Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Carbon Markets Africa Summit reveals packed programme featuring continent’s entire carbon markets value chain

    Source: APO

    The upcoming Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) programme features the continent’s entire carbon markets value chain in what is a compelling combination of successful early carbon market movers, climate-finance-ready projects, regulatory bodies as well as global institutional development organisations and investors. The event is taking place in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 October, with pre-conference sessions on 21 October.

    CMAS is dedicated to unlocking Africa’s carbon market potential, incorporating integrity, investment and impact. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) are official supporters of the event.

    Shifting global landscape
    Day 1’s opening session will focus on the continent’s pivotal opportunity to define its own carbon trajectory, attract meaningful investment and align carbon market growth with the priorities of climate resilience, equity and sustainable development. Speakers already confirmed include:
    – Iain Banner, Chairman, South Africa
    – Fenella Aouane, Global Green Growth Institute, Luxembourg
    – Maxwell Gomera, UNDP
    – Javier Manzanares, Allen Manza, Panama
    – Caroline Tixier, EU Delegation to South Africa
    – Angela Churie Kallhauge, Impact, Environmental Defence Fund, USA

    Aligning strategy with global agendas
    The session on the “Road to COP30: Aligning Africa’s Carbon Strategy with Global Agendas” will look compare Africa’s carbon strategy with global frameworks such as Article 6. High-level representatives from the GMEX Group, AfDBm Verra and ACMI will be part of this panel discussion.

    Carbon market frameworks
    As African countries move from climate ambition to implementation, regulatory clarity is becoming the cornerstone of carbon market development. A session titled “Turning Policy into Action,” will explore how national frameworks are evolving post-COP29, what integration of Article 6 looks like on the ground and how public-private collaboration can drive effective execution. Strong representation from across the continent and value chain bodes for an enlightening discussion, including the UNDP, Government of Nigeria, the South African Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment, Zambia’s Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and Uganda Climate Change Department.

    The challenges with regards to integrity that carbon markets have faced will be tackled head-on during CMAS. Promethium’s Principal Climate Change Advisor Olivia Tuchten will lead the panel discussion around standards, verification and market oversight with experts from Verra, Gold Standard and Anthesis.

    Financing Africa’s carbon pipeline
    Day 2 of the packed CMAS programme features investor roundtables in a more intimate setting, aimed at “Connecting Climate Capital with Scalable Carbon Solutions,” during which a select group of carbon market investors and financiers can present their funds, strategies and investment opportunities to both potential capital partners and carbon project developers.

    Keynote on investment
    Day 2’s keynote session on “Financing Africa’s Carbon Pipeline: Derisking, Scaling and Innovating” will address both sides of the investment equation with participants from Shell Nature Based Solutions, Standard Bank, MIGA, AfDB and South Pole.

    Jonathan First, Senior Advisor at Climate Policy Initiative will also unpack the question of how to mobilise private capital for Africa’s carbon markets with several financiers from TransEnergy Global, FSD Africa, the JSE and JP Morgan.

    Pre-conference day
    The CARBON 101 masterclass will provide investors, policymakers and developers with the necessary insights into the burgeoning business of carbon markets. The expert facilitators in this relatively new field will cover everything from international frameworks, African policy landscapes, credit integrity and investment fundamentals.

    “Trust plays a key role”
    As part of CMAS 2025’s mission to catalyse high-integrity, African-led carbon markets, Dominic Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Global Trust Project, will also lead a high-impact dialogue working session.

    “While the current value of carbon markets as of 2023 is about $950 billion, within the next 10 years, it’s going to be worth $16 trillion,” says Wilhelm. “However, the full value chain of carbon markets is very fragmented, and it’s not transparent. Therefore, the full value chain needs to rapidly come together in a high-level dialogue, in which trust plays a key role to solve some of these challenges.”

    VUKA Group 
    Carbon Markets Africa Summit
    is organised by VUKA Group, which has more than 20 years’ experience in serving the business community across Africa.

    Event dates and location:
    Dates:
    21 October: Pre-summit day
    22–23 October: Summit
    Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
     

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.

    Additional Information:
    Download the Carbon Markets Africa Summit Programme Brochure here:
    https://apo-opa.co/44xg9Dg

    Contact details for Carbon Markets Africa Summit:
    Tailor-made partnerships: Natalie Kruger
    Cell: +66 (0) 65 614 8605
    Email: natalie.kruger@wearevuka.com

    Project Lead: Emmanuelle Nicholls 
    Cell: +27 83 447 8410  
    Email: emmanuelle.nicholls@wearevuka.com  

    Event website: 
    www.CarbonMarketsAfrica.com

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung UK Launches Standalone Trade In, Giving Old Devices New Value

    Source: Samsung

     

     
    Samsung Electronics Co.Ltd has announced the launch of Trade In For Samsung Credits, a new initiative that rewards customers with Samsung Credits when they trade in an eligible mobile device[1]. The credits can be used on future purchases at Samsung.com, from the latest Galaxy devices to tablets, smart TVs, monitors, wearables, smart home appliances and more[2].
     
    Samsung Credits can be redeemed on your next purchase, whether upgrading to a new device or investing in a new piece of home tech, or saved in your Samsung Account to use anytime within five years. The programme offers competitive trade-in values, even for damaged devices[1], with the convenience of free, pre-paid returns.
     
    Giving customers a new way to unlock value from old devices, the programme is currently available for Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series and Z series devices and is set to expand to a wider range of products later this year.
     
    Annika Bizon, Mobile Experience VP of Product and Marketing, Samsung UK & Ireland, says: “Trade In for Samsung Credits is all about giving our customers more ways to get the most value. By trading in old devices, customers can save on a wide range of Samsung technology from smartphones and tablets to TVs and smart appliances. It’s a simple, rewarding way to shop smarter and experience all the best that Samsung has to offer.”
     
    To find out more or trade-in your device, visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/trade-in/.
     
    [1]To be eligible for trade in, your device must meet the following criteria:
    • Powers on and holds a charge without unexpected shutdowns.
    • No liquid damage or defects.
    • Reset to factory settings with all personal information and software locks removed. (Samsung account, Google account etc)
    Samsung Credits cannot be used to pay for subscriptions or third-party products through Samsung Marketplace

    [2]Excludes Samsung Marketplace products, Subscription Products and Samsung Finance purchases.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pride of the University: The Polytechnic University awarded its best graduates

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    At the beginning of July, the atmosphere at the Polytechnic University is especially enthusiastic, happy and at the same time a little sad. Graduates walk around the campus in their robes, celebrate the end of exams and defenses, say goodbye to their beloved university and teachers, proudly receive their diplomas and prepare for a new wonderful life. One of the most solemn events in the series of graduation ceremonies is the honoring of gold medalists, those who have studied only excellently all these years and have distinguished themselves in scientific and social activities.

    This year, the award ceremony for the best graduates of the Master’s and Specialist’s programs of 2025 was held in the meeting room of the Academic Council. The medals “Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University” were presented to the students by the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the president and chairman of the board of directors of the RBI Group, a graduate of the Faculty of Economics in 1994, Honorary Professor of SPbPU Eduard Tiktinsky.

    Before the ceremony, Andrey Rudskoy thanked the directors of the institutes and the parents of the graduates and said a few parting words: Dear guys! I sincerely wish that you honorably bear the high title of the engineering special forces of our university. You cannot waste a second now, you need to continue to study, deepen your knowledge. This will be repaid a hundredfold later. I want all future great achievements to bear your names. Of course, you are entering graduate school without competition, this happens once in a lifetime, you cannot lose the pace of learning. It is very important for each of you to make the right settings in your head now. An internal trigger must be triggered – the desire to study and achieve something in this life. Stay with us, we will be happy to see you with your graduate student certificates. Honor, dignity, pride in the fact that you studied here, for the fact that you are members of the Polytechnic family, you must carry throughout your life and prove every day your right to be a member of this great family.

    Eduard Tiktinsky thanked for the honor of speaking at the award ceremony for the golden graduates and supported the words of the SPbPU rector in his parting words: The education that the Polytechnic University provides is not just knowledge of scientific principles, it is the development of the convolutions of the brain. The world is changing rapidly, and you will have to constantly learn. And the fact that you were able to pass the most difficult course of the Polytechnic University at the highest level gives you great opportunities. Communication, outlook, and various experiences that you received at the university will give you a lot in life. Follow your dream, you have talent and opportunities. Do not be afraid to try, the main thing is not to stand still. There is really a huge demand for you. The country needs technological startups, it needs innovative activity. You are engineers, on the one hand, and on the other hand, people with great potential and energy, capable of achieving results. I believe that you will remember this day for the rest of your life, and our wishes will become the foundation for the next breakthrough. I believe that each of you has the opportunity to succeed and I urge you not to miss your chance.

    And here is the culmination of the ceremony — the presentation of medals, commemorative plaques, gifts and flowers. Based on the results of successful defenses of final qualification works in June 2025, in accordance with the recommendations of the directorates of the institutes and based on the decision of the Academic Council of SPbPU, 23 graduates — straight A students are nominated for awards, including eight people from the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, four from the Institute of Power Engineering, three from the Civil Engineering Institute, two from the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology and the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications, one from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, the Humanitarian Institute, the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, the Physics and Mechanical Engineering Institute.

    Among the 23 best graduates of 2025, 20 people completed their master’s degree and three completed their specialist’s degree; three graduates entered the 1st year of the bachelor’s degree at SPbPU in 2019 after graduating from the Natural Science Lyceum of the Polytechnic University (Svyatoslav Drozdov, PhysMech, Andrey Klinovitsky, IMMiT and Kristina Rodionova, IBSiB); 16 people graduated from high school or gymnasium with a medal, receiving a certificate of secondary education “with honors”.

    The first award was presented to a graduate of the Institute of Energy Alexander Abubakirov, which represented Polytechnic on June 25 in the Peter and Paul Fortress at the XXIII ceremonial honoring the best graduates of St. Petersburg universities. It was Alexander who was given the honorary right to fire the midday shot from the cannon of the Naryshkin Bastion.

    Also at the Institute of Energy, Pavel Volkov was awarded gold medals, Mikhail Chuprynenko and Andrey Florinsky.

    The best graduate of IMMiT was Andrey Klinovitsky, who came to the Polytechnic in 2019 after successfully graduating from the Natural Sciences Lyceum. Andrey shared that he chose the Lyceum at the time because he considered it one of the strongest schools in St. Petersburg with in-depth training in technical disciplines, and also closely connected with the Polytechnic University, which helped him immerse himself in the university environment in advance.

    “After graduating from the Lyceum, choosing the Polytechnic was easy — I already knew what to prepare for at the university and saw further opportunities for development,” Andrey said. “At ENL, we had electives in engineering creativity, where we designed and assembled robots, so I enrolled in the Mechatronics and Robotics program. It was not easy to study excellently for all six years, but the main thing for this is discipline and meeting deadlines. It is important to distribute the workload and not put off tasks until the last minute. At the same time, I had time for student activities and hobbies. For example, my friends and I founded a student association in robotics, participated in and won more than ten all-Russian competitions and competitions in robotics.”

    Yes, Andrey is well known to our readerspublications about the activities of the student association he leads “PolyRoboTech” and about the successes of his team in competitions. In addition, in 2023, he, like Alexander Abubakirov, was gold medalist of the “I am a professional” Olympiad.

    The best graduate of IBSiB Kristina Rodionova also came to the Polytechnic after the Natural Science Lyceum. In 2019, she graduated with a gold medal and, having now received a gold medal from SPbPU, confirmed the high quality of training of ENL graduates.

    “Most of all, in the natural-scientific lyceum, I was attracted to the fact that the training format there is not at all school, but student: instead of lessons-couples, at the end of each semester, oral exams in physics and mathematics are passed, there is even a division into lecture and practical classes, just like at a university,” Christina shared her memories. – Many of my classmates after the end of the Lyceum went to Polytech. I entered the direction of “Biotechnical Systems and Technologies” by the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology. And my expectations were justified: I was lucky to study in the direction that brings pleasure. Although studying was very hard, especially in the first semester: in addition to the basic physics, higher mathematics and chemistry for all students, we also had medical subjects – anatomy, physiology, and histology. All this was very difficult to combine. How many tears were spilled over a textbook on anatomy! But after the second year it became much easier. Then in summer practice I began research work in the scientific laboratory. From that moment I have been in love with science: for four years, students managed to work in three laboratories, take part in writing articles, in conferences, in grants. My involvement in scientific life, as well as the mentoring of colleagues, in many ways helped to easily master academic disciplines. I am still very grateful to my first scientific mentor Anton Sergeyevich Shabunin, also once a graduate of the Polytechnic, for help in taking the first steps in a scientific career and transferred invaluable experience. Now I work in my specialty simultaneously in two laboratories, since I have not yet decided what is more interesting to me: tissue engineering or virology and immunology. ”

    We have already talked about the second best graduate of IBSiB, Daria Melentyeva we talked about this in detail in our special project “Persona”By the way, it was Dasha who gave a speech and took the oath on behalf of all the first-year students six years ago. at the ceremonial assembly in honor of SPbPU Knowledge Day.

    The best graduate of the IKNK, Alexander Khrustalev, in 2019 was also one of those first-year students who scored the highest number of points for the entrance exams.

    “Then I was glad that I managed to enter the university, now I am glad that I managed to graduate,” Alexander shared. “The first years were difficult, then grades stopped worrying me so much, and studying in specialized subjects became much easier. The patience and professionalism of our teachers helped me in my studies. Fortunately, all our teachers taught their courses wonderfully, thank you very much to them.”

    PhysMech graduate Svyatoslav Drozdov successfully graduated from the Polytechnic University’s Natural Sciences Lyceum in 2019 and says that his studies at ENL left him with “exceptionally positive impressions.”

    “And since I had a very good opinion of the Lyceum, I chose the Polytechnic as an organization associated with it,” Svyatoslav explained the reason for entering SPbPU. When asked whether it was difficult to study for six years with excellent grades, he answered scientifically: “The main difficulty in studying for 5.0 is precisely that you need to pay attention to everything, maximizing the probability of a specific outcome of the session (all A’s). With the same expenditure of resources, it would be much easier to count on an average score of 4.9. Therefore, sometimes there was a feeling of playing roulette, when you understand that any exam and an unsuccessful question on it can ruin a series of previously received grades. In my studies, the desire to understand what I do not understand, interest and sports excitement helped – will I be able to pass everything with excellent marks?”

    The Civil Engineering Institute was represented at the award ceremony by Daria Denisenko, Yulia Matveeva and Lyudmila Morshchakova.

    IPMEiT has been producing the most gold medalists for several years now. In 2025, these are Eldar Asadullaev, Anastasia Maykova, Marina Malashenko, Vadim Savekin, Daniil Tyurin, Ekaterina Fedorakhina, Nikita Sharikov, Maria Odesskaya.

    Adelina Borozdina became the best graduate at the Humanitarian Institute.

    At the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications, Nikita Ivanov and The Manh Do from Vietnam received gold medals.

    From 2003 to 2025, 970 best graduates of the Polytechnic University were awarded SPbPU gold medals based on the results of winter and summer defenses of their final qualifying works. The largest number of gold medalists graduated from SPbPU in 2013 — 68 graduates. The smallest number — 19 graduates — in 2016 and 2023.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Graduation of Master’s students in urban planning: from Yakutia to Afghanistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Master’s students-graduates

    The composition of graduates of the Department of Urban Development, who presented their master’s theses for defense on June 10, turned out to be surprisingly broad in geographical terms. On this day, 15 master’s students defended their theses, including several foreigners – Akbarmirzo Soliev and Aliye Ganieva (Uzbekistan), Akhmad Oryakhel (Afghanistan), Gantuya Batbold (Mongolia), as well as representatives of various regions of Russia: for example, Kazbek Tkhvostov – from North Ossetia, Timir Solovyov – from Yakutia, Leyla Dadaeva – from St. Petersburg, and Anzhelika Gasparyan – a native of Kuzbass.

    All of them prepared diploma projects on topics that were interesting and relevant for their countries and regions. The exception was Akbarmirzo Soliev, who took on the landscape and urban development modernization of the Green Belt of Glory memorial complex – a system of monuments to the defenders of Leningrad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Akbarmirzo chose this topic at the suggestion of his academic supervisor, Associate Professor Svetlana Levoshko, and defended his project with excellent marks.

    Gantuya Batbold defended her thesis on the topic of “Urban development of transboundary territories of Siberia and Mongolia”. According to her bachelor’s degree in her native Mongolia, Gantuya is an environmental engineer, so she had to master a lot of new disciplines in her master’s program. Afghan Ahmad Oryakhel himself formulated the topic of the thesis “Urban development of the territories of the Khashmatkhan transport corridor in Kabul”. In addition to its relevant and deeply developed content, the work is distinguished by a high level of architectural graphics. The academic supervisor of both master’s students is Associate Professor Pavel Skryabin. According to the master’s students, the most difficult thing was to master the Russian language.

    “I am returning to my native Darkhan, the second largest city in Mongolia, known as an important industrial and educational center. I want to establish myself as a professional in the Darkhan municipality. It seems to me to be a key institution of urban governance, directly influencing the life and well-being of every citizen. My work will focus on issues of urban development and improvement of the urban environment. I will try to actively participate in the development and implementation of projects aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, modernizing infrastructure and creating comfortable public spaces, contributing to the harmonious development of Darkhan, helping to transform it into an even more attractive and functional urban center for all its residents,” said Gantuya Batbold.

    Ahmad Oryakhel also plans to return to his homeland and pursue a career in the Kabul Municipality in his area of expertise. “I intend to work in the Urban Development Department, where architects participate in planning new districts, rebuilding urban infrastructure, and developing design solutions aimed at improving the urban environment. I believe that my knowledge and skills can be especially useful in the process of rebuilding and developing the city. The municipality is interested in young professionals with international education, and I hope to contribute to the implementation of projects related to sustainable development and modern architecture in Kabul,” Ahmad shared.

    Kazbek Tkhvostov, who completed his master’s degree with honors, received the highest mark for his work “Formation of a system of multifunctional public spaces in small towns and rural settlements of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania”. His supervisor is Associate Professor Marina Kook. In addition, the state examination committee recommended Kazbek’s work for participation in the XXXIV Review-competition of diploma works of the Interregional Public Organization for the Promotion of Architectural Education (MOOSAO) and for implementation. Graduates of the Department of Urban Planning of 2024, his classmates and fellow countrymen Artur Ramonov and Zara Khadartseva came to support the master’s student at his defense. For now, Kazbek plans to stay in St. Petersburg, but does not rule out professional activity in North Ossetia.

    It is gratifying that the Department of Urban Planning trains highly professional specialists who work all over the world.

    Presentation by Kazbek Tkhostov

    Presentation by Ahmad Oryakhel

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thomas Partey charged with rape by the Metropolitan Police Service

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives.

    The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32 (13/06/1992), of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences:

    • Five counts of rape
    • One count of sexual assault

    The charges are broken down as follows:

    • Two counts of rape relate to one woman
    • Three counts of rape relate to a second woman
    • One count of sexual assault relates to a third woman

    The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 – 2022.

    The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape.

    Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

    “We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk

    Thomas Partey will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 August.

    Support is available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.

    We urge responsible reporting in line with guidance from the Attorney General’s Office. Editors, publishers and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the common law and Contempt of Court Act 1981.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thomas Partey charged with rape by the Metropolitan Police Service

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives.

    The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32 (13/06/1992), of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences:

    • Five counts of rape
    • One count of sexual assault

    The charges are broken down as follows:

    • Two counts of rape relate to one woman
    • Three counts of rape relate to a second woman
    • One count of sexual assault relates to a third woman

    The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 – 2022.

    The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape.

    Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

    “We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk

    Thomas Partey will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 August.

    Support is available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.

    We urge responsible reporting in line with guidance from the Attorney General’s Office. Editors, publishers and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the common law and Contempt of Court Act 1981.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest death and injury figures in Greyhound racing shows need for UK-wide ban

    Source: Scottish Greens

    Last year alone 346 dogs died in the racing industry, and a further 3,809 were injured

    The latest deaths and injury figures released by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) shows the need for a UK-wide ban on greyhound racing, say the Scottish Greens.

    Last year, 346 dogs died in the racing industry and there were 3,809 injuries. GBGB only started recording the deaths and injuries in the greyhound racing industry in 2017.

    The average lifespan of a greyhound is 10-14 years. Greyhounds forced to race typically retire between 3-5 years old. In the past seven years since their records began, there have been 3,957 dogs killed and 35,168 injuries, meaning many of these dogs died well before their time for the sake of a so-called ‘sport’.

    Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell introduced the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Bill this year to make greyhound racing illegal in Scotland.

    In Wales, plans have also been scheduled to end greyhound racing for good. Mark says this should be a starting point, with the rest of the UK learning from our nations.

    Mark said:

    “I am proud that my Bill is moving through Parliament at the moment to protect greyhounds and make racing illegal in Scotland. I want to see a UK-wide ban as soon as possible to end the needless suffering of these gentle creatures.

    “These beautiful dogs deserve a better life than dying young or being left in severe pain for the sake of so-called entertainment. They are forced to run round a track at 40mph speeds, colliding with each other, resulting in broken legs, necks, and too frequently, deaths.

    “My own dog Bert is a greyhound. When I rescued him, he was around two years old and had been discarded with a broken leg that had never been properly treated. He was frightened, anxious and dealing with an unhealed break at such a young age. He’s now 12 years old and a completely different dog who has brought such love into our family, but he should never have been put through trauma caused by racing to begin with.

    “One dead or injured greyhound, caused by racing, is one too many, and this industry has thousands on its hands. If you have ever met a greyhound, you will know how loving and trusting they are. You will see their individual personalities shine through. How could anyone possibly think it is acceptable to subject them to such pain and injury in this day in age?

    “The figures across the UK are harrowing, but unfortunately not surprising. So long as greyhound racing is legal, these numbers will continue to grow. I hope that both Scotland can lead by example and the rest of the UK can catch up with us, by ending the sport for good to put paws before profits.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Zermex 100 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Cattle and Zermex 20 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Sheep – SPC change

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Zermex 100 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Cattle and Zermex 20 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Sheep – SPC change

    Change to the information provided on adverse events in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

    Following monitoring of pharmacovigilance data, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) for Zermex 100 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Cattle and Zermex 20 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Sheep have been updated.

    Zermex 100 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Cattle: Section 4.6 now states that on very rare occasions, hypersensitivity reactions and/or neurological disorders (such as collapse, convulsion, paralysis, and blindness) may occur.  Severe reactions may be fatal.

    Zermex 20 mg/ml LA Solution for Injection for Sheep: Section 4.6 now states that on very rare occasions, neurological disorders such as collapse, convulsion, and paralysis may occur.  Severe reactions may be fatal.

    Any veterinary medicinal product which is authorised for marketing in the United Kingdom will have its Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) available on our Product Information Database.

    No medicine is 100% risk free, the SPC includes information on what adverse events have been known to occur following administration of a particular product, these can be found in either section Adverse events (3.6) or Adverse reactions (4.6).

    All updates to SPCs other than template changes, are published in the medicine updates section of VMD Connect

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SAIL project making Sunderland City Centre safer as anti-social behaviour falls significantly

    Source: City of Sunderland

    As this week’s UK Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week with its theme of ‘Making Communities Safer’ draws to a close, Sunderland City Council is highlighting the success of a key project that’s helping to do just that in the city centre.

    The Sunderland Altogether Improving Lives (SAIL) project was launched by Northumbria Police, the Violence Reduction unit and Sunderland City Council in 2022. SAIL continues to make a real difference in the city centre by reducing anti-social behaviour and making the community safer. The project brings together a wide range of partner agencies under one roof to deliver a coordinated, long-term approach to tackling issues that matter to residents, businesses and visitors.

    Latest figures show that between June 2024 and May 2025, the city centre has seen major reductions in key issues:

    • All ASB is down 32%
    • Youth ASB down 20%
    • Alcohol Related ASB down 28%

    Other types of crime have also seen notable reductions during the same period, including a 22% drop in theft and handling, a 23% decrease in vehicle crime, and a 13% fall in serious youth violence.

    SAIL works with many partners including Sunderland City Council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement, Housing and Environmental Service together with officers from Northumbria Police, Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and British Transport Police. By working together with these key partners and other organisations such as NHS, Gentoo, Wear Recovery Sunderland, Youth Drug and Alcohol Project (YDAP) and Sunderland BID (Business Improvement District)., SAIL has been able to make a real difference to Sunderland city centre.  

    Councillor Kelly Chequer, Sunderland City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: “These numbers show the incredibly positive impact the SAIL project has had on our city centre.”

    “By working with young people to deter them from committing anti-social behaviour, and reducing overall crime in the city centre, this partnership is helping create a cleaner, safer and more vibrant place.”

    The SAIL project further develops the working relationships between Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police, the Violence Reduction Unit, Sunderland BID and other key partners to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Sunderland.

    Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “These are fantastic results, and a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared commitment to tackling the issues that matter most to our communities.

    “I’m really pleased to see the difference the SAIL project is making in Sunderland City Centre. By tackling anti-social behaviour, and reducing crime, this partnership is helping create a safer, and more welcoming place for everyone who lives, works and visits the city.

    “The strength of the SAIL project comes from having a range of partners based in the city centre, working together to respond to issues in a proactive way. It’s not just about enforcement, it’s about building trust, supporting young people, preventing crime from happening, and making sure residents and businesses feel heard and supported.

    “This is exactly the kind of approach we need to build safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

    Chief Inspector of Communities, Gemma Calvert, from Northumbria Police said: “It’s great to see the continued impact the SAIL partnership has in the local community – it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our neighbourhood officers and partner agencies.

    “As a Force, we have a real focus on tackling anti-social behaviour in Sunderland and these latest figures show clearly the progress that we’re making together.

    “And while these results are welcoming ones, we know that our work is far from over.

    “We’ll continue to work alongside each other to have a positive presence in the community, including educating and building trust with young people – doing all we can to divert them from getting involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.”

    SAIL works closely with the businesses in the city centre and Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID).

    Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, Sharon Appleby said: “SAIL is a brilliant project and since its launch has shown excellent results.  It is so important that businesses in the city centre see the issues of ASB and general crime being taken seriously by everyone and it builds confidence in the trading environment.  This is such a key initiative given the transformation journey the city centre is on as we try and attract new businesses to locate here.”

    The SAIL project builds on the success of the award-winning SARA project in Southwick and HALO project in Hetton which were set up to work with local communities and help build a sense of ownership and pride in the area at the same time as tackling a range of issues including anti-social and criminal behaviour, environmental crime, unemployment and poor mental health.

    Residents are encouraged to work together with projects like SAIL and continue reporting ASB. You can report ASB easily online at: Anti-social behaviour – Sunderland City Council. Together we can make Sunderland a safe place for everyone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Raising St George’s Cross for the Lionesses

    Source: City of Sunderland

    A GOOD luck message has gone to the Lionesses as the England flag flies at City Hall for the Women’s Euros 2025.

    England are one of the favourites as defending champions and play their first match against France on Saturday 5 July.

    The England flag and others are regularly raised and flown by the City Council to commemorate national events and special days. Last week the council held a flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day and pay tribute to the courage and commitment of all service personnel.

    Raising St George’s Cross, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, Councillor Kelly Chequer said: “As they defend their title, we’re flying the England flag to show our support, recognise all the talent that’s in the team and, of course, wish them the very best for the tournament.

    “Our city and players who were born and nurtured here have had a big part in raising the profile of the women’s game and in the ongoing success of the Lionesses.

    “Looking ahead too, we’re only weeks away from hosting the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup which is a massive occasion and event for our city and the region.

    “Good luck to the Lionesses, we’re all with you.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work to stop road to Romsey from flooding starts soon

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Work to stop road to Romsey from flooding starts soon

    A road with a history of flooding between Romsey and Stockbridge is being upgraded thanks to the Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council.

    Upgrades to Stockbridge Road in Timsbury will help prevent it flooding

    Work will start on Stockbridge Road, Timsbury, on 28 July and will take up to five weeks, depending on weather conditions.  Several improvements will be made, including: 

    • Better kerb drainage systems with non-return valves 
    • Elevating the kerb and road surface up to 30cm 
    • Improving the road’s resilience to flooding for a 200-metre stretch between Bagre Canal Road bridge and the Main River Test Road bridge 

    The essential works by Hampshire County Council Highways mean the road must be closed during this time. Road users are advised to plan alternative routes but a clearly signposted diversion will be in place.  

    This latest work builds on the successful £9.5 million Romsey Flood Alleviation Scheme completed in 2022, which protects 127 properties from River Test and surface water flooding. 

    This section of road sits within a flood plain and experiences winter flooding, requiring temporary barriers and full road diversions that disrupt local travel and businesses. 

    Simon Moody, Environment Agency area director for Solent and South Downs, said:

    This targeted intervention will significantly reduce the risk of seasonal flooding on a key route into Romsey.  

    By raising the road level and improving drainage infrastructure, we’re creating a safer, more resilient transport link that can withstand extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. 

    We thank the local community for its patience and cooperation during these essential works. 

    Temporary flood barriers, like the above, have been necessary in the past as the road sits in a flood plain.

    Councillor Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, said:

    This closure will cause disruption, and I’m sorry that means a diversion for those using the road. 

    However, it’s good news the road closure is confined to the school holiday period and I welcome this further step towards the completion of Romsey’s much needed flood prevention scheme.  

    These improvements to the road layout will reduce the risk of flooding at a spot that has seen recurring issues. Whilst this essential work is taking place, do please allow more time for their journey.

    Background

    • Romsey has a history of flooding in the 1960s, 1995, 2000 and 2001. In the winter of 2013/2014, water overtopped Fishlake Stream and the Barge Canal, badly flooding 36 homes and 44 commercial properties with devastating consequences for families and businesses. 
    • The original Romsey Flood Alleviation Scheme was unveiled in July 2022 following completion in autumn 2021. That scheme included a tilting weir structure, earth embankments, and improvements to existing drainage systems. 
    • Residents can sign up for free flood warnings or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mona Offshore Wind Farm development consent decision announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mona Offshore Wind Farm development consent decision announced

    The Mona Offshore Wind Farm application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    Mona Offshore Wind Farm

    The application will consist of the development of an offshore wind farm with an approximate capacity of 1500MW in the Irish Sea awarded as part of the Round 4 Offshore Wind Licensing Arrangements 

    The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Mona Offshore Wind Limited on 22 February 2024 and accepted for examination on 21 March 2024.  

    Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 16 April 2025.   

    This is the 95th energy application out of 159 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.   

    Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in this six-month examination.   

    The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.  

    The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.  

    Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:   

    Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Water potential, climate adaptation and student mobility: HSE projects at the forum of strong ideas

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: Igor Rodin / Roscongress Foundation

    The forum “Strong Ideas for a New Time” has concluded in Moscow. HSE researchers presented their projects in various fields. One of them, “Water Potential of Russia,” was among the top 10 and was presented by the head of the Scientific and educational laboratory of climate change economics HSE University Igor Makarov at a plenary session with the participation of President Vladimir Putin.

    The forum “Strong Ideas for a New Time” was organized by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) and the Roscongress Foundation, co-organized by VEB.RF. This year, the forum received more than 35 thousand initiatives, including from employees of the Higher School of Economics. The authors of the best ideas, Russian President Vladimir Putin, ASI head Svetlana Chupsheva and VEB.RF chairman, chairman of the ASI expert council Igor Shuvalov took part in the plenary session on July 3 at the Russia National Center.

    At the plenary session, Igor Makarov, Head of the Scientific and Educational Laboratory of Climate Change Economics at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, spoke about his idea, which will allow Russia to become a water superpower.

    More than one billion people in the world live in areas that suffer from water shortages, and by the middle of the 21st century this will be two-thirds of the population, Igor Makarov noted in his speech. “Russia has 20% of the world’s reserves of this strategic asset and has every opportunity to become a water superpower of the 21st century,” he believes. But for this, according to the scientist, a comprehensive strategy for using competitive advantages associated with the availability of fresh water and its rational use is needed. The strategy may consist of four points. First, the development of a mechanism for assessing the real cost of water and the introduction of an assessment of the “water footprint” of products.

    “We must know how much water we spend on the production of a particular product,” says Igor Makarov. Secondly, creating incentives for rational water use, introducing water consumption standards. Thirdly, developing new developments and technologies in the field of water conservation and water purification. “Technologies are already appearing that not only use water without harming its quality, but even improve it: they return water to the reservoir cleaner than it was when it was taken,” explains Igor Makarov. The fourth point of the strategy could be the creation of mechanisms for joint investment in water management by the state, enterprises and citizens. “Such an approach could become the basis for water to become a new investment-attractive segment of the economy,” says Igor Makarov.

    Vladimir Putin supported the HSE project, noting that although, according to international experts, Russia is one of the countries that has more water than it consumes, it is necessary to approach its use rationally. According to the president, when implementing the programs that will arise on the basis of the proposals made by the scientist, it is necessary to take into account the balance of water consumption.

    “Because if we use this resource for industrial development, this is what we are talking about, then we must proceed from the fact that 50% of the total volume of water consumption goes specifically to industry. If we take these 50% as 100, 75% is energy. We just have to keep this in mind. For agriculture, let’s say, in my opinion, only 2%,” Vladimir Putin noted. He also emphasized that “we must be very careful when making any large-scale decisions.”

    “We have huge amounts of fresh water, and the coastal zone creates unique opportunities for development… Together with the agency and the expert council, we will try to formulate this topic so that it sounds like an economy around water. There is currently a great demand for such questions – these are completely new aspects that have not been considered before, especially in terms of supporting and developing family businesses, which is certainly important and in demand,” said Igor Shuvalov.

    Another HSE project, the creation of the National Climate Adaptation System, was included in the top 100 of the forum. The authors of the idea are employees Faculty of Geography and Geoinformation Technologies HSE University: Dean of the Faculty, Director Center for Digital Technologies for Natural and Climate Projects Nikolay Kurichev, who presented the idea at the forum, and Tatyana Aniskina, director Geodata Center.

    Geographers from the National Research University Higher School of Economics propose creating an integrated national system for managing adaptation to climate change based on microdata. It is possible to launch such a system on the basis of the multi-level digital platform “Natural and Climate Risks and Adaptation to Climate Change”. HSE.Glavnoe will tell more about this project in one of its next publications.

    The top 300 included the initiative of students of the GosVyshka platform, “A comprehensive program of academic and project-based student mobility for regional development.” “Today, it is sometimes easier for a student to go on an exchange to another country than to a Russian region,” says Maria Matveeva, head of the project “GosVyshka”, who presented the idea at the forum. “In Russia, there are formats for short-term student trips, such as expeditions and student tourism. But to get a full-fledged transformative experience, a student must stay in another region for at least 4-6 months, and, unfortunately, at the moment this is quite difficult.”

    In order to form a unified educational space in Russia, the authors of the idea proposed a program with four tracks: academic (a student from an average regional university goes to a highly selective university to gain knowledge), scientific (theoretical research due to the specifics of the host region, for example, studying volcanoes in Kamchatka), social (in combination with the service learning program, work on NPO projects), and managerial (work on the tasks of executive authorities and senior officials of the regions in the format of workshops based at the State Higher School of Economics).

    “We thank ASI for supporting our project and hope for further assistance in its implementation. In addition, we are looking for regional partners to receive project assignments for students within the framework of mobility programs,” said Maria Matveeva.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Abubakirov: “I fell in love with Polytechnic University from the first lecture”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The best graduate of the Polytechnic University Aleksandr Abubakirov decided back in school that he would connect his life with engineering. This path led him to the Polytechnic, the Institute of Power Engineering. Now Aleksandr is choosing which scientific field of power engineering he will study in graduate school. Over the years of study, the Polytechnic student has achieved significant success, winning many awards at specialized Olympiads and receiving various grants. In an interview, Alexander said, why he chose the electric power industry, what difficulties he faced and how he sees his future.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Eduard Tiktinsky became an Honorary Professor of SPbPU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On July 4, a solemn ceremony of awarding the diploma and mantle of the Honorary Professor of SPbPU to the founder, president and chairman of the board of directors of the RBI Group Eduard Tiktinsky took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The assignment of this title is the highest form of recognition of merits in educational and scientific activities. The event took place during the honoring of the best graduates of the Polytechnic.

    The honorary title was awarded to Eduard Tiktinsky, a graduate of the Economics Department of the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute, by the decision of the Academic Council of SPbPU on December 2, 2024.

    Eduard Saulevich founded the RBI Group at the age of 21. Having graduated from the Polytechnic, the higher courses in economics and privatization of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and having gained experience in real estate, Eduard Tiktinsky created and headed a development company, which today is one of the largest holdings in St. Petersburg in the residential and commercial construction market. During this time, the company has implemented more than 80 projects, with a total area of more than two million square meters.

    Today, Eduard Tiktinsky is an Honorary Builder of Russia, holder of the Order of Merit in Construction, member of the Board of Trustees of the World Club of Petersburgers, initiator and ideological inspirer of the social project for talented youth “School of Leaders of the Future”. In addition, Eduard Saulevich is a multiple leader of professional and business ratings, recognized at various times by expert communities as “Person of the Year”, “Expert of the Year” in the field of business, innovation, education, as well as one of the most effective managers who made the greatest personal contribution to the development of the industry over the past decade.

    Eduard Saulevich is, first and foremost, a polytechnician, an engineer and economist, who has proven with his success story how business provides opportunities for self-realization, and personal motivation, efficiency and talent help to achieve goals. For several years now, the university has been hosting meetings with polytechnicians, where Eduard Saulevich shares his experience, helps students believe in themselves and encourages them to “know their craft”, because success is the result of work, accepted risks and conviction in the correctness of the chosen path, – noted the scientific secretary of the university Dmitry Karpov, reading out the presentation.

    So, Eduard Tiktinsky became a guest discussion club “You have the floor!”, answered questions from polytechnicians.

    In conclusion, Dmitry Anatolyevich cited Eduard Saulevich’s “rules of success”, voiced by him in one of his interviews.

    I want to thank you for the great honor of speaking at an important event – the awarding of golden graduates. Remembering my studies, I want to note that after creating my company, I did not come to the Polytechnic very often. But nevertheless, it gave me the opportunity to accept the challenge both in work and in studies, without any discounts and adjustments to pass all exams on time, clearly and with normal grades. The activity that I conduct, meeting with students and entrepreneurs, gives a lot not only to people, as I hope, but also to me, – said Eduard Tiktinsky in his response.

    Eduard Saulevich visited the SPbPU History Museum, where he learned interesting facts about the history of the university and saw key exhibits. The honorary professor climbed the spiral staircase to the Polytech Tower, where he was able to enjoy the view of the university and the city from a height of more than 40 meters.

    The tower is one of the symbols of the Polytechnic University, this year it turns 120 years old. It is interesting that it is now used as a youth cluster for startups and development. Of course, it is very symbolic when a historical building is given a new life. I believe this is a very important task for the city. It is good when such projects “throw” a kind of bridge between history and modernity. The Polytechnic University Tower, as I see it, fully embodies the functions and meanings that a cultural heritage site can carry, – noted Eduard Tiktinsky.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Video: Closing Press Conference with UN Deputy Chief about outcomes of #FFD4 (Sevilla) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Guests briefed journalists on the key moments and commitments from the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.

    Speakers:

    – Amina J. Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General

    – Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy of Spain

    Moderated by Martina Donlon, Spokesperson for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, UN Department of Global Communications

    To watch all FFD4 events, please visit: https://webtv.un.org/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLS0mT5aLxU

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and Germany should advocate multilateralism and free trade: Wang Yi

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) — China and Germany should work together to advance multilateralism, safeguard free trade and promote open development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul here on Thursday.

    Wang Yi praised the 8th round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security held on Thursday, calling it comprehensive, pragmatic, frank and constructive.

    According to him, the talks contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and expanding common ground between the two sides.

    Wang Yi noted that the parties agreed to advance a comprehensive strategic partnership guided by the principles of mutual respect, finding common ground while maintaining differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Recalling that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Wang Yi said unilateralism, protectionism and power politics pose serious challenges to the international community.

    The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that under such circumstances, major countries should shoulder their responsibilities, embrace the global trend of multipolarity and economic globalization, and firmly stand on the right side of history.

    China and Germany should strengthen exchanges, deepen cooperation, and jointly accomplish the following three tasks, he said.

    First, strengthen the foundation of bilateral relations. Wang Yi referred to the phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in late May, during which they gave strategic guidance on developing bilateral ties and outlined the direction of future efforts. The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders and prepare for the next round of high-level meetings, he added.

    “China appreciates the German government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the one-China policy and believes that Germany will support its efforts to achieve complete national reunification, just as China has unconditionally supported the reunification of Germany,” the Chinese foreign minister said, noting that achieving peace in the Taiwan Strait requires resolute opposition to any moves toward “Taiwan independence.”

    Secondly, to improve the quality of bilateral cooperation. As Wang Yi emphasized, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation is a necessity for both countries, as well as a “ballast” for bilateral relations. According to him, the parties agreed to create a more stable, predictable and reliable political basis for advancing practical cooperation.

    “China and Germany have broad prospects for cooperation in cutting-edge areas such as green transition, artificial intelligence and quantum technology,” Wang Yi said. Only by strengthening ties of mutual interest and pursuing a common future can the two countries effectively address external risks and challenges, the Chinese Foreign Minister stressed.

    Third, adherence to the principles of multilateralism. History has repeatedly proven that open exchanges have always been the right direction for the development and progress of mankind, Wang Yi noted. In the 21st century, there is no need to erect new barriers by introducing tariffs or provoke ideological confrontation, the diplomat warned.

    “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. China looks forward to hosting important events including the China-EU summit,” Wang said, expressing hope that Germany will play an active role in the EU, promote coordination and cooperation between China and the EU, and make new contributions to global governance together with China.

    Wang Yi stressed that China is willing to work with Germany to uphold the correct view of history, remain true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations, strengthen strategic ties, seek common ground while maintaining differences, and deepen practical cooperation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia and Ukraine Conducted Another Exchange of Prisoners of War — Russian Defense Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, July 4 /Xinhua/ — Russia and Ukraine on Friday held another round of prisoner of war exchanges as part of the agreements reached in Istanbul, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

    “On July 4, in accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian agreements reached on June 2 in Istanbul, another group of Russian servicemen was returned from the territory controlled by the Kyiv regime. In exchange, a group of prisoners of war of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was transferred,” the ministry said in a statement.

    It is noted that Russian military personnel are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance.

    “All Russian military personnel will be transported to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Ministry of Defense,” the Russian Ministry of Defense stated.

    Let us recall that Russian-Ukrainian agreements on the exchange of prisoners of war were reached in Istanbul on June 2. Two categories of prisoners are subject to the “all for all” exchange: the wounded and seriously ill, as well as persons under 25 years of age. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: North Korea condemns US-led QUAD’s calls for denuclearization

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    PYONGYANG, July 4 (Xinhua) — The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has condemned the “unilateral coercive act” of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) comprising the United States, Japan, India and Australia, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.

    “We will never tolerate the US and its vassal forces’ attempt to unilaterally change the status of the DPRK and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula,” KCNA reported, citing a press release issued by the DPRK Foreign Ministry the day before.

    “Nothing can change the DPRK’s nuclear status… The US attempt to deny the DPRK’s current status is not only a serious violation of sovereignty, but also a dangerous act of escalation that creates instability in the region and exacerbates the situation,” the statement said.

    The US hegemonic actions are the main risk factor hindering peace and security in the region and the world, the statement added.

    It is noted that within the framework of its sovereignty, the DPRK is taking appropriate and reciprocal countermeasures of a self-defense nature against such provocative military actions, since the United States is taking steps to strengthen the multilateral military alliance that threatens the security of the region and is conducting joint military exercises that are aggressive in nature.

    On Tuesday, QUAD foreign ministers met in Washington, D.C., issuing a joint statement reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dialogue and cooperation are the right path – Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — Dialogue and cooperation are the right path, a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Friday, commenting on the US lifting some trade and economic restrictions on China.

    The Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson made the comments at the request of journalists on recent reports that relevant Chinese enterprises have received notifications from the US Department of Commerce to resume exports to China of products such as electronic design automation software, ethane and aircraft engines.

    The department’s representative said that following the Chinese-American trade and economic talks in London, the parties recently confirmed specific details of the implementation of the important agreements reached by the heads of the two states during their telephone conversation on June 5, as well as details of securing the results of the trade and economic talks in Geneva.

    As part of this process, China is considering export license applications for relevant controlled goods in accordance with laws and regulations, while the United States has taken corresponding steps by lifting a series of restrictive measures against China, which has already been informed to the Chinese side.

    Describing the framework reached during the trade and economic talks in London as “hard-won”, the official stressed that dialogue and cooperation were the right way forward, while threats and coercion “lead nowhere”.

    The Commerce Ministry representative called on the US to deeply understand the mutually beneficial nature of China-US economic and trade relations, continue to work with China to meet each other halfway, correct mistakes, and take practical actions to protect and implement the important consensus reached during the telephone conversation between the leaders of the two countries, so as to jointly promote the sustainable and long-term development of bilateral economic and trade relations. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: North Korea condemns US-led QUAD’s calls for denuclearization

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    PYONGYANG, July 4 (Xinhua) — The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has condemned the “unilateral coercive act” of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) comprising the United States, Japan, India and Australia, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.

    “We will never tolerate the US and its vassal forces’ attempt to unilaterally change the status of the DPRK and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula,” KCNA reported, citing a press release issued by the DPRK Foreign Ministry the day before.

    “Nothing can change the DPRK’s nuclear status… The US attempt to deny the DPRK’s current status is not only a serious violation of sovereignty, but also a dangerous act of escalation that creates instability in the region and exacerbates the situation,” the statement said.

    The US hegemonic actions are the main risk factor hindering peace and security in the region and the world, the statement added.

    It is noted that within the framework of its sovereignty, the DPRK is taking appropriate and reciprocal countermeasures of a self-defense nature against such provocative military actions, since the United States is taking steps to strengthen the multilateral military alliance that threatens the security of the region and is conducting joint military exercises that are aggressive in nature.

    On Tuesday, QUAD foreign ministers met in Washington, D.C., issuing a joint statement reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: North Korea condemns US-led QUAD’s calls for denuclearization

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    PYONGYANG, July 4 (Xinhua) — The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has condemned the “unilateral coercive act” of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) comprising the United States, Japan, India and Australia, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.

    “We will never tolerate the US and its vassal forces’ attempt to unilaterally change the status of the DPRK and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula,” KCNA reported, citing a press release issued by the DPRK Foreign Ministry the day before.

    “Nothing can change the DPRK’s nuclear status… The US attempt to deny the DPRK’s current status is not only a serious violation of sovereignty, but also a dangerous act of escalation that creates instability in the region and exacerbates the situation,” the statement said.

    The US hegemonic actions are the main risk factor hindering peace and security in the region and the world, the statement added.

    It is noted that within the framework of its sovereignty, the DPRK is taking appropriate and reciprocal countermeasures of a self-defense nature against such provocative military actions, since the United States is taking steps to strengthen the multilateral military alliance that threatens the security of the region and is conducting joint military exercises that are aggressive in nature.

    On Tuesday, QUAD foreign ministers met in Washington, D.C., issuing a joint statement reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dialogue and cooperation are the right path – Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — Dialogue and cooperation are the right path, a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Friday, commenting on the US lifting some trade and economic restrictions on China.

    The Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson made the comments at the request of journalists on recent reports that relevant Chinese enterprises have received notifications from the US Department of Commerce to resume exports to China of products such as electronic design automation software, ethane and aircraft engines.

    The department’s representative said that following the Chinese-American trade and economic talks in London, the parties recently confirmed specific details of the implementation of the important agreements reached by the heads of the two states during their telephone conversation on June 5, as well as details of securing the results of the trade and economic talks in Geneva.

    As part of this process, China is considering export license applications for relevant controlled goods in accordance with laws and regulations, while the United States has taken corresponding steps by lifting a series of restrictive measures against China, which has already been informed to the Chinese side.

    Describing the framework reached during the trade and economic talks in London as “hard-won”, the official stressed that dialogue and cooperation were the right way forward, while threats and coercion “lead nowhere”.

    The Commerce Ministry representative called on the US to deeply understand the mutually beneficial nature of China-US economic and trade relations, continue to work with China to meet each other halfway, correct mistakes, and take practical actions to protect and implement the important consensus reached during the telephone conversation between the leaders of the two countries, so as to jointly promote the sustainable and long-term development of bilateral economic and trade relations. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China announces final decision on anti-dumping probe into EU brandy imports

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday announced the final decision on an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imports from the European Union (EU). The ministry will impose anti-dumping measures on brandy imports for five years starting from Saturday, July 5.

    According to the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the investigation revealed that there is dumping in the import of brandy produced in the EU, which is why the Chinese industry of this alcoholic beverage is at risk of significant damage. At the same time, there is a cause-and-effect relationship between dumping and the threat of real damage.

    According to the agency, the final decision determined the dumping margin in the range from 27.7 percent to 34.9 percent.

    China’s Ministry of Commerce said it had accepted price commitments submitted by relevant industry associations and EU enterprises and would not impose anti-dumping duties on imports that meet the terms of those commitments.

    This decision was taken following a lengthy investigation that began in January 2024. A preliminary assessment was published in August 2024 and temporary anti-dumping measures were introduced in October of the same year.

    The department also reported that the anti-dumping investigation was carried out in relation to EU-produced brandy, packaged in containers with a capacity of less than 200 liters, which was imported into China between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EBA Publishes Hotfix for Reporting Framework 4.1

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published a hotfix of its Reporting Framework 4.1 to address a series of technical issues identified in the initial release. This hotfix aims to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the reporting requirements by including some corrections.

    To support transparency and facilitate implementation by reporting institutions, the EBA has also made available a list of issues and inconsistencies found in the original version of Framework 4.1. This list provides a clear overview of the issues addressed and the corresponding fixes applied in the hotfix release, as well as other issues identified that will be addressed in v4.2 for which an interim solution is proposed. The updated technical package and issues list are available on the Reporting framework 4.1 | European Banking Authority webpage.

    In addition, on Reporting framework 4.2 | European Banking Authority which includes the updated referenced date for modules in release 4.2, the EBA announces the postponement of the obligation to use the xBRL-CSV reporting format. Originally scheduled to become mandatory from the reference date of December 2025, the new reference date for mandatory xBRL-CSV reporting will be March 2026. This delay is intended to give institutions additional time to adjust their systems and processes to the new format.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EBA Publishes Hotfix for Reporting Framework 4.1

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published a hotfix of its Reporting Framework 4.1 to address a series of technical issues identified in the initial release. This hotfix aims to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the reporting requirements by including some corrections.

    To support transparency and facilitate implementation by reporting institutions, the EBA has also made available a list of issues and inconsistencies found in the original version of Framework 4.1. This list provides a clear overview of the issues addressed and the corresponding fixes applied in the hotfix release, as well as other issues identified that will be addressed in v4.2 for which an interim solution is proposed. The updated technical package and issues list are available on the Reporting framework 4.1 | European Banking Authority webpage.

    In addition, on Reporting framework 4.2 | European Banking Authority which includes the updated referenced date for modules in release 4.2, the EBA announces the postponement of the obligation to use the xBRL-CSV reporting format. Originally scheduled to become mandatory from the reference date of December 2025, the new reference date for mandatory xBRL-CSV reporting will be March 2026. This delay is intended to give institutions additional time to adjust their systems and processes to the new format.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: United Nations – Appointment of Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (04.07.25)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    France welcomes the appointment of Mr Carlos Ruiz Massieu as Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). It wishes him success and assures him of its full support as he carries out his mission.

    Given the worsening security and humanitarian situation in Haiti, it is essential to take action and follow up the recommendations in the Secretary-General’s report for strengthening the United Nations’ role in Haiti. Re-establishing security in the country is vital for creating conditions that are conducive to the holding of elections in order to respond to the legitimate expectations of the Haitian people.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: World’s Largest Solar-Powered Ro-Ro Ship Completes First Voyage

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — The world’s largest photovoltaic-powered ro-ro ship Yuan Hai Kou has successfully completed its maiden voyage, arriving at the Greek port of Piraeus with 4,000 Chinese-made cars on board, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited said.

    The vessel is equipped with an onboard photovoltaic system with a peak power of 302.8 kW, the largest of its kind. Its annual power output reaches 410,000 kWh, and its carbon intensity over its life is about 35 percent lower than that of ships using traditional fuel, China’s Science and Technology Daily reported on Friday.

    “The successful maiden voyage of the car carrier Yuan Hai Kou is a practical step forward in COSCO’s global strategy to develop maritime transportation, connect ports and logistics, and set a new benchmark for low-carbon transformation in the global shipping industry,” said Zhang Wei, Chairman of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd.

    The 199.9-metre-long, 68,252-tonne gross tonnage, 39,069-tonne deadweight ro-ro has 12 transport decks, including eight fixed and four movable. Its deck capacity is said to be equivalent to 7,000 parking spaces, and it can carry passenger cars, engineering trucks and buses.

    Equipping a ro-ro with a dual-fuel engine running on liquefied natural gas /LNG/ and fuel oil saves 20 percent of the energy consumed and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 24 percent compared to vessels running on fuel oil alone. For example, when performing a round trip from China to Europe, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 2,100 tons on a one-way voyage.

    The vessel uses the first domestic software for loading cars and trucks, independently developed by COSCO Shipping, and also implements real-time vehicle positioning and a fire warning system, which improves the safety of transporting vehicles using new energy sources.

    Zhang Wei said that from January to May this year, the ro-ro fleet of leading global specialized shipping company COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers transported more than 100,000 vehicles to countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, up 173 percent year-on-year. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: World’s Largest Solar-Powered Ro-Ro Ship Completes First Voyage

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — The world’s largest photovoltaic-powered ro-ro ship Yuan Hai Kou has successfully completed its maiden voyage, arriving at the Greek port of Piraeus with 4,000 Chinese-made cars on board, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited said.

    The vessel is equipped with an onboard photovoltaic system with a peak power of 302.8 kW, the largest of its kind. Its annual power output reaches 410,000 kWh, and its carbon intensity over its life is about 35 percent lower than that of ships using traditional fuel, China’s Science and Technology Daily reported on Friday.

    “The successful maiden voyage of the car carrier Yuan Hai Kou is a practical step forward in COSCO’s global strategy to develop maritime transportation, connect ports and logistics, and set a new benchmark for low-carbon transformation in the global shipping industry,” said Zhang Wei, Chairman of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd.

    The 199.9-metre-long, 68,252-tonne gross tonnage, 39,069-tonne deadweight ro-ro has 12 transport decks, including eight fixed and four movable. Its deck capacity is said to be equivalent to 7,000 parking spaces, and it can carry passenger cars, engineering trucks and buses.

    Equipping a ro-ro with a dual-fuel engine running on liquefied natural gas /LNG/ and fuel oil saves 20 percent of the energy consumed and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 24 percent compared to vessels running on fuel oil alone. For example, when performing a round trip from China to Europe, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 2,100 tons on a one-way voyage.

    The vessel uses the first domestic software for loading cars and trucks, independently developed by COSCO Shipping, and also implements real-time vehicle positioning and a fire warning system, which improves the safety of transporting vehicles using new energy sources.

    Zhang Wei said that from January to May this year, the ro-ro fleet of leading global specialized shipping company COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers transported more than 100,000 vehicles to countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, up 173 percent year-on-year. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: World’s Largest Solar-Powered Ro-Ro Ship Completes First Voyage

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — The world’s largest photovoltaic-powered ro-ro ship Yuan Hai Kou has successfully completed its maiden voyage, arriving at the Greek port of Piraeus with 4,000 Chinese-made cars on board, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited said.

    The vessel is equipped with an onboard photovoltaic system with a peak power of 302.8 kW, the largest of its kind. Its annual power output reaches 410,000 kWh, and its carbon intensity over its life is about 35 percent lower than that of ships using traditional fuel, China’s Science and Technology Daily reported on Friday.

    “The successful maiden voyage of the car carrier Yuan Hai Kou is a practical step forward in COSCO’s global strategy to develop maritime transportation, connect ports and logistics, and set a new benchmark for low-carbon transformation in the global shipping industry,” said Zhang Wei, Chairman of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd.

    The 199.9-metre-long, 68,252-tonne gross tonnage, 39,069-tonne deadweight ro-ro has 12 transport decks, including eight fixed and four movable. Its deck capacity is said to be equivalent to 7,000 parking spaces, and it can carry passenger cars, engineering trucks and buses.

    Equipping a ro-ro with a dual-fuel engine running on liquefied natural gas /LNG/ and fuel oil saves 20 percent of the energy consumed and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 24 percent compared to vessels running on fuel oil alone. For example, when performing a round trip from China to Europe, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 2,100 tons on a one-way voyage.

    The vessel uses the first domestic software for loading cars and trucks, independently developed by COSCO Shipping, and also implements real-time vehicle positioning and a fire warning system, which improves the safety of transporting vehicles using new energy sources.

    Zhang Wei said that from January to May this year, the ro-ro fleet of leading global specialized shipping company COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers transported more than 100,000 vehicles to countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, up 173 percent year-on-year. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News