Category: European Union

MIL-OSI USA: Discovery Alert: Flaring Star, Toasted Planet

Source: NASA

A giant planet some 400 light-years away, HIP 67522 b, orbits its parent star so tightly that it appears to cause frequent flares from the star’s surface, heating and inflating the planet’s atmosphere.

On planet Earth, “space weather” caused by solar flares might disrupt radio communications, or even damage satellites. But Earth’s atmosphere protects us from truly harmful effects, and we orbit the Sun at a respectable distance, out of reach of the flares themselves.
Not so for planet HIP 67522 b. A gas giant in a young star system – just 17 million years old – the planet takes only seven days to complete one orbit around its star. A “year,” in other words, lasts barely as long as a week on Earth. That places the planet perilously close to the star. Worse, the star is of a type known to flare – especially in their youth.
In this case, the proximity of the planet appears to result in fairly frequent flaring.

The star and the planet form a powerful but likely a destructive bond. In a manner not yet fully understood, the planet hooks into the star’s magnetic field, triggering flares on the star’s surface; the flares whiplash energy back to the planet. Combined with other high-energy radiation from the star, the flare-induced heating appears to have increased the already steep inflation of the planet’s atmosphere, giving HIP 67522 b a diameter comparable to our own planet Jupiter despite having just 5% of Jupiter’s mass.
This might well mean that the planet won’t stay in the Jupiter size-range for long. One effect of being continually pummeled with intense radiation could be a loss of atmosphere over time. In another 100 million years, that could shrink the planet to the status of a “hot Neptune,” or, with a more radical loss of atmosphere, even a “sub-Neptune,” a planet type smaller than Neptune that is common in our galaxy but lacking in our solar system.

Four hundred light-years is much too far away to capture images of stellar flares striking orbiting planets. So how did a science team led by Netherlands astronomer Ekaterina Ilin discover this was happening? They used space-borne telescopes, NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) and the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS (CHaracterising ExoPlanets Telescope), to track flares on the star, and also to trace the path of the planet’s orbit.
Both telescopes use the “transit” method to determine the diameter of a planet and the time it takes to orbit its star. The transit is a kind of mini-eclipse. As the planet crosses the star’s face, it causes a tiny dip in starlight reaching the telescope. But the same observation method also picks up sudden stabs of brightness from the star – the stellar flares. Combining these observations over five years’ time and applying rigorous statistical analysis, the science team revealed that the planet is zapped with six times more flares than it would be without that magnetic connection.

A team of scientists from the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, led by Ekaterina Ilin of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, published their paper on the planet-star connection, “Close-in planet induces flares on its host star,” in the journal Nature on July 2, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Discovery Alert: Flaring Star, Toasted Planet

Source: NASA

A giant planet some 400 light-years away, HIP 67522 b, orbits its parent star so tightly that it appears to cause frequent flares from the star’s surface, heating and inflating the planet’s atmosphere.

On planet Earth, “space weather” caused by solar flares might disrupt radio communications, or even damage satellites. But Earth’s atmosphere protects us from truly harmful effects, and we orbit the Sun at a respectable distance, out of reach of the flares themselves.
Not so for planet HIP 67522 b. A gas giant in a young star system – just 17 million years old – the planet takes only seven days to complete one orbit around its star. A “year,” in other words, lasts barely as long as a week on Earth. That places the planet perilously close to the star. Worse, the star is of a type known to flare – especially in their youth.
In this case, the proximity of the planet appears to result in fairly frequent flaring.

The star and the planet form a powerful but likely a destructive bond. In a manner not yet fully understood, the planet hooks into the star’s magnetic field, triggering flares on the star’s surface; the flares whiplash energy back to the planet. Combined with other high-energy radiation from the star, the flare-induced heating appears to have increased the already steep inflation of the planet’s atmosphere, giving HIP 67522 b a diameter comparable to our own planet Jupiter despite having just 5% of Jupiter’s mass.
This might well mean that the planet won’t stay in the Jupiter size-range for long. One effect of being continually pummeled with intense radiation could be a loss of atmosphere over time. In another 100 million years, that could shrink the planet to the status of a “hot Neptune,” or, with a more radical loss of atmosphere, even a “sub-Neptune,” a planet type smaller than Neptune that is common in our galaxy but lacking in our solar system.

Four hundred light-years is much too far away to capture images of stellar flares striking orbiting planets. So how did a science team led by Netherlands astronomer Ekaterina Ilin discover this was happening? They used space-borne telescopes, NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) and the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS (CHaracterising ExoPlanets Telescope), to track flares on the star, and also to trace the path of the planet’s orbit.
Both telescopes use the “transit” method to determine the diameter of a planet and the time it takes to orbit its star. The transit is a kind of mini-eclipse. As the planet crosses the star’s face, it causes a tiny dip in starlight reaching the telescope. But the same observation method also picks up sudden stabs of brightness from the star – the stellar flares. Combining these observations over five years’ time and applying rigorous statistical analysis, the science team revealed that the planet is zapped with six times more flares than it would be without that magnetic connection.

A team of scientists from the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, led by Ekaterina Ilin of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, published their paper on the planet-star connection, “Close-in planet induces flares on its host star,” in the journal Nature on July 2, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: In Dialogue with Latvia, Experts of the Human Rights Committee Welcome Law Granting Latvian Citizenship to Stateless Children, Raise Questions on Hate Crimes and Access to Elections for Minorities and Non-Citizens

Source: United Nations – Geneva

The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the fourth periodic report of Latvia on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Committee Experts welcomed the adoption of the 2020 Latvian citizenship law, which granted Latvian citizenship to children who would otherwise be stateless, while raising questions on hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and access to elections for minorities and non-citizens.

One Committee Expert welcomed the adoption of a 2020 law which automatically granted Latvian citizenship to children of non-citizens who were not nationals of another State, and the recent reduction in the number of non-citizens.

Another Expert commended the State party for the establishment of a special unit to investigate hate crimes, and on changes in the criminal law addressing motivations for such crimes, including sexual orientation and gender identity. How were these changes publicised? Incidents of violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons remained underreported, the Expert noted; how was law enforcement trained to facilitate reporting and to recognise and support victims?

A Committee Expert said the Pre-Election Campaign Law prohibited pre-election campaign materials in any language other than Latvian, except for European Parliament elections. How did the State party ensure that this prohibition did not unduly restrict accessibility and the participation of minorities in elections? Could the State party explain why non-citizen residents, including long-term residents, were excluded from elections?

Osams Abu Meri, Minister for Health of the Republic of Latvia, introducing the report, said the fact that Latvia was a neighbouring country of Russia, which had invaded parts of Georgia and launched a full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, must not be overlooked. According to article 89 of the Constitution, the international human rights obligations binding upon Latvia formed an integral part of the domestic legal system. Domestic courts in Latvia had referred to the general comments and opinions issued by the Committee in numerous cases.

The delegation said work had been done to raise the awareness of those individuals in charge of prosecuting hate crimes, addressing victims’ rights from a broader, human rights-focused framework. The Ministry of Justice had also disseminated a circular on the interpretation of existing legal frameworks on hate crime and targeting the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. As this was a very hot topic for Latvian society, the public broadcaster had also addressed the issue.

The delegation also said that if someone wanted to be elected or vote in Latvia, they needed to obtain citizenship. A Constitutional Court decision issued at the beginning of the year stated that the contested legal provisions did not impose a complete ban on the use of foreign languages, and only applied to individual campaigning with voters, hence they were in conformity with the Constitution. The Court decided that restrictions on fundamental rights were proportional.

In concluding remarks, Mr. Abu Meri expressed gratitude for the open and constructive dialogue. Latvia’s experience during these challenging times, as its neighbours Russia and Belarus deployed the full arsenal of hybrid warfare, had a broader relevance. Latvia would not only withstand these threats but remain steadfast in the rule of law, the principles of human rights and a rule-based law and order.

Changrok Soh, Committee Chairperson, in concluding remarks, expressed gratitude to all who had contributed to the dialogue. The Committee commended the State party for progress in several areas, including access to justice and gender equality, however remained concerned about the treatment of asylum seekers and non-residents, among other issues.

The delegation of Latvia was made up of representatives of the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Welfare; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Education and Science; the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Culture; the Ministry of the Interior; the Ministry for Culture on Cooperation with Non-governmental Organisations; the Ministry of Defence; the Prosecutor General’s Office; the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs; the Internal Security Bureau; the State Police; the State Border Guard; the Cadet Force Centre; and the Permanent Mission of Latvia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-fourth session is being held from 23 June to 17 July 2025. All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage. Meeting summary releases can be found here. The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m., Wednesday 2 July to begin its consideration of the seventh periodic report of Spain (CCPR/C/ESP/7).

Report

The Committee has before it the fourth periodic report of Latvia (CCPR/C/LVA/4).

Presentation of the Report

HOSAMS ABU MERI, Minister for Health of the Republic of Latvia, presenting the report, said the situation in Europe had changed significantly since Latvia had last reported to the Committee. The fact that Latvia was a neighbouring country of Russia which, starting from 2008, had invaded parts of Georgia and acquired military and political control over parts of Ukraine, and on 24 February 2022 launched a full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, must not be overlooked. Because of these events, Latvia increasingly had legitimate reasons to fear for its security, territorial integrity, and democratic order. These events, along with information and hybrid warfare operations directed against Latvia, had strengthened efforts to defend democracy, national security, and effectively implement the rights and freedoms protected by the Covenant.



According to Article 89 of the Constitution of Latvia, the international human rights obligations binding upon Latvia formed an integral part of the domestic legal system. To illustrate, domestic courts in Latvia had referred to the General Comments and opinions issued by the Committee in numerous cases.



The financial resources allocated to domestic courts had steadily and consistently increased. Moreover, in 2024, the Academy of Justice, a new institution for the professional development of judges, prosecutors, prosecutor assistants, and investigators, was established. The Ombudsperson’s Office of Latvia had consistently received the highest “A” status of accreditation, and continued to operate in accordance with the highest international standards concerning respect for human rights and good governance. In 2022, Latvia ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The Ombudsperson had been entrusted with the function of the national preventive mechanism, and, as of October 2024, had a new Department on the Prevention of Discrimination.



Latvia had continued to support the naturalisation of non-citizens; these were not stateless persons, as they enjoyed the right to reside in Latvia, along with a set of rights and obligations that extended beyond those prescribed by the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. In recent years, Latvia had seen a gradual and steady decline in the number of non-citizens residing in the country. A significant achievement in reducing the number of non-citizens in Latvia was the enactment of the law on the discontinuation of the non-citizen status for children, which had contributed to a substantial decrease in the number of non-citizens among younger age groups. Since 2020, all children born in non-citizen families had been granted citizenship at birth.



Between 2024 and 2027, Latvia had identified three priority areas for gender equality: increasing equal rights and opportunities in the labour market and education; reducing negative gender stereotypes; and integrating the principle of gender equality into policy planning.

In respect to combating gender-based violence, Latvia had significantly strengthened legal protections, expanded victim support services, and increased awareness-raising campaigns to challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence. Between 2022 and 2024, the authorities, together with non-governmental organisations, held workshops and discussions for young people on how to build non-violent relationships, based on the principle of gender equality.



In 2024, Latvia took a significant step forward in recognising diverse family forms by introducing civil partnership legislation. This legal framework allowed both same-sex and opposite-sex couples to register their partnership, granting them a range of rights and protections previously reserved for married couples. In 2021, the Latvian Parliament enacted amendments to the Criminal Law adding to the list of aggravating circumstances motivation based on “social hatred”, which covered hatred based on sexual orientation. Additionally, awareness-raising measures were continuously implemented, and investigators, prosecutors, and judges regularly attended trainings on the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes.

Questions by Committee Experts

A Committee Expert noted the various positive developments linked to civil and political rights, asking for additional information on the legal status of the Committee’s views in the national legal framework. What steps had Latvia taken to inform the public, including persons who did not read Latvian or English, about their rights under the Covenant and the possibility of submitting cases to the Committee under the Optional Protocol?

The Committee appreciated the rating of the Ombudsman and the increasing material and financial resources allocated to it, and the Expert asked for information on proposals to amend the Ombudsman’s enabling law. Regarding the implementation of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Action Plan, what mechanisms were in place to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures? Regarding judicial integrity, were there plans to adopt additional safeguards to prevent undue political influence in the judiciary?

Another Expert commended the State party for the establishment of a special unit to investigate hate crimes and on changes in the criminal law, adding “social enmity” and “any other characteristic” to cover sexual orientation and gender identity, and asked how these changes were publicised. Incidents of violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons remained underreported, the Expert noted; how was law enforcement trained to facilitate reporting and to recognize and support victims?

Could the State party be more specific about the risks to national security posed by individuals with ties to the Russian Federation? How could fluency in the Latvian language prevent such risks? The Expert also asked for the number of persons deported so far, their background and to which countries they were deported. Had there been a state of emergency in parts of the country, in particular the Belarussian border from August 2021 to August 2023, and could the delegation confirm that Latvia did not derogate from its obligations under the Covenant during that period?

Regarding the equality of women, and efforts towards narrowing the gender pay gap, another Committee Expert asked what measures had been helpful so far, and what additional measures the government intended to introduce to narrow it further? Could the State party provide statistical data on gender-based violence and femicide from the last three years? What measures was the government preparing to improve prevention of the concerning occurrence of online violence against women, including against women journalists and women in politics and other leadership positions?

Regarding the right to life, a Committee Expert asked for disaggregated data on the high numbers of deaths in all places of detention, including psychiatric facilities. Was the definition of torture in line with that of international treaties, and what measures were in place to protect persons complaining of torture in places of detention?

Responses by the Delegation

Responding to the issues raised, the delegation said concerning the status of the Covenant and awareness-raising on submitting complaints, the Constitutional Court of Latvia had explained that the views of the Committee did not have the status of a legally binding instrument. While the Committee’s decisions did carry the weight of authoritative interpretation, they were not formally binding. The Committee’s views and opinions were soft-ball instruments, but had been taken into account by the courts over the years. Regarding awareness-raising on the United Nations human rights treaties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had published informative material on its website in various languages, including guidance on submitting complaints to various treaty bodies, and ensuring accessible and transparent information for applicants. This was how Latvia ensured that society was informed about the Committee and the possibility of submitting complaints.

On training in the armed forces, the delegation said there were education programs which included human rights. The Ombudsman was appointed after approval by the Parliament. This aimed to strengthen human rights protection and ensure public awareness of the position. This approach aligned with the spirit of the Constitution and existing practice, whilst supporting the principles of democratic governance. On the Department of Discrimination, there was an Anti-Discrimination Unit, consisting of five people. There was a separation of the powers in Latvia, the delegation said, and there was currently a discussion on the procedure of nomination of the Ombudsman. There was no influence by political parties on the Ombudsman, and the election was entirely transparent.

Regarding anti-corruption measures, the Anti-Corruption Action Plan was in place since 2023, and the main reason for lack of fulfilment of its tasks was the lack of funding. The effectiveness of the Plan itself was usually measured by assessing the percentage of accomplished tasks, as well as feedback from institutions involved in its implementation. In 2025, six persons were fined in cases relating to corruption, and 2024 data showed that corruption was effectively investigated and sent to prosecution. On the independence of investigations conducted by the Internal Security Bureau, pre-trial detentions were supervised by a prosecutor. In accordance with the law, the Minister of the Interior could only supervise the legality and justification of the Bureau’s decisions, and could revoke them if necessary. On transparency of lobbying, work continued on effective implementation of legislation in this regard, and there was no Transparency Register yet.

The delegation said work had been done to raise the awareness of those individuals in charge of prosecuting hate crimes, addressing victim’s rights from a broader, human rights-focused framework. A specific hate speech conference event had been held in October 2024, with twenty-two participants who worked on such violations. A training session was also held for judges, prosecutors and investigators, focusing on a victim-centred approach to the justice system. For the general public, there were two specific web platforms with information about hate speech, hate crime, and related issues, and these were supported by the Ministries of Culture and Education, and the Ombudsman’s Bureau. The Ministry of Justice had also disseminated a circular on the interpretation of existing legal frameworks on hate crime and targeting the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. As this was a very hot topic for Latvian society, the public broadcaster had also addressed the issue. The legal framework, which prescribed criminal liability for social, national and ethnic hatred as an aggravating circumstance was sufficient and proportionate to existing needs.

Numbers of hate speech and hate crimes were not so large, usually fewer than 10 criminal cases per year, the delegation said, but this did not reflect the priority of the topic, as the Government was working on the issue. With regard to ethnic tensions, it was important to look at the information space, and how people used and consumed information inside the country. According to research and statistics, minorities, as well as the general population, found news and entertainment important, and consumed it at the same rates, showing that society was living in the same space. There were differences of opinion in society, as should be the case in any healthy society. Latvian society had gone through traumas, and was dealing with them, including by taking care of minorities, legally, but also practically, including through an annual festival celebrating cultural minorities.

Latvia saw its society as one which facilitated civic participation, and was working to strengthen this. Even Roma representatives and organisations were finally putting their projects forward, and they were being supported. Work was also being done on media literacy, as the current greatest threat to human rights was the great mass of information that was available, meaning critical thinking was a critical tool for building a cohesive society. Latvia had acquired a large number of refugees, including those fleeing from Ukraine, and was providing measures and support for their language acquisition and cultural and societal integration.

Latvia was working with the Roma strategy at the European Union level and had its own strategic plan for Roma integration. Unfortunately, the community was one of the most stigmatised, as it was across Europe. It was important for this stigmatisation to be approached and that communities were approached, with Roma mediators involved in the efforts to end the stigma. Hate speech had increased in the digital environment, and a plan was being put together to address it.

The delegation said the issue of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was not an ethnic issue: it was an issue of international law, colonialism, and history. This was how society and the government had treated it. The government had been very clear that this was an issue that had to unite everybody within the country, no matter the language and ethnicity of the individual. Research showed that there was an increase of differences of opinion on the issue within the country, but these were not aligned with ethnicity. The Russian minority was very vocal in its lack of support for the actions of Russia. On the declaration of a State emergency at the border, there had been a deliberate attempt by Belarus to destabilise European countries, including Latvia, in response to the imposition of sanctions on the Belarus regime. Actions to protect the external borders must be interpreted in the light of the broader geo-political context and the will to protect the system against abuse, including the instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees.

The gender pay gap had reduced further in Latvia, the delegation said, and female employment rates were relatively high, but the government needed to look into employment equality further, including encouraging women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Latvia was one of the rare countries that admitted to having problems in its prisons, and the government had approved an action plan to implement the Committee’s recommendations in this regard, showing its determination to tackle the issue. Prison staff were instructed and trained on sensitive periods in the life of a prisoner, aiming to limit incidents of self-harm and suicide.

Questions by Committee Experts

In follow-up questions, Experts asked for figures on deaths in prisons, and the reconciliation between self-administration prisons and the official system, and whether the former was to the detriment of detainees. Did psychiatric facilities offer education and therapeutic facilities, and was there sufficient staff? Another Expert asked for clarification on training in hate crimes and hate speech, asking whether it was mandatory and country-wide, or whether people could opt out. How was disaggregated data and statistics gathered on hate speech and hate crimes? There appeared to be a tension between language groups, and the Expert wondered how promoting a culture of human rights education and speech could be of help in resolving these matters.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the Ministry of Justice had prepared a general policy planning document to combat and reduce the effects of informal prison hierarchies in Latvian prisons. This included building a new prison, and the education of prison guards and administration, including a new education centre, among others. One of the biggest problems in Latvian prisons was the outdated prison infrastructures, and the construction of the new prison to remedy this would be concluded in September 2025, with prisoners to be relocated in 2026.

There were 26,132 persons with mental disabilities in the country in 2019, and the situation was roughly the same now. It was very important today for persons with mental disabilities to have access to independent living, and Latvia had 12 social service homes, with between 50 and 150 places to which persons could be admitted voluntarily and could leave freely. There was only one long-term facility, with approximately 200 beds, meant for persons with severe mental disorders, and this hospital was also only for voluntary treatment. Regarding treatment and rehabilitation, nowadays in all treatment centres there were muti-professional teams, and staff workers ensuring integrated healthcare. Great efforts were made to ensure there were recreational facilities at all hospitals.

There was no mandatory training for judges, except on children’s rights, and training on hate speech and hate crimes were mostly linked to the specialisation of judges. In Latvia, the media enjoyed independence, and investigative journalism thrived, holding the government and the judiciary to account. The most common form of corruption involved the use of administrative resources, the delegation said.

The delegation said amendments had been made to the Criminal Code in 2024, establishing accountability for acts of violence against immediate family or in partner relationships. The amendments introduced the punishment of imprisonment for up to three years if the perpetrator committed a violent act against a family member, spouse or former spouse. Cases of spousal rape were considered rape under the Criminal Code, and sanctions were higher if there were aggravating circumstances. It was ensured that these crimes were reviewed by the courts in a timely manner. More than 13 trainings had been conducted for judges, investigators, prosecutors and those who worked on family violence cases. Every year, at least 20 women were killed by their partner in Latvia. The State believed that, in many instances, these deaths were preventable. From 1 July, electronic monitoring of offenders could be applied in criminal proceedings, providing an opportunity to prevent both femicides and homicides.

The ratification of the Istanbul Convention was a significant step in Latvia and was a cornerstone policy for the country. Changing societal attitudes towards women and violence and shifting deeply ingrained cultural norms and stereotypes required public awareness campaigns, which took time to yield results. Real-life stories of survivors had been made accessible to the public to raise awareness of the issue and encourage others to come forward. Services were accessible and no proof was required to receive help.

In December 2023, preventive visits had been carried out to two prisons, to assess potential risks of violent behaviour. Conferences had been held in cooperation with the Ombudsman’s office and non-governmental organizations dedicated to the prevention of violent conduct, attended by representatives of the prison administration. There had been an increase in crimes committed by prison administration officials in 2025, but this was due to the mandate to increasingly investigate these kinds of crimes.

Questions by Committee Experts

A Committee Expert asked why Latvia did not systematically collect and publish data on the length and frequency of pretrial detention. What steps would be taken to address this gap? Could data be provided on the use of non-custodial alternatives to detention? How was it ensued that all detainees were fully informed of their rights and access to a lawyer from the outset of detention? Would the State implement mandatory audiovisual recording of all police interviews with detained persons? How was it ensured that detainees received timely and effective assistance from qualified lawyers, including during the initial critical hours of detention?

What specific safeguards existed to prevent undue political influence in the appointment of Supreme Court judges? How did the State party address reports of politicisation and corruption in the judicial system? What measures were taken to improve trust in the justice system? What was the current operational status of the academy of justice? What specific training programmes had been implemented for judges and prosecutors since it opened? What steps had been taken to ensure timely issuance of judgements? Could information be provided on the types and lengths of sentences provided to minors? How was it ensured the detention of minors was used only as a last resort and for the shortest possible time?

Another Committee Expert said the overall national referral mechanism had not yet been established; why was this? How would the State implement the relevant European Parliament directive in time? How did the conflict in Ukraine impact trafficking in Latvia and different categories of victims, including victims of sexual exploitation and child trafficking? Were training activities organised for law enforcement in this regard? How did Latvia’s transition from a country of origin to country of transit and destination impact Government prevention efforts? What measures were being taken to promptly investigate, prosecute and punish all cases of trafficking? What remedies were provided to victims? How many cases had been raised against persons involved in human trafficking?

In mid-2024, the Ministry of Culture launched a study to ensure the safety of journalists in Latvia. What was its progress thus far? How were its recommendations being implemented? The Government informed the Committee that the criminal proceedings concerning serious bodily injuries inflicted to the journalist and publisher Leonids Jākobsons were terminated on 19 February 2025, as the authorities were unable to find the perpetrators. How often were similar cases involving infliction of serious bodily injuries terminated because of lack of success in finding perpetrators? How would the State ensure that similar incidents did not repeat, and that there was no impunity for perpetrators?

Could the delegation elaborate on the legal basis for the drastic revocation of TV Rain’s broadcasting licence on 6 December 2022, that was challenged before the Administrative Regional Court? The National Security Concept of 28 September 2023 served to prohibit the production of public television and radio content in Russian. What was the legal basis for this policy, and had there been any legal and administrative actions taken to implement it thus far?

Another Committee Expert said that in June 2023, Latvia established an enhanced border regime with restrictive measures, which had been extended to the end of 2025. Could the delegation confirm this? How did the State party justify prolonging these restrictions long after the formal state of emergency had ended? Credible reports indicated that from 2021 to 2025, the State border guard had engaged in 28,000 pushbacks to Belarus and other countries, without assessing the risks individuals would face. How did these pushbacks comply with the principle of non-refoulment? Refugees at the border were reportedly subjected to violence and abuse and left without water and food. What concrete actions had the State party taken to monitor the State border guard? How were the border guards trained to prevent ill-treatment of migrants?

How many official border crossing points were operating today? What steps were being taken to facilitate applications for persons seeking protection? What percentage of asylum seekers were detained and for how long? The Committee was concerned about the detention of children who sought asylum; would Latvia consider a policy of never detaining children for immigration reasons? The State had a good practice of providing free legal aid to refugees challenging asylum decisions, however reports stated it was not respected in practice. How did the State party uphold this commitment in practice?

The Committee welcomed the adoption of a 2020 law which automatically granted Latvian citizenship to children of non-citizens who were not nationals of another State. The Committee also welcomed the reduction in the number of non-citizens. Would the State party consider amending its citizenship law to grant nationality to all children born in Latvia who would otherwise be stateless? Was the State party considering extending political rights to non-citizens?

The Committee appreciated the measures adopted to safeguard the rights of conscientious objectors following the re-introduction of compulsory military service for men under Law 75 on the State Defence Service. The Committee also noted that the term of Alternative Civil Service was equal in length to military service, which was an improvement. Would the State consider allowing the Conscription Control Commission to operate independently of the miliary? Were conscientious objectors assigned responsibilities in alternative civil services, as opposed to non-combat roles within the military? How would the State party respect the rights of conscientious objectors during emergencies and armed conflicts?

A Committee Expert said the Committee understood that the Pre-Election Campaign Law prohibited pre-election campaign materials in any language other than Latvian, except for European Parliament elections. How did the State party ensure that this prohibition did not unduly restrict accessibility and the participation of minorities in elections?

Could the State party explain why non-citizen residents, including long-term residents, were excluded from elections? Would the State party be willing to permit their participation in elections? Where did the State party see the most need for further improvement regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities in elections? What measures had the State party taken to follow up on treaty body recommendations, including those calling on political parties to introduce quotas to promote women’s representation in political life?

The Committee had questions regarding the transition to Latvian as the exclusive language of instruction, eliminating Russian as a second language in schools and preschools. While this transition was envisaged a long time ago, its implementation had been rushed. How does the State party ensure that schools were ready within the limited timeframe, especially schools where many teachers lacked sufficient proficiency in Latvian? There were serious concerns about the lack of meaningful minority community consultation and participation during the law’s adoption. How many stakeholders were involved and how was active participation and meaningful dialogue ensured? The Committee was informed that national minority pupils at pre-school and primary education levels had a right to request education programmes on their language and cultural history. Did communities have to fund these programmes themselves? How were people made aware of these programmes and how easy was it to apply for them?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said that while not all police interviews were recorded, this did not affect police investigations. All interviews with children were recorded. All interviews were documented in written form.

Legal aid was provided by the court administration. There had been just one case where a higher court judge had not been appointed by the parliament. Reports of corruption in the court system were legally investigated. The parliament adopted a law establishing a new judicial academy in 2024. In January this year, the newly established institution officially commenced its operations. The academy had been admitted as a member of the European Judicial Network. During this year, 106 events and trainings had already been held at the academy.

Latvia remained susceptible to labour exploitation, sham marriages, forced begging, as well as sexual exploitation. This year, just one criminal investigation had been launched so far in this regard. At the beginning of the Ukrainian refugee crisis, a programme was established that strengthened the capacity of State border guards to identify possible victims of human trafficking. All unaccompanied minors had been given legal assistance. Since 2022, there had been one case of sexual exploitation of a Ukrainian woman.

Regarding the case of the grievous bodily harm reflected on the journalist Leonids Jākobsons, despite its best efforts, the State had been unable to identify the perpetrator, and the proceedings had been closed. However, should new information emerge, the criminal proceedings could be reopened, and investigations could resume. In a 2019 case involving a journalist who had been persecuted and harassed for over a year, the perpetrator was identified and sentenced to prison for two years. This emphasised that the State recognised the importance of journalists and were committed to ensuring their safety and security.

A study had been launched which looked at updating the legal definition of “the media”. Seminars were provided for journalists that helped them to protect themselves. Meetings were held with the police once a year, to help them support journalists. Materials were envisaged for judges to help them on cases involving journalists.

Latvia was a democratic State that promoted the right to a fair trial and access to justice. A case was ongoing regarding Russian propaganda channels spreading hate speech in Latvia. The Government could not assess the outcome of the case at this point.

No languages had been prohibited in Latvia. Statistics showed that only 54 per cent of Latvian youth knew Russian language. The official State language was the Latvian language.

Around 47 to 50 per cent of television programmes and 35 percent of radio programmes were available in Russian language, and 13 per cent of the printed press was in Russian language. A law was in place which obligated the public broadcaster to broadcast in minority languages. The public broadcaster independently decided on media content and in which languages it should be broadcast. Work was being done to promote the inclusion of more minorities.

The state of emergency situation at the border with Belarus had been ended, but a new “enhanced border protection regime” had been introduced and would be in force until the end of the year. During legislative amendments, the State had assessed a proportional and law-based solution, considering European Union court rulings in this field. A lot of work had been done to comply with international obligations and the principle of non-refoulment. A document had been developed to instruct personnel at the border on how to deal with these cases.

Significant training had been provided to border staff, with more than 1,000 border guards trained in 2024 on asylum rights. The State did not have information on 20 deaths registered at the border with Belarus. There had been a case in 2024 in which a dead body was found on the Latvian border. This year, there had been 63 applications for asylum so far. As a rule, asylum seekers were not detained in Latvia and were accommodated in open space centres. However, due to several circumstances, the law on asylum permitted the detention of asylum seekers, such as in the case of security threats. Each case was individually and thoroughly assessed. Minors under 14 years old were not detained; they were placed in different facilities. Efforts were taken to accommodate minors with their families when possible. State-provided legal assistance could be accessed once an asylum decision had been appealed.

Regarding conscientious objection, no one from the Ministry of Defence had interfered with the Conscription Control Commission, and changes were not considered. The State defence service law set basic criteria for alternative service. So far, just three applications had been received, including for religious and health reasons. Military service was for a fixed period and a solider could choose whether to extend their contract or not. International regulations set a two-month resignation notice for military service, which the State believed was a reasonable amount of time. A reserve solider who could not perform military service due to their beliefs could be enrolled in the national armed force reserves. The State was not considering amending paragraph five of the military law.

Latvia did not consider “non-citizens” to be stateless persons. All non-citizens had the right to naturalise. The number of Latvian non-citizens had decreased by around 77 per cent in recent years. After a change in regulations in 2020, more than 500 children had been automatically registered after birth. Several campaigns had been carried out on the possibility of acquiring Latvian citizenship.

If someone wanted to be elected or vote in Latvia, they needed to obtain citizenship. A Constitutional Court decision issued at the beginning of the year stated that the contested legal provisions did not impose a complete ban on the use of foreign languages, and only applied to individual campaigning with voters, hence they were in conformity with the Constitution. The Court decided that restrictions on fundamental rights were proportional. Russian language was still widespread in Latvia, justifying the need to strengthen the use of Latvian as the official State language. The Constitutional Court had taken article 27 of the Covenant into account, which recognised the obligation to ensure minority groups could use their mother tongue. It found amendments in the law complied with article 27.

The naturalisation procedure was fairly easy. The path for non-citizens was wide, short and easy to walk.

Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

The Committee asked follow-up questions regarding actions taken to implement the national security policy before the Constitutional Court; the permanence of the enhanced border regime; ill-treatment of migrants crossing the Belarus/Latvia border between 2021 and 2022; granting citizenship to children born in Latvia who would otherwise be stateless; providing for honourable discharges from military service; the exclusion of non-citizens from all elections; alternative programmes for minority languages in schools; and measures in place to ensure detention of minors was only implemented as a measure of last resort.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the public broadcaster was bound by media laws. Currently Belarussian authorities at the border were refusing to cooperate with Latvian authorities. These non-cooperation issues had brought about an increase in criminal activities across the border, including organised crime. This year, there had been 186 irregular migration cases across the border. An investigation had been launched in 2021 and 2022 regarding individuals who had attempted to cross the Belarussian border, which had analysed a significant amount of information. During the investigation, it was determined that injuries to migrants were not caused by the actions of border officials, but were likely obtained during the journey to cross the border.

Reasons for terminating a military contract prior to its conclusion were not specified in national laws. An agreement simply needed to be reached.

Only persons with Latvian citizenship had the right to vote. Using languages other than Latvian during political campaigning in the election period was not prohibited. The provision about using just the official language applied only to the pre-election period. Non-citizens who chose to keep their status still had the right to receive healthcare and work in the country.

Teachers were instructed on teaching methodologies in a linguistically diverse environment, and on how to teach students whose native language was not Latvian. There were targeted grants supporting minority languages and cultures.

As of 25 June this year, there were 27 inmates who were children. Four of these children were detained, with the rest serving their sentences on probation. This illustrated that incarceration of children in Latvia was a last resort.

Closing Statements

HOSAMS ABU MERI, Minister for Health of the Republic of Latvia, expressed gratitude for the open and constructive dialogue. A wide range of topics had been addressed, including efforts to combat hate crimes, gender equality, and matters of national security. Latvia’s experience during these challenging times, as its neighbours Russia and Belarus deployed the full arsenal of hybrid warfare, had a broader relevance. Latvia would not only withstand these threats but remain steadfast in the rule of law, the principles of human rights and a rule-based law and order. These circumstances reaffirmed Latvia’s commitment to uphold the rights enshrined in the Covenant. Latvia appreciated the engagement and interest of the Committee.

CHANGROK SOH, Committee Chairperson, expressed gratitude to all who had contributed to the dialogue. The Committee commended the State party for progress in several areas, including access to justice and gender equality, however remained concerned about the treatment of asylum seekers and non-residents, among other issues. Mr. Soh thanked all involved in the dialogue for their engagement and commitment.

___________

Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media;
not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

CCPR25.013E

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Cyprus, Palestine, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (2 July 2025) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

———————————

Highlights:
Cyprus
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Yemen
Haiti
South Sudan

———————————
CYPRUS
Following the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format that was held in Geneva on 17-18 March of this year, the Secretary-General will convene on 16 and 17 July, here at UN Headquarters, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, as well as representatives of the guarantor powers of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, for another informal meeting on Cyprus.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue and exchange views on the progress made since March. 

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the increasingly dire situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that overnight, Israeli authorities issued a new displacement order for two neighbourhoods in Khan Younis, following reported Palestinian rocket fire. Up to 80,000 people are estimated to be living in these neighourhoods. Approximately 85 per cent of Gaza’s territory is currently either under displacement orders or located within militarized zones – which is severely hampering people’s access to essential humanitarian support and the ability of aid workers to reach those in need.
Our colleagues working on water, sanitation and hygiene also tell us that Al Satar – a key water reservoir – has become inaccessible as a result of the order. The facility serves as the main water distribution hub for Khan Younis and a critical supply point for water coming through the Israeli pipeline in the area.
Any damage to the reservoir could lead to a collapse of the city’s water distribution system, with grave humanitarian consequences.
OCHA warns that these displacement orders continue to strain vital services and push people into increasingly smaller swaths of Gaza’s territory. Since the breakdown of the ceasefire in March and as of yesterday, some 714,000 people have been forcibly displaced once more across Gaza, with nearly 29,000 displaced in just 24 hours between Sunday and Monday.
Many existing shelters are severely overcrowded, with poor hygiene conditions – posing severe risks for public health. Our partners working on health, water, sanitation and hygiene report that across Gaza, rates of acute watery diarrhea have reached 39 per cent among patients receiving health consultations.
The increase is being driven by insufficient clean drinking and domestic water reaching shelters, worsening the dire hygiene and sanitation conditions. The governorates of Gaza and Khan Younis have the worst levels of acute watery diarrhea, due to severe overcrowding in sites and shelters.
You will recall that no shelter assistance has entered Gaza in four months, despite the hundreds of thousands of newly displaced people. Our shelter partners say that 97 per cent of the sites surveyed reported displaced people sleeping in the open. OCHA reiterates that an unrestricted flow of supplies through multiple crossing points over a sustained period of time is critical to address people’s needs and prevent the already desperate situation from worsening.
Meanwhile, the depletion of fuel stocks continues to wreak havoc on aid operations, constraining the UN and our humanitarian partners’ ability to respond.
Yet again today, an attempt to deliver some of the remaining fuel stocks to the north was denied by Israeli authorities.
The denial follows a successful delivery yesterday of diesel from the World Health Organization’s remaining stock to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to prevent further shutdown of critical services. WHO says the facility is overwhelmed and severely under-resourced. Its beds are full, and patients are once again being treated on the floor.
Our partners working on emergency telecommunications stress that unless fuel stocks are replenished immediately, Gaza could face a complete communications blackout, severely hindering humanitarian access and coordination, and preventing affected communities from receiving critical information.
Critical water, sanitation, hygiene and healthcare facilities have already begun shutting down in some areas, including hospital equipment and services, water trucking, and water and sewage pumps. If the fuel crisis isn’t addressed soon, humanitarian responders could be left without the systems and tools necessary to operate safely, manage logistics and distribute humanitarian assistance. This would endanger aid workers and escalate an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20July%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWsQI3oYzuM

MIL OSI Video –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Cyprus, Palestine, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (2 July 2025) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

———————————

Highlights:
Cyprus
Occupied Palestinian Territory
Yemen
Haiti
South Sudan

———————————
CYPRUS
Following the informal meeting on Cyprus in a broader format that was held in Geneva on 17-18 March of this year, the Secretary-General will convene on 16 and 17 July, here at UN Headquarters, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, as well as representatives of the guarantor powers of Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, for another informal meeting on Cyprus.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue and exchange views on the progress made since March. 

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Turning to the increasingly dire situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that overnight, Israeli authorities issued a new displacement order for two neighbourhoods in Khan Younis, following reported Palestinian rocket fire. Up to 80,000 people are estimated to be living in these neighourhoods. Approximately 85 per cent of Gaza’s territory is currently either under displacement orders or located within militarized zones – which is severely hampering people’s access to essential humanitarian support and the ability of aid workers to reach those in need.
Our colleagues working on water, sanitation and hygiene also tell us that Al Satar – a key water reservoir – has become inaccessible as a result of the order. The facility serves as the main water distribution hub for Khan Younis and a critical supply point for water coming through the Israeli pipeline in the area.
Any damage to the reservoir could lead to a collapse of the city’s water distribution system, with grave humanitarian consequences.
OCHA warns that these displacement orders continue to strain vital services and push people into increasingly smaller swaths of Gaza’s territory. Since the breakdown of the ceasefire in March and as of yesterday, some 714,000 people have been forcibly displaced once more across Gaza, with nearly 29,000 displaced in just 24 hours between Sunday and Monday.
Many existing shelters are severely overcrowded, with poor hygiene conditions – posing severe risks for public health. Our partners working on health, water, sanitation and hygiene report that across Gaza, rates of acute watery diarrhea have reached 39 per cent among patients receiving health consultations.
The increase is being driven by insufficient clean drinking and domestic water reaching shelters, worsening the dire hygiene and sanitation conditions. The governorates of Gaza and Khan Younis have the worst levels of acute watery diarrhea, due to severe overcrowding in sites and shelters.
You will recall that no shelter assistance has entered Gaza in four months, despite the hundreds of thousands of newly displaced people. Our shelter partners say that 97 per cent of the sites surveyed reported displaced people sleeping in the open. OCHA reiterates that an unrestricted flow of supplies through multiple crossing points over a sustained period of time is critical to address people’s needs and prevent the already desperate situation from worsening.
Meanwhile, the depletion of fuel stocks continues to wreak havoc on aid operations, constraining the UN and our humanitarian partners’ ability to respond.
Yet again today, an attempt to deliver some of the remaining fuel stocks to the north was denied by Israeli authorities.
The denial follows a successful delivery yesterday of diesel from the World Health Organization’s remaining stock to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City to prevent further shutdown of critical services. WHO says the facility is overwhelmed and severely under-resourced. Its beds are full, and patients are once again being treated on the floor.
Our partners working on emergency telecommunications stress that unless fuel stocks are replenished immediately, Gaza could face a complete communications blackout, severely hindering humanitarian access and coordination, and preventing affected communities from receiving critical information.
Critical water, sanitation, hygiene and healthcare facilities have already begun shutting down in some areas, including hospital equipment and services, water trucking, and water and sewage pumps. If the fuel crisis isn’t addressed soon, humanitarian responders could be left without the systems and tools necessary to operate safely, manage logistics and distribute humanitarian assistance. This would endanger aid workers and escalate an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=02%20July%202025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWsQI3oYzuM

MIL OSI Video –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: The EIB reinforces global partnerships to boost food security and promote rural development, fight hunger and poverty
Source: European Investment Bank
- As part of its strategic cooperation with UN agencies, the EIB formalises its partnership with the World Food Programme, paving the way for the implementation of the first EIB-backed climate risk insurance scheme and enhancing EIB’s impact in fragile contexts.
- The EIB extends its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to strengthen sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Under the Seville Platform for Action, EIB joins the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty in two initiatives to fast-track finance for ending hunger, poverty and climate risk.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced new partnerships and commitments to promote food security and sustainable agriculture around the world and to combat hunger and poverty and. These steps were taken during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain.

The EIB Group is supporting food security and sustainable agriculture across the globe. These partnerships and initiatives with UN institutions and the Global Alliance against hunger and poverty will improve and expand our support to those who need it most,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “By leveraging synergies and sharing best practices, we aim to enhance food security and nutrition, empower farmers around the world—particularly women—, support adaptation to climate change, and transform agriculture into a more resilient and sustainable sector.”

Partnership with World Food Programme

The EIB formalised a partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) through a MoU that outlines key areas of cooperation, including climate resilience, food security and nutrition, critical agricultural infrastructure, innovative financing instruments, and inclusive access to finance for agricultural SMEs and smallholder farmers. This partnership has a global scope, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa and fragile countries.

In addition, the EIB and WFP have signed a Letter of Understanding, enabling the EIB to directly finance WFP operations and benefit from its advisory and implementation expertise.

The first joint initiative will be a climate-risk insurance project in Ethiopia. This complements an existing €110 million EIB credit line to the Development Bank of Ethiopia aimed at improving rural access to finance – especially for small-scale farmers and women – and strengthening rural financial institutions.

“This partnership between the European Investment Bank and the World Food Programme reflects our shared commitment to investing in sustainable solutions that tackle the root causes of hunger, build resilience, and support communities most vulnerable to the impacts of conflict, climate and economic shocks,” said Rania Dagash-Kamara, Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation at WFP.

Extension of memorandum of understanding with FAO

The EIB and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) renewed their joint commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa by extending their Memorandum of Understanding – originally signed in 2015 and renewed in 2020 – until 2030. As part of this strengthened collaboration, the EIB has provided €1.4 million to the FAO for technical assistance in identifying and preparing projects that support sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

This collaboration has already facilitated the preparation of complex operations in Ethiopia and Liberia, including sector studies, feasibility assessments, and evaluations of project promoters’ implementation capacities.

By leveraging the FAO’s expertise, the EIB aims to expand its agrifood and bioeconomy lending pipeline, contributing to improved food security, increased farmer incomes, women’s empowerment and job creation.

A particular focus will be on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture re and smallholder farmers through financial intermediaries while engaging the public and private sectors in developing agrifood value chains.

“FAO, through its Investment Centre, is enthusiastic about growing its collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB) by signing this MoU, first established in 2015 and regularly renewed as a cornerstone of our shared commitment, said Mohamed Manssouri, Director of the FAO Investment Centre. “Within this framework, the latest agreement signed in 2023 is achieving great results for beneficiary countries, with two approved operations unlocking a EUR 130 million credit line to support local banks lending to smallholders and agri-SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa, and more investments are under preparation. This partnership directly supports FAO’s vision for Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life, leaving no one behind,” he added.

Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty

In 2024, the EIB joined other financial institutions in the Group of 20 global alliance against hunger and poverty led by Brazil. In line with its mission to eradicate hunger and extreme poverty, the EIB committed to supporting the alliance’s integrated, multi-level approach combining social protection with access to essential services in education, health, finance and agriculture.

At FfD4, the EIB joined two initiatives led by the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty through the Seville Action Platform to fast-track finance for ending hunger, poverty and climate risk. These initiatives focus on building better-integrated finance for sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1 and 2 and on scaling up finance for climate-resilient social protection and smallholder agriculture. They aim to accelerate the implementation of large-scale national programs by streamlining financial flows from multiple donors and connecting them directly to on-the-ground needs.

Background information

EIB

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments contributing to EU policy goals. EIB Global carries out the EIB’s operations outside the EU. As a key partner in the EU’s Global Gateway, the EIB aims to support at least €100 billion of investments by 2028, one third of the strategy’s target. Over the 2014–2023 period, EIB lending outside the EU totalled more than €70 billion, with a significant share supporting infrastructure, climate, and food security. With offices across the world, EIB Global is close to local people, firms and institutions, and fosters strong Team Europe partnerships with development finance institutions.

FAO

The FAO Investment Centre works to deliver investment and finance solutions that promote inclusive economic growth, better diets and nutrition, greater equity and climate resilience. The Centre provides a full suite of investment support services to FAO Member states, working in over 120 countries. It partners with governments, national and international financing institutions, the private sector, research institutions, academia and producer organizations to help countries achieve lasting impact at scale.

WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty

The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty was established in 2024 as a proposal from the Brazilian presidency of the G20 to support and accelerate efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty (Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2), while reducing inequalities (SDG 10). The core of the Alliance is the Policy Basket, a menu of rigorously evaluated policy instruments, ensuring that donor investments are directed toward cost effective, high-impact initiatives. Acting as a neutral facilitator, the Alliance builds partnerships and mobilizes financial and knowledge resources to implement these policy instruments.

In an innovative approach, the Alliance reduces transaction costs and avoids duplication of efforts by leveraging a unified database, streamlining the identification of knowledge and funding needs and opportunities. The Alliance also differentiates itself by favoring the pooling of resources and expertise, enabling greater impact and efficiency compared to fragmented individual efforts. This allows the implementation of comprehensive, multisectoral strategies.
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Incompatibility of Hungarian constitutional amendment with EU law – E-001658/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Equality and respect for human dignity and human rights are core values of the EU, enshrined in the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

The Charter sets out the rights to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly and association. The Commission is committed to promoting and safeguarding these rights.

The Commission is concerned about any development that could put at risk the effective implementation of EU law and remains fully committed to addressing inequality and discrimination affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) persons as outlined in the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025[1].

The Commission is closely monitoring the situation in Hungary. It is thoroughly analysing the 15th Amendment to Hungary’s Fundamental Law and accompanying legislation and the Law amending Act LV of 2018 on the right of assembly related to the protection of children, and amending the related laws, recently adopted by the Hungarian Parliament from the perspective of EU law.

In December 2022, the Commission referred Hungary to the Court of Justice of the EU over national rules that discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Commission considers that such rules violate EU law, both single market rules and the fundamental rights of individuals, in particular of LGBTIQ people, as well as the common values at the core of the EU.

The case is still pending before the Court of Justice. A hearing on this case took place on 19 November 2024 and the Advocate General issued her opinion on 5 June 2025.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52020DC0698.
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Green taxation in Cyprus – E-001234/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The green taxation reform is a key element of Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan[1]. It aims to internalise environmental externalities, encouraging more efficient use of resources and incentivising the adoption of renewable energy.

This is crucial in Cyprus where the green taxation system and municipal waste recycling lag behind the rest of Europe, and water scarcity is a particular issue.

The green taxation reform includes a carbon tax, which constitutes a transition towards the Emissions Trading System 2 on buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2) applicable from 2027, a levy on water and a charge on landfill waste, both of which will be incrementally increased.

The reform should precisely set the right incentives for transitioning to climate neutrality, modernising waste and water management and enhancing renewable energy capacity. It is crucial to pass it soon so that this incentivisation happens quickly. The reform will help Cyprus come closer to its climate objectives and the legally binding maximum landfill rate of 10% by 2035.

Regarding the availability of tools to support Cyprus in closing its infrastructure gaps and mitigating the transition costs for households, on top of e.g. structural and cohesion funds, the Social Climate Fund (SCF) will support a socially fair transition towards climate neutrality by addressing the effects of the EU-wide introduction of carbon pricing in the buildings and road transport sectors applicable from 2027.

Already as of 2026, the SCF will provide Member States with dedicated funding to support vulnerable groups, with building renovation, decarbonisation of heating, renewable energy as well as sustainability mobility and transport.

[1] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/cyprus-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mercosur agreement: Agen prunes sector at risk! – E-001813/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) protects 344 EU geographical indications (GIs), including the term ‘Pruneaux d’Agen’, in the four Mercosur countries.

The Commission can confirm that the level of protection for these EU GIs under the EMPA is comparable to the high level of protection in the EU.

During a transition period of 10 years following the entry into force of the EMPA, specific rules would apply for terms ‘D’Agen’ or ‘Ciruela D’Agen’.

In this framework, only legitimate prior users may use these terms in the Mercosur countries if accompanied by clear indication of the geographical origin to avoid any confusion with the placing on the market of ‘Pruneaux d’Agen’ produced in France.

There is no evidence based on available impact studies of the EMPA that agriculture in the EU or in France would be affected by massive imports of agricultural products from South America.

The EU’s sanitary and phytosanitary standards fully apply to imported products, which must always comply with the EU’s stringent food safety requirements including maximum residue limits for pesticides. This applies regardless of trade agreements with third countries, including Mercosur.

As outlined in the Commission’s Communication ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food’ of 19 February 2025[1], the EU will strive toward fairer global level playing field for agriculture.

The Commission will pursue, in line with international rules, a stronger alignment of production standards applied to imported products, including on pesticides.

[1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — A vision for Agriculture and Food. Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations, COM/2025/75 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0075.
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Responsible campervan use and camping throughout the EU – E-002553/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-002553/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Renew)

Campervans are becoming an increasingly popular way for Europeans to holiday. Travelling by road can be a more sustainable approach to exploration and adventure. The difficulty in Ireland, and in many other EU countries, is that there are insufficient campervan facilities. There are insufficient municipal camping grounds that cater specifically for campervans. There are insufficient services that allow campervans to park up, cook food and dispose of waste, black water, grey water and other related waste.

In some Member States, specific local laws make it difficult for campervans to park in and visit particular areas. A lack of facilities often forces campervans to park in public car parks next to beaches, which is causing friction with local coastal communities. In some coastal communities in the EU, campervans are not even allowed.

How will the Commission encourage Member States to adopt rules to facilitate the movement and proper parking of campervans?

Submitted: 25.6.2025

Last updated: 2 July 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Inhumane conditions in EU-funded Greek reception centres – E-001589/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The general rules on material reception conditions and healthcare foreseen in Article 19 of the recast Reception Conditions Directive[1] must be applied by all Member States.

The Pact on Migration and Asylum[2] will provide Member States with an opportunity to align national legislation and practices with EU law.

In this regard, the Commission is carefully monitoring the way in which all Member States will transpose the recast Reception Conditions Directive into national law by 12 June 2026, including in particular Article 19 of this directive.

The Commission’s dedicated Task Force for Migration Management[3] coordinates with relevant Greek authorities and actors, as they fulfil their duty to provide, in particular, adequate reception facilities and protection of unaccompanied minors and other vulnerable groups, among other areas.

The Commission conducts audits and on-the-spot checks to ensure that every euro from the budget is spent in line with the rules and generates added value[4].

If the Commission discovers deficiencies, it can intervene by interrupting or suspending payments to beneficiaries or Member States. If at a later stage the Commission detects any wrongdoing, it can introduce financial corrections and recover the funds already paid.

The Commission opened an infringement procedure in January 2023 by sending a letter of formal notice to Greece[5], for incorrectly transposing certain provisions of the Reception Conditions Directive and is in close contact with the Greek authorities to ensure its correct transposition and application of the recast Reception Conditions Directive. The Commission will continue to monitor transposition in light of the Pact provisions.

[1] Directive (EU) 2024/1346 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection, OJ L, 2024/1346, 22.5.2024, http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1346/oj.

[2] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_en.

[3] Commission press release (IP/20/1728) of 23 September 2020, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_1728.

[4] In the case of the Home Affairs Funds programs, the Member States’ authorities are responsible for selecting the projects to finance in accordance with the relevant EU rules and assume responsibility for the day-to-day management and for ensuring that the actions supported by the funds are implemented correctly and effectively.

[5] On 26 January 2023 the Commission sent letters of formal notice to Greece alleging failure to transpose in a fully conform manner all provisions of Directive 2013/33/EU (the Reception Conditions Directive).
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Threat to the EU from the mafia of Türkiye and the Occupied Territories – E-001699/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission takes a comprehensive approach to protect the EU from financial crime. The anti-money laundering (AML/CFT) Directive[1] includes the obligation to identify third countries posing significant money laundering risks.

The AML package adopted in 2024[2] further strengthen these efforts inter alia by establishing mechanisms to better identify and manage risks from third countries.

The Commission engages in depth with candidate countries on topics related to organised crime, corruption and drug trafficking in the context of the negotiations on accession, which offers a direct and operational framework to engage with Türkiye.

Risks stemming from Türkiye and in the non-government controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus are part of these ongoing discussions with Türkiye.

As a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Commission is fully aware of Türkiye’s compliance levels on AML/CFT, including its efforts to address any concerns through tangible actions, and of the risks associated with the non-government controlled areas as highlighted in the evaluation reports concerning Cyprus.

While FATF removed Türkiye from its ‘grey list’ of countries in June 2024, the Commission agrees that close monitoring of the effectiveness of Türkiye’s AML/CFT framework is essential.

In line with the EU methodology for identifying high risk third countries[3], as regards any candidate country, the Commission may consider mitigating measures included in the accession negotiations that address the identified strategic deficiencies.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2015/849/oj/eng.

[2] https://finance.ec.europa.eu/news/latest-update-anti-money-laundering-and-countering-financing-terrorism-legislative-package-2024-04-24_en.

[3] SWD(2020) 99: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f745b6e8-735b-4855-b050-f52276356fe6_en?filename=200507-anti-money-laundering-terrorism-financing-action-plan-methodology_en.pdf.
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – High wage inequalities in the European Union – E-002555/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002555/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

Despite the European Union’s principle of convergence, average wages still vary enormously between the Member States. According to recent data from 2023, the average monthly full-time wage in the EU was around EUR 3 155, dropping to less than EUR 1 125 in Bulgaria and reaching EUR 6 755 in Luxembourg. And although these disparities become narrower when purchasing power standards (PPS) are taken into account, significant inequalities persist. Low wages in many Eastern and Southern European countries, such as Greece, limit people’s ability to make a decent living and increase brain drain. While the EU has adopted the Minimum Wages Directive, it is unclear whether there are effective tools to ensure real convergence of incomes in terms of quality of life. This issue directly concerns social cohesion and the sustainability of economies.

In view of the above, can the Commission say:

1.Is there a plan to reduce disparities in average wages between Member States, not only in absolute terms but also taking into account purchasing power standards (PPS)?

2.Does it envisage further regulatory action or financial support so that the wages in the countries with the lowest salaries can actually approach the European average in real terms?

Submitted: 25.6.2025
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – High wage inequalities in the European Union – E-002555/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002555/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

Despite the European Union’s principle of convergence, average wages still vary enormously between the Member States. According to recent data from 2023, the average monthly full-time wage in the EU was around EUR 3 155, dropping to less than EUR 1 125 in Bulgaria and reaching EUR 6 755 in Luxembourg. And although these disparities become narrower when purchasing power standards (PPS) are taken into account, significant inequalities persist. Low wages in many Eastern and Southern European countries, such as Greece, limit people’s ability to make a decent living and increase brain drain. While the EU has adopted the Minimum Wages Directive, it is unclear whether there are effective tools to ensure real convergence of incomes in terms of quality of life. This issue directly concerns social cohesion and the sustainability of economies.

In view of the above, can the Commission say:

1.Is there a plan to reduce disparities in average wages between Member States, not only in absolute terms but also taking into account purchasing power standards (PPS)?

2.Does it envisage further regulatory action or financial support so that the wages in the countries with the lowest salaries can actually approach the European average in real terms?

Submitted: 25.6.2025
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa looks to global lessons as it sharpens its focus on gender priorities at G20

Source: South Africa News Agency

South Africa looks to global lessons as it sharpens its focus on gender priorities at G20

As the G20 Technical Meetings continue in South Africa, a powerful voice is emerging from within the country’s leadership, calling for bolder and more targeted investments in women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Advocate Joyce Mikateko Maluleke, the Chairperson of the G20 Empowerment Women Working Group (EWWG) and Director-General of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, told SAnews that South Africa is drawing critical lessons from global partners to respond to some of its most urgent challenges.

The Third Technical Meeting of the G20 EWWG is currently taking place at the Skukuza Conference Centre at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.

“There’s a lot that, as a country, we are learning from other countries. We have three priorities: valuing the care economy – both paid and unpaid; unlocking genuine financial inclusion for women, and eradicating gender-based violence and femicide,” Maluleke said.

Maluleke began by addressing the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which she said continues to tear through the country’s social fabric.

“Gender-based violence is a crisis in South Africa. It’s really one thing that, as a country, we want to learn from other countries. Other countries have done so many things… for prevention, even regulating access to social media, because one of the biggest challenges is that our children have a lot of unlimited access to the internet at an early age. Other countries shared that they control what young persons have access to,” she explained.

From controlling explicit media to implementing surveillance technologies that aid in prevention and justice, Maluleke said there is much to learn from.

“They have used technology to protect women. For example, you find that there’s a surveillance camera every few meters. It does help because they can follow up… They have invested in prevention,” she said.

Investing in strong family support structures, something other countries do well, is an area where South Africa must improve. Maluleke said this is one of the biggest prevention measures that the country needs to adopt.

On financial inclusion, Maluleke highlighted the need to replicate successful international models that empower women from the ground up.

“We’ve learned from them… The support they give to women in businesses starts from their education systems. Countries like Germany have invested in vocational training, and they have elevated artisanship to the same level as those that went to university,” she said.

In Germany, Maluleke noted, 60% of learners pursue technical training, while only 40% go to university.

“That’s why Germany is so strong in terms of engineering and [technical fields],” she remarked.

The third priority, which is care work, remains an often-overlooked economic force, Maluleke said.

“Most countries have indicated that [care work] is a strong, unseen engine of the economy. Women will stay at home to raise children and to look after those who are sick…” she said, urging for an investment in systems that allow for a balance between work and life commitments.

“Care work, they say, is work of love. Yes, we love our parents, but we must still be able to live,” Maluleke emphasised.

On prevention strategies for GBVF, the Director-General stressed the urgent need to shift focus and budget accordingly.

“… [UN Women] said: ‘Preventing gender-based violence is not expensive. Not preventing gender-based violence is expensive.” It costs [a lot to raise] children [whose] families… are not able to [take them] to school, who won’t be able to contribute to the GDP… and who [might] end up getting involved in substance abuse, and to rehabilitate them is expensive,” she said.

Towards a stronger declaration and legacy

As deliberations continue, South Africa is preparing for the signing of a declaration that addresses its three focus areas, namely, care work, financial inclusion and GBVF.

Maluleke explained that every working group works on the technical meetings, which will culminate in the declaration that will be signed by Ministers in the G20 when they meet.

She emphasised that a key objective is to secure tangible outcomes from the G20 engagement.

“One of the achievements that we would like to achieve is that the financial sector needs to ensure that when Ministers sign the declaration as a product… they also launch a legacy project,” she added.

Indeed, one such legacy project is already in the pipeline.

“We already have the World Bank… The World Bank will be launching, as a legacy project of the South African G20 Presidency, a financial facility on care work.

“Women, who are running ECDs [Early Childhood Development Centres], will be able to apply for funding from that fund. They will launch it at the Minister’s meeting,” Maluleke said.

Consensus and Positive Masculinity

With 21 countries now part of the G20, following the African Union’s recent inclusion, building consensus remains a major hurdle.

“All of them must consent to the declaration. That’s why we’re starting the negotiations today… and even tomorrow, we will be negotiating,” Maluleke said.

Alongside the declaration, South Africa is preparing another powerful intervention: a conference on positive masculinity.

“Masculinity shouldn’t destroy. It should protect,” Maluleke said.

The event will bring together G20 countries, guest nations, and international organisations, aiming to change the mindset of men and reframe masculinity as a force for protection and empowerment.

“There are countries that have reduced gender-based violence. They say gender-based violence can be prevented, but you have to invest in that prevention.

“Gender-based violence doesn’t discriminate… All of us have to make sure that we prevent it so that we protect our girls,” the Director-General said.

As negotiations unfold and commitments solidify, South Africa is poised to drive meaningful change – not just at home but across the G20 platform by aligning global best practices with local action, and by ensuring no one is left behind in the fight for dignity, equity and justice. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 07/02/2025 – 16:00

MIL OSI Africa –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Result of public consultation on local access guidance at Loch Ruthven

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

Feedback has been collated from a public consultation launched by The Highland Council that could help protect a rare species of bird at Loch Ruthven near Farr, south of Inverness.

The entire UK breeding population of Slavonian Grebes is usually found in lochs within 30 miles of Inverness. The number of breeding pairs on the loch has declined from a long-term average of 13 to just 3 in 2024. The consultation was launched to develop local access guidance at Loch Ruthven that could help protect the birds during their breeding season.

The consultation closed on 16 May with 239 people responding to the invitation for opinions and ideas on a proposal to ask people not to canoe, paddleboard or swim at the east end of the loch between 1 March and 31 August.

Responses have shown considerable support for the proposal with 88% of respondents believing the idea to be reasonable and acceptable. Many qualified their support saying that research into the causes of the decline in Slavonian Grebes was needed, along with education and publicity about the birds’ plight.

15 people said they would not agree to the guidance, with most concerned about how it might affect their rights to fish the loch. Those rights are private and will remain unaffected.

Others who did not support the proposal felt that the case against swimmers, paddleboarders and canoeists was not proven and that more research was needed into the causes of the decline. They too felt that more education and information was needed for water sports enthusiasts visiting the loch.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (Scotland) manages land at the east end of the loch with the help of a ranger and volunteers and will continue to monitor activity at the loch whilst helping people understand what is being asked of them and why. Proposals for a wider and more in-depth study into why Slavonian Grebes numbers are declining are also in the pipeline. These measures will be useful when determining if the local access guidance is effective in protecting the birds.

With the majority of respondents backing the proposal – including clubs and organisations representing paddle sports – Highland Council will support the message asking people to avoid swimming, paddleboarding or canoeing at the east of the loch until the end of August 2025. The effectiveness of this local access guidance will be reviewed after the 2025 breeding season.

2 Jul 2025

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community benefits funding delivers educational resources to Highland schools

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

Highland Council has provided 12 ‘Talking Tub’ resources for use in primary schools across the Highlands, in partnership with Union Technical who deliver community benefits as part of the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme programme.

Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee, Councillor John Finlayson, said: “This is a fantastic initiative being rolled out across Highland primary schools which brings innovation and inspiration to early years children. Talking Tubs are educational resources designed to be borrowed by early years providers to enhance learning around a particular topic or theme and these boxes focus on construction and green energy.

“The goal is to help children begin developing the foundational skills and curiosity needed for future careers in energy and construction—sectors that are vital to the sustainability and growth of the Highlands. By using the Talking Tubs as a playful learning tool, educators can introduce children to a broader spectrum of jobs and skills beyond the traditional roles they may already see in their local areas. This initiative not only supports early learning and development but also strengthens community ties by highlighting local industries and the exciting possibilities they hold for the next generation.”

Each tub is thoughtfully curated with a variety of engaging materials including wooden construction toys, Lego sets, house building bricks, engineering and construction children’s books, puzzles, hard hats and hi-vis vests, all aimed at encouraging children to explore real-world themes through imaginative play and providing awareness for future careers.

The Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) programme is a Scottish Government programme and offers eligible Highland residents grant funding for energy efficiency measures including external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, air source heat pump and solar panels with battery storage, which can result in significant savings on household energy bills.

Managed locally by Highland Council, the scheme is currently delivered by Union Technical and has funded upgrades for thousands of homes across the Highlands using Government grants and other support.

Highland Council receiving the Talking Tubs from Union Technical

St Columbus Primary School receiving a Talking Tub

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community invited to help shape Dingwall 800 celebrations

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

To mark 800 years since Dingwall became a Royal Burgh, a year-long programme of celebrations is being planned for 2026 and local residents, community groups and businesses are now being invited to get involved in shaping this major milestone for the Highland town.

Fèis Rois, in partnership with The Highland Council, Dingwall Community Council, Dingwall Community Development Company, and other local organisations, is coordinating the Dingwall 800 programme, with a focus on “Telling Dingwall’s Story – Past, Present & Future.”

Two public drop-in information sessions will be held in July for anyone interested in learning more, sharing ideas, or getting involved.

These will be held at the Fèis Rois office in Robertson House, Dingwall on Monday 14th July from 6-8pm and Thursday 17th July from 2-4pm.

All are welcome to attend.

Fèis Rois, one of Scotland’s top traditional arts organisations and based in Dingwall, is particularly keen to hear from local groups, individuals, creatives and businesses interested in participating in or supporting the 2026 celebrations.

As part of the preparations, a logo design competition is being launched for young people aged 8 to 25.

The winning logo will represent the Dingwall 800 celebrations across all publicity materials.

Young creatives are invited to create a logo inspired by Dingwall, its history, people, and future.

Entries may be hand-drawn, painted, or created digitally. The deadline for entries is Sunday 31st August and you can find entry details at www.feisrois.org.

The winning design will be used across all Dingwall 800 marketing materials and the winner will also receive a £300 voucher for Fèis Rois, which can be used for a year of weekly music classes or to attend a residential course.

There will also be two runner-up prizes.

Siobhan MacIntyre, the recently appointed Dingwall 800 Event Producer, commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for young people to contribute to a historic event and have their creativity recognised as part of a major community celebration. I’m sure that come next year there won’t be a single person in Dingwall who doesn’t recognise the Dingwall 800 logo!”

Siobhan, who took up her role in June in between working at Glastonbury Festival where she has worked as part of the producing team for over a decade, is from the Highlands and is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Technical and Production Arts Management.

As well as Glastonbury, she has worked across the UK and internationally on large-scale arena tours including Catherine Tate, Strictly: The Professionals, and Steve Backshall Live.

Siobhan added: “I’m excited to contribute to Fèis Rois, the community of Dingwall, and be part of celebrating and supporting Scotland’s rich cultural heritage”

Highland Council’s Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee Chair, Cllr Graham MacKenzie, said: “We are delighted to welcome Siobhan to the new post of events producer as we prepare to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Dingwall becoming a Royal Burgh.

“In May the Dingwall and Seaforth Committee of Highland Council agreed to allocate funds to Fèis Rois to help recruit Siobhan. She has an impressive career background in high-quality cultural and arts events, and will now lead on the delivery of an ambitious and exciting programme of work to mark this special milestone.”

“2026 promises to be a major year for the town and surrounding area. Dingwall 800 events will help drive tourism and boost economic growth, as well as to deliver other priorities previously identified in our area-based plan.”

To find out more about the drop-in sessions or logo competition, please visit www.feisrois.org.

PR issued by Katie MacKenzie PR

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community-Led Local Development Fund distributes over £900k to support projects in Highland

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

The Highland Strategic Local Action Group (LAG) met in June 2025 and considered and agreed funding for 28 projects submitted to the Community-Led Local Development fund (CLLD), which makes up part of The Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund (CRF) programme.

CRF is an umbrella term used to cover multiple external funding programmes administered by The Highland Council. Decisions on which projects are to receive CLLD funding are taken by the Highland Strategic Local Action Group. This decision-making group is made up of third sector representatives, public agencies, and private organisations.

Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “It is the fourth year in a row that we have been successful in securing a large allocation of CLLD funding from the Scottish Government. This funding is essential to support grass roots economic regeneration, allowing communities to grow and develop new opportunities.”

“We welcome the continued investment by the Scottish Government in our rural communities and are proud to support community groups and witness the significant and lasting impact these projects have across the Highlands.

“I wish everyone working hard to turn their plans into reality all the very best.”

The CLLD Fund continues to play a vital role in supporting grassroots initiatives that foster resilience, inclusivity, and innovation in rural communities. From Caithness down to Lochaber, the funding will empower local groups and organisations to deliver impactful projects tailored to the unique needs of their communities. These include feasibility studies, building renovations, renewable energy installations, youth services, and community transport programmes.

This follows on from a successful 2024/25 CLLD round where over £1.4 million was allocated to 52 community groups across the Highlands. Across Highland, the overall social return on investment for the 2024/25 CLLD round was £3.46 for every £1 of funding invested. In total projects spent returned a social value of £6,065,874.

CLLD 2025-26 approved projects:

The Dornoch Area Community Interest Company: The Dornoch Community Transport Project –  £36,861.00
Lochview Rural Training Centre: Land Based Training Equipment – £12,954.00
Fearn Amenities SCIO : Groundworks At Fearn Pavillion – £14,685.00
Edinbane Community Company: Edinbane Shop Technical Design –  £15,000.00
Linnhe Leisure: Sound & Lighting –  £83,331.97
Lochaber Hope: New Connections –  £11,439.52
Poolewe and District Swimming Pool association: Sustain the Pool –  £21,000.00
Wick Community Hub:  Sensory Room Space –  £30,000.00
Farmer Jones Academy c.i.c : Sensory Dome and Play Equipment –  £57,000.00
Rosemarkie Amenities Association (RAA): Upgrading of Rosemarkie Promenade – £35,357.00
Dornie & District Community Trust: Dornie Hub – £31,329.84
Mallaig & Morar Community Centre Association: Energy Efficiency Improvements – £2,961.99
Arisaig Community Trust: Playpark Project –  £22,343.32
Evanton Community Cinema:Equipment Purchase and Installation – £32,201.20
Wick Development Trust: Path Upgrade & Motorhome Waste Service – £52,329.24
Mallaig Pool & Leisure: Upgrade of Gym and Sauna – £100,000.00
Dementia Friendly Communities Ltd: Dinner To Your Door Delivery Vehicle – £27,279.00
Ormlie Community Association Ltd: New Meeting Room & Services –  £6,694.00
North Kessock Village Hall: North Kessock Village Hall Renovation –  £17,000.00
Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust:  New Signage and Trails –   £9,945.00
Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust: Net Zero Housing – Phase 2 (NZH-2) – £76,596.00
Go Golspie Development Trust: New Electric Community Car – £34,369.00
Farr North Community Development Trust: Community Transport – Farr Goes –  £17,664.00
Glenelg and Arnisdale Development Trust: Glenelg Playpark – £27,077.00
Fox & Friends Highland: Disabled Friendly Bathroom –  £38,000.00
Sutherland Resilience Initiative: Community Transport – £57,260.00
Applecross Community Company:  Affordable Housing Project –  £44,600.00
The Place Youth Club: Disabled Access Project –  £50,000.00

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Controlling expenditure on public works projects

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Chan Siu-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):

Question:

It is learnt that public works expenditures involving infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, and so on account for a substantial proportion of government spending. However, there are views pointing out that the model of division of labour in which policy bureaux or government departments, as “users”, only need to specify the requirements and functions during the planning stage of a project, leaving the subsequent processes such as design and construction to be spearheaded by technical departments like the Civil Engineering and Development Department or the Architectural Services Department, is prone to result in user departments lacking awareness of project budget control and losing sight of cost-effectiveness, whereas the technical departments may need to adopt more costly building designs, methods, or materials, among others, in a bid to meet the individual requirements of user departments, hence driving up the cost of works even at the inception stage (i.e. the “upstream stage”) of the project. Therefore, various government departments should shift their mindset towards upholding an “awareness of being property owners” to take the lead in formulating a reasonable budget right at the early stage of project planning and strictly monitor its implementation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will consider strengthening various government departments’ awareness of being property owners, with a view to exercising stringent control over the estimates of expenditure at the upstream stage of public works projects; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) of the strategies and specific measures implemented by the Project Strategy and Governance Office under the Development Bureau at various stages (including upstream, midstream and downstream) of public works to reduce project cost; whether an assessment has been conducted on the respective effectiveness of these strategies and measures; and

(3) whether it has drawn on the cost control measures adopted by the Mainland and various places in the world at the upstream stage of public works; if not, of the reasons for that; if so, the details, including whether such measures encompass a concept similar to the awareness of being property owners?

Reply:

President,

The Development Bureau (DEVB) established the Project Cost Management Office in 2016 and upgraded it to become the Project Strategy and Governance Office (PSGO) in April 2019 for formulating and implementing strategic initiatives and enhancing capabilities in cost surveillance and project governance to public works projects. On monitoring project estimates of public works, there is a set of stringent vetting mechanisms in place. While not compromising the functionality, quality and safety of works, the PSGO, as an independent third party, participates in project cost vetting from project inception stage in accordance with the “fitness-for-purpose and no frills” principle, and will follow up on project development and design optimisation and continuously monitor the performance of the projects during construction stage, and implement suitable measures for cost saving.

Our responses to the three parts of the question are as follows:

(1) At different project implementation stages, the works departments have been maintaining communication with the project proponent policy bureaux, providing advice to the project proponent policy bureaux on project planning and design, cost estimation, progress, etc. In addition, senior management of project proponent policy bureaux participated in the project management and leadership development programme under the Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders under the DEVB to reinforce and strengthen their understanding of project cost management and ensure that public funds are used properly. To further enhance capabilities in cost surveillance and project governance, the DEVB is working with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau to study on optimising the preparatory and conceptual work before project inception, with emphasis on strengthening the review of site selection, usage mix, scale, design, implementation programme, etc, by the project proponent policy bureaux and user departments. This will help the project proponent policy bureaux and user departments to comprehensively evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different implementation proposals with the “ownership” mindset, so as to formulate practical and cost-effective proposals. By planning ahead the overall estimates before project inception, the project cost-effectiveness can be further enhanced. We are currently formulating relevant details and guidelines, with the relevant measures planned to be implemented within this year.

(2) The PSGO vigorously scrutinises cost estimates of public works projects. During the project inception stage, we also examine the technical feasibility statement submitted by the works departments to establish the technical feasibility of the project and review the preliminary cost estimate and cash flow requirements.

During the design stage, we liaise with project proponent policy bureaux and user departments to enhance project cost-effectiveness, reduce cost and minimise risk of cost overrun through design optimisation by means of exploring different design options, construction methods and procurement models. We also carry out benchmarking with costs of other similar projects and make reference to the prevailing market situation, to ensure that the project estimates are reasonable. Furthermore, the Government adopts parallel tendering before submitting funding application of the projects to the Legislative Council so as to accurately reflect the tender prices in the approved project estimate for better financial management of the projects to reduce the risk of cost overrun.

During the construction stage, the DEVB regularly conducts high-level meetings with works departments, complemented with the established Integrated Capital Works Platform, enabling management of different departments to grasp the real-time performance of each project, closely monitor the implementation programme of projects and provide timely intervention so as to mitigate the risks of project cost overrun and delays. At the same time, the PSGO also examines major variations in projects during the construction period and provides independent advice to works departments to ensure the cost-effectiveness of the major variations.

Since its establishment, the PSGO has scrutinised more than 540 capital works projects, and successfully saved about $190 billion (about 16 per cent) in construction cost out of the original estimate of about $1,200 billion proposed by the project proponent policy bureaux.

In addition, the overall cost management performance of the Capital Works Programme has all along been well performed. In the past ten years, there were 575 Category A projects approved by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council, and so far only 15 projects required budget increase. Besides, in the past ten years, the total expenditure of the 510 Category A projects with their final accounts settled (including expenditure of the additional funding) was about 90 per cent of the total original approved project estimates.

The DEVB has completed the strategic study on relatively high construction costs in Hong Kong. We will progressively launch the relevant cost control measures along the following four directions, which includes (i) optimising the project procurement model, (ii) reviewing the design standards and requirements, (iii) applying advanced technologies and construction methods, and (iv) streamlining the approval process, once they are ready so as to reduce the construction costs.

(3) The Government has been liaising and actively exchanging project management experience with other authorities, including the Mainland, Singapore and the United Kingdom, to enhance the project delivery capabilities and performance. For example, the DEVB signed the Letter of Intent on Strengthening Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation in Construction and Related Engineering Sectors with the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province to deepen the co-operation in construction and engineering sectors between Guangdong and Hong Kong. We also signed a Memorandum of Understanding each with the Centre for Public Project Management of the Ministry of Finance of Singapore and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, part of the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury of the United Kingdom, in December 2022 and February 2023 respectively. The DEVB also organised the Project Cost Management Forum to allow local and overseas industry leaders to exchange views and share experiences regarding project cost control. Among them, we make reference to the process and experience of implementing projects in the Mainland, as well as their practices for optimising construction programme. In addition, we understand that the Singapore government is involved in the upstream process of project planning to review the scope, design and cost reasonableness of the projects, and enhance the cost-effectiveness of the projects by revising the scope of the projects or optimising the design. We will continue to make reference to the experience of project cost control in different places and formulate comprehensive and systematic measures to manage project costs.

Ends/Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:26

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – DNAT meeting – 26 June 2025 – Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Source: European Parliament

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At the meeting of the Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (DNAT) Members elected the following Vice-Chairs: Vasile DÎNCU, First Vice-Chair (S&D, Romania) and Alexandr VONDRA, Second Vice-Chair (ECR, Czechia).

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Situation in Cernăuți (Chernivtsi), Ukraine – E-002545/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002545/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI)

On Tuesday 17 June 2025, 20 young Ukrainians, some with their faces covered, physically assaulted several Romanian priests in Cernăuți Cathedral. One of the attackers had originally entered the church in a wheelchair, only to participate in the violent attack subsequently. According to reports, Father Pavel Pavlenco, one of the priests, who has eight children, was taken to A&E, while others also suffered serious injuries such as broken ribs, head wounds and kidney damage. The attackers then barricaded themselves in the cathedral and occasioned major damage. After the incident, members of the Romanian community – including priests – gathered peacefully to protest, but they were brutally dispersed, physically assaulted and exposed to tear gas.

The Priests were assaulted, but Romanians have been discriminated against for years. They are not allowed to speak Romanian or to worship freely, and Romanian Orthodox churches have been shut down.

Thus far, no official statement has been issued in response to what happened in Cernăuți.

1.What is the Commission’s official stance on this incident?

2.Can events such as this lead to Ukraine’s accession to the EU being put on hold until crimes against minorities, and in particular the Romanian minority, cease and respect for human rights in Ukraine is restored?

Submitted: 25.6.2025
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – A sustainable transport investment plan – 02-07-2025

Source: European Parliament

This European Parliamentary Research Service paper aims to inform Members on issues related to a forthcoming Commission initiative. It highlights the main choices that may shape the initiative and which Members may wish to explore ahead of formal European Commission adoption. Based on documentary and other sources, it reflects the information available at the time of writing. For further information on this topic, Members and staff of the European Parliament may contact the author. KEY ISSUES AT STAKE • Transport accounts for around a quarter of EU emissions. More sustainable transport in the EU is therefore crucial to achieving the European Green Deal aim to cut net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55 % by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, by means of sustainable fuels, modes, and technological solutions. • Uptake of electric vehicles (EV) in the EU has been slow and uneven, due to limited investment in EV charging infrastructure and EV supply issues. Frontrunners, such as the Netherlands, have a better regulatory environment, greater public investment and a more stable and affordable energy market. Business models and value chains are reluctant to adapt before technological solutions are sufficiently developed. • Implementation of initiatives such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and CO2 emission standards for new vehicles is challenging, with progress slowing due to uneven roll-out across EU, state, and regional levels, limited electrical grid capacity, and high sustainable fuel production costs. • The European Commission is expected to issue a sustainable transport investment plan in the third quarter of 2025, outlining measures to support the accelerated roll-out of recharging and refuelling infrastructure, as well as dedicated green trade and investment partnerships with third countries on renewable and low-carbon transport fuels.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – FISC mission to Dubin (Ireland) – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

Source: European Parliament

Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Dublin, Ireland on 22 July for a day of exchanges on tax policies, the fight against tax avoidance and tax simplification.

The delegation led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico will meet with business representatives, including representatives of the Google group, the Meta group and Apple group. They will then have a discussion with Members of the Finance Committee and the Committee for Budgetary Oversight of the Oireachtas. The afternoon will be dedicated to exchanges with tax authorities, NGOs and academics.

The objectives of the FISC delegation trip to Dublin are to better understand Irish tax policies and to have direct engagements with key policy-makers, tax authorities and stakeholders on critical issues, such as aggressive tax schemes, tax avoidance or tax simplification.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – FISC mission to Dubin (Ireland) – 22-07-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

Source: European Parliament

Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Dublin, Ireland on 22 July for a day of exchanges on tax policies, the fight against tax avoidance and tax simplification.

The delegation led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico will meet with business representatives, including representatives of the Google group, the Meta group and Apple group. They will then have a discussion with Members of the Finance Committee and the Committee for Budgetary Oversight of the Oireachtas. The afternoon will be dedicated to exchanges with tax authorities, NGOs and academics.

The objectives of the FISC delegation trip to Dublin are to better understand Irish tax policies and to have direct engagements with key policy-makers, tax authorities and stakeholders on critical issues, such as aggressive tax schemes, tax avoidance or tax simplification.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Resilience and improvement of the EU’s electricity grid infrastructure – drawing lessons from the Iberian Peninsula blackout – E-002516/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002516/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Harald Vilimsky (PfE), Georg Mayer (PfE)

The large-scale blackout on 28 April 2025 in Spain and Portugal was an alarming demonstration of how fragile and compromised Europe’s energy supply has become. The explosive volatility of electricity prices and the consequences for consumers and industry are becoming increasingly worrying.

1.Is the Commission planning to get national energy suppliers and operators more involved in the protection of critical infrastructure, or even a return to more state control in order to prevent supply disruptions in future?

2.How will it ensure that renewable energy development does not continue to cause instability in prices and grids?

3.In the light of recent events and the energy crisis, is it ready to subject the targets of the Green Deal and ‘Fit for 55’ package to a substantive review in order to minimise the risks to the EU’s energy supply and competitiveness, rather than sticking to ideological requirements?

Submitted: 23.6.2025
Last updated: 2 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye’s attempt to instrumentalise the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in violation of international law – E-002509/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-002509/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE)

Türkiye has attempted to instrumentalise the meeting of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, with decisions promoting Turkish positions in favour of a two-state solution in Cyprus but also of an alleged ‘Turkish minority’ in Thrace and a ‘Turkish’ community in the Dodecanese, which is at odds with the resolutions of the Security Council and the Lausanne Treaty, which defines the minority as religious.

Paragraph 24 of the Declaration of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ states that they: ‘Support the aspirations of the Muslim Turkish Cypriots to secure their inherent rights […] and the importance of developing contacts […] in order to overcome the unjust isolation imposed upon them’, while paragraph 25 thereof, which deals with the Muslim minority of Thrace and the Muslims of the Dodecanese, states that they: ‘Reiterate [their] support for the Turkish Muslim minority of Thrace and the Turkish Muslim population of the Dodecanese in Greece’.

A number of states, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have expressed their reservations with regard to the above, stressing that the resolution conveys a completely misleading and critical image of Greece.

What action does the Commission intend to take in response to the blatant violation by Türkiye – an EU candidate country – of international law, in particular of the Treaty of Lausanne and the Security Council resolutions on a solution to the Cyprus problem?

Submitted: 23.6.2025

Last updated: 2 July 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Dr. Rania Al-Mashat Participates in Several Events on Expanding Fiscal Space for Developing Countries, National Frameworks and Platforms, and Aligning Capital Flows with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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As part of her ongoing participation in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, within the Egyptian delegation headed by H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, on behalf of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in a number of events concerning expanding fiscal space for developing countries, national frameworks and platforms, aligning capital flows with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and a new vision for debt.

Expanding Fiscal Space for Developing Countries and a New Vision for Debt

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat participated in a panel titled “Expanding Fiscal Space: A New Vision for Debt and Development Finance,” with the participation of Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Chair of the UN Expert Group on Debt and the UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; Ms. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA); and Ms. Zuzana Brixiova, Director of Macroeconomics, Finance and Governance Division at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation emphasized that the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development represents a pivotal moment for fulfilling the international community’s commitments for achieving SDGs, particularly after the successive crises the world is facing, which undermine the ability of developing and emerging countries to meet the requirements of the development path.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of implementing the recommendations of the UN expert group’s report on solving the debt problem in Global South countries.

These included 11 key recommendations, among them: redirecting and renewing resources of existing funds in multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund to enhance liquidity, adopting policies to extend maturities and finance loan repurchases, reducing debt service during crises, reforming the G20 Common Framework to include all middle-income countries, and reforming the Debt Sustainability Analyses (DSA) of the IMF and World Bank to better reflect the situation of low and middle-income countries, among other recommendations.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat expressed her aspiration that the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development will contribute to taking concrete steps towards restructuring the global financial system, which has become inadequate for the magnitude of challenges and changes facing developing and emerging countries. She noted that rising debts and decreasing investments undermine the ability of developing and emerging countries to catch up. She also stressed the need to overcome global challenges and return to the multilateral development cooperation system.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated Egypt’s efforts to promote financing for development through innovative mechanisms such as debt swap programs with Germany and Italy, and the signing of a new agreement with China. She pointed to the credibility and trust between Egypt and international financing institutions, which facilitated the mobilization of more than $15.6 billion in development financing for the private sector since 2020.

Reforming the Global Financial Architecture: Aligning Capital Flows with Development and Climate Goals

In a related context, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat participated in a high-level session titled “Reforming the International Financial Architecture: Aligning Capital Flows with Development and Climate Goals,” organized by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the Belt and Road Green Development Council (BRIGC).

Participants included Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN); Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA); Professor Kevin Urama, Chief Economist of the African Development Bank; and Ms. Carla Louveira, Minister of Finance of Mozambique, among others.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reaffirmed that achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the African continent cannot be based solely on borrowing or on mobilizing domestic resources. Instead, it is essential to integrate both approaches to ensure sufficient and sustainable financing for development projects.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also emphasized that Egypt is working to achieve a delicate balance between domestic and international financing, guided by a clear vision that mobilizing domestic resources supports sustainability, while international partnerships provide momentum for implementing major strategic projects.

Regarding the global financial structure,H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that the current international financial system has led to a deepening of the disparity in capital flows between developing, emerging, and developed countries, and limits financing opportunities in southern countries. She asserted that developing countries, especially African nations, still bear unfair financial burdens due to the high cost of financing compared to developed countries, and this disparity weakens our ability to achieve the SDGs within set timelines.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat mentioned that capital flows are moving in the opposite direction, away from the countries with the greatest needs, despite the high-return investment opportunities these countries offer. She underscored that instead of capital flowing towards high-yield development opportunities, we observe outflows due to increased risks associated with global fluctuations, which limits the ability of countries to attract long-term financing. She concluded that serious reforms are urgently needed in the international financial system.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Leading with Resilience Personally and Professionally

Source: US State of Connecticut

Cassandra Keola of Avon grew up in Bristol, and always wanted to work for the State of Connecticut. Ten years in, she still loves working for the state’s only public academic medical center, UConn Health. She absolutely loves UConn, its sports, and her son attends UConn too.

“I am so proud of where I live and work. I bleed blue!” Keola says, who is the epitome of resilience, and she even helps teach and spread resiliency across UConn School of Medicine, UConn Health, and Connecticut every chance she gets.

As an Administrative Program Coordinator in the School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine, Keola wears many hats.

She supports the Chair of the Department Dr. Francesco Celi and also the Department’s fleet of 300 doctors and 36 administrative members with clerical review support, but she is dedicated to the major undertaking of coordinating the intense 4^th Year Critical Care Clerkship four-week rotations in the ICU setting for all UConn medical students.

Cassandra Keola with fourth-year medical students in the Clinical Simulation Lab beginning their 4th Year Critical Care Clerkship four-week rotations. She coordinates this training for all UConn medical students (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo).

These medical student rotations occur not only at UConn John Dempsey Hospital, but also in the ICUs of Waterbury Hospital, Hartford Hospital, St. Francis, and Connecticut Children’s.

“These soon to be doctors have great mentorship in the critical care clerkship by attending physicians, residents, fellows, and nurses too,” she says. “The rotation in the ICU is a very eye-opening experience for our medical students in the deep end of critical care medicine for the first time applying everything they have learned so far in medical school, including the vital importance of teamwork. The rotation is challenging and unpredictable. Many medical students may see their first very-ill patient code. We make sure we have a strong support system in place for them.”

For this ICU rotation, Keola says medical students also learn didactically in the clinical simulation lab and the classroom too, and the overall experience especially teaches them resilience to overcome the challenges they may face in patient care.

In addition, Keola organizes the monthly Morbidity and Mortality conferences for the Department of Medicine’s various Divisions that ensure high-quality care is always maintained, supports the administrative meetings, and chairs the Dept. of Medicine Administrative DEI committee.

Personal Resilience

In addition to helping medical students be resilient, Keola has overcome a lot personally too.

“I’ve had to be a patient in the UConn Emergency Department – and I am an oncology patient,” she says. “I recommend UConn Health’s care to everyone I meet, and remind them that we are not just a school but a whole hospital too.”

UConn’s Cassandra Keola (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo).

Keola happily shares, “Thanks to UConn Health I am cured for 10 years now!” Keola even facilitated UConn Health’s young breast cancer support group before and during COVID-19. “It was great to encourage other women, and also learn from them.”

Also, Keola says, “I’m a triple threat!” She says growing up as a female, and Afro-Indigenous in Connecticut’s Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe (American Indian and Black), it has not been an easy road for her and others with her backgrounds. “Historically, it’s been difficult. But no matter what, we are still standing after being through a lot.”

Her resolve as a result?

“In what I do, and what I’ve done, I have always wanted to have perseverance and resilience,” she says. “I have always wanted to stick up for others or those who were ever bullied. So, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a form of advocacy, not for me, but a way for helping other people persevere. I remind everyone that while we are all different, we can all co-exist at work and outside of work. It is our differences that make us so uniquely wonderful.”

UConn medical school’s Cassandra Keola celebrating with fourth-year medical students the exciting start of their clinical rotation in the ICU setting (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo).

Keola loves the diversity of the workforce at UConn Health that she first witnessed when working initially in Employee Health at the beginning of her UConn career. “I got to meet a lot of people working in occupational health and have seen our diversity first-hand. UConn Health is a state hospital, and we really are here for everyone.”

She also loves another special thing about working at UConn.

“You can come to UConn and do a good job, and move yourself forward in your career. There is equity here! Everyone gets a fair chance and is treated the same across the board whether you are a UConn Health patient, a faculty member, a staffer, or a student.”

Keola’s passion for advocacy and equity also shines in her ongoing volunteer work.

She is a Council Member for UConn’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, John Dempsey Hospital’s Diversity Council, and her Department of Medicine’s DEI Committee. She also lends her time to participate in the ongoing ODI Coffee Break discussions.

Keola: whose Algonquin name means: Small Bear Warrior; is also a proud, persevering, enrolled, Board Member of The Golden Hill Paugussett Tribal Nation in Connecticut. She’s been working as a Board Member for the past two years on UConn and UConn Health’s Tribal Education Initiative. Its many collaborative projects focus on student success, curriculum, indigenous teachings, storytelling, and even patient care by the UConn Pepper Center of the UConn Center on Aging helping with the resilience and healthy aging of members of Connecticut’s 5 recognized Native American tribes. The UConn Tribal Education Initiative’s agreement is the first of its kind on the East Coast between Tribal Nations and a university.

“It’s historical! I can’t wait for it to come to fruition!” Keola concludes.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ukraine must stay at the forefront of the international agenda: UK Statement to the OSCE
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Ukraine must stay at the forefront of the international agenda: UK Statement to the OSCE

UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says amid global crises, including war in Iran, the UK urges continued focus on Ukraine.
Thank you, Madame Chair. The United Kingdom remains steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. This unwavering support is rooted in the defence of sovereignty, international law, and the multilateral system. As Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression with resilience and determination, recent developments underscore both the urgency of sustained assistance and the growing strain on Russia’s military and economic apparatus.

On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to hold the line, and in several areas, it is pushing it back. In Sumy Oblast, Russian attempts to establish a buffer zone were reversed by Ukrainian forces in late June. On 30 June, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the liberation of Andriyivka and advances near Oleksiivka, halting Russia’s northern offensive. Across Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, Russian offensives remain stalled or inconclusive. Ukrainian counterattacks have blunted their momentum. Russia’s increasing reliance on small, dispersed assault groups, observed between 22-30 June, reflects not tactical ingenuity but strategic desperation. On 27 June, Ukraine’s Security Service and Special Operations Forces struck the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd region, destroying two Su-34 fullback fighter jets and damaging two more.

While Russia may emphasise incremental battlefield gains, these claims frequently lack independent verification. What is verifiable reality is that Russia’s economy is buckling under the weight of its own aggression. Oil and gas revenues are falling, inflation is surging, and the rouble continues to depreciate. President Putin himself has admitted the economy is ‘overheating.’ Sanctions are biting hard, damaging Russia’s industrial base, widening the gap between military demand and production capacity, and forcing the Kremlin to rely on a dwindling National Wealth Fund to plug a ballooning deficit. Arms exports have collapsed, and production of advanced systems like the Su-57 fighter jet has been suspended due to parts shortages. This has driven Russia to search for sources elsewhere – China remains the decisive enabler of Russia’s war, and Iran has provided drones and ballistic missiles. In addition, over half of the artillery shells used by Russia since 2024 have come from North Korea. A telling sign of Moscow’s increasing dependence on foreign support.

So how does Russia respond? President Putin has escalated his campaign of terror from the skies. On June 29, Russian forces launched the largest air assault since the start of the full-scale invasion, firing over 500 aerial weapons in a single night. While most were intercepted, the attacks caused civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage. President Zelenskyy rightly condemned these strikes as further proof that Russia is not seeking peace, but destruction.

Finally, the Russian delegation will no doubt highlight recent NATO defence announcements as provocative. To clarify, again, in response to Russia’s increasing aggression across the Euro-Atlantic area, its illegal actions in Ukraine and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, the United Kingdom is reinforcing its own defence and deterrence posture. Our procurement of F-35A aircraft and participation in NATO’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission represent the most significant enhancement of our nuclear readiness in a generation. This is a strategic move to ensure NATO’s credibility and preparedness to respond to an increasingly volatile security environment.

Madame Chair, while the world faces multiple crises, from instability in the Middle East to tensions in the Indo-Pacific, we must not lose sight of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia’s invasion is not just a conflict against Ukraine; it is a direct assault on the principles that underpin global peace and security. Let us be clear: Russia’s aggression will not succeed. Its economy is faltering, its military is overstretched, and its international isolation is deepening. Ukraine, by contrast, stands strong, resilient, united, and supported by a global coalition of democracies. The United Kingdom reaffirms its enduring commitment to Ukraine. We will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.

Updates to this page

Published 2 July 2025

Invasion of Ukraine

UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals

Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine

Homes for Ukraine: record your interest

Find out about the UK’s response
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 3, 2025