NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Bulgaria to join euro area on 1 January 2026

    Source: European Central Bank

    8 July 2025

    • Conversion rate of lev fixed at 1.95583 = EUR 1
    • Bulgaria joined the ERM II in 2020
    • Bulgarian banks supervised by ECB since 2020

    Today the Council of the European Union formally approved the accession of Bulgaria to the euro area on 1 January 2026 and determined a Bulgarian lev conversion rate of 1.95583 per euro. This is the current central rate of the lev in the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II), which the currency joined on 10 July 2020. The European Central Bank (ECB) and Българска народна банка (Bulgarian National Bank) agreed to monitor developments in the Bulgarian lev against the euro on the foreign exchange market until 1 January 2026.

    With the entry into force of the close cooperation framework between the ECB and Българска народна банка (Bulgarian National Bank), the ECB has been responsible for directly supervising four significant institutions and overseeing 13 less significant institutions in Bulgaria since 1 October 2020.

    For media queries, please contact Benoit Deeg, tel.: +49 172 1683 704.

    Notes

    • The agreement to monitor the lev is in the context of ERM II. Participation in ERM II and observance of the normal fluctuation margins for at least the last two years is one of the convergence criteria to be fulfilled ahead of euro area accession.
    • The conversion rate of the lev is set by way of an amendment to Regulation (EC) No 2866/98, which will become effective on 1 January 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Bulgaria to join euro area on 1 January 2026

    Source: European Central Bank

    8 July 2025

    • Conversion rate of lev fixed at 1.95583 = EUR 1
    • Bulgaria joined the ERM II in 2020
    • Bulgarian banks supervised by ECB since 2020

    Today the Council of the European Union formally approved the accession of Bulgaria to the euro area on 1 January 2026 and determined a Bulgarian lev conversion rate of 1.95583 per euro. This is the current central rate of the lev in the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II), which the currency joined on 10 July 2020. The European Central Bank (ECB) and Българска народна банка (Bulgarian National Bank) agreed to monitor developments in the Bulgarian lev against the euro on the foreign exchange market until 1 January 2026.

    With the entry into force of the close cooperation framework between the ECB and Българска народна банка (Bulgarian National Bank), the ECB has been responsible for directly supervising four significant institutions and overseeing 13 less significant institutions in Bulgaria since 1 October 2020.

    For media queries, please contact Benoit Deeg, tel.: +49 172 1683 704.

    Notes

    • The agreement to monitor the lev is in the context of ERM II. Participation in ERM II and observance of the normal fluctuation margins for at least the last two years is one of the convergence criteria to be fulfilled ahead of euro area accession.
    • The conversion rate of the lev is set by way of an amendment to Regulation (EC) No 2866/98, which will become effective on 1 January 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Spending Review – Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee questions Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, on the Spending Review 2025 and the Government’s announcement of £39 billion investment for affordable homes.

    The cross-party group of MPs are expected to explore questions around the Social and Affordable Homes Programme, the Spending Review settlement, and local council finances.

    Witnesses:

    Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

    Sarah Healey CB CVO, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAc2ryZsTiI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Attorney General’s speech at Summer School in the Law of the Council of Europe.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Attorney General’s speech at Summer School in the Law of the Council of Europe.

    The Attorney General delivered a speech ‘The Implementation of Strasbourg Court Judgments at National Level – Subsidiarity in Action’ at the Summer School in the Law of the Council of Europe.

    Introduction

    Thank you, Professor Garde.

    I am delighted to be addressing you this morning at the opening of what I am sure will be a fascinating Summer School on the Law of the Council of Europe.

    Your theme could not be more topical – the effectiveness of the Council of Europe in Tackling the Pressing Challenges of our times. 

    For what pressing challenges we face.

    Conflicts rage around the world, new threats are posed by climate change, growing inequality, mass migration, and by emerging artificial intelligence.

    The substantive challenges are numerous, global and complex.

    And they have to be addressed in an ever more challenging political environment of polarised public discourse fuelled by social media, tempting many towards the easy solutions offered by populist leaders.

    In light of these pressing challenges, we must renew our commitment to a strong international rules-based system, underpinned by an unequivocal commitment to the rule of law.

    This is why, since taking office, I have spoken repeatedly of my government’s commitment to the rule of law. Of how it will act as our lodestar.

    This should not be contentious. The Council of Europe’s body of constitutional experts, the Venice Commission for Democracy through Law, in their Rule of Law Checklist note that the rule of law is a concept of universal validity.

    The “need for universal adherence to and implementation of the Rule of Law at both the national and international levels” was endorsed by all Members States of the United Nations in 2005.

    Lord Bingham, one of the UK’s most distinguished judges, described the rule of law as “one of the greatest unifying factors—perhaps the greatest—and as an ideal worth striving for, in the interests of good government and peace, at home and in the world at large.”  

    What do we mean, though, by the rule of law in the Council of Europe context?

    It is not just rule of law; it clearly means much more than that in the European legal tradition.

    The Venice Commission, after long reflection on what conception of the rule of law fits best with European constitutional traditions, summarised the rule of law as the presence of six key elements:

    legality; legal certainty; the prohibition of arbitrariness; access to justice before independent and impartial courts; respect for human rights and non-discrimination; and equality before the law.

    This European conception of the rule of law was heavily influenced by Tom Bingham’s account in his wonderfully accessible book, The Rule of Law.

    A cornerstone of that rules-based system in Europe is of course the Council of Europe. Formed, you will recall, in the aftermath of World War Two. When we had seen the worst of humanity.

    But out of those horrors, a group of like-minded states came together with a pledge to uphold the rule of law, democracy and human rights.

    And for over 75 years, the Council, has stood as the conscience of Europe. It has sought to unite us around those shared values. 

    And those values have served us well. They have formed a foundation for European peace and prosperity.

    I consider that they remain the best hope of protecting us from the threats we face today, and those which are no doubt coming tomorrow. 

    At the heart of the Council of Europe system is the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

    A shared statement of the rights, which all of us in the European family of nations hold dear.

    Based on the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and drafted by a British lawyer, David Maxwell Fyfe.

    The rights it contains reflect long-standing traditional common-law rights in our country. 

    The supranational system of human rights protection that has been built on those British foundations is one of the great achievements of the post-War period. 

    Its very durability demonstrates how well it has combined effective legal protection for the rights of individuals with a sensitivity to the importance of elected governments in our democratic societies.

    So my own view on one of the central questions that you will be considering at your Summer School is that the Council of Europe has proved extraordinarily effective at protecting the foundational European values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. 

    It has also, for most of its 75 years, succeeded in uniting Europe around those shared values.

    This does not mean of course that every aspect of the Council of Europe must be preserved in aspic.  International organisations and their institutions must always evolve to ensure that they continue to serve their central purpose and that they retain the public confidence of every generation. 

    That means we must be prepared to build on our existing mechanisms, developing them where necessary to ensure that they can deal with today’s pressing challenges.

    Of course, we must always remain vigilant to guarantee that such updating strengthens the protection of our shared values rather than weakening them, whilst ensuring that such reform balances liberty with responsibility, individual rights with the public interest.

    There are many ways in which the operation of the Council of Europe’s institutions could be improved. 

    There is considerable scope, for example, to build on the recent explicit recognition of the principle of subsidiarity in the preamble to the ECHR – for example by helping states to better implement the Convention at national level so that the subsidiary role of the Court becomes less and less required as national protection of ECHR rights improves. 

    We should not be afraid – indeed, must not be afraid – of discussing how the European system for the protection of human rights can be improved to ensure that the public are confident that it continues to serve the central purpose on which everyone agrees: that human rights require effective legal protection. 

    Rather, we should be confident that we can demonstrate the value of this remarkable piece of institution-building and find imaginative ways of improving its operation in practice, which secures its democratic legitimacy, and ensures it is fit to meet the challenges we face, without weakening its protections.

    The execution of judgments, which I know is one of the themes you will be exploring at the Summer School, is one such area in which there is considerable scope to enhance the democratic legitimacy of the ECHR system, and on which the UK has taken a significant lead, so it is to this that I now turn.

    The Importance of Language

    First, I want to make a small but important point about language.

    The first step towards enhancing the democratic legitimacy of the ECHR is to talk about it in a way that is accessible and readily understandable by ordinary people.

    The phrase “the execution of judgments” fails that test.

    “Execution” is a lawyer’s term. The public’s understanding of execution is that it has something to do with capital punishment.

    Insofar as non-lawyers understand the meaning of the term, the execution of a court judgment sounds like a merely formal step in which the Government does what the court in its judgment has told it to do.

    As I will go on to explain, that does not reflect the reality following a judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, which very often leaves considerable scope to the democratic branches to decide how best to respond to the Court’s judgment.

    If we care about the democratic legitimacy of the ECHR, as we do and as we must, we therefore need a different language in which to talk about what happens following a finding of a violation by the European Court of Human Rights.

    Talking about the “implementation” of judgments is preferable to talking about their “execution”.

    But even “implementation” downplays the scope for democratic debate and political choice when a State considers how it should respond to an adverse judgment against it.

    It is important to frame the discussion in a way which makes clear to ordinary people the scope that usually remains for democratic debate when deciding how to respond.

    The obligation to comply with Court judgments

    In Article 46 of the Convention States, including the UK, have made an important commitment.  They have undertaken to abide by any final judgment of the European Court of Human Rights to which they are a party.

    This obligation, voluntarily entered into by all Council of Europe member states, is a crucial foundation of the international legal order in Europe.  It is key to ensuring the Convention is effective in practice. As the Venice Commission, in their report on the Polish judges case put it: ‘the right to individual petition would be illusory if a final binding judgment of the European Court of Human Rights remained unenforced.”

    Everyone agrees that it is a crucial feature of the rule of law that no-one is above the law.  That must include governments. If governments disregard decisions of the courts, then it undermines the rule of law.

    As the Venice Commissions puts it in their Rule of Law Checklist, “Judicial decisions are essential to the implementation of the Constitution and of legislation. The right to a fair trial and the Rule of Law in general would be devoid of any substance if judicial decisions were not executed.”

    The Convention recognises this, and Article 46 goes on to give the Committee of Ministers the responsibility for ensuring that judgments are given effect. It also includes a power for the Committee to refer cases back to the Court if they consider that a judgment is unclear, or that a Party is not abiding by their obligations.

    Subsidiarity in responding to Court judgments

    However, it is vital to understand the nature of the process that follows a final judgment of the Court of Human Rights that a state has violated the Convention.

    A recurring criticism of the European Court is that it erodes national sovereignty; that when it finds States in breach of the Convention, there is a democratic deficit. Too often their judgments are mischaracterised as an anti-democratic exercise in dictation from abroad.

    Confidence risks being undermined by misconceptions about the relationship between the European court and state parties.

    I therefore want to emphasise the critical role that national authorities have in implementing those judgments.  

    The principle of subsidiarity, captured by Protocol 15 which formally introduced the concept into the preamble to the Convention, means that States have primary responsibility for implementing the Convention rights into their national system.

    It states, ‘the High Contracting Parties, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, have the primary responsibility to secure the rights and freedoms defined in this Convention’.  This recognises that it is domestic authorities with the power and understanding to ensure rights compliance in each country, in light of their cultural values.

    That means that States have to have an effective legal framework which gives practical and meaningful effect to those rights.  In the UK that is the Human Rights Act.

    But it also means that, following a finding of a violation of Convention rights by the Court, states also have the primary responsibility to find a way to give effect to those rulings in a way that works for their particular national context.

    The responsibility for implementing judgments is therefore a shared responsibility between the branches of the State, including the democratically elected branches. This ensures that no judgment ends in Strasbourg. That it finds full, timely implementation at a national level.

    It goes hand in hand with the margin of appreciation – the recognition from the European Court that different countries have different legal, cultural, and social contexts, and therefore, they should be given flexibility in how they interpret and apply the Convention rights.

    Subsidiarity is not subordination; the European Court institutions must still ensure that national authorities keep to their obligations, but the main responsibility for working out how to do so rests with the states, in accordance with their democratic processes. Balancing national sovereignty with respect for universal rights.      

    Subsidiarity is a vital link between the mutually reinforcing principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

    The process for the implementation of judgments is an example of subsidiarity in action: all arms of the state, and civil society, playing their part in deciding the most appropriate way of giving effect to the rulings of the European court.

    UK processes

    Before saying a little about how the UK gives effect to judgments from the European Court, it is worth recalling that the UK has the lowest per capita rate of violations of any party. Last year there were just three judgments against the UK, one finding a violation, one finding no violation and one which was settled. So perhaps with less adverse judgments, we have an easier job ensuring that they are implemented.

    But even with that concession in mind, the UK does implement the judgements of the European Court with a current closure rate of around 98%.

    I want to now offer some reflections on our approach and why I see it as subsidiarity in action.

    The European Convention is given further effect in domestic law through the architecture of the Human Rights Act 1998. That architecture includes a power in section 10 to respond to adverse judgments from the courts – both the European Court of Human Rights and domestic courts.

    This enables the Executive a ‘fast track’ way of introducing legislation into Parliament to remedy the breach of Convention rights which the court has found. How to respond to any adverse decision therefore falls to the democratically elected government to decide.

    But as well as the Executive, the legal framework of the Human Rights Act, and the institutional human rights machinery that has been built in the UK, ensures that both Parliament and civil society also play their part.

    The Joint Committee on Human Rights is the Parliamentary Committee responsible for examining matters relating to human rights. It scrutinises government legislation to ensure that it is compatible with human rights. It also systematically scrutinises the Government’s response to human rights judgments of courts. Where that response is by way of a Remedial Order, the Committee’s terms of reference require it to report on any Remedial Order made under the Human Rights Act, prior to consideration by both Houses of Parliament.

    As part of this process, the Committee often calls for evidence and welcomes input from civil society.

    This system allows for considerable democratic input into the process of responding to a Court judgment. It also offers a high level of democratic scrutiny, ensuring action is taken in response to adverse judgments to protect rights, but recognising that there might be a range of possible responses which satisfy the judgment. It therefore supports the rule of law values of transparency and accountability.

    Let me illustrate with an example. In May 2021 the Grand Chamber found a violation of Articles 8 and 10 in the case of Big Brother Watch and Others v the UK.

    These cases each challenged elements of the UK’s investigatory powers regime. At the time of the judgment, enhanced safeguards had already been introduced, however, there remained issues with Convention compliance.

    The then Government laid before Parliament a proposed Remedial Order to introduce further safeguards into the regime, in particular to offer further protections for journalistic material.

    The Joint Committee on Human Rights published their report, recommending one change to further protect rights. This was accepted by Government. Representations were also received from the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office and the UK Intelligence Community, which were also taken into account.

    The Remedial Order was passed by Parliament and amended the regime to better safeguard the rights of all. An action report of the steps taken was sent to the Committee of Ministers, who closed their supervision of the judgment.

    This is just one example of how the democratically elected government, and Parliament have responded to a judgment from the European Court to ensure not just rights compliance, but rights compliance in the national interest, and on the terms of a sovereign Parliament. The process for responding to a judgment of the Court is subsidiarity in action. Understanding and explaining it as such is vital for maintaining confidence in the credibility and legitimacy of the Convention.

    Conclusion

    We must counter the common perception of the Court’s judgments as a foreign imposition on our national sovereignty and reflect the more nuanced reality. The proper implementation of judgments is an essential pillar of the rule of law.

    But it is also subsidiarity in action; the national authorities, including the democratic branches, debating and deciding how best to respond to a Court judgment, and then working in partnership with the Council of Europe institutions to give effect to our shared values.

    I therefore welcome the focus of this Summer School on this very important issue. There is no justice for victims if judgments are not enforced, because a judgment without execution is a right without remedy. But to secure the public’s confidence in the democratic legitimacy of the system, institutional mechanisms and processes must be developed to ensure meaningful opportunities for political debate about how best to respond to Court judgments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Enhancing Capacities for the Conservation of World Heritage Sites in Iraq

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    Within the framework of the UNESCO/Netherlands Fund-in-Trust project “Strengthening capacities for the documentation and conservation of Properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger in Iraq”, a training workshop was organized by the World Heritage Centre and the UNESCO Office in Iraq, at the Erbil Citadel from 29 April to 8 May 2025. This workshop brought together nineteen participants, including representatives from the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH), managers of World Heritage sites, engineers from the Samarra Governorate, as well as archaeologists and geologists, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary learning environment.

    The training, which was carried out in collaboration with experts from CRAterre – the International Centre for Earthen Architecture, aimed to enhance national capacities in the conservation, protection and management of World Heritage properties in Iraq, with a particular emphasis on earthen architecture. The programme offered a balanced integration of theoretical lectures and practical fieldwork at a designated pilot site within the Citadel. Participants received comprehensive in-depth instruction on heritage values, site management strategies, inventory methodologies, and diagnostic techniques for the conservation of earthen archaeological sites.

    © Mr Waleed Khalid Qaddoori

    Practical sessions focused on documentation, assessment of damage, and conservation planning for ancient masonry and earthen architecture. Participants gained hands-on experience working with various types of clay and learned how to select appropriate, cost-effective mixtures for producing high-quality mud bricks.

    The workshop concluded with participant-led presentations, showcasing the application of their newly acquired knowledge to context-specific conservation challenges at the site. This approach contributed to strengthening communication and coordination among professionals committed to safeguarding Iraq’s cultural heritage.

    This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Government of the Netherlands, provided through the UNESCO/Netherlands Funds-in-Trust (NFiT).

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – MEPs debate the Danish Presidency’s priorities with Prime Minister Frederiksen

    Source: European Parliament 3

    On Tuesday, Mette Frederiksen outlined Denmark’s goals for its six-month long EU Council presidency and the country’s ‘strong Europe in a changing world’ strategy.

    Welcoming the Danish Prime Minister, EP President Metsola said Denmark assumes the Presidency at a critical moment, and the presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’ captures exactly what is needed. President Metsola said Denmark is well placed to lead Europe by example and said that Parliament is ready to cooperate across all issues, while highlighting the particular importance of the upcoming EU long-term budget.

    Prime Minister Frederiksen said the EU is facing the greatest international challenges the world has experienced since the 1940s, geopolitical and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict.

    She said that Europe must take responsibility for its own security by investing more and strengthening its defence industry so that by 2030 the EU will be able to defend itself. To face the military threat from Russia, Europe must also continue to support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. The Prime Minister stressed the EU’s support for Ukraine is not charity but also benefits the EU’s own defence. On migration she said citizens expect Europe to find new solutions and stressed the need to strengthen the EU’s external borders, lower the influx of migrants, and make returns easier and more efficient.

    Ms Frederiksen added that a competitive and green Europe is becoming a top priority for all as Europe falls behind globally. On the climate change and biodiversity crisis she said Europe must continue pushing for a global green transition and that an ambitious EU 2040 climate target needs to be agreed quickly to show global leadership and predictability for companies. On the EU’s next long-term budget, she was in favour of making it more flexible, simplified, better equipped to deal with unforeseen events, and more focused on EU political priorities.


    Reactions by MEPs

    In their interventions, many MEPs welcomed the focus of the Danish presidency on defence and competiveness. Europe must strengthen its defence industry and cooperation with its allies, several MEPs added. Some MEPs demanded the implementation of the Draghi report and said it should be easier for small and medium sized businesses to grow.

    The next long-term budget must be fair and focused on people’s needs, several MEPs added. The Danish presidency should speed up the green transition and work towards agreeing on the 2040 climate target announced by the Commission.

    A number of MEPs called for more efforts to tackle illegal migration, and some stressed the necessity of helping those in need arriving in Europe, while others called for permanent border controls.

    You can watch the debate again here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Death of Lord Tebbit

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister KC MP:

    “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Tebbit.

    “His personal courage and unyielding determination following the IRA’s brutal Brighton bombing in 1984 revealed the measure of the man. The steadfast devotion he showed to his beloved wife — left paralysed by Republican terrorists — was a testimony to all that is noble in the human spirit when confronted by unrelenting evil.

    “That some, even in the hour of his death, choose to criticise his resolute opposition to the wickedness of the IRA says more about them than about him. Their disdain for innocent victims and willingness to trample justice underfoot in the name of appeasement is shameful.

    “I extend my sincere condolences to Lord Tebbit’s family and trust that they will know comfort and sustaining grace in the days to come.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Spain: More than 18,000 people in lockdown as wildfire rages in Catalonia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Spanish authorities ordered more than 18,000 residents of the northeastern Tarragona province to remain indoors on Tuesday and several dozen were evacuated as a wildfire raged out of control, consuming almost 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) of vegetation.

    Large parts of Spain are on high alert for wildfires after the country experienced its hottest June on record. Two people died in a wildfire on July 1 in the region of Catalonia where Tarragona is located.

    The latest fire broke out early on Monday in a remote area near the village of Pauls, where strong winds and rugged terrain have hampered firefighting efforts, authorities said. An emergency military unit was deployed early on Tuesday alongside more than 300 firefighters working in the area.

    “Since midnight, firefighters have been battling the blaze with gusts of wind reaching up to 90 kilometres per hour (56 miles per hour),” Catalonia’s regional firefighting service said, adding that the strong Mistral wind was expected to ease by the afternoon.

    Overnight, fire engines raced the winding roads of the Pauls Mountains, surrounded by flames, as crews assessed and tried to contain the blaze.

    In the neighbouring villages of Xerta and Aldover, residents spent a sleepless night as the flames threatened their homes.

    “(There has been) a lot of fear and a lot of crying because we are already on the edge of the fire. Last night, because of the wind that was blowing the fire and the smoke, we couldn’t leave our house. Terrible, this has never been seen before,” Rosa Veleda, 76, told Reuters.

    Authorities said they had prevented the fire from spreading across the Ebro River, which would have worsened the situation. Approximately 30% of the affected area lies within the Ports Natural Park, and officials are investigating the fire’s origins.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Combating serious organised crime focal point for Danish EU Presidency

    Source: Eurojust

    With regards to Justice, Denmark will put a strong focus on combating serious cross-border and organised crime during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Denmark took over the Presidency of the Council from Poland, last week.

    Representative for Denmark at Eurojust, Ms Kirstine Troldborg, stated: ‘Having started as Representative for Denmark only a few months ago, it’s a great honour to collaborate with my colleague prosecutors at Eurojust on the Danish EU Presidency. We share common goals, and the fight against serious cross-border and organised crime, which has a serious human and societal impact, is the priority we will work on together, bringing in our specific judicial expertise.’

    Fighting serious organised crime was also a priority for the Polish EU Presidency and builds on the work of the European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN), which is hosted at Eurojust. Established in September 2024, the EJOCN brings together specialised prosecutors to take a more strategic and coordinated approach to combating major organised crime groups, which increasingly operate on a global scale.

    The Danish priority of tackling major organised crime will further strengthen and support the work of the EJOCN and cross-border judicial cooperation in this area. Denmark will also focus on strengthening judicial protection and law enforcement authorities’ ability to fight online activities. 

    Throughout its Presidency, Denmark will ensure the protection of fundamental rights.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Combating serious organised crime focal point for Danish EU Presidency

    Source: Eurojust

    With regards to Justice, Denmark will put a strong focus on combating serious cross-border and organised crime during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Denmark took over the Presidency of the Council from Poland, last week.

    Representative for Denmark at Eurojust, Ms Kirstine Troldborg, stated: ‘Having started as Representative for Denmark only a few months ago, it’s a great honour to collaborate with my colleague prosecutors at Eurojust on the Danish EU Presidency. We share common goals, and the fight against serious cross-border and organised crime, which has a serious human and societal impact, is the priority we will work on together, bringing in our specific judicial expertise.’

    Fighting serious organised crime was also a priority for the Polish EU Presidency and builds on the work of the European Judicial Organised Crime Network (EJOCN), which is hosted at Eurojust. Established in September 2024, the EJOCN brings together specialised prosecutors to take a more strategic and coordinated approach to combating major organised crime groups, which increasingly operate on a global scale.

    The Danish priority of tackling major organised crime will further strengthen and support the work of the EJOCN and cross-border judicial cooperation in this area. Denmark will also focus on strengthening judicial protection and law enforcement authorities’ ability to fight online activities. 

    Throughout its Presidency, Denmark will ensure the protection of fundamental rights.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Officers continue to investigate vandalism of Windrush Exhibition

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances around vandalism to an exhibition honouring the Windrush generation in Brixton.

    Police were called to reports of vandalism at Windrush Square at 06:09hrs on Thursday, 3 July.

    Officers arrested a 24-year-old man on Saturday, 5 July on suspicion of vandalism. The suspect was then taken to hospital due to concerns for his welfare.

    Upon returning to custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and possessing articles with intent to destroy or damage property.

    Investigating officers continue to explore all possible motives. However, based on additional enquiries since the suspect’s further arrest in custody, they still do not believe this incident is racially motivated.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in Lambeth, said:

    “We absolutely recognise the concern this matter has caused and that the community perceives this to be a hate crime. That is why the suspect was further arrested while in custody on suspicion of racially aggravated offences.

    “While the evidence does not support this act being racially motivated, our priority is to ensure the victims and wider community feel heard and supported as they navigate this painful and shocking act of vandalism.

    “Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.

    “My team continue to investigate this incident and we urge anyone with information to contact police.”

    The man arrested has been bailed pending further enquiries.

    Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1182/3July.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Officers continue to investigate vandalism of Windrush Exhibition

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances around vandalism to an exhibition honouring the Windrush generation in Brixton.

    Police were called to reports of vandalism at Windrush Square at 06:09hrs on Thursday, 3 July.

    Officers arrested a 24-year-old man on Saturday, 5 July on suspicion of vandalism. The suspect was then taken to hospital due to concerns for his welfare.

    Upon returning to custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and possessing articles with intent to destroy or damage property.

    Investigating officers continue to explore all possible motives. However, based on additional enquiries since the suspect’s further arrest in custody, they still do not believe this incident is racially motivated.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in Lambeth, said:

    “We absolutely recognise the concern this matter has caused and that the community perceives this to be a hate crime. That is why the suspect was further arrested while in custody on suspicion of racially aggravated offences.

    “While the evidence does not support this act being racially motivated, our priority is to ensure the victims and wider community feel heard and supported as they navigate this painful and shocking act of vandalism.

    “Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.

    “My team continue to investigate this incident and we urge anyone with information to contact police.”

    The man arrested has been bailed pending further enquiries.

    Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1182/3July.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government response to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government response

    Government response to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry report

    The Business and Trade Secretary and the Post Office Minister have issued statements in response to the publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report.

    Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said:  

    The publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report today by Sir Wyn and his team marks an important milestone for subpostmasters and their families.

    I welcome the publication today and am committed to ensuring wronged subpostmasters are given full, fair and prompt redress.

    The recommendations contained in Sir Wyn’s report require careful reflection, including on further action to complete the redress schemes. Government will promptly respond to the recommendations in full in Parliament.

    Post Office Minister, Gareth Thomas, said:

    I welcome the Inquiry’s publication today and pay tribute to Sir Wyn and his team for their comprehensive and penetrating work.

    We must never lose sight of the Horizon Scandal’s human impact on postmasters and their families, which the Inquiry has highlighted so well.

    Sir Wyn’s report highlights a series of failings by the Post Office and various governments. His recommendations are immensely helpful as a guide for what is needed to finish the job and we will respond in full to Parliament after carefully considering them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Championing maritime excellence: MCA leads UK Flag Forum 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Championing maritime excellence: MCA leads UK Flag Forum 2025

    The Maritime and Coastguard Agency hosts this year’s UK Flag Forum event at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.

    Autonomous vessels and alternative fuels are among the key maritime topics being discussed by ship owners, operators and regulators at this year’s UK Flag Forum.

    Hosted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre today (8 July), the event brings key figures from across the global shipping industry together to discuss the UK flag and strengthen its position as a world-leading flag state.

    The UK Flag Forum is a platform for shipowners, operators, regulators and policymakers to share insight and discuss issues and opportunities, including seafarer training, decarbonisation and navigational safety.

    The event was formally opened this morning by Virginia McVea, CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

    Lord Simon Stevens, Chair of the MCA, provided a welcome address before a panel discussion on the Department for Transport’s Maritime Decarbonisations Strategy.

    Panellists include Deputy Director of UKSHORE Eamonn Beirne, Senior Sustainability Advisor at British Ports Association Rhona MacDonald and Philip Fullerton, Managing Director at Northern Marine Group Ltd.

    MCA Chief Examiner and Head of Seafarer Technical Delivery Ajit Jacob has been leading the day’s first seminar session on Seafarer Training, with MCA’s Maritime Autonomy Team Leader Katrina Kemp presenting on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).

    MCA’s Acting Director of Technical Operations Prasad Panicker has been speaking on Approvals for Alternative Fuels,

    This afternoon MCA Director of Maritime Futures Keith Johnstone will focus on Decarbonisation, with Deputy Director of Regulations and Standards Gwilym Stone leading a Near Coastal Workshop.

    MCA Assistant Director for UK Technical Services Navigation Richard Bell will be discussing Navigational Safety.

    Maritime Minister Mike Kane said: 

    I am thrilled to join the MCA at this year’s UK Flag Forum, which is so crucial in bringing key players in the sector together to discuss the issues facing the maritime industry.

    We are committed to the UK becoming a clean energy superpower, which is why earlier this year we set out a course to net zero shipping by 2050. Only by working together can we tackle the impact of shipping on our climate, create a greener sector, and deliver on our shared ambitions.

    MCA Director of UK Customer Maritime Services Lars Lippuner said: 

    The UK Flag Forum remains a vital platform for shaping the future of the UK maritime sector. By bringing together key stakeholders, we foster collaboration and drive meaningful progress during what is an exciting and pivotal time for our industry.

    Now more than ever, working together is essential, and we look forward to engaging with our customers; listening, discussing, and learning from them today.

    As both hosts and speakers, the MCA is proud to provide a platform for open discussion at the UK Flag Forum, with a strong emphasis on upholding the excellence of our world-class flag and the important work it represents.

    The event will be closed with a keynote speech by the Minister.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Certification Officer Annual Report 2024-2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Certification Officer Annual Report 2024-2025

    Annual Report to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Chair of ACAS on the activities of the Certification Officer

    Certification Officer for Trade Unions and Employers’ Associations: press announcement

    The annual report of the Certification Officer, Sarah Bedwell, was laid before Parliament on 7 July 2025. The report describes the work of the Certification Officer in 2024/25 and includes statistical information relating to trade unions and employers’ associations for 2023 and 2024.

    Lists of trade unions and employers’ associations

    There were changes to the list of trade unions on the Certification Officer’s list with 4 trade unions being removed and 4 new organisations being added. Therefore, the total number of listed trade unions was 128, the same number as in the previous reporting year. The number of employers’ associations remained stable at 36 with no changes.

    Trade union membership and finances

    Reported trade union membership increased by 21.8% – from 5.5 million in 2022-2023 to 6.7 million in 2023-2024. However, this was mainly because of the inclusion of Unite the Union’s membership of 1.2 million which was not included last year.

    Total assets of trade unions saw a decrease of 1.3% from £2.30 billion to £2.27 billion.

    Political funds

    Twenty unions reported on their political funds. The total amount held in those political funds was £35.8 million, an increase of 7.8% compared to the previous year.

    Complaints

    The Certification Officer issued decisions on 13 complaints from members against their trade unions. Of these, 4 complaints were withdrawn by the applicants, 3 were struck out, 5 were dismissed following hearings and 1 was upheld with 1 enforcement order being made.

    Powers from the Trade Union Act 2016

    The amendments brought in by The Trade Union Act 2016 mean that trade unions and employers’ associations are required to pay a levy to fund the costs of the Certification Officer’s office. The second levy collection was completed in the reporting year.

    The total costs which need to be funded, for this year, through the third levy are £615,146, an increase on last year’s figure of £607,444 due to implementing the agreed public sector pay increase.

    The amendments also allow the Certification Officer to:

    • Consider whether an organisation has breached certain statutory responsibilities without having first received a complaint from a member of that organisation or another eligible party.
    • Impose a financial penalty order or conditional financial penalty order where she finds that an organisation has breached its statutory responsibilities and/or its rules.

    There was one breach of the statutory election requirements which was brought to the Certification Officer’s attention by the trade union concerned. The Certification Officer agreed that the breach had occurred and made an order to remedy the breach.

    The Certification Officer did not see cause to make any financial penalty or conditional financial penalty order in relation to any of the beaches that she found (either arising from members’ complaints or otherwise).

    Notes to editors:

    • The Certification Officer is the independent regulator for trade unions, appointed by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Sarah Bedwell was appointed to the post on 1 January 2018 and retired on 31 May 2025. Michael Kidd was appointed as Interim Certification Officer from 1 June 2025.

    • All figures are taken from the annual returns received from organisations during the reporting year.

    Please direct any press enquiries to:

    0330 109 3602, info@certoffice.org

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York Talk Money fortnight to help residents save thousands

    Source: City of York

    York residents can access a wealth of information and support that could save them thousands of pounds during York Talk Money fortnight, running from 7 to 18 July.

    Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to help people who are struggling financially by sharing information and advice, and signposting to local help and support.

    York Talk Money aims to help York residents:

    • Get all the help they are entitled to
    • Reduce their outgoings as much as possible
    • Get advice if they need assistance

    The support available includes a new weekly drop-in with the non-profit Community First Credit Union.

    Residents can find out about the range of services, including back to school and Christmas savings accounts, affordable and fair loans and budgeting accounts. Pop along to Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, from 9.15am to 10.45am, or Marjorie Waite Court, Clifton, from 1pm to 3pm every Tuesday throughout July to find out more.

    National Energy Advice and Yorkshire Water will also be on hand at two welcoming and informative community events to support families and individuals with practical energy advice, resources, and free giveaways on Tuesday 8 July at The Gateway Centre, Front Street, from 10am to midday and Marjorie Waite Court Community Café from 1pm to 3pm.

    And people can find out more about using the council’s benefits calculator to find out what benefits they or residents they’re working with might be eligible for at an online teams webinar on Wednesday, July 16 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Booking is required, visit the webinar booking page to secure your place. 

    Cllr Katie Lomas, the council’s Executive Member with responsibility for Financial Inclusion, said:

    We know that the cost of living crisis is affecting many of us, but there is a lot of help, advice and support available locally to help you make the most of your money.

    “Getting the help you’re entitled to really can make a difference of thousands of pounds. Following our Pension Credit Take Up campaign, over 231 pensioners are now claiming over £1.7 million in Pension Credit, and passported support.

    “I’d urge anyone who’s facing financial hardship or worried about money to find out what help is available to them via our or local advice and support services, including York Talk Money Fortnight.”

    One York resident who received advice and support from Age UK York to claim Attendance Allowance, as part of the York Talk Money initiative, said:

    “A lot of pressure has now been taken off me. I was so cold this winter that I turned the heating on for the first time and felt an awful lot better. I don’t need to worry about turning the heating on anymore. Without your help I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today.”

    General advice on how to get the help you’re entitled to, reduce your outgoings and get further support is available at Live Well York or our Benefits Calculator.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City of York Council asked to adopt new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

    Source: City of York

    City of York Council’s Executive will be asked to approve a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy for the council later this month [15 July].

    The strategy sets out the council’s approach to EDI, supporting the Council Plan priority on Equalities and Human Rights to provide equality of opportunity for all and ensure that residents and visitors can benefit from the city and its strengths.

    The development of the strategy is linked to other recent areas of action including the re-establishment of the Human Rights & Equalities Board, the council’s adoption of the Social Model of Disability and its Anti-Racism Action Plan and Gypsy and Traveller Action Plan.

    It also builds on the city’s designation and partnership working around York’s status as a City of Sanctuary, Human Rights City and pledge to be an Anti-Racist City, together with growing cross-partnership strengths in these areas.

    The strategy aims to help the council deliver services that are equally accessible to all customers; fulfil its obligations to consider how its work affects diverse communities and to reduce disadvantage for people with protected characteristics.

    The strategy also sets out the council’s approach to EDI in the workplace and will help guide staff in their day-to-day work.

    The draft strategy was updated in response to feedback from a public consultation earlier in the year, which received approximately 500 responses from residents and organisations.

    The consultation included dedicated focus groups with people with protected characteristics, including people with learning difficulties; older people; young adults; neurodivergent people; and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

    Of the responses received, one in five respondents reported having experienced or witnessed intolerance or discrimination from the council, with three out of four agreeing that the council’s services are accessible to all its communities.

    A draft action plan has been created on each of the key elements of the strategy to ensure timely and measurable progress is made.

    Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, said:

    We want York to be a place that celebrates diversity and includes everybody in the life of the city by ensuring they have access to the same opportunities and experiences.

    “Equalities and Human Rights are a core commitment within our Council Plan. We’re committed to achieving continuous improvement and equity across all our services and functions.

    “While the results of the recent consultation show that we still have more work to do to ensure that all the members of York’s diverse communities feel seen and heard, we look forward to continuing to work with colleagues, partners, community groups and local people to tackle discrimination, harassment and victimisation in all its forms.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: COAST Sunderland launches environmental campaign encouraging local communities to ‘Explore with Care’

    Source: City of Sunderland

    With school holidays approaching and Summer weather on its way, COAST Sunderland is launching a new initiative to encourage residents to reconnect with the stunning coastline on their doorstep – but to do so with care.

    With school holidays approaching and Summer weather on its way, COAST Sunderland is launching a new initiative to encourage residents to reconnect with the stunning coastline on their doorstep – but to do so with care.

    Backed by Sunderland City Council, COAST Sunderland is a dedicated initiative protecting the iconic cliffs, beaches, and wildlife that make the area from Whitburn to Ryhope such an outstanding area of natural beauty to live and explore. The project hopes to raise new awareness by asking local communities to follow the Coast Code and to ‘Explore with Care’.

    Launched in 2017 and funded through developer contributions, COAST Sunderland works year-round to raise awareness of the area’s unique habitats, support local biodiversity and tackle key issues affecting the coastal zone — from litter and erosion to habitat and bird disturbance.

    The ‘Explore with Care’ campaign highlights everyday actions that can help preserve Sunderland’s unique coastal environment for generations to come. From avoiding dog fouling and sticking to marked paths, to keeping dogs under control near feeding and resting birds, the focus is on encouraging small behaviour changes that have a big impact.

    Cllr Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero Portfolio Holder at Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland has a fantastic, natural coastline and it is crucial that we work together to protect it for years to come. The invaluable support and collaborative efforts of the COAST Sunderland team means visitors and residents can all appreciate our coastline with care – protecting the natural landscape whilst also having a great day out at the seaside – a win-win for everyone!”

    Sunderland’s coastline is home to specially conserved animal and plant species under threat from human disturbance, including a range of wading bird species (also known as ‘waders’) during the autumn and winter months. Bird species include Oystercatchers, Purple Sandpipers, Turnstones and Europe’s largest wading bird, the Curlew. The COAST Code has been developed locally for residents and visitors alike to reduce the amount of bird disturbance on the coast. The steps are:

    1. Look out for birds
    2. Give them space
    3. Are they reacting to you or your dog?
    4. If yes, please give more space

    Becky Lakin, Coast Project Officer at COAST Sunderland said: “We want people to get out and enjoy the coast this Summer – it’s one of Sunderland’s greatest assets. However, many residents and visitors don’t realise that things like straying from marked paths or disturbing feeding birds can seriously damage our rare plant life and put coastal wildlife under stress. That’s where the ‘Explore with Care’ campaign and COAST Code come in. They help reinforce small, sustainable habits that will protect our beautiful coastline for many more years to come.”

    COAST is leading several free educational activities throughout the Summer holidays, to highlight how people can enjoy Sunderland’s coastline with care. Upcoming events include a marine mammal ID session on World Conservation Day (Monday 28 July) at Roker Pier. The COAST team are also hosting interactive sessions throughout the Summer at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, starting on Wednesday 30 July from 1pm – 3pm, concluding with a Guided Rock Pooling Session on Wednesday 27 August.

    Future plans for the project include working with schools, local groups and volunteers to run guided coastal walks, beach cleans, and conservation workshops to deepen community understanding and stewardship of this precious landscape.

    COAST Sunderland’s ‘Explore with Care’ campaign will appear across outdoor billboards, social media, local radio, and in community spaces throughout the summer. Leaflets with tips and facts are also being distributed, supported by detailed guidance on the COAST Sunderland website.

    For more information on the campaign, or to find out more about the Coast Code and upcoming events visit: https://sunderland.coastproject.org

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anti-discrimination campaign brings city together

    Source: City of Leeds

    The campaign, which takes a stand against all forms of discrimination, has been running for the past month with the unifying message of “What makes us different makes us Leeds”.

    With posters across the city and social media activity the Leeds City Council campaign has communicated non-tolerance for misogyny, racism, anti-Muslim prejudice, antisemitism, ageism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and disability discrimination.

    Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, and Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said: “It’s been wonderful to finally see this campaign come to life across the city, making sure that everyone knows Leeds does not tolerate discrimination in any form. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from communities and residents, and any negative comments we receive only highlight the importance of continuing this work. 

    “Working towards strengthening social cohesion in our city is vital to ensure everyone feels like they belong and that they are and feel safe. Our ambition is for Leeds to be the best city in the UK and at the heart of this is our mission to tackle inequality. 

    “We will continue to work with all our communities to tackle discrimination and build a safer and stronger Leeds.” 

    The Leeds Anchor Network which brings together 14 of the city’s largest employers – including the council, NHS trusts, higher and further education, culture, and utilities, has also supported the campaign.

    Professor Peter Slee, chair of the Leeds Anchor Network and Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: “The Leeds Anchor Network welcomes this campaign. Leeds is a city built on communities, partnership and collaboration, and this strength is reflected in our network. We are committed to inclusion, to listening to our communities, and to working with everyone in the city for a united approach to inclusive growth.”

    Speaking up in support is also Leeds Older People’s Forum, a network of third sector organisations working with and for older people.

    Jo Volpe, chief executive of Leeds Older People’s Forum, said: “Leeds Older People’s Forum is proud to support this important campaign from Leeds City Council. Ageism can lead to real harm—excluding older people from opportunities, reinforcing damaging stereotypes, and increasing loneliness and isolation. Our communities need this kind of support to challenge discrimination and promote respect across all ages. We all have a role to play in making Leeds a city where everyone feels valued.”

    Read more about the campaign at leeds.gov.uk/strongerleeds. 

    ENDS

    The campaign has sourced funding from the community recovery fund: Community Recovery Fund: Guidance – GOV.UK. This is a pot made available to areas who experienced unrest in 2024, and can be used for a range of things, including “To reduce the risk of further disorder in the future” and “To rebuild social trust and promote cohesion between communities”.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: EU-Libya: EU’s migration cooperation with Libya is ‘morally bankrupt’ and amounts to complicity in violations

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Ahead of a visit by EU Migration Commissioner Brunner and EU ministers to Libya to discuss migration cooperation on 8 July, Eve Geddie, the Director of Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office, said:

    “The EU’s morally bankrupt migration cooperation with Libyan authorities amounts to complicity in horrific human rights violations. Attempts to stop departures at any cost show a complete disregard for the lives and dignity of migrants and refugees.

    “Amnesty International has long documented the hellish conditions faced by migrants and refugees in Libya. Instead of addressing the catastrophic human cost of its migration deals in Libya and beyond, the EU and its member states are doubling down – trapping more and more people in abhorrent cycles of abuse.

    “This visit to Libya risks replicating an unchecked and unaccountable process, similar to the deal with Tunisia. EU leaders must ensure that any external cooperation guarantees effective scrutiny and oversight on where EU funds are going, and what actors they empower.

    “The EU and its member states must urgently re-evaluate their support for Libyan authorities and militias, suspend any actions contributing to trapping refugees and migrants in the country, and avoid further complicity in perpetuating grave human rights violations.”

    Background

    On Tuesday 8 July, European Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner, together with Italian, Greek and Maltese ministers, will reportedly meet with officials from the two rival governments in the east and the west of Libya.

    Amnesty International has long documented how EU assistance facilitates the interception and forced return of tens of thousands of people to detention centres in Libya.

    Refugees and migrants in Libya are subjected to systematic and widespread violations by unaccountable armed groups and militias, including prolonged arbitrary detention; enforced disappearances; torture; rape; unlawful killings; extortion and forced labour – conditions, which, according to a UN investigation, very likely amount to crimes against humanity. Libya is not a safe place for disembarkation.

    The visit follows a push from Commission President von der Leyen to reduce departures from eastern Libya towards the EU, specifically towards Greece. It also comes in the aftermath of a serious crackdown launched by western-based authorities and militias against international humanitarian organizations assisting refugees and migrants, rendering their situation even more precarious after many of these organizations were forced to suspend operations. In eastern Libya, Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF)-affiliated armed groups such as Tariq Ben Zeyad continue to be responsible for “a catalogue of horrors” including forced mass expulsions of refugees and migrants to Chad, Egypt, Niger and Sudan, without due process and without granting them the opportunity to claim asylum.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chris Boardman reappointed as Chair for Sport England.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Chris Boardman reappointed as Chair for Sport England.

    The Secretary of State has reappointed Chris Boardman as Chair for Sport England for a term of four years from 22 July 2025 to 21 July 2029.

    Chris Boardman

    In 1992, Chris Boardman won Britain’s first Olympic cycling gold medal in 73 years. He went on to claim several world titles and wore the leader’s jersey in the Tour de France on three occasions before retiring in 2000.

    After his sporting career, Chris played a pivotal role in transforming British Cycling into a global powerhouse and founded Boardman Bikes. The eponymous brand quickly became Britain’s fastest-growing bike company and expanded its reach to over 80 countries. Chris’s passion for cycling evolved into a broader commitment to promoting active travel and helping people integrate physical activity into their daily lives. Collaborating closely with Regional Mayor Andy Burnham, he became Greater Manchester’s first Active Travel Commissioner. He later established Active Travel England on behalf of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

    In addition to his role as England’s Active Travel Commissioner, Chris has chaired Sport England for the past four years, guiding the sector through the challenges of the pandemic and championing efforts to make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone—regardless of background or income.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE’s Project Management Course Receives International Accreditation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics has received accreditation for teaching the discipline “Project Management” according to the international standard IPMA ICB 4.0.

    Accreditation confirms that the Project Management course at the HSB complies with international standards: from the content of the course and the qualifications of teachers to the teaching materials. These requirements are recognized in more than 70 countries, including the USA, China, India, Germany, Great Britain and France.

    The Project Management course is implemented as part of various educational programs of the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to professional retraining programs and MBA. Particular attention is paid to unified international approaches so that graduates can work in the global market and “speak” with colleagues in the same professional language.

    Project management has long gone beyond the scope of narrow professional tools. Today, it is the key to implementing changes and the basis for sustainable growth of companies in an unstable and rapidly changing environment. Modern project management requires specialists to be flexible, able to work with a high degree of uncertainty, think strategically, and have a wide range of methodological approaches – from classical to Agile and hybrid. All this forms the basis for teaching the Project Management discipline at the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    The certificate was issued for two years by the Russian Project Management Association SOVNET, the representative of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in Russia since 1991. To obtain accreditation, the HSE provided a full set of training materials, and the teachers confirmed their qualifications by undergoing certification according to the IPMA system. The assessment was carried out by a commission of national experts authorized by IPMA.

    Ilyina Olga Nikolaevna

    Associate Professor of the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Director of the Project Management Center of the Higher School of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics

    “Accreditation according to the international IPMA standard is a significant step for the HSB. It confirms that our approach to teaching project management meets the high requirements of the global professional community. For us, this is not only an assessment of quality, but also confirmation that we are developing education in accordance with global trends and preparing specialists who are able to work effectively in an international environment.”

    International accreditation confirms HSE’s commitment to high educational standards and strengthens its reputation as a first-choice business school.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Gas storage: Parliament backs refill flexibility to bring down prices

    Source: European Parliament 3

    Approved in plenary today, the new law seeks to address speculation on the gas market and bring down prices, by introducing greater flexibility to gas storage refilling rules.

    The Regulation, already agreed upon between MEPs and Council, will extend the EU’s 2022 gas storage scheme until 31 December 2027, as it would otherwise have expired at the end of 2025. The provision is designed to ensure gas supply security ahead of the winter season.

    MEPs and the Council also introduced several amendments to ease tensions in the gas market, as speculation surrounding the existing mandatory 90% fill rate target by 1 November each year was driving up the cost of refilling during the summer.

    Refilling flexibilities

    The text will allow member states to achieve the 90% filling target at any point in time between 1 October and 1 December. Once the 90% target is met, it should not be required to maintain that level until 1 December.

    Member states should have the possibility to deviate by up to 10 percentage points from the filling target in the event of difficult market conditions, such as indications of speculation hindering cost-effective storage filling. The Commission may further increase this deviation by a further five percentage points by means of a delegated act, for one filling season, if these market conditions persist.

    Towards full independence from Russian imports

    The competent authority monitoring gas refilling in each member state shall also provide information on the share of gas originating in the Russian Federation being stored, in line with the 17 June proposals from the European Commission. This should help with monitoring whether Russian gas is stored in the EU.

    Quote

    “The 2022 legislation showed that Europe was able to protect its citizens in a situation where Russia was using gas as a weapon of blackmail”, said rapporteur Borys Budka (EPP, Poland). “This revision will provide for more flexibility and less bureaucracy but, above all, it will bring Europe’s gas prices down, while we continue advancing towards energy independence from unreliable suppliers” he said.

    Next steps

    Parliament backed the bill with 542 votes to 109, with 30 abstentions. It will now have to be formally approved by Council before publication in the EU Official Journal.

    Background

    Gas-storage facilities provide for 30% of the Union’s gas consumption during winter months. The EU’s energy security has been a critical concern in recent years, not least in light of its dependence on non-EU countries for primary energy supplies. The 2022 energy crisis, exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent weaponisation of gas supplies, highlighted the urgent need for additional measures to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies.

    Among these, the EU introduced new gas storage rules. However, the global gas market remains tight, with increased competition for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and persistent price volatility.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament endorses Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs gave an overwhelmingly favourable opinion on Tuesday on Bulgaria’s bid to adopt the euro and join the Euro area on 1 January 2026.

    Parliament, by 531 votes in favour, 69 against and 79 abstentions, adopted a report confirming Bulgaria fulfils the criteria for adopting the euro on 1 January 2026.

    After confirmation by EU member states, Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the Euro area. The most recent country to join was Croatia in 2023.

    Quotes

    Rapporteur Eva Maydell (EPP, BG) said after the vote:

    “Today’s vote sends a clear signal: Bulgaria is ready to join the Euro area. All criteria have been met, and this step marks a key milestone towards Bulgaria’s full European integration – for the country and its citizens.”

    Press conference

    A press conference with the rapporteur will be held at 14:00 CET, in Strasbourg. You can follow it here. As a journalist you can also participate and ask questions by logging in through Interactio.

    Next steps

    Parliament’s opinion will be forwarded to the Euro area member states who, later today, are expected to give Bulgaria the final go-ahead.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Heatwaves, droughts and wildfires costing Europe billions each year

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Extreme heat and worsening drought situations are gripping large parts of Europe, sparking wildfires, triggering red alerts and intensifying global calls for effective climate actions. Driven by climate change, scientists warn, these conditions signal a new era of drought, threatening food security, energy security, ecosystems and economies.

    The worrying part is that heatwaves and wildfires are constantly growing deadlier and costlier. If the European Environment Agency (EEA) is to be believed, heatwaves and wildfires are costing Europe billions of euros every year. Estimatedly, in 2023 alone, such climate-related disasters cost around 45 billion euros to 38 European countries, including EU, other European Economic Area (EEA) members, and cooperating countries.

    If we take into account the total economic losses from weather and climate related calamities, they exceeded 790 billion euros across the European Economic Area, comprising 32 EEA member states and six Western Balkan countries between 1980 and 2023.

    In recent years, Europe has faced an alarming rise in climate-driven calamities like extreme weather conditions, particularly heatwaves and wildfires. These disasters are endangering lives and ecosystems, while at the same time imposing severe economic burdens on governments, local communities and industries. Germany, Italy, France and Spain faced the highest economic losses, however, as per the environmental agency, little of this damage was insured.

    According to the European Environment Agency, the leading causes of the damage are floods, storms, wind and hail, while heatwaves cause the most deaths in majority of the countries. As far as economic losses are concerned, they may vary from year to year and country to country, but trends suggest there is a sharp rise in economic damage, which may go beyond 50 billion euros annually.

    There is little doubt that people across the world are struggling with sweltering hot temperatures fuelled by climate change, but the way the sweltering summer is gripping southern Europe, parts of the US and the UK is unprecedented.

    The scourge of the rising temperature can be understood from the fact that southern Spain experienced 46 degrees Celsius temperature a few days earlier, which is a new record for the month of June. According to the national weather agency, Barcelona has set a new record for its hottest month in June this year, forcing the authorities to urge people to seek shelter from this excruciating heat condition.

    A number of countries including France and Italy, have stationed their ambulances near tourist hotspots to treat people if they suffer from heatstroke. Among the vulnerable are people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, children and those with chronic health conditions.

    In June, fires caused by the heat and strong winds struck France, Turkey, Greece, Italy and a few other countries, making situations worse than even expected. Germany, the largest economy of Europe and the third largest globally, is also facing a similar situation, as the temperature this year is hovering around 40 degrees Celsius. The town of Andernach in western Germany recorded 39.3 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature so far this year, according to the German Weather Service (DWD). Germany’s all-time heat record is 41.2 degrees Celsius, recorded on July 25, 2019.

    The worsening heat situations have forced quite a few countries to issue heat alerts. Sixteen regions in France including Paris and other parts of southern and eastern Europe have heat alerts in place. The soaring temperatures forced its Climate Minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher to call the situation an unprecedented one. Heat alerts are also in place in several parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Britain and Balkan countries like Croatia. Several countries have recorded their hottest June this year.

    Besides emergency services being put in place in several countries and warnings being issued for people to stay inside as much as possible, around 200 schools across France are either closed or partially closed as a result of the heatwave conditions.

    Heatwaves are impacting many parts of Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, North America and a few others also, but the way Europe is facing heat conditions calls for urgent measures, as the region is not known for such heatwave conditions.

    Studies suggest more than two-thirds of the heatwave conditions have hit Europe since 2000 and the conditions are gradually worsening. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report shows that by 2050, around half of the people in Europe may be exposed to heatwave conditions during summer.

    It is also undeniably true that the effects of heatwave conditions are more pronounced in cities, as urban environments are significantly warmer than rural areas due to a large number of paved surfaces, huge multi-story buildings, large number of all kinds of vehicles and several other heat-generating sources.

    A new UN report says droughts have risen 30% since 2000, now affecting all sectors from agriculture and energy to healthcare and infrastructure. Owing to very high temperatures, the economic distress of people is growing fast.

    Just as COVID-19 strained the insurance sector, rising temperatures are now compounding the pressure, with insurers reassessing the risks and costs of covering properties in high-risk zones across Europe.

    Public infrastructure is also not immune to the stress being thrown upon by rising temperatures. Roads, railways, power grids and hospitals also suffer heatwave-related wear and tear. Wildfires destroy homes, farmlands and forests, which require billions for reconstruction and recovery.

    The economic toll can be gauged from the fact that some countries are already losing up to 10% of GDP annually, as suggested by some environmental and economic reports. The OECD warns drought-related costs could double again by 2035.

    Hence, environmentalists and those who understand these damaging trends urge urgent global investment in early warning systems, drought monitoring, nature-based solutions and climate-resilient infrastructure. Without strong action and better implementation of national plans, droughts could spiral into global economic and humanitarian shocks.

    Clearly, the need for urgent and coordinated action has never been more critical, as heatwaves intensify across Europe and the globe, driven by accelerating climate change. Mitigating these impacts requires multi-fold efforts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow global warming and investing heavily in adaptation measures to protect people, economies and ecosystems from escalating heat extremes.

    For Europe, this means upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme heat, expanding green urban spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and strengthening public health systems to respond to heat-related health conditions. Since the majority of the countries in Europe are not prepared to face such heatwave conditions, they need to improve early warning systems, ensure access to cooling centers for vulnerable populations and integrate climate resilience into housing and city planning.

    On global scale, cooperation and coordination among countries are essential, as climate change-related calamities are not going to be restricted to a few regions. Hence, sharing technology, funding nature-based solutions like reforestation and watershed restoration and supporting climate-vulnerable regions are key to having a holistic solution. The world also requires a proactive and science-driven approach along with an equity-based climate strategy before the human and economic cost becomes unmanageable for us.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin inspected a prototype of the modernized Il-114-300 passenger aircraft

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Mikhail Mishustin and the Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Urals Federal District Artem Zhoga during a meeting at the Yekaterinburg airport

    Based on the instruction of the President of the Russian Federation, a program is being implemented to modernize and resume serial production of the Il-114–300 regional passenger aircraft. The aircraft is being created specifically for local airlines, with the ability to operate in hard-to-reach regions with poor airfield infrastructure, on short and unpaved runways, in low temperature conditions, and is a modernized version of the Il-114 turboprop aircraft. It will replace the outdated An-24 on domestic airlines, as well as foreign-made aircraft of a similar class (ATR72 (France), Bombardier Dash 8 (Canada)).

    The upgraded version is assembled from Russian-made components and is equipped with Russian systems and equipment. In total, more than 180 flights have been performed under the flight test program (on two prototypes).

    Cruising flight speed is 450–500 km/h;

    Maximum flight altitude – 7600 m;

    Fuel consumption – 540 kg/h;

    Runway length – 790 m;

    Passenger capacity: up to 68 people.

    Currently in the certification stage.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HANDOVER CEREMONY FOR THE PROJECT, “CHANGING MINDSETS: REMOVAL OF SINGLE USE PLASTICS IN THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SAMOA”

    Source:

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    [JOINT PRESS RELEASE, 13 June 2025] – A handover ceremony was held earlier today (13 June) to mark the completion of installation of 10 water stations in the National University of Samoa (NUS) and provide 1300 reusable water bottles, funded under UK’s International Development Programme.

    The project, valued at a grant of £ 29,631 (approximately SAT104,350), has provided the students at the National University of Samoa with access to free, cool, filtered drinking water and an opportunity to change mindsets of immediate family members and promoting environmental benefits through the reduction of single use plastics.

    Apart from the “Changing Mindsets: Removal of Single Use Plastics in the National University of Samoa” project, the acting High Commissioner officially handover a selection of books from Her Majesty the Queen for the National University of Samoa’s library.

    Following the wonderful visit to the NUS during CHOGM, Her Majesty the Queen has sent five books for the library at NUS. Her Majesty the Queen is an avid reader and is an advocate to celebrate and promote the power and benefits of reading, Reading Room | The Duchess of Cornwall’s Reading Room.

    The Acting High Commissioner of the British High Commissioner, Mr. Daniel Garlick spoke about the significance of this project in continuing the ongoing relationship and collaboration between the National University of Samoa and UK.

    “We are proud of the UK’s on-going collaboration with the National University of Samoa. A year ago, we were preparing for the visit of Their Majesties to NUS as part of CHOGM. Our project in partnership with Pure Pacific Water in providing water stations and reusable water bottles to NUS is tangible example of how we can work together to change mindsets and protect the fragile environment in Samoa”.

    “We hope that students at the NUS will be able to access and enjoy the books sent by Her Majesty the Queen. The books will foster a lifelong love of literature and connect students with that special magic that can only be found in the leaves of a book.”

    The Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Samoa, Tuifuisa’a Dr. Patila Malua Amosa delivered a remark acknowledging the donation by UK for the behalf of the University.

    “On behalf of the University, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of water stations and water bottles and also books to our university community and that contribution is significant towards enhancing the learning environment and especially the wellbeing of our students”.

    “The books also will enrich our library resources, providing invaluable knowledge and fostering culture of learning and academic excellence”, said Professor Tuifuisa’a.

    UK’s International Development Programme Fund is designed to meet the diverse needs and supporting community-based projects that directly benefit local population.

    This project assured to continue to strengthen bilateral relations between Samoa and the United Kingdom during by focusing on our shared goals of social and economic development.

    END

    SOURCE – UK in Samoa, The National University of Samoa

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ commences European visit in Netherlands (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, began his European visit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on July 6 (Amsterdam time). He met with international organisations, judges from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), government officials and the local business community to promote Hong Kong’s legal system and services, and its development as an international legal and dispute resolution centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
     
         Upon his arrival, Mr Lam met with Hong Kong people and overseas Chinese organisation representatives living in the Netherlands and Luxembourg to learn about their work and life, and shared with them the latest developments of Hong Kong in various areas.
     
         After arriving at The Hague on July 7, Mr Lam visited the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and met with the Secretary General of the HCCH, Dr Christophe Bernasconi. Mr Lam thanked the HCCH for its support for the secondment programme of legal professionals of the Department of Justice (DoJ) and exchanged views on further strengthening the co-operation between the DoJ and the HCCH, including hosting an international conference about the Hague Conventions during the DoJ’s flagship event – Hong Kong Legal Week in December this year.
     
         Mr Lam then met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice and Security of the Netherlands, Ms Anneke Van Dijk, and officials to introduce the latest developments of Hong Kong and discuss issues such as the development and direction of international legal co-operation.
     
         Afterwards, Mr Lam had a lunch meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Tan Jian. Mr Lam thanked the Central Government for supporting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to actively participate in meetings of international organisations as part of the Chinese delegation, providing opportunities for Hong Kong legal talent from the public and private sectors to take part in various projects of the HCCH. He said that the DoJ will continue to strengthen international legal talent training, as well as exchanges and co-operation with international organisations to contribute to the promotion of the country’s contribution to the development of international rule of law.
     
         In the afternoon, Mr Lam visited the ICJ of the United Nations and met with the President of the ICJ, Mr Yuji Iwasawa, to exchange views on the latest developments in international dispute resolution, including the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation with its headquarters in Hong Kong. They also shared views on the training of international legal experts and professionals. Mr Lam then visited the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and met with the Secretary-General of the PCA, Dr Marcin Czepelak, to discuss the co-operation between the DoJ and the PCA in the fields of capacity building and international law.
     
         In the evening, Mr Lam attended a business seminar and dinner organised by the Netherlands Hong Kong Business Association with the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and Invest Hong Kong. Speaking at the seminar, Mr Lam shared with about 100 participants Hong Kong’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. He stressed that Hong Kong’s legal system is credible and reputable, user-friendly, and closely tied with Mainland China and other parts of the world. These elements make Hong Kong’s legal system exceptional among other common law peers.
     
         Mr Lam will go to Paris for the second leg of his European visit today (July 8, Amsterdam time).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First Digital Education Week by Education Bureau concludes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The first Digital Education Week (DEW) organised by the Education Bureau (EDB) concluded yesterday (July 7). The two flagship events of the DEW, including the Learning and Teaching Expo 2025 (LTE 2025) and the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects and Post-Summit Workshop Series, attracted over 24 000 participants altogether, providing opportunities for education professionals to gain further insights into the latest developments in educational technology and inspiring them to apply emerging technologies to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness.

    The Summit, jointly organised by the EDB, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the Hong Kong Education City (EdCity), was held from July 4 to 7, attracting over 4 500 participants. The LTE 2025, was held from July 2 to 4, supported by the EDB, presented by EdCity and organised by the Smart City Consortium, attracted over 20 000 participants, setting a new record for attendance. Themed “Education: A Shared Future for All”, the LTE 2025 convened global educators, education leaders and innovators. Through keynote speeches, seminars, workshops and product showcases, participants explored innovative pedagogies and educational technology applications while shaping future educational directions.

    The LTE 2025 featured over 600 exhibition booths and introduced the Mainland and International Pavilions (including Singapore and Korea) to foster cross-regional collaborative exchanges. The Principals’ Conference, for the first time, brought together over 200 Hong Kong school principals for a 1.5-day “VASK” immersive experience, comprising seminars and expert discussions focused on “Values, Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge”. A newly introduced Kids’ AI Summit engaged approximately 100 Hong Kong primary and secondary school students in a three-minute speech session, where they shared insights on AI in education, child well-being, and future careers. Additionally, over 270 keynote speeches, seminars, and demonstration classes showcased innovative teaching solutions and trends in technology applications, with more than 300 experts sharing their experiences in integrating AI and educational technology into teaching.

    The Summit included three main components: the Summit itself, a series of workshops, and the technology showcase. Participants engaged in different segments based on their backgrounds, needs, and interests. The first two days of the Summit featured keynote speeches from five top experts in AI education, namely Associate Professor of the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, the United States, Professor Victor Lee; the Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Competency Education Centre at the Education University of Hong Kong, Professor Kong Siu-cheung; Professor of the School of Animation and Digital Arts at the Communication University of China Professor Lyu Xin; Professor of Sociolinguistics at the University of Reading, the United Kingdom, Professor Rodney Jones; and the Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Mr Andreas Schleicher. In addition to keynote speeches, the Summit arranged for scholars from around the world to present 83 papers and conducted seven teaching demonstrations by frontline teachers from Hong Kong and the Mainland.

    In the following two days, 11 workshops were held in Cantonese, Putonghua, or English, allowing participants to experience various AI educational tools and engage in in-depth discussions on ethical issues related to AI literacy and applications. Additionally, 20 exhibiting organisations and technology companies participated in the technology showcase, displaying cutting-edge tools and software to demonstrate the potential of AI in the teaching and learning of languages and other subjects.

    The first DEW has made a positive impact on the education sector, enhancing teachers’ and students’ understanding of digital education and the application of related educational technologies. The rich activities provided during the DEW comprehensively showcased the latest educational technologies, resources, and teaching methods from around the world, inspiring innovative thinking among educators. Through various rich interactive sessions, participants not only had the opportunities to engage with a wide range of effective innovative technology solutions to enhance learning and teaching, but the public awareness of future educational trends has also been strengthened.

    The series of activities during this year’s DEW was well received by various sectors, with total participation exceeding 24 000 visitors. Despite teachers and students being busy with post-examination activities, they actively supported the events, fully demonstrating the appeal and foresight of the themes of the two flagship events of this year’s DEW. It also reflected the intensive attention and support from the academic community and relevant stakeholders for the development of digital education in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – RT advertising campaign in EU territory – E-002651/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002651/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pina Picierno (S&D)

    Billboards have recently popped up in a number of major Italian cities – namely Rome, Milan and Bologna – promoting documentaries by RT, formerly Russia Today, and encouraging people to watch them.

    The billboards have been put up in highly visible and busy parts of the cities, and use an extremely provocative slogan: ‘They ban the truth, we show it. Find RT docs in your city’.

    This Russian TV campaign clearly violates the EU sanctions against Kremlin propaganda on European soil, threatening our shared democratic values.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of this dangerous and destabilising action to circumvent the EU sanctions against Russia?
    • 2.What steps will it take to prevent and tackle the dissemination of Russian propaganda in Italy, and to ensure effective application of the sanctions against those who are acting as avenues of influence for Putin’s regime?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –