Category: Europe

MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Population decline in Europe and challenges from migration flows of culturally diverse origins – E-001644/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001644/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

In recent years, most Member States have been experiencing a continuous decline in birth rates,[1] raising concerns about long-term population sustainability,[2] labour shortages and the stability of national pension and health systems. At the same time, Europe is receiving significant migration flows, mainly from countries with deeply different cultural, religious and social norms, especially from Muslim regions.

While migration may fill short-term gaps in the labour market, the long-term consequences of such demographic and cultural changes require in-depth analysis. The integration of populations that may not share or adopt the fundamental values of the European Union, such as gender equality, freedom of expression, secular governance and respect for pluralism, is likely to pose challenges to the social cohesion and democratic stability of the Union.

In light of the above:

1.What policy measures is the Commission considering to boost birth rates among citizens within the Member States?

2.Does the Commission conduct or finance studies on the long-term social and cultural impacts of migration from culturally diverse areas and, if so, what are they?

3.How does the Commission ensure that migration policy and integration efforts are consistent with the protection and promotion of the fundamental valuesof the European Union.

Submitted: 24.4.2025

[1] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20250307-1

[2] https://www.antibaro.gr/article/16574
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Making the French solidarity grocery store model more sustainable and widespread under the ESF+, and possibilities for European harmonisation – E-001892/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001892/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Chloé Ridel (S&D)

Solidarity grocery stores are tackling food insecurity, which affects over 40 % of families in France. In 2024, they helped over 247 000 people (up 63 % compared to 2019). These stores sell basic necessities at reduced prices (between 10 and 30 % of supermarket prices), promoting dignity, independence and social inclusion.

Products offered for free, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), compete with those being sold. This leads, particularly in more disadvantaged areas, to several issues: recipients feeling like they are receiving handouts, social diversity declining and, above all, a much greater complexity in managing service provision.

However, despite their vital contribution, solidarity grocery stores cannot benefit from EU funding.

1.How does the Commission plan to support the solidarity grocery store model, particularly via the ESF+ and its post-2027 successor?

2.Does the Commission plan to allow both free products (funded by the ESF+) and paid-for products to be distributed in the same place, so as to avoid the unnecessary multiplication of distribution channels?

3.Will the Commission commit to studying these issues with Member States, organisations and experts, for example within the ESF+ communities of practice?

Submitted: 13.5.2025
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Carbon dioxide storage in Prinos – E-001877/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-001877/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Maria Zacharia (NI)

In January 2025, the Commission announced that it would invest EUR 1.25 billion in cross-border infrastructure from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Among the projects selected for funding was the carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage project in Prinos (13.11-EL-W-M-24-Prinos CO₂).

The project will be implemented in a natural/geological oil reservoir system, with a total area of 256.86 km², and be located in marine, undersea and land-based sites a short distance off the coasts of Kavala and Thasos. It also includes the maritime transport of CO₂ from Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Italy. In accordance with Directive 2001/42/EC, a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment should thus have been prepared first and, in particular, neighbouring countries should have received advance information under Article 7, which was not the case.

In addition, the proposed project falls within the scope of the Seveso Directive (Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012), meaning that a safety report and emergency plans should have been drawn up. However, the project was submitted for an environmental impact assessment consultation on 25 November 2024, which was completed at a later stage and which does not even contain an adequate assessment of the geological risks present in an undersea area basically on top of the Anatolian fault line.

Was the Commission aware of this when it included the project in the CEF, and had an adequate risk assessment been carried out?

Submitted: 12.5.2025

Last updated: 19 May 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Prioritisation of climate commitments – E-001899/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001899/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
César Luena (S&D)

With regard to the European Union’s climate commitments, the reform of the European Climate Law should include a 90 % emission reduction target for 2040, in line with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. What is more, the Commission will have to present the EU’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) under COP30 as part of global efforts to uphold the Paris Agreement.

1.When does the Commission intend to submit its reform of the European Climate Law to include the goal of reducing emissions by 90 % by 2040 and the EU’s new NDC for COP30?

2.How will the Commission’s recent proposal to review the priorities of the cohesion policy and the European Regional Development Fund, which limits the 30 % climate mainstreaming target, affect efforts to meet the 2040 climate goal?

3.What guarantees can the Commission offer that the greater flexibility in the use of cohesion funds and the new prioritisation will not jeopardise the EU’s climate goals?

Submitted: 13.5.2025
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possibility of suspending visa-free travel for Georgian citizens because of the threat from organised crime – E-001874/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001874/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marcin Sypniewski (ESN)

In recent months, we have seen increased activities by Georgian organised crime groups in Poland and other EU Member States. According to data from the Polish authorities, 3 129 crimes were committed by foreign nationals in 2024, of which 532 were attributed to Georgian nationals. Experts point out that these groups act brutally and indiscriminately, often using firearms and physical violence against their victims.

Georgian citizens enjoy visa-free travel, which allows them to enter the Schengen area for up to 90 days without needing a visa. Unfortunately, some people abuse this privilege to commit crimes, and this poses a serious threat to public security.

In this connection:

1.Is the Commission considering the possibility of temporarily suspending visa-free travel for Georgian citizens if a serious threat to public order and security in the Member States is identified?

2.What monitoring and impact assessment mechanisms are currently applied by the Commission in respect of visa-free countries such as Georgia?

3.Is the Commission planning to introduce additional measures or procedures to prevent abuse of visa-free travel, particularly in connection with the activities of organised crime groups?

Submitted: 12.5.2025
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The list of so-called ‘safe third countries’ and the intensity of expulsions – E-001869/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001869/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kostas Papadakis (NI)

The Commission’s communication on ‘accelerating the implementation’ of certain provisions of the ‘Pact on Migration and Asylum’ response package signals the acceleration and escalation of the repression and expulsion of people uprooted by imperialist wars. There are two aspects to the proposal: the implementation of pretextual fast-track border procedures enabling the immediate rejection of asylum applications made by people coming from countries with an acceptance rate lower than 20 %, and the creation of a list naming seven countries as potential ‘safe third countries’.

Can the Commission therefore answer the following:

1.What view does it take of the fact that ‘accelerated border asylum procedures’ will lead to the non-individualised and pretextual examination of asylum applications with blanket rejections, and thus expulsions, in breach of the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees?

2.What view does it take of the fact that, since the list of ‘safe third countries’ is ‘dynamic’ and will be revised, this opens the door, based on the provisions of the ‘Pact on Migration and Asylum’, to returns and deportations to countries that are even at war, to supposedly ‘safe’ areas thereof?

3.What view does it take of the fact that the list of ‘safe third countries’, together with the legal possibility of setting up concentration camps in third countries, promotes the brutality of banishing people uprooted by war and other causes to countries with which they have no connection and their detention in deplorable conditions, as is the case with the Italy-Albania agreement?

Submitted: 12.5.2025
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – “Nomination for a Member of the European Court of Auditors: Croatia – 19-05-2025

Source: European Parliament

This note describes the treaty provisions and appointment procedure for ECA members at EU level. In addition, it provides information on the national nomination procedure for the ECA member in Croatia and the country’s candidate.

Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compatibility of the Italian law criminalising surrogacy abroad with EU law – E-001871/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001871/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Carolina Morace (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Giuseppe Antoci (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left)

Italian Law No 169/2024 criminalises surrogacy for Italian citizens even if it takes place abroad. This legislation risks infringing citizens’ right to free movement (Article 21 TFEU) and the principle of mutual recognition of public documents, including those relating to parenthood (Article 81 TFEU, Regulation (EU) 2016/1191).

It could also result in serious discrimination against children born through surrogacy in Member States where the practice is legal, undermining their right to continuity of family status and violating Articles 21 and 24 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

In the V.M.A. case (C-490/20), the Court of Justice ruled that Member States must recognise a parent-child relationship legally established in another Member State to ensure the child’s full enjoyment of their citizenship rights.

In view of the above:

1.Does the Commission believe that this Italian law is compatible with EU law?

2.What measures will it take to protect children’s rights and guarantee the free movement of families with children born through surrogacy in other Member States?

Submitted: 12.5.2025
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 19 May – 23 May: Committees and Political Groups

Source: European Parliament

In the week of 19 May, Members’ work is split between meetings in Parliamentary Committees and political groups.

During this week, the Subcommittee on Human Rights will travel to Geneva for meetings with the UNHR. The Committee on Development will have an exchange of views on needs-based humanitarian funding. The ECON Committee will hold exchanges with the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board and Eurostat. BUDG Members will discuss the role of the EU budget in helping to promote investment in the EU economy. Committees on Employment and Social Affairs and on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality will jointly debate with EVP Roxana Mînzatu on “Advancing Towards a Care Society: Addressing the Gender Care Gap. European Democracy Shield Committee will hold a hearing on “Interference using online platforms, the role of algorithmic manipulation, and responsibility and effects of online platforms on democracy.” Follow the links below to discover this week’s highlights.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Withdrawal of authorisation of the drug Ocaliva for treatment of primary biliary cholangitis – E-001881/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001881/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR)

On 30 August 2024, the European Commission removed the marketing authorisation for the drug Ocaliva (obeticholic acid), used to treat primary biliary cholangitis, a rare, chronic and progressive liver disease.

As a result of this decision, Advanz Pharma Specialty Medicine Italia voluntarily withdrew the drug from sale in Italy and it was taken off the list maintained under Law No 648/96 of drugs paid for by the national health service.

Ocaliva was the only approved second-line treatment for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate ursodeoxycholic acid treatment, and its withdrawal has left many patients without any viable treatment options.

Although the European Medicines Agency has suggested compassionate use or programmes for designated patients, access to such measures remains fragmented at European level, giving rise to inequalities in access to treatment.

Can the Commission therefore say:

1.Whether, in view of the provisions of EU law, it believes measures such as the purchase of Ocaliva from abroad should be taken to enable Italian patients to continue their treatment?

2.How it intends to ensure continuity of treatment for patients without any valid therapeutic alternatives, even given the emergence of new drugs?

Submitted: 12.5.2025
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Rules for the allocation of EU funding and the autonomy of local authorities – E-001873/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001873/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marcin Sypniewski (ESN)

In Poland, there have been cases in which local authorities (jednostki samorządu terytorialnego – JSTs) have adopted resolutions objecting to integration centres for foreign nationals being located in their area. In response, provincial governors have warned the JSTs concerned that they might lose access to EU funding, suggesting that opposing government decisions may have negative financial consequences.

In accordance with the principle of financial autonomy for JSTs that stems from the decentralisation of public authority in Poland, the authorities concerned are entitled to have their own budgets and to take decisions within the limits laid down by law.

In light of the above:

1.Does the Commission allow the granting of EU funding to be conditional on administrative decisions taken by local authorities, such as the adoption or rejection of specific resolutions?

2.Is it consistent with the principles of EU cohesion policy and respect for the autonomy of local authorities to threaten to withdraw EU funding in the event of opposition to the construction and operation of integration centres for foreign nationals?

3.Is the Commission planning to take action to ensure that the allocation of EU funds is not used to bring pressure to bear on local authorities in matters that fall within their remit?

Submitted: 12.5.2025
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need for a European strategy for sustainable road tourism and parking infrastructure for camper vans and caravans – E-001876/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001876/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Elena Kountoura (The Left)

A recent law in Greece[1] has extended the existing ban on parking for camper vans and caravans to areas including archaeological sites, coastlines, beaches, forest edges and public spaces[2]. Despite referring to Article 34 of the Greek Highway Code[3], this extension of scope has not been accompanied by the corresponding development of necessary infrastructure set out for municipal, fenced and equipped parking areas.

However, despite the existence of the legal framework, the lack of infrastructure such as camper stops and organised municipal sites makes it practically impossible for camper vans and caravans to park or stay anywhere legally. This has left European citizens with camper vans or caravans facing confusion and uncertainty and unable to comply with requirements, especially in areas lacking signs, information or infrastructure provision[4].

Given that Greece is still struggling to attract caravanners, owing to its lack of adequate infrastructure and policies, and given that in the EU the sector generates EUR 120 billion a year, will the Commission say:

1.Does it intend to include objectives for developing parking and service infrastructure for camper vans and caravans in the Member States in the upcoming European sustainable tourism strategy, with a view to strengthening the EU’s road tourism policy?

2.Will it consider establishing a European framework of guidelines or common minimum standards for such infrastructure in the context of free movement and European tourism policy?

3.Does it intend to finance, through the European structural funds or other instruments, the development of appropriate infrastructure in Greek tourist destinations?

Submitted: 12.5.2025

[1] Law 5170/2025 (Government Gazette A 6/20-01-2025), https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5170/2025.

[2] This amendment also includes a ban on private landowners hosting more than one camping vehicle for free.

[3] Specifically, Article 34 of the Greek Highway Code establishes the possibility of parking camping vehicles in appropriate fenced areas designated by the relevant municipalities or communities, which also ensure their security, while a joint decision of the ministers for the interior, public administration and decentralisation, transport and communications, public order and the environment, spatial planning and public works lays down detailed rules for implementation and makes provision for costs relating to security, maintenance, etc.

[4] The absence of an organised strategy to promote road tourism compromises this alternative form of tourism, which is systematically supported in other EU countries, where there are more than 30 000 camper stops.
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reviewing the IEP for the former ILVA steel plant – E-001875/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001875/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE)

In May 2023, Acciaierie d’Italia requested a review of the integrated environmental permit (IEP) for the (former ILVA) plant in Taranto.

Enshrined in the European regulatory framework for the sake of public transparency and participation, the right to access environmental information enables public oversight and plays a role in the sound management of environmental resources.

The Aarhus Convention gives members of the public the right to access information about and to participate in decisions made about environmental matters, as well as to seek redress if these rights are not respected. In the interest of transparency in environmental matters, Directive 2003/4/EC enshrines the right to access environmental information held by public authorities, while Article 24 of Directive 2010/75/EU regulates the disclosure of IEP-related documents, ensuring that information is made available to the public for the sake of transparency and participation.

Despite this, many documents have not been uploaded to the website of the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security[1], including the minutes of the inter-service conference, the opinions of local bodies and the National Institute of Health, the final preparatory opinion, and the monitoring and control plan.

In light of the above:

1.Given the significance of the site and its severe environmental impact, does the Commission believe the principles of transparency and disclosure should be observed?

2.What action will the Commission take against the Italian State?

Submitted: 12.5.2025

[1] https://va.mite.gov.it/it-IT/Oggetti/Documentazione/2038/14487.
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views with Commissioner Šefčovič on customs union – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

Source: European Parliament

Rares Gheorghiu_Maroš Šefčovič during confirmation hearing 2024 © European Union, 2024 – EP

This discussion is set for 20 May and will offer the opportunity to receive an update on the commitment made by Commissioner Šefčovič during the confirmation hearings to tackle the challenges in the customs union and to ensure that the EU Customs Authority starts its work from 2026 and that the revised Union Customs Code (UCC) applies for e-commerce aspects simultaneously.

The discussion will provide an opportunity for Members to ask about the feasibility of this commitment, given that negotiations on the UCC reform and EU Customs Authority have not yet begun. Questions could also come up on the concept of the deemed importer, the new customs data hub and delays of deployment of IT systems in some Member States.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Firearm Incident on Bangor High Street

Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

Statement by Peter Wilson, Chairman of North Down TUV:

“I am relieved that the serious incident involving a firearm on Bangor’s High Street has been resolved safely and without injury. The swift and professional actions of the PSNI prevented a potentially tragic outcome, and their bravery and restraint in dealing with such a volatile situation deserves our full admiration.

“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the emergency services, the individual involved was taken into custody without harm. I commend all those who played a role in protecting the public and ensuring that order was restored quickly.

“It has been reported that the person at the centre of this incident is a veteran experiencing severe mental health challenges. Time will tell what the full truth of this sorry episode is, but one thing cannot be disputed: there is an urgent need to improve mental health support—especially for those who have served our country and may be carrying unseen burdens from their service.

“There must be a renewed focus on early intervention and better access to mental health services, to ensure that those in crisis receive the help they need and to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City Committee approves over £500K Investment for local play areas
Source: Scotland – Highland Council

At today’s meeting of the Inverness City Area Committee members agreed an investment of £512,052 to improve play areas across all seven wards over the coming year.

Decisions on allocating funds received from the Scottish Government’s Play Park Renewal Fund are taken by Area Committees based on a blend of play park conditions and the criteria used by Government which is based on the 0–14-year-old population and rurality.

The total allocation from the Scottish Government play parks renewal programme for the Inverness Area is £838,162 which has been split equally between the seven Wards, providing each with £119,737 per Ward over the five-year programme. The annual revenue budget for play parks in the Inverness Area 2025/26 is £65,200 and includes labour, plant and fleet, materials, and some contractor costs.

Spread over the Highlands the Council is responsible for 319 play parks and over 2083 pieces of play equipment. 58 of these play areas are in Inverness. The provision of play parks in not a statutory duty, but the inspection and maintenance of equipment once installed, is a mandatory requirement.

Leader of Inverness and Area, Councillor Ian Brown said: “Playparks have positive social and mental health benefits for children and young people so it’s great news that significant funding to invest in so many play areas across our wards has been agreed today. I’d like to thank local members, officers and local community groups for all the work they have done to prioritise the spend to where it is most needed.

“Like everything mechanical or structural, play equipment has a finite life, and at the end of its life it becomes unsafe for children to play on, and must be replaced. The investment over 2025/26 will benefit our local communities and keep our play parks open and safe for our children now and into the future.”

The Council would welcome any local groups that are interested in supporting further investment in their play parks for example by accessing funding sources that are not open to the Council. If any groups are interested in boosting the investment in their playparks they can email Highland Council’s Play Strategy Coordinator who can support them with this at: amenity.services@highland.gov.uk

Details of investment agreed are:

For Ward 12 – £102,336
- Balnain Road Play Area; £26,350 for a refurbishment project
- Aird Road Play Area; £20,000 to install inclusive items
- Strathglass Play area; £3650 to go towards a community refurbishment project
- Abertaff Play Area; £2,500 to go towards a community refurbishment project
- Jenkins Park Play Area; £2,500 to go towards a community refurbishment project
- Milton of Drumnadrochit Play Area; £151 to remove and replace fence
- Kiltarlity Play Area; £47,185 to go towards a community refurbishment project
For Ward 13 – £72,225
- Whin Park Play Area; £8,225 to complete the refurbishment project
- Lawers Way Play Area; £22,000 for a refurbishment project
- Blackpark Terrace Play Area; £10,000 for a new bench and inclusive slide
- Mile End Place Play Area; £20,000 for a carousel, monkey bars or zipline
- Charleston View Play Area; £12,000 for a slide or basket swing
For Ward 14 – £55,000
- Benula Road Play Area; £35,000 for a refurbishment project
- Hawthorn Drive Play Area; £15,000 for a teenage climbing unit, hammock & zip line
- Lochalsh Road Play Area; £5,000 to replace bark with grass matting surfacing
For Ward 15 – £73,304
- Castle Heather Play Area; £4,990 for MUGA panels
- MacDonald Park Play Area; £25,450 to resurface MUGA and carry out footpath works
- Holm Park Play Area; £3,350 to replace goals and reseed
- Ardbreck Play Area; £34,514 for a refurbishment project
- Evan Barron Road Play Area; £5,000 to remove swings and install pretend road
For Ward 16 – £56,000
- Grebe Avenue Play Area; £40,000 for a refurbishment project
- Walker Park Play Area; £6,000 to replace bark with grass matting surfacing
- Lochiel Road Play Area; £10,000 to add an inclusive item
For Ward 17 – £93,187
- Cameron Drive Play Area; £53,187 for replacing the wetpour with grass matting surfacing
- Smithton Pitches Play Area; £40,000 for a refurbishment project
For Ward 19- £60,000
- Inshes Park Play Area; £30,000 for a replacement cable runway, springy, basket swing and parkour equipment
- Burn Brae Play Area; £30,000 for a refurbishment project
A map of Highland Council play areas and further information is available on the Council’s website
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inverness groups awarded Common Good Funding
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
Six projects that will benefit charities, families and local sports clubs are to receive £82,880 Inverness Common Good Funding which has been awarded by Members of The Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee today.

Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Ian Brown said: “Inverness Common Good Fund continues to support a variety of local groups and charities making a significant difference to the lives of people. I am pleased to see the range of awards benefitting the health and wellbeing particularly for those more vulnerable in our communities.

The following grants have been awarded:

Highlands & Islands Blood Bikes (£10,500) towards the costs of a motorcycle for urgent medical response (e.g. blood samples, patient medications, human donor milk) for NHS Highland, with significant support to Raigmore Hospital and NHS patients.

Inverness Rowing Club (£7,000) towards an all abilities pontoon project on the Caledonian Canal.

Apex Scotland: (£7,000) towards the Challenge Team to support the implementation of a woodworking project aimed at participants who have experience with the justice system to offer an opportunity for skill development, personal growth, and community reintegration leading to meaningful employment.

Shopmobility Highland (£21,000) towards shopmobility based in Eastgate Centre, Inverness providing support to anyone who requires a mobility aid to have the use of a manual wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter.

Calman Trust (£18,380) towards Beyond Club Artysans to support the employment of a youth worker.

Inverness Angling Club (£19,000) towards financial support for the continued arrangements in respect of the Inverness Common Good Fund River Fishings.

Members also noted that the Inverness Common Good Fund Sub Committee has agreed that as part of ongoing liaison arrangements officers undertake discussions with office bearers of the Inverness Angling Club to review the current action plan with the outcome reported to a future meeting of the Sub-Committee.
19 May 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Winter Payments Welfare Advice boosts increased benefits awarded

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

Households in the Inverness Area have benefited significantly from Welfare Advice received by Highland Council Officers when applying for the Inverness Winter Payment Scheme.

Leader of Inverness and Area, Councillor Ian Brown explained: “Councillors have agreed to continue the Inverness Common Good Fund Winter Payments Scheme for 2025/26 which will provide financial support to eligible households when extra fuel is needed to keep homes warm during the winter months. The scheme is aimed at anyone on a low income of all ages and not just pensioners.”

He added: “We have heard today of examples where the Winter Payments Scheme has brought major financial boosts of 3 figure sums to some households through engagement with the Council’s Welfare Advice Team. Council officers, in discussion with households have been able to identify other benefits they are eligible for to help improve their quality of life. I would like to commend the Council’s Welfare Advice Team for the continuous excellent service they provide to our communities.

“I encourage anyone who is entitled to benefits to claim them or ask for help in claiming them if they feel they cannot apply.”

Councillors have agreed £0.237m Inverness Common Good Funding for the Inverness Winter Payments Discretionary Scheme for 2025/26 of £115 per eligible household in addition to the financial support already available to some households from Social Security Scotland, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and other sources.

Members agreed to apply a Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase to the £111 award rate for 2024/25 resulting in this year’s higher total of £115.

Inverness Common Good Funding can only be used where regard has been given to benefiting people living within the geographic area of the former Burgh of Inverness.

Over 1,600 households in Inverness benefitted from the much-needed Scheme last winter 2024/25 – which was available to eligible people within the 7 specified Inverness Wards of Aird and Loch Ness, Inverness West, Inverness Central, Inverness Ness-side, Inverness Millburn, Culloden and Ardersier and Inverness South.

During winter 2024/25 the scheme made 1,687 payments of £111 totalling £187,257 to eligible people on low incomes to help them with their winter fuel bills.

The ‘Worrying About Money Guide’ covers information for people waiting for claims to be assessed as well as those already receiving benefits. Topics including advice on what to do if anyone finds themselves having a sudden loss of income or if their statutory sick pay does not cover their living expenses. There is also information on how to apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund, maximising income and benefit advice, debt advice and how to challenge a decision.

The Worrying About Money Guide is available on the Highland Council website at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/directory_record/102970/benefit_advice

The 2024/25 Inverness Winter Payment Scheme is now closed. Members have agreed that the 2025/26 scheme will open for new applications from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026 inclusive.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Air quality work on agenda for City Committee

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

At today’s meeting of the Inverness and Area City Committee members were given an update on the air quality work undertaken by the Council’s Environmental Health Team, including project work carried out in Primary Schools to monitor air quality and raise awareness.

Under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, the Council has a duty to review and assess air quality throughout Highland. The Act also requires that if an assessment of air quality indicates that an air quality objective is unlikely to be achieved, the Council must designate these areas as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) by order.

A detailed assessment report of air quality in the City Centre in 2014 determined a small area where the air quality objective for nitrogen dioxide was not being achieved. The Inverness City Centre AQMA was designated by order on the 9 September 2014.

Since then, the Council has formulated an action plan for the AQMA, working with partners and stakeholders to progress actions that would improve air quality in the AQMA. The Council also expanded the air quality monitoring network in the city to track pollutant levels and quantify improvement.

In the report presented to members, it was noted that because of improved levels of nitrogen dioxide, and following advice from the Scottish Government, the council is in the process of revoking the Inverness AQMA.

Leader of Inverness and Area Councillor Ian Brown said: “It is a very positive reflection of the work that has been going on that the process to revoke the Inverness AGMA is due to be completed shortly so I’d like to thank everyone involved.

“I’m particularly pleased that our Environmental Health team have been very proactive in working to carry out air quality monitoring and awareness raising projects at 15 primary schools within our area.

“Going forward, it is important that the Inverness can continue to have clean air for the health of residents, and its reputation as a tourism destination so I’m pleased the Service will look to develop a strategy with other Council services and stakeholders and will keep our committee updated.”

The Environmental Health Team will continue to deliver the primary school air quality education project and intend to deliver an anti-idling publicity campaign in the city centre as part of “Clean Air Day” on the 19 June 2025.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Republicans are throwing millions of Americans off their health insurance

Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – May 14, 2025

CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. Pleased to be joined with the Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Ted Lieu.

This week, Republicans have laid out exactly who they are fighting for. After weeks of promises that they wouldn’t cut Medicaid, their budget contains drastic cuts that will throw millions off of health insurance. After campaigning on helping working-class Americans get ahead, their budget, once again, rewards billionaires and wealthy corporations and makes it harder for families to make ends meet. They are watching prices go up because of Trump’s reckless tariffs, and their response is to take food off of the table for women, veterans and children. The Republican budget doesn’t address the cost-of-living crisis, it makes it worse. The cost of groceries, clothing and everyday necessities are still too high, and Republicans want to add to that and make health care more expensive on top of it. This isn’t about helping people find good-paying jobs or a shot at a better life. This is simply about helping people like Elon Musk pay less in taxes.

House Democrats believe that we can shore up these basic-needs programs and help everyday Americans reach their full potential. It’s long past time that the wealthiest of Americans pay their fair share and make it easier for working families to afford basic needs like health care and housing. These devastating cuts will make Americans—particularly children—sicker, hungrier and poorer. They’re shortchanging the future just so their friends can continue to get richer. The American people cannot afford the Republican budget and House Democrats are using every tool at our disposal to stop it. I want to thank our Energy and Commerce Members who continue to meet, Ways and Means Members who continue to highlight the unfairness of this plan that Republicans are putting forward and the Agriculture Committee, who will continue to fight for nutrition programs throughout the day. Vice Chair Ted Lieu.

VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. Omaha, Nebraska is the sixth-largest city in America led by a Republican. And last night, in a stunning upset, Democrats flipped that seat from Red to Blue. I want to congratulate Mayor-Elect John Ewing Jr., who’s going to be the new mayor of Omaha, Nebraska. We also know that voters are very angry at Republicans who continue to enable Donald Trump’s harmful policies. And the Republican mayor, in this case, aligned herself completely with Donald Trump, and the voters spoke out in Omaha, and now we have a Democratic Mayor-Elect.

I also want to talk about now the Qatari luxury palace in the sky gift to Donald Trump. There is no such thing as a free palace in the sky. What do foreign countries want when they gift massive amounts of money and other gifts to the President? Donald Trump should reject this gift of the luxury palace in the sky, Boeing 747, completely and righteously. Because we are the United States of America, we don’t need gifts from foreign countries. We can build our own very impressive Air Force One. We don’t need to fly a Qatari plane around as our Air Force One. That’s also un-American. I also want to note that new reporting came out showing that to retrofit this Qatari 747 would take perhaps up to a billion dollars, because you can’t just fly a palace in the sky from a foreign country. You have to actually make it safe and secure. You have to make this plane ready to launch nuclear weapons. You can’t have people eavesdropping on it, and so it’s going to cost way more money to do it this way. And again, people need to ask why is a foreign country trying to give this massive gift to Donald Trump? And think about the precedent it would set. Would it be okay if Brunei gifted a luxury 757 to J.D. Vance for Air Force Two? Would it be okay if Germany gave a Porsche SUV to Senator Thune as his official car? Would it be okay if Italy gave a bunch of expensive Armani suits to Speaker Johnson for his official duties? No, it wouldn’t be okay. Also, because the Constitution says you can’t do this, it requires Congressional approval for the President to accept the gift of this size. And we urge the Republicans in Congress to stand up, speak out and call for a vote if Donald Trump were to accept this essential bribe from a foreign government.

And then let me now conclude on Medicaid. We now know that the Republicans lied when they said that they weren’t going to cut Medicaid. They’re cutting Medicaid by a massive amount of money, one of the largest cuts in U.S. history. Over 13.7 million people would be kicked off Medicaid. I also note that two-thirds of nursing home patients rely on Medicaid. This is also going to close down rural hospitals. It’s going to make it so that health care for all of us becomes more expensive, because if you don’t have health care under Medicaid, you’re still going to get treated. You just walk into the emergency room, and it costs even more money for all of us. So we urge Republicans to reject this massive Medicaid cut. And I just want to say, we told you so. We told you that Republicans were going to cut Medicaid, and now we know that they are doing it. So they lied, we told the truth, again.

Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: German Verdi Trade Union Stands in Solidarity with IAM Union Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico Workers Amid Stalled Contract Talks

Source: US GOIAM Union

As Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico workers continue their fight for a fair first contract, international support is growing. The German service-sector union Verdi has called on Deutsche Lufthansa AG to intervene and support its Puerto Rican subsidiary in resolving long-standing contract disputes with the IAM Union.

“Negotiations are proving very difficult, particularly with regard to overtime pay and wage increases,” said Verdi Union Vice Chair Christine Behle in a letter to Lufthansa’s leadership. “This is neither acceptable to the employees in Puerto Rico nor to Verdi. Nor does it do justice to the daily performance.”

The IAM has been in negotiations with Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico for over a year, advocating for a contract that guarantees fair pay, safer working conditions, and respect on the job for the skilled aviation maintenance workers who keep commercial aircraft flying safely.

“It is unacceptable that a German company wants to impose worse conditions for employees outside of Germany,” Behle continued in a message of encouragement to the workers in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. “We stand for good working conditions all over the world and send you our solidarity greetings.”

“These workers have been shortchanged for too long, and we’re here to make them whole,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “They’ve put in the work, kept planes flying, and met every expectation. It’s time the company steps up and delivers the respect, wages, and protections these workers have more than earned.”

The IAM Union has vowed to continue standing with its members in Puerto Rico, demanding that the company return to the bargaining table with proposals that reflect its workers’ hard work and professionalism.

“The letter from Verdi underscores a growing global concern: Lufthansa Technik’s failure to reach a fair deal with its Puerto Rican workforce not only reflects poorly on the company’s international labor practices, but also contradicts the values it claims to uphold in its home country,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: FALQs: Government Formation in Norway

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

This blog post is part of our Frequently Asked Legal Questions series.

Earlier this year, on January 29, 2025, the Center Party announced that it would leave the two-party coalition government in Norway, prompting the question: how are governments formed in Norway? And what happens when a party leaves the government coalition?

1. How is a government formed in Norway?

Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a unicameral assembly, the Storting (Norwegian parliament), which represents the people. (Arts. 1, 49 Norwegian Constitution (Grunnloven).)

Government formation is regulated in the Norwegian Constitution. Article 12 provides that the Norwegian king heads the Council of State, made up of a prime minister and no less than seven other members. (Art. 12 Norwegian Constitution.)

In practice, a new government is formed when the sitting government resigns and the Norwegian king asks a new prime minister to form a government. As part of this process, the king consults the resigning prime minister, the president of the Norwegian parliament, and/or parliamentary leaders before selecting a new prime minister.

The prime minister does not need to have the active support of a majority of the Norwegian parliament but must not have a majority of the Norwegian parliament against him. (Negative parliamentarianism.) A formal vote is not made in favor of the prime minister, but instead a formal vote can be made to oust the prime minister. (See question 5 below.)

When the prime minister chooses his or her members of government, those members need not be members of the parliament and, if they are members of the parliament, they cannot meet or vote in parliament. (Art. 62, para. 2 Norwegian Constitution.) The prime minister can either head a single party majority or minority government or head a majority coalition or minority coalition government.

2. Are coalition governments common?

Yes, over the last 40 years, only five governments, most spanning one to two years each, have not been coalition governments while 10 governments have been coalition governments with between two and four coalition parties each. During that time, the longest coalition government was Jens Stoltenberg’s coalition government between The Norwegian Labour Party (Labour), the Center Party, and the Socialist Left Party, from 2005 to 2013, and the longest one party government was Gro Harlem Brundtland’s Labour government, from 1990 to 1996. The current Labour single party government, under Jonas Gahr Støre, is the first single party government since 2001.

3. Do coalition governments formalize their cooperation?

Yes. For example, the most recent coalition government, the Labour – Center Party coalition under Prime Minister Støre, formalized their relationship in a government agreement known as the Hurdalsplatformen (literally, the Hurdal Platform), named after where the agreement was signed.

4. Can parties leave the government coalition without causing the government to fail?

Yes, a party can leave the government without automatically causing a vote in parliament when the remaining government party or parties have enough support in parliament. Specifically, in the case of the Center Party leaving the government they announced they would not initiate a vote of no confidence procedure in the Norwegian parliament and would continue to support Støre as prime minister, but as an opposition party. Similarly, Prime Minister Støre explained that he would not step down.

The move to leave a coalition government is not without consequence, and when the Center Party announced that it was leaving the government, it also meant that a number of Norwegian ministers left their positions and had to be replaced. However, because the Labour Party still had sufficient support in parliament, the government did not need to be dissolved and no new prime minister needed to be appointed.

5. When does a government fail?

Under the Norwegian Constitution, the government, as well as its individual minister members, is subject to votes of no confidence (Mistillitsforslag). If a vote of no confidence is successful, the individual member or the whole government must leave. (Art. 15 Norwegian Constitution.) Several individual members of government coalitions have been subject to votes of no confidence. For example, the sitting prime minister’s government was subject to a proposal for a vote of no confidence against Tonje Brennan in 2024, over information that she had presented to the Norwegian parliament. That proposal was voted down 88 to 13.

In addition to votes of no confidence, the Norwegian parliament can also vote on votes of criticism (kritikkvedtakk), whereby a sitting member of government is criticized for an action or inaction. For example, in 2023, Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl survived a vote of criticism over the government’s handling of Ukraine.

An parliamentary overview of all the votes of no confidence and votes of criticism can be found here.

6. Can a snap election be called?

No, under Norwegian law, the parliament cannot be dissolved in the middle of a term. The members are elected for four years and serve for four years. (Arts. 54, 71 Norwegian Constitution.) Thus, if a government suffers a vote of no confidence a new vote must be made to elect a different prime minister or same prime minister with different coalition members. The prime minister does not need a majority to support him or her and typically relies on the silent support of members of parliament.

7. Is it common that parties leave government coalitions?

It is not uncommon for party coalitions to change during the course of a government. For example, in 2020, the Progress Party left the Conservative Party four-party-coalition government under Erna Solberg and the government coalition continued as a three party coalition between the Conservative Part, the Liberals, and the Christian Democrats.

8. When is the next election to Parliament?

Elections must be held every four years before September 30. (§ 54 Constitution.) By law, elections are held on a Monday in September. (§9-1 Valgloven.) The next parliamentary election is scheduled for September 8, 2025.

9. Additional Law Library of Congress Online resources

Norway

Government formation across the Globe

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Matt Brass to Tour Central Education Center with British Consul General
Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA (May 19, 2025)—On Tuesday, May 20, Senate Rules Chairman Matt Brass (R–Newnan) will participate in a tour of the Central Education Center (CEC) with British Consul General Rachel Galloway. The tour will take place at the CEC’s headquarters, where CEO Mark Whitlock will provide an overview of workforce development supporting industries throughout the State of Georgia.

EVENT DETAILS:
- Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
- Time: 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
- Where: 160 M.L.K. Jr. Drive, Newnan, GA 30263
- This event is open to members of the media ONLY.
Biographies for British Consul General Rachel Galloway and CEC CEO Mark Whitlock can be found below.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

# # # #

Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 6^th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Carroll County. He can be reached at (404) 656-0057 or by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM remarks at business reception: 19 May 2025

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

PM remarks at business reception: 19 May 2025

Prime Minister’s remarks from the business reception in Downing Street.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Commissioner Sefcovic.

It’s fantastic to welcome you all to mark the strategic partnership that we have agreed today with the EU.

Trade deals are much talked about.

People tried for a long time to get a trade deal with India, and it didn’t happen for eight years. We came along and did that deal with India.

People tried and talked about a deal with the US, we came along and did that deal with the US.

Nobody believed we could do a better deal with the EU, and we’ve just done a better deal with the EU.

I always said, I’m not particularly keen on the performance side of politics. I think it’s the delivery that matters.

And this has happened because of the serious, pragmatic way that we’ve gone around our negotiations, and when I met Ursula and Antonio at the beginning of the exercise, we committed to each other that we wouldn’t do it by megaphone diplomacy.

We would do the hard yards of real diplomacy and negotiation, and that’s the base on which we got this deal today.

And so, in the space of just under two weeks, three trade deals.

That tells you something about serious pragmatism.

It tells you something about our commitment to growth, but it also tells you something about the country, because others only want to do trade deals with businesses and economies that they want to tie themselves to going forward.

It reflects the strength of all those that are represented here and many, many others, because we have dramatically improved our trading ties with the largest economy in the world, the US, the fastest growing economy in the world, India, and the largest trading bloc in the world, the EU.

And that is, as I say, a vote of confidence in this country.

We’re living in a different world. It’s a different era, and notwithstanding that instability, that uncertainty, the decisions that we’ve taken to stabilize the economy and lead the way internationally have made Britain a place that people want to do business with once again.

And I’m really proud to be leading a government and a country where others are telling me that they’re very pleased to see the UK back leading on the world stage, whether it’s defense and security, whether it’s trade or the economy or many of the other global issues that face us.

And to underline that Britain is a place where people want to do business. Once again, I’m delighted that we’re announcing major new European investments into Britain today.

Rheinmetall investing £60 million in Telford.

Knauf Insulation…

Investing £170 million in North Wales.

And NewCold investing £235 million in Corby.

Together, creating hundreds of new jobs across the UK.

We also have news today of great British companies – like Octopus energy – expanding in Europe.

So I want to say a huge thank you to everyone here…

For backing Britain.

And let’s just take a closer look at the deal we’ve struck today.

It gives us unprecedented access to the EU market –

The best of any country outside the EU or EFTA.

All while sticking to our red lines.

It’s good for bills, good for jobs, good for borders…

Good for businesses large and small.

By 2040 it will increase Britain’s GDP by around £9 billion.

Our SPS agreement will make food and agriculture trade cheaper and easier…

Cutting admin costs that can reach thousands for a single lorry…

Opening up EU markets for British food exporters…

Lifting the de facto ban on British burgers, bangers and shellfish…

And bringing down prices for British consumers.

Our new Defence and Security Partnership…

Will strengthen our security…

And open the door to working with the EU’s new defence fund –

Boosting Britain’s defence industry.

By increasing our co-operation on emissions trading…

We’re saving UK businesses…

From having to pay £800 million in EU carbon taxes.

By increasing cooperation on energy…

We’re bringing down bills over the long term,

And boosting our renewables industry in the North Sea.

The deal also protects our steel exports from new EU tariffs,

Saving the industry £25 million each year.

And it puts the fishing industry on a stable footing…

Protecting our access, rights and fishing areas…

With no increase in the amount that EU vessels can catch in our waters.

And our fishing industry will also benefit from that new SPS agreement, slashing costs and red tape.

So this a new deal for a new era…

One that will bring huge benefits to the British people.

And by the way –

For business travellers – and tourists –

We confirmed today…

That you’ll be able be able to use e-Gates in Europe –

Ending those huge queues at passport control.

That really is something to celebrate!

You know, when I became Prime Minister…

Almost a year ago…

I said I would deliver in the national interest.

And I think we’ve shown today, once again –

That I meant it.

So thank for you for your support –

Now let’s build on this progress…

Let’s keep showing that Britain is open for business…

And working with all our partners –

To deliver for the British people.

Thank you all.

Updates to this page

Published 19 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Holds Talks with Danish Counterpart

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 19 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing on Monday with visiting Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, pointed out that Denmark was one of the first Western countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China and establish diplomatic relations with it.

According to the Chinese diplomat, the two sides have always shown mutual respect and treated each other as equals, established a comprehensive strategic partnership and built high-level mutually beneficial cooperation, with green development playing a leading role.

Wang Yi stressed that the most important experience that has ensured the healthy and stable development of China-Denmark relations over the past 75 years is the firm adherence to the principle of equality of all countries regardless of their size and respect for each other’s fundamental interests.

The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that on the Greenland issue, China fully respects Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and, in turn, hopes that the Danish side will continue to support China’s legitimate position on issues related to its own sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Wang Yi expressed China’s willingness to firmly adhere to bilateral opening-up with Denmark, take green development as a key aspect to inject new impetus into practical cooperation, and continue to deepen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, scientific research, innovation and green economy.

According to the Chinese diplomat, China is currently making efforts to expand high-level opening-up, which will create a broader development space for foreign-invested companies. The Chinese side invites Danish enterprises to invest and do business in China. “We also hope that Denmark can provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the country,” Wang Yi added.

As he recalled, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, and since the beginning of this year, Chinese-European relations have demonstrated stable and positive dynamics.

According to the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China wants to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the European side to jointly promote the healthy development of relations between China and the EU and hopes that Denmark will play an active role in this direction.

In addition, Wang added, China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with European countries including Denmark to jointly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its center.

L. L. Rasmussen, for his part, stated that the Danish government and parliament firmly adhere to the one-China principle, intend to strengthen interstate contacts at a high level, expand dialogue and mutual understanding in various fields, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of investment and green transition, establish closer cultural and humanitarian exchanges in order to promote the sustainable and dynamic development of bilateral relations.

“The Danish side takes an open position towards investments by Chinese companies in Denmark, and Danish companies also expect to make long-term investments in the Chinese market,” L. L. Rasmussen emphasized.

He added that Denmark firmly supports free trade and opposes decoupling, hoping to strengthen communication and coordination with China on multilateral issues to jointly safeguard the multilateral system and international order, and maintain the momentum of globalization.

The parties also exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis and other international and regional issues. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Xinhua CEO Meets Founder of Danish Chamber of Commerce in 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

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) — Xinhua News Agency Director-General Fu Hua on Monday met with Simon Lichtenberg, founder and chairman of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China.

The parties exchanged views on the recent response of Chinese President Xi Jinping to S. Lichtenberg’s letter. As the interlocutors noted, this response was a powerful signal that “faith in China is faith in tomorrow, and investments in China are investments in the future.”

Stressing that Xinhua and the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China have long maintained friendly exchanges, Fu Hua and S. Lichtenberg agreed to continue to give full play to the advantages of both sides, jointly promote how foreign enterprises investing in China are winning the future, and continuously promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Denmark, as well as between China and Europe. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbekistan plans to develop modern technologies and quality control in the construction industry

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

Tashkent, May 19 (Xinhua) — Uzbekistan plans to develop modern technologies and quality control in the construction industry, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan reported on Monday.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reportedly reviewed a presentation on Monday on the state of affairs and priority tasks in the construction materials industry.

It is noted that population growth and expansion of urbanization annually increase the demand for high-quality building materials.

The head of state particularly emphasized that the issues of quality, cost and construction culture are the most pressing in the industry. The task is to introduce modern technologies, increase the competitiveness of domestic products and more actively use them in construction projects within the country.

As has been pointed out, science and applied research play an important role in this direction. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: In Mongolia, forest-steppe fires have destroyed about 750 thousand hectares of forests and pastures since the beginning of 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

ULAN BATOR, May 19 (Xinhua) — A total of 89 forest-steppe fires have been recorded in Mongolia since the beginning of 2025, destroying 748,802 hectares of forests and pastures, the General Administration of Emergency Situations of Mongolia said on Monday.

“These forest-steppe fires occurred in Ulaanbaatar and in 58 soums of 12 Mongolian aimags,” the official statement said.

During the specified period, the amount of damage caused amounted to 4.3 billion Mongolian tugriks (about 1.2 million US dollars).

According to experts, most forest-steppe fires occur due to human negligence, careless handling of fire and burning of grass in the spring.

In this regard, the Main Directorate for Emergency Situations called on residents of Ulaanbaatar and 21 Mongolian aimags not to light fires or throw cigarette butts on the ground in dry areas. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Any attempts to distort the history of World War II and deny the historical contribution of China and Russia are unacceptable and doomed to failure – Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

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

Moscow, May 19 /Xinhua/ — This fall, China will widely celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. China will take up the baton of celebrating the Great Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. Any attempts to distort the history of World War II and deny the historical contribution of China and Russia are unacceptable and doomed to failure. This was stated by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui in his article published in the Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper on Monday.

“This autumn, China will take over the baton of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory from Russia and will solemnly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in Beijing. This will be evidence of the enormous contribution of the Chinese people to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, will unite all peace-loving countries and peoples, will help preserve the memory of the past, honor the feat of heroes, carefully preserve peace and create the future,” Zhang Hanhui notes.

“Victory is sacred, history cannot be distorted, and the victors cannot be insulted. Any attempt to distort the truth about World War II, denigrate the historical contributions of China and Russia, or deny the achievements of victory in World War II is unacceptable and doomed to failure,” the diplomat wrote in an article titled “Based on the new era in human history, writing a new chapter in Sino-Russian relations, hand in hand opening up a bright future for the world.”

The deficit of peace is obvious in the modern world, the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation emphasizes. The Cold War mentality, power politics and hegemonic aspirations are once again raising their heads. Against this background, the international community increasingly values the role and influence of China and Russia, placing great expectations on them.

As the diplomat recalls, during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow on May 7-10, China and Russia synchronized their strategic watches on such important issues as global strategic stability and upholding the authority of international law, and jointly opposed the Cold War mentality, zero-sum games, unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction.”

“The importance of strengthening cooperation within the UN, SCO, BRICS and other multilateral organizations, promoting the expansion of the voice of developing countries in the global governance system, jointly promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits everyone was emphasized,” says Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui in his article. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council gives go ahead for £500,000 investment in CCTV for West End | Westminster City Council

Source: City of Westminster

Investment of more than £500,000 in CCTV cameras for the West End has been given the go ahead from Westminster City Council.

The money will go towards two of the busiest areas of footfall – Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho – where millions of tourists and visitors throng over the year. The decision was agreed at a meeting of the Council’s cabinet on Monday 18 May.

Soho will get 18 cameras as part of a plan supported by Soho Business Alliance as part of a funding package totalling £309,403. Leicester Square and Chinatown meanwhile will receive 14 cameras in a £213,579 investment supported by the Heart of London Business Alliance.

The West End cameras – due to come into commission this Summer – will form part of an overall network of 200 cameras being introduced borough-wide by Westminster City Council and represent the biggest ever investment in CCTV in Westminster’s history.

More than half the promised 200 CCTV cameras are already working and are monitored 24/7 from a control room based in Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

The latest investment on the West End is a key part of the Westminster After Dark strategy, launched earlier this year, which is designed to ensure people can enjoy the night attractions of the City in safety.

Cllr Aicha Less, deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection, said:

Soho, Chinatown and the West End see some of the busiest footfall in the world during peak season. We want people to enjoy our fabulous West End but without the misery of mobile phone theft, pick pocketing, watches being stolen or running into aggressive behaviour.

Our new cameras will be there alongside mobile Council cameras already in use to ensure people can enjoy the West End in safety and opportunist criminals find it a harder place to operate. With these cameras going up over the summer, we are delivering against the commitments of Westminster after Dark.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 20, 2025