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  • MIL-OSI USA: More Than $50M Awarded By Restore NY Communities

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $50 million has been awarded to 50 projects through the State’s Restore New York Communities Initiative. Restore New York supports municipal revitalization efforts with funds to help remove and reduce blight, reinvigorate communities and generate new residential and economic opportunities statewide. The program, administered by Empire State Development, is designed to help local governments encourage new commercial investments through community revitalization, growing local housing, and putting properties back on the tax rolls to increase the local tax base.

    “Revitalizing and rehabilitating vacant and blighted areas of our communities for housing or development is vital to make downtowns thrive,” Governor Hochul said. “Restore New York helps our municipalities plan for the future by catalyzing economic growth and supporting housing, businesses and cultural spaces. We are further unlocking the potential of these sites and communities across New York.”

    Two applications were awarded a Special Project designation because, if left undeveloped, the parcel or property causes severe economic injury or creates a depressing effect on the overall economic development potential of the community. The City of Rome was awarded $3.5 million to rehabilitate two buildings that were destroyed by the tornado that touched down in Rome on July 16, 2024. Upon completion, these buildings will add an additional 180,000 square feet of commercial manufacturing space to the community. Additionally, the City of Ogdensburg was awarded $3.5 million to rehabilitate several historic mill buildings on the St. Lawrence River waterfront into a mixed-use complex.

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is building for the future by supporting projects that advance statewide priorities like increasing housing and revitalizing communities. Through the Restore New York Communities Initiative, we are working together with municipalities to remove blight and generate new investments to promote sustainable economic growth.”

    A full list of Restore New York projects awarded funding in this round is available below, or online here.

    The Capital Region was awarded more than $4.45 million to support four projects:

    • Village of Colonie – $999,934: This project involves demolishing an abandoned, deteriorating building at 1579 Central Avenue, making the property readily available for future development opportunities.
    • City of Glens Falls – $1 million: The “Lofts at Warren” project, located at 109 and 115-117 Warren Street, will involve the demolition of two garages and the redevelopment of two vacant lots. The resulting mixed-use building will consist of 3,000 square-feet of first-floor commercial space and 65 one- and two-bedroom apartments on three floors. The commercial space will be utilized by retail and office storefront space leased to small businesses serving the City’s distressed First Ward and high-traffic Warren Street Corridor.
    • Village of Hoosick Falls – $985,000: This project involves the rehabilitation of a vacant warehouse at 1 Center Street into a mixed-use property with commercial opportunities and one- and two-bedroom residential units. It will provide incubator space at fixed rates, with plans for a locally owned brewery and gym/fitness center.
    • City of Schenectady – $1.5 million: The St. Clare’s Hospital redevelopment project will rehabilitate one of the largest buildings in the city – a 400,000 square foot building at 600 McClellan Street – on a 17-acre site. The building will be repurposed into a mixed-use property with approximately 236 apartments with on-site daycare and is part of a targeted redevelopment effort by the City and Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority.

    Central New York was awarded $6 million to support seven projects:

    • Village of Cayuga – $1 million: This project will transform a 20,000 square-foot vacant and deteriorated office building into a waterfront lodging destination. Located at the Beacon Bay Marina, 6255 Water Street, this redevelopment will include the creation of 10-15 one or two-bedroom suites, and a small outdoor rooftop event space with scenic views.
    • City of Cortland – $242,000: This project involves the demolition of a property, formerly known as the Roundhouse Mill, at 41 Elm Street. Set in an otherwise largely residential neighborhood, the mill has been vacant and deteriorating for several years, and demolition will allow for the future redevelopment of the 1.5-acre site, part of the City’s Brownfield Opportunity Area.
    • City of Fulton – $1 million: This project will redevelop the blighted former Nestle Building at 533 South 4th Street into a 30,000 square-foot advanced manufacturing incubator, targeting startup companies and fostering regional economic growth. The new facility will serve as a hub for innovation, supporting the needs of emerging manufacturers and leveraging opportunities created by the Micron semiconductor plant being developed in nearby Clay. The outcome will be a state-of-the-art facility, designed to drive job creation, industrial innovation and sustained regional development.
    • City of Oneida – $1 million: This project involves the partial demolition and rehabilitation of two vacant and severely dilapidated structures at 136 and 138 Madison Street. The buildings will retain their historic character, with each accessible to the other via a common elevator and stairwell, and new spaces added on the upper floors. Parking will be constructed to service the project. The redevelopment will include 15 live/work units and is across the street from a previous Restore New York project at 155 Madison Street.
    • Onondaga County – $1 million: The Milton Corner Development project consists of the reconstruction of five contiguous lots at 2281, 2273, 2263, 2259 and 2243 Milton Avenue in Solvay that were previously developed, but lost to a fire several years ago. The developer plans to demolish remaining walls and foundations and build a mixed-use building with parking and storage in the basement area. On the street level, the building will offer 12,000 square feet of new retail space and 33 apartments on the upper three floors.
    • City of Oswego – $700,000: The Oswego Freight House redevelopment will transform the historic 7,200-square-foot rail freight house at 20-24 West Utica Street into a 10-brewer barrel brewery, taproom, and retail space. The project will preserve the building’s 175-year-old character while addressing years of structural decay and blight. Located near the City’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects, this redevelopment will leverage completed and ongoing investments to further revitalize the Utica Street corridor.
    • City of Syracuse – $1.058 million: This project aims to transform two vacant, underutilized and blighted properties at 366 and 615 West Onondaga Street into approximately 31 new housing units, including both market-rate and affordable options, alongside six office suites. This project falls within the City’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative zone.

    The Finger Lakes was awarded $5.94 million to support six projects:

    • Village of Dansville – $710,000: This project involves a historic, three-story building at 154-162 Main Street that has been vacant for years and mostly uninhabitable. Phase one is nearing completion and includes the restoration of five first-floor commercial units returning the façade to its original design. Restore New York funding will support Phase Two, which includes the creation of four affordable, one-bedroom and four market-rate two-bedroom apartments on the vacant second and third floors. Windows, doors, and historic features such as trim work will be restored and reused wherever possible.
    • City of Geneva – $1 million: The DeSales High School Revitalization Project will consist of the comprehensive renovation of the interior and exterior of the long vacant school at 136 and 138 Madison Street. The renovated property will feature 17 market-rate residential units and four commercial offices while retaining the existing gym, which will continue to be leased to a local school.
    • Town of Macedon – $480,000: This project involves the renovation and restoration of 103 Main Street, which has been left underutilized and vacant. The first-floor commercial unit will be rehabilitated into restaurant space, and the walk-out basement transformed into storage and utility space. Three loft-style apartment units will be built on the upper floor. The project will include electrical, HVAC, and plumbing upgrades; construction of an elevator shaft and elevator; accessibility upgrades; and a new side entrance that will provide easy access to the Trolley Town Square public park.
    • Monroe County – $2 million: Built in 1929, the Genesee Valley Trust Building (now the Times-Square Building) at 45 Exchange Street is one of Rochester’s most iconic high-rises. Post-COVID the building has become mostly vacant. This project intends to convert the vacant floors into market-rate apartments, while refreshing 15,000 square feet of existing space into modern, attractive commercial and retail suites. This project in total will convert over 100,000 square feet of space into a certified historic rehabilitation project, approved by the New York State Historic Preservation Office and the National Parks Service.
    • Village of Medina – $850,000: This project intends to re-activate a historic mixed-use building at 409-13 Main Street, known as the Waters Building, by creating two commercial units in the rear-facing, sub-grade space; a new commercial flex kitchen at street-level; and four new residential units in the structure’s fully vacant upper story. This project will provide an enhanced destination and add an amenity to a planned waterfront destination.
    • Village of Phelps – $900,000: This project will restore and revitalize the 1892-era Phelps Hotel at 90 Main Street, which has been vacant for approximately 40 years. In an effort to restore the interior to its historic roots, the project will involve significant renovations in order for the building to be considered habitable. The reconstruction will include installing plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems, and creating eight upper-story residential units alongside a restaurant and speakeasy on the first floor and basement.

    Long Island– The Long Island Region was awarded $1.79 million to support two projects:

    • Village of Port Jefferson – $790,000: This project includes the demolition and redevelopment of 1506 and 1510-1512 Main Street. This will allow for the future redevelopment of an approximately 35,290 gross square foot, four-story mixed-use building consisting of 42 multi-family residential units, and approximately 1,800 square feet of commercial space.
    • Suffolk County – $1 million: This project is the development of a multi-family, mixed income rental housing at 309 Merritt Avenue in the Hamlet of Wyandanch in the Town of Babylon. The development will include 81 residential units in a 4-story, 82,000 square foot building with proximity to transit. This location is the site of a former cream distributor that has already been demolished. The ground floor of the development will include parking, a lobby, management office, common laundry and a fitness center.

    The Mid-Hudson Region was awarded more than $4.24 million to support six projects:

    • City of Kingston– $477,000: Located at the entrance of the Cornell Street arts corridor, the long-dormant commercial property at 289 Foxhall Avenue will be rehabilitated for the purchase and use by Headstone, Inc., creating new opportunities for jobs, apprenticeships and job shadowing for high school students. Studio spaces will be available to lease by local independent artisans and will provide administrative spaces for local arts organizations. Parking lots will be landscaped to anticipate planned street redesign and provide a welcoming space on a street that has become an arts destination.
    • City of Poughkeepsie– $1 million: The project will renovate the upper floors of the historic Bardavon Opera House at 31 Market Street and the adjacent three-story building at 39 Market Street into a single 35,000 square-foot, five-story mixed-use development. This will create 49 new residential units, that range from studio to two-bedroom apartments, and make improvements to the building’s mechanical systems and structural stability. The entire ground level will be rehabilitated, activating retail space that has been vacant for years.
    • Town of Cornwall – $800,000: The project will transform a long vacant former car dealership at 317 Main Street into a new, upscale 52-unit boutique hotel with a full-service restaurant and bar in the heart of the town. The project will create 35 new full-time hospitality positions and address a significant shortfall in Orange County lodging options, as determined by a study completed by the Orange County Department of Tourism and Film.
    • Town of Fallsburg – $755,450: The proposed project involves the demolition of a condemned schoolhouse at 36 Laurel Avenue and site preparation for the future construction of a 5,000-square-foot healthcare facility. The cleared, shovel-ready site and enhanced infrastructure will support the construction of a permanent medical home for underserved residents.
    • Town of Rockland – $1 million: The Livingston Legacy Holdings Project will transform seven long vacant, formerly commercial structures on 10 Pleasant Street into a bustling multi-use hospitality campus, featuring a restaurant, a sake brewery and tasting room, open air market, public gardens and multi-use spaces for other community-defined needs. Once complete, this campus will feature a much-needed venue suitable for large gatherings and social events requiring large spaces, parking, and catering capabilities.
    • Village of Sleepy Hollow –$211,500: This project is for site deconstruction, cleanup and improvements for 64/68 Beekman Avenue. This vacant and neglected site is located at the heart of the Village’s main commercial corridor, squarely within its NY Forward boundary. Revitalization of the site will increase access to services and make the Village’s downtown more livable. The building at these properties burned down years ago and the site has been overgrown with scattered debris for more than a decade.

    The Mohawk Valley was awarded nearly $8 million to support six projects:

    • City of Rome – $3.5 million – Special Project: This project will repair, rehabilitate, and modernize two tornado-damaged vacant properties at 220 South Madison Street and 522 Henry Street. The EF-2 tornado that swept through the region on July 16, 2024 extensively damaged the 180,000-square-foot facility, collapsing portions of the roof, shattering windows, blowing out entire exterior walls and damaging critical electrical infrastructure. One building will be developed for mixed use with first-floor commercial and event space, and the other will become the largest available industrial space in the Utica-Rome metropolitan statistical area.
    • City of Amsterdam – $1 million: This project will involve the conversion of the former Sonoco Paper Mill at 58-62 Forest Road into a bakery, brewpub and retail location. Upon completion the site will serve as the production and distribution center for Boogie Lab Bakery. The conversion of this abandoned factory into a new production facility for the Bakery and a Brewpub is expected to bring at least 150 jobs to the city.
    • Village of Boonville – $1 million: The Boone Building at 133, 135 and 139 Main Street suffered a devastating fire in 2020, hollowing out the core of the village’s downtown. Reconstruction is planned that will create three first-floor commercial spaces to house a sporting goods store, artisanal meat market, and jewelry store/boutique gift shop. The two upper floors will be ten residential one- and two-bedroom units.
    • Village of Cooperstown – $1 million: This project will demolish 217 Main Street, the site of a former cheese factory, furniture store and baseball bat factory that has sat vacant for years. After demolition, a 50-unit, elevator serviced three-story apartment building will be constructed. This development will yield sorely needed accessible, affordable, and permanent supportive housing, featuring energy efficiency and green building practices, with on-site parking and amenities.
    • Village of Herkimer – $1 million: This project involves the rehabilitation of the historic former Masonic Temple, a 17,524-square-foot property on 415 N. Main Street, into a vibrant commercial hub addressing long-term vacancy and structural decline. The project will develop spaces for diverse business uses, including the region’s only certified kitchen to support food-based enterprises. This project resolves safety and aesthetic concerns, mitigates blight, and leverages the Village’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative to drive economic growth.
    • Village of Richfield Springs – $469,593: The total project includes the rehabilitation and renovation of 241 Main Street into an inn with guest rooms, an event center, and re-establishing the historic mineral spas. Outside renovations include securing the building’s envelope by replacing the roof, repairing the chimney and steps, installing gutters, and updating the fire escape. Inside renovations include transforming the fourth floor into an apartment, renovating the third-floor bathrooms and laundry room, upgrading electrical and HVAC, and repairing the plumbing.

    The North Country was awarded more than $8.6 million to support eight projects:

    • City of Ogdensburg – $3.5 Million – Special Project: This project includes the adaptive reuse of 119 W. River Street, a long-abandoned former waterfront hotel property situated along the St. Lawrence River. This transformative downtown initiative focuses on restoring two historic stone mill buildings to create a vibrant mixed-use destination, including 10 residential apartments. The redevelopment will breathe new life into a blighted area, enhance the local economy, and provide unique retail, residential, recreational, and dining opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
    • Village of Canton – $749,997: This project will demolish 6,400 square feet of vacant buildings and reconstruct 4,500 square feet of commercial and event space at 15 Gouverneur Street. The objective is to create a welcoming, functional mixed-use space that restores the beauty and history of Canton’s downtown waterfront and increases economic activity and opportunities.
    • Town of Elizabethtown – $500,000: The project involves two buildings on a single parcel of land at 13 Lawrence Way. The Hale House is a 6,500 square foot, 200-year-old building that was once a single-family home, but today is mostly vacant. It will be rehabilitated into four apartments – each approximately 1,650 square feet – aimed to attract young families and professionals. Additionally, the Law Library is completely vacant and lacks heat, water, and wastewater, and will be rehabilitated into a single unit.
    • Town of Lowville – $560,000: The project will redevelop approximately 6,500 square-feet of vacant space at 7623 North State Street, a historic brick block building in Downtown. Funding will assist with the costs for the installation of electrical and plumbing throughout the building, the construction of an ADA-compliant elevator, a stairwell, masonry repairs, and the construction of eight market-rate housing units and amenities.
    • Town of Martinsburg – $1 million: The General Martin Apartments project repurposes the former Glenfield Elementary School at 5960 Main Street into 63 affordable housing units. This adaptive reuse will include 55 one-bedroom, six two-bedroom, and two studio apartments. The building will undergo substantial renovations, incorporating community amenities like a fitness center, laundry facilities, a community room and an outdoor garden.
    • City of Ogdensburg – $914,355: Small City Brewing Company will transform a vacant building at 110 Lake Street into a craft brewery, advancing the development of Ogdensburg’s Marina District – a Brownfield Opportunity Area. The project will include a manufacturing facility with a commercial grade five-barrel brewing system and the addition of a 400 square foot grain room. SCBC plans to wholesale to restaurants and bars and open a retail tasting room on-site with a commercial kitchen and event space.
    • City of Plattsburgh – $405,000: The 5500 Peru Street project is aimed at revitalizing a multi-use building in a key area within the community. This project involves the reconstruction of a building that has been mostly vacant since 2006 into two residential units and more than 4,300 square feet of renovated commercial space.
    • Village of Waddington – $1 million: The former St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 129 Lincoln Avenue is a 5,120-square-foot stone Georgian structure built in 1818. The now-vacant structure faces severe decay, threatening its place within the historic district. The Village plans to stabilize and rehabilitate the site, comprising the church, the adjoining brick rectory, and a rear wooden garage, to create a multi-use, non-sectarian recreational hub. This transformation will preserve its architectural heritage while drawing new residents, fostering community engagement and providing entertainment options.

    The Southern Tier was awarded $5.4 million to support seven projects:

    • City of Corning – $600,000: The project involves the historic rehabilitation and adaptive re-use of the former Steuben County Courthouse at 10 West First Street into seven apartment-style, market-rate residential units.
    • City of Elmira – $1 million: The Carriage House Inn Project consists of the complete renovation and adaptive reuse of 254 Baldwin Street, transforming the property into a boutique-style hotel to support and develop Elmira’s tourism arts and cultural industries. The finished site will house the Tommy Hilfiger Archive, event space, and 12 hotel rooms.
    • Village of Franklin – $1 million: Funds will support the rehabilitation of three adjoining, vacant, commercial/mixed-use properties at 438-444 Main Street in the heart of the Village’s Historic District totaling 13,500 square feet. The vacant and under-utilized space will be redeveloped into five new commercial businesses and a new apartment. The businesses include a restaurant, café/art studio, arcade & lounge, retail shop and commercial office space, seeking to fill the void of commercial businesses/services that are being sought by visitors.
    • Village of Hammondsport – $1 million: Restore funds will advance the redevelopment of the Curtiss School on 15 Bauder Avenue into 24 apartments, providing workforce housing ideal for young professionals and older adults. The redevelopment will also address the deteriorating building structure, particularly the roof. The building’s gymnasium will be adapted into commercial space ideal for retail, office or other community focused use.
    • City of Hornell – $300,000: The Landman Building is prominently located at 83-93 Main Street in downtown Hornell across from City Hall. The proposed project includes a full adaptive reuse of the existing building, with the addition of a third story. Once completed, the building will be a mixed-use development that will bring more residents and business opportunities into the downtown.
    • Village of Johnson City – $500,000: The proposed project consists of selective internal demolition and rehabilitation at the vacant former David College at 400 Riverside Drive to accommodate 62 apartments, five single-family homes and approximately 22,000 square feet of commercial space.
    • City of Norwich – $1 million: This two-story, 12,400-square-foot former office building at 23 East Main Street will be repurposed to meet critical community needs. The first floor will become a childcare center for 46 children, addressing Chenango County’s childcare desert. The second floor will house Commerce Chenango offices with a reception area, boardroom and conference space, supporting local businesses. The site’s emergency generator and location also position it for FEMA shelter designation, further strengthening community resilience.

    Western New York was awarded more than $6.1 million to support six projects:

    • Village of Almond – $1 million: This project includes the partial demolition and complete rehabilitation of a condemned, vacant and previously abandoned property known as “The Old Coslo’s Building” at 59 Main Street. The project proposes to rehabilitate this parcel into a mixed-use facility with five retail stores, 14 offices and four low-income apartments.
    • City of Jamestown – $721,704: The proposed Prendergast Landing redevelopment project aims to revitalize a historic, vacant building at 106-8 Fairmount Avenue and two adjacent lots into a vibrant, family-friendly destination. The refurbished three-story building will foster local economic growth by featuring a small café, a retail outfitter for outdoor activities, and a boutique showcasing local small businesses on the ground floor. The second floor will offer flexible office spaces ideal for entrepreneurs and a multipurpose room for community events. The third floor will provide three residential lofts that enhance the living experience close to recreational amenities.
    • Town of Niagara – $890,000: This project will redevelop a commercial site at 3505 Hyde Park Boulevard by rehabbing a 62,000 square foot building for future potential manufacturing, as well as demolishing other dilapidated buildings on the site to make way for more than 15 acres of industrial space.
    • Niagara County – $1.25 million: This project will rehab property along Cayuga Creek at 519 Cayuga Drive in Niagara Falls to create a mixed-use complex. They will be focused on the restoration of the retail space, the rehab of the apartments upstairs and the buildout of the dock with 15 new slips for recreational boaters to visit the neighborhood via the water.
    • City of Niagara Falls – $1.25 million: Funding will support a portion of the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Community Initiative. The Medical Center parking garage located at 620 10th Street is in bad condition and several sections are no longer accessible due to structural damage. Medical offices located on the top floor of this garage will be moved to the existing hospital across the street. Once demolished, the open space will be reconstructed into a flat parking area and a new parking garage will be constructed across the street at 621 10th Street.
    • City of North Tonawanda – $1 million: The Riverfront Vista project includes redevelopment of the former Metzger Removal site, a 3.1-acre brownfield site that encompasses 235 River Road and 190 Main Street. The $33.3 million project consists of a mixed-use residential and commercial project comprised of a four-story multi-family building with 48 apartment units and a mixed-use building with 39 apartments along with over 7,600 square-feet of commercial space and 2,690 square feet of community space.

    State Senator Sean Ryan said, “Restore NY is one of New York’s most impactful economic development programs. It encourages new business by reducing vacancy and paving the way for new commercial development. These awards will help turn underutilized properties into assets for the surrounding communities.”

    Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “This round of awards, made possible by Governor Hochul and Restore New York, takes smart and strategic steps to breathe life back into our communities. Mitigating damage and restoring blighted structures will attract new business and restore the character of local towns in a sustainable way — conserving resources and building materials in the process. By bolstering local revitalization efforts, these projects open municipalities to economic, environmental, and residential opportunities that enhance quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

    These awards complement Governor Hochul’s economic development vision by making strategic investments in communities across the State which revitalize the economy and create more opportunities for New Yorkers. The FY2026 Budget invests $100 million for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and $100 million for NY Forward. These programs help municipalities promote quality of life, foster socio-economic development and create walkable, livable and safer neighborhoods in every corner of the state. Additionally, the $400 million Championing Albany’s Potential initiative, a collaborative, State-led effort to revitalize Albany’s downtown core. The Budget also includes funding for the state’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative; new this year, the 10 councils will compete, in part, for $150 million in funding as part of the new ACHIEVE initiative to advance catalytic economic development projects backed by enhanced implementation funding to jump-start regional growth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Anti-environmentalism is on the rise but it’s full of contradictions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alastair Bonnett, Professor of Geography, Newcastle University

    Vadim Sadovski/Shutterstock

    Anti-environmentalism is gaining ground. Attacks on the net zero goal and hostility to conservation measures and anti-pollution targets are becoming more common. And, as recent election results have shown, these tactics are reshaping politics in Britain and across the west.

    Anti-environmentalism is a rejection of both environmental initiatives and activism. But despite its sudden rise and bold rhetoric, it is built on shaky foundations. The messages it offers are often contradictory and row against the tide of everyday experience.

    Take the US president, Donald Trump. He dismantled many environmental protections in his last term of office, and is now removing those that are left – including support for research that even mentions the word climate. Yet he told a rally in Wisconsin in 2024: “I’m an environmentalist. I want clean air and clean water. Really clean water. Really clean air.”

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Some of the contradictions of anti-environmentalism reflect its departure from traditional conservatism. Although routinely identified as “conservative”, the populist anti-green politics of Republicans in the US and Reform in the UK, along with the AfD in Germany and National Rally in France, represent a radical challenge to the ideals of continuity and conservation that were once at the heart of conservatism.

    The Conservative Environment Network is an organisation which pitches itself as an “independent forum for conservatives in the UK and around the world who support net zero, nature restoration and resource security”. Much of this network’s work involves reminding people that important environmental protections, from America’s national parks to controls on pollution and climate change in Britain and elsewhere, were introduced by conservatives.

    But few on the right appear to be listening. A populist tide is washing this conservative tradition away, despite the fact that support for environmental protection remains very popular.

    Polling indicates that 80% of people in the UK worry about climate change. Public backing for the work of the US Environmental Protection Agency is also overwhelming, including among Republican voters.

    In part, this support reflects the fact that environmental damage is an everyday reality: unpredictable weather, the collapse of animal and insect populations, and a range of other challenges are not just on the TV, they are outside the window.

    In my research for a forthcoming book on environmental nostalgia across the world, I keep bumping into an irony. In western nations, voices from the right say they want their country back, yet appear hostile to environmental policies that would protect their country and ensure its survival.

    There are many reasons for this disconnect, including resentment against initiatives that require lifestyle and livelihood changes. However, the enmity and disengagement is more complicated than a simple rejection of nature.

    Many people – including Trump himself – claim they are environmentalists even when the evidence suggests otherwise. The signs and symbols of environmental care are knitted into every aspect of our commercial and cultural life: if wildlife could sue for copyright, there would a lot of rich bears.

    I argue that a distinction can be made between what I call “cold” and “hot” forms of environmentalism. The former values and mourns the loss of nature, but as a spectacle to be observed – a set of appealing images of flora and fauna – while the latter feels implicated and anxious.

    The former position allows people to claim they love nature yet be indifferent or even hostile to initiatives to save it. However, the line between cold and hot, or between anti- and pro-environmentalist, is neither fixed nor hard.

    Another quality of anti-environmentalism is that its beliefs are changeable, even quixotic. Climate change is an example.

    Reform’s leaders have long flirted with climate change denial. “Climate change has happened for millions of years,” explained former Reform UK leader Richard Tice in 2024, adding that “the idea that you can stop the power of the Sun or volcanoes is simply ludicrous”. Tice has not changed his views but later the same year, the party’s new leader, Nigel Farage, told the BBC that he was “not arguing the science”.

    Like other populist parties, Reform adopts a mobile position on the environment, moving between denying that climate change is happening or that humans are causing it, and the very different contention that anthropogenic climate change is real but that environmental targets are unreachable and unfair, given that other nations (China is often mentioned) supposedly do so little.

    A post-western paradox

    Researchers are only just starting to think about anti-environmentalism. One key analysis is environmental politics researcher John Hultgren’s The Smoke and the Spoils: Anti-Environmentalism and Class Struggle in the United States. This new book explains how Republicans managed to convince working-class voters that there is “zero-sum dichotomy between jobs and environmental protection, workers and environmentalists”.

    This kind of binary has also been found by contributors to The Handbook of Anti-Environmentalism, who identify and critique the stereotyping of environmentalism as middle-class and elite in several western countries.

    Yet the geographical focus of these pioneering works misses yet another of the paradoxes of anti-environmentalism: that although its rhetoric often accuses China and other non-western countries of doing little, there has been a significant environmental turn in both policy and public attitudes beyond Europe and the US.

    Environmentalism is becoming post-western. This is partly because the realities of environmental damage are so stark across much of Asia and Africa.

    Extreme temperatures and unpredictable rainfall are leading to food insecurity and community displacement. Environmentalism in the African Sahel and south Asia might better be called “survivalism”.

    And despite its continuing reliance on fossil fuels, China’s state-led vision of a transition to a conservationist and decarbonised “ecological civilisation” is positioning it as a global environmental leader.

    Stereotypes of environmentalism being primarily a western concern are crumbling. Because of this, along with the many contradictions that beset it, the rise of anti-environmentalism appears not only complex, but curious and unsustainable.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Alastair Bonnett 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. Anti-environmentalism is on the rise but it’s full of contradictions – https://theconversation.com/anti-environmentalism-is-on-the-rise-but-its-full-of-contradictions-256911

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why gait quality matters as you age

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Helen Dawes, Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter

    Studio Romantic/Shutterstock

    Walking is one of the most important things we do for our quality of life. In fact, research shows it contributes more than any other physical activity to how well we live day to day. Yet one in three people over the age of 60 report having some difficulty walking.

    As we age, gradual changes in our bodies and health can alter how we walk, often without us realising. But the way we walk, known as our gait pattern, matters more than we might think. Poor gait doesn’t just make walking harder and more tiring; it can lead to joint strain, instability, and a greater risk of falls.

    Think of your gait like a heart rhythm. Just as an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows whether your heart is functioning properly, your gait also has a rhythm. When that rhythm is off, it may be one of the earliest signs that you’re not ageing as well as you could be.

    Thanks to new technology, we can now measure gait quality more easily and precisely. One promising tool is the Heel2Toe wearable sensor. This small device attaches to your shoe and tracks the movement of your ankle as you walk, capturing your gait cycle in real time.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    A healthy step begins with a strong heel strike. Your weight then rolls across the sole of your foot, ending with a push-off from the toes. As your foot lifts, it swings forward cleanly – no dragging or scuffing. This smooth sequence creates a rhythm in your ankle movements, one that, when consistent, resembles a kind of “walking ECG”.

    But over time, many people unconsciously adopt less efficient movement patterns. These altered gaits may feel normal, but they’re often unstable, tiring or unsafe.

    Poor gait can increase the risk of falls.
    https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/asian-senior-male-falling-on-ground-2147078055

    Poor gait reduces confidence, increases fall risk, and can discourage people from walking at all. And the less we walk, the weaker our muscles become – making the problem worse. It’s a vicious cycle.

    Relearning to walk well

    The good news is that we can retrain our gait.

    The Heel2Toe sensor doesn’t just monitor your movements – it also encourages better walking. When it detects a good step (one that begins with a strong heel strike), it delivers an audio cue as positive feedback. Over time, these cues help you rediscover a stronger, steadier walking pattern. Good gait becomes your new normal. Tools like Heel2Toe help people tune in to their body’s signals and make sustainable progress.

    The goal isn’t just to move more – it’s to move better.

    Of course, being physically active is only one aspect of what it means to live well as we grow older.

    To get a more complete picture of healthy ageing researchers have developed a tool that measures how often older adults experience key aspects of wellbeing. This tool – the Opal measure (Older Persons for Active Living) – goes beyond tracking what people do. It asks how they feel about their lives.

    Opal can help people understand their own wellbeing and it offers policymakers and communities a way to evaluate how well their services support older citizens – not just physically, but socially and emotionally too.

    For people, this means that even small improvements, like better gait, can lead to meaningful changes in how you feel: more confident, more mobile and more independent.

    For communities, it’s a reminder that promoting physical activity is important – but not enough. We also need programs, spaces and services that foster connection, purpose, creativity and joy.

    What does ‘active living’ really mean?

    In a 2024 international study, older adults in Canada, UK, US and the Netherlands shared what “active living” means to them – across four languages and cultural contexts.

    They identified 17 distinct “ways of being” that contribute to feeling active. Physical health was just one part. Others included feeling: confident, connected, creative, energised, encouraged, engaged, happy, mentally healthy, independent, interested, mentally sharp, motivated, resilient and self-sufficient.

    In other words, active living isn’t just about taking (or counting) steps, it’s about how you feel while taking them.

    Ageing is inevitable. But ageing well? That’s something we can shape – step by step.

    Helen Dawes is Director of International Affairs of PhysioBiometrics Inc. she receives funding from NIHR Exeter Biomedical Resarch Council and NIHR Exeter Sustainable Health Technology Centre.

    Nancy Mayo is co-founder and President of PhysioBiometrics Inc. a company that commercializes the Heel2Toe sensor to make it available for all. She has received funding from Healthy Brains for Health Lives (HBHL), McGill University, to develop and test the Heel2Toe sensor.

    – ref. Why gait quality matters as you age – https://theconversation.com/why-gait-quality-matters-as-you-age-256636

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transfer of South Western Railway’s services into public ownership

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Written statement to Parliament

    Transfer of South Western Railway’s services into public ownership

    South Western Railway’s services will transfer into public ownership on 25 May 2025.

    Following my statement in December last year, I can confirm to the House that, on Sunday 25 May 2025, South Western Railway’s services will transfer into public ownership.

    South Western Railway’s services are the first to transfer to public ownership under the Passenger Railways Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, a landmark piece of legislation passed by Parliament in November. From Sunday, operations will be run by a new public sector operator – South Western Railway Limited. For now this will be a subsidiary of the public corporation, DfT Operator Limited (DfTO), which will eventually transfer into Great British Railways (GBR), once established.

    C2C’s services will be next to transfer into public ownership on 20 July 2025 and, as previously announced, I have issued an expiry notice to Greater Anglia confirming that their contract with the department will now expire on 12 October 2025. Greater Anglia’s services will transfer into public ownership on this date.

    Sunday marks a watershed moment in the government’s plan to return the railways to the service of passengers and reform our broken railways, ending 30 years of fragmentation and delivers on our manifesto commitment to bring passenger services back into public control and put passengers firmly at the heart of the railways.

    Public ownership will ensure services are run in the interests of passengers, not shareholders, and is a vital step in enabling the government to bring track and train together. But public ownership alone is not a silver bullet and will not fix the structural problems hindering the railways currently. That will take time.

    Under this government’s plan to unify track and train under one organisation, GBR will be the single ‘directing mind’ for the railway, putting passengers and customers first, rebuilding trust in the railway and simplifying the industry.

    In February, the government’s consultation on the Railways Bill outlined plans to establish GBR, which will consolidate the 14 different train operating companies, Network Rail and DfTO into a single organisation. The Railways Bill will be laid in this Parliamentary session and I expect GBR to be operational around 12 months after the bill receives Royal Assent

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS workers awarded real terms pay rises for second year in row

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    NHS workers awarded real terms pay rises for second year in row

    NHS workers, including doctors and nurses, will receive real terms pay rises after the Health Secretary accepted the Pay Review Bodies’ pay recommendations

    • All NHS staff to be awarded above inflation pay rises for second year in a row as government recognises their hard work in rebuilding our broken NHS.
    • Department’s endorsement of Pay Review Body recommendations will be backdated to April and will appear in pay packets from August.
    • Pay uplifts will be funded by cutting duplication and waste in the central health budget.

    All NHS workers, including doctors and nurses, will receive real terms pay rises for the second year in a row, as the Health Secretary has today accepted the independent Pay Review Bodies’ headline pay recommendations for all NHS staff.  

    The government is funding a pay rise of 4% for consultants, specialty doctors, specialists and GPs, with dentists also receiving a contract uplift to increase their pay. In addition, the Department of Health and Social Care has worked closely with unions to deliver on non-pay arrangements, agreed as part of last year’s deals, to improve working conditions for these staff groups.   

    Resident Doctors will see their pay rise by an average of 5.4% (a 4% rise plus a consolidated payment of £750).  

    Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, which includes nurses, health visitors, midwives, ambulance staff, porters and cleaners will see their pay rise by 3.6%. This has increased the starting salary of a nurse, for example, from £27,055 in 2022/2023 to around £31,050 this year – an increase of around £4,000 over the last three years.  

    Alongside the real terms pay increase for AfC staff, the government has also accepted the PRB recommendation to allow the NHS Staff Council to undertake pay structure reform next year to resolve outstanding concerns about banding within the AfC pay structure.  

     Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 

    These are thoroughly deserved pay rises for all our hard-working nurses, doctors and other NHS staff. We inherited a broken health service with extremely low morale after years of pay erosion and poor industrial relations.  

    Which is why, despite the difficult financial situation the nation faces, we are backing our health workers with above-inflation pay rises for the second year in a row. This government was never going to be able to fully reverse a decade and a half of neglect in under a year, but this year’s pay increases – and last year’s – represent significant progress in making sure that NHS staff are properly recognised for the outstanding work they do. 

    In the past ten months, through our Plan for Change, we have worked with staff to cut waiting lists by 200,000 and put the NHS on the road to recovery. These real terms pay rises demonstrate our commitment to continue on our shared mission, to build an NHS fit for the future.

    Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, said:  

    Today’s announcement of a real terms pay rise shows the government’s support for NHS staff and is recognition of their huge efforts and hard work over the last year.  

    It is particularly welcome as it comes amid significant pressure on the public purse, and so the NHS will in turn focus on reform, cutting waste and reducing duplication to be as efficient as possible, while also offering patients faster and better care.

    All pay uplifts will be backdated to April 1st and will appear in pay packets from August – two months earlier than last year and the earliest award in years. 

    The above inflation pay awards come at a time of serious pressure on the public finances. The Department of Health and Social Care can award across-the-board pay rises above the affordability figure set out by the government (2.8%) because of reforms already being made to cut waste and unnecessary bureaucracy across the health service. 

    Over the past few months, we have identified how extra funds will be freed up by cutting duplication between the department and NHSE, cutting NHSE headcount, slashing budgets for corporate services like NHS communications teams, and bringing down ICB costs by 50%. As a result of the savings found, none of the pay increases will be paid for by cutting frontline services. 

    The government has also reiterated its desire to get NHS staff their money more quickly in future awards. This year’s was the earliest in years, but this government want to go faster in the future, so that the pay award process is bought back into line with the financial year.  

    The government has committed to remitting the pay review bodies for 2026/27 before the end of July, two months before last year, with an ambition to implement awards as soon as possible in 2026/27. 

    Notes to Editors 

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Mercedes-Benz Establishing North American Headquarters, new Research & Development Hub in Metro Atlanta

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Mercedes-Benz will establish Atlanta as Mercedes-Benz’s headquarters in North America by centralizing and uniting key corporate functions. The company will move up to 500 jobs to the existing Mercedes-Benz facility, known as “1MB,” in Fulton County, and make a multi-million dollar investment in a future state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) facility to also be located nearby.

    “Georgia continues to lead the way in the future of mobility and technical innovation, attracting world-class companies like Mercedes-Benz that are driving the automotive industry forward,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We’re excited that a job creator that already has close ties to Georgia is doubling down on that choice and growing their presence here in the best state for business and opportunity.”

    Mercedes-Benz opened its “1MB” facility in 2018 in Sandy Springs, which currently supports approximately 800 jobs in Georgia.

    “We thank the State of Georgia for its support in deepening Mercedes-Benz’s roots in the Atlanta area as we bring even more talented team members to this world-class city,” said Jason Hoff, CEO of Mercedes-Benz North America.  “This strengthens our position for continued growth and reinforces our established commitment to the U.S. market. Bringing our teams closer together will enable us to be more agile, increase speed to market, and ensure the best customer experience.” 

    The ”1MB” facility located in Sandy Springs will house the existing sales teams as well as financial services teams and corporate functions. The new state-of-the-art Research & Development hub will be located near Sandy Springs. The company anticipates that the move to metro Atlanta will be completed by August 2026. To learn more about Mercedes-Benz, visit www.mbusa.com/en/careers or group.mercedes-benz.com/careers.

    “We’re excited to see Mercedes-Benz expanding in Sandy Springs,” said Mayor Rusty Paul, City of Sandy Springs. “Since establishing their headquarters here in 2018, they have been outstanding corporate partners. Their decision to grow in Sandy Springs highlights the success of the city’s recent infrastructure and capital investments which are now clearly paying dividends. This expansion represents a wonderful opportunity and a significant milestone for our continued development.”

    “Having a globally recognized brand like Mercedes-Benz reaffirm its commitment by investing and growing here in Fulton County is a testament to the strength and vitality of our community,” said Chairman Robb Pitts, Fulton County Board of Commissioners. “It proves Fulton County continues to be a destination for corporate solutions, providing major companies an accessible, vibrant, and growing community for their business to thrive in.”

    “This expansion is a testament to both Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to excellence and metro Atlanta’s strength as a hub for innovation and talent. When the 1MB facility opened in 2018, it quickly became an integral part of our business landscape, driving economic growth and elevating the region’s global presence,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “We are proud to see this partnership deepen as Mercedes-Benz continues to invest in our future shared success.”

    Assistant Director of Statewide Projects Elizabeth McLean represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the City of Sandy Springs, Select Fulton, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Georgia Power.

    “Since the strategic decision to relocate Mercedes-Benz USA to Sandy Springs in 2018, we have watched Mercedes-Benz become an integral part of our business community. Their continued growth and community involvement are a prime example of why we recruit industry leaders such as Mercedes-Benz to Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This expansion and commitment to R&D in the metro Atlanta area will further strengthen the company’s long-term success, and highlights the talent and collaborative partnerships fostered by the University System of Georgia.”

    About Mercedes-Benz AG

    Mercedes-Benz AG is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG with a total of around 175,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production, and sales of passenger cars, vans, and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with Mercedes AMG, Mercedes Maybach, and G Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-end passenger cars.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BNP Paribas Primary New Issues: MID-Stabilisation Notice – Wolseley Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    22.05.2025

    Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

    [WOLSELEY GROUP PLC]

    Mid-stabilisation Period Announcement

    [Further to the pre-stabilisation period announcement dated 16.05.2025] BNP Paribas (contact: Stanford Hartman telephone: 0207 595 8222) hereby gives notice that the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below undertook stabilisation (within the meaning of [Article 3.2(d) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU/596/2014) / [and of] the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority)] in relation to the offer of the following securities, as set out below.

    Securities

    Issuer: WOLSELEY GROUP FINCO PLC
    Guarantor (if any): N/A
    Aggregate nominal amount: 350,000,000 GBP
    Description: Senior Secured Fixed Rate Notes
    Stabilisation Manager(s): BNP Paribas, Lloyds Bank, Wells Fargo, RBC, BOFA

    Stabilisation transaction[s]

    Date and time: Price: Quantity Stabilisation trading venue:
     16/05/2025  17:10:48  99.25  1,000,000.00  OTC
     16/05/2025  17:12:20  98.625  1,375,000.00  OTC
     16/05/2025  17:12:26 98.625 125,000.00 OTC
     16/05/2025  17:12:26  98.625  125,000.00  OTC
    19/05/2025  09:21:51 98.50 -2,000,000.00 OTC
    19/05/2025  09:32:45 98.625 -1,700,000.00 OTC
    19/05/2025  09:56:38 99.00 -200,000.00 OTC
    19/05/2025  09:59:05 98.83 -2,354,000.00 OTC
    19/05/2025  10:02:33 99.23 -500,000.00 OTC
    19/05/2025  11:31:42 99.015 1,000,000.00 OTC
    19/05/2025  15:10:28 99.1 -1,000,000.00 OTC
    20/05/2025  12:05:52 99.5 -2,000,000.00 OTC
    20/05/2025  12:34:15 99.375 500,000.00 OTC
    21/05/2025  17:04:09 99.55 2,300,000.00 OTC

    This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

    This announcement and the offer of the securities to which it relates are only addressed to and directed at persons outside the United Kingdom and persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters related to investments or who are high net worth persons within Article 12(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the United Kingdom.

    In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, the UK or any EEA Member State before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in the UK or that Member State in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus  Regulation”) (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in the UK or that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in the UK or that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the UK or that Member State.

    This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities referred to above have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There has not been and will not be a public offer of the securities in the United States.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark government partnership signed with North Macedonia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Landmark government partnership signed with North Macedonia

    The new Government Partnership will drive economic growth across both countries through increased collaboration on infrastructure projects.

    Today marks a new era for UK-North Macedonia relations, following the signing of a Government-to-Government Partnership (G2G) which will boost trade and drive economic growth. This Partnership supports the delivery of critical infrastructure projects across various sectors, including transport, health, energy, and technology. It will be able to draw on a wide range of support, including technical assistance programmes and up to £5 billion in UK Export Finance support available for projects in North Macedonia.

    The formal signing ceremony took place at the historic Old Admiralty Building in London on Thursday 22nd May 2025, with the UK Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas MP, and the Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Nikoloski, in attendance.

    This G2G underscores the commitment of both nations to collaborate on critical infrastructure projects that deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits. By leveraging the expertise and innovation of both countries, this Partnership will drive the development of resilient infrastructure that fosters growth and prosperity.

    The exchange of knowledge and best practice between our two countries will be central to this G2G, drawing from the expertise of both nation’s respective infrastructure fields. This means the UK Government and British businesses working in partnership with the government of North Macedonia and their local supply chain to deliver infrastructure projects across North Macedonia. This approach will generate mutual benefits for both nations through the sharing of innovation to deliver resilient infrastructure that drives growth.

    Minister of Exports, Gareth Thomas MP expressed his enthusiasm:

    This partnership opens up a new chapter in our bilateral relationship with North Macedonia.

    The UK has a wealth of experience in delivering high-quality infrastructure across the world and I am delighted to be kicking off this new partnership that will help more British businesses export to North Macedonia.

    The UK Ambassador to North Macedonia, Matthew Lawson said:

    We have achieved a significant milestone in the UK – North Macedonia relations with the signing of the Government-to-Government Partnership by UK Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas MP, and the Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Nikoloski.

    The G2G will further strengthen the already excellent trade ties between our countries and support the delivery of critical infrastructure projects in different sectors, including transport, health, energy, and technology in North Macedonia. As the British Ambassador I am proud that our governments have reached this landmark partnership that will benefit the citizens of both countries. We stand strong and united together.

    This G2G builds on a strong existing bilateral relationship between the UK and North Macedonia. Recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski welcomed a new Strategic Partnership at the European Political Community Summit in Tirana on the 16th May 2025. This G2G represents the start of our enhanced trade and infrastructure collaboration.

    Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe also expressed his support:

    I am delighted that this G2G will support stronger collaboration across our governments and businesses to deliver economic growth for both our nations and good-quality infrastructure for the citizens of North Macedonia.

    Notes to editors:

    • government to government (G2G) partnerships are formal arrangements under which we agree to provide another government is provided with access to UK public and private expertise for specific projects or programmes that create commercial benefits

    • total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and North Macedonia was £1.7 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2024

    • the UK is North Macedonia’s second largest trading partner in the 4 quarters to the end of Q3 2024

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Your passport to summer fun is here with getactiveabc!

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    The brightest, hottest and happiest season is here…hello summer!! For children and young people across the borough, it’s that long-awaited season of freedom. It’s goodbye school, hello pool; it’s memories made in flip flops, topped off with ice-cream, picnics and never-ending days of playing and exploring!

    Let the experienced and energised getactiveabc coaches make it a summer to remember with a wonder world of summer experiences!

    Multi-sports, gymnastics and dance camps

    Through energetic sessions that feel more like fun than fitness, kids will learn about movement, co-ordination, teamwork and self-expression, all of which will boost their confidence (suitable for 5–11-year-olds. Various locations available). Find out more!

    Wet and wild watersports

    In, on and off the water, make a splash with South Lake Watersports! Hit the water or the road with kayak, paddleboard and bicycle hire (free for getactiveabc members); dip your toe into something new with the ‘Learn to’ sessions; achieve your ‘Start, Discover and Paddle Safer’ qualification from Paddle UK; join South Lake Paddlers Club; take on the giant inflatable (free for getactiveabc members) or have a blast at the multi-activity sessions of wet and dry adrenaline pumping fun with aqua inflatables, archery, mountain bikes, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing! Find out more!

    Stay cool in the pool!

    Our crazy £2 swims at Banbridge, Orchard and South Lake Leisure Centres are here! Boost water confidence with swimming courses and lessons, gain a lifeguard qualification and take on ‘The Beast’ – the new 50m indoor inflatable obstacle course that lets you bounce, slide and giggle through the challenge! Additional needs and quiet sessions are also available. Find out more!

    Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre

    Summer fun specials continue at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre for kids, families, parties and youth clubs. Individual/family/group tubing and footgolf mean lots of laughs and fun for everyone on and off the slopes! Find out more!

    Inclusive summer scheme

    The ABC Inclusive Summer Schemes, taking place in Dromore and Richhill, provide inclusive sports and physical activity opportunities for children with a disability, along with siblings and friends. Find out more!

    The getactiveabc sizzling programme of activities and events continues to soar throughout the summer! Watch out for special offers and more with Love Parks Week, The South Lake Junior Triathlon, indoor inflatables, Craigavon Lake Run, Bike Week, Oxford Island Nature activities, Men’s Health Week, All Out Trekking at Gosford, Teen Gym, Get Girls Moving, golf at Loughgall and Silverwood and much more!

    Click here to read all about the getactiveabc summer programme!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bin Collections & Recycling Centres Operating as Normal Over May Bank Holiday

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Bin Collections & Recycling Centres Operating as Normal Over May Bank Holiday

    22 May 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council is reminding residents that bin collections and Recycling Centres will continue as normal on the upcoming May Bank Holiday, Monday 26th May 2025.

    Residents are advised to leave out their bins as usual on collection day. The Council is encouraging everyone to stay committed to recycling by using Blue and Brown bins correctly, helping reduce household waste over the holiday weekend.

    Please note that Council offices on Strand Road, Derry, and Derry Road, Strabane, will be closed on Monday 26th May and will reopen on Tuesday 27th May. Registry Offices in both Derry and Strabane will also be closed on the Monday, reopening the following day.

    For those enjoying local attractions, the Guildhall and Tower Museum will remain open and welcoming visitors over the Bank Holiday weekend.

    Council-operated cemeteries will remain open daily from 8:00am to 8:00pm throughout the holiday period.

    The Council’s Out of Hours Dog Warden Service will be in operation to respond to ongoing dog attacks on people or animals. To report an incident, call 07734 128096. Please note that while the Council is not obligated to respond to other reports outside of normal hours, serious voicemails will be assessed.

    All Council parks and greenways will be open, and the public is encouraged to enjoy these spaces responsibly keeping them clean by using the bins provided.

    The Alley Theatre will also be open throughout the weekend, with Encore’s The Little Mermaid showing on Saturday 24th May.

    Leisure Services Opening Times – Bank Holiday Monday 26th May:

    • Open: Bishop’s Field, Templemore Sports Complex, Riversdale Leisure Centre, Melvin Sports Complex, Derg Valley Leisure Centre
    • Closed: Brooke Park, City Baths, Foyle Arena, Brandywell 

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, encouraged residents to make the most of the long weekend:

    “I’d like to wish everyone across our city and district a relaxing and enjoyable Bank Holiday. Let’s continue taking pride in our beautiful environment by recycling, respecting public spaces, and supporting our local attractions and services.”

    For full and up-to-date service details, please visit the Council website:
     www.derrystrabane.com/services/opening-hours

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Heavy rains cause flooding in some cities in Hunan province

    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

    CHANGSHA, May 22 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains have caused flooding in some cities in central China’s Hunan Province since Wednesday evening.

    Heavy rains hit the cities of Zhangjiajie and Changde in Hunan Province, and some counties subordinate to these cities experienced particularly heavy rainfall.

    In Shejiaping Township, Taoyuan County, Changde City, continuous rainfall has caused flooding. Local authorities have taken measures to evacuate people to ensure their safety.

    The Hunan Provincial Meteorological Service issued an orange alert for heavy rain on the morning of May 22.

    Let us recall that China has a four-tier weather warning system, with the highest level of danger indicated by red, followed in descending order by orange, yellow and blue. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two killed in landslides in southwest China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    GUIYANG, May 22 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed in landslides in southwest China’s Guizhou Province on Thursday, the provincial government said.

    It should be recalled that two landslides on the same day hit Changshi Township and Gowa Township in Dafang County, administratively subordinate to Bijie City, leaving 2 and 19 people trapped under the rubble, respectively.

    The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Commission has activated a Level 4 emergency response in response to the recent severe floods and geological disasters in Guizhou Province, especially the landslides in Bijie City.

    The Committee sent a working group to the affected areas to assess the situation, provide recommendations and assist local authorities in meeting the basic needs of people affected by the disaster.

    Guizhou provincial authorities activated Level 2 geological disaster response at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, while the Ministry of Natural Resources decided to raise the geological disaster response level from Level 3 to Level 2 at 11 a.m. on the same day, sending a task force to the area to lead the search and rescue operation.

    The ministry called on local agencies to quickly dispatch task forces to assist the search and rescue operation and provide technical support for the rescue work. It also called for enhanced monitoring and early warning. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Central Asian Youth Discuss Friendship and Cooperation in Shaanxi Province

    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, May 22 (Xinhua) — Representatives of Chinese youth and Central Asian students studying in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province recently gathered to share their experiences and deepen mutual understanding and friendship, the Sanqing Dushibao newspaper reported.

    The event took place on May 17 in Xi’an (the capital of Shaanxi Province). More than 20 young people from China and Central Asian countries took part in it.

    Nastya from Kazakhstan, who is studying Business Chinese at Xi’an Jiaotong University, noted that intercultural exchanges bring her new knowledge.

    “I enjoy experiencing the charm of different cultures through humanitarian exchange events and actively organizing sports competitions so that young people from different countries have more opportunities for deep interaction,” she said.

    Elnura Mambetova from Kyrgyzstan, a doctoral student in Chinese language and Chinese culture dissemination at Shaanxi Normal University, has been fascinated with Chinese culture since childhood. After graduating from university in Kyrgyzstan, she worked as a Chinese language teacher at one of the universities in Kyrgyzstan, and then moved to China for further education.

    “I can personally feel how the friendship between the countries of Central Asia and China is becoming deeper and deeper,” she said.

    Wang Lewei, a student at Xi’an Foreign Studies University, spent a year in Kazakhstan as an exchange student. “In Kazakhstan, my local friends took me sightseeing and invited me to traditional festivals. I realized that language is the key to culture,” he said, expressing his desire to become an envoy of friendship between China and Kazakhstan.

    Shaanxi Province, relying on its rich educational resources, has been actively developing humanitarian exchanges with Central Asian countries in recent years. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair serves as a platform for promoting regional cooperation between China and Russia

    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

    HARBIN, May 22 (Xinhua) — The 34th Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair, which recently concluded in the city of Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, has injected new impetus into cooperation between the Chinese border province and Russian regions.

    One of the main topics of the event, which took place from May 17 to 21, was regional cooperation between China and Russia.

    The Heilongjiang Province is separated from some Russian regions only by the Heilongjiang River /Amur/. “The Amur does not simply divide us, but on the contrary, connects us. This is a connection of two neighbors,” noted the acting governor of the Jewish Autonomous Region /JAR/ Maria Kostyuk, calling the Heilongjiang Province the only such strategic partner for the JAR.

    M. Kostyuk participated in the Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair for the first time in the capacity of the head of the region. Previously, she had visited the exhibition many times when she worked in the mayor’s office of the city of Birobidzhan.

    “We worked together with our sister city Hegang in Heilongjiang Province not only on exchanging businessmen, but also introducing businesses to each other’s territory so that we could have very proper cooperation. For the second year in a row, Birobidzhan and Hegang have presented a joint exposition at the Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair,” she noted.

    In addition to Hegang and Birobidzhan, sister city relations have been established between Chinese and Russian cities such as Heihe and Blagoveshchensk, as well as Tongjiang and Bogdanovich, which helps to unlock the potential for cooperation between the border areas of the two countries.

    “In terms of humanitarian cooperation, the Amur Region is the leader among other regions of Russia in terms of the number of Russian-Chinese joint events, just as the Heilongjiang Province is among Chinese regions,” emphasized the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the 34th Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair.

    “We have more than 200 events. They are held annually, there are very bright, iconic ones that have become the calling card of our cities – Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, as well as the Amur Region and Heilongjiang Province,” he explained, expressing hope that in the future the level of these events will increase through the involvement of additional partner regions on both sides.

    Both leaders of Russian regions also noted the dynamics of development of cooperation with Heilongjiang Province in such areas as agriculture, logistics and tourism.

    On the sidelines of the current Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair, the Russian Export Center (REC) organized another festival-fair “Made in Russia.” It featured products from over 100 Russian manufacturers from 50 regions of the country.

    During the festival-fair, specialized negotiations on the B2B model were also held between Chinese and Russian companies, which, according to REC General Director Veronika Nikishina, provided a unique opportunity to establish important business contacts and expand the horizons of cooperation.

    REC is organizing a similar festival-fair on the sidelines of the Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair for the second time. As part of the event, a Made in Russia retail store also opened in Harbin.

    “I think that candies and chocolates made in Russia have a unique and rich taste, and they are inexpensive. Our whole family likes them very much,” said one shopper surnamed Sun.

    “We opened the first warehouse distribution center in Suifenhe, Heilongjiang Province, with an area of over 4,500 square meters, to supply and continuously provide the Made in Russia retail chain with original and high-quality Russian products,” explained V. Nikishina, noting that from the point of view of the extensive development of the national brand, the Chinese market is one of the most important and promising in the world.

    According to M. Kostyuk, residents of China and Russia are always interested in communicating with each other as neighbors and close people. “We already have experience of long-term cooperation with border cities of Heilongjiang Province. We must also go together today along one path in order to develop our mutual cooperation,” she summarized. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Shenzhou-20 crew members perform first spacewalk /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) — The crew of China’s Shenzhou-20 manned space mission aboard the Tiangong space station successfully completed the first round of extravehicular activity on Thursday, the China Manned Space Administration (CMSA) said.

    The three Chinese astronauts, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, worked for about eight hours and completed the mission at 16:49 Beijing time with the support of a ground support team.

    Chen Dong and Chen Zhongrui, who are in charge of spacewalk operations, exited through the node module of the Tianhe core module, marking the first time astronauts have exited the station through this module since the space station entered the application and development phase.

    The astronauts installed the space debris protection device, previously removed through the cargo airlock and moved to a temporary position using a robotic manipulator, in its designated location.

    During the extravehicular activity, the astronauts also inspected and maintained the station’s external equipment. According to the CMSA, all crew members returned safely to the main module. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EBA publishes onboarding plan to implement the Pillar 3 data hub

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published an onboarding plan for large and other institutions, setting out the steps required for accessing and submitting information to the new Pillar 3 Data Hub (P3DH) – the EBA’s centralised platform for public disclosures under the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR3).This initiative is a significant milestone in the EBA’s commitment to enhancing transparency and consistency in Pillar 3 disclosures across the EU financial system and promoting market discipline.

    The onboarding plan outlines the procedural steps that institutions need to follow to ensure timely and accurate submissions of Pillar 3 information. The onboarding plan provides a step-by-step guide for the identification of institutions and to give them access to the EBA’s EUCLID Regulatory Reporting Platform, through which the Pillar 3 data will be submitted. It also spells out the timeline for the process, which will follow a phased-in approach.

    In addition to the onboarding plan, the EBA is publishing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that aim to help institutions during the first implementation and data submission process. The FAQs will be a living document that will be updated by the EBA as needed.

    Furthermore, the EBA is introducing a phased-in approach and transitional provisions that should give institutions time to prepare for the process. This means that institutions will be able to continue to fulfil their Pillar 3 disclosure obligations during 2025 as usual, and the submissions to the P3DH will occur only at a later stage. This approach will give institutions with enough time to complete the onboarding process and align their internal processes, without impacting the compliance with the CRR requirements.

    By providing a single, centralised platform for Pillar 3 data, the EBA will support all interested users—including institutions—by significantly enhancing access and comparability of prudential information. For the first time, users will be able to explore and visualise disclosures across institutions and over time in a single public platform, making it easier for institutions to benchmark themselves against peers and fostering market discipline. This will not only strengthen the transparency of the EU banking sector but also promote the soundness and resilience of the broader financial system. The P3DH information will be available to the public from December 2025.

    The EBA encourages all relevant institutions to familiarise themselves with the onboarding process and begin preparations for the P3DH implementation.

    Legal basis, backgrounds and next steps

    The new Banking Package (CRR3/CRD6), which will implement the latest Basel III reforms in the EU, includes a mandate to the EBA to develop a Pillar 3 data hub. The EBA’s plan on how to implement the mandates included in the Banking Package is explained in the ‘EBA Roadmap on strengthening the prudential framework’, published in December 2023.

    The CRR establishes the prudential disclosure requirements and policies applicable to institutions, specifying the frequency and scope of these disclosures by type of institution, e.g. large institutions, small and non-complex institutions (SNCI) and other institutions The CRR3 (Articles 434 and 434a) mandates the EBA to publish on its website the prudential disclosures for all institutions subject to such requirements, making it readily available in a centralised manner to all the relevant stakeholders through a single electronic access point on its website. To comply with this mandate, the EBA is building a data hub putting together all the disclosures required under Part Eight of the CRR. As a first step the EBA has published also the final draft ITS on the Pillar 3 data hub for large and other institutions. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New police search guidance following Supreme Court decision

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Police chiefs have been reviewing the implications of last month’s UK Supreme Court judgment in relation to the scope of the Equality Act on sex and gender.

    Police chiefs have been reviewing the implications of last month’s UK Supreme Court judgment in relation to the scope of the Equality Act on sex and gender.

    The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has today (Thursday) published draft interim guidance on searches of members of the transgender community, as well as searches carried out by transgender police officers and staff.

    It makes clear that thorough police searches, such as those which expose intimate body parts, should be carried out by police officers and staff of the same biological sex as the detained person.

    There may be very limited exceptions considered where someone requests to be searched by an officer of their gender.

    The guidance is explicit that any search not conducted in line with biological sex must have the written consent of the detainee, the officer carrying out the search as well as the authorising officer.

    The guidance has been circulated to every police force in the country.

    The interim guidance is based on legal advice and has been developed after seeking views across policing as well as those of other agencies.

    It reflects working practice which already happens every day across policing, where officers and detainees make requests about searches for a multitude of reasons.

    Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the NPCC, said: “Our aim has been to implement the Supreme Court judgment in a pragmatic and consistent way across policing.

    “We have moved at pace to develop this interim guidance, as it is important that officers and staff have guidance on how searches should be conducted in light of the Supreme Court ruling.

    “We are keen to work with the Home Office to consider the impact of the Supreme Court decision on legislation and help ensure there is consistency and clarity for policing and our partners.

    “We understand the depth of feeling there is on these issues, both among transgender communities as well as those who hold gender critical views. Policing remains committed to treating everyone with fairness, dignity and respect.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council to consult on the disposal and change of use of Inverness Common Good land

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has launched a statutory Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 consultation giving the Inverness residents until 15 July 2025 to respond to a proposal to dispose, by lease, and change the use of an area within common good land for the development of a green hydrogen production facility. 

    The area of land subject to the consultation is located at the former waste landfill site at East Longman, Inverness.  The area is no longer used for landfill however parts of it continue to be restricted under statutory controls in terms of development and public access.  In 2022 the restriction was removed in part within the former landfill site and therefore has become available for development.   

    The former landfill site is owned by the Council in terms of the Royal Charter of King James VI dated 1591, and as such, considered to be common good land.

    Storegga Hydrogen (Cromarty) Limited has approached the Council seeking to lease an area of available common good land to construct and operate a green hydrogen production facility.  Using renewable energy sources, the development would produce approximately 6,400 tonnes of electrolytic hydrogen annually, with production planned to play a vital role in the decarbonisation of a large industrial site within the Longman Industrial Estate.  Hydrogen would also be supplied to other users.  The facility could reduce carbon emissions by 45,000 tonnes of CO2e per year – equivalent to removing 32,000 fossil fuelled cars from Scotland’s roads.

    The Council is keen to hear the views of Inverness residents on the proposal utilising common good land.  All submissions will be given full regard before a decision is taken.  If following the consultation, the Council wish to proceed with the proposal, they must seek the consent of the Sheriff Court.

    The consultation representations and responses including the final decision will be published on the Council’s website.

    The consultation is specifically related to common good requirements.  Should the proposed development proceed, further statutory consents will be required, including those related to planning.

    The consultation document and information on the process to dispose or change the use of common good property is available here  

    Please submit written responses by close of play 15 July 2025 either by email –  common.good@highland.gov.uk or by post – Common Good Fund Officer, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Social Value Charter to Ensure Communities Get Fair Share

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The work underway to ensure that Highland communities can benefit from profits being generated by renewable developments will be under the spotlight at next week’s meeting of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee.

    At the meeting on Thursday 29 May, Members will receive an update on progress with the Highland Social Value Charter, which aims to ensure that if developments get the go ahead there is a clear community benefit. Members will also be asked to agree to continue to make representations to both the Scottish and UK Governments on the need for mandatory community benefit.

    The Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans has written formally to Scottish Renewables seeking their immediate engagement with the Social Value Charter.

    He said: “Once they have planning permission, developers are not obliged to follow through on providing community benefit. As a result, companies can make empty promises and let down our communities. This has to change.

    “Given the scale of the on-shore and off shore energy pipeline being anticipated in the Highlands and the concerns of communities about potential impacts of these plans, it is important that public and private sector partners work together, so our communities can benefit for years to come.”

    Councillor Gowans added: “Engagement with Scottish and Southern Energy Transmission to sign up to the Charter is underway and we will be pressing ahead to finalise the commitment from them and other developers to fully support the Charter. I look forward to discussing the Charter in more detail as part of the Committee next Thursday.”

    The Highland Social Value Charter (HSVC) was agreed by the Council and Community Planning Partnership Board in June 2024. The Charter articulates the expectations of the Highland area for any renewables and green energy developments. Included within this are fundamental principles that all communities across Highland should benefit from renewables investment and that in addition to direct benefit to local areas, support to wider infrastructure should form part of the ask on developers.

    22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chair welcomes over £600k of regeneration funding for Highland project

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, has welcomed the announcement that a Highland project has been successful in applying for funding support under the latest round of funding from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF).

    Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (GURCA) in Drumnadrochit has been awarded £602,500 to redevelop and remodel Glen Urquhart public hall into a thriving and more energy efficient community hub. The refurbished hall will include flexible spaces (including meeting rooms) with increased capacity to meet the needs of a wider range of groups and users. (Total project cost £1,580,187)

    Cllr Ken Gowans said: “It is terrific news that this very worthy community-led project is set to benefit from RCGF funding support. There is a lot of competition across the whole of Scotland to get a share of the fund so to have over £600k awarded in the Highlands is good news.

    “The RCGF is all about targeting financial support to provide a boost to social and economic regeneration. I wish everyone involved in this project well as they now press ahead with their plans. This is an ambitious project to make a real difference, so I look forward to seeing the benefit it brings to the local community.”

    Scottish Ministers and COSLA have recently announced a new funding round for RCGF funding.  Further details will be on the Community Regeneration Fund website shortly. About the fund | Community Regeneration Funding | The Highland Council

    22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 4th Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Departments Responsible for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports of the SCO Member States was held in Harbin

    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, May 22 (Xinhua) — The 4th Meeting of Heads of Ministries and Departments Responsible for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States was held in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Wednesday, according to the official website of the General Administration of Physical Culture and Sports of the People’s Republic of China.

    The event was attended by SCO Deputy Secretary General Akhmad Saidmurodzoda and heads of ministries and departments for physical culture and sports of the SCO member states. At the meeting, the heads of delegations of the SCO member states discussed strengthening cooperation in the field of sports competitions, the sports industry, winter and traditional sports.

    Gao Zhidan, Director General of the General Administration of Sports of the People’s Republic of China, said at the meeting that sports cooperation is an important part of cultural exchanges within the organization and plays an active role in promoting rapprochement and mutual understanding between the peoples of its member countries.

    Noting that China is willing to cooperate with all parties to further deepen sports exchanges among SCO member states, he added that the country will actively promote the construction of the China-SCO Winter Sports Demonstration Zone to make new and greater contributions to promoting the building of a closer SCO community with a shared future.

    The meeting adopted the “Protocol of the 4th Meeting of the Heads of Ministries and Departments Responsible for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports of the SCO Member States.” The parties agreed that the next such event will be held in Kyrgyzstan. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In January-April 2025, cargo turnover through the Alashankou checkpoint increased by 6.1%.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) — Alashankou border crossing in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region allowed a total of 9.657 million tons of import and export cargo into and out of the country in the first four months of this year, up 6.1 percent year-on-year, local media reported, citing data from Alashankou Customs.

    The range of goods imported through the said checkpoint during the reporting period mainly consisted of iron ore and its concentrate, iron alloys and frozen meat. At the same time, exports were mainly represented by electromechanical and high-tech products, clothing and accessories and other products.

    In January-April of this year, the volume of cargo transportation via the Alashankou railway checkpoint continued to grow, accounting for more than 50 percent of the total cargo turnover via Alashankou. At the same time, the volume of cargo passing through the Alashankou automobile border crossing increased by 42.1 percent year-on-year.

    The city of Alashankou is located in the Bortala-Mongolian Autonomous Region of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. On its territory there is a road and railway checkpoint of the same name on the border with Kazakhstan. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China to Establish 23 More Professional Universities

    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, May 22 (Xinhua) — China’s Ministry of Education on Thursday announced a plan to approve the establishment of 32 undergraduate higher education institutions, including 23 vocational universities.

    The move underscores China’s increased focus on developing technical and vocational education to produce skilled professionals, as outlined in a national education development plan released earlier this year.

    The policy document calls for the creation of more high-quality professional undergraduate universities with unique specializations, as well as a gradual increase in the number of applicants.

    The Chinese Ministry of Education also called on the public to express their suggestions on the establishment of these educational institutions. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Premier to Visit Indonesia, Attend ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Malaysia

    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, May 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang will pay an official visit to Indonesia from May 24 to 26 at the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and attend the ASEAN-GCC-China summit in Kuala Lumpur from May 26 to 28 at the invitation of Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, which holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Thursday. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: France: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

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

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

    Paris, France – May 22, 2025

    An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Manuela Goretti and comprising Florian Misch, Rasmane Ouedraogo, Maryam Vaziri, and Torsten Wezel, conducted discussions during May 12-22 for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with France. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    The French economy has demonstrated resilience despite high uncertainty, with disinflation progressing well and the labor market remaining robust. However, high and rising public debt, combined with significant domestic and external headwinds to the recovery, highlights the need to strengthen public finances and pursuing structural reforms to foster sustainable growth. The French authorities’ commitment to bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2029 is welcome and should be supported by a credible and well-designed package of measures. Advancing France’s structural reform agenda will be crucial to boost productivity and facilitate fiscal consolidation. While the financial sector remains resilient, strong supervisory practices need to continue adapting to an increasingly complex financial landscape. France’s sustained efforts to deepen the European single market remain critical to support the economy and strengthen its ability to withstand shocks.

    Economic Outlook

    High domestic and external uncertainty is expected to continue weighing on the short-term economic outlook. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.6 percent in 2025 and reach 1 percent in 2026. These projections reflect a delayed recovery in private consumption and investment due to weak confidence and fiscal tightening this year, despite some uplift from monetary policy easing. Weaker external demand, amid trade tensions, market volatility, and geo-economic uncertainty, is expected to further dampen exports and investment prospects. These projections are based on the April World Economic Outlook global assumptions and do not reflect the latest trade policy announcements. Over the medium term, growth is projected to converge to around 1.2 percent, before decelerating towards its long-term potential of 1 percent reflecting both demographic trends and need for further structural reforms. The disinflationary process is progressing well, with average headline inflation projected at 1.2 percent in 2025, due to base effects and lower energy prices, and core inflation at 1.9 percent.

    The outlook remains subject to significant downside risks, notwithstanding potential upsides. Deepening geoeconomic fragmentation and rising trade tensions could disrupt trade and financial flows and dampen economic activity. In such an environment, uncertainty would increase, and financial conditions could tighten further, reducing domestic demand and worsening debt dynamics. Political fragmentation and social tensions could delay fiscal consolidation and reform efforts, further weighing on confidence and the outlook, raising fiscal risks. On the upside, easing trade tensions and renewed structural reform momentum could improve growth prospects over the medium term. Domestic reforms could be strengthened through deeper coordination and integration at the EU level. Consumption could be stronger if household saving rates eased more rapidly on the back of dissipating uncertainty. Business investment and export performance could also surprise on the upside, driven by higher demand—in France and in the rest of Europe—including for defense as well as digital and green technologies.

    Fiscal Policy: Reducing Debt while Refocusing Spending Priorities

    Building on the 2025 budget, the authorities are committed to implementing their Medium-term Fiscal Structural Plan (MTFSP) to bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2029. While the envisaged adjustment is appropriate to improve debt dynamics and strengthen France’s resilience to shocks, it needs to be supported by a credible and well-designed package of measures and remains subject to implementation risks, as evidenced by recent setbacks. Under staff’s current policy baseline scenario, which incorporates only legislated and clearly specified measures, the deficit is projected to decline to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2025, in line with the budget target. However pending approval of significant additional measures, it would remain around 6 percent of GDP in the medium-term, keeping debt on an upward trend until 2030. While short-term risks remain manageable, debt dynamics have weakened significantly, following consecutive fiscal slippages in 2023 and 2024, and remain highly sensitive to the real interest rate and growth path. In this context, France’s commitment to undertake further fiscal consolidation, as per EU rules, represents an important mitigating factor.

    Significant additional fiscal efforts will be crucial to preserve fiscal space and create room to absorb rising spending demands, while placing debt on a downward path. Staff recommends a frontloaded structural fiscal effort of 1.1 percent of GDP in 2026, followed by an average of about 0.9 percent of GDP per year over the medium term, broadly in line with the authorities’ plans. The recommended adjustment would allow the country to exit the excessive deficit procedure by end-2029, as targeted. Staff’s debt sustainability analysis indicates that the recommended fiscal path would markedly reduce medium-term debt sustainability risks, with the debt-stabilizing primary balance being reached in 2027.

    Achieving this substantial fiscal consolidation will require decisive actions and difficult decisions to ensure equity and fairness amid challenging trade-offs:

    • Given France’s already high tax-to-GDP ratio, any new tax measures should be focused on reducing inefficient tax expenditures and tackling tax avoidance while improving equity. While exceptional temporary revenue measures can help kickstart much needed fiscal adjustment, France’s level of taxation—among the highest in the EU—indicates that sustained tax-based fiscal consolidation, of the magnitude necessary to advance France’s medium-term plans, would hamper business confidence, household consumption, and growth potential. Building on recent experiences, the authorities should continue to monitor and evaluate tax expenditure programs to address inefficiencies vis-à-vis intended objectives and generate savings. This approach would also simplify the tax system and facilitate revenue forecasting.

    • The authorities should focus on rationalizing spending and strengthening its efficiency, with concerted action across all government levels: central government, social security, and local governments. France has the highest spending-to-GDP ratio among EU countries. There are several avenues to rationalize spending and improve its quality, while preserving growth-enhancing investment in key priority areas and mitigating distributional impacts on the most vulnerable. The planned expansion of spending reviews and efforts to minimize overlaps across government entities, including local governments, can streamline spending by addressing inefficiencies and reducing red tape. There is also scope to further improve the targeting of social benefits, including by reviewing eligibility and duration of unemployment benefits, to better target active labor market initiatives, as well as to further simplify and harmonize pension schemes, while ensuring a balanced system, building on the 2023 pension reform. These efforts would foster less fragmented and longer careers while enhancing the sustainability and intergenerational equity of the social security system. Enhanced monitoring and financial coordination can also generate savings at the local and national levels.

    The authorities’ initiatives to reinforce public finances forecasting and budget controls, in response to recent fiscal slippages, are welcome. The March 2025 Action plan by the authorities aims at enhancing monitoring of tax revenue, fostering greater transparency, and reinforcing the role of the High Council for Public Finances. Sustained efforts in these areas are essential to identify and proactively address fiscal risks, strengthen public finance management, and enhance fiscal policy credibility. Contingency plans will be also needed to ensure that pressing priority spending needs, including in defense, are met without compromising public finances.

    Macrostructural Policies to Support Jobs and Productivity Growth

    Raising weak productivity growth is critical for sustaining France’s economic prospects, in the face of substantial fiscal consolidation needs. The per capita income gap between France and the US has increased since the early 2000s and now exceeds 20 percent, primarily due to lower productivity and employment in France. Macro-structural reforms can play a critical role in lifting potential output, while facilitating fiscal consolidation efforts. For example, an increase in potential GDP growth of 0.3 percentage points could help reduce public debt by nearly 10 percent of GDP over the long term.

    France is well-positioned to capitalize on the green and digital transitions through greater efforts to support innovation and access to capital. France’s comparative advantage in low-carbon technologies and its potential to become a European hub for Artificial Intelligence can foster the development of new technologies and support growth. Ongoing efforts by the authorities to review and rationalize state aid and R&D tax expenditures by focusing on the most impactful schemes and better targeting eligibility criteria can boost innovation and help close gaps with peers. Enhancing access to finance and reducing financing costs for productive but credit-constrained firms is crucial and should be supported by advancing the EU Savings and Investment Union which can increase the availability of capital and its efficient allocation.

    To support entrepreneurship, policies should focus on easing entry barriers and reducing the regulatory burden. France performs relatively well in terms of product market regulation, but reducing administrative market entry barriers for firms, especially in some services sectors, is crucial for boosting business dynamism and productivity growth. The Simplification Bill, currently under discussion, would be an important step towards further reducing the regulatory burden and streamlining requirements, particularly for small and medium size firms. At the European level, deepening the single market through the removal of remaining intra-EU trade barriers and greater harmonization of regulations can help firms achieve economies of scale and incentivize innovation by expanding market size.

    Sustained efforts to promote employment and job quality remain critical to facilitate green and digital transitions, amid an aging workforce, and boost productivity growth. While employment rates have increased, they remain low in segments of the population compared to other countries. Possible areas for policy intervention include further social benefit reforms to enhance work incentives and reduce career fragmentation, particularly among younger and older individuals. These measures can be complemented by efforts to further raise labor force participation of women, including through recent initiatives to support STEM careers, and better integrate migrants into the labor market. Promoting workforce skills and healthy aging would also contribute to job quality.

    Adapting to a Complex Financial Landscape

    The banking sector has demonstrated resilience to recent shocks, supported by prudent lending standards and strong precautionary buffers. While profitability remains below the EU average, banks’ solvency and liquidity positions are robust, with adequate buffers. Sound prudential measures are mitigating housing market risks as property prices stabilize, while risks to the banking sector from corporate indebtedness and sovereign exposures remain manageable. Notwithstanding high uncertainty, financial stability risks remain contained, with French banks showing resilience under severe geopolitical and recessionary stress test scenarios, applied in the context of the IMF’s 2025 Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP).

    The connections between the banking system, insurance firms, and domestic funding markets warrant continued close monitoring. The FSAP stress test indicates that investment funds possess sufficient liquidity to withstand large redemption shocks, and French banks’ liquidity buffers can absorb potential market shocks from associated fixed-income sell-offs. Moreover, liquidity management tools to contain redemption risks have been widely adopted. Nevertheless, amid global uncertainty and episodes of high market volatility, there is scope to further strengthen oversight through greater monitoring and data sharing on fund liability structures as well as closer collaboration among non-bank financial institutions supervisors in France and at the EU level.

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/22/CS-France-2025

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Syria: Sanctions eased, but economic recovery demands global support – Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, today (21 May) “warmly” welcomed last week’s announcement by United States President Donald Trump on the cessation of sanctions on Syria, as well as similar steps recently announced by the European Union and the United Kingdom.

    Briefing the Security Council remotely from Damascus, Pedersen said, “I have long called for bold steps on sanctions, as have millions of Syrians in and outside the country.”

    The Special Envoy said there “are indeed historic developments,” which “hold major potential to improve living conditions across the country and to support the Syrian political transition,” as well as giving the Syrian people “a chance to grapple with the legacy of misrule, conflict, abuses and poverty from which they are trying to emerge.”

    Pedersen said, “we also know that Syria faces significant structural challenges, with an economy ravaged by over a
    decade of war and conflict, and a host of other destabilizing factors. Revitalizing a devastated economy will require from the interim authorities sustained actions including on overall economic reform and governance standards across the financial system, and this will need international support.”

    He also noted “alarm at renewed Israeli airstrikes in Syria in the reporting period, including during the violence in Druze areas and close to the presidential palace.”

    Such attacks, Pedersen said, “are unacceptable and must cease,” and Syria’s “sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity must be respected.”

    He said, “there are clearly diplomatic possibilities and these must be prioritized.”

    Also briefing remotely, the Geneva Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva (OCHA) Director, Ramesh Rajasingham, said, “16.5 million Syrians need protection and humanitarian assistance. Over half of the population is food insecure. Nearly 3 million people face severe food insecurity.”

    Rajasingham noted that “more than 670,000 men, women and children have been displaced since November last year. This includes some 15,000 people displaced between 30 April and 6 May from Rural Damascus due to the violence in Druze-majority areas.”

    At the same time, he said, “since December, over 1 million internally displaced people have returned to their areas of origin, including some 330,000 people from camps in north-west Syria.”

    Highlighting the alarming funding situation, he warned that as of today, only 10 percent has been funded of the $2 billion needed to reach 8 million people from January through June of this year.

    United States representative John Kelley told the Council that President Trump pledged sanctions relief, will give Syrians, “a chance at greatness,” adding that Trump “wants to see Syria and the entire region thrive.”

    Kelley said, “that’s why he’s made a bold decision on Syria with the hope the new government will take this opportunity to rebuild and take the country from being a source of instability to a source of stability.”

    For his part, Syria’s representative Riyad Khaddour said, “today, we are witnessing the international community’s eagerness to embrace this pivotal moment re-opening its doors to Syria and engaging actively with it. This clearly culminated with the visit of the President of the United States to the region in which included key milestones and constructive decisions, most notably, President Trump’s courageous decision announced from Riyadh – a location of great symbolic significance – to lift sanctions on Syria.”

    Khaddour said, “the new Syria is in sincere pursuit of becoming a state of peace and partnership, not a battleground for conflicts or a platform for foreign ambitions. The new Syria welcomes constructive cooperation initiatives based on mutual interests and mutual respect.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JJTPqnrGoE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – DEVE delegation to Mauritania on 24-26 February 2025 – 26-05-2025 – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Mauritania is a solid and priority partner for the European Union in the region of West Africa and the Sahel. The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and the response to drivers of fragility combining humanitarian-development-peacebuilding will be the focus of a DEVE mission to the country.

    The DEVE delegation’s main focus is:

    · the investments cooperation and Global Gateway especially in the sectors of digitalisation and the green transition in energy and agriculture.

    · human development including Mauritania’s promising universal health coverage programme and progress in good governance and human rights.

    · the fragile regional situation and response to the displacements from the Sahel and Mali,

    Members will exchange with representatives of government, Parliament, civil society, UN agencies, Team Europe actors, and other development stakeholders.

    The mission will feature 2 days on a field visits to EU-funded projects in the easter region to assess first-hand the response in combining humanitarian-development-peacebuilding efforts.

    The mission underpins DEVE Committee role in scrutinising the EU’s financing instrument (NDICI-Global Europe) as EU cooperation programmes in Mauritania have increased recently.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Measures to support people with Down syndrome and initiatives for the self-representation of people with disabilities – E-001954/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001954/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Victor Negrescu (S&D)

    In the European Union, including Romania, people with Down syndrome continue to face structural barriers to accessing education, social services and employment and to participating in civic life. In the absence of clear European standards and a framework on the recognition of self-representation, these members of the public are often excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. In Romania, parents and organisations working to support young people with Down syndrome – such as those recently involved in the Erasmus+ project ‘European Self Advocates’ – are calling for a coordinated European approach that respects their dignity, opinions and fundamental rights.

    Questions:

    • 1.What concrete measures does the Commission have in mind for developing common EU standards for social, educational and support services for people with Down syndrome, with a view to ensuring their equal treatment and genuine inclusion in all Member States?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to support initiatives promoting the self-representation of people with intellectual disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, so that their voice is heard and respected in decision-making processes at local, national and European level?

    Submitted: 15.5.2025

    Last updated: 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – DEVE delegation to Mauritania on 26-28 May 2025 – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Mauritania is a solid and priority partner for the European Union in the region of West Africa and the Sahel. The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and the response to drivers of fragility combining humanitarian-development-peacebuilding will be the focus of a DEVE mission to the country.

    The mission will be composed of the following Members:

    • Chair: Ms Hildegard BENTELE, EPP (Germany) – DEVE 2nd Vice-Chair
    • Mr Robert BIEDROŃ, S&D (Poland) – DEVE 4th Vice-Chair
    • Mr Reinhold LOPATKA, EPP (Austria)
    • Ms Murielle LAURENT, S&D (France)
    • Mr Rody TOLASSY, PfE (France)

    For the content of the mission please refer to the link below:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament supports proposals to simplify EU carbon leakage instrument

    Source: European Parliament

    The proposed changes to the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are part of simplification efforts to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs and occasional importers.

    Parliament today endorsed the Commission’s proposal, which is a part of the “Omnibus I” simplification package presented on 26 February 2025. MEPs adopted only technical amendments for clarification purposes and supported a new de minimis mass threshold of 50 tonnes. This would exempt the vast majority (90%) of importers − mainly small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals − who import only small quantities of CBAM goods. The CBAM environmental objectives remain achievable, as 99% of total CO2 emissions from imports of iron, steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers would still be covered by the rules.

    For the imports covered, the changes also simplify the authorisation process for declarants (parties wishing to import goods subject to the CBAM), the calculation of emissions and the management of CBAM financial liability, while strengthening anti-abuse provisions.

    Quote

    After the vote, rapporteur Antonio Decaro (S&D, IT) said: “The CBAM is a crucial instrument to help the EU prevent carbon leakage and incentivise climate action outside the EU. I am therefore glad that Parliament decided not to reopen other provisions of the CBAM legislation. This approach enables us to simplify matters for companies without dismantling or weakening the CBAM. We will continue to work quickly to bring legal clarity and certainty to all CBAM stakeholders.”

    Next steps

    MEPs adopted the text by 564 votes in favour, 20 against and with 12 abstentions. Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with Council on the final shape of the legislation.

    Background

    The EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism is the EU’s tool to equalise the price of carbon paid for EU products operating under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) with that of imported goods, and to encourage greater climate ambition in non-EU countries. In early 2026, the Commission will assess whether to extend the scope of the CBAM to other ETS sectors at risk of carbon leakage.

    MIL OSI Europe News –