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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First schools install Great British Energy solar panels

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    First schools install Great British Energy solar panels

    First 11 schools across England have installed solar panels backed by Great British Energy, saving a total of £175,000 per year.

    • Schools across the country to install new Great British Energy solar panels thanks to government’s £180 million funding to cut bills for schools and hospitals
    • 11 schools have installed solar panels, saving £175,000 per year
    • Savings will be reinvested in schools as part of the government’s Plan for Change to fix public services – while providing clean power for pupils and teachers

    Pupils across the country will benefit from more money for textbooks and teachers, as the first schools are announced in Great British Energy’s rooftop solar rollout to cut energy bills.

    Schools are benefitting from funding for rooftop solar, with the first 11 schools estimated to save £175,000 per year after installing Great British Energy solar panels. The remaining schools set to benefit will be announced this summer, with all schools that are part of the scheme expected to have solar panels installed by the end of the year. 

    It follows the government’s announcement in March to award £180 million of funding for schools and hospitals to install rooftop solar, marking the first major project for Great British Energy – a company owned by the British people, for the British people.

    In England, around £80 million is supporting around 200 schools, alongside £100 million for nearly 200 NHS sites, covering a third of NHS trusts, to install rooftop solar panels that could power classrooms and operations, while giving them the potential to sell leftover energy back to the grid. 

    Great British Energy’s first investment could see millions invested back into frontline services, targeting deprived areas, with lifetime savings for schools and the NHS of up to £400 million over around 30 years.

    Schools and hospitals have been hit with rocketing energy bills in recent years, costing taxpayers millions of pounds, and eating into school budgets. This has been driven by the UK’s dependency on global fossil fuel markets over which government has no control. 

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    Solar panels on school rooftops mean energy bills are cut and money can be invested directly into improving young people’s education while helping to tackle climate change for the next generation.

    Great British Energy is delivering rooftop solar as part of our Plan for Change that will support communities for generations to come, relieving pressures on our vital public services and ensuring investment is made in the future of our young people.

    Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said:

    Within 2 months we are seeing schools supported by our scheme having solar panels installed so they can start reaping the rewards of clean energy – opening up the opportunity for more money to be spent on our children rather than energy bills.

    By partnering with the public sector as we scale up the company, we will continue to make an immediate impact as we work to roll out clean, homegrown energy projects, crowd in investment and create job opportunities across the country.

    Education Minister Stephen Morgan said:

    Through our Plan for Change, this government is supporting schools to save schools thousands on their bills so they can reinvest money saved into ensuring every child gets the best start in life.

    The installation of solar panels will also help pupils to develop green skills, promoting careers in renewables and supporting growth in the clean energy workforce.

    Currently only about 20% of schools have solar panels installed, but the technology has huge potential to save money on bills.

    Estimates suggest that on average, a typical school could save up to £25,000 per year if they had solar panels with complementary technologies installed such as batteries. 

    The funding will support the government’s clean power mission as well as helping to rebuild the nation’s public services. It forms Great British Energy’s first local investment, kickstarting the Local Power Plan and ensuring the benefits of this national mission are felt at a local level, with energy security, good jobs and economic growth. 

    Notes to editors

    The list of hospitals benefitting was announced in March and installations will start to complete this summer.

    The support will target schools with buildings that are able to accommodate solar panels in areas of England most in need. As part of this, government is selecting the schools which will be primarily clustered in areas of deprivation in the North East, West Midlands and North West, as well as at least 10 schools in each region. Each cluster will include a further education college which will work with the contractors appointed to promote careers in renewables to support growth in the construction and renewables workforce. This could be through work placements, skills bootcamps and workshops.

    Backed by £8.3 billion over this Parliament, Great British Energy will own and invest in clean energy projects across the UK. This will range from supporting local energy, like the solar power schemes announced today, to the £300 million invested to support offshore wind supply chains – unlocking significant investment in major clean energy projects that will revitalise the UK’s industrial heartlands with new jobs, alongside securing Britain’s energy supply.

    11 schools to have installed Great British Energy solar panels

    School name Region KW peak (installed capacity) Yearly energy generation (kWh) Simple payback (years) Yearly school bill savings (£)
    Charles Warren Academy South East 20 15,000 8 £4,500
    Feversham Primary Academy Yorkshire and the Humber 53 46,270 5 £13,000
    Harris Academy Chafford Hundred East of England 256 214,300 6 £44,500
    Harris City Academy Crystal Palace London 149 117,250 5 £24,500
    Notre Dame RC School South West 166 150,280 5 £27,000
    Oasis Academy Nunsthorpe Yorkshire and the Humber 92 101,695 4 £22,500
    St Boniface’s RC College South West 86 84,620 7 £13,500
    St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Poole South West 37 39,880 5 £8,500
    St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Axminster South West 13 12,200 12 £2,000
    Westfield Primary Academy East of England 56 54,050 6 £12,000
    Whiteknights Primary School South East 18 16,170 8 £4,500
    Total   945 851,715   £176,000

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Tower Semiconductor to Present at IMS 2025 Highlighting Recent Innovations in RF Foundry Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

          

    Presenting a joint white paper with pSemi nominated for Best Industry Paper Award highlighting next-generation RF switch technology

    MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, June 3, 2025 – Tower Semiconductor (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), a leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, today announced its participation in the upcoming International Microwave Symposium (IMS) 2025, taking place June 16–21 in San Francisco, California, highlighting its advanced RF & HPA technology platform and latest advancements in RF switch technology. As part of the event’s technical program, Tower will present a jointly developed white paper with pSemi, titled “A Low-Loss, Wideband, 0–110 GHz SPDT Using PCM RF Switches with Integrated CMOS Drivers” nominated for the Best Industry Paper Award at IMS2025.

    This paper highlights a record-breaking wideband single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch utilizing Tower Semiconductor’s monolithically integrated PCM RF switches in an RFSOI CMOS process. The key features include ultra-wideband performance (true DC to 110 GHz with less than 2 dB of insertion loss), digital control using integrated CMOS drivers with MIPI RFFE interface (available in the PDK), 30 dBm measured power handling, and 15-20 dB better linearity performance than RFSOI CMOS SPDTs currently available. This combination of ultra low-loss wideband performance, power handling, and full CMOS/digital integration simplifies implementation for end users and enables advanced circuits for 5G, future 6G, SatCom, beamforming, and millimeter-wave applications.

    Presentation schedule:
    A Low-Loss, Wideband, 0-110 GHz SPDT Using PCM RF Switches with Integrated CMOS Drivers
    By Dr. Nabil El-Hinnawy, Principal R&D Engineer, Tower Semiconductor

    As part of the Th1B session: Innovative RF Switches, Varactor and Modulator Technologies (full program details available here).

    Date & Time: June 19, 2025 at 8:20AM
    Location: 205

    To meet with Tower’s engineering team during the conference, visit the Company’s booth #655.
    For additional details on IMS 2025, please visit the event webpage here.
    For additional information about the Company’s RF platform offering, visit here.

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

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

    ###

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Erik Thedéen: On risk, uncertainty and geoeconomic fragmentation

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    The last five years have been unusually turbulent. We have lived through the worst pandemic in a hundred years, Russia has invaded Ukraine, and the United States has started trade conflicts with several of its most important trading partners, including China and the EU. We have also had a period of very high inflation that has now fortunately fallen back to normal levels; see Figure 1.

    In recent months, uncertainty in the global economy has increased strongly, not least due to the United States’ new trade policy. In our latest Monetary Policy Update, published last week, we assessed that international developments – particularly the elevated uncertainty – are dampening the economic prospects in Sweden. In turn, this suggests that inflation, in the long term, may become lower than in our most recently published forecast from March. But we also pointed out that there are several risk factors, such as those linked to companies’ global value chains, and that inflation thus could well become unexpectedly high.

    This illustrates, almost too clearly, that the economic outlook and inflation prospects are always uncertain and there are several reasons for this. One of them is that our models cannot capture all the complex relationships that characterise real economies. There could also be uncertainty over political decisions or how developments abroad affect the Swedish economy. However, regardless of the reason, we cannot exactly know what inflation will be in two years or how changes in the policy rate will affect inflation. The pandemic also reminded us that sometimes unpredictable events happen that can have major economic consequences.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Hate speech: Comparing the US and EU approaches – 03-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    Differences between the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) over the regulation of online platforms have taken on a new dimension under the Trump administration. Senior members of the US administration have strongly criticised the EU for ‘limiting free speech’ and have called the EU’s content moderation law ‘incompatible with America’s free speech tradition’. Much of the debate is informed by misconceptions and misunderstandings. The differences between the US and EU hate speech regimes are striking, largely for historical reasons. The First Amendment to the US Constitution provides almost absolute protection to freedom of expression. By contrast, European and EU law curtails the right to freedom of expression. Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, which applies to all EU Member States, states that freedom of expressions ‘carries with it duties and responsibilities’. In a democratic society, restrictions may be imposed in the interest, among others, ‘of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others’. EU legislation criminalises hate speech that publicly incites to violence or hatred and targets a set of protected characteristics: race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin. Even though legislation in EU Member States varies widely, many have extended protection from hate speech to additional characteristics. In light of the exponential growth of the internet and the use of social media, the debate about hate speech has essentially become about regulating social media companies. The focus has been on the question of whether and to what extent service providers are responsible for removing hate speech published on social media platforms. The US has opted not to impose any obligation on social media companies to remove content created by third parties, merely granting them the right to restrict access to certain material deemed to be ‘obscene’ or ‘otherwise objectionable’. By contrast, the EU has adopted regulation that obliges companies to remove offensive content created by third parties, including hate speech, once it is brought to their attention. Social media companies also self-regulate, by adopting community guidelines that allow users to flag hate speech and ask for its removal.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA publishes latest STI data

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    UKHSA publishes latest STI data

    Syphilis cases in England continue to rise.

    New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that syphilis diagnoses in England continued to rise in 2024 compared to 2023.

    Overall, there were 9,535 diagnoses of early-stage syphilis diagnoses in 2024 compared to 9,375 diagnoses in 2023 – a 2% rise. Concerningly, the overall figure for syphilis, including late-stage syphilis or complications from the infection, increased 5% from 12,456 in 2023 to 13,030 in 2024.

    Encouragingly, there was a 16% drop in gonorrhoea cases, with 71,802 diagnoses of gonorrhoea in 2024, compared to 85,370 in 2023. The fall has been greatest in young people aged 15 to 24 years where there was a 36% reduction in diagnoses, but it is too soon to conclude whether this trend will continue.

    There has been a concerning acceleration in diagnoses of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea cases. While most gonorrhoea infections can be treated effectively, certain strains present significant treatment challenges due to antibiotic resistance. Ceftriaxone resistance is particularly concerning as this antibiotic serves as the primary treatment for gonorrhoea infections. 

    Although numbers remain low, ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea cases are being detected more frequently. There have now been 14 cases reported in the first 5 months of 2025, which is greater than the number of cases reported for the whole of 2024 (13 cases).  Six of the 14 cases in 2025 have been extensively drug-resistant cases, which means that they were resistant to ceftriaxone and to second-line treatment options. 

    Most ceftriaxone resistant cases are associated with travel to or from the Asia-Pacific region, where the prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance is high.

    The latest data also shows: 

    • the number of sexual health screens (diagnostic tests for one or more of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV) has remained relatively constant (2,380,498 in 2023 compared to 2,367,853 in 2024)

    • chlamydia diagnoses decreased by 13% to 168,889 diagnoses in 2024 from 194,143 diagnoses in 2023 

    • first episode genital warts diagnoses decreased by 4% to 25,056 diagnoses in 2024 from 26,193 diagnoses in 2023 – diagnoses of genital warts remained low amongst 15 to 17 year-olds, the age-group targeted for school-based HPV vaccination (108 in 2023, then 78 in 2024) 

    Despite the declines in some STIs, cases still remain high and STIs continue to significantly impact young people aged 15 to 24 years; gay and bisexual men; and some minority ethnic groups.  UKHSA is reminding everyone having sex with new or casual partners to use a condom and get tested regularly, whatever their age or sexual orientation. Testing is free and confidential, and you should get tested even if you are not showing any symptoms. Many people do not show symptoms which means people often pass on STIs without realising it.

    Though STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, many can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with your brain, heart, or nerves. 

    Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 

    Levels of STIs in this country remain a big threat to sexual wellbeing. These infections can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners, particularly if they are antibiotic resistant. If you’ve had condomless sex with new or casual partners, either in the UK or overseas, get tested for STIs and HIV at least yearly, even if you don’t have symptoms. Regular testing protects both you and those you’re having sex with.

    From August, eligible  people will also be offered vaccination to reduce the risk of gonorrhoea and we expect to see the immunisation programme have an impact on diagnoses of this infection in coming years. Please take up the vaccine if you are offered it.

    Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care, Community, Vaccination and Screening Services at NHS England, said:

    STIs can have a major impact on your health so it’s good to see rates of gonorrhoea coming down and why, last month, we announced the rollout of the world-first vaccination programme for gonorrhoea which is a crucial step forward in providing protection against the infection.

    Testing for STIs is free for those who need it and I would urge anyone who has had unprotected sex or started seeing a new partner to take the opportunity to get tested – helping to keep yourself and others safe.

    STI testing is free and confidential and can be accessed through local sexual health clinics, university and college medical centres or through self-sampling kits sent discreetly through the post. 

    In addition: 

    • women, and other people with a womb and ovaries, aged under 25 years who are sexually active should have a chlamydia test after having sex with a new partner or annually 

    • gay and bisexual men should have tests for HIV and STIs annually or every 3 months if having condomless sex with new or casual partners 

    The NHS has recently announced the rollout of the world’s first vaccine programme to protect against gonorrhoea, based on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) advice. There is evidence that the 4CMenB vaccine offers 30% to 40% protection against gonorrhoea. Those eligible include gay and bisexual men with a recent history of multiple sexual partners or a bacterial STI. Some sexual health services will begin vaccinations in early August, with nationwide rollout from 1 September.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students and a teacher of SPbGASU took part in the Forum of Road Initiatives of the State Company “Avtodor”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Chairman of the Board of the State Corporation “AVTODOR” Vyacheslav Petushenko assesses the prospects of the presented projects

    The 11th Forum of Road Initiatives “Innovative Technologies and Intelligent Transport Systems in Road Construction” was held in Sochi on May 27–29, organized by the State Company “Avtodor”. Representatives of SPbGASU took part in it: students Danil Neprin, Tamerlan Manafov and associate professor of the Department of Transport Systems and Road and Bridge Construction Egor Golov.

    The forum focused on issues of road construction and infrastructure, and personnel problems in the industry.

    As part of the forum for students of relevant training profiles, the State Company “Avtodor” and the Russian University of Transport organized a business game with the development of projects that will interest today’s schoolchildren (from grades 8 to 11) in entering specialized educational institutions of both secondary vocational and higher education.

    Transport students from different universities of the country took part in the business game: Moscow Automobile and Road Institute, Russian University of Transport, Siberian Automobile and Road Institute and St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. Egor Golov was invited as a mentor for one of the teams. He also acted as one of the experts who assessed the students’ work.

    During the work on the projects, the teams held two strategic sessions, one of which was attended by Konstantin Mogilny, Head of the Technical Policy and Innovative Technologies Department of the AVTODOR State Corporation. He held a master class for the guys on solving extraordinary problems that modern highway builders face, and spoke about the implementation of the Adler bypass project in particularly difficult mountainous conditions.

    In the final of the business game, the teams presented and defended their projects to experts in the main program of the forum as part of the session “Preserving Traditions, Building the Future”.

    In addition, as part of the career guidance work carried out by the AVTODOR Group of Companies, a technical tour of key construction sites of the Adler bypass was organized for students and teachers.

    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 United Kingdom: Britain’s hospitality sector to save £3 million under new scheme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Britain’s hospitality sector to save £3 million under new scheme

    Britain’s pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels to save £3 million under emissions cutting scheme.

    • Pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels to receive free energy and carbon cutting advice to slash their energy bills as part of the government’s Plan for Change 
    • Trial to save hospitality sector £3 million on bills and reduce 2,700 tonnes of carbon emissions 
    • Zero Carbon Services will advise 600 British small businesses under scheme 

    Pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels across the UK will have lower energy bills thanks to a new emissions cutting trial as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Over 600 small and medium sized hospitality businesses will receive free energy and carbon reduction assessments to cut energy costs, support productivity and boost growth.

    Funded by the government and delivered by Zero Carbon Services, one of the UK’s leading net-zero advisers for the hospitality sector, the trial is expected to save businesses over £3 million. This will help pubs and restaurants to keep more money in their pockets – while allowing them to invest in jobs and continue to be the hubs of communities. 

    Minister for Industry Sarah Jones said: 

    Pubs, restaurants and cafes are a cornerstone for communities across the country, with the hospitality sector employing millions of people and contributing billions to the economy. 

    By providing business owners with expert advice to cut bills and reduce emissions, this will help them keep more money in their pockets to grow their business, employ local people and continue to serve your pint of lager or fish and chips.

    Zero Carbon Services CEO Mark Chapman said: 

    Climate change is already impacting hospitality with extreme weather events reducing sales and increasing food supply costs. Combined with other cost increases, there has never been a more important time to both recover lost profits and take credible action on reducing carbon emissions, the key cause of climate change. 

    We’ve already helped thousands of UK pubs, restaurants and hotels, to cut carbon and costs and thanks to this scheme, we can now offer that support for free to even more independent businesses. 

    Most venues have opportunities to save energy, food and money without realising it. By combining smart data with one-to-one coaching, we help operators take simple, practical steps to reduce waste, lower emissions, and improve day-to-day efficiency. It’s about making small changes that add up — cutting waste, protecting profits and building a stronger, more resilient sector.

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: 

    Hospitality businesses have already made great strides to reduce their emissions but are keen to go further and faster in order to save costs and become more sustainable.  

    We’re pleased to support this new trial that can help businesses further cut their emissions, and we’re looking forward to working with the government and Zero Carbon Services on its rollout.

    Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said:  

    This initiative is welcome and will give valuable insights into the ways the sector can become more energy efficient which could help to cut down on energy bills.  

    This is no small sum and we’re pleased that government has acted on our calls to support the sector through boosting funding to undertake this kind of work.

    Steve Alton, CEO of British Institute of Innkeeping, said: 

    Running a lean, sustainable pub business is vital for operators across the UK. We have supported our members with their carbon measurement and reduction over the past 2 years as part of our Sustainability Champions programme, so we are delighted that Zero Carbon Services can now offer more support via free assessments and coaching to over 600 operators.

    The hospitality sector is largely made up of SMEs and supports 3.5 million jobs, while contributing £93 billion to the UK economy. 

    The scheme will support businesses to make cost effective changes such as fixing insulation gaps, upgrading to low energy lighting or tweaking heating settings that will add up to significant savings over the year. 

    A recent report from the Federation of Small Businesses found that 64% of small businesses believe sustainability should be a high priority for the government, but only 26% of small businesses believe they have the appropriate knowledge to transition their business to net zero. 

    The Zero Carbon Services Hospitality trial will help hospitality businesses by putting business owners in direct contact with the expertise of trusted energy and sustainability advisers. 

    The launch of the trial comes ahead of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which will turbocharge growth in the UK’s key sectors including clean energy. Meanwhile, a renewed Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy will set the strategic direction for the government’s approach to working with industry towards a competitive and low carbon industrial base in the UK, ensuring growth opportunities are captured in tandem with emissions reductions.   

    Notes to editor  

    The government has provided £350,000 to fund the Zero Carbon Services Hospitality trial, which will run from May 2025 to March 2026.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Media release: New bike hub makes getting a bargain as easy as riding a bike

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    A new “Bike Hub” has opened at the Reuse Shop at Hazlehead Recycling Centre to sell refurbished bikes, diverted from our recycling centres.

    A second hub is set to follow as part of the new Recycling Centre on Claymore Drive, Bridge of Don, opening this autumn.

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The Reuse Shop at Hazlehead Recycling Centre has gone from strength to strength, breathing new life into unwanted household items.

    “Reuse helps divert materials away from recycling and incineration. This helps to reduce carbon emissions and contributes to a circular economy, helping us meet our net zero goals, and supporting “green” jobs in the repair and retail sectors.”

    Net Zero, Environment, and Transport Vice-convenor Miranda Radley added: “We would like to thank our partners for their work to bring the Bike Hub to life.

    “As well as supporting reuse, the project increases opportunities for active travel for our residents, by offering access to pre-loved bikes that are fully safety checked.”

    Nine-year-old Phoebe, who was visiting the Reuse Shop, said: “I got my bike two years ago from someone who outgrew it. I’m always riding it and it’s so much fun. I’m happy now that more kids in Aberdeen can get good, reused bikes.”

    Colin Forshaw, Production Operations Manager at SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, said: “SUEZ has always been a champion of reuse and we’re very proud of The Reuse Shop which not only offers everyday items at a low cost for residents of Aberdeen, saving items from going to waste, but also supports local community projects through a fund generated from the proceeds.

    “This new partnership means that we can now add another spindle to our wheel, and we look forward to seeing people out on their bikes this summer.”

    The new scheme is a collaboration with Stella’s Voice, CycleHub.Org, and SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK. The scheme sees unwanted bikes delivered to a local workshop where qualified mechanics repair and safety test bikes to ensure they are roadworthy. A selection of refurbished adult and kids bikes are now available to Aberdeen residents at the Reuse Shop, just in time for the summer holidays.

    Aberdeen’s residents are encouraged to clear out unwanted bikes from garages and garden sheds and drop these off at Hazlehead recycling centre where they will be given a new lease of life. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 640 thousand gas stoves have been checked in Moscow since the beginning of the year

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of this year, specialists from the city services complex have checked over 640 thousand gas stoves installed in Muscovites’ apartments. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “Gas safety issues are under special control, we conduct scheduled maintenance of all gasified housing stock in the capital every year. In January-May, we checked the operability and compliance with safety requirements of more than 640 thousand gas stoves, which is over 35 percent of the total number,” noted Petr Biryukov.

    Gas workers eliminate minor problems on the spot, and if serious violations are detected, they eliminate safety hazards and provide recommendations for further operation and repair.

    In the capital, more than 1.8 million families use gas stoves. In order for the equipment to operate safely, it is very important to check it in a timely manner. Responsibility for maintaining gas equipment in proper condition and replacing it rests with the owner or tenant of the residential premises.

    The service life of a gas stove is on average 10-12 years. After that, gas taps wear out, burner diffusers become deformed, and the thermal insulation of the oven is damaged. It is impossible to maintain the safe operation of such devices; replacement is necessary.

    The gas stove must be equipped with a gas control system, which stops the gas supply if the flame in the burner goes out.

    Information on dates and times of gas equipment inspections is published in advance on the official website JSC Mosgaz, and is also placed on stands installed in entrances and courtyards.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154753073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pilot project to restrict access to phishing sites launches

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Document

    Order of May 31, 2025 No. 1403-r

    Starting June 4, 2025, Russia will begin implementing a pilot project to restrict access to phishing sites and applications that are created under the guise of official sites of government agencies and companies, and then used by fraudsters to steal passwords and other personal information of citizens. An order to this effect has been signed.

    The goal of the pilot is to create an effective mechanism for identifying and promptly blocking fake Internet resources and applications that may use a domain name very similar to the real one of a government agency, company or bank.

    The objectives of the pilot project include developing mechanisms for interaction between various government and non-government structures in identifying and blocking fraudulent websites and applications, as well as preparing proposals for the regulatory consolidation of such mechanisms.

    The participants of the pilot project from the state side will be the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Security Service, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Finance, the Federal Tax Service, Rospatent, the Bank of Russia and the Prosecutor General’s Office. The project also involves the participation of the autonomous non-profit organization “Coordination Center for the National Domain of the Internet” and the research institute “Integral”.

    The pilot project is scheduled to be completed on March 1, 2026. Its implementation will provide new opportunities to protect citizens from fraudulent activities and enhance their security on the Internet.

    The work is being carried out within the framework of the federal project “Cybersecurity Infrastructure”, which is part of the new national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”.

    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: Applications are now open for the “Volunteer of Russia” badge for volunteer activities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The acceptance of applications for the “Volunteer of Russia” badge has begun. It will be awarded for the first time. The procedure for rewarding and awarding volunteer (volunteer) activities with the “Volunteer of Russia” badge has been approved by a Government decree.

    “The “Volunteer of Russia” badge is a symbol of recognition and respect for people who give their most valuable resource – time. This year, the award is being presented for the first time. I wish success to the applicants and thank them for their dedication to the cause, which our President Vladimir Putin called very important and noble,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also added that, starting in 2025, the development of volunteer activities will be one of the key areas of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    “Over the past 10 years, more and more Russians have been participating in volunteer projects: if previously only 3% of citizens were volunteers, now 28% have joined the volunteer movement. In implementing the national project “Youth and Children”, launched by the President of Russia, we plan to involve 45% of young people in volunteering by 2030. We see that interest among young people in the field of volunteering is growing, from early childhood, children come to the aid of those who need it. The “Volunteer of Russia” award will help to recognize the most active volunteers and inspire others to creative work,” emphasized the head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov.

    Federal and regional authorities, as well as organizations, formulate proposals for awarding the award to the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh). Individuals wishing to apply must contact the regional youth committee for subsequent submission of the application to Rosmolodezh. The mandatory documents for submitting an application include an award nomination form, a copy of the passport, consent to the processing of personal data, and a certificate of no criminal record.

    Volunteers who have made a significant contribution to volunteer activities in Russia and earned at least 500 volunteer hours on the Dobro.RF platform over the past three years, or people who have performed a heroic act as part of volunteer activities, may apply for the “Volunteer of Russia” badge. In addition, donors (blood, plasma, bone marrow) with extensive donation experience and those who promote the development of bone marrow or stem cell donation may be nominated for the badge.

    “The “Volunteer of Russia” badge was established by the Government in development of the updated federal law on support for volunteerism. Every year, the most active volunteers will receive it at the federal level and in the regions. The new award emphasizes the value of the volunteer movement in Russia and the recognition of individual merits at the highest level,” said Artem Metelev, head of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy and head of the Dobro.RF platform.

    Detailed information on receiving the “Volunteer of Russia” badge is available on the website https://dobrovolecrossii.rf.

    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: To the team of JSC GLONASS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the staff of JSC GLONASS on the 10th anniversary of its founding.

    Dear friends!

    I congratulate you on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the GLONASS joint-stock company.

    Over the years, the company has become one of the largest system integrators, has made a significant contribution to the development and implementation of domestic information and navigation technologies. Advanced competencies, accumulated experience and innovative approaches allow you to effectively perform state tasks, including the development of the world’s first emergency warning system for transport “ERA-GLONASS”, created to save victims of accidents and other emergencies, improve the safety of drivers and passengers. Our own software products and telecommunication solutions, recognized in our country and on the international market, are successfully used in the activities of emergency response services, logistics management, vehicle monitoring, various sectors of the economy and areas that directly affect the quality of life and well-being of millions of Russians. This is especially important in conditions where the sustainability of digital infrastructure is among national priorities.

    All these achievements have become possible thanks to the work of a highly qualified team of professionals who love their work. I am confident that you will continue to strengthen Russia’s technological sovereignty, expand the scope of satellite navigation and the range of services provided.

    I wish you further success, health and all the best.

    M. Mishustin

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin takes part in the 10th conference “Digital Industry of Industrial Russia”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “Digital Industry of Industrial Russia” (CIPR) is the main business event on the digital economy and technologies in Russia. For many years, it has been a key platform for dialogue between business and government representatives on issues of digital transformation of society and various sectors of the economy.

    This year, the main track of the business program will be “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”. “CIPR-2025” will be visited by delegations from more than 30 countries: China, Serbia, Cuba, India, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Philippines and others.

    Drive

    The conference business program will include more than 100 sessions covering the digitalization of key economic sectors and interaction with partner countries in the global market. International sessions will be held in partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The event will also feature bilateral panel discussions with representatives of the Republic of Belarus and the PRC.

    The exhibition of technological solutions will occupy three pavilions, including solutions from international participants from the BRICS and EAEU countries. International solutions from Chinese, Indian, Cuban and Belarusian companies will be presented here. In addition, for the second time, the CIPR site will feature a specialized stand of “digital attachés” – employees of Russian trade missions abroad who are engaged in the promotion of Russian IT products (the stand will reflect the experience of international cooperation in this area).

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On June 6 at 15:00 there will be a press conference on the results of the meeting of the Board of Directors on monetary policy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

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

    Elvira Nabiullina will make a statement on monetary policy.

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

    Accreditation for journalists is open until 17:00 on June 4 at the following address: Media@kbr.ru.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24668

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: APO Group Wins Gold and Bronze at the 2025 Davos Communications Awards for Canon Central and North Africa Campaigns

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 3, 2025/APO Group/ —

    APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading Pan-African communications and media relations consultancy, has earned two major accolades at the prestigious 2025 Davos Communications Awards held on 11 April  2025, in Davos, Switzerland: a Gold Award for Canon’s ‘World Unseen’ campaign at GITEX Africa and a Bronze Award for the ‘10 Years of Miraisha’ celebration. The Davos Communications Awards, presented by the World Communications Forum Association (WCFA), recognise exceptional communications firms, experts, and internal teams that have produced excellence and achieved quantifiable impact worldwide.

    Canon’s World Unseen Experience, which won Gold, was a PR event that broke new ground. It launched at GITEX Africa, enabling individuals who have lost their sight or are visually impaired to experience the power of photography, unlike ever before. By providing an opportunity to engage with photography through various sensory inputs, Canon challenged societal perceptions and broke new ground in the field of inclusive technology.   

    The Miraisha campaign, which earned Bronze, marked 10 years of Canon’s youth programme in Africa. It did this through stories, getting people involved and grabbing attention from big media outlets. 

    These awards add to a growing list of international accolades for APO Group in the past year, including: 

    • Africa’s Leading PR Agency 2025 – Brands Review Magazine 
    • Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 Bronze Stevie® Awards category – Rania El-Rafie, Vice President, PR & Strategic Communications at APO Group 
    • Five Awards at the 2023 SABRE Awards Africa – including wins for excellence in reputation management, brand building, and social media strategy 

    Founder and Chairman of APO Group Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard added: “From Canon to many other remarkable partners, these accolades reflect the strength of our collaborations and our commitment to promoting positive narratives across the continent. APO Group continues to lead the way in shaping Africa’s communications landscape.” 

    Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA), commented: 

    “At Canon, we are driven by a purpose that goes beyond imaging—it’s about creating stories that inspire, empower, and drive positive change. ‘World Unseen’ is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, bringing to light perspectives that are often overlooked, while ‘10 Years of Miraisha Programme’ represents a decade of empowering African talent, nurturing creativity, and providing opportunities across the continent”.

    “Our partnership with APO Group has been instrumental in bringing these stories to life. Their deep understanding of the African media landscape, combined with their strategic storytelling approach, has helped amplify our vision and connect with diverse audiences across the region. These award-winning campaigns are not just milestones; they are proof of the impact we can achieve together.

    “We are proud of what we have accomplished with APO Group and look forward to continuing this journey, creating initiatives that leave a lasting impact and drive meaningful change for Canon and the communities we serve”.

    As APO Group continues to elevate African stories to the global stage, these awards strengthen its standing as the top pan-African PR and communications firm, trusted by multinational corporations, organisations, governments, NGOs and the media. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Dutch far-right leader Wilders quits coalition, toppling government

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders’ PVV party left the governing coalition on Tuesday, in a move that is set to topple the right wing government and will likely lead to new elections.

    Wilders said his coalition partners were not willing to support his ideas on halting asylum migration.

    “No signature under our asylum plans. The PVV leaves the coalition,” Wilders said in a post on X.

    Wilders said he had informed Prime Minister Dick Schoof that all ministers from his PVV party would quit the government. Schoof has not yet reacted to the resignation.

    Wilders’ surprise move ends an already fragile coalition which has struggled to reach any consensus since its installation last July.

    It will likely bring new elections in a few months, adding to political uncertainty in the euro zone’s fifth-largest economy.

    It will likely also delay a decision on a possibly historic increase in defense spending to meet new NATO targets.

    And it will leave the Netherlands with only a caretaker government when it receives NATO country leaders for a summit to decide on these targets in The Hague later this month.

    DISBELIEF, ANGER

    Wilders’ coalition partners responded with disbelief and anger.

    “This is making us look like a fool,” the leader of the conservative VVD party Dilan Yesilgoz said. “There is a war on our continent. Instead of meeting the challenge, Wilders is showing he is not willing to take responsibility.”

    “This is incredible,” leader of the centrist NSC party Nicolien van Vroonhoven said. “It is irresponsible to take down the government at this point.”

    With PVV out, the others parties have the theoretical option to try and proceed as a minority government. They are not expected to, and have yet to confirm it.

    Wilders won the most recent election in the Netherlands, but recent polls show he has lost support since joining government.

    Polls now put his party at around 20% of the votes, roughly at par with the Labour/Green combination that is currently the second-largest in parliament.

    Wilders had last week demanded immediate support for his proposals to completely halt asylum migration, send Syrian refugees back to their home country and to close asylum shelters.

    Coalition partners did not embrace his idea, and had said it was up to the migration minister from Wilders’ own party to work on specific proposals. Wilders was not part of the government himself as its leader or a minister.

    He was convicted for discrimination after he insulted Moroccans at a campaign rally in 2014 and only managed to strike a coalition deal with three other conservative parties last year after he gave up his bid to become prime minister.

    Instead, the cabinet was led by the independent and unelected Schoof, a career bureaucrat who had led the Dutch intelligence agency AIVD and was the senior official at the ministry of justice.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Preventive endoscopic examination will help to increase the early detection of oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A project to prevent oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is starting in the capital. It will be carried out in response to the initiative of the Moscow Oncology Society. Its main goal is to identify pathologies and conditions that precede the development of oncological diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This was reported by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

    Muscovites will be able to undergo free examinations in city clinics and endoscopic centers. For residents who have not undergone endoscopic diagnostics for several years, referrals for self-registration will be opened in the unified medical information and analytical system (EMIAS) automatically.

    “Thanks to the development of Moscow medicine – digitalization, systematic professional training of personnel, infrastructure upgrade – we can not only effectively use our available resources, but also implement proactive target programs. We have already achieved high detection rates of oncological diseases, but it is equally important to engage in the prevention of malignant neoplasms. Experts from the Moscow Oncology Society approached us with just such an initiative. Understanding the relevance of this problem, we are launching a pilot project aimed at preventing gastrointestinal oncology. Gastrointestinal diseases develop asymptomatically for a long time and may not manifest themselves for many years. At the same time, clearly understanding the age at which diseases can debut, we suggest that Muscovites do not wait for any symptoms, but undergo a preventive examination for free. It will help not only to identify, but also to cure pathologies that can lead to the development of oncology. The capabilities of Moscow polyclinics and endoscopic centers, on the basis of which the preventive program is launched, allow us to invite Muscovites who have not undergone it in the last few years to a proactive endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract. It is important that the directions for such Muscovites will open in EMIAS automatically. Patients can choose a convenient time and prepare well for the examination,” said Anastasia Rakova.

    All procedures are performed using modern equipment, they are as comfortable as possible for patients. Gastroscopy in the clinic is done under local anesthesia, it takes no more than 30 minutes. Gastro- and colonoscopy in the endoscopic center are performed under mild sedation, the total time spent in the medical institution does not exceed two hours. If a pathology is detected, a therapist or general practitioner will promptly contact the patient and prescribe treatment.

    Referrals will be automatically opened for two categories of patients who have not undergone gastro and colonoscopy in the last few years. The examination includes rapid testing for Helicobacter pylori.

    A new polyclinic will appear in Golovinsky districtA new framework for nephrological care has been formed in Moscow — Sergei Sobyanin

    A large-scale upgrade of the infrastructure and technical support of medical institutions allows the capital to implement a proactive approach to detecting oncological diseases. Moscow is completing its largest program for the reconstruction of city clinics. All buildings are equipped with the latest generation equipment, including expert-level technology. In total, more than 75 thousand units of medical devices have been delivered to institutions within the framework of the program, including over 30 thousand units of modern technology.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154750073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Investors can buy large non-residential premises from the city in the north-east of the capital

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Business can acquire large non-residential premisesin the North-Eastern Administrative District. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    The premises are located in a four-story building on Verkhoyanskaya Street (building 10). The building is located between Yeniseyskaya and Letchika Babushkina Streets.

    “The city has put up for auction a commercial property with an area of almost 580 square meters in the Babushkinsky district. It is located on the first floor of a residential building, which is a 10-minute walk from the Sviblovo metro station. The future owner will be able to organize two separate entrances: the main one for visitors and a service one for staff. The property offered by the city is suitable for opening a food outlet, a supermarket or a department store,” said Ekaterina Solovieva.

    The premises are connected to all main utilities: electricity, gas and water supply, sewerage. The entrance is equipped with a ramp.

    “The bidding campaign will last until July 10, and the open auction will be held on July 22 on the electronic platform “RoselTorg”. To participate, you must have registration and an enhanced qualified electronic signature,” added the head of the Moscow City Department for Competition Policy Kirill Purtov.

    All information about the premises put up for auction is presented on the capital’s investment portal. You can learn more about them, study the lot documentation and the rules for conducting auctions in the section “Property from the city”.

    The development of electronic services for entrepreneurs is being implemented within the framework of the national project “Data Economy”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

    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.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154732073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Greater efforts towards inclusion needed to combat intolerance and discrimination and build resilient societies, OSCE leaders say

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

    Headline: Greater efforts towards inclusion needed to combat intolerance and discrimination and build resilient societies, OSCE leaders say

    Greater efforts towards inclusion needed to combat intolerance and discrimination and build resilient societies, OSCE leaders say | OSCE

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    Home Newsroom News and press releases Greater efforts towards inclusion needed to combat intolerance and discrimination and build resilient societies, OSCE leaders say

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – MEPs give green light to updated EU-Ukraine road transport agreement

    Source: European Parliament 3

    On Tuesday, the Transport and Tourism Committee voted to extend the EU road transport agreement with Ukraine until the end of 2025 to continue facilitating the transport of goods.

    The EU-Ukraine road transport agreement concluded in June 2022 has proven to be an effective EU response to the transport sector disruptions caused by the Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine, MEPs agreed. It has helped Ukraine, but also EU hauliers, transit through and operate between each other’s territories, without the need for certain permits.

    As Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues and further disrupts Ukraine’s transport sector, Transport and Tourism Committee MEPs backed an 18-month prolongation of the EU‑Ukraine road transport agreement by 32 votes to six and with two abstentions.

    MEPs also supported the proposal to update the agreement to address a number of implementation challenges. The new agreement requires drivers to carry documents authorising international carriage and also to put a sticker on their windscreen to show that their road transport operation is covered by the agreement. It also introduces a safeguard clause allowing the deal to be suspended in a specific geographical area if the road transport market there experiences major disturbances.

    Next steps

    Now that it has been approved by the Transport and Tourism Committee, the agreement will be put to a vote by Parliament as a whole during the next plenary session, in June. The updated agreement has been provisionally applied since June 2024 and is scheduled to expire at the end of 2025.

    Background

    According to the European Commission, the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement has facilitated the transport of vital goods such as fuel and humanitarian aid into Ukraine, and enabled Ukrainian exports such as grain, ore, and steel to reach the EU and beyond. Ukraine’s road export volume has increased by about two thirds, while import volumes from the EU have risen by approximately 300,000 tonnes per month.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Continued progress on child mental health waiting times

    Source: Scottish Government

    Staff praised as national target is exceeded again.

    The national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the second quarter in row.

    Latest Public Health statistics show 91.6% of those referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from January to March – the Scottish Government standard is 90%.

    The figure is an increase from 90.6% for the previous quarter and from 86% for the same quarter in 2024.

    Visiting the CAMHS service in NHS Forth Valley to thank staff for their dedication, Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said:

    “We want all children and young people to be able to access appropriate mental health treatment as and when they need to, and this continued progress on waiting times is testament to the hard-working staff who care for those referred to these services.

    “We have exceeded our promise to provide funding for 320 additional staff for CAMHS by 2026 and this will no doubt have contributed to the improvements we are seeing but I am well aware there is still much to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.

    “However, we are on the right path and the £123.5 million we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”

    Lesley Dunabie, Department Manager & Head of Nursing for NHS Forth Valley CAMHS, said:

    “We are delighted that the changes introduced by local staff over the last 18 months have made such a positive impact to our waiting times and significantly improved the services and support available for children and young people with serious mental illness.

    “We are committed to building on this by continuing to develop and improve local services for children and young people and working with a wide range of partners to help increase access to support in local schools and communities at an earlier stage.”

    Background

    Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Quarter ending March 2025 – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Publications – Public Health Scotland

    The national CAMHS standard was set in 2014.

    CAMHS is only the right service for a small proportion of children and young people. To provide an alternative, the Scottish Government provided targeted investment of over £65 million in community-based mental health support, between 2020 and 2024-25, and a £16 million annual spend on school counselling services in addition to this. Our investment in community-based support will continue with the baselining of the £15m per annum funding into local authority budgets from 2025-26.

    The National CAMHS specification is clear that children and young people whose referral is not accepted are sensitively and appropriately signposted to a more suitable service, such as those provided within community.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Committee finishes Stage 2 scrutiny of Housing (Scotland) Bill

    Source: Scottish Government

    Amendments passed to strengthen protection for tenants.

    Legislation to improve tenants’ rights and introduce homelessness prevention measures has completed Stage 2 scrutiny by a cross-party committee of MSPs.

    The Scottish Government introduced the Housing (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament last year to help tackle poverty by improving the experience of renters and introducing a range of new duties to prevent homelessness.

    The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee approved a number of Scottish Government amendments to the Bill at Stage 2, including powers to implement Awaab’s Law that would give social tenants greater protection against damp and mould, and measures to set out how rents could be capped in rent control areas.

    Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

    “The Housing Bill will play an important role in our efforts to tackle poverty by keeping rent affordable and ensuring people can stay in their homes by securing tenancies.

    “Our amendments on rent control not only provide certainty for tenants but also provide more clarity to the housing sector on what our rent control proposals will look like, giving investors confidence to continue to support housebuilding in Scotland.

    “We have also introduced plans to implement Awaab’s Law which will mean everyone can have the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home free from disrepair.

    “Scotland has led the way in protecting tenants and providing rights for people threatened with homelessness. The Housing Bill will provide even greater protection, so I am pleased the Committee has completed its Stage 2 scrutiny and I look forward to working with Members across the chamber as the legislation goes through the final Stage 3 process.”

    Background

    Housing (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Changes to Cabinet | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, Matt Noble, has announced that he is to stand down from Cabinet. 

    This follows Cllr Noble’s decision not to seek re-election next year. He will continue in his role as a ward councillor for Church Street until May 2026.  

     Cllr Noble was first elected to the Council in 2018 representing residents of Church Street and, as well as serving as a cabinet member, he has sat on the planning committee and on the pension board.  

    He will be replaced by Cllr Ellie Ormsby who will become Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters. Cllr Ormsby will also be responsible for setting policy and strategic direction regarding the Council’s commitment to co-operative principles in service delivery and civic leadership, including its involvement in the Co-operative Councils Innovation Network.

    Cllr Ormsby will leave her position as Chief Whip and the Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing Improvement and Procurement to take on the role, but will remain the Armed Forces Champion.  

    Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: 

     “Matt has been the driving force behind the council’s push to deliver new affordable housing. His dedication to his community and passion to advocate for the interests of residents will be a huge loss for the council. 

     “However, I’m pleased that, in Ellie, we have such a capable and committed replacement. As the council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing Improvement and Procurement and Chief Whip, she has already demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges we face as a council. I’m confident Ellie will bring energy, insight, and compassion to the role and a strong commitment to delivering better homes and services for our residents.” 

    These changes will take effect immediately (2 June 2025). 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster Council supports residents with £1million cost of living boost  | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council is investing an additional £1 million in its cost of living programme, bringing total support to £26 million as part of the ongoing commitment to residents facing financial hardship. 

    This latest funding will support essential services delivered by trusted local partners, including Cardinal Hume Centre, Age UK, and a network of community charities. These organisations provide vital advice and practical support, helping residents who continue to struggle due to rising costs, such as fuel, energy bills and food. 

    The new funding will also support key initiatives such as: 

    • Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) – supporting families during school holidays 

    • Winter in the City – providing activities and resources throughout the colder months 

    • Food banks and community pantries – making sure people have access to nutritious meals and essentials 

    • Community Wardrobes – supplying free clothing, including school uniforms, to those who need it 

    In addition, the council is investing £1.2 million over three years through its Advice Grants Programme, supporting eight local charities that help low-income households increase their income and reduce debt. This funding will strengthen the capacity of organisations delivering crucial advice and guidance services to residents. 

    Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said: 

    “We know that many people in Westminster are still feeling the strain of rising costs. This additional £1 million investment means we can make sure residents have access to vital services and support.  

    “Whether it’s a warm meal, school holiday activities, or free clothing for children, we’re working with our community partners to help people through difficult times.” 

    For more information on the support available, please visit the Cost of Living Support Hub.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The RAF Lands in Preston for Action-Packed Town Show

    Source: City of Preston

    The Royal Air Force is set to transform Avenham and Miller Park into a hub of excitement, innovation, and adventure during the RAF Preston Town Show, taking place 6 to 8 June from 9am to 5pm daily.

    This exciting three-day event promises to deliver a fun day out for families, young people, and aviation aficionados alike.

    Hosted in the heart of Preston, the RAF Town Show brings together interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and live entertainment to showcase the incredible work and opportunities within the Royal Air Force.

    Highlights of the event include:

    • Aircraft Experience: Step inside real RAF aircraft, take the pilot’s seat, and experience what it’s like to fly with the force.
    • RAF-Inspired Physical Challenges: Test your skills in agility, coordination, and endurance through fun, competitive activities.
    • Survival Challenges: Fast-paced, team-based challenges that put problem-solving and resilience to the test.
    • STEM and Youth Engagement Zones: Explore exciting career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and maths with RAF experts.
    • Live Music and Performances: Enjoy fantastic performances from the RAF Band and special guest acts.
    • Career Insight Sessions: Chat with Royal Air Force Recruitment professionals about careers and the application process.

    Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts atPreston City Council said:

    “This event is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain, Whether you’re considering a future in The Royal Air Force or simply looking for a great family day out, the Preston Town Show offers something for everyone.”

    Group Captain Gareth Taylor(Head of RAF Recruitment and Selection), said:

    “This is your chance to meet, see and touch the Royal Air Force. Experience the 60+ roles we have available within the Service but also explore the wider opportunities we have available such as sport, adventurous training and a wide array of other benefits. Whether you’re looking to apply or just want to see what the Royal Air Force is about, come and see us for what will be a brilliant day!”

    Entry to the event is free, but pre-booking is recommended via Eventbrite – RAF Preston Town Show.

    Find out more about the RAF Preston Town Show in Preston on Visit Preston – RAF Town Show.

    Further Information

    About Preston City Council

    Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

    About The Royal Air Force

    For over a hundred years the Royal Air Force has defended the skies of Britain and projected Britain’s power and influence around the world. We work with our UK and international partners to watch the skies, respond to threats, prevent conflict, and provide assistance in an uncertain world.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of braille with Portsmouth Libraries

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    On Saturday 7 June, Portsmouth Central Library is hosting a day filled with events and activities in collaboration with The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

    Join us to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of braille and the library’s significant support for the blind and partially sighted community.

    • Explore the braille exhibition, open from 10am.
    • Create your own braille bookmark drop-in workshop led by internationally renowned braille artist Clarke Reynolds where you can create your name in braille on a bookmark from 11am-11.45am.
    • Clarke Reynolds will also launch his first children’s book ‘ Mr Dot and his magical white cane adventures’ which will be braille as standard for everyone making it truly inclusive. The book is dedicated to a young visually impaired person called Etta who will be attending the event. A copy of the book will be handed over to the library to be booked out.
    • Learn more in the braille 200 presentation with RNIB’s Library Engagement Manager, Lara Marshall from 12pm-12.15pm.
    • Enjoy a special braille tuition drop-in workshop for beginners lead by local braille specialists ‘All Things Dotty’ from 12.30pm-1.30pm.
    • Hear Portsmouth Libraries visual impairment officer Julie Duffy and founder of ‘All Things Dotty’ Brandon Hulcoop share their personal braille stories from 1.30pm-2pm. There will also be time to open to the audience for attendees to share their stories.
    • Take two! Repeat of the make your own braille bookmark workshop, at 2pm.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:

    “This is a great opportunity to show our commitment and support to diversity and inclusivity in the city. Portsmouth libraries host a range of activities for children and adults of all ages that are free to attend. The libraries work closely to support the visually impaired community, so this is a chance to celebrate their on-going work and 200th anniversary of braille.”

    Lara Marshall, RNIB’s Library Engagement Manager, said:

    “We’re delighted to bring our Braille and Beyond tour to Portsmouth Library and to be working with renowned braille artist Clarke Reynolds and All Things Dotty to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of braille.

    “Braille is reading designed for our fingers just like print is designed for our eyes. It’s a vital tool that helps blind and partially sighted people lead fulfilled lives. Braille readers are more likely to be employed than blind people who don’t read braille and this highlights a critical need to expand braille education, ensuring that more children with vision impairment and adults with sight loss can benefit from this powerful tool.

    “Libraries are such a fantastic resource for blind and partially sighted people to access braille, large print and audio books and to connect with community groups and likeminded people, so Portsmouth Library is the perfect place to welcome Portsmouth’s blind and partially sighted community.”

    Take up the chance the learn more about braille, enjoy the activities and celebrate the library’s support to the visually impaired community in Portsmouth.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Helping spread the message to tackle knife crime

    Source: City of Coventry

    A government policing minister, a knife crime activitist, police and partners met recently in Coventry to highlight a new government scheme to tackle knife crime.

    This was also to take a look at some of the work happening in the city.

    Paul Faron, a knife crime activist who is encouraging young people across the West Midlands, London and Greater Manchester to hand over weapons safely, joined policing minister Diana Johnson MP with Police Officers

    While in Coventry the Minister looked at a range of activities to combat anti-social behaviour.

    Deputy West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Wasim Ali also joined officers on patrol, along with partners from the Violence Reduction Partnership, Community Initiative to Reduce Violence and the Step Together initiative.

    Cllr Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities also joined partners to visit some of the local schemes that impact the city centre.

    Chief Superintendent Paul Joyce, of Coventry Local Policing Area, said: “We’re working hard day in, day out, to ensure Coventry remains a great place to live, work or visit. We have dedicated officers who are determined to do everything they can for their communities across the city.”

    Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: “We need to tackle a wide range of safety issues including safety in the city centre and this can only be addressed through a partnership approach.”

    A new government surrender scheme is planned to halve knife crime over the next decade.

    Monday, 2nd June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ambitious five-year plan unveiled to transform Adult Social Care

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Council has revealed an ambitious new five-year plan for Adult Social Care that will guide the transformation and improvement of essential support services.

    The comprehensive strategy comes as Adult Social Care continues to be a significant pillar of the city’s economy, with an annual investment of approximately £115 million and supporting employment for around 9,500 people across the sector in Coventry.

    The Council currently provides vital support to around 4,000 adults per week with a range of care and support needs, including physical disabilities, learning disabilities/autism, sensory impairments and mental health conditions.

    Additionally, the service supports around 2,000 unpaid carers annually, helping them continue their crucial caring roles while maintaining their own wellbeing.

    Councillor Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “Adult Social Care is facing significant changes, including potential national reforms and local challenges from increasing demand.

    “This Five-Year Plan ensures we’re prepared to enhance our support for Coventry residents to meet these challenges head-on.

    “Our aim is to improve services that help people achieve maximum independence, while ensuring support for specific groups such as unpaid carers and neurodivergent individuals.

    “This plan reflects the priorities of everyone we work with – those we support, their families, their carers, our dedicated staff, NHS colleagues, and voluntary sector partners.

    “Coventry’s Adult Social Care service is built around helping people maintain their independence through our skilled Social Work and Occupational Therapy teams, our Provider Services, and strong partnerships with independent care providers.

    “This plan will be regularly reviewed so that we continue adapting to the evolving needs of our community.”

    The five-year plan focuses on six key priority areas:

    1. Personalising the experience of care and support – Working with providers to offer more individualised, strength-based approaches
    2. Always improving – Ensuring consistent application of policies and best practices across all services
    3. New models of support – Developing innovative care services beyond traditional delivery methods
    4. Prevention – Expanding successful initiatives like the Improving Lives programme with UHCW hospital
    5. Use of technology – Maximising opportunities from AI and digital solutions to enhance care delivery
    6. Integrated care with health partners – Strengthening collaboration with NHS services for seamless support

    The plan builds on existing successes, including pioneering initiatives such as the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub and the POD mental health recovery and inclusion service, which serve as models of innovation in care provision.

    The service currently handles over 10,000 requests for support annually and manages over 6,000 safeguarding concerns each year, while supporting 4,000 adults with care needs weekly and assisting 2,000 unpaid carers per year.

    The plan emphasises the Council’s commitment to promoting independence and enabling people to live meaningful lives within their communities, while adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities in the care sector.

    The Adult Social Care five-year plan will be considered by Cabinet on 10 June 2025 and Full Council on 24 June 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry receives record £103 million new government investment in education

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Council has recently been awarded a record-breaking £102.8 million in government education funding – the highest basic need allocation of any local authority in England.

    The unprecedented investment, announced as part of the government’s basic need funding programme, will be used to expand school capacity and build sustainable education infrastructure through to 2028.

    The funding recognises Coventry’s continued growth and success in attracting new families to the city.

    Since 2021/22, Coventry has experienced significant increases in pupil numbers, with many families choosing to move to the city throughout the school year, and Coventry already has a good track record of creating additional school places having added in over 1800 primary, secondary and special places since 2017.

    The funding will support the delivery of the Coventry One Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which sets out how the council will ensure sufficient school places across primary, secondary and special educational needs provision.

    The plan includes the potential development of a new secondary school, planned to open in September 2027, alongside expansions at existing schools.

    Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This record investment is testament to Coventry’s success as a thriving, growing city that families want to call home.

    “The government has recognised our strategic approach to education planning and our commitment to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality school place.

    “This funding will allow us to not only meet the immediate needs of our growing population but to build for the future with sustainable, net-zero school buildings that will serve our community for generations to come.

    “We’re particularly proud that this investment will also enhance support for children with special educational needs, ensuring truly inclusive education across Coventry.”

    The allocation represents the largest single education capital investment in Coventry’s recent history and will fund:

    • Expansion of existing primary and secondary schools
    • Enhanced provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
    • New school buildings designed to net-zero carbon standards
    • Energy efficiency improvements across the existing school estate

    Since 2016 the number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans nationally has increased significantly, and Coventry has seen a 130% increase during this time.

    The new funding will help create approximately 190 additional specialist school places through building projects at Castle Wood, Baginton Fields, Woodfield and Sherbourne Fields Special Schools.

    It is intended that all new buildings are designed to meet net-zero operational standards, supporting the government’s target for the education sector to lead on sustainability and climate change by 2030.

    The Coventry One Strategic Plan has been developed in partnership with headteachers across the city through the Coventry Education Partnership, ensuring that expansion plans meet the real needs of schools and communities.

    Cabinet will consider the strategic plan at its meeting on Tuesday 10 June, following scrutiny by the Co-ordination Committee on Thursday 5 June.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Crediton: 3 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Appointment of Suffragan Bishop of Crediton: 3 June 2025

    The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Moira Anne Elizabeth Astin, Archdeacon of Reigate, in the Diocese of Southwark, to the Suffragan See of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Venerable Moira Anne Elizabeth Astin, Archdeacon of Reigate, in the Diocese of Southwark, to the Suffragan See of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter.

    Background

    Moira was educated at Clare College Cambridge and trained for ministry at Wycliffe Hall Oxford. She served her title at St Nicolas, Newbury, in the Diocese of Oxford, and in 1996, she was ordained Priest. From 1999 Moira served as Team Vicar of Thatcham Team Ministry and Lead Minister of Dunston Park Ecumenical Partnership and in 2005 she was appointed Team Vicar, later Vicar, of St James Woodley.

    From 2011, Moira served as Priest-in-Charge, then Vicar, of Frodingham and New Brumby, Scunthorpe, in the Diocese of Lincoln, additionally serving as Ecumenical Officer for the Diocese and Area Dean North Lincolnshire.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

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