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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens secure free school meals for thousands more children

    Source: Scottish Greens

    11 Jun 2025 Education

    This is another step on the journey towards every pupil in Scotland receiving free school meals.

    More in Education

    The Scottish Greens have secured the expansion of free school meals to thousands more high school students, a move confirmed by the Scottish Government this morning.

    During budget negotiations with the Government Green MSPs secured agreement to expand eligibility for free school meals to S1-S3 pupils in eight council areas across Scotland from August this year.

    All S1-3 pupils whose families receive the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) will now be eligible for free school meals in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Fife, Moray, North Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Shetland and the Western Isles.

    Scottish Green MSPs previously secured the expansion of universal free school meals to P4 and P5 pupils, as well as the ongoing expansion to P6 and P7 pupils who receive the SCP.

    Scottish Greens spokesperson for education, Ross Greer MSP said: 

    “Thousands of young people will now get a free school meal through our pilot programme. Children can’t learn if they are hungry and we know that free meals can have a transformative impact on their success at school.

    “The Scottish Greens have always championed universal free school meals, and that is why we brought this proposal to the table during budget negotiations. It builds on our previous work to expand free school meals in P4-7, which is already helping tens of thousands of children.

    “These eight areas are just the start. Green MSPs will now push for this programme to be expanded to every other council as soon as possible and eventually, for every pupil from early years right up to S6 to receive a free school meal.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Finding a voice: the bells of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord were consecrated in Belskoye Ustye

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On June 10, an important event took place in the village of Belskoye Ustye in the Porkhov district. New bells were consecrated in the Church of the Ascension of the Lord. The first rector of the Polytechnic University, Prince Gagarin, is buried near the church, and his estate Kholomki is located nearby.

    The Polytechnic University plays a special role in the revival of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord. It not only provides financial support, but also directly participates in the restoration work. A special event is the installation of new bells, which will give the church a finished look and allow the bell ringing to sound again. They were cast by order of the ANO “Revival of Cultural Heritage Sites of Pskov and the Pskov Region”.

    The rite of consecration of the bells was performed by Metropolitan of Pskov and Porkhov, Abbot of the Holy Dormition Pskov-Pechersky Monastery Matfey (Kopylov), assisted by clergy of the Pskov diocese. The ceremony was also attended by Bishop of Nizhny Tagil and Nevyansk Feodosiy (Chashchin) and Bishop of Karasuk and Ordynsk Philip (Novikov).

    Not long ago we met with Andrey Ivanovich. Seeing his glowing eyes when the speech touched upon the revival of this ancient shrine, I believed at that moment that the temple would be restored and put into operation at all costs. Today we have gathered here to rejoice at the completion of another stage of restoration – the consecration of the bells. I would like to thank the staff of the Polytechnic University for their contribution to this important matter, – shared Metropolitan of Pskov and Porkhov, Abbot of the Holy Dormition Pskov-Pechersky Monastery Matfey (Kopylov).

    The Metropolitan noted that the church will find its own voice, which will be heard by people and will become a guide for them on the path to God.

    The temple, which was once one of the largest in the Pskov region, needs a full restoration, which has been actively carried out in recent years. Polytechnic is taking part in the restoration of the temple, so employees and graduates support the reconstruction both organizationally and financially. Ten bells were cast in Zhukovsky (Moscow region) with funds allocated by PJSC Rostelecom, for which special thanks to Polytechnic graduate Mikhail Eduardovich Oseevsky, – emphasized the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy.

    The history of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord spans over two centuries. It was built in 1796 by Colonel Artemon Kozhin on his estate. Decades later, in the early 1860s, his son Pyotr Kozhin decided to build a new church due to the dilapidation of the old building. The new building in the style of early classicism with elements of baroque was built according to the design of the St. Petersburg architect Shestakov.

    Over its long history, the temple has witnessed many significant events. In 1920, the funeral service for Prince A. G. Gagarin, an outstanding Russian scientist and engineer, the first director of the Polytechnic, was held here. In 1921–1922, the temple became a magnet for artists, including K. I. Chukovsky, E. I. Zamyatin, M. L. Lozinsky and others.

    Unfortunately, in the 1960s the church was closed due to its emergency condition. Only in 2014 did large-scale work begin to restore the temple by an initiative group, which included representatives of SPbPU, the administration of the Pskov region and the “Orthodox Russia” movement. In 2023, the ANO “Revival of Cultural Heritage Sites of Pskov and the Pskov Region” began working with the architectural monument.

    Today, restoration work on the restoration of this unique architectural monument continues, returning it to its former glory and grandeur.

    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’s auto market posted double-digit growth in January-May 2025

    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, June 11 (Xinhua) — China’s auto production and sales volumes showed double-digit growth in the first five months of 2025, indicating robust consumer activity in the world’s second-largest economy.

    The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reported on Wednesday that 12.83 million vehicles were produced in the country in January-May 2025, up 12.7 percent year-on-year. Sales volumes, meanwhile, rose 10.9 percent to 12.75 million vehicles.

    The production and sales volumes of new energy vehicles demonstrated impressive growth rates. In five months, 5.7 million of such vehicles were produced and 5.61 million were sold, an increase of 45.2 percent and 44 percent, respectively. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Philip R. Lane: The euro area bond market

    Source: European Central Bank

    Keynote speech by Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the Government Borrowers Forum 2025

    Dublin, 11 June 2025

    I am grateful for the invitation to contribute to the Government Borrowers Forum. I will use my time to cover three topics.[1] First, I will briefly discuss last week’s monetary policy decision.[2] Second, I will describe some current features of the euro area bond market.[3] Third, I will outline some innovations that might expand the scope for euro-denominated bonds to serve as safe assets in global portfolios.

    Monetary policy

    At last week’s meeting, the Governing Council decided to lower the deposit facility rate (DFR) to two per cent. The baseline of the latest Eurosystem staff projections foresees inflation at 2.0 per cent in 2025, 1.6 per cent in 2026 and 2.0 per cent in 2027; output growth is foreseen at 0.9 per cent for 2025, 1.2 per cent in 2026 and 1.3 per cent in 2027. The lower inflation path in the June projections compared to the March projections reflects the significant movements in energy prices and the exchange rate in recent months. These relative price movements both have a direct impact on inflation but also an indirect impact via the impact of lower input costs and a lower cost of living on the dynamics of core inflation and wage inflation.

    The June projections were conditioned on a rate path that included a quarter-point reduction of the DFR in June: model-based optimal policy simulations and an array of monetary policy feedback rules indicated a cut was appropriate under the baseline and also constituted a robust decision, remaining appropriate across a range of alternative future paths for inflation and the economy. By supporting the pricing pressure needed to generate target-consistent inflation in the medium-term, this cut helps ensure that the projected negative inflation deviation over the next eighteen months remains temporary and does not convert into a longer-term deviation of inflation from the target. This cut also guards against any uncertainty about our reaction function by demonstrating that we are determined to make sure that inflation returns to target in the medium term. This helps to underpin inflation expectations and avoid an unwarranted tightening in financial conditions.

    The robustness of the decision is also indicated by a set of model-based optimal policy simulations conducted on various combinations of the scenarios discussed in the Eurosystem staff projections report, even when also factoring in upside scenarios for fiscal expenditure. A cut is also indicated by a broad range of monetary policy feedback rules. By contrast, leaving the DFR on hold at 2.25 per cent could have triggered an adverse repricing of the forward curve and a revision in inflation expectations that would risk generating a more pronounced and longer-lasting undershoot of the inflation target. In turn, if this risk materialised, a stronger monetary reaction would ultimately be required.

    Especially under current conditions of high uncertainty, it is essential to remain data dependent and take a meeting-by-meeting approach in making monetary policy decisions. Accordingly, the Governing Council does not pre-commit to any particular future rate path.

    The euro area bond market

    Chart 1

    Ten-year nominal OIS rate and GDP-weighted sovereign yield for the euro area

    (percentages per annum)

    Sources: LSEG and ECB calculations.

    Notes: The latest observations are for 10 June 2025.

    Let me now turn to a longer-run perspective by inspecting developments in the bond market. In the first two decades of the euro, nominal long-term interest rates in the euro area were, by and large, on a declining trend from the start of the currency bloc until the outbreak of the pandemic (Chart 1). The ten-year overnight index swap (OIS) rate, considered as the ten-year risk-free rate in the euro area, declined from 6 percent in early 2000 to -50 basis points in 2020, a trend matched by the 10-year GDP-weighted sovereign bond yield.[4] The economic recovery from the pandemic and the soaring energy prices in response to the Russian invasion in Ukraine caused surges in inflation which led to an increase of interest rates. The recent stability of these long-term rates suggests that markets have seen the euro area economy gradually moving towards a new long-term equilibrium following the peak of annual headline inflation in October 2022, as past shocks have faded.

    Chart 2

    Decomposition of the ten-year spot euro area OIS rate into term premium and expected rates

    (percentages per annum)

    Sources: LSEG and ECB calculations.

    Notes: The decomposition of the OIS rate into expected rates and term premia is based on two affine term structure models, with and without survey information on rate expectations[5], and a lower bound term structure model[6] incorporating survey information on rate expectations. The latest observations are for 10 June 2025.

    A term structure model makes it possible to decompose OIS rates into a term premium component and an expectations component. For the ten-year OIS rate, the expectations component reflects the expected average ECB policy rate over the next ten years and is affected by ECB’s policy decisions on interest rates and communication about the future policy path (e.g., in the form of explicit or implicit forward guidance). The term premium is a measure of the estimated compensation investors demand for being exposed to interest rate risk: the risk that the realised policy rate can be different from the expected rate.

    Chart 3

    Ten-year euro area OIS rate expectations and term premium component

    (percentages per annum)

    Sources: LSEG and ECB calculations.

    Notes: The decomposition of the OIS rate into expected rates and term premia is based on two affine term structure models, with and without survey information on rate expectations4, and a lower bound term structure model5 incorporating survey information on rate expectations. The latest observations are for 10 June 2025.

    The decline of long-term rates in the first two decades of the euro and the rapid increase in 2022 were driven by both the expectations component and the term premium (Charts 2 and 3). The premium was estimated to be largely positive in the early 2000s, understood as a sign that the euro area economy was mostly confronted with supply-side shocks. Starting with the European sovereign debt crisis, the euro area was more and more characterised as a demand-shock dominated economy, in which nominal bonds act as a hedge against future crises and thus investors started requiring a lower or even negative term premium as compensation to hold these assets.[7] The large-scale asset purchases of the ECB under the APP reinforced the downward pressure on the term premium. By buying sovereign bonds (and other assets), the ECB reduced the overall amount of duration risk that had to be borne by private investors, reducing the compensation for risk.[8] With demand and supply shocks becoming more balanced again and central banks around the world normalising their balance sheet holdings of sovereign bonds in recent years, the term premium estimate turned positive again in early 2022 and continued to inch up through the first half of 2023. As it became clear in the second half of 2023 that upside risk scenarios for inflation were less likely, the term premium fell back to some extent and has been fairly stable since.

    Different to the ten-year maturity, very long-term sovereign spreads did not experience the same pronounced negative trend. From the inception of the euro until 2014, the thirty-year euro area GDP-weighted sovereign yield fluctuated around 3 percent. The decline to levels below 2 percent after 2014 and around 0.5 percent in 2020 reflect declining nominal risk-free rates more generally but also coincide with the announcements of large-scale asset purchases (PSPP and PEPP). Likewise, the upward shift back to above 3 percent during 2022 occurred on the back of rising policy rates and normalising central bank balance sheets.

    Chart 4

    Ten-year sovereign bond spreads vs Germany

    (percentages per annum)

    Sources: LSEG and ECB calculations.

    Notes: The spread is the difference between individual countries’ 10-year sovereign yields and the 10-year yield on German Bunds. The latest observations are for 10 June 2025.

    In the run-up to the global financial crisis, sovereign yields in the euro area were very much aligned between countries and also with risk-free rates (Chart 4). With the onset of the global financial crisis and later the European sovereign debt crisis, sovereign spreads for more vulnerable countries soared as investors started to discriminate between euro area countries according to their perceived creditworthiness.

    On top of the efforts of European sovereigns to consolidate their public finances, President Draghi’s 2012 “whatever it takes” speech and the subsequent announcement of Outright Monetary Transaction (OMTs) marked a turning point in the euro area sovereign debt crisis. Sovereign spreads came down from their peaks but have kept some variation across countries ever since.

    The large-scale asset purchases under the APP and PEPP further compressed sovereign spreads. During the pandemic and the subsequent monetary policy tightening, the flexibility in PEPP and the creation of the Transmission Protection Instrument (TPI) supported avoiding fragmentation risks in sovereign bond markets. The extraordinary demand for sovereign bonds as collateral at the beginning of the hiking cycle, at a time when central bank holdings of these bonds were still high, resulted in the yields of German bonds, which are the most-preferred assets when it comes to collateral, declining far below the risk-free OIS rate in the course of 2022. These tensions eased as collateral scarcity reversed.[9]

    This year, bond yields and bond spreads in the euro area have been relatively stable, despite significant movements in some other bond markets. This can be interpreted as reflecting a balancing between two opposing forces: in essence, the typical positive spillover across bond markets has been offset by an international portfolio preference shift towards the euro and euro-denominated securities. This international portfolio preference shift is likely not uniform and is some mix of a pull back by European investors towards the domestic market and some rebalancing by global investors away from the dollar and towards the euro. More deeply, the stability of the euro bond market reflects a high conviction that euro area inflation is strongly anchored at the two per cent target and that the euro area business cycle should be relatively stable, such that the likely scale of cyclical interest rate movements is contained. It also reflects growing confidence that the scope for the materialisation of national or area-wide fiscal risks is quite contained, in view of the shared commitment to fiscal stability among the member countries and the demonstrated capacity to react jointly to fiscal tail events.[10]

    Chart 5

    Holdings of “Big-4” euro area government debt

    (percentage of total amounts outstanding)

    Sources: ECB Securities Holding Statistics and ECB calculations.

    Notes: The chart is based on all general government plus public agency debt in nominal terms. The breakdown is shown for euro area holding sectors, while all non-euro area holders are aggregated in the orange category in lack of more detailed information. ICPF stands for insurance corporations and pension funds. The “Big-4” countries include DE, FR, IT, ES. 2014 Q4 reflects the holdings before the onset of quantitative easing. 2022 Q4 reflects the peak of Eurosystem holdings at the end of net asset purchases.

    Latest observation: Q1 2025

    In understanding the dynamics of the bond market, it is also useful to examine the distribution of bond holdings across sectors. The largest euro-area holder sectors are banks, insurance corporations and pension funds (ICPF) and investment funds, while non-euro area foreign investors also are significant holders (Chart 5). The relative importance of the sectors differs between countries. Domestic banks and insurance corporations play a relatively larger role in countries like Italy and Spain, while non-euro area international investors hold relatively larger shares of debt issued by France or Germany.

    Since the start of the APP in early 2015, the Eurosystem increased its market share in euro area sovereign bonds from about 5 per cent of total outstanding debt to a peak of 33 per cent in late 2022. Net asset purchases by the Eurosystem were stopped in July 2022, while the full reinvestment of redemptions ceased at the end of that year: by Q1 2025, the Eurosystem share had declined to 25 per cent. The increase in Eurosystem holdings during the QE period was mirrored by falling holdings of banks and non-euro area foreign investors. The holding share of banks declined from 22 per cent in 2014 to 14 per cent at the end of 2022, while the share held by foreign investors fell from 35 per cent to 25 per cent over the same period.

    ICPFs have consistently held a significant share of the outstanding debt, especially at the long-end of the yield curve. Since 2022, following the end of full reinvestments under the APP, more price-sensitive sectors, such as banks, investment funds and private foreign investors, have regained some market share. Holdings by households have also shown some noticeable growth in sovereign bond holdings, driven primarily by Italian households.[11] In summary, the holdings statistics show that the bond market has smoothly adjusted to the end of quantitative easing. In particular, the rise in bond yields in 2022 was sufficient to attract a wide range of domestic and global investors to expand their holdings of euro-denominated bonds.[12]

    To gain further insight into the recent dynamics of the euro area bond market, it is helpful to look at recent portfolio flow data and bond issuance data. Market data on portfolio flows[13] highlights a repatriation of investment funds in bonds by domestic investors during March, April, and May, contrasting sharply with 2024 trends, while foreign fund inflows into euro area bonds during the same period surpassed the 2024 average (Chart 6). Simultaneously, EUR-denominated bond issuance by non-euro area corporations has surged in 2025, reaching nearly EUR 100 billion year-to-date compared to an average of EUR 32 billion over the same period in the past five years (Chart 7).

    Expanding the pool of safe assets

    These developments (stable bond yields, increased foreign holdings of euro-denominated bonds) have naturally led to renewed interest in the international role of the euro.[14]

    The euro ranks as the second largest reserve currency after the dollar. However, the current design of the euro area financial architecture results in an under-supply of the safe assets that play a special role in investor portfolios.[15] In particular, a safe asset should rise in relative value during stress episodes, thereby providing essential hedging services.

    Since the bund is the highest-rated large-country national bond in the euro area, it serves as the main de facto safe asset but the stock of bunds is too small relative to the size of the euro area or the global financial system to satiate the demand for euro-denominated safe assets. Especially in the context of much smaller and less volatile spreads (as shown in Chart 4), other national bonds also directionally contribute to the stock of safe assets. However, the remaining scope for relative price movements across these bonds means that the overall stock of national bonds does not sufficiently provide safe asset services.

    In principle, common bonds backed by the combined fiscal capacity of the EU member states are capable of providing safe-asset services. However, the current stock of such bonds is simply too small to foster the necessary liquidity and risk management services (derivative markets; repo markets) that are part and parcel of serving as a safe asset.[16]

    There are several ways to expand the stock of common bonds. Just as the Next Generation EU (NGEU) programme was financed by the issuance of common bonds jointly backed by the member states, the member countries could decide to finance investment European-wide public goods through more common debt.[17] From a public finance perspective, it is natural to match European-wide public goods with common debt, in order to align the financing with the area-wide benefits of such public goods. If a multi-year investment programme were announced, the global investor community would recognise that the stock of euro common bonds would climb incrementally over time.

    In addition, in order to meet more quickly and more decisively the rising global demand for euro-denominated safe assets, there are a number of options in generating a larger stock of safe assets from the current stock of national bonds. Recently, Olivier Blanchard and Ángel Ubide have proposed that the “blue bond/red bond” reform be re-examined.[18] Under this approach, each member country would ring fence a dedicated revenue stream (say a certain amount of indirect tax revenues) that could be used to service commonly-issued bonds. In turn, the proceeds of issuing blue bonds would be deployed to purchase a given amount of the national bonds of each participating member state. This mechanism would result in a larger stock of common bonds (blue bonds) and a lower stock of national bonds (red bonds).

    While this type of financial reform was originally proposed during the euro area sovereign debt crisis, the conditions today are far more favourable, especially if the scale of blue bond issuance were to be calibrated in a prudent manner in order to mitigate some of the identified concerns. In particular, the euro area financial architecture is now far more resilient, thanks to the significant institutional reforms that were introduced in the wake of the euro area crisis and the demonstrated track record of financial stability that has characterised Europe over the last decade. The list of reforms include: an increase in the capitalisation of the European banking system; the joint supervision of the banking system through the Single Supervisory Mechanism; the adoption of a comprehensive set of macroprudential measures at national and European levels; the implementation of the Single Resolution Mechanism; the narrowing of fiscal, financial and external imbalances; the fiscal backstops provided by the European Stability Mechanism; the common solidarity shown during the pandemic through the innovative NGEU programme; the demonstrated track record of the ECB in supplying liquidity in the event of market stress; and the expansion of the ECB policy toolkit (TPI, OMT) to address a range of liquidity tail risks. [19] In the context of the sovereign bond market, these reforms have contributed to less volatile and less dispersed bond returns.

    As emphasised in the Blanchard-Ubide proposal, there is an inherent trade off in the issuance of blue bonds. In one direction, a larger stock of blue bonds boosts liquidity and, if a critical mass is attained, also would trigger the fixed-cost investments need to build out ancillary financial products such as derivatives and repos. In the other direction, too-large a stock of blue bonds would require the ringfencing of national tax revenues at a scale that would be excessive in the context of the current European political configuration in which fiscal resources and political decision-making primarily remains at the national level. As emphasised in the Blanchard-Ubide proposal, this trade-off is best navigated by calibrating the stock of blue bonds at an appropriate level.

    In particular, the Blanchard-Ubide proposal gives the example of a stock of blue bonds corresponding to 25 per cent of GDP. Just to illustrate the scale of the required fiscal resources to back this level of issuance: if bond yields were on average in the range of two to four per cent, the servicing of blue bond debt would require ringfenced tax revenues in the range of a half per cent to one per cent of GDP. While this would constitute a significant shift in the current allocation of tax revenues between national and EU levels, this would still leave tax revenues predominantly at the national level (the ratio of tax revenues to GDP in the euro area ranges from around 20 to 40 per cent). The shared payoff would be the reduction in debt servicing costs generated by the safe asset services provided by an expanded stock of common debt.

    An alternative, possibly complementary, approach that could also deliver a larger stock of safe assets from the pool of national bonds is provided by the sovereign bond backed securities (SBBS) proposal.[20] The SBBS proposal envisages that financial intermediaries (whether public or private) could bundle a portfolio of national bonds and issue tranched securities, with the senior slice constituting a highly-safe asset. The SBBS proposal has been extensively studied (I chaired a 2017 ESRB report) and draft enabling legislation has been prepared by the European Commission.[21] Just as with the blue/red bond proposal, sufficient issuance scale would be needed in order to foster the market liquidity needed for the senior bonds to act as highly liquid safe assets.

    In summary, such structural changes in the design of the euro area bond market would foster stronger global demand for euro-denominated safe assets. A comprehensive strategy to expand the international role of the euro and underpin a European savings and investment union should include making progress on this front.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Youth crime prevention and financial literacy focus during summer school visit to OSCE

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Youth crime prevention and financial literacy focus during summer school visit to OSCE

    Sixty students got an in-depth look at the OSCE’s comprehensive work on organized crime during a visit to the OSCE in Vienna, Austria on 10 June. Each year a group of students visit the Organization as part of the European Consortium for Political Research’s summer school on transnational organized crime.
    “Young people are both the most vulnerable to organized crime and the most powerful agents of change. Through initiatives like the summer school visit, we equip future leaders with the knowledge and tools — such as financial literacy and inclusive prevention strategies — to drive effective and sustainable solutions in their respective communities,” said Umberto Severini, Head of the Strategic Police Matters Unit in the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department.
    This year’s visit focused on emerging trends in youth recruitment into organized crime, particularly in the areas of drug distribution and exploitation. It was also an opportunity for participants to examine key risk factors contributing to youth vulnerability and explore effective prevention strategies.
    Special attention was given to a newly released OSCE publication on financial literacy, which highlights how a lack of financial awareness can increase susceptibility to criminal recruitment, as well as showcases good practices in prevention.
    During hands-on exericses, participants analysed practical tools and approaches that participating States can adopt to counter youth involvement in criminal networks, including through early education and targeted community initiatives. A group activity challenged students to design a youth-focused, financially informed prevention strategy, combining theoretical insights with real-world application.
    The students also had a chance to network with each other and OSCE experts, helping them to consider various career paths and share perspectives across diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
    “Today’s focus on fostering a culture of the rule of law, strengthening anti-corruption literacy, and building youth resilience to criminal recruitment illustrates the critical synergy between education and policy. I am deeply grateful to the OSCE Secretariat — particularly the Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings — for creating such an enriching, hands-on learning experience that equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to become agents of change”, said Dr. Yuliya Zabyelina, Associate Professor at the University of Alabama, USA, and Director of the Summer School on Transnational Organized Crime.
    “Participating in this summer school and visiting the OSCE Secretariat was a truly eye-opening experience,” said Maral Jumadurdyyeva, a Master of Arts student in Politics and Security at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek. “The sessions on youth recruitment into organized crime and trafficking deepened my understanding of the complex vulnerabilities youth face today, and how preventive strategies – especially those grounded in financial literacy – can make a tangible difference.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: With the support of the European Union, OSCE concludes “Training of Trainers” course for female officers of Tajikistan’s Border Troops

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: With the support of the European Union, OSCE concludes “Training of Trainers” course for female officers of Tajikistan’s Border Troops

    With the support of the European Union, OSCE concludes “Training of Trainers” course for female officers of Tajikistan’s Border Troops | OSCE

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth champions positive ageing

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council is proud to support Age Without Limits Day (11 June) as part of its ongoing Ageing Well programme, a city-wide initiative that celebrates the value of older people and aims to make Plymouth a place where older people are empowered to live life to the fullest.

    This year’s Age Without Limits Day theme is ‘Celebrate Ageing. Challenge Ageism.’ It highlights the need to recognise the diverse experiences of growing older and to confront the everyday ageism that too often goes unnoticed, from patronising language to assumptions about capability.

    More than a third of Plymouth’s population is aged 50 and over. The city’s Ageing Well programme envisions Plymouth as one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities, where everyone is supported and age should not be a barrier to living a full and active life.

    Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Ageing is something we all experience, so it’s in everyone’s interest to ensure our city supports people to thrive at every stage of life.

    “Older people make enormous contributions to our communities as employees, volunteers, carers and neighbours. Age Without Limits Day is an important reminder that ageing is something to be celebrated, not feared. Let’s challenge the stereotypes and build a city where everyone, regardless of age, feels valued and included.”

    Plymouth is already home to a wealth of opportunities that support healthy and active ageing. Residents are encouraged to visit the Council’s online Ageing Well Hub for more information about:

    • Age Friendly places and spaces
    • Help and advice
    • Employment, skills and volunteering opportunities
    • Travel
    • Health and wellbeing.

    Visit the Ageing Well Hub at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/ageing-well-hub.

    For more information about Age Without Limits, visit: https://www.agewithoutlimits.org.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call 5 of the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund is now open

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Simon Hewitt, Titus Solutions Craigavon.

    The Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF) has officially opened its fifth funding call, inviting small and micro businesses across the ABC borough to apply for grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000.

    This initiative aims to support the adoption of advanced digital technologies, enhancing competitiveness and driving innovation.

    Craigavon-based manufacturing firm, Titus Solutions, exemplifies the impact of DTFF. After securing £20,000 funding in a previous call, the company invested in a robotic welder with desktop programming and simulation, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and reducing production times.

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said:

    “We welcome the fifth call of this funding programme that will hopefully aid our local businesses in their digital innovation endeavours. As the world around us is constantly moving forward in terms of digital advancements, it is crucial that the businesses in our borough get the support they need in order to be at the forefront of this transformation. I encourage businesses to find out more and attend one of the briefing sessions either online or in person.”

    Simon Hewitt, Managing Director of Titus Solutions, stated:

    “The DTFF grant was a game-changer for us. Implementing robotics and AI technology streamlined our processes, cut production times, and boosted overall productivity. It’s been instrumental in our growth.”

    Eligible projects must focus on transformative technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, process automation, big data analytics, immersive technologies, and the Internet of Things. The fund covers up to 70% of project costs, with applicants providing the remaining 30%.

    Expressions of Interest for Call 5 close at 12 noon on Friday 11 July 2025. ABC Council and DTFF will host a series of pre-application briefing sessions which will provide detailed information on eligibility criteria, application processes, and insights into successful digital transformation projects just like Titus Solutions. Dates and registration details are available on the DTFF website: dtff.co.uk

    Delivered by all 11 local councils under the Full Fibre Northern Ireland Consortium (FFNI) and supported by Invest NI, DTFF is part-funded by the NI Executive, UK Government, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and local authorities.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Volunteers help to spruce up York

    Source: City of York

    Published Tuesday, 10 June 2025

    City of York Council joined York BID and over 20 volunteers today, 10 June, to roll up their sleeves and help spruce up York city centre, as part of their rejuvenation days.

    This community-powered project is all about bringing a little extra shine to our streets by cleaning and repainting street furniture like bike racks, benches, bollards and more.

    Since the York BID led project launched in January 2024, the response has been incredible. Over 300 brilliant volunteers have given up their time to repaint 1,100 pieces of individual infrastructure across 57 different streets.

    Before the painting begins, the dedicated BID Street Cleaning Team will prep the area by power washing, cleaning away weeds, and removing stickers and posters.

    Council teams helped to tackle the more stubborn bits, and get them properly refreshed.

    Sessions are taking place throughout June, and if volunteers can’t make it, they can sign up early for a September session.

    Councillor Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:

    I was really pleased to join all the volunteers, council crews and BID team again, this time smartening up College Green. They’ve all done a great job and I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part. Rejuvenation days are a great way to bring communities together and make a real difference to where we live. Together we can all help make York shine”

    Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, said:

    Since we started this project, we’ve been blown away by the support and enthusiasm from businesses, residents, and community groups. Over 300 people have already got stuck in and it’s been brilliant to see everyone come together to make our city centre a cleaner and more welcoming space. We can’t wait to see what the next few months bring!”

    There are lots of volunteer opportunities through the council to build pride in place, by contacting environmentandcommunity@york.gov.uk.

    Sign up now and be part of something special or contact info@theyorkbid.com for more information.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists of the State University of Management are expanding their partnerships: meetings were held with the management of the Leningrad Region Committee for Transport and the Belarusian State Technical University “VOENMEKH”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 10, 2025, as part of expanding opportunities for solving strategic tasks to achieve technological leadership of the Russian Federation and in accordance with existing competencies, scientists and specialists of the State University of Management visited the Leningrad Region Committee for Transport and the BSTU “VOENMEKH” named after D.F. Ustinov.

    The Committee is a sectoral body of the executive power of the Leningrad Region and a structural element of the Administration of the Leningrad Region. Among the tasks of the Committee’s work is the implementation of powers to organize transport services for the population of the region, as well as the formation of a strategy for the development of the transport complex, the development of forms and methods for its implementation based on forecasting, planning and program-target management, coordination and methodological guidance of work on the implementation of the strategy at the municipal level.

    The delegation of the State University of Management included: Vice-Rector Maria Karelina, Chief Researcher of the Scientific Research Coordination Department Aleksey Terentyev and Head of the Department Maxim Pletnev.

    The Chairman of the Committee Mikhail Prisyazhnyuk spoke about the main goals and objectives of the organization. Particular attention was paid to infrastructure projects and the formation of the digital contour of the Leningrad Region. The parties discussed the main areas of interaction and agreed to sign a framework agreement on cooperation. As part of the training of highly qualified personnel, it is planned to develop a network-based postgraduate program in the direction of “Logistics Transport Systems”. The Transport Committee has an extensive practical base, which will allow dissertation research to be carried out in close connection with the needs of the transport industry of the Leningrad Region. The Head of the Committee accepted the offer to participate in the educational process of the State University of Management in the programs “Transport Systems Management”, “Transport and Logistics”.

    Another direction for expanding the scope of scientific projects was worked out with the BSTU “VOENMEKH” named after D.F. Ustinov. The university is one of the leading defense and technical universities in the country and trains specialists for enterprises of the defense-industrial complex in the field of aircraft manufacturing and astronautics, radio engineering, energy, mechatronics and robotics, IT technologies.

    The meeting was attended by the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Maria Karelina, the Director of the Engineering Project Management Center Vladimir Filatov, the Researcher of the Center Dmitry Rybakov, the Junior Researcher of the Reverse Engineering Laboratory Nikita Akinshin. From BSTU “VOENMEKH” the negotiations were attended by the Acting Vice-Rector for Research and Innovative Development Vladimir Voronov and the Head of the Rocketry Department Vyacheslav Borodavkin.

    The parties exchanged achievements in the field of scientific research, experience in implementing projects and discussed prospects for joint work on R & D. A representative of the real sector of the economy, Mikhail Petrov, Director of Development of the Petersburg Machine-Building Plant, took part in the meeting. The plant specializes in the production of tractors and agricultural machinery. The meeting participants discussed a joint project to develop a new type of equipment.

    Representatives of BSTU “VOENMEKH” and the Petersburg Machine-Building Plant were invited to the State University of Management to sign a cooperation agreement, get acquainted with the Student Design Bureau at the university and the results of the work on the Large Scientific Project. Colleagues from BSTU “VOENMEKH” were also interested in the competencies of the State University of Management specialists in the field of machine vision.

    Within the framework of the agreement, it is planned to implement network programs in the field of scientific projects – the State University of Management has serious competencies in the field of project management, including scientific projects.

    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: Bitcoin Solaris Enters Phase 7 of Presale With 233% Launch Price Confirmed

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), the high-speed, dual-consensus blockchain project, has officially entered Phase 7 of its presale. The token is now available for $7, with the next price increase to $8 just around the corner. With a confirmed launch price of $20 on major exchanges, early buyers are already positioned for a 233% return before market trading even begins.

    Why Bitcoin Solaris Is Getting All the Buzz

    Bitcoin Solaris isn’t trying to replace Bitcoin—it’s designed to evolve it. Instead of just replicating what came before, BTC-S uses a cutting-edge dual-consensus architecture that combines Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work (PoW) security with the lightning-fast speed and efficiency of Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS). This structure allows Bitcoin Solaris to achieve over 100,000 transactions per second (TPS) with 2-second finality, making it one of the fastest and most scalable blockchains to date.

    From secure payments to enterprise integrations, from smart contracts to tokenized real estate, this ecosystem is engineered to deliver massive real-world value while keeping fees low and accessibility high.

    Deep Tech for a Modern Crypto Economy

    The reason BTC-S isn’t just hype is its tech.

    • Smart contracts are written in Rust and offer full compatibility with Solana tooling.
    • Validator rotation happens every 24 hours with strict performance rules and slashing penalties for bad actors.
    • Security includes resistance to 51% attacks, Byzantine fault tolerance, and optional zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) for privacy.

    And most importantly, all smart contracts have been fully audited by Cyberscope and Freshcoins, giving investors peace of mind.

    The Presale Phase That’s Turning Heads

    Bitcoin Solaris is now in Phase 7 of its presale, with the token priced at $7 and set to rise to $8 in the next phase. With a confirmed launch price of $20, early buyers are already positioned for a 233% guaranteed gain, even before post-launch market momentum kicks in.

    With over $3.8 million raised and more than 11,000 unique users already joined, this is quickly becoming one of the shortest and most explosive presales in crypto history. The presale is limited to just 90 days, ending July 31, 2025, and momentum is only increasing.

    Buyers in this phase also receive a 9% bonus, making now the perfect moment to secure maximum upside before the next price jump.

    The Future of DeFi Doesn’t Run on Hype—It Runs on BTC-S

    Let’s Talk Wealth: How Bitcoin Solaris Can Make You Rich

    Bitcoin Solaris was designed to create opportunities for anyone, whether you’re a miner, a DeFi user, or just holding tokens.

    Here’s how:

    • Dual rewards from both the PoW base layer and DPoS validators mean multiple passive income streams.
    • Mobile-first architecture opens mining access to everyday users, eliminating the need for expensive rigs.
    • Token scarcity—with a cap of 21 million—mirrors Bitcoin’s model, maximizing long-term upside.
    • Staking incentives reward holders with compounding yields and governance power.

    And because you must hold BTC-S to participate in mining, the system creates a natural buy-and-hold pressure that reduces dumping and supports sustainable growth.

    Tokenomics Designed for Growth

    BTC-S is more than just deflationary—it’s intelligently structured:

    • Total supply: 21 million (same as Bitcoin)
    • 66.6% allocated to mining, making it a long-term, community-run token
    • 20% for presale, keeping early funding tight
    • 13.4% for liquidity and ecosystem growth, ensuring a healthy post-launch market.

    The design ensures there are no whales dumping tokens, no inflationary pressures, and no short-term manipulation.

    The Referral Program That Rewards Everyone

    During the presale, Bitcoin Solaris also offers a dual-sided referral program:

    • Referrers earn 5% in BTC-S for every successful invite.
    • New users receive an extra 5% bonus on their token purchase.

    Unlike other projects, this program rewards both parties equally and automatically, encouraging organic growth and deeper community engagement.

    Influencers and Experts Are Talking

    There’s been a surge of crypto influencers covering Bitcoin Solaris, and one of the most insightful breakdowns came from Ben Crypto. The review highlights BTC-S’s smart tokenomics, real-world use cases, and advanced architecture—all reasons why many believe it’s the best early-stage crypto of 2025.

    Final Thoughts

    Bitcoin Solaris is not just another altcoin trying to ride the Bitcoin name—it’s a well-engineered, heavily audited ecosystem built for modern use. With a high-speed blockchain, intelligent economic design, and true mining accessibility, it’s turning heads across the industry.

    If you missed Bitcoin’s legendary run, this is your second chance to catch the rocket before it lifts off. And with the final hours of the current presale phase ticking down, the window is closing fast.

    Get Started:

    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
    X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact

    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com

    Press Kit: Available upon request

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ace724f3-e3ff-4f29-bbdc-934bcf1dae6e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/334b8acd-b0e4-42e6-a679-9353a3dd38d8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94d43a74-7a76-478d-af2e-f10a8ebd8653

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53487868-86c1-4da3-af65-0336ad883d1f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Millions of users around the world choose ALR Miner to mine easily and make stable money every day!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
    In today’s era of increasing economic fluctuations and financial difficulties, more and more users are beginning to choose cloud mining, a new way of simple, safe and stable income. Among many platforms, ALR Miner, which has been operating stably for more than 7 years and has millions of users worldwide, is becoming the first choice for the public.

    No equipment, no graphics card burning, no risk, new users will receive $12 USD experience bonus when they register, and they can get stable income every day with just a few clicks!

    Why are users all over the world using ALR Miner?
    ✅ Stable operation for 7 years, the platform is legal and compliant

    ✅ Register and get $12 experience bonus, you can experience making money without investment

    ✅ Stable daily income and transparent settlement

    ✅ Support flexible investment plans, suitable for different budgets

    ✅ More than 5 million users, covering many countries around the world

    ✅ Security system encryption protection, fast and worry-free fund arrival

    ALR Miner is committed to making it easy for every user to own their own “digital mining machine”, and even if they don’t understand blockchain, they can get started without obstacles, and achieve real passive income from the first day

    Recommended mining machine projects (concise version)
    $100 / 2-day mining plan
    Investment amount: $100

    Period: 2 days

    Daily net income: $3.30

    Total income: $106.60
    Suitable for novices to try, short-term results!

    $500 / 5-day mining plan
    Investment amount: $500

    Period: 5 days

    Daily net income: $6.30

    Total income: $531.50
    High cost performance, short-term stable return!

    Suitable for users who pursue higher returns, stable returns and low risks!

    Safety and compliance, real mining, user trust first
    ALR Miner has a strict technical guarantee system, all data communications are encrypted with SSL, platform assets are independently managed, and fast withdrawals are supported. Users can view revenue records and order details at any time, truly achieving platform transparency, safe operation, and clear revenue.

    At the same time, the platform team has focused on the construction of mining field technology for many years, and the backend is equipped with real mining machines and computing power support. All revenue is paid on time without delay.

    New users will receive $12 USD when they register, and they can start making money without recharging!
    Not sure if it is real? It doesn’t matter. ALR Miner provides every new user with $12 to experience the novice project, zero threshold to participate in the mining plan, no investment, no risk to experience real revenue, and let you see the return within 24 hours.

    Conclusion: Make money easy, start with ALR Miner
    In ALR Miner, everyone can easily start mining, without worrying about equipment or market fluctuations. Just choose a suitable plan, leave the rest to the platform, and wait for the income to arrive every day.

    Sign up now, get $12 trial money, and start mining and making money 24 hours a day!
    ALR Miner, let cloud mining become your long-term and stable source of income!

     Media Contact: 
    Name: Olivia Miller 
    Email: info@alrminer.com 
    Address: Singleton Court Business Park, Wonastow Road, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, United Kingdom, NP25 5JA 
    Website: https://alrminer.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • India, Norway reaffirm commitment to sustainable ocean governance at UN conference in France

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh met with Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Ness, in Nice, France, on Wednesday to advance bilateral cooperation in sustainable fisheries and ocean governance. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).

    During their bilateral and delegation-level discussions, the two Ministers reaffirmed their countries’ long-standing partnership in marine resource management and the broader blue economy. The talks focused on shared priorities, including the sustainable use of marine resources, data sharing, and joint efforts to address overfishing and marine pollution, the Ministry of Earth Sciences said in a statement.

    Both sides emphasized the importance of global cooperation under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), with a focus on knowledge exchange, technology sharing, and capacity building. They also discussed expanding existing collaborations aligned with the development of a sustainable and inclusive blue economy.

    The India-Norway dialogue is viewed as a key step toward reinforcing multilateral efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of global ocean resources, said the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US to Cut Defense Budget for Ukraine Next Year — Pentagon

    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

    HOUSTON, June 11 (Xinhua) — The U.S. administration will cut the defense budget for Ukraine next year, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a hearing in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

    “We’re talking about cutting that [upcoming defense] budget,” the Pentagon chief told lawmakers. “This administration has a very different view of this conflict.”

    “We believe that a peaceful, negotiated settlement is in the interests of both sides and our country, especially given all the competing interests around the world,” he said.

    According to American media, Washington has provided Kyiv with more than $66 billion in aid since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Citizens Panel: EU citizens shaping EU’s energy efficiency policies

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    In this video, we explore the EU Citizens Panel experience, where 150 randomly selected EU citizens are contributing to European decision-making. Our heroes share their first-hand experience of being a part of shaping the EU energy efficiency policies and the feelings of empowerment and unity this brings.

    Watch how one retired man from Ireland, or a Hungarian nurse, becomes a key player in shaping a greener and more energy-efficient Europe. Get inspired and see how you too can make a difference!

    ▬▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

    00:00 Introduction
    00:11 Being Active

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTCiLQbHq1o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU energy efficiency: Policies created by the people

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    When the EU calls you to contribute to EU energy efficiency, do you pick up? Watch as one retired man from Ireland, or a Hungarian nurse, becomes a key player in shaping a greener and more energy-efficient Europe. Get inspired and see how you too can make a difference!

    When Csenge, Conall, and 148 other randomly selected EU citizens were called upon by the European Commission to discuss EU Energy Efficiency in Brussels, they took on the challenge. Over three weekends, they debated, shared ideas, and made 13 conclusive recommendations that the Commission will consider during policymaking.

    Want to see how their voices contributed to the debate?
    ▬▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

    00:00 Introduction
    00:30 Travelling to Brussels
    00:58 Joining the Citizens Panel
    02:14 Small Group Sessions
    04:23 Focusing on Railway Travel
    06:19 Presenting Ideas
    06:38 Conclusion

    In this video, we follow the journey of Connell, a retired man from Ireland, and Csenge, a young nurse from Hungary, who were invited to participate in a European Citizens’ Panel. Initially sceptical, Connell was surprised to find himself on a plane to Brussels the next day. Along with citizens from different European countries, he participated in small group sessions where they discussed energy efficiency. The group focused on the issue of railway travel and proposed ideas to make it more environmentally friendly. Their suggestions were well received by the European Commission, giving Connell a sense of pride and accomplishment.
    Csenge, on top of her contributions to the Energy Efficiency policy-making process, also formed friendships with people from different countries, highlighting the diversity and power of collaboration.
    This experience showed both of them the importance of citizen involvement in shaping the future of Europe and how even an individual can make a difference.

    Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-264625

    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE-7FFPAvb4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU external borders: Irregular crossings drop by 20% in first 5 months of 2025

    Source: Frontex

    Irregular border crossings into the European Union dropped by 20% in the first five months of 2025, totalling 63 700, according to preliminary data collected by Frontex*.

    With over 3 300 officers stationed along the EU’s external borders Frontex is working together with national authorities to safeguard borders and save lives at sea.

    Key Highlights:

    • Central Mediterranean remains the busiest route this year, accounting for one of every three arrivals into the EU.
    • Western Balkans sees the steepest decline in arrivals between January and May (-56%).
    • Most frequently reported nationalities: Bangladeshi, Afghan, and Malian.

    In the Central Mediterranean, 22 700 irregular crossings were recorded in the first five months of 2025, reflecting a slight increase (+7%) compared to the same period last year.

    Libya remains the main country of exit for migrants on this route, with a significant increase this year offsetting an almost 90% decline in departures from Tunisia, as the Tunisian authorities are stepping up their efforts to curb irregular migration.

    The Eastern Mediterranean was the second most active route in January-May, with 15 600 irregular crossings, representing a 30% drop compared to 2024.

    On the Western African route, the number of arrivals fell by a third to almost 11 100. The main nationalities on this corridor were Malian, Senegalese and Guinean.

    This significant drop can be attributed to multiple factors: stronger border controls and migration policies in Mauritania, poor weather conditions, and enhanced cooperation between the EU and countries of departure. Joint Spanish-Moroccan patrols have also played a key role in disrupting smuggling activities near the Canary Islands.

    Many risk their lives to reach Europe, embarking on the perilous journey across the Mediterranean in unseaworthy boats. The International Organization for Migration estimates that in just the first five months of this year alone, 651 people lost their lives at sea.

    On the Channel route, the number of migrants attempting to cross into the United Kingdom increased by 17% compared to last year to 25 540.

    Recent months have seen an uptick in Channel crossings. Smuggling networks operating in the area are adapting, using simultaneous departures to increase the number of successful crossings. This tactic puts more lives at risk in an already dangerous stretch of water as it hinders the search and rescue efforts of the national authorities.

    * Note: The preliminary data presented in this statement refer to the number of detections of irregular border crossing at the external borders of the European Union. The same person may cross the border several times in different locations at the external border.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Representatives from 24 countries took part in the XXV Yasin International Scientific Conference of the Higher School of Economics

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Program Committee of the Jubilee XXV Yasinsky (April) International Scientific Conference on Problems of Economic and Social Development (YaMNK) summed up the first results. In 2025, 1,384 people from 24 countries and 29 Russian regions took part in the conference events, 335 people made presentations.

    This year, for the first time, the conference was held in a scientific format only. The architecture of the program also changed, it was compiled within the framework of five scientific topics: “Economics”, “Human Capital and Society”, “Foresight Research”, “International Research”, “Instrumental Methods and Models in Management and Social Sciences”.

    Traditionally, many applications were submitted to the conference. This year, the competition was 3 people per place. Of the 1035 applications, 381 applications passed the scientific examination, and as a result, 335 people presented their papers at the conference.

    “I would like to especially emphasize that many applications were interesting, but during the selection we adhered to the principles that we always talk about, namely: a clear description of the problem under consideration and the extent to which it has been studied, an indication of the research methodology and its main results, their validity and novelty,” says Fuad Aleskerov, Chairman of the XXV YMNC Program Committee. “No less important was the criterion of compliance with the designated volume of the abstract.

    The diversity of affiliations in the program was an important factor. We are interested in making the conference open to many scientific schools, including those from Russian regions and foreign countries.”

    The conference doors were open to many participants. Thus, a total of 1,384 people took part in it, of which 637 were participants in sections and special events, and 747 were conference listeners. Among the participants were guests from 24 foreign countries and 29 Russian regions.

    “We thank everyone who applied and took part in the events. We believe that the discussions were held at the highest level and the Yasin (April) International Scientific Conference has retained its position as one of the leading conferences in its segment. We are already starting to work on organizing the next conference, so stay tuned for announcements and see you in the spring of 2026 at the HSE,” said Fuad Aleskerov.

    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 Asia-Pac: SFST showcases to UK community Hong Kong’s determination to expand international financial co-operation (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said on June 10 (London time) during his visit to London, the United Kingdom (UK), that Hong Kong is at the forefront of global finance and the digital asset revolution. The city shares the same vision and has complementary expertise with the UK, allowing the two places to drive transformative economic growth through partnership in an era of innovation and sustainablity.
     
    Speaking at a luncheon held by the Hong Kong Association of the UK on June 10 (London time), Mr Hui highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to three key pillars, namely the 3Es that define the city’s strategic vision as a premier international financial centre. The 3Es refer to extending financial value chain across equities, fixed income, currencies and commodities; embracing fintech and green finance; and enhancing opportunities for Chinese and international businesses.
     
    He said Hong Kong’s ability to offer a diversified, resilient and innovative financial ecosystem and the Government’s determination to extend the financial value chain are creating a robust development platform that serves both regional and international markets. The vibrant capital markets in Hong Kong, driven by geopolitical developments and the Mainland’s technological advancements, are also offering global investors, including those from the UK, a gateway and access to invest in Asia’s burgeoning tech sector by leveraging Hong Kong’s deep market liquidity and robust regulatory framework.
     
    While mentioning the UK’s expertise in commodities trading, Mr Hui remarked that Hong Kong’s integration into the London Metal Exchange’s global warehouse network in January this year not only enhances Hong Kong’s commodities infrastructure but also creates significant opportunities for UK firms. Riding on Hong Kong’s proximity to Asia’s industrial markets, Hong Kong can partner with the UK to jointly tap into the growing demand for new-energy metals and support global industrial transformation and sustainable development.
     
    Among the highlights of the UK leg was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) and TheCityUK to establish a partnership in sharing insights and best practices to advance transition finance, collaborating on workforce development to address evolving market requirements, as well as establishing a framework to conduct an annual review to assess progress in collaboration and explore new opportunities. The MOU was signed by the Executive Director of the FSDC, Dr King Au, and the Managing Director of Public Affairs, Policy and Research of TheCityUK, Mr John Godfrey.
     
    Mr Hui, together with the Leadership Council Chair of TheCityUK, Mr Bruce Carnegie-Brown, witnessed the signing of the MOU on June 10 (London time). Mr Hui said that the MOU reflects a shared vision to harness the strengths of Hong Kong and the UK, creating opportunities that benefit both places and the global financial ecosystem.
     
    Prior to the signing ceremony, Mr Hui had a roundtable meeting with members of the TheCityUK, which represents an industry contributing over 12 per cent of the UK’s economic output and employing nearly 2.5 million people in financial and related professions. Mr Hui said that investors nowadays are gravitating towards markets that provide clarity, consistency and credibility, which are qualities that Hong Kong embodies in abundance. Moreover, Hong Kong continues to uphold the mission of striking a balance between innovation and investor protection through its regulatory framework in the process of integrating traditional financial services with innovative digital asset technologies for facilitating real economy activities. All in all, Hong Kong is an ideal partner for the UK to work with in unlocking horizons for growth and prosperity, especially in areas of wealth management and digital assets.
     
    Earlier in the day, Mr Hui had a bilateral meeting with the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Mr Alderman Alastair King, to update him on Hong Kong’s latest developments on the financial services front, which benefit from the unique convergence of global and Mainland advantages. He also met with the Chief Markets Officer of PwC UK, Mr Carl Sizer, to discuss the role the auditing and accounting profession can play to support Mainland enterprises going global.
     
    In the morning of June 9 (London time), Mr Hui attended a members briefing of a British independent think-tank, Asia House, to enlighten its members on the latest financial developments of Hong Kong as well as the Greater Bay Area at large. In a Q&A session moderated by the Chief Executive of Asia House, Mr Michael Lawrence, Mr Hui responded to members’ questions about Hong Kong’s financial outlook. The members were particularly interested in Hong Kong’s connectivity with international markets and the city’s fintech development.
     
    Mr Hui told the members that Hong Kong has been experiencing a flourishing financial market amid the challenging global financial landscape. The securities market of Hong Kong recorded an average daily turnover of US$31 billion for the first five months of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 120 per cent. The Government is also taking bold moves to boost fintech development, such as introducing the Stablecoins Ordinance which is scheduled to be enacted this August.
     
    During a lunch meeting with representatives of the ICBC Standard Bank on the same day, Mr Hui introduced to its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wang Wenbin, and other senior management, the international gold trading market and commodity trading ecosystem that Hong Kong is shaping. Both parties had a very productive discussion about the vast potential that Hong Kong may bring about. The bank serves as a global banking platform for commodities, fixed income and currency products for clients.
     
    In the afternoon, Mr Hui met with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury of the UK, Ms Emma Reynolds, and other financial officials to reinforce the financial partnership between the two leading international financial centres. At the meeting, he gave them an update on the latest situation of capital markets in Hong Kong.
     
    Mr Hui also paid a courtesy call on Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom Mr Wang Qi.
     
    After concluding the UK leg, Mr Hui proceeded to Oslo, Norway, on June 11 (London time) to continue his visit.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST’s speech at Hong Kong Association Membership Luncheon in London, United Kingdom (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST’s speech at Hong Kong Association Membership Luncheon in London, United Kingdom (English only)  
    Lord Mayor (696th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Mr Alderman Alastair King), Sir Douglas (Committee Member of the Hong Kong Association, Chairman of Aberdeen Group, Sir Douglas Flint), distinguished guests, esteemed members of the Hong Kong Association, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good afternoon. It is a profound privilege to address you today at this distinguished luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Association in London. I must say, you are a crowd too difficult to please because you know Hong Kong too well. This organisation’s mission is to champion the enduring business and trading relationship between Hong Kong and the UK which resonates deeply with the Government’s goal of fostering economic collaboration, innovation, and mutual prosperity. To further the efforts, I am here to showcase our city’s unparalleled strengths as a global financial hub and to explore the vast potential for deepening financial co-operation between Hong Kong and the UK. Our shared visions and complementary expertise position us well to forge a partnership that drives transformative growth in an increasingly challenging and also uncertain global economy.
     
         If you may recall, for those people who came two years ago for a similar occasion where I spoke, I tried to group my speech in five alphabet letters, ABCDE. A is about Asia, B is about business as usual, C is about connectivity, D is about digitalisation whereas E is about ESG (environmental, social and governance). These are the five elements at the time I drafted the speech that something Hong Kong could offer to this part of the world. So I am thinking, to this group which is very knowledgeable about Hong Kong, what should I say and how I should structure this speech? Of course I don’t want to get to the next alphabet letter after E, that is why I would stay at E and come with 3Es which are actually the pillars that define Hong Kong’s strategic vision as a premier international financial centre: 1) Extending our financial value chain across equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities. For those in the banking or financial world, you know what I mean. It’s about EFICC; 2) Embracing new finance through fintech and green finance; and 3) Enhancing offerings for Chinese companies going global through Hong Kong and international firms accessing the Mainland market. These pillars reflect our dynamic approach to navigating global economic and geopolitical challenges, seizing emerging opportunities, and fostering collaboration with partners like the UK. Let me elaborate on each pillar, highlighting our recent achievements and the opportunities they present for strengthening Hong Kong-UK ties.
     
    Extending our financial value chain
     
         Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hub is built on its ability to offer a diversified, resilient, and innovative financial ecosystem. By extending our financial value chain across equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities which can be grouped as EFICC, we are creating a robust platform that serves both regional and international markets, fostering opportunities for collaboration with global partners, including the UK.
     
    Equities: a vibrant and forward-looking market
     
         Hong Kong’s equity market has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, driven by bold structural reforms and a commitment to capturing global economic trends. The Hang Seng Index, which is a key barometer of our market’s performance, has demonstrated resilience amid global uncertainties. By May 30, our stock market capitalisation has increased by 24 per cent year on year to over US$5.2 trillion. This growth was propelled, I must say, by a number of key moments this year, including of course the DeepSeek moment when people really recalibrate the value that Chinese investment carry and at the same time also the “victory day” moment when people are seeing the uncertainty in other parts of the world which actually present opportunities to Hong Kong and London. The average daily turnover for the first five months of this year stood at US$31 billion in our market, an increase of 1.2 times over the past year, signaling sustained investor confidence and market liquidity.
     
         Apart from the market performance, we are also trying to reform our capital market to make it more instrumental in positioning Hong Kong as a global hub for new economy and technology companies. Back in 2018, we already introduced the “weighted voting rights” regime, enabling companies with dual-class share structures to list in Hong Kong. As I know, London Stock Exchange is also contemplating something similar to reform your stock market. This reform in Hong Kong attracted technology giants and paved the way for a new era of innovation-driven listings. Simultaneously, we opened our market to pre-revenue biotech firms, transforming Hong Kong into one of the world’s leading fundraising hubs for biotechnology. As a result, the proportion of new economy companies in our stock market has surged from 1.3 per cent in 2018 to approximately 14 per cent by April 2025, with their market capitalisation share rising from 2.8 per cent to about 28 per cent.
     
         Building on this momentum, we introduced the “18C” listing regime in 2023 for specialist technology companies, followed by a dedicated technology enterprises channel launched last month. These initiatives are designed to accelerate the listing of enterprises in the “hard technology” space, enabling them to raise capital in Hong Kong and expand their international presence. These reforms have not only reshaped the structure of our stock market but also aligned it with global economic trends, positioning Hong Kong as a vital partner for UK firms seeking exposure to Asia’s innovation-driven growth.
     
         Moreover, Hong Kong’s capital markets have benefited from the return of Chinese concept stocks, driven by geopolitical developments and Mainland China’s technological advancements. This trend has elevated the weight of technology stocks in our market, further enhancing its attractiveness to global investors. For example, before I came, we welcomed the listing of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited) which is a major lithium-ion battery manufacturing company serving the world for electric vehicles. For UK financial institutions, Hong Kong offers a gateway to invest in Asia’s burgeoning tech sector, leveraging our deep liquidity and robust regulatory framework.
     
    Connectivity and stability
     
         Apart from fundraising, it’s about our strengthened role as a gateway for international investors accessing Mainland China and for Mainland investors diversifying globally. Our “Connect” schemes – Stock Connect, Bond Connect, Wealth Management Connect, and Swap Connect – have facilitated seamless cross-border capital flows. These initiatives have seen significant growth in transaction volumes, product diversity, and risk management capabilities, enhancing both the “quantity” and “quality” of financial connectivity, covering the broad financial value chain across equities, fixed income and currencies.
     
         Stability is also a cornerstone of our financial system, as demonstrated by the performance of the Hong Kong dollar recently. In the first five months of 2025, the Hong Kong dollar largely traded within the strong-side convertibility undertaking range, signifying a robust demand, partly because a lot of money coming to Hong Kong to buy our IPOs (initial public offerings) which are in Hong Kong dollars, and at the same time it is now the season when the listed companies need Hong Kong dollars to give out dividends. So with this background, what we see is operations by our banking regulator where now the banking system aggregate balances rising to US$22 billion by May 30, 2025, a substantial increase from US$5.7 billion at the end of last year. Total bank deposits grew by over 4 per cent in the first four months of 2025, with Hong Kong dollar deposits rising by 4.4 per cent, reflecting strong capital inflows into our banking system. So you have been hearing a lot about capital flight from Hong Kong to others, all these numbers are testaments to how wrong those perceptions are. This stability underscores our role as a trusted financial hub, like that of London, offering a secure environment for UK investors and businesses.
     
         Amid global economic uncertainties, including trade protectionism and unilateral policies, RMB (Renminbi) is gaining prominence as a global transaction and reserve currency. Its share in global payments rose from 2 per cent in 2020 to 4 per cent by the end of 2024, ranking fourth globally, while its share in trade financing increased from 2 per cent to 6 per cent. As the world’s leading offshore RMB hub, Hong Kong is seizing this opportunity by enhancing RMB-denominated investment products and risk management tools. Our plan to integrate RMB-denominated stock trading into Southbound Stock Connect will further support RMB internationalisation in a gradual and prudent manner, creating opportunities for UK financial institutions to engage with RMB-based products and services.
     
    Commodities: pioneering a new ecosystem with LME integration
     
         In the commodities sector, Hong Kong is capitalising on the global surge in non-ferrous metals trading, driven by the transition to new energy technologies. In 2024, the London Metal Exchange (LME) recorded trading volumes of 178 million lots, a 20 per cent year-on-year increase, with significant growth in new-energy metals like nickel and cobalt. These metals are critical to industrial transformation and technological advancement, and China remains a pivotal force, with non-ferrous metals trade exceeding US$368 billion in 2024, up 11 per cent from the previous year.
     
         Recognising this potential, our Chief Executive outlined a vision in his Policy Address to create a commodity trading ecosystem in Hong Kong, encompassing warehousing, distribution, trading, testing, certification, insurance, and financial services. A landmark achievement in this regard is our integration into the LME’s global warehouse network in January this year. By bringing storage facilities closer to Mainland China’s industrial heartlands and consumption centres, we are strengthening our role as a central platform for the metals industry. Within months since January this year when we are recognised as a delivery port for the LME contracts, seven warehouses have already been approved, and their operations will commence as early as in July 2025.
     
         This initiative not only enhances Hong Kong’s commodities infrastructure but also creates significant opportunities for UK firms, given the LME’s London-based heritage. The UK’s expertise in commodities trading and Hong Kong’s proximity to Asia’s industrial markets make our partnership a natural fit. By collaborating on warehousing, trading, and related services, we can jointly tap into the growing demand for new-energy metals, supporting global industrial transformation and sustainable development.
     
         By extending our financial value chain across equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities, Hong Kong is reinforcing its position as a diversified financial hub. We invite UK businesses to leverage our platform to access Asia’s dynamic markets, fostering mutual growth and collaboration in these critical sectors.
     
    Embracing new finance: fintech and green finance
     
         The second pillar of our strategy is embracing new finance, particularly in fintech and green finance, to position Hong Kong at the forefront of financial innovation and sustainability. These areas align closely with the UK’s developments in digital finance and sustainable investments, creating fertile ground for partnership.
     
    Fintech: pioneering digital assets and stablecoin regulation
     
         Hong Kong’s robust regulatory framework, business-friendly environment, and strategic location make it an ideal hub for fintech innovation. My bureau, FSTB (Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau), in collaboration with financial regulators and industry stakeholders, is pursuing a multipronged strategy to foster a vibrant fintech ecosystem. This includes enhancing financial infrastructures, nurturing talent, strengthening industry connections in Mainland China and overseas, and creating a conducive environment for fintech innovation.
     
         This is my second day here in London and I am hearing a lot about digital assets (DAs). Just days before I embarked on this trip, our Legislative Council has passed the Stablecoins legislation in Hong Kong and it will be enacted on August 1. After that, we will issue a second policy statement about promoting Hong Kong as the digital asset ecosystem.
     
         Looking ahead, we will continue to be a leader in adopting emerging technologies. A 2023 survey revealed that 38 per cent of Hong Kong’s financial institutions adopted generative AI, surpassing the global average of 26 per cent. In October last year, we issued a policy statement on the responsible use of AI in finance, followed by practical guidelines, sandbox schemes, and industry seminars to support institutions in adopting AI responsibly. These initiatives position Hong Kong as a hub for fintech innovation, complementing the UK’s advancements in areas like blockchain and AI-driven financial services.
     
    Green finance: driving sustainable development
     
         Moving on to green finance, Hong Kong is committed to mobilising cross-border investments to address climate and sustainability challenges, aligning with global efforts to achieve net zero. Last year, Hong Kong arranged US$43 billion in green and sustainable bonds, capturing 45 per cent of the Asian market and ranking first in the region for seven consecutive years. By March this year, our security regulator authorised around 220 ESG funds, managing US$140 billion in assets, an 80 per cent increase over three years.
     
         Last week we have just issued a new round of Government green bonds and infrastructure bonds, totally around US$3.5 billion, denominated in four currencies, namely HKD (Hong Kong dollars), RMB, USD (US dollars) and EUR (euro). The offering attracted participation from a wide spectrum of investors from more than 30 markets across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas, with total orders amounting around US$30 billion equivalent, representing an over-subscription of almost nine times. The proceeds from green bond issuance will fund local Government green works projects, and set benchmarks for the market encouraging private-sector participation.
     
         To align with global standards, we launched the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in December last year, providing a clear path for large publicly accountable entities to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) by 2028. This positions Hong Kong among the first jurisdictions to align with global sustainability reporting standards, enhancing transparency and comparability. The roadmap not only reflects our commitment to the global green transition but also offers clarity and guidance to market participants.
     
         On the funding support side, the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme, which was extended to 2027, subsidises issuance costs for bonds and loans, including transition financing, encouraging industries across the Greater Bay Area and Belt and Road economies to leverage Hong Kong’s platform for low-carbon transitions. So for many of you who are working for business financial institutions or companies, do take this message home that we are subsidising for people who are issuing green bonds and loans in Hong Kong.
     
         These efforts create significant opportunities for UK firms to collaborate with Hong Kong on green finance initiatives, from ESG funds to green technology solutions, leveraging our shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. The UK’s commitment in green finance, combined with Hong Kong’s strategic position in Asia, can drive impactful partnerships in sustainable investment and technology.
     
    Enhancing offerings for global and Mainland businesses
     
         The third pillar, enhancing offerings, underscores Hong Kong’s role as a bridge for Chinese companies going global and international firms accessing Mainland China, supported by policies that facilitate cross-border mobility and business expansion.
     
    Supporting Chinese companies going global
     
         As Mainland China accelerates its economic opening, Chinese firms are intensifying their global expansion, optimising supply chains and market presence to address geopolitical risks and tap into international markets. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to support this “going out” strategy, offering financing, supply chain management, and professional services under the “one country, two systems” framework.
     
         Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen ties with emerging markets further enhance our appeal. In October last year, we facilitated the listing of two Hong Kong-focused exchange-traded funds on the Saudi Exchange, attracting Middle Eastern capital to our markets. The two Saudi-listed ETFs have a combined size of over US$1.9 billion. They are the two largest ETFs listed and are amongst the top traded ETFs on Saudi Stock Exchange. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to connecting traditional and emerging markets, offering UK firms a platform to diversify their investments across Asia and beyond.
     
         Hong Kong’s professional services, for example the Accounting sector, are well-positioned and experienced to meet the needs of Mainland firms going global. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants has earlier compiled a list of firms specialising in supporting global expansion of Chinese companies, and has recently expanded the list from 60 to over 80 firms, connecting Mainland enterprises with international markets for business expansion. Moreover, Hong Kong’s network of 52 Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements with other tax jurisdictions, with plans for further expansion, provides tax clarity for businesses, enhancing Hong Kong’s appeal as a commercial and investment hub.
     
         UK firms can partner with Hong Kong to support Chinese companies’ international ventures, leveraging our expertise in financing, legal services, and market access. For example, UK financial institutions can collaborate with Hong Kong-based firms to provide advisory services, underwriting, and risk management solutions for Chinese enterprises expanding into Europe and beyond.
     
    Facilitating international access to the Mainland
     
         Hong Kong is equally committed to helping international talents, including those from the UK, access Mainland China’s vast market. A facilitating policy introduced in July last year allows non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents to obtain a card???type document with five-year validity. This card enables self-service clearance at Mainland control points without going through manual channels, eliminating the need for arrival cards and significantly enhancing clearance efficiency. This measure, implemented under the “one country, two systems” framework, facilitates business, travel, and family visits, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to the Mainland.
     
         Hong Kong’s professional services, with deep knowledge of Mainland business culture and international expertise, provide comprehensive support for UK firms navigating China’s market. From legal and accounting services to supply chain management, Hong Kong offers a trusted platform for UK companies to establish and grow their presence in Asia.
     
    Hong Kong-UK financial co-operation
     
         The complementary strengths between the two markets of Hong Kong and UK create a strong foundation for collaboration. The integration of Hong Kong into the LME’s warehouse network opens new avenues for UK firms to engage with Asia’s commodities markets, particularly in new-energy metals critical to the global energy transition. Our leadership in green finance aligns with the UK’s expertise in sustainable investments, creating opportunities for joint ventures in ESG funds, carbon trading, and green fintech. In fintech, Hong Kong’s progressive DA regulations complement the UK’s advancements in digital finance, paving the way for collaborative innovation in areas like blockchain, AI, and stablecoins.
     
         By leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths in extending our financial value chain, embracing new finance, and enhancing global and Mainland connectivity, we invite UK businesses to partner with us in tapping Asia’s growth opportunities. Our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity positions us to build a future of mutual prosperity.
     
    Conclusion
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong stands at the forefront of global finance, driven by our commitment to the 3Es: Extending our financial value chain across equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities; Embracing fintech and green finance; and Enhancing opportunities for Chinese and international businesses. Our unique position under “one country, two systems,” robust regulatory framework, and vibrant markets make Hong Kong the ideal partner for the UK in navigating Asia’s dynamic markets.
     
         I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong Association for hosting this luncheon and for your unwavering commitment to strengthening Hong Kong-UK ties. Let us seize this opportunity to deepen our financial partnership, fostering innovation, sustainability, and prosperity for our shared future. Together, we can shape a world of opportunity, leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths and the UK’s global leadership to drive transformative growth.
     
         Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 16:31

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST’s speech at business reception for signing of Memorandum of Understanding between TheCityUK and Financial Services Development Council in London, United Kingdom (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST’s speech at business reception for signing of Memorandum of Understanding between TheCityUK and Financial Services Development Council in London, United Kingdom (English only)  
    Alderman Sir Charles (690th Lord Mayor of the City of London, Co-Chair of the UK-China Green Finance Taskforce, Mr Alderman Sir Charles Bowman), Bruce (Leadership Council Chair of TheCityUK, Mr Bruce Carnegie-Brown), John (Managing Director of TheCityUK, Mr John Godfrey), King (Executive Director of the FSDC, Dr King Au), ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,
     
         It is an honour to stand before you in London to celebrate the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between TheCityUK and Hong Kong’s Financial Services Development Council. I am very delighted to witness this milestone in strengthening financial co-operation between our two leading financial centres.
     
         This MOU is a commitment to deepen collaboration, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth. It reflects a shared vision to harness the strengths of Hong Kong and the UK, creating opportunities that benefit our jurisdictions and the global financial ecosystem.
     
         Hong Kong is a premier international financial centre, strategically located at the heart of Asia, serving as a gateway between Mainland China and global markets. Our robust legal framework, adherence to international standards, and business-friendly environment underpin our success. The financial services sector is a cornerstone of our economy, driving growth through our world-class stock exchange, leadership in green finance, fintech, and asset management. Hong Kong’s contributions to sustainable investment and digital innovation continue to set global benchmarks.
     
         The United Kingdom, with London as its financial hub, is a global leader in financial and professional services. TheCityUK represents an industry that contributes 12 per cent to the UK’s economic output and employs nearly 2.5 million people. Its role in supporting net zero transitions, economic growth, and essential services is remarkable. The UK’s expertise in financial innovation and regulation makes it an ideal partner for Hong Kong.
     
         This MOU outlines a forward-looking framework for co-operation in key areas: transition finance, digital assets, technological advancements, and workforce development. A few highlights this partnership are worth noting.
     
         First, the focus on transition finance is critical as the world moves toward net zero. Hong Kong is a leader in green bonds issuance and sustainable finance, with initiatives like government green bonds issuance setting a global benchmark. TheCityUK and the FSDC will share best practices to advance transition finance across the Asia-Pacific and beyond, ensuring our financial systems support a low-carbon future.
     
         Second, the emphasis on digital assets aligns with the rapid evolution of our industry. Hong Kong is advancing fintech through initiatives like our Central Bank Digital Currency pilot and digital asset regulations. The UK’s leadership in distributed ledger technology and tokenisation complements these efforts. Through this MOU, both parties will exchange insights on regulatory practices, promote interoperability, and build capacity for responsible integration of digital assets.
     
         Third, workforce development is central to our success. Technological advancements are reshaping financial services, and both Hong Kong and the UK are committed to equipping our professionals with the skills needed to thrive. Collaborative efforts will ensure our workforces are prepared for an era of innovation.
     
         The MOU also facilitates practical co-operation through market visits, stakeholder introductions, and co-hosted events. These initiatives will strengthen the ties between our financial communities and drive meaningful outcomes.
     
         The economic ties between Hong Kong and the UK provide a strong foundation for this partnership. Our shared commitment to open markets, innovation, and excellence has long underpinned our collaboration. This MOU builds on that legacy, creating new avenues for partnership at a time when global challenges like climate change and technological disruption demand collective action. Together, we can unlock opportunities for growth and prosperity.
     
         I extend my heartfelt congratulations to TheCityUK and the FSDC for their vision and leadership. My gratitude goes to all who have worked to bring this MOU to fruition. Your efforts have laid the groundwork for a stronger financial relationship between our jurisdictions.
     
         Let us seize this opportunity to deepen our collaboration, leverage our strengths, and promote Hong Kong and the UK as leading global financial centres. Together, we can shape a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and opportunity.
     
    Thank you, and I wish this partnership every success.
    Issued at HKT 16:33

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic presented its initiatives to the rectors of BRICS countries at forums in Brazil

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Rio de Janeiro hosted large-scale events — the second forum of university rectors from Russia, Brazil and Belarus, as well as the second forum of university rectors from the BRICS countries. The events were organized by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro with the support of national rectors’ communities, including the Russian Union of Rectors. They became a powerful platform for strengthening academic ties and promoting joint initiatives. The forums were attended by more than 50 representatives of universities from Russia and Belarus, delegations from Iran, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia and more than 60 universities from Brazil.

    At the section on educational cooperation, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky emphasized the unique role of BRICS in the modern world: In the conditions of international turbulence, it is education and science that are becoming the most important tools for finding joint answers to global challenges. The BRICS association is one of the few international platforms where interaction is built on the principles of mutual respect and equality, where there are no main ones, where everyone is equal and is committed to working together for the sake of a common future. We see that this approach is of interest and response to many countries. The creation of a ranking of BRICS universities is especially relevant in the conditions of political commitment of the headquarters of international rating agencies. The new system for assessing the quality of education is in great demand.

    The Deputy Minister spoke in detail about the dynamic expansion of the association (the accession of new members: Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Indonesia) and the priorities of the educational agenda. This is the development of the BRICS Network University, recognition of qualifications, support for talented youth and the creation of its own BRICS university ranking.

    The key sections and plenary session were held at the Museum of Tomorrow. SPbPU was represented by a delegation consisting of Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade; Ekaterina Belyaevskaya, Head of the Department of International Interuniversity Cooperation; and Nikita Lukashevich and Olga Ergunova, associate professors at the Graduate School of Management and Management. Vladimir Shchepinin spoke at one of the sessions, presenting the Polytechnic University as a key player in the scientific and educational space of Russia in the field of technological development. He drew the attention of the rectors’ community to the potential of SPbPU in solving the problems of sustainable development of the BRICS countries.

    At the thematic session “Artificial Intelligence and Education in the BRICS Countries”, Olga Ergunova presented a report “AI Optimization of Human Resource Management in Smart Cities”, based on the results of a large-scale scientific project supported by the Russian Science Foundation (grant No. 25-28-01469). She described in detail the neural network model developed under the auspices of the RSF for forecasting and managing labor markets in the BRICS megacities (Shanghai, Bangalore, Moscow, Sao Paulo).

    Olga Ergunova drew the attention of those gathered to a successful example of comprehensive cooperation between the BRICS countries — the international competition for young researchers “SMART CITY 2030: Sustainable Development Management of BRICS Cities”. The event was first held in 2024 in pilot mode and generated considerable interest. In 2025, the co-organizers of the competition are SPbPU, the Russian Institute of Tsinghua University (China), Lovely Professional University (India) and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The Rectors’ Forum provided an opportunity to announce the expansion of the competition and invite new representatives of the BRICS countries to participate.

    The SPbPU delegation held talks with existing partner universities in Brazil (these are nine leading universities in the country), and also met with new promising educational institutions and agencies. Among them are the Federal Agency for Technological Education, the Secretariat for Supervision and Development in Higher Education. Both agencies operate under the Ministry of Education of Brazil.

    Polytechnic University signed cooperation agreements with the Federal University of Fluminense and the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro.

    During working meetings and negotiations with rectors and representatives of university delegations, projects in the field of joint research, academic mobility, joint educational programs of double degrees and the organization of summer schools were discussed.

    In the context of changing global educational landscapes, Brazilian universities are becoming key centers for ensuring the scientific and technological sovereignty of the BRICS countries. Their competencies in the field of sustainable development, green economy, bioeconomy, agribusiness, artificial intelligence and other areas, supplemented by Russian fundamental science, form a unique ecosystem of cooperation, its integration into the BRICS educational space through the mechanisms of the BRICS Network University. They allow the creation of new formats of cooperation that combine academic mobility with applied research in areas that are strategic for the countries, noted Vladimir Shchepinin.

    A pleasant surprise was the delegation’s meeting with a 1988 Polytechnic graduate, Electo Eduardo Silva Lora. He is currently a professor and holds the post of head of the Scientific Institute at the Federal University of Itajuba, a leading university in the field of electric power and electrical engineering. Electo Silva Lora spoke excellent Russian and recalled his teachers, professors at the Polytechnic University, with great warmth. He expressed a desire to renew scientific and academic ties with his alma mater and is already interacting with colleagues from the Institute of Power Engineering.

    In addition, Olga Ergunova visited the leading business school of Latin America — FGV EBAPE (Getulio Vargas Foundation), holder of the prestigious “Triple Crown” of accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS). She held business negotiations with the director-dean of the school, Professor Flavio Carvalho de Vasconcelos and the head of the international department of Yuna Fontoura.

    Representatives of the school expressed interest in cooperation with SPbPU. During the negotiations, specific steps were outlined: organizing academic exchanges, joint research in the field of innovation management, technological development and sustainable production.

    For FGV EBAPE, it is always valuable to establish connections with leading universities in the world, such as SPbPU. We are interested in developing academic mobility and joint research initiatives, especially in areas related to technology and innovation, – emphasized Flavio Vasconcelos.

    Universities in Brazil represent a huge potential for partnership. Of course, everyone understands the difficulties and cost of logistics between our continents, but even this does not become an obstacle for such innovative projects as, for example, the Smart Cities competition. A number of government agencies support the mobility of Brazilian students, and these opportunities should be used. Brazil has created the strongest scientific centers and technology hubs in the field of research into renewable energy, artificial intelligence, agricultural and food technologies, oil and gas. Colleagues are interested in joint publications, the development of postgraduate programs, international grants for joint research. There is a lot of work to do to turn today’s agreements into real projects with the participation of the Polytechnic University, – Ekaterina Belyaevskaya summed up.

    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: Professor of the State University of Management took part in the visiting meeting of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Professor of the Department of Public Administration and Political Technologies of the State University of Management Vladimir Volokh took part in the visiting meeting of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, which took place at the Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia named after V. Ya. Kikot – the largest methodological and scientific center, the flagship of departmental education.

    The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Police General Vladimir Kolokoltsev took part in the visiting meeting of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and answered questions from graduates of departmental universities. The head of the department expressed confidence that the young generation of police officers, having received good theoretical knowledge, will cope with all challenges with dignity: “I am convinced that your integrity, efforts and achievements will contribute to the stability of the state and increase the level of trust of the population.”

    During the event, graduates of police universities had the opportunity to directly communicate with members of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia – representatives of civil society, people who constructively cooperate with the department, actively participate in joint scientific and practical projects and campaigns, and openly and impartially assess the quality of the work of the law enforcement system.

    Of particular interest were topics such as combating cybercrime, the role of media and social networks in shaping public opinion about the police, migration, the introduction of positive foreign experience into the activities of internal affairs agencies, etc.

    At the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Council, Anatoly Kucherena, presented the graduates of departmental educational organizations with a symbolic “Parting Word” from members of the Public Council under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 20,000 malicious IPs and domains taken down in INTERPOL infostealer crackdown

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    11 June 2025

    SINGAPORE – More than 20,000 malicious IP addresses or domains linked to information stealers have been taken down in an INTERPOL-coordinated operation against cybercriminal infrastructure.

    During Operation Secure (January – April 2025) law enforcement agencies from 26 countries worked to locate servers, map physical networks and execute targeted takedowns.

    Ahead of the operation, INTERPOL cooperated with private-sector partners Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro to produce Cyber Activity Reports, sharing critical intelligence with cyber teams across Asia. These coordinated efforts resulted in the takedown of 79 per cent of identified suspicious IP addresses.

    Participating countries reported the seizure of 41 servers and over 100 GB of data, as well as the arrest of 32 suspects linked to illegal cyber activities.

    What are infostealers?

    Infostealer malware is a primary tool for gaining unauthorized access to organizational networks. This type of malicious software extracts sensitive data from infected devices, often referred to as bots. The stolen information typically includes browser credentials, passwords, cookies, credit card details and cryptocurrency wallet data.

    Additionally, logs harvested by infostealers are increasingly traded on the cybercriminal underground and are frequently used as a gateway for further attacks. These logs often enable initial access for ransomware deployments, data breaches, and cyber-enabled fraud schemes such as Business Email Compromise (BEC).

    Following the operation, authorities notified over 216,000 victims and potential victims so they could take immediate action – such as changing passwords, freezing accounts, or removing unauthorized access.

    Operational highlights

    Vietnamese police arrested 18 suspects, seizing devices from their homes and workplaces. The group’s leader was found with over VND 300 million (USD 11,500) in cash, SIM cards and business registration documents, pointing to a scheme to open and sell corporate accounts.

    As part of their respective enforcement efforts under Operation Secure, house raids were carried out by authorities in Sri Lanka and Nauru. These actions led to the arrest of 14 individuals – 12 in Sri Lanka and two in Nauru – as well as the identification of 40 victims.

    The Hong Kong Police analysed over 1,700 pieces of intelligence provided by INTERPOL and identified 117 command-and-control servers hosted across 89 internet service providers. These servers were used by cybercriminals as central hubs to launch and manage malicious campaigns, including phishing, online fraud and social media scams.

    Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime, said:

    “INTERPOL continues to support practical, collaborative action against global cyber threats. Operation Secure has once again shown the power of intelligence sharing in disrupting malicious infrastructure and preventing large-scale harm to both individuals and businesses.”

    Notes to editors

    Operation Secure is a regional initiative organized under the Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations Against Cybercrime (ASPJOC) Project.

    Participating countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Korea (Rep of), Laos, Macau (China), Malaysia, Maldives, Nauru, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Q+A follows The Project onto the scrap heap – so where to now for non-traditional current affairs?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    Two long-running television current affairs programs are coming to an end at the same time, driving home the fact that no matter what the format, they have a shelf life.

    The Project on Channel 10 will end this month after 16 years, and after 18 years on the ABC, Q+A will not return from its current hiatus.

    Each was innovative in very different ways.

    Q+A was designed specifically to generate public participation. Its format of five panellists, a host and a studio audience of up to 1,000 was a daring experiment, because the audience was invited to ask questions that were not vetted in advance.

    This live-to-air approach gave it an edgy atmosphere not often achieved on television. From time to time, the edginess was real.

    In 2022, an audience member made a statement supporting Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and repeated Russian propaganda to the effect that Ukraine’s Azov battalion was a Nazi group that had killed an estimated 13,000 people in the Donbas region.

    After a brief discussion of these allegations, the host Stan Grant asked the man to leave, saying other audience members had been talking about family members who were dying in the war, and he could not countenance the advocating of violence.

    In 2017 the Sudanese-Australian writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied was involved in a fiery exchange with Senator Jacqui Lambie over sharia law.

    They had been asked by an audience member if it was time to define new rules surrounding migration to avoid community conflict, to which Lambie replied: “Anyone that supports sharia law should be deported.”

    Abdel-Magied questioned if Lambie even knew what that meant, before getting into a heated defence of feminism and Islam.

    In 2024, an audience member listening to politicians on the panel debate family violence could not contain his frustration, calling out:

    How dare you go into politics, in an environment like this, when one woman is murdered every four days, and all you […] can do is immediately talk about politics? That is just disgraceful.

    His outburst went viral.

    He had put his finger on what was an increasing problem with the program. It became hostage to fixed political positions among those of its panellists drawn from party politics.

    As a result, it became predictable, and although the surprise element supplied by audience participation remained a strength, the panellists’ responses increasingly became echoes of their parties’ policies.

    While the objective no doubt was to achieve a range of perspectives, it began to look like stage-managed political controversy.

    This is not to criticise the established presenters – Tony Jones, who fronted the program for 11 years, Stan Grant and most recently Patricia Karvelas, all gifted journalists who adroitly managed the time bombs occasionally set off in their midst.

    Unfortunately, especially for Grant, the program was a lightning rod for attacks on the ABC by The Australian newspaper. ABC management’s abandonment of him, after a particularly vicious attack in 2023 over his commentary during coverage of the king’s coronation, was disgraceful.

    Resigning from the program, Grant said: “Since the king’s coronation, I have seen people in the media lie and distort my words. They have tried to depict me as hate filled. They have accused me of maligning Australia. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

    The ABC is promising to continue with audience-participation programming along the lines of Your Say, a kind of online questionnaire which the ABC says was successfully tried during the 2025 federal election.

    How such a format would translate to television is not clear.

    Meanwhile at Ten, there is promise of a new current affairs program, but details are scant.

    The Project will be a hard act to follow. It promised “news done differently” – and it delivered. News stories were given context and a touch of humanity by a combination of humour, accidents, slips of the tongue and the intellectual firepower of Waleed Aly.

    Aly is a Sunni Muslim, and his “ISIL is weak” speech in 2015 spoke directly and passionately to the fears of the public at the peak of one of the many panics over terrorism.

    Inevitably, much of the attention in the wake of the announced closure has been on the celebrated gaffes of long-time presenter Carrie Bickmore, a little rich to be reproduced in a sober article such as this, but findable here.

    It may not be an auspicious time for launching a new current affairs program at Ten. Its ultimate parent company, Paramount, in the United States, is in the process of negotiating a settlement with US President Donald Trump over a trumped-up court case in which the president is suing the company for US$20 billion (A$30.7 billion).

    He says an interview done by another Paramount company, CBS News, with the Democrats’ former presidential nominee Kamala Harris during the election campaign was “deceptively edited”.

    This is said to have no prospect of succeeding in court, but Paramount wishes to merge with Skydance Media and fears the Trump administration would block it if the company doesn’t come across. The Wall Street Journal is reporting it is proposing to settle for $15 million.

    Senior editorial staff at CBS have already resigned in protest at Paramount’s cowardice, so what price editorial independence at Ten?

    Denis Muller does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Q+A follows The Project onto the scrap heap – so where to now for non-traditional current affairs? – https://theconversation.com/q-a-follows-the-project-onto-the-scrap-heap-so-where-to-now-for-non-traditional-current-affairs-258690

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • From clay to spray: Nadal’s team leads electric charge on Adriatic waves

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Rafa Nadal gets used life after tennis, he has let go of his racquets to spend time on the Adriatic waves, steering his Team Rafa into electric powerboat racing’s E1 World Championship in Dubrovnik.

    Days after the retired 14-times Roland Garros champion was immortalised at the French Open with a permanent footprint on centre court’s famed red clay, the Spaniard’s racing team tops a tightly contested series heading into the Croatian round, following a dramatic victory last time out in Doha.

    Team Rafa  currently leads the standings following success in Doha, as the electric boat racing series begins its European leg on June 13-14 along Croatia’s coast.

    The tennis great’s boat is piloted by Spanish professional jet ski racer Cristina Lazarrage and Frenchman Tom Chiappe.

    The E1 World Championship is the first all-electric raceboat series sanctioned by powerboating’s global governing body, the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), and is designed to accelerate innovation in sustainable marine technology and coastal conservation.

    Teams featuring both male and female pilots compete in electric-powered RaceBird boats, racing through urban water circuits in iconic global cities.

    Celebrity owners include LeBron James, Tom Brady, Virat Kohli and Didier Drogba as well as 22-times Grand Slam champion Nadal.

    The championship continues to Lake Maggiore and Monaco before concluding in Miami, where “Champions of the Water” will be crowned on Nov. 8.

    -REUTERS

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City centre to get improvements including greening the area

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Surplus money from bus lane and LEZ fines is to be used to fund several city centre projects including a major one to green the area.

    Aberdeen City Council’s Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee agreed the moves at a meeting today.

    Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “We are working to make the city centre an even better place for people to spend time. Improvements to street lighting, and to the city centre environment help achieve that.”

    Net Zero, Environment, and Transport vice-convenor Miranda Radley added: “The budget allocated today will allow the Council, working with partners, to brighten the city centre, improve pedestrian access and encourage more people to enjoy the space we have in the city centre.” 

    The Council’s Finance and Resources Committee approved in March the funding surplus for bus lane enforcement of £2,635,268 and LEZ £669,000 and that the projects would be agreed by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee.

    The report to committee said discussions have been ongoing with partners such as Aberdeen Inspired to identify impactful projects that could be progressed and be aligned to the delivery of the wider City Centre Masterplan, using the bus lane enforcement money. These include:

    • £200,000 for lighting improvements;
    • £300,000 for Guild Street improvement which to enhance the pedestrian environment around Guild Street in particular, and to improve journeys and wayfinding between Union Square and Union Street. This could also include exploring additional bus stops on Guild Street.

    In March 2025, Council agreed to spend £200,000 to support the re-establishment of a bicycle rental scheme in Aberdeen to be funded from the LEZ surplus. Discussions have been ongoing with partners and the Council’s Environmental Manager to consider projects that could be progressed at this time. These include:

    • Our Union Street Greening/People Project: £61,000. This would be in Union Street West (Union Terrace to Dee Street) with areas of new planting (the plants would be selected on the basis of their air quality and climate change benefits) and seating. The project would involve working with H.M.P. Grampian and the Our Union Street “volunteer army” to construct, plant and maintain the structures;
    • City Centre Greening, Growing and Buzzing: £60,000. This project would include a range of initiatives such as: reinstating urban bees into the city centre, additional floral enhancement via provision of year-round hanging baskets and investigation of additional green bus shelters. This project would be undertaken in partnership between Aberdeen Inspired.

    An additional £71,000 was also allocated by Committee today under the ‘Greening the City Centre’ theme.

    Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are grateful to Aberdeen City Council for its continued engagement and support on ways to improve the city centre to attract more footfall and help boost the economy. 

    “We look forward to working with the council on any and all initiatives to help regenerate the heart of the Granite City.”

    Bob Keillor, of Our Union Street, said: “This is excellent news and we look forward to working with Aberdeen City Council colleagues to bring much needed colour and greenery to a section of Union Street. Our army of volunteers “The Street Union” will be delighted too as they have seen the difference that their cleanup efforts are making every week.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Los Angeles Mayor Announces Curfew in Downtown

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    LOS ANGELES, June 11 (Xinhua) — Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced on Tuesday evening that the second-largest U.S. city will impose a curfew in the city center from 8 p.m. local time (03:00 GMT Wednesday) to 6 a.m. Wednesday (13:00 GMT).

    The curfew, as K. Bass noted, will cover an area of about 1 square mile.

    Local authorities imposed a limited curfew in response to looting and vandalism that occurred in the city centre on Monday evening following largely peaceful daytime protests, she said.

    The curfew does not apply to area residents, homeless people, members of the media, and public safety or emergency personnel, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department.

    Bass announced the curfew as protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids entered their fifth day. Local media reported that demonstrators had taken to the 101 Freeway, blocking traffic in both directions, shortly before the curfew was ordered. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New data release: ECB wage tracker indicates decline in negotiated wage growth over course of year

    Source: European Central Bank

    11 June 2025

    • ECB wage tracker updated with wage agreements signed up to mid-May 2025
    • Forward-looking information confirms negotiated wage growth set to ease over course of year, consistent with data published following April 2025 Governing Council meeting

    The European Central Bank (ECB) wage tracker, which only covers active collective bargaining agreements, indicates negotiated wage growth with smoothed one-off payments of 4.7% in 2024 (based on an average coverage of 48.8% of employees in participating countries), and 3.1% in 2025 (based on an average coverage of 47.4%). The ECB wage tracker with unsmoothed one-off payments indicates an average negotiated wage growth level of 4.9% in 2024 and 2.9% in 2025. The downward trend of the forward-looking wage tracker for the remainder of 2025 partly reflects the mechanical impact of large one-off payments (that were paid in 2024 but drop out in 2025) and the front-loaded nature of wage increases in some sectors in 2024. The wage tracker excluding one-off payments indicates growth of 4.2% in 2024 and 3.8% in 2025. See Chart 1 and Table 1 for further details.

    The ECB wage tracker may be subject to revisions, and the forward-looking part should not be interpreted as a forecast, as it only captures the information that is available for the active collective bargaining agreements. It should also be noted that the ECB wage tracker does not track the indicator of negotiated wage growth precisely and therefore deviations are to be expected over time.

    For a more comprehensive assessment of wage developments in the euro area, please refer to the June 2025 Eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area, which indicate a yearly growth rate of compensation per employee in the euro area of 3.2% in 2025, with a quarterly profile of 3.5% in the first quarter, 3.4% in the second quarter, 3.1% in Q3 in the third quarter, and of 2.8% in the fourth quarter.

    The ECB publishes four wage tracker indicators for the aggregate of seven participating euro area countries on the ECB Data Portal.

    Chart 1

    ECB wage tracker: forward-looking signals for negotiated wages and revisions to previous data release

    2023-25

    Revisions to previous data release

    (left-hand scale: yearly growth rates, percentages; right-hand scale: percentage share of employees)

    (percentage points)

    Sources: ECB calculations based on data on collective bargaining agreements signed up to mid-May 2025 provided by the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, the Dutch employers’ association AWVN and Eurostat. The indicator of negotiated wage growth is calculated using data from the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Ministerio de Empleo y Seguridad Social, the Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, Statistik Austria, the Istituto Nazionale di Statistica (ISTAT), the Banque de France and Haver Analytics.

    Notes: Dashed lines denote forward-looking information up to December 2025.

    What do the four different indicators show?

    • The headline ECB wage tracker shows negotiated wage growth that includes collectively agreed one-off payments, such as those related to inflation compensation, bonuses or back-dated pay, which are smoothed over 12 months.
    • The ECB wage tracker excluding one-off payments reflects the extent of structural (or permanent) negotiated wage increases.
    • The ECB wage tracker with unsmoothed one-off payments is constructed using a methodology that, both in terms of data sources and statistical methodology, is conceptually similar to, but not necessarily the same as, that used for the ECB indicator of negotiated wage growth.
    • The share of employees covered is the percentage of employees across the participating countries that are directly covered by ECB wage tracker data. This indicator provides information on the representativeness of the underlying (negotiated) wage growth signals obtained from the set of wage tracker indicators for the aggregate of the participating countries. Employee coverage differs across countries and within each country over time (further details are provided in Table 2).

    Table 1

    ECB wage tracker summary

    (percentages)

    ECB wage tracker

    Coverage

    Headline indicator

    Excluding one-off payments

    With unsmoothed one-off payments

    Share of employees (%)

    2013-2023

    2.0

    1.9

    2.0

    49.1

    2024

    4.7

    4.2

    4.9

    48.8

    2025

    3.1

    3.8

    2.9

    47.4

    2024 Q1

    4.1

    3.7

    5.2

    49.0

    2024 Q2

    4.4

    3.9

    3.4

    49.0

    2024 Q3

    5.1

    4.5

    6.8

    48.7

    2024 Q4

    5.4

    4.7

    4.3

    48.4

    2025 Q1

    4.6

    4.5

    2.5

    49.6

    Apr-25

    4.1

    4.5

    4.2

    49.6

    May-25

    3.8

    4.2

    4.0

    49.5

    Jun-25

    3.9

    4.1

    3.9

    47.1

    Jul-25

    2.7

    3.7

    1.0

    46.5

    Aug-25

    2.1

    3.5

    2.1

    46.4

    Sep-25

    2.0

    3.4

    3.1

    46.2

    2025 Q4

    1.7

    3.1

    2.9

    44.7

    Sources: ECB calculations based on data provided by the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, the Dutch employers’ association AWVN and Eurostat.

    Notes: ECB wage tracker indicators reflect yearly growth in negotiated wages as a percentage. Coverage is defined as the share of employees in the participating countries as a percentage. Rows with values in italics and bold refer to the forward-looking aspect of the respective indicators.

    Table 2

    Employee coverage by country

    (share of employees in each country, percentages)

    Germany

    Greece

    Spain

    France

    Italy

    Netherlands

    Austria

    Euro area

    2013-2023

    41.7

    10.0

    61.1

    51.8

    48.7

    64.2

    56.7

    49.1

    2024 Q1

    43.4

    16.0

    57.1

    48.5

    48.2

    62.7

    78.6

    49.0

    2024 Q2

    43.7

    15.9

    56.5

    48.5

    48.1

    62.5

    77.8

    49.0

    2024 Q3

    43.9

    15.8

    54.9

    48.4

    47.9

    62.2

    77.8

    48.7

    2024 Q4

    43.5

    15.7

    53.7

    48.5

    47.8

    62.0

    77.8

    48.4

    2025 Q1

    44.0

    19.3

    53.4

    53.7

    47.8

    61.3

    76.2

    49.6

    2025 Q2

    44.8

    16.1

    52.4

    53.3

    43.5

    60.5

    73.1

    48.7

    2025 Q3

    43.9

    8.6

    51.1

    52.9

    35.6

    58.3

    71.4

    46.4

    2025 Q4

    43.2

    8.2

    50.7

    48.5

    35.5

    54.7

    66.5

    44.7

    Sources: ECB, the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, the Dutch employers’ association AWVN and Eurostat.
    Notes: The euro area aggregate comprises the seven participating wage tracker countries. The coverage shows the relative strength of wage signals for each country and the euro area. The historical average is calculated from January 2016 to December 2023 for Greece and from February 2020 to December 2023 for Austria. For the other countries, it is calculated from January 2013 to December 2023. Rows with values in italics and bold refer to the forward-looking aspect of the respective indicators.

    For media queries, please contact Benoit Deeg, tel.: +491721683704

    Notes:

    • The ECB wage tracker is the result of a Eurosystem partnership currently comprising the European Central Bank and seven euro area national central banks: the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, De Nederlandsche Bank, and the Oesterreichische Nationalbank. It is based on a highly granular database of active collective bargaining agreements for Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria. The wage tracker is one of many sources that can help assess wage pressures in the euro area.
    • The wage tracker methodology uses a double aggregation approach. First, it aggregates the highly granular information on collective bargaining agreements and constructs the wage tracker indicators at the country-level using information on the employee coverage for each country. Second, it uses this information to construct the aggregate for the euro area using time-varying weights based on the total compensation of employees among the participating countries.
    • Given that the forward-looking nature of the tracker is dependent on the underlying collective bargaining agreements database, the wage signals should always be considered conditional on the information available at any given point in time and thus subject to revisions.
    • The results in this press release do not represent the views of the ECB’s decision-making bodies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: International use of the euro broadly stable in 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    11 June 2025

    • Euro’s share across various indicators of international currency use largely unchanged at around 19%
    • Emerging challenges include initiatives promoting global use of cryptocurrencies
    • Upholding rule of law essential for maintaining, and potentially increasing, global trust in the euro

    The international role of the euro remained broadly stable in 2024 and the euro held on to its position as the second most important currency globally. The share of the euro across various indicators of international currency use has been largely unchanged since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, standing at around 19%. These are some of the main findings in the annual review of the international role of the euro, published today by the European Central Bank (ECB).

    This stability was noteworthy in a year that saw the ECB begin lowering policy rates, following further declines in inflation and amid continuing geopolitical tensions. The share of the euro in global official holdings of foreign exchange reserves held steady at 20% in 2024, broadly unchanged since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The global appeal of the euro is underpinned by sound policies in the euro area and strong, rules-based institutions. “Upholding the rule of law remains essential for maintaining, and potentially increasing, global trust in the euro,” said President Christine Lagarde.

    Although current data indicate no significant changes in the international use of the euro, it is important to remain vigilant. Central banks continued to accumulate gold at a record pace and some countries have been actively exploring alternatives to traditional cross-border payment systems. There is evidence of a link between geopolitical alignments and shifts in invoicing currency patterns in global trade, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. New challenges to the international role of the euro have also emerged, including initiatives that promote the global use of cryptocurrencies.

    This changing landscape underscores the importance for European policymakers of creating the necessary conditions to strengthen the global role of the euro, such as advancing the Savings and Investment Union to fully leverage European financial markets. Eliminating barriers within the European Union would enhance the depth and liquidity of euro funding markets. Moreover, accelerating progress on a digital euro is key for supporting a competitive and resilient European payment system. “The digital euro would contribute to Europe’s economic security and strengthen the international role of the euro,” said Executive Board member Piero Cipollone. The global appeal of the euro is also supported by the ECB’s initiatives to offer solutions for settling wholesale financial transactions recorded on distributed ledger technology platforms in central bank money and to improve cross-border payments between the euro area and other jurisdictions. In addition, the ECB’s euro liquidity lines to non-euro area central banks foster the use of the euro in global financial and commercial transactions.

    For media queries, please contact Alessandro Speciale, tel.: +49 172 1670791.

    Chart 1

    The international role of the euro remained broadly stable in 2024

    Composite index of the international role of the euro

    (percentages; at current and constant Q4 2024 exchange rates; four-quarter moving averages)

    Sources: Bank for International Settlements, International Monetary Fund (IMF), CLS Bank International, Ilzetzki, Reinhart and Rogoff (2019) and ECB staff calculations.
    Notes: Arithmetic average of the shares of the euro at constant (current) exchange rates in stocks of international bonds, loans by banks outside the euro area to borrowers outside the euro area, deposits with banks outside the euro area from creditors outside the euro area, global foreign exchange settlements, global foreign exchange reserves and global exchange rate regimes. Estimates of the share of the euro in global exchange rate regimes from 2010 onwards are based on IMF data; pre-2010 shares are estimated using data from Ilzetzki, E., Reinhart, C. and Rogoff, K., “Exchange Arrangements Entering the Twenty-First Century: Which Anchor will Hold?”, The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 134, Issue 2, May 2019, pp. 599-646. The latest observation is for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –