communities play in the UK’s creative industry, recognised by the government as a driver for growth, and, crucially, creating a talent pipeline that will be a driving force for industrial innovation.”
    PhD students will be provided with hands-on research opportunities in collaboration with industry partners and community organisations. The focus will be on developing future-facing skills and opening up career pathways both within and beyond academia, particularly in underrepresented areas and sectors.
    Recruitment for the Celtic Crescent PhDs will open next year, with students beginning in autumn 2026.
    Thugadh Duaisean Dotaireachd Fòcasach cliùiteach AHRC do Oilthigh Obar Dheathain gus eaconamaidh chruthachail ann an sgìrean dùthchail a neartachadh
    Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na phàirt de cho-bhanntachd a fhuair Duais Dotaireachd Fòcasach mhòr bhon AHRC ann an Eaconamaidh Chruthachail.
    Bidh Duais Dotaireachd Fòcasach Eaconamaidh Chruthachail Celtic Crescent a’ stiùireadh rannsachadh ùr-ghnàthach air àite choimhearsnachdan dà-chànanach is dùthchail san eaconamaidh chruthachail, le fòcas air roinnean air an dèanar dearmad gu tric ann an ro-innleachdan cruthachail nàiseanta. Bheir an duais seo maoineachadh do 20 PhD agus tha i a’ toirt còmhla com-pàirteachas de dh’oilthighean a tha dealasach a thaobh dà-chànanachais, air a stiùireadh le Oilthigh Bangor agus a’ gabhail a-steach Oilthigh Aberystwyth, Oilthigh Falmouth, Sgoil Ealain Ghlaschu, Colaiste Rìoghail Ciùil is Dràma na Cuimrigh, Oilthigh Obar Dheathain agus Oilthigh Chuimrigh a Deas. Tha 27 com-pàirtichean gnìomhachais is roinneil a’ toirt taic don cho-bhanntachd, a’ gabhail a-steach buidhnean poblach nàiseanta, buidhnean theatar, riochdairean meadhanan agus riochdairean ciùird a tha aithnichte gu h-eadar-nàiseanta leithid Clò na Hearadh.
    Cuiridh am maoineachadh taic ri trèanadh dotaireil a tha ag amas air comasan rannsachaidh a thogail ann an raointean ro-innleachdail.
    Thuirt an t-Àrd Ollamh Nick Forsyth, Iar-Phrionnsabal airson Rannsachadh aig Oilthigh Obar Dheathain:
    “Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain moiteil a bhith ag obair le com-pàirtichean air a’ phròiseact chudromach seo agus tha sinn a’ coimhead air adhart ri bhith ag obair air rannsachadh buadhmhor agus in-ghabhalach a bhios a’ cumail taic ri sgoilearan ùra agus aig a’ cheart àm a bhios a’ neartachadh eaconamaidhean roinneil agus a’ leasachadh beatha chultarail na RA. Tha an duais seo a’ daingneachadh cliù eadar-nàiseanta an Oilthigh airson sàr-mhathas rannsachaidh anns na h-ealain agus na daonnachdan, às dèidh dhuinn Doctoral Landscape AHRC fhaighinn o chionn ghoirid, agus tha e a’ sealltainn ar dealas a thaobh taic a thoirt don ath ghinealach de sgoilearan a neartaicheas na cuspairean seo.”
    Neartaichidh an iomairt seo co-obrachadh eadar an saoghal acadaimigeach, gnìomhachas agus coimhearsnachdan gus buannachdan sòisealta nas fharsainge a lìbhrigeadh le prìomh fhòcas air dèiligeadh ri fo-riochdachadh agus beàrnan sgilean san roinn a dhùnadh.
    Thuirt an t-Àrd Ollamh Michelle NicLeòid, Ceannard Sgoil Cànain, Litreachais, Ciùil agus Cultar Lèirsinnich agus Co-Rannsaiche agus Stiùiriche Buaidh is Conaltraidh air Bòrd Riaghlaidh Celtic Crescent:
    “’S e cothrom air leth a tha seo buidheann de luchd-rannsachaidh ùra a leasachadh ann an raon na h-eaconamaidh cruthachail le eòlas ann an rannsachadh ioma-chuspaireil suidhichte air àite. Tha ar fòcas air a’ phàirt chudromaich a th’ aig coimhearsnachdan dùthchail, ioma-chànanach air a’ chosta ann an gnìomhachas cruthachail na RA, aithnichte leis an riaghaltas mar chulaidh-bhrosnachaidh airson fàs eaconomach, agus ann a bhith a’ cruthachadh tàlant ùr a bhios na fheachd leasachaidh airson ùr-ghnàthachadh gnìomhachais.”
    Gheibh oileanaich PhD cothroman rannsachaidh practaigich ann an co-obrachadh le com-pàirtichean gnìomhachais agus buidhnean coimhearsnachd. Bidh am fòcas air sgilean a tha freagarrach don àm ri teachd a leasachadh agus slighean dreuchdail fhosgladh an dà chuid taobh a-staigh agus taobh a-muigh saoghal nan oilthighean, gu sònraichte ann an raointean air an riochdachadh gu leòr.
    Tòiseachaidh trusadh airson sgoilearachdan PhD Celtic Crescent an ath-bhliadhna, le oileanaich a’ tòiseachadh san fhoghar 2026.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Upgrades underway at Coronation Park Splashpad08 July 2025 A series of improvements are being made to enhance the experience for visitors at the Splashpad in Coronation Park this summer. New shade structures and changing huts are being installed to make visits… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    08 July 2025

    A series of improvements are being made to enhance the experience for visitors at the Splashpad in Coronation Park this summer. 

    New shade structures and changing huts are being installed to make visits more comfortable for all. 

    The enhancements aim to support family-friendly facilities and provide better on-site amenities. 

    To improve safety and help deter vandalism, CCTV will also be installed across the park. 

    • CCTV installation begins on Monday 7 July and will take approximately one week to complete 
    • Shade and changing facilities installation also starts on Monday 7 July, with work expected to last two weeks. 

    While part of the rear of the park will be closed off during this period, the Splashpad will remain open throughout the works. 

    These improvements reflect the ongoing commitment to maintain Coronation Park as a welcoming and safe space for all visitors.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public Health and Safety in Rented Dwellings – first year of licensing scheme08 July 2025 The Government of Jersey has published the first Annual Report on Public Health and Safety in Rented Dwellings, offering a review of the licensing scheme’s first year in operation. The report evaluates… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    08 July 2025

    The Government of Jersey has published the first Annual Report on Public Health and Safety in Rented Dwellings, offering a review of the licensing scheme’s first year in operation. 

    The report evaluates the scheme’s introduction, implementation, and impact. It highlights the Government’s work to improving housing standards and protecting Islanders living in rented accommodation. 

    Key findings from the first year include: 

    • Over 18,000 properties licensed under the new framework. 
    • 203 inspections carried out, with 60% of properties found to have no recorded hazards at the time of inspection. 
    • In the remaining 40%, between 1 and 9 hazards were identified per property, offering a valuable evidence base to guide future enforcement and support. 
    • Data shows strong consistency between proactive inspections and those carried out in response to complaints, reinforcing confidence in the inspection process and risk-based approach. 

    The report also details common hazards, licensing conditions, enforcement measures, and provides a financial summary of the scheme’s operation.

    Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, welcomed the report’s findings: “This first year of licensing has set a strong foundation for the future. I’m pleased to see over 18,000 rented properties now licensed and a clear demonstration of landlord responsibility across the Island. 

    “Most rental homes are being well maintained, which speaks to the shared commitment we all have to improving housing quality. This scheme is helping us raise standards while targeting interventions where they’re needed most.” 

    The licensing scheme under the Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Jersey) Law 2018 plays a vital role in safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of Islanders living in rented homes. 

    The report shows its importance as a long-term policy tool and outlines key priorities for the year ahead.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Life-changing work of York foster carers recognised

    Source: City of York

    Published Monday, 7 July 2025

    The life-changing work of some of York’s longest serving foster carers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony this month.

    The life-changing work of some of York’s longest serving foster carers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony this month.

    13 foster carer households were awarded certificates for completing 20, 30 and 40 years of fostering, adding up to a combined total of 320 years of fostering service, providing safe, loving homes to local children and young people who can’t live with their birth families.

    Longest serving of the foster carers recognised at the event were Sue and Martyn Hill, who have fostered children and young people for 40 years.

    Sue Hill, foster carer, said:

    Fostering has brought us so much pleasure over the years, as well as some challenging moments but it has certainly enriched our lives and hopefully that of the children we have cared for. We can’t think of anything else that we would rather have done in life. Hopefully we will carry on for a good bit longer!”

    Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Our foster carers are a hugely valued part of a wider team supporting children and young people in our care. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to recognise the incredible impact our carers have had and would urge anyone who’s considering fostering to get in touch. There are few other roles which give people the chance to make such a positive contribution to young people’s lives. And with a fostering package that is now amongst the best available in the region, there’s never been a better time to foster for City of York Council.”

    Martin Kelly OBE, Corporate Director of Children’s Services and Education at City of York Council, presented the awards. He said: “It is a huge honour for me to present these long service awards to some of our amazing foster carers. The work that they do really is life changing and their commitment and dedication to supporting local children and young people is inspirational.”

    Find out more about fostering for York at Fostering York website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –