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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Waste management changes making a difference in Skye and Raasay

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Change and investment in waste management is making a difference in Skye and Raasay.

    Members of Highland Council’s Skye and Raasay Committee heard on Monday (30 June) about the impact of recent changes, which are viewed as essential to achieving a sustainable model of waste/recycling collection.

    The roll-out of new bins to householders began on the 10th of February and was completed on 16th March 2025.

    A report before the committee said an updated figure from all areas in the region showed the service change has achieved a reduction of approximately 7,500 tonnes of non-recycling waste collected from bins at the kerbside and sent for disposal in the last 12 months.

    New twin stream recycling collections have also achieved a significant drop in contamination of the material collected in recycling bins.

    This has resulted in an overall increase of 1000 tonnes in the output of recyclable material after it has been processed at the recycling facilities.

    A range of improvements to the Council’s waste and recycling was supported by £7.1 million from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund.

    Part of the changes include a new Portree waste transfer station, being constructed within the grounds of the current operational waste transfer site.

    It is expected that the facility will be handed over to The Highland Council during mid-July 2025.

    The new facility is being prepared specifically to receive, aggregate and dispatch recyclable materials to contracted processors.

    Plastics, tubs, containers, steel and aluminium cans (circa 415 tonnes per annum) will be sent to Perth; while mixed paper, light card, and cardboard (circa 840 tonnes per annum) will be dispatched to Glasgow.

    The fully enclosed facility will significantly enhance the quality of recyclable materials compared to the current on-site arrangements.

    Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “The objectives, ultimately, are to improve both the quantity and quality of recycling within our area, so it is pleasing to see progress made in this regard.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Roads update for Skye and Raasay

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    At Monday’s meeting of Highland Council’s Isle of Skye and Raasay committee councillors were updated on the area capital roads programme for 2024-25 and works planned for the remainder of the financial year.

    The total capital and strategic allocation for 2024-25 for Skye and Raasay was £3,001,638.

    Surface dressing and overlay schemes have been completed at 49 different locations in the ward.

    In 2025-26 further surface dressing works have been planned at Borve, Bernisdale, Suledale and at Fairy Bridge while overlay/inlay works will be taking place at several locations around Trotternish as well as in Portree and Glendale.

    Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “We are pleased to see so much work being completed and planned as part of the agreed maintenance programme, across so many locations.

    “While everyone appreciates the many challenges being faced across our many roads, credit must go to the local roads’ teams for all their efforts as we continue to strive to improve local infrastructure for Skye and Raasay using the resources available to us.”

    ​

    30 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Councillor elected as Vice Chair of the North Sea Commission Transport Thematic Group

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee has been elected as Vice Chair of the North Sea Commission Transport Thematic Group. The appointment was made during the NSC’s Executive Committee held last week in Oldenburg, Germany.

    The North Sea Commission is one of the six geographical commissions of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) and its mission is to strengthen partnerships between regional authorities which face the challenges and opportunities presented by the North Sea.

    It serves as a platform for cooperation, information-sharing and lobbying between regional authorities across the North Sea Region, member come from the UK, EU and Scandinavia.

    The Commission is comprised of four thematic working groups, with each of these groups supported by an advisor and led by three politicians from around the North Sea region. 

    Councillor Ken Gowans said: “It is an honour to take on the role of Vice Chair of the Transport Group and I very much welcome this opportunity to ensure that Highland and Scotland are well represented so we can work together with transport partners in the North Sea region to improve our connectivity, for business trade and personal travel. The work of the Transport group will link to the other thematic areas.”

    These are:

    • The Energy & Climate Change Working Group
    • The Marine Resources Working Group
    • The Smart Regions Working Group

    1 Jul 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham Targets Dangerous E-Bikes in Major Multi-Agency Crackdown

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Birmingham City Council and partners have carried out a major enforcement operation targeting illegally modified e-bikes in Birmingham city centre.

    This is part of ongoing efforts to keep the area safe for all who live, work, and visit.

    Last week, 16 e-bikes were seized during a pre-planned multi-agency operation. Riders were issued with fines after officers discovered the bikes had been illegally upgraded to reach speeds of up to 40mph — far beyond the legal limits for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). All seized bikes will now be crushed.

    The operation is part of a wider response to increasing reports from residents, visitors, businesses, and professionals who live, work, and travel through the city centre. Complaints have included dangerous and inconsiderate riding, near misses with pedestrians, and collisions that have caused alarm and distress — particularly for vulnerable road users.

    The action was carried out in partnership with the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership and West Midlands Police – including officers from Operation Fearless, the Road Harm Prevention Team, and Safer Travel – alongside British Transport Police, Immigration Enforcement, Paradise Security, and the Central and Colmore Business Improvement Districts.

    Plain clothes and uniformed officers worked together to stop and inspect riders, checking the legality of their bikes and verifying rider status where appropriate. Immigration checks led to three arrests for immigration offences.

    This is the latest in a series of planned operations focused on improving public safety and tackling the growing concerns from businesses, residents, and vulnerable groups around the dangerous and antisocial use of high-powered e-bikes.

    Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

    “Operation Frislen is the outcome of continuing work between Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police about safety concerns around the use of e-bikes and other propelled transport in highly pedestrianised areas. 

    “We hope our recent collective intervention will not only take dangerous, untaxed and uninsured e-bikes off the street, but also provide valuable insight into the scale of the problem. This will enable all partners to identify further activities and actions that will reduce risks to the public.”

    Inspector Scott Taylor from West Midlands Police added: “Dangerous e-bike use has become a major problem in the city centre – partners, businesses and pedestrians are telling us they feel it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured.

    “We’ve been working alongside city centre businesses, including takeaways, delivery companies, the Central Business Improvement District and the city council in recent weeks.

    “We’ve been out educating riders on the law and the impact dangerous riding is having on the city centre, and tonight’s operation has seen us step it up a gear and take firm action against those flouting the rules.

    “We’d urge anyone who rides an e-bike for work or pleasure in the city centre to make sure they their bike is legal.

    “We’ll be taking more action over the coming weeks, so anyone who ignores the law may well find their bike is seized and they are issued with a fine or are given a court date.”

    This operation is part of Birmingham’s wider commitment to making the city centre cleaner, safer, and more accessible to all. Further days of action are planned in the weeks ahead.

    E-bikes and the law
    To legally ride an e-bike (known as an EAPC – Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle), it must:

    • Have pedals that can be used to propel it,
    • Use an electric motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts,
    • Not assist when travelling more than 15.5mph.

    If an e-bike is modified beyond these limits, it is classed as a motor vehicle. That means it must be registered, taxed, insured, and the rider must have a valid licence. It also cannot be used on cycle paths or public roads unless compliant.

    Learn more: Riding an electric bike: the rules – GOV.UK

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Switzerland: IMF Staff Concluding Statement—2025 Article IV Consultation Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    July 1, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Bern: Switzerland continues to benefit from strong fundamentals, highly credible institutions, and a skilled labor force, positioning it among the world’s most competitive, resilient, and innovative economies. Economic performance has been strong. Nonetheless, Switzerland faces important challenges, including from evolving global economic conditions, rising global trade tensions, and persistent safe-haven pressures and franc appreciation. The ongoing IMF Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) has called for strengthening supervisory, resolution, and crisis management frameworks, including to address gaps exposed during the Credit Suisse crisis, where the authorities are taking action. Navigating these challenges will require broad policy consensus and effective macroeconomic management. Priorities include safeguarding price stability, addressing emerging fiscal pressures, advancing strong financial sector reforms, implementing structural measures to boost productivity and competitiveness, and ratifying the new package of agreements with the EU to enhance external resilience.

    Economic Outlook

    With global headwinds, growth is projected to remain somewhat below potential in 2025-26. Growth is expected to reach 1.3 percent in 2025 (sporting events adjusted), up from 1 percent in 2024, driven by private consumption supported by real wage growth and stronger construction activity with easier monetary conditions. While unemployment rates have remained near their natural level, recent labor market indicators suggest some softening, e.g., declines in the vacancy-to-employment ratio. This is in line with moderate slack (0.3 percent of potential GDP) in 2025. Growth is projected at 1.2 percent in 2026, converging to potential (1.5 percent) by 2030, driven by a gradual increase in domestic and external demand; trade tariffs in the baseline reflect those prevailing in June 2025. Switzerland’s external position is assessed to be broadly in line with medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies.

    With a temporary decline below zero, headline inflation in 2025 will remain subdued; core inflation is expected to stay above zero and within the price stability range. While core inflation through May was 0.5 percent (y/y), reflecting some deceleration in rent inflation, headline inflation declined to -0.1 percent (y/y) driven by franc appreciation, lower electricity tariffs, and softer international oil prices, and is projected to end 2025 at 0.1 percent (y/y). Accommodative monetary policy and higher oil prices are expected to drive headline inflation to 0.6 percent (y/y) by end-2026.

    Important risks loom, particularly from external factors. Worsening geopolitical tensions and fragmentation, volatile energy prices, and uncertainty over trade policy and tariff levels could adversely impact confidence, exports, and investment. Sectoral impacts would likely vary. Heightened uncertainty could spark further safe-haven inflows and appreciation pressures with additional challenges for export-oriented and import-competing sectors. If heightened uncertainty extends over the medium term, Switzerland’s growth model could be affected if supply chains are disrupted and R&D spending is scaled back, impacting innovation, productivity, and potential growth. On the upside, a positive resolution of tariff negotiations with the U.S., both for Switzerland and the EU, would lead to better growth prospects and alleviate appreciation pressures. Fiscal easing in Germany may also support activity more than expected. Domestic demand may be bolstered by planned pension payment increases.

    Monetary Policy: Mitigating Deflationary Pressures

    The recent 25 bps policy rate cut was appropriate considering recent declines in inflation, signs of weakening in the labor market, and external uncertainty. This brought the cumulative policy easing over the past 1½ years to 175 bps and placed the policy rate at zero. Notably, core inflation has remained within the Swiss National Bank’s (SNB) 0–2 percent price stability range, and medium-term inflation expectations have stayed anchored around the mid-point of the range. While additional easing may be needed if deflationary pressures materialize, future policy action needs to consider that trade-offs of further easing become more pronounced when policy rates decline below zero. Negative rates may amplify financial sector risks through lower bank profitability and possibly higher real estate exposures. Given the limited space for further policy rate cuts (the SNB’s main policy tool), these should be aimed at sharp and (or) persistent deflationary pressures that risk de-anchoring medium-term inflation expectations. Temporarily negative headline inflation should not warrant further easing. While intervention in the foreign exchange market (FXIs) may be needed to smooth the impact of safe-haven financial inflow surges, FXIs should continue to be considered cautiously, also given the SNB’s already large balance sheet. To mitigate balance sheet risks, the upcoming review of dividend policy should ensure that robust capital buffers are maintained and refrain from raising distributions.

    The SNB should continue to assess whether its monetary policy and communication frameworks warrant adjustments. Given the specific challenges facing Swiss monetary policy in a context of elevated uncertainty and low equilibrium interest rates, a review, possibly with external support as in the case of other major central banks, could be useful. The SNB should consider whether providing additional information in the context of monetary policy assessments or between quarterly meetings could support policy guidance. In light of the heightened uncertainty, attention should be given to clarifying the reaction function (including via scenario analysis) and strengthening the formulation of risks to the outlook.

     

    Fiscal Policy: Addressing Long-Term Fiscal Challenges

    The moderately looser fiscal stance projected for 2025 is appropriate given some economic slack. The general government’s overall fiscal surplus is projected to decline to 0.3 percent of GDP in 2025 from 0.6 percent of GDP in 2024, largely reflecting a reduction in the surplus of social security funds. The federal government’s deficit is projected to remain broadly unchanged vs. 2024 (0.2 percent of GDP), as higher defense and social welfare spending is offset by budget consolidation measures. The proposed Relief Package 2027 aims to cut expenditures by CHF 2–3 billion on a permanent basis from 2027 onwards to comply with the debt brake rule amid spending pressures and uncertain tax reform impacts. Staff note the limited room for maneuver implied by the debt-brake rule and the authorities’ choice of spending cuts over tax hikes. If moderate downside risks materialize, automatic stabilizers should operate fully. In the event of severe shocks, targeted transfers may be warranted via extraordinary provisions of the debt brake rule to avoid a deep recession, including one induced by a deflationary spiral. As in the past, staff note that there is a bias toward fiscal surpluses through spending below budget allocations and cautious revenue forecasts; efforts should continue to mitigate this where possible.

    Planned increases in pension payments will require additional revenues to preserve the financial strength of social security funds. A new 13th monthly pension payment, planned to start in December 2026, will require additional outlays of CHF 4.2 billion annually (0.5 percent of GDP). To this end, the Federal Council has proposed financing options, including a VAT rate increase of 0.7 ppt. Continued efforts, including stabilizing Pillar I pension finances for 2030-40, are essential to ensure long-term pension system viability amidst changing demographics and rising costs. Timely repayment (or recapitalization) of the disability insurance (IV) debt to the old-age and survivor’s insurance (AHV) is critical to safeguarding the structural and financial soundness of both schemes.

    Demographic trends, climate change, and defense spending pressures create medium-to-long term fiscal challenges. The 2024 Fiscal Sustainability Report projected demographic-related expenditures rising by 3 percent of GDP by 2060; absent compensatory policy decisions, climate mitigation measures to reach the net zero target could raise public debt by 3–4 ppt of GDP by 2040 and 8–11 ppt by 2060, depending on policy choices (e.g., carbon taxation vs. subsidies) and compared to a business-as-usual scenario. Defense spending is expected to increase significantly by 2032. Given the provisions of the debt brake rule, a comprehensive medium-and-long term plan is needed to identify and ensure that revenue increases and spending reprioritization are sufficient to meet these and other needs. A careful assessment is needed to determine whether pressures will emerge at the federal or cantonal level and whether the division of responsibilities across levels of government may need to be adjusted accordingly.

    Financial Sector: Enhancing Systemic Resilience

    While Switzerland’s financial system demonstrated resilience, systemic risks have remained high due to sizable real estate exposures. Mortgages account for a large share of bank lending and of assets of life insurers and pension funds. Risks are heightened by house price overvaluation, loosening mortgage lending standards, and initiatives to ease affordability criteria for new borrowers. Lower interest rates may further pressure banks, potentially leading to increased risk-taking.

    The ongoing FSAP has found the financial sector to be broadly resilient to severe shocks. Systemically-important (SIBs) and most other banks would remain above regulatory capital requirements under stress. Overall, liquidity risks for banks are relatively limited. Insurers also withstand severe solvency and liquidity scenarios. Still, global uncertainty and financial stability risks warrant reinforcing resilience.

    The 2023 Credit Suisse (CS) crisis exposed gaps in supervisory, resolution and crisis management frameworks and increased Too-Big-To-Fail (TBTF) risks, which the authorities have begun to address. Drawing on lessons from the CS crisis, the Federal Council has recently proposed several reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector and thereby reducing the risks for the state, taxpayers and the economy. These would improve the TBTF framework, enhance bank governance, strengthen prevention, early intervention, and crisis preparedness, and expand the powers of FINMA. Staff commends the authorities as these proposals are broadly in line with FSAP recommendations; timely implementation of these bold reforms would further strengthen the long-term stability of the Swiss financial center.

    Enhanced legal powers and resources for FINMA are critical to strengthening the effectiveness of supervision. FINMA’s legal powers should be expanded to include a full suite of early intervention powers, immediately enforceable, including the ability to preemptively restrict banks’ business activities, require capital conservation measures, address governance failures, and rectify deficiencies in risk management. FINMA should be able to conduct onsite inspections as necessary, require forward-looking Pillar 2 capital add-on, impose administrative fines, and have broader ability to prescribe binding supervisory standards. FINMA should reduce reliance on external auditors. Enhanced market monitoring and reporting and better mechanisms for market abuse prevention, detection, and enforcement would benefit securities supervision. Overall, more supervisory resources are needed, including for direct supervision in corporate governance, risk management, market conduct, AML/CFT, cyber risk, and recovery and resolution. FINMA needs to be proactive and direct in its engagement with supervised firms across sectors (banks, insurance, securities).

    Systemic real estate risks call for expanding the macroprudential toolkit. The FSAP recommends introducing a debt-service-to-income (DSTI) cap in addition to the existing loan-to-value (LTV) cap and a sectoral capital-based instrument, separate from the sectoral countercyclical buffer (CCyB), which already stands at the 2.5 percent maximum. It would be also helpful to establish a formal Systemic Risk Council, comprised of SNB, FINMA, and Federal Department of Finance (FDF) representatives to regularly assess and communicate on systemic risk and decide on necessary policy measures.

    Switzerland’s financial safety net should be cast wider to better secure financial stability. Resolution planning should also cover Category 3 banks, which include some large and complex market participants, as well as designated insurance groups, and financial market infrastructures. FINMA, SNB, and FDF need to develop, and practice coordinated crisis response plans. The cap on deposit insurance contributions should be removed, and deposit insurance gradually aligned with international best practices. SNB efforts to establish and communicate a comprehensive emergency liquidity assistance framework—expanding support to all banks and making drawing conditions more flexible—are an important reinforcement of the safety net. The introduction of a Public Liquidity Backstop for SIBs, with the possibility of extending it to non-SIBs that might be systemic in failure, would provide an instrument allowing additional room for maneuver in a crisis.

    To protect the resilience and integrity of the Swiss financial center, enhanced vigilance on cyber, AML/CFT, crypto, and fintech risks is paramount. The cyber resilience framework should be broadened to all financial sector entities and external service providers. Progress in rolling out the Registry of Beneficial Ownership should continue, and the legal framework expanded to gatekeepers, including lawyers, accountants, trust, and company service providers. Crypto exposures, which are increasing, should be assessed comprehensively and the related Basel standards implemented in a timely manner. The concentrated and increasingly complex FMI structure warrants closer oversight and enhanced collaboration with foreign authorities, particularly in shared risk management platforms, recovery, and resolution.

    Structural Policies: Supporting Productivity Growth and Resilience to Global Shocks

    Switzerland enjoys high labor productivity—on par with the U.S. and above European peers. This has been supported by strong R&D, a high-quality education system, and deep global integration that fosters competition and innovation. Multinational corporations in high-value-added manufacturing have driven much of this performance. Labor productivity in small firms and services has lagged, constrained by low R&D intensity, limited access to funding, small markets, and expensive skilled labor. To sustain its competitive edge, Switzerland would benefit from policies that reduce administrative burdens, improve access to equity and R&D financing, strengthen ties to larger markets, and address labor shortages through upskilling and an open labor market. The ongoing revision of the Vocational Training Act is a welcome step, reinforcing Switzerland’s strength in workforce development and skills adaptation in a changing economy.

    The conclusion of negotiations with the EU resulted in a broad package of sectoral agreements aimed at stabilizing and developing bilateral relations. These agreements—covering areas such as electricity, food safety, and participation in EU programs—will require ratification by both sides, for which the necessary procedures have been launched. Continued engagement with the EU and other partners remains important to reduce uncertainty, safeguard access to critical markets, and strengthen resilience in the face of rising geo-economic fragmentation.

     

    *   *   *   *   *

     

    The IMF team thanks the Swiss authorities and other stakeholders for their hospitality, engaging discussions, and productive collaboration. We are especially grateful to the SNB and the State Secretariat for International Finance for assistance with arrangements.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/30/07012025-mcs-switzerland-imf-concluding-statement-2025-art-iv-consultation-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Leonardo sinks Man City to send Al Hilal into last eight at Club World Cup

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

    Starting players of Al Hilal pose for photos before the round of 16 match between Manchester City of England and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida, the United States, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Marcos Leonardo struck a dramatic extra-time winner as Al Hilal reached the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 win over Manchester City on Monday.

    City led early through Bernardo Silva before the Saudi Arabian side responded with goals from Leonardo and Malcom at Camping World Stadium.

    Erling Haaland brought City level in a frenetic second half, and the sides traded further goals in extra time through Kalidou Koulibaly and substitute Phil Foden.

    The result means Al Hilal will meet Brazil’s Fluminense at the same venue on Friday for a place in the last four, while Manchester City bows out after having progressed from the group stage with a perfect record.

    Silva put the Premier League club ahead in the ninth minute when he tapped in from close range, having pounced on a loose ball after Renan Lodi’s clearance ricocheted off Ilkay Gundogan.

    Yassine Bounou then made a series of saves to deny City a second goal.

    The Morocco international kept out dangerous attempts from Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan before blocking a powerful effort from Silva.

    The four-time Asian Champions League winners lacked fluency with the ball early, and on the rare occasion they ventured into the box, City’s defence was able to quickly defuse the danger.

    Al Hilal’s best chance of the opening half came when Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo headed over after Mohamed Kanno’s cross from the right.

    Al Hilal emerged from the break with newfound purpose. Leonardo put his side on level terms less than two minutes after the restart when he nodded in after City failed to deal with Joao Cancelo’s cross and the ball fell kindly for the former Benfica player.

    Malcom was causing problems for Manchester City’s defense and the former Barcelona winger released Cancelo with a marauding run down the right wing – only for the ex-City full-back to blast over from a tight angle.

    Malcom then broke free following a City corner, running almost half the length of the pitch before calmly slotting a low shot into the far corner to give his side the lead.

    The hectic pace continued, with City drawing level three minutes later through Haaland. The Norway international bundled home from inside the six-yard box after Al Hilal allowed the ball to spill loose from a corner.

    Al Hilal was dealt a major blow shortly after as Malcom was forced off with an injury, robbing the team of its most effective attacking outlet on the night.

    Undaunted, the Riyadh-based club continued to push forward in search of a third goal. Kanno had the chance to restore his team’s advantage in the 79th minute but failed to make clean contact with a header with only the goalkeeper to beat.

    Haaland was denied a late winner when his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Ali Lajami as the game was forced into extra time.

    Al Hilal made the breakthrough soon after as Koulibaly rose highest following Ruben Neves’ corner to send a superb header past Ederson.

    City equalized again 10 minutes later as Foden, a 104th-minute substitute for Rodri, latched onto Rayan Cherki’s diagonal pass with a lunging volley at the far post.

    But Al Hilal refused to yield and Leonardo prodded home the winning goal from point-blank range after Ederson had acrobatically palmed away Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: FIFA Club World Cup 2025: FC Inter Milan vs Fluminense FC

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

    Hercules (C) of Fluminense FC celebrates scoring during the round of 16 match between Italy’s FC Inter Milan and Brazil’s Fluminense FC at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina, the United States, June 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: SCIO briefs media on green development in Qinghai province

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

    SCIO briefs media on green development in Qinghai province

    China SCIO | July 1, 2025

    A three-day media trip organized by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) kicked off Monday in northwestern China’s Qinghai province, bringing together nearly 30 journalists — including foreign correspondents from the United States, Germany, Spain, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates — to observe the progress of green development in the province.

    A press briefing was held Monday in Qinghai’s capital city Xining, where Zhang Jingang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Qinghai Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of the People’s Government of Qinghai Province, briefed the media and answered questions.

    On June 30, 2025, the State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press briefing in Xining, Qinghai province, about promoting green development. [Photo by Xu Xiang/China SCIO]

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Amnesty launched as part of mission to halve knife crime

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Amnesty launched as part of mission to halve knife crime

    Young people across the country are being urged to surrender bladed weapons including ninja swords to help prevent further loss of young lives to knife crime.

    With the support of Word 4 Weapons and FazAmnesty, young people will be able to anonymously hand in any weapons to surrender bins or a purpose-built and fully secure van, across London, Greater Manchester and West Midlands – the 3 highest areas for knife crime in England.

    Part of the government’s most ambitious surrender scheme yet and Plan for Change, the 37 new amnesty bins and the locations of the mobile surrender van will be strategically placed in these high-risk areas throughout July, in partnership with local councils, to provide young people with an accessible, alternative way to hand in weapons without needing to go to a police station.  

    Throughout the month the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime and other grassroots organisations will be using their platform as trusted voices in communities to encourage young people to hand in their weapons via these routes, while signposting them to local support services.

    From 1 August 2025, deadly ninja swords will be banned in full – illegal to possess in public or private – and so, in addition to the surrender arrangements across the 3 hotspot areas, people will also be able to hand in ninja swords to designated police stations across the country.  

    Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: 

    The launch of today’s scheme is a result of months of collaborative working with the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime and I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together over the next month and then the years to come as part of our Plan for Change. 

    I am incredibly grateful to Pooja Kanda, Sandra Campbell and Faron Paul whose work to tackle knife crime is making a real difference to young peoples’ lives. 

    This scheme is just one part of addressing knife crime. We will not stop listening to those who are directly working with those impacted by this crime.

    The scheme has been designed to provide people with a range of ways to hand in weapons outside of police stations. Word 4 Weapons and FazAmnesty, both members of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, have a proven track record in supporting young people to surrender dangerous weapons and directing them towards local support.  

    Faron Paul, Founder of FazAmnesty said:

    I’m proud to support the extended surrender scheme and the launch of the mobile amnesty van which gives people a safe and easy way to hand in weapons, knives and other dangerous items. By taking this service directly into communities, I hope we can reach more individuals, encourage positive decisions and help reduce the number of harmful items on our streets.

    This initiative is an important step towards preventing violence, building trust and supporting our ongoing efforts to create safer, stronger communities for everyone.

    The ninja sword surrender and compensation scheme will also be running in tandem throughout July in police stations across England and Wales. The ban on ninja swords is a result of the tireless campaigning of the Kanda family, who tragically lost their son Ronan in 2022 when he was killed with one of these deadly weapons. The ban on ninja swords is part of Ronan’s Law which was introduced to Parliament this year and includes measures to stop the illegal sale of knives online. Ronan’s Law will be included in the Crime and Policing Bill.  

    Members of the public wishing to surrender a ninja sword in exchange for compensation should take them to their local police station. Ninja swords can also be surrendered in any available surrender bin however this will not result in any compensation. Full details about how to claim compensation for ninja swords can be found on GOV.UK or via local police.  

    Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan said: 

    It has been 3 years since Ronan’s life was tragically taken as a result of the wounds inflicted by a ninja sword. Since then, we have relentlessly campaigned for ninja swords to be taken off the streets as they have no place in society.

    The government has now introduced a much needed ban on ninja swords, and we encourage those in possession to surrender them to make the community a safer place where children can walk home without fear.

    CEO of Word 4 Weapons, Sandra Campbell, said:

    Word 4 Weapons, in partnership with the Home Office, proudly supports the ninja sword ban and the removal of dangerous weapons and knives from public spaces to help build safe communities for all.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Framing the Past: Controversial portrait sparks dialogue on confronting uncomfortable legacies The portrait of a University philanthropist and enslaver will be used to prompt discussion and debate on how we respond to contested artefacts and their legacies.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Gilbert Ramsay portrait

    The portrait of a University philanthropist and enslaver will be used to prompt discussion and debate on how we respond to contested artefacts and their legacies.
    ‘Framing the past, imagining the future’ will be held at the University of Aberdeen on July 3 as part of the institution’s work to address its historical links to transatlantic slavery – with the wider community invited to join the conversation.
    Gilbert Ramsay (1658-1728) was a graduate of Marischal College who left a substantial bequest to his alma mater as well as to the Aberdeenshire village of Birse, where he grew up, to build a parish school and establish a poor fund.
    But his fortune was built on human suffering as Ramsay, who served at churches in Antigua and Barbados, amassed his fortune through slaveholding and the sale of enslaved people.
    The source of Ramsay’s wealth was revealed earlier this year in The University of Aberdeen and the Legacies of Slavery report, researched and written by Aberdeen historian Dr Richard Anderson.
    Ramsay’s portrait hangs above a fireplace in a classroom in the University’s College Bounds building, accompanied by a short interpretation panel which outlines his life and his links with slavery.
    It will be used as a conversation starter for the event organised by organised by Dr Catriona McAra for the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History and University Collections.
    Professor Beth Lord, Head of the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History, said: “Ramsay is a significant figure in the School’s history as he donated funds that supported our longest-established subjects, Divinity and Philosophy. Now that we know about Ramsay’s connection to transatlantic slavery, we are faced with the question of what to do with the portrait that hangs in our main building – and how, more broadly, we should respond to the material legacies of slavery in our academic subjects.
    “Through exploring the issues raised by this portrait, and in seeking to diversify the voices that are heard, the School and University Collections acknowledge their shared historical foundation whilst looking towards more equitable presents and futures that reflect our values.”
    The forum will include an in-conversation event with anti-racist activist Zandra Yeaman, Head of Strategy Development and Implementation at the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow, in conversation with Professor Emma Bond from the University of Oxford whose work focuses on the legacies of empire and colonialism in contemporary literary and visual cultures.
    Other speakers include artist Ade Adesina and Vanessa Mabonso Nzolo, PhD Candidate and former University of Aberdeen Student President, as well as academics from the School.
    Neil Curtis, Head of University Collections, added: “Transatlantic slavery has a left a substantial legacy that permeates the University and North-East Scotland in some unexpected ways. Some is tangible such as this portrait and the Powis Gateway which is now accompanied by a plaque and interpretation panel.
    “Events like this will help us to explore options and to decide how best to truthfully display this portrait in a way that helps those who see it to understand and act on our legacies.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How cryopreservation and diapause affect embryo metabolism

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    What processes occur in the embryo at the molecular level after freezing? Can a slowdown in metabolism indicate risks for the future organism? A unique study in which a master’s student is participating helps to find answers to these questions Faculty of Physics Anastasia Omelchenko of Novosibirsk State University. A team of scientists from the Laboratory of Condensed Matter Spectroscopy of the Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (where Anastasia works) and the Cryopreservation and Reproductive Technologies Sector of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, for the first time in the world, used the method of Raman scattering of deuterated labels to study the metabolism of embryos.

    — Raman scattering is a contactless and non-destructive method of optical spectroscopy that allows us to understand the chemical composition, structure and phase state of a substance. We use it to look inside living cells and see what molecules are formed as a result of their metabolism, — explained Anastasia Omelchenko.

    Scientists are studying the metabolism of early-stage mouse embryos. To do this, they fed the embryos specially labeled (deuterated) molecules — such as amino acids, glucose, stearic acid — and used Raman spectroscopy to track how these substances were transformed inside the cells.

    — When we want to track how one compound is converted into another during metabolism, we must separate these compounds from other organic molecules present in the cells. This is a fairly complex task and is similar to finding one person in a crowd. To simplify it, you can give this person a “flag”, that is, mark him – this will allow you to identify him against the background of the rest of the crowd. In Raman spectroscopy, it is convenient to use deuterated labels, that is, molecules in which some hydrogen atoms are replaced by heavier deuterium. Due to the isotopic shift, such labels have a spectrum that is different from other molecules, which allows you to track the number and nature of deuterated molecules in the sample, — the researcher explained.

    It turned out that amino acids are steadily converted into proteins at all stages of development, and as the embryo grows, synthesis increases. Contrary to expectations, glucose is not so much broken down to obtain energy as it is stored as a glycogen polymer. Fatty acids, such as stearic acid, accumulate in lipid granules (the cell’s energy storage facilities).

    But what was particularly interesting was the effect of cryopreservation on metabolism – a technology used to freeze and store embryos at ultra-low temperatures. After freezing and thawing, the scientists analyzed how the metabolism of the embryos changed and found that at later stages of development, fatty acids were processed worse – it was as if the cell “decided” to accumulate them rather than use them.

    — The method allows us to see which processes are disrupted as a result of cryopreservation, — noted Anastasia Omelchenko. — This is especially important in conditions when more and more biomaterial — both in medicine and in agriculture — is frozen for storage or transportation. Our approach can help us understand how to preserve the viability of such cells.

    In addition to cryopreservation, the study looked at how another unique condition, diapause, affects embryo metabolism. This is a natural stop in embryo development in response to unfavorable conditions, which occurs in a number of mammals (about 130 species). The scientists worked with mouse embryos with induced diapause and found that their protein synthesis decreases by about 23% compared to normal ones.

    — This is consistent with other data: in embryos that enter the implantation stage, the activity of key metabolic processes increases. And our method allows us to measure this quantitatively, quickly and without harm to the object itself, — the researcher emphasizes.

    The research is only just entering the stage of systemic application, but it is already clear that optical non-invasive methods of metabolic analysis may well become an effective diagnostic tool in reproductive medicine and biotechnology.

    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: China to hold cultural events to mark 80th anniversary of victory in Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War

    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 1 (Xinhua) — The State Council Information Office of China will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday to introduce upcoming cultural events to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

    The press conference will be attended by officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the General Administration of Radio and Television of the People’s Republic of China, as well as the deputy director of China Media Group and the director of the Museum of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

    They will inform the media about the thematic commemorative exhibition, outstanding cultural works and relevant events, and will also answer questions from journalists. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two dead, 6 missing after heavy rains hit central China

    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

    ZHENGZHOU, July 1 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed and six others were missing after heavy rains hit Xixia County in Nanyang City, central China’s Henan Province, the local emergency response headquarters said Tuesday.

    Heavy rainfall totalling 225.3mm in two towns in the county on Monday caused a sudden rise in water levels in the lower reaches of a local river, damaging infrastructure and trapping some residents.

    Rescue operations were launched immediately and two people were successfully rescued.

    Emergency rescue personnel at various levels were dispatched to search for people with whom contact had been lost. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Symphony Concert Held in Beijing to Celebrate 104th Anniversary of CPC Founding

    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 1 (Xinhua) — A symphony concert was held at the CPC History Museum in Beijing on Monday, ahead of the 104th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on July 1.

    The event was attended by more than 800 people, including recipients of state awards and honorary titles, outstanding grassroots party cadres, experts from various fields and representatives of the general public.

    The concert featured 17 pieces of music on themes of honoring history, paying tribute to fallen heroes, preserving peace, striving for a better future, and celebrating ethnic solidarity and harmony.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. Several compositions were performed at the musical event to commemorate these events.

    The concert featured numerous orchestras and musical groups from China, such as the China National Symphony Orchestra, the China Opera and Dance Theater, the Central Opera House and the Central Ballet Company of China.

    The concert was jointly organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and China Media Group (CMG). The concert will be broadcast on CMG channels during prime time on July 1. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: South Korea’s Attorney General Resigns

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SEOUL, July 1 (Xinhua) — The Prosecutor General of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Sim Woo-jung has resigned nine months after taking office in September last year, multiple media reported on Tuesday.

    Sim Woo-jung submitted his resignation on Monday and a ceremony will be held on Wednesday.

    South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who was sworn in as the country’s 21st president on June 4, has promised to limit the powers of prosecutors by giving the police investigative powers.

    By law, prosecutors are allowed to investigate certain serious crimes. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspends Prime Minister Phetongthan Shinawatra

    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

    BANGKOK, July 1 (Xinhua) — Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday accepted a petition against Prime Minister Phetongthan Shinawatra for allegedly violating the constitution and ordered her suspension from office pending a ruling.

    The panel of judges voted to accept the petition and ordered the prime minister to cease performing his duties from Tuesday until a final decision is made, the court said in a statement.

    Last month, a group of senators filed a petition accusing P. Shinawatra of violating the constitution by seriously ignoring ethical standards during a phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen over the border issue.

    Last August, 38-year-old P. Shinawatra, leader of the Phew Thai Party and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, won parliamentary elections to become the youngest prime minister in the country’s history and the second woman to hold the post. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japan unwilling to sacrifice agriculture due to US pressure on rice imports

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TOKYO, July 1 (Xinhua) — Japan has no intention of sacrificing its agricultural sector in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent demand to increase imports of American rice, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Tuesday.

    “We do not intend to make compromises that could harm Japanese agriculture in future negotiations,” Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference, according to the Nikkei newspaper.

    He made the remarks after Trump said on social media that Japan was facing a serious rice shortage but was refusing to accept American rice. The US president’s post is seen as an attempt to pressure Japan to import more rice amid ongoing Japan-US tariff talks.

    Japan currently faces 25 percent tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, as well as 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum, imposed by the United States. Despite previous rounds of ministerial-level talks, little progress has been made.

    Yoshimasa Hayashi stressed that Japan will continue “sincere and constructive talks” with the United States to reach an agreement that benefits both sides. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping calls for promoting the construction of a single pan-Chinese market and high-quality development of the marine economy

    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 1 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed efforts to advance the building of a unified pan-China market and promote high-quality development of the marine economy.

    Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while presiding over the sixth meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, which he chairs. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Multi-stakeholder Round Table 2: Leveraging Private Business and Finance

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Conference holds its second multi-stakeholder round table this morning on “Leveraging private business and finance”.

    Co-Chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue of Pakistan, and Christopher MacLennan, Deputy Minister for International Development of Canada, it will feature a keynote address by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union Commission Chairperson.

    Antonio H. Pinheiro Silveira, Vice-President for the Private Sector, CAF, will moderate the discussion.

    Panellists will include:  Neal Rijkenberg Minister for Finance of Eswatini; Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, Minister for Finance and Development Planning of Lesotho; Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister for Finance and National Planning of Zambia; and Boris Titov, Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Relations with International Organizations for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, of the Russian Federation.

    Mary Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and Eric Pelofsky, Vice-President of the Rockefeller Foundation, will be the discussants.

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund publishes its ESG report for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Baltic Horizon Fund today announces the release of its annual ESG report for the year of 2024.

    Baltic Horizon introduced its ESG strategy in 2019, and has since allocated consideable efforts on promoting environmental, social, and governance practices across its asset portfolio and in the investment strategies and decision-making processes.

    The past years, Baltic Horizon Fund has operated in a very demanding environment. In 2024, the Fund Management‘s attention has been concentrated on maximizing the potential of its portfolio and each asset to build a solid foundation for the future. In the area of ESG, our efforts have been focused on improving the ESG data quality and embracing green energy sources, in alignment with the growing tenant demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly spaces,‘ commented Tarmo Karotam, Fund Manager for Baltic Horizon Fund.

    Baltic Horizon Fund‘s ESG performance highlights in 2024

    During 2024, Baltic Horizon Fund maintained a 100% portfolio BREEAM certification. The office building Meraki received its BREEAM New Construction certificate in October with the grade Excellent. This certification improves and replaces the design state certificate which had the Very good rating.

    The Fund uses green leases to align and formalize sustainability commitments with the tenants and has set a goal to achieve 100 % of green lease coverage. In 2024, the Fund increased the share of green leases, reaching 98 % coverage by the end of the year.

    The Fund has analyzed its investments in accordance with the EU Taxonomy. In 2024, 23% of the Fund’s real estate investments satisfied the EU taxonomy substantial contribution criteria. This is a significant improvement from 2023 where the taxonomy alignment was 14% .

    During 2024, 86% of the Fund’s properties electricity was renewable. 2 out of 12 assets had on-site solar panels. 10 out of the 12 assets used renewable electricity. To increase the renewable electricity in the portfolio, the Fund has signed private power purchase agreements (PPA) to purchase solar and/or wind power directly from the energy parks. Two of the PPAs became effective in 2024 and more PPAs will enter into force in 2025.

    During 2024, the Fund once again participated in the Global Real Estate Benchmark (GRESB). The Fund received a 3-star GRESB rating in 2024, and has thoroughly analyzed the assessment results and developed an action plan to achieve a 4-star GRESB rating in 2025.

    The full ESG report 2024 is attached and is also available on the Fund’s website: https://www.baltichorizon.com/esg/.

    The Estonian translation of the report is available on the Fund’s website: www.baltichorizon.com/et/esg/.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    The Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund that is managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. 

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Stockholm, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sevilla Platform for Action Offers ‘Ambitious, Action-oriented Response to Global Financing Challenge’, Says Secretary-General, at Launch Event

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks at the launch of the Sevilla Platform for Action, in Sevilla, Spain, today:

    Thank you for joining this launch of the Sevilla Platform for Action.

    Respected President of the Government of Spain, I commend you and your Government for your vision and leadership as hosts of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.

    We are all here to respond to a global development crisis that threatens people and planet alike.  Our road map to a better future — the Sustainable Development Goals — is in danger. Two thirds of the targets are not progressing fast enough — or at all.

    Solutions depend on financing.  Developing countries need over $4 trillion a year to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  But, they are being battered by limited fiscal space, slowing growth, crushing debt burdens and growing systemic risks. 

    The Sevilla Commitment document represents a bold plan to get the engine of development revving again:  through new domestic and global commitments that can channel public and private finance to the areas of greatest need; by overhauling the world’s approach to debt to make borrowing work in service of sustainable development; and by reforming the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries.

    But, we need all hands on deck.  And that’s why the Sevilla Platform for Action is so critical — and so significant.

    In the midst of a world of division, conflict and economic uncertainty, this Platform contains more than 130 specific initiatives that demonstrate what we can achieve by working together.

    Governments, private sector partners, international institutions and civil society groups all together are teaming up to launch high-impact initiatives to bring the Sevilla Commitment to life.

    This includes a global hub for debt swaps at the World Bank as part of a broader facility aimed at relieving liquidity constraints and lowering the cost of borrowing.  A debt pause alliance to help countries in times of crisis.  A global coalition to scale up pre-arranged finance that can be readily deployed when disasters strike.  A blended finance platform to bring public and private finance together in a new and expanded way.  A new tool for multilateral development banks to manage currency risks.  And a commission to explore the future of development cooperation.

    In December 2024, I appointed a group of experts on debt who today are announcing 11 immediately actionable proposals to help resolve the debt crisis.  This includes the commitment to establish a borrowers forum for countries to learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring.  I look forward to working closely with Member States — including the G20 — to bring this forum to life, to empower borrower countries and create a fairer system.

    The Sevilla Platform for Action offers an ambitious, action-oriented response to the global financing challenge.  It provides a springboard towards a more just, inclusive and sustainable world for all countries.  And above all, it proves that progress and change are possible if we work together.

    I hope the Platform inspires countries to work as one to tackle other challenges facing our world today.  I thank Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and all of you for your leadership.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives name victim of Enfield shooting – as boy charged with murder

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Metropolitan Police Service have named the victim of a shooting in Enfield – with one suspect charged with murder and another in custody.

    Keanu Harker, aged 18, died on Thursday, 26 June after being shot on Great Cambridge Road, Enfield.

    After receiving reports that gunshots had been heard, Met officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, who treated Keanu before taking him to a nearby hospital.

    Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he later died from his injuries.

    His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    A 17-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was arrested on Sunday, 29 July, in connection with the shooting. He will appear before Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 1 July, charged with murder.

    Another suspect – aged 24 – was arrested on Monday, 30 June, on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. He is being held in police custody.

    Several lines of enquiry are active.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads policing in Enfield for the Met, said: “Our thoughts remain with Keanu’s family and friends, and anyone else affected by his death. This is a shocking incident to happen in any community.

    “We are working at pace to ensure that those responsible for Keanu’s death are held to account.

    “I would urge anyone who could assist us with our investigation to contact police immediately and to refrain from speculating about this incident online.

    “If you’d prefer to stay anonymous, you can also provide information to us through the charity Crimestoppers.

    “We’d like to once again reassure the community that this appears to be an isolated incident and a thorough investigation is underway.

    “Please do approach any of our officers who are in the local area, they will be happy to provide support to you.”

    Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 8393/26JUN or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Denmark takes over EU presidency

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    On 1 July 2025, Denmark takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
    Over the next six months, we’ll work closely on the priorities of Denmark’s EU presidency:
    A Secure, Competitive and Green Europe.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/L6inDJlaHWE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: King of Spain at the Opening of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4)

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Opening remarks by Felipe VI, King of the Kingdom of Spain, a the Opening of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 in Sevilla, Spain.

    —
    King of Spain H.M. Don Felipe VI, also made remarks at the opening of the Conference.

    The King said,“Despite the difficulties, we must continue on the long path of multilateral diplomacy, not because we believe that that is always the most direct or swiftest path, or because we refuse to see its clear shortcomings, but rather because we know where other paths have led.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3csnkJNdC9E

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Interim Biometrics Commissioner announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Interim Biometrics Commissioner announced

    The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention has appointed Francesca Whitelaw KC as the interim Biometrics Commissioner.

    The role of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner has been vacant since August 2024. The government is actively recruiting the next permanent Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, through open competition.

    While this campaign is ongoing, the minister has decided to appoint Francesca as the interim Biometrics Commissioner. Francesca has been appointed in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Francesca will undertake the casework functions of the Biometrics Commissioner set out under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, providing oversight of National Security Determinations and applications made under section 63G PACE by the police. 

    Francesca was appointed King’s Counsel in 2023 and is a leading specialist in public law, police, government, information law and human rights. She has expertise in biometrics and national security, working on several inquiries and inquests. 

    She will take up her post from today, Tuesday 1 July 2025, for a period of up to 6 months, until the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner is appointed. The Surveillance Camera Commissioner post will also remain vacant until this point.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement from the interim Biometrics Commissioner

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Statement from the interim Biometrics Commissioner

    Statement from Francesca Whitelaw KC, who has been appointed the interim Biometrics Commissioner.

    Statement from the interim Biometrics Commissioner, Francesca Whitelaw KC:

    I am delighted to have been appointed the interim Biometrics Commissioner, while the government progresses the appointment of a permanent Commissioner.

    My focus will be to consider police applications to retain, exceptionally, DNA and fingerprints under s63G of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, and under National Security Determinations, balancing the public interest considerations with the rights of individuals.

    I bring my knowledge and expertise as KC to the role, with specialisms in public, police, national security and information law.

    I look forward to working with stakeholders and my team in fulfilling this important statutory function and contributing to keeping the UK safe and secure.

    Read more about this appointment and the process of appointing a permanent commissioner.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Popular Science Tourism: A New Vector of Development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A foresight session dedicated to the development of popular science tourism was held at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade. The main goal of the event was to develop a strategy for attracting foreign tourists interested in scientific achievements and technologies. This corresponds to the new vector of development of the city’s tourism industry, which was discussed during the accelerator “International Tourism Products of Russia”. The project is being implemented by the Center of Competence in Tourism and Hospitality with the support of the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

    The development of popular science tourism at the international level is an important step towards strengthening cultural and scientific ties between Russia and other countries. We strive to create tourism products that will be interesting and useful to guests from different parts of the world, allowing them to learn more about Russian science, technology and innovation. Our task is to make St. Petersburg a center of attraction for everyone interested in science and striving for new knowledge, – noted Marina Morozova, General Director of the Center of Competence in Tourism and Hospitality.

    The foresight session was attended by representatives of tour operators, the museum community, research institutes, including the Almazov National Medical Research Center, and leading universities. The moderators were associate professors of the Higher School of Service and Trade of the IPMEiT Irina Kapustina and Ksenia Pasternak.

    The projects were assessed by the expert opinion of the General Director of the international hospitality school ACORN Hospitality and Tourism Business School Olga Weiss, the General Director of the travel agency Tolstoy House Sofia Sheynina, the head of the paid services department of the Almazov National Medical Research Center Elena Zolotukhina, the public representative of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Svetlana Selishcheva, the President of the Association of Participants in the Sphere of Medical and Health Tourism Sofia Mozokina, and the author of the program Management of State Programs and Implementation of National Projects in the Russian Federation Denis Askinadze.

    Unlike a tourism product with a pronounced cultural component, our project is focused on the scientific, industrial and scientific and production potential of the city. In the future, we also hope to attract tourists as future students, which is especially interesting for educational organizations. But even if they do not choose our universities, popular science tourism will become a powerful tool for popularizing science and a kind of soft power demonstrating the scientific, technical and scientific and production potential of our country, explained the Chairman of the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg Evgeny Pankevich.

    Participants analyzed current trends and prospects for the development of popular science tourism, developed tourist routes and educational programs aimed, in particular, at attracting tourists from the Middle East, the CIS and Vietnam.

    Events like today’s foresight session play a key role in shaping the strategy for the development of popular science and industrial tourism. The Higher School of Service and Trade, as part of its activities project office “Industrial Tourism – Polytech” actively develops this important market segment, providing training for qualified personnel and promoting Russian scientific and technological heritage. We are convinced that such activities will significantly not only increase the tourist attractiveness of the region, but will also contribute to enhancing the brand of Russian industry, as well as strengthen Russia’s image as a leader in the field of science and technology, – noted the Director of the Higher School of Service and Trade Olga Voronova.

    The meeting culminated in the development of a passport for a unique tourism product in the field of popular science tourism for inquisitive travelers from all over the world.

    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: ProLogium’s Next-Generation Lithium Ceramic Battery Shipments Surpass 2.4 Million Units

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProLogium Technology, a global leader in next-generation lithium ceramic batteries, today announced that its cumulative shipments have officially surpassed 2.4 million units, marking a major milestone since its production in 2013. A key driver of this achievement is the production ramp-up at ProLogium’s first Giga-scale super factory in Taoyuan, Taiwan (Taoke Plant), which has contributed over 500,000 units within just 18 months of operation. This strong performance demonstrates the reliability and scalability of ProLogium’s mass production capabilities. The company’s batteries have been adapted across multiple sectors including electric mobility, wearables, automotive electronics, and industrial system, highlighting the strong commercial maturity and stable supply capability of its products across diverse applications.

    Leveraging both its technological leadership and mature manufacturing infrastructure, ProLogium has proven its readiness to support large-scale market demands. This milestone also lays a solid foundation for the company’s upcoming Giga factory project in Dunkirk, France, currently preparing for construction.

    From R&D to Mass Production: Catalyzing a Paradigm Shift in the Battery Industry
    Founded in 2006, ProLogium is committed to developing safe, high-performance, scalable, and sustainable lithium ceramic batteries. It is the first and only company worldwide capable of mass-producing this next-generation battery technology using automated production systems. Following the dual approval of EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and building permits for its Giga factory in Dunkirk, France at the end of 2024, ProLogium is now leading the industry into the fourth generation all-inorganic solid-state electrolyte architecture. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with mass production planned for 2028. This marks a crucial step in the company’s global expansion, while also accelerating the transformation and upgrading of the battery supply chain, unlocking long-term value and growth potential.

    All-Ceramic Separator + All-Inorganic Electrolyte + All-Silicon Anode
    A True Next-Gen Battery beyond Conventional Solid-State Technologies
    While continuously optimizing current mass production technologies, ProLogium is also actively advancing its fourth-generation all-inorganic electrolyte architecture. By leveraging innovative inorganic electrolyte fluidization technology, ProLogium has successfully combined the respective advantages of solid-state and liquid batteries, eliminating their inherent performance trade-offs.

    This architecture significantly enhances six key performance metrics—safety, energy density, thermal stability, fast-charging capability, energy efficiency, and low-temperature performance—while addressing one of the greatest hurdles in solid-state battery commercialization: the high cost of materials and manufacturing processes. The result is a scalable, cost-effective battery that redefines the value structure of both solid-state and liquid batteries.

    Furthermore, the innovative design overcomes the interface bottleneck typically found between solid electrolytes and active materials, laying the groundwork for the widespread adoption of next-generation batteries and providing a truly scalable and sustainable energy transition solution.

    “Next-generation batteries are not only the cornerstone of the energy transition but also a critical engine driving electrification and smart device innovation” said Vincent Yang, Founder and CEO of ProLogium.

    “We are pleased that our technology has been adopted and validated by leading strategic partners around the world and introduced into a wide range of applications. Beyond business expansion, we look forward to collaborating with industry, government, academia, and research institutions to form strategic alliances that can accelerate energy transition and contribute to global sustainable development.”

    About ProLogium

    Founded in 2006, ProLogium Technology is an innovative energy company focused on the development and manufacturing of next-generation lithium ceramic batteries for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. The company holds over 900 global patents (granted and pending) and has delivered more than 12,000 battery samples for testing and module development to global automotive OEMs.

    ProLogium’s first GWh-level Giga factory (Taoke) in Taoyuan, Taiwan, began production in 2024 and supplies global markets. The company surpassed the milestone of 2.4 million battery units shipped. In May 2024, ProLogium unveiled its first overseas R&D center in Paris-Saclay, designed to tailor solutions for the European market. Its first overseas Giga factory in Dunkirk, France, received dual approvals for EIA and building permits in late 2024, with construction scheduled for 2026 and mass production in 2028.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/819c258c-214e-4297-a7cb-5378ed4b4e37

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62c8721a-977d-46e7-95da-31d7639e06ad

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic football players win bronze

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The SPbPU women’s mini-football team won an honorable third place in the 7×7 student tournament as part of the St. Petersburg Student Games. The tournament was organized by the St. Petersburg Football Federation. Our football players won medals in prestigious city competitions among students for the first time.

    Polytechnic demonstrated its power almost from the very start: a crushing 6:1 victory over SPbGLTU, a rout of GIKIT — 8:0, a convincing 5:1 over ITMO and the Mining University. Although there were also defeats — from Voenmekh — 0:4 and Herzen University — 0:2. But the overall balance at the end of the group stage brought the team to an honorable place in the top three.

    The forwards’ statistics are particularly impressive: Ekaterina Butasova scored 6 goals, Alina Asanova – 5, and Evgenia Baranova – 4.

    We congratulate not only the girls, but also their talented coaches – Vladimir Kalinin and Pavel Malakhov.

    Emotions are purely positive! We finally managed to get into the prizes at the student competitions, which we are very happy about. This year everything worked out, we have a very friendly and ambitious team. Many thanks to the girls for their dedication, somewhere for self-sacrifice, for believing in the process that gave a result. Thanks to the sports club, which actively helps us develop and become a formidable force not only among universities, but also in city competitions. Third place is a huge success for us, but we have something to strive for. Next year we will certainly try to improve this result. Thanks to everyone who supported us, you are the best! – shared his impressions the head coach of the team Vladimir Kalinin.

    I am very happy that our team is in the top three. I am proud of everyone who took part in this! Women’s football at the Polytechnic, as it turned out, can also bring results. It is nice to realize that what we have been working towards for a very long time and with great difficulty, we now have. And that the places will be even higher in the future. Work hard, friends! It is very symbolic and pleasant that we won bronze on Valery Petrovich Sushchenko’s birthday, because we promised him the cup. Once again, thank you and congratulations to everyone! – said team captain Maya Fialko.

    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: Linking Times: How Polytechnic Students Preserve the Memory of Their Ancestors’ Feats

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Activists of the military-historical club “Our Polytechnic” continue the traditions of patriotic education, actively participating in events dedicated to the memory of the Great Patriotic War. In June, students attended several festivals that became a vivid example of unity and respect for the feat of our ancestors.

    The journey into history began with a trip to Yelets, where a major military history festival was held from June 12 to 14. The program of the event included many events – from a flower-laying ceremony to a visit to the military glory museum.

    At numerous interactive exhibitions, guests were able to see authentic wartime items. The authentic Red Army camp in the Rusborg fortress was especially impressive. The children spent the night in field conditions, using real raincoats, which helped them feel the atmosphere of wartime.

    The culmination of the festival was the reconstruction of the famous battle for the Terbunsky line, which took place on July 6, 1942. More than a hundred reenactors, armored vehicles and cavalry took part in the recreation of historical events.

    The next stop on the trip was Brest, where the 13th military-historical festival “June 22 Brest Fortress” was held. For the polytechnics, this is already a traditional event – they have been participating in it for eight years. The students visited battle sites and lived in conditions close to those of that time.

    The Brest festival program included the opening ceremony of the monument to border guards at the Northern Gate of the Brest Fortress, a ceremonial march in the 1941 uniform to the sounds of a military orchestra, a theatrical performance “The Last Peaceful Day”, laying flowers at the Eternal Flame and a detailed reconstruction of the events of the beginning of the war. Military history clubs from Russia, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland took part in this reconstruction. A tank, an armored car, cars, motorcycles, an An-2 plane, cavalry and pyrotechnics were used. More than 10 thousand people became spectators.

    Activists of the VIC “Our Polytech” believe that such events are not just an entertaining spectacle, but an important contribution to preserving historical memory and strengthening the connection between generations. By participating in them, students try to cultivate respect for the heroic past of the country and the people in their peers.

    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 –