NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $1.8M to help workers affected by layoffs at Georgia-Pacific

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $1.8 million to the Technical College System of Georgia to support employment and training services for people affected by layoffs at Georgia-Pacific LLC. 

    On May 14, 2025, Georgia-Pacific announced the permanent closure of their Cedar Springs containerboard processing mill, which will result in a mass layoff that is expected to begin Aug. 1, 2025. Georgia-Pacific estimates that 535 individuals will be impacted by the closure.

    Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, this National Dislocated Worker Grant will allow the Technical College System of Georgia to provide retraining and skills development services for dislocated workers seeking assistance in Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth counties. 

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Large-scale thefts of luxury watches: gang dismantled in Italy with support of Eurojust

    Source: Eurojust

    25 July 2025|

    Nine members of a gang involved in stealing luxury watches were arrested this week in Italy, with the support of Eurojust. Through an exchange of information and evidence via the Agency, police forces across southern Italy were able to link the criminals to thefts in various Italian cities, as well as in Ibiza, Spain and Saint-Tropez, France. The suspects were part of a roving gang, which travelled frequently between the three countries.

    The criminal network mainly targeted elderly victims in wealthier tourist resorts, following them on motorcycles. Once a target was established and with the cooperation of accomplices who followed the motorbikes by car in small and busy streets, expensive watches were snatched from the victims. 

    The thefts took place at carefully chosen opportunities, for instance, when victims got out of their cars. The watches were then passed on to the accomplices in cars. The value of the stolen watches is estimated at at least EUR 370 000. 

    The gang was run by two senior members. For part of the time, they ran the operation from prison in Ibiza, where they were detained for similar thefts. They have now been arrested again in Italy. The two senior gang members gave instructions for the thefts and chose new recruits and target locations. They also arranged the financing of the trips for gang members and their transport.

    The operation was carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:

    • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Lucca; State Police of Naples, Caserta, Foggia, Avellino and Salerno
    • France: Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Nice, Draguignan and Paris (International Cooperation Section)
    • Spain: Investigative Court no. 4 of Ibiza; Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Baleares 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Large-scale thefts of luxury watches: gang dismantled in Italy with support of Eurojust

    Source: Eurojust

    25 July 2025|

    Nine members of a gang involved in stealing luxury watches were arrested this week in Italy, with the support of Eurojust. Through an exchange of information and evidence via the Agency, police forces across southern Italy were able to link the criminals to thefts in various Italian cities, as well as in Ibiza, Spain and Saint-Tropez, France. The suspects were part of a roving gang, which travelled frequently between the three countries.

    The criminal network mainly targeted elderly victims in wealthier tourist resorts, following them on motorcycles. Once a target was established and with the cooperation of accomplices who followed the motorbikes by car in small and busy streets, expensive watches were snatched from the victims. 

    The thefts took place at carefully chosen opportunities, for instance, when victims got out of their cars. The watches were then passed on to the accomplices in cars. The value of the stolen watches is estimated at at least EUR 370 000. 

    The gang was run by two senior members. For part of the time, they ran the operation from prison in Ibiza, where they were detained for similar thefts. They have now been arrested again in Italy. The two senior gang members gave instructions for the thefts and chose new recruits and target locations. They also arranged the financing of the trips for gang members and their transport.

    The operation was carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:

    • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Lucca; State Police of Naples, Caserta, Foggia, Avellino and Salerno
    • France: Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Nice, Draguignan and Paris (International Cooperation Section)
    • Spain: Investigative Court no. 4 of Ibiza; Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Baleares 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Action against ATM fraud in Romania and UK stopped by joint investigation team with Eurojust assistance

    Source: Eurojust

    Authorities in Romania and the United Kingdom have taken concerted action to block criminals who illegally withdrew cash from automated teller machines (ATMs) on a large scale. By using specialised computer programs and devices, the Romanian criminal network managed to steal an estimated EUR 580 000. The criminal group was also involved in other types of payment and card fraud. 

    During an operation in Romania, two suspects were identified and brought in for questioning. In the UK, prosecutions have already been initiated against eight members of the group, following an action day in December 2024.

    © DIICOT Poliția Română

    Eurojust supported a joint investigation team of the Romanian and British authorities, which investigated the case. The Agency also assisted with the preparation of the action day in Romania. Europol provided data analysis support, in addition to sending an analyst to Romania and organising meetings to prepare for the operations on the ground.

    The criminal network was formed last year in the Romanian city of Bacău, mainly consisting of family members and friends. They adopted a derogatory term aimed at the police as their so-called trademark, which they used on social media, on custom license plates and on clothes they wore.

    Most of the money was stolen in the UK by pretending to take money from an ATM with a bank card, removing the screen of the ATM and then cancelling the transaction. This allowed them to reach into the ATM itself and take all the cash inside, before ending the transaction.

    The criminals also counterfeited public transport cards, which they distributed across the UK with the help of individuals of Turkish origin. Furthermore, they committed card fraud by using software that identifies card numbers and then generates illicit income through fraudulent payments.

    The proceeds of the criminal activities were invested in luxury cars, jewellery, real estate and expensive holidays. The gang members being prosecuted in the UK and those brought in for questioning in Romania are suspected of cyber fraud, membership of an organised crime group, money laundering and forgery of payment instruments. 

    During the action day in Romania, a total of 18 places were searched and real estate, vehicles electronic devices and cash were seized. 

    The operations against the criminal network were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:

    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) – Bacău Regional Service; Romanian Police – Anti Cybercrime Service of Bacău County Organised Crime Brigade
    • United Kingdom: Crown Prosecution Service; Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Action against ATM fraud in Romania and UK stopped by joint investigation team with Eurojust assistance

    Source: Eurojust

    Authorities in Romania and the United Kingdom have taken concerted action to block criminals who illegally withdrew cash from automated teller machines (ATMs) on a large scale. By using specialised computer programs and devices, the Romanian criminal network managed to steal an estimated EUR 580 000. The criminal group was also involved in other types of payment and card fraud. 

    During an operation in Romania, two suspects were identified and brought in for questioning. In the UK, prosecutions have already been initiated against eight members of the group, following an action day in December 2024.

    © DIICOT Poliția Română

    Eurojust supported a joint investigation team of the Romanian and British authorities, which investigated the case. The Agency also assisted with the preparation of the action day in Romania. Europol provided data analysis support, in addition to sending an analyst to Romania and organising meetings to prepare for the operations on the ground.

    The criminal network was formed last year in the Romanian city of Bacău, mainly consisting of family members and friends. They adopted a derogatory term aimed at the police as their so-called trademark, which they used on social media, on custom license plates and on clothes they wore.

    Most of the money was stolen in the UK by pretending to take money from an ATM with a bank card, removing the screen of the ATM and then cancelling the transaction. This allowed them to reach into the ATM itself and take all the cash inside, before ending the transaction.

    The criminals also counterfeited public transport cards, which they distributed across the UK with the help of individuals of Turkish origin. Furthermore, they committed card fraud by using software that identifies card numbers and then generates illicit income through fraudulent payments.

    The proceeds of the criminal activities were invested in luxury cars, jewellery, real estate and expensive holidays. The gang members being prosecuted in the UK and those brought in for questioning in Romania are suspected of cyber fraud, membership of an organised crime group, money laundering and forgery of payment instruments. 

    During the action day in Romania, a total of 18 places were searched and real estate, vehicles electronic devices and cash were seized. 

    The operations against the criminal network were carried out at the request of and by the following authorities:

    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) – Bacău Regional Service; Romanian Police – Anti Cybercrime Service of Bacău County Organised Crime Brigade
    • United Kingdom: Crown Prosecution Service; Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: How to Inform Investors About Complex Financial Products

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Information about such products should be placed in special sections of websites and mobile applications. It will be available to the user after he confirms the status of a qualified investor and becomes familiar with the risks of these instruments.

    The recommendations are aimed at reducing the likelihood of unqualified investors being forced to buy complex financial instruments that could result in losses.

    Let us recall that, according to the law, financial market participants are prohibited from offering a number of complex financial products to unqualified investors.

    Preview photo: Sacred Spark Art / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova held a meeting of the Russian Tripartite Commission for the Regulation of Social and Labor Relations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova held the next meeting of the Russian Tripartite Commission for the Regulation of Social and Labor Relations.

    The meeting considered and supported by the parties the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation”, developed on the instructions of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin with the aim of improving the provisions governing the apprenticeship contract. Thus, it was proposed to supplement Chapter 32 of the Labor Code with provisions specifying the status of apprenticeship contracts, the obligations of the parties, as well as the types of programs mastered during the apprenticeship period. In addition, it was proposed to include individual entrepreneurs in the circle of persons who are allowed to conclude apprenticeship contracts. For the apprentice, the bill provides for guarantees of employment, as well as the payment of a scholarship at the expense of the employer for the entire period of training. The employer, in turn, will be able to return the funds spent on training in cases where the apprentice has not fulfilled the obligations specified in the contract. In addition, the bill provides for a mechanism for co-financing the costs of employers at the expense of the budgets of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. It is expected that the expansion of the practice of using apprenticeship contracts will become an effective mechanism for training qualified personnel, which will help solve the problem of staffing, and will also become a social lift for workers, as it will open up prospects for successful employment, career growth and increased wages.

    The commission members also discussed and supported the draft federal law “On Amending Article 1 of the Federal Law “On the Minimum Wage”, according to which, from January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will increase by 20.7% and will amount to 27,093 rubles. The adoption of the bill will lead to an increase in wages for about 4.6 million workers.

    In addition, the members of the RTC were presented with reports on the activities of two regional tripartite commissions for the regulation of social and labor relations – the Leningrad Region and the Republic of Dagestan.

    Other issues were also considered at the meeting. Among them:

    draft federal laws “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation (in terms of optimizing the mechanism for the implementation by certain categories of citizens of the rights to receive social protection measures (support), state social assistance provided at the expense of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, as well as improving the activities of the Pension and Social Insurance Fund of the Russian Federation)” and “On Amendments to Article 138⁶ of the Budget Code of the Russian Federation”;

    draft federal law “On the expected period of payment of funded pensions for 2026”;

    draft federal law “On Amendments to Article 69 of the Federal Law “On the Fundamentals of Health Protection of Citizens in the Russian Federation” and the Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation”;

    draft resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation “On Amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of March 30, 2022 No. 511”;

    draft resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation “On the transfer of days off in 2026”.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On July 25 at 15:00 a press conference will be held on the results of the meeting of the Board of Directors on monetary policy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The event will be attended by the Chairman of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina and the Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia Alexey Zabotkin.

    Elvira Nabiullina will make a statement on monetary policy and medium-term forecast.

    The press conference will be held at the Bank of Russia press center. The broadcast of the speech will be available on our website, channel inTelegram, as well as on the official page in“VKontakte”.

    Accreditation for journalists is open until 17:00 on July 23 at the address Media@kbr.ru.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The Russian market has launched an index of benchmark stock issuers

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “Companies from the financial and non-financial sectors were among the applicants for inclusion in the Program,” notes Ekaterina Abasheeva, Director of the Bank of Russia’s Corporate Relations Department. “Following the review of applications, several issuers demonstrating the necessary institutional quality were selected. We hope that they will grow into a new generation of blue chips — companies that adhere to high standards of corporate governance and are interested in increasing their investment attractiveness. Together with the Moscow Exchange, we will continue to work on forming a pool of high-quality issuers participating in the Program.”

    The decision to include shares in the index is made by a committee, which includes representatives of the Bank of Russia, Moscow Exchange, and the Analytical Credit Rating Agency. The committee evaluates corporate governance, the level of information transparency of the issuer, and its financial and economic indicators. The status of a participant in the Program must be confirmed at least once a year. Issuers whose shares are included in the first or second level of the Moscow Exchange listing can participate in it.

    Preview photo: Igor Paszkiewicz / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Partner Financing Experiment Extended Until September 2028

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Law, which extends the experiment in partnership financing, also provides for the improvement of its mechanisms. The law was adopted by the State Duma and approved by the Federation Council.

    The experiment will be carried out from September 1, 2023, on the territory of Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Tatarstan and the Chechen Republic. It was initially announced for two years.

    The law expands the list of partnership financing operations, including opening accounts by banks that have the appropriate license. The list of operations also includes mutual insurance.

    A special committee will be created to approve standards for partner funding. Companies should indicate in their advertising that they are participants in the experiment.

    In addition, the list of grounds for refusing to include organizations in the register of experiment participants is being expanded, as well as the list of grounds for exclusion from it. This will reduce the risks of unscrupulous companies participating in the experiment.

    The purpose of the law is to create a more correct and uniform provision of partnership financing services, to increase the transparency and attractiveness of the experiment, including for foreign investors.

    Preview photo: Ele Sviridova / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Bank of Russia to supervise installment service operators

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Laws The State Duma adopted a resolution on requirements for installment service operators and contracts with them.

    Now sellers and installment service operators (intermediaries between the seller and the buyer) will not be able to disguise interest on deferred payments by setting different prices for goods in installments and for cash. The amount of fines that installment service operators can collect from users is also limited.

    In addition, if the citizen’s installment obligations exceed 50 thousand rubles, the service operator will be obliged transfer this information to the credit bureau. This will help banks and microfinance organizations assess the level of a person’s debt burden when applying for a loan or credit. Thus, citizens will be better protected from debt overload and default risks.

    Legislators also gradually limited the maximum period of interest-free installments: from April 1, 2026 – 6 months, from April 1, 2028 – 4 months.

    The changes will come into force on April 1, 2026.

    Preview photo: Reshetnikov_art / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Registration for Finopolis-2025 is open.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Finopolis Forum of Innovative Financial Technologies is 10 years old. This year it will be held from October 8 to 10 at the Sirius federal territory. You can register atwebsite.

    The forum will be attended by the management of the Bank of Russia, representatives of relevant ministries and departments, leading financial and digital fintech companies, as well as opinion leaders in the field of technology. They will discuss trends and vectors of development of financial technologies in various segments of the financial market.

    According to established tradition, an exhibition will open for forum guests, where the latest achievements in the field of innovation will be presented.

    Preview photo: Elizaveta Ageenko / Bold Friday Studio

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: The government has simplified the procedure for issuing permits for businesses

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The simplified format for issuing licenses and permits in Russia is enshrined in amendments to 69 federal laws. Today, they were approved by the Federation Council. The project lasted four years. During this time, the terms for issuing permits were shortened and the number of required documents was reduced, papers were transferred to electronic form and to a registry model. The project was implemented under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

    The work was carried out as part of an experiment and included more than 400 government services, all of which became available on the government services portal. In 2024 alone, about 9.5 million applications for various types of permits were received. Without a positive decision on these applications, it is illegal to carry out permitting activities.

    The adoption of the law allows us to consolidate the results of the optimization of the permitting process. Thus, thanks to the project, the time for issuing permits has been halved (from 43 to 19 days on average) and the number of documents from applicants (from 8 to 4 documents). Some types of permitting activities have been transferred to a registry model. This has made it possible to abandon paper permits in favor of entries in electronic registers, in which case it is no longer necessary to obtain and store a document on a form.

    “The government is creating conditions for comfortable business in Russia. Optimizing the process of obtaining permits is an important part of this work. We have digitalized the entire procedure: from collecting documents and submitting an application to issuing the permit itself. Entrepreneurs no longer need to duplicate information – government agencies receive it through interdepartmental data exchange. This approach has made it possible to halve the number of requested documents and the time it takes to obtain permits. That is, the procedure is simplified through digital tools without reducing the overall level of security,” commented Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

    The law establishes the possibility of obtaining comprehensive permits in electronic form. This format has been available on the public services portal since June of this year. In particular, the comprehensive services “Opening a Pharmacy” and “Certification of Forest Management Specialists” were launched. The user only needs to submit one application to receive a number of permits at once, which are necessary for carrying out a particular entrepreneurial activity.

    The public services portal also implements six services that provide proactive provision of permits from Rosrybolovstvo, FMBA, Rostransnadzor and Rosmorrechflot. Thus, portal users receive a notification about the need to extend permits. At the same time, the application for registration of such documents is pre-filled automatically taking into account up-to-date information from other state systems. Proactive provision of services for issuing permits is also enshrined in law.

    Amendments to 69 federal laws were prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development, adopted by the State Duma and supported by the Federation Council.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Thales Alenia Space signs a contract with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to develop the first human outpost on the lunar surface

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales Alenia Space signs a contract with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to develop the first human outpost on the lunar surface

    Thales Alenia Space Italy to build the Multi-Purpose Habitation module for the Moon

    • The Multi-Purpose Habitation module is a key building block in the Artemis roadmap for establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon. It will allow astronauts to live on the lunar surface to conduct science experiments and test initial habitability.
    • By combining module design activities with future collaborations leveraging Italy’s technological and manufacturing capabilities, the company will deliver a secure, comfortable and multifunctional habitat module for astronauts, fully compatible with other systems and components.
    • As part of the Italian Space Agency’s program, this contract strengthens the pivotal roles of Thales Alenia Space Italy and Italy in advancing crewed and robotic space exploration on the Moon and beyond.
    • Lunar exploration will benefit from Thales Alenia Space Italy’s cutting-edge technology, expertise and long experience in space exploration, space transportation systems and orbital infrastructures, that could pave the way for future missions to Mars.

    Rome, July 25, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to perform the preliminary design phase, including development of critical enabling technologies, of the pressurized Multi-Purpose Habitation (MPH) module for the lunar surface. 

    Multi-Purpose Habitation module © Thales Alenia Space_Briot

    Planned for launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in 2033, the MPH module will be the first ever dedicated habitation asset on the lunar surface as part of the Artemis Accords between NASA and ASI for bilateral Moon cooperation. The MPH module will safely host astronauts during their missions, support surface operations, enable scientific research experiments both with and without the presence of a human crew; and have the capability to move on the surface.

    Designed for a minimum operational lifespan of 10 years, the MPH will serve as a permanent surface habitat, capable of operating synergistically with other elements of the Artemis architecture.

    Part rover, part lunar shelter

    Over the course of the two-year contract, Thales Alenia Space Italy will act as overall prime contractor, working alongside Altec (a public-private company owned by Thales Alenia Space and ASI) and other Italian industrial entities, for the MPH preliminary design phase. The initial development will focus on enabling technologies aimed at facing the harsh environmental conditions on the lunar surface, including extreme thermal variations, pervasive lunar dust, high radiation levels, micrometeoroid impacts, and the effects of reduced lunar gravity. In collaboration with the Industrial consortium members and space agencies, the company will lead the development of the MPH module to advance scientific discovery on the Moon, enable sustainable lunar exploration and drive the knowledge and technologies needed to support human missions to Mars.

    Teodoro Valente, President of the Italian Space Agency, emphasized: “MPH represents yet another scientific challenge for Italy and ASI, which are planning to bring a comfortable and safe human settlement to the lunar surface, thanks to the expertise and high, competitive technological standards that Thales Alenia Space Italy has acquired internationally in the field of space habitability. The future lunar module, the result of the historic relationship between NASA and ASI, is part of a long-term investment vision that Italy has implemented, enabling us to play an increasingly leading role in the new space race and, moreover, to be a fundamental part of the Moon to Mars Strategy of NASA’s Artemis program. Today’s signature confirms the Italian Government’s significant and ongoing commitment to supporting the development of the Space Economy and supporting Italy’s globally recognized excellence. Furthermore, it is important that this act comes just days after Parliament’s approval of the country’s first “Space Law”.

    “We are deeply honored that ASI has entrusted Thales Alenia Space with this contract to develop the MPH, giving us, as a leading European company, the opportunity to drive scientific and technological progress in building the first Italian human outpost on the lunar surface. This milestone will further strengthen and advance human space exploration on the Moon and beyond,” said Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space.

    About THALES ALENIA SPACE

    Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental monitoring, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.23 billion in 2024 and has more than 8,100 employees in 7 countries with 15 sites in Europe. 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Country heat policy review: France

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    France has developed a comprehensive framework to manage extreme heat, significantly reducing heat-related mortality and improving public awareness.

    The approach includes national, regional, and local initiatives, guided by lessons learned from the 2003 heatwave, which prompted the creation of a robust governance structure to prepare for and respond to heat risks.

    The Ministry for Ecological Transition leads national climate change adaptation efforts, while the Ministry of Health oversees the inter-ministerial system for health management of heatwaves, active annually from June to September. Météo- France provides weather forecasts and early warnings, while Santé publique France manages health surveillance systems and public health campaigns to raise awareness of heat risks.

    Local governments, including departmental prefects and mayors, are responsible for implementing heat management plans, such as ORSEC (Organisation de la Réponse de Sécurité Civile), and communal safeguard plans. These local strategies include access to cooled public places, ensuring access to water, and maintaining registers of vulnerable individuals for targeted interventions.

    France’s heat response benefits from strong collaboration across sectors. Public-private partnerships with Electricité de France (EDF) ensure energy stability during heatwaves, while Veolia manages water resources. NGOs like the French Red Cross and Secours Populaire Français assist local governments by providing services to vulnerable populations. International partnerships with the World health Organization (WHO) and participation in European Union initiatives like Horizon 2020 also bolster France’s heat resilience efforts.

    France has achieved a significant reduction in heat-related mortality, with no extreme excess mortality observed during severe heatwaves since 2004. While these events have not matched the severity or duration of the 2003 heatwave, they have still impacted mortality and healthcare services. Public awareness campaigns have also been highly effective, with 75% of the population reporting they are well informed about heat risks. France has implemented innovative strategies, including the creation of cool islands in urban areas and localized heat action plans tailored to regional needs. Through ORSEC and communal safeguard plans, local governments have mobilized resources to protect vulnerable populations, ensuring effective heatwave response.

    France’s success in managing extreme heat, through national policy and localized action, demonstrates the importance of early warning systems, cross-sectoral collaboration, and strong governance.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Country heat policy review: United Kingdom of Great Britan and Northern Ireland

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The United Kingdom, through the collaborative efforts of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, has developed comprehensive strategies for managing extreme heat.

    In England – one of the four nations of the UK – the Adverse Weather and Health Plan (AWHP) defines and guides planning and response efforts related to the health impacts of extreme heat and other adverse weather. The AWHP outlines a common framework for responding to adverse weather, including periods of high temperature, and defines the roles and responsibilities of the different delivery groups at the local, regional, and national levels. The AWHP is underpinned by four core pillars: the Plan itself; guidance; the supporting evidence base; and the Weather-Health Alerting system. Other UK nations, such as Scotland (Public Health Scotland), have recently published their own AWHP.

    In England, two early warning systems operate to address the diverse impacts of extreme temperatures. The Heat-Health Alerts (HHA), part of the Weather-Health Alerting system, are issued by UKHSA and the Met Office for England to protect vulnerable populations and health and social care services with yellow, amber, and red alerts. The National Severe Weather Warning System (NSWWS), managed by the Met Office across the UK, issues amber and red alerts for broader public impacts in addition to health, including effects on sectors like transport and utilities. These systems are coordinated to ensure consistent public messaging, aligning HHA and NSWWS warnings when necessary for clear, authoritative communication on heat risks.

    Public health campaigns play an integral role in the UK’s strategy. The UKHSA’s “Beat the Heat” and the Met Office’s “Weather Ready” campaigns provide practical advice on how to stay cool during hot weather, with materials distributed to the public, particularly targeting high-risk groups. UKHSA and the Met Office, in collaboration with various partners, lead these awareness efforts across multiple communication platforms.

    UKHSA coordinates with the Met Office, local governments, and emergency services to ensure a comprehensive national response to extreme heat. Local and national authorities are tasked with implementing action plans and providing critical services during extreme heat events.

    The UK engages in partnerships with academic institutions, community organizations, and the private sector to bolster heat resilience. Public-private partnerships, particularly with utilities and infrastructure sectors, focus on energy efficiency and public health protection during extreme heat events.

    The UK has seen measurable success in managing extreme heat, as evidenced by the response to the record-breaking 2022 heatwave. Despite the extreme conditions, over 1,000 fewer heat-related deaths occurred than historically expected for such record-breaking temperatures. After the event, a Met Office survey revealed that 98% of the public took some form of action in response to issued alerts and warnings during the record-breaking heat period. UKHSA’s and Met Office initiatives, including early warnings and public health interventions, contributed to reducing heat-related illnesses and fatalities. The increased public awareness and improved coordination between health services and local authorities highlight the effectiveness of the planning and early warning systems.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH ramps up health education on prevention and control measures against Chikungunya fever amid global surge (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         A surge in Chikungunya fever (CF) has been reported in different countries and regions worldwide. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (July 25) that it will continue to implement a multipronged approach to prevent the spread of CF in Hong Kong and safeguard public health. The CHP will hold two online seminars next week. Doctors will explain the symptoms of CF, how to prevent infection and how to properly use insect repellents. The seminars aim to enhance public understanding of this mosquito-borne disease and encourage active participation in prevention efforts to protect both oneself and others.
     
    “CF is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes carrying the CF virus, and is not transmitted from person to person. The recent spike in CF cases in multiple regions worldwide poses a significant risk of imported cases in Hong Kong. When it comes to CF, the saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ is absolutely applicable. Although there is currently no registered vaccine in Hong Kong to prevent CF, avoiding mosquito bites and curbing mosquito breeding can create an effective barrier to prevent the local spread of the disease. To this end, the CHP has increased its public awareness and educational efforts targeting different groups and will continue to work closely with various government departments and stakeholders to enhance preparedness and readiness,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
     
    Dr Tsui added that CF can easily lead to large-scale outbreaks in environments with severe mosquito infestations, placing a burden on the healthcare system. While most CF patients have mild symptoms, the elderly, young children and those with underlying illnesses are more likely to develop complications after becoming infected. After recovery, patients may experience long-term joint pain, which can persist for months or even years, causing inconvenience or distress to their daily lives. Therefore, CF should not be taken lightly.
     
    Control measures at boundary control points (BCPs)
     
         The CHP’s Port Health Division steps up publicity and education efforts regarding CF at the BCPs, conducts more frequent inspections to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures, conducts temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fevers or related symptoms will be assessed on health conditions and referred to hospitals for follow up when necessary. The CHP also maintains close liaison with relevant stakeholders such as airlines and the travel industry to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner.
     
    Reminder to healthcare professionals to report CF cases
     
         Today, the CHP issued another letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong regarding CF to provide them with the latest epidemiological information and appeal them to watch out for CF-related symptoms among those who return to Hong Kong from outbound travel. If CF cases are detected, they should be immediately referred to hospitals for treatment and reported to the DH in accordance with the established mechanism so that the DH can initiate epidemiological investigations, and implement prevention and control measures.
     
    Measures the public should continue to take
     
    The CHP will hold two online seminars next week to raise public awareness of CF and address related inquiries from the public. Details will be announced later on the CHP’s social media accounts, and the public is welcome to watch. Starting from today, the CHP has also set up mobile promotional booths at multiple locations across Hong Kong (including public markets, community health centres, and shopping malls) to educate the public on how to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Details can be viewed at www.chp.gov.hk/en/other/events/476.html.
     
    The CHP recommends that the public properly use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients to effectively prevent mosquito bites. The following precautions should be taken when using them:
     

    • read the label instructions carefully first;
    • apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
    • apply on exposed skin and clothing;
    • use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
    • apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
    • reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
    • in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535, picaridin etc. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

    Latest global situation regarding CF
     
    There have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020.

    According to the World Health Organization, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. As of early June this year, over 220 000 cases had been reported in 14 countries/regions worldwide (including the Mainland, Taiwan and Singapore which are popular tourist destinations for Hong Kong citizens). Of these cases, about 80 were fatal. Around one third of the population of La Réunion were currently estimated to be infected with CF, and cases were reported in Europe (including France and Italy).

    In July this year, an outbreak of CF occurred in Shunde District of Foshan City, Guangdong Province, triggered by imported cases. As of July 24, there were 3 645 CF confirmed cases in Foshan. The majority of cases (3 317 cases) were in Shunde District; 178 cases in Chancheng District; 141 cases in Nanhai District; six in Sanshui District and three in Gaoming District. All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases so far. Regarding Macao, the first and second CF cases this year were recorded on July 18 and 22 respectively. The patients travelled to Shunde and Nanhai respectively during the incubation period and was classified as imported cases.
     
         “Although Aedes aegypti, the primary vector for spreading CF, is not found in Hong Kong, Aedes albopictus is another vector that can transmit CF. Imported cases of CF and dengue fever can lead to local transmission if they are bitten by mosquitoes during the communicable period. Mosquitoes breed quickly during the hot, rainy spring and summer months. Inadequate mosquito control also poses a risk of CF outbreaks. Mosquito control is of paramount importance, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites and avoiding mosquito bites. Members of the public are advised to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and when travelling outside of Hong Kong. Scientific research showed that even asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic infected individuals can transmit the virus to mosquitoes through bites. Members of the public returning from areas affected by CF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical advice promptly and provide their travel details to a doctor,” said Dr Tsui.
     
    The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the dengue fever page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the Chikungunya fever page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU budget 2028-2034: Overview of the Commission’s proposal – 25-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Commission presented its proposals for the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF) on 16 July 2025. It proposes a budget amounting to a total of almost €1.8 trillion in commitments over the seven years. Each MFF constitutes the EU’s budgetary plan for a 7-year period, setting the maximum level of spending (‘ceilings’) for each major category of expenditure (‘heading’). This briefing provides an overview of the main components of the proposed long-term EU budget for the years 2028 to 2034. It also provides an initial comparison with the current budget framework for 2021-2027, focusing on commitment appropriations. (Amounts in this briefing are given in constant 2025 prices, unless otherwise stated. Comparisons at the level of individual programmes are only approximate, given the streamlining and regrouping proposed by the Commission.)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of CMR substances in cosmetics and their compatibility with EU health and sustainability objectives – E-002887/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002887/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    The recent presentation of the chemicals package by the European Commission has generated widespread public concern about the weakening of public health protection. In particular, the proposal to amend the Regulation on cosmetic products provides for the possibility of allowing the use of certain substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR), provided there is no danger posed through skin contact, but only through ingestion or inhalation.

    This proposal would run counter to the precautionary principle and would lower the levels of consumer protection achieved so far in the EU, especially in everyday products such as cosmetics.

    Considering the above:

    • 1.What scientific and regulatory justification is there for the proposal to allow CMR substances in cosmetics where a risk through skin contact is not clearly proven?
    • 2.What kind of independent assessment is planned to ensure that these substances do not really pose a risk through skin contact?
    • 3.How does this proposal align with the objectives of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the commitment to ensure a high level of health protection in the internal market?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Performance of Kremlin-associated conductor Valery Gergiev at the ‘Un’Estate da RE’ festival – co-financed by the EU – in Caserta, Italy – E-002867/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002867/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE)

    On 27 July 2025, Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, a declared supporter of Vladimir Putin and an internationally known cultural ambassador of the Kremlin, is scheduled to perform at the Un’Estate da RE festival in Caserta, Italy. According to publicly available information the event is co-financed by the EU Cohesion Fund[1].

    Given Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the systematic bombing of civilian infrastructure – most recently in Kyiv – and the extensive EU sanctions against supporters of the regime, it raises serious concerns about how such cultural funding aligns with the core values of the European Union.

    • 1.How does the Commission justify the use of EU funds – including the Cohesion Fund – for an event featuring a prominent Kremlin-affiliated figure who has openly endorsed Putin’s regime and has yet to distance himself from its illegal war of aggression?
    • 2.What safeguards (e.g. guidelines or mechanisms) exist to ensure EU funds do not indirectly contribute to the legitimisation of authoritarian regimes and their cultural representatives?
    • 3.What consequences will the Commission draw from this case to ensure that future cultural funding is consistent with EU foreign policy objectives and core values – particularly its commitment to human rights and solidarity with Ukraine?

    Submitted: 14.7.2025

    • [1] https://backstageclassical.com/bomben-auf-kiew-und-gergiev-in-italien/.
    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – An end to discrimination against Swedish dairy farmers? – E-002884/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002884/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)

    At the moment, Swedish dairy farmers are not eligible for EU agricultural aid for their grazing cows. This is because support for animal welfare payments cannot be paid for something that is a national law or practice. The unfortunate consequence of this is that Swedish farmers are placed at a disadvantage in comparison with other farmers in the Union owing to the stricter rules on animal welfare.

    The Commission is now suggesting a change to the rules governing animal welfare payments[1]. The legal requirements under the new rules will no longer exclude farmers who comply with the level of animal welfare required under EU legislation.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Can Swedish farmers expect a future CAP under which they can both maintain their high level of animal welfare and receive animal welfare payments?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to ensure that Member States with stricter rules on animal welfare do not remain at a competitive disadvantage within the internal market when the CAP is implemented?
    • 3.What is behind the Commission’s U-turn on stepping up animal welfare payments?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    • [1] See recital 25 and pp. 37-38 of COM(2025)0236, https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/circabc-ewpp/d/d/workspace/SpacesStore/b595fc96-2988-44fb-86a5-4383cb070119/file.bin.
    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Turkish Cypriots alleging ethnic cleansing by Türkiye – Request for protection of European citizens from attacks by a non-EU country – E-002881/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002881/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Maria Zacharia (NI)

    A six-point letter signed by the ‘Movement of Cypriots for Peace and Solidarity’ was delivered by Turkish Cypriots to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, with a request to complain to the International Criminal Court against Türkiye for the systematic transfer of the population to the occupied areas, as well as for a census in the occupied areas under the auspices of the UN.

    ‘Türkiye, which intervened militarily on the island under the pretext of ‘guarantor responsibility’ for the protection of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and the restoration of its constitutional order, has exceeded its guarantor responsibilities, has carried out ethnic cleansing in the northern part of Cyprus, has divided the island in two with borders, has plundered the property of Greek Cypriots and, in violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, has transferred populations to the island, disrupting the demographic structure and establishing a separatist, puppet political regime loyal to itself,’ the Turkish Cypriots underline in the letter blasting Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ersin Tatar of the pseudo-state.

    Given that Turkish Cypriots are EU citizens and are now calling for intervention, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is asked:

    • 1.How does the EU intend to protect European citizens from colonisation, violence and ethnic cleansing by a non-EU state?
    • 2.Will the EU formally and explicitly condemn Türkiye’s practices in Cyprus?
    • 3.The Union is being attacked through its citizens. Will procedures be activated to exclude Türkiye from trade or military agreements?

    Submitted: 15.7.2025

    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Direct (non-structural) EU funding for water infrastructure and associated cybersecurity in the context of drought and climate change – P-003002/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-003002/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Andi Cristea (S&D)

    Amid prolonged droughts and the impact of climate change, water infrastructure in central and eastern Europe is becoming vulnerable, both physically and in terms of cybersecurity. Small and medium-sized water sector operators face limited resources to make their digital systems secure and adapt their water supply networks quickly. At the same time, local communities and county councils are having difficulties in accessing the funds needed to modernise infrastructure in order to ensure drought resilience and a continuous supply of drinking water.

    In view of the strategic importance of water services and their increasingly obvious vulnerabilities, we ask the Commission for the following clarifications:

    • 1.What direct sources of financing from Brussels (other than structural funds) are accessible to small and medium-sized operators to strengthen cybersecurity and to county councils to develop local water infrastructure in the context of drought and climate change?
    • 2.Is the water sector explicitly included as critical infrastructure under the Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive and the NIS2 Directive?
    • 3.What specific obligations do Member States have in this regard?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Legal status of the Turkey–Libya Memorandum – threat of war against Greece in the event that it extends its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles – P-003013/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-003013/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Maria Zacharia (NI)

    As a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Greece has the right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, pursuant to Article 3 UNCLOS. It exercised this right in the Ionian Sea in 2021.

    However, this right remains unenforced in the Aegean and south of Crete. Its exercise there is critical, as it would disconnect Türkiye from Libya and invalidate any alleged maritime adjacency. The so-called Turkey–Libya Memorandum of Understanding (2019), concluded without recognition of Greek sovereign rights, violates international law and undermines the territorial integrity of an EU Member State.

    Türkiye continues to threaten Greece with war (casus belli) should it exercise this legitimate right, flagrantly violating the UN Charter. This threat affects not only Greece but the EU as a whole, undermining sovereignty, stability and the lawful exploitation of marine resources within EU jurisdiction.

    • 1.How does the VP/HR assess the threat of force against a Member State exercising a lawful right?
    • 2.What action will the VP/HR take to uphold international law, support Greece in exercising its right, bring the issue before the Foreign Affairs Council and promote a clear stance of solidarity among Member States?
    • 3.Does the VP/HR consider continued cooperation with Türkiye to be compatible with EU values, given these threats and violations?

    Submitted: 19.7.2025

    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DUP councillor’s ‘outrageous’ comments have no place in society – Gildernew

    Source: Sinn Féin

    Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has described as outrageous comments by a DUP councillor, saying they have no place in society.The Chair of the Communities Committee was speaking after comments by the DUP’s Reuben Glover at a Mid and East Antrim Borough Council meeting.“These comments by Reuben Glover are outrageous, xenophobic and only serve to fuel racial hatred and tensions. “As political leaders we have a responsibility to act with maturity and show leadership, especially in times of tension and when we have seen disorder on our streets.
    “Recently we witnessed racist attacks by sectarian and violent elements of loyalism targeting people in their homes. Instead of calling this out, those who have been driven from their homes have been targeted instead.“Racism, racist violence and intimidation is unacceptable, wrong and it must stop immediately.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN warns of escalating human toll in Ukraine amid relentless aerial attacks, mounting aid shortfall

    Source: United Nations 4

    “Nowhere is safe in Ukraine,” said Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe at the UN Department of Political Affairs (UNDPPA).

    Citing figures from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, he said civilian casualties reached a three-year high in June, with 6,754 civilians killed or injured in the first half of 2025 alone.

    Russian forces launched over 5,000 long-range munitions against Ukraine so far in July, including a record-breaking 728 drones in a single day. Major cities such as Kyiv and Odesa have been hit by swarms of missiles and drones.

    Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya echoed those words, saying “there is no safe place left in Ukraine” as the use of explosive weapons in populated areas has left cities reeling.

    A rehabilitation centre for persons with disabilities in Kharkiv, maternity wards, schools, and energy infrastructure have all come under fire in recent weeks.

    UN Photo/Manuel Elías

    Joyce Msuya, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefs the Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.

    Spiralling humanitarian situation

    The humanitarian impact is worsening sharply, she continued.

    “Nearly 13 million people need assistance, but limited funding means we can reach only a fraction of them,” Ms. Msuya warned. As of now, only 34 per cent of the $2.6 billion required for this year’s humanitarian response has been received.

    Ukraine’s displacement crisis also continues to grow. Over 3.7 million people remain displaced within the country, while nearly six million are refugees abroad. More than 26,000 people have newly registered at transit centres since April alone.

    Strikes in Russia

    The senior UN officials also expressed concern over reported civilian casualties from Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia, including in Belgorod, Kursk and Moscow.

    While the UN could not independently verify these incidents, Mr. Jenča reiterated: “International law clearly prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. We strongly condemn all such attacks – wherever they occur.”

    Concerns over nuclear safety

    Attacks near Ukraine’s nuclear facilities have further alarmed the UN.

    Earlier this month, drone strikes hit Enerhodar, where Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant staff live, and drones have been detected near other operating plants.

    “Any nuclear incident must be avoided at all costs,” Mr. Jenča said.

    UN Photo/Manuel Elías

    ASG Miroslav Jenča (on screen) briefs the Security Council meeting on the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine.

    Political momentum needed

    While some diplomatic movement continues – including recent prisoner exchanges and talks in Istanbul – UN officials called for intensified political will toward a ceasefire.

    “The heartbreaking and rising human toll of the past nearly three-and-a-half years of war underscores the urgency of a complete, immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” Mr. Jenča said, “as the first step towards a just and lasting peace.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Calls on Bureau of Indian Affairs to Reconsider Recognition for Georgia’s Native American Tribes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    Read Letter PDF

    WASHINGTON D.C. –  Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), wrote a letter to Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Assistant Secretary, Scott Davis, and Department of the Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, urging the department reconsider a decision to deny federal recognition for Georgia’s Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and Lower Muscogee Creek Tribe. The letter further calls on the BIA to reexamine its rigid criteria for federal recognition which often overlooks the historical disruptions and forced assimilation that fractured many tribal communities.

    “Georgia’s Native American communities have been a vital part of our state’s history for well over 1,000 years,” said Congressman David Scott. “Despite their undeniable legacy and obtaining state recognition from the General Assembly, the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe continue to face systemic barriers to gaining federal recognition. These barriers are rooted in centuries of marginalization and a refusal by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to recognize how some tribes were forced to hide their ancestry in order to remain in their homelands. It’s time for the BIA to correct this historical injustice while ensuring future petitions are reviewed with greater transparency, respect, and cultural understanding.”

    “I commend Congressman David Scott for championing the voices of Georgia’s Native communities and calling for a fair review of federal acknowledgment for the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe—two tribes already recognized by the state of Georgia,” said Chairman Nealie McCormick. “His support brings vital attention to these communities, which have preserved their heritage, culture, and identity despite generations of hardship. Acknowledgment at the federal level is a meaningful step toward justice, fairness, and greater opportunity for these tribes.”

    “I’m thrilled at the prospect of having our State-Recognized Tribes be reconsidered for Federal Recognition,” said Council Chair Bennett. “It is my opinion that the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and the Lower Muscogee Creek have endured almost two centuries of abuse at the hand of the Federal Government over the events that took place in Georgia in the 1830s.  Georgia passed laws that made it impossible to remain in the State if you admitted heritage.  We have kept our Tribes together, we have maintained our identity, and we have suffered greatly in many ways because of it. There is a massive amount of history in the State of Georgia, which we have, in many instances, held onto by a thread due to a lack of monetary means. It is our hope that we will be able to maintain our Heritage and our Traditions by means of Federal Recognition.”

    The federal recognition process for Native American tribes is critical for signaling that the U.S. government acknowledges a tribe as a sovereign entity with the right to self-govern. Federal recognition establishes a government-to-government relationship, similar to how the U.S. interacts with foreign nations. It allows tribes to access funding for Indian Health services, housing, education, jobs and economic development, and vital cultural preservation.

    The BIA’s decision to deny federal recognition to the Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and Lower Muscogee Creek Tribe have imposed real-world consequences for these tribes. Decades of denials have relied on a strict administrative criterion that failed to consider the disruptions of traditional governance and loss of records caused by generations of forced assimilation and exclusion.

    Read Letter HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 170 companies from all over the world participated in all eight CIIEs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    SHANGHAI, July 25 (Xinhua) — A total of 170 overseas companies and 27 institutions have joined the eight China International Import Expos (CIIE), the organizer of the expo announced at a press conference on Friday.

    According to the organizer, more than 50 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the national comprehensive exhibition, which will be held within the framework of the upcoming 8th CIIE this year. Sweden, the UAE and other countries will act as honorary guest countries, and Kyrgyzstan will participate for the first time.

    This year, the volume of reserved exhibition space for the CIIE commercial exposition has exceeded 330,000 square meters, the organizer added.

    As CIIE Deputy Bureau Director Wu Zhengping noted, companies from Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru and other countries set a record in participation, which clearly demonstrates their confidence in the Chinese economy and enthusiasm for the CIIE.

    This year, CIIE will for the first time include a special zone for products from participating least developed countries. The expo will also expand and upgrade the existing African products zone and launch a “cross-border e-commerce product selection platform” to help overseas SMEs successfully enter the Chinese market. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Promotes Preservation of World Cultural Heritage Through Cooperation: Think Tank Report

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ZHENGZHOU, July 25 (Xinhua) — China is playing an increasingly active role in preserving world cultural heritage, promoting cooperation among civilizations, according to a report released Friday by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with the Xinhua News Agency.

    The report, entitled “Jointly Protecting the Treasures of Human Civilization: China’s Concept and Practice of Cultural Heritage Preservation in the New Era,” provides a detailed explanation of China’s efforts to protect and transmit cultural heritage.

    As a key area, the authors highlight China’s efforts to build cross-border partnerships and promote global heritage conservation activities, including projects to assist countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, such as Cambodia, Nepal, Myanmar and Uzbekistan.

    According to the report, China has also launched a number of regional cooperation initiatives, including the Asian Cultural Heritage Preservation Initiative and the Asian Alliance for Cultural Heritage Preservation, which have received positive feedback and brought together the joint efforts of all parties in the Asian region.

    In addition, the document notes that China has built a global community for the protection of cultural heritage through cooperation in implementing relevant conventions, sharing technologies, training talented professionals, responding to challenges, and mutually beneficial development. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee met with the Spanish delegation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — Yin Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with a delegation led by Catalan regional government head Salvador Illa in Beijing on Friday.

    Yin Li, also secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, recalled that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain.

    According to him, China is willing to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen inter-party exchanges and inter-regional cooperation, promote the continuous deepening and practical implementation of cooperation in various fields, and promote the development of China-Spain and China-EU relations.

    S. Ilya, for his part, stated that Spain is ready to expand exchanges and dialogue with China, deepen cooperation in such areas as inter-party relations, inter-regional contacts, economics and trade, culture, science and technology, in order to bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –