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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nuclear scientists  have long been targets in covert ops – Israel has brought that policy out of the shadows

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jenna Jordan, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Portraits of Iranian military generals and nuclear scientists killed in Israel’s June 13, 2025, attack are displayed on a sign as a plume of heavy smoke and fire rise from an oil refinery in southern Tehran Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

    At least 14 nuclear scientists are believed to be among those killed in Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13, 2025, ostensibly to destroy or degrade Iran’s nuclear program and military capabilities.

    Deliberately targeting scientists in this way aims to disrupt Iran’s knowledge base and continuity in nuclear expertise. Among those assassinated were Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a theoretical physicist and head of Iran’s Islamic Azad University, and Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani, a nuclear engineer who led Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization.

    Collectively, these experts in physics and engineering were potential successors to Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, widely regarded as the architect of the Iranian nuclear program, who was assassinated in a November 2020 attack many blame on Israel.

    As two political scientists writing a book about state targeting of scientists as a counterproliferation tool, we understand well that nuclear scientists have been targeted since the nuclear age began. We have gathered data on nearly 100 instances of what we call “scientist targeting” from 1944 through 2025.

    The most recent assassination campaign against Iranian scientists is different from many of the earlier episodes in a few key ways. Israel’s recent attack targeted multiple nuclear experts and took place simultaneously with military force to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities, air defenses and energy infrastructure. Also, unlike previous covert operations, Israel immediately claimed responsibility for the assassinations.

    But our research indicates that targeting scientists may not be effective for counterproliferation. While removing individual expertise may delay nuclear acquisition, targeting alone is unlikely to destroy a program outright and could even increase a country’s desire for nuclear weapons. Further, targeting scientists may trigger blowback given concerns regarding legality and morality.

    A policy with a long history

    Targeting nuclear scientists began during World War II when Allied and Soviet forces raced to capture Nazi scientists, degrade Adolf Hitler’s ability to build a nuclear bomb and use their expertise to advance the U.S. and Soviet nuclear programs.

    In our data set, we classified “targeting” as cases in which scientists were captured, threatened, injured or killed as nations tried to prevent adversaries from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Over time, at least four countries have targeted scientists working on nine national nuclear programs.

    The United States and Israel have allegedly carried out the most attacks on nuclear scientists. But the United Kingdom and Soviet Union have also been behind such attacks.

    Meanwhile, scientists working for the Egyptian, Iranian and Iraqi nuclear programs have been the most frequent targets since 1950. Since 2007 and prior to the current Israeli operation, 10 scientists involved in the Iranian nuclear program were killed in attacks. Other countries’ nationals have also been targeted: In 1980, Mossad, Israel’s intelligence service, allegedly bombed Italian engineer Mario Fiorelli’s home and his firm, SNIA Techint, as a warning to Europeans involved in the Iraqi nuclear project.

    Given this history, the fact that Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear program is not itself surprising. Indeed, it has been a strategic goal of successive Israeli prime ministers to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and experts had been warning of the increased likelihood of an Israeli military operation since mid-2024, due to regional dynamics and Iranian nuclear development.

    The wrecked cars in which four of Iran’s nuclear scientists were assassinated in recent years are displayed on the grounds of a museum in Tehran in 2014.
    Scott Peterson/Getty Images

    By then, the balance of power in the Middle East had changed dramatically. Israel systematically degraded the leadership and infrastructure of Iranian proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. It later destroyed Iranian air defenses around Tehran and near key nuclear installations. The subsequent fall of Syria’s Assad regime cost Tehran another long-standing ally. Together, these developments have significantly weakened Iran, leaving it vulnerable to external attack and stripped of its once-feared proxy network, which had been expected to retaliate on its behalf in the event of hostilities.

    With its proxy “axis of resistance” defanged and conventional military capacity degraded, Iranian leadership may have thought that expanding its enrichment capability was its best bet going forward.

    And in the months leading up to Israel’s recent attack, Iran expanded its nuclear production capacity, moving beyond 60% uranium enrichment, a technical step just short of weapons-grade material. During Donald Trump’s first term, the president withdrew the U.S. from a multilateral nonproliferation agreement aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program. After being reelected, Trump appeared to change tack by pursuing new diplomacy with Iran, but those talks have so far failed to deliver an agreement – and may be put on hold for the foreseeable future amid the war.

    Most recently, the International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors declared Iran in non-compliance with its nuclear-nonproliferation obligations. In response, Iran announced it was further expanding its enrichment capacity by adding advanced centrifuge technology and a third enrichment site.

    Even if the international community anticipated the broader attack on Iran, characteristics of the targeting itself are surprising. Historically, states have covertly targeted individual scientists. But the recent multiple-scientist attack occurred openly, with Israel taking responsibility, publicly indicating the attacks’ purpose. Further, while it is not new for a country to use multiple counter-proliferation tools against an adversary over time, that Israel is using both preventive military force against infrastructure and targeting scientists at once is atypical.

    Additionally, such attacks against scientists are historically lower tech and low cost, with death or injury stemming from gunmen, car bombs or accidents. In fact, Abbasi – who was killed in the most recent attacks – survived a 2010 car bombing in Tehran. There are outliers, however, including the Fakhrizadeh assassination, which featured a remotely operated machine gun smuggled into Iranian territory.

    Israel’s logic in going after scientists

    Why target nuclear scientists?

    In foreign policy, there are numerous tools available if one state aims to prevent another state from acquiring nuclear weapons. Alongside targeting scientists, there are sanctions, diplomacy, cyberattacks and military force.

    Targeting scientists may remove critical scientific expertise and impose costs that increase the difficulty of building nuclear weapons. Proponents argue that targeting these experts may undermine a state’s efforts, deter it from continuing nuclear developments and signal to others the perils of supporting nuclear proliferation.

    Countries that target scientists therefore believe that doing so is an effective way to degrade an adversary’s nuclear program. Indeed, the Israel Defense Forces described the most recent attacks as “a significant blow to the regime’s ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction.”

    Posters featuring images of Iranian nuclear scientists are displayed in Tehran, Iran, on June 14, 2025.
    Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images

    Despite Israel’s focus on scientists as sources of critical knowledge, there may be thousands more working inside Iran, calling into question the efficacy of targeting them. Further, there are legal, ethical and moral concerns over targeting scientists.

    Moreover, it is a risky option that may fail to disrupt an enemy nuclear program while sparking public outrage and calls for retaliation. This is especially the case if scientists, often regarded as civilians, are elevated as martyrs.

    Targeting campaigns may, as a result, reinforce domestic support for a government, which could then redouble efforts toward nuclear development.

    Regardless of whether targeting scientists is an effective counter-proliferation tool, it has been around since the start of the nuclear age – and will likely persist as part of the foreign policy toolkit for states aiming to prevent proliferation. In the case of the current Israeli conflict with Iran and its targeting of nuclear scientists, we expect the tactic to continue for the duration of the war and beyond.

    Rachel Whitlark is a nonresident senior fellow in the Forward Defense practice of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

    Jenna Jordan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Nuclear scientists  have long been targets in covert ops – Israel has brought that policy out of the shadows – https://theconversation.com/nuclear-scientists-have-long-been-targets-in-covert-ops-israel-has-brought-that-policy-out-of-the-shadows-259263

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: Russian fuel and energy complex has become more competitive and technologically advanced

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak spoke at the panel session “The World Fuel and Energy Market in Search of a Balance between the Interests of Producers and Consumers” at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The session was also attended by OPEC Secretary General Haitham al-Ghaith, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Turkey Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of International Economic Relations under the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Chairman of the Serbian People’s Party Nenad Popovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations of Hungary Peter Szijjarto, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev.

    Alexander Novak outlined the vector of Russia’s current strategy in the current conditions of the global energy market and spoke about the key steps being taken to ensure the sustainable development of the country’s oil and gas sector.

    “The oil and gas industry is key to the Russian economy. It is a driver for investment, the economy, new inventions, and the implementation of modern research and development work. Over the past 20 years, our oil and gas industry has made a huge leap. Firstly, oil production has increased from 300 to over 500 million tons per year (80%). We have new production regions – we have begun to extract raw materials in Eastern Siberia, on the shelf. We have developed and learned to apply TRIZ technologies. This is important, since the lion’s share of future reserves are reserves that are located at greater depths, with more difficult-to-extract layers,” said Alexander Novak.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that the issue of technological development is key today.

    “Despite numerous sanctions from unfriendly countries and the desire to stop the development of the Russian economy, including through the fuel and energy complex, we see that our industry has not only maintained its production indicators, but has also survived and become an order of magnitude more efficient. It has become more competitive and technologically advanced. The sanctions have forced us to ensure import substitution, and our own developments have appeared instead of technologies that were previously purchased abroad. Our industry has been loaded, and an impetus has been given to the development of the Russian economy as a whole,” said Alexander Novak.

    He recalled that the key tasks for the development of the fuel and energy complex set by President Vladimir Putin include ensuring domestic energy security, increasing the share of high-value-added products through the development of oil and gas refining and petrochemicals, international cooperation, and the development of infrastructure for the supply of energy resources to domestic and foreign markets.

    OPEC Secretary General Haitham al-Ghaith noted that global demand for oil is growing.

    “We see that the world’s population is growing, and by 2050, there will be 2 billion new people on the planet, and the global economy will double compared to current parameters. By 2030, half a billion people will live in new cities that will be the size of 100 St. Petersburgs. And this means heating, air conditioning, and overall growth in energy consumption. In addition, new consumers are mining and data centers. By 2050, we predict a 24 percent increase in energy consumption compared to the current level, which requires additional investment in the sector. They need to be stimulated,” said OPEC Secretary General Haitham al-Gais. OPEC does not see peak demand for oil even by 2050.

    Turkey is already seeing both gas consumption and the share of renewable energy sources grow. And the country’s main goal is to ensure the security and availability of energy supplies. “We are diversifying our portfolio by investing in renewable energy sources. By 2035, we want to quadruple the capacity of solar and wind energy components. We have ambitious plans for nuclear energy – to increase its production to at least 20 GW by 2050. To do this, we need four reactors, and we are working with Rosatom. There is also a focus on small-scale generation and a desire to build another 5 GW station,” said Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar about plans for energy development in the country.

    According to him, Turkey has also begun developing offshore fields, which already supply energy to 4 million households in the country. By 2028, this number is planned to increase fourfold. Turkey is searching for oil and gas in developing countries, and is also investing in its own infrastructure and preparing to create large-scale capacities for gas export to Europe.

    “Hungary will continue energy cooperation with the Russian Federation, because it is very important for us to keep prices low for all our citizens, for our families. Without Russian energy resources, this is impossible for us,” said Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, commenting on the European Commission’s plan to have EU countries abandon Russian energy resources by 2027. In his opinion, Brussels and Kyiv have set the goal of cutting off Europe from the supplier of cheap and affordable oil and gas, which Russia has been for Hungary for many years. At the same time, the European Commission does not offer any alternative in the form of other equally reliable and inexpensive sources of energy resources.

    The participants in the discussion agreed that in the context of growing energy consumption in the world, it is necessary to diversify its sources and international cooperation for the development and reliable supply of both traditional and alternative types of energy resources. This is especially important in a period of geopolitical instability and the aggravation of local conflicts in a number of regions of the world.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein, Secretary Lilley Attend Paris Air Show and Strengthen North Carolina’s Future in Flight

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein, Secretary Lilley Attend Paris Air Show and Strengthen North Carolina’s Future in Flight

    Governor Stein, Secretary Lilley Attend Paris Air Show and Strengthen North Carolina’s Future in Flight
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    On the heels of the largest jobs commitment in North Carolina’s history, Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina traveled to Paris to advocate for North Carolina with business leaders at the 55th edition of the Paris Air Show.

    “North Carolina is first in flight, and we are the future of flight,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state is the epicenter for aerospace innovation. Strengthening our relationship with international companies and expanding opportunity between North Carolina and France will allow our state to continue to soar to new horizons. We had a productive economic development trip telling the world why North Carolina is the best place to do business.”

    “North Carolina’s network of businesses and strong economic infrastructure draw companies from across the world to invest in our state,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “The Paris Air Show has opened potential avenues for new companies to plant their roots in North Carolina and for existing companies to expand their operations as we continue to develop our state’s world-class aerospace ecosystem.”

    The Paris Air Show is the world’s largest aerospace event that brings together companies and industry leaders from across the globe. The show boasts 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and 300,000 unique visitors.

    North Carolina is home to approximately 400 aerospace companies that generate $88 billion in activity every year, including Airbus, a French company that employs more than 500 workers at its Kinston manufacturing facility. Last week, Governor Stein announced that JetZero will construct its new manufacturing hub at the Piedmont Triad International (PTI) Airport, bringing more than $4.7 billion and 14,000 jobs – the largest jobs commitment in state history.

    JetZero represents one of several aerospace companies setting up shop at PTI, including Boom and HondaJet. North Carolina’s strong workforce continues to attract aerospace companies to the state and is growing with industry demand. Guilford Technical Community College has recently announced its own $35 million, 70,000-square-foot aviation training facility to train the next generation of aerospace employees with a groundbreaking set for this summer.

    Over the last 10 years, 113 French companies announced projects in North Carolina, resulting in $439 million in investments and 1,200 new jobs in the state. More than 100 French companies operate in the state and employ 20,000 North Carolinians. 

    Jun 19, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 1,500 jobs created at UK nuclear weapons headquarters as sector boasts above average wages

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    1,500 jobs created at UK nuclear weapons headquarters as sector boasts above average wages

    Thousands of high-skilled jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships have been created to help keep the United Kingdom protected around the clock, with newly published figures highlighting the economic benefits of the defence nuclear industry.

    • New figures reveal that 1,500 skilled roles have been created in the last year at the UK’s nuclear weapons technology centre AWE.
    • Government study shows that people working in defence nuclear industry receive 20% above average UK salary.
    • Defence Secretary visits top secret site as £15 billion investment in sovereign UK nuclear warhead supports the Plan for Change with nearly 10,000 jobs across the UK.

    It comes as the government’s delivers a landmark £15 billion investment in this parliament into the renewal of the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead – confirmed through the recent Strategic Defence Review – to keep the British people safe while supporting almost 10,000 UK jobs. 

    The figures from government analysis published today also show that average salaries in the defence nuclear industry reach £45,500 – 20% higher than the UK average.  

    Over the last year, 1,500 new skilled staff, and double the number of apprentices and graduates, have joined AWE in Aldermaston, Berkshire – the UK’s nuclear weapons technology centre – all vital to the success of the nuclear deterrent by playing a critical role in the development and maintenance of the nuclear warhead stockpile.  

    It comes as John Healey was the first Defence Secretary to visit AWE since 2018, and he hailed the economic growth impact for the local area, as AWE celebrates its 75th anniversary.  

    The AWE workforce of 9,500 staff, including 3,000 engineers and 1,500 scientists, demonstrates the defence nuclear sector as an engine for economic growth, backing the government’s Plan for Change. This milestone year reflects AWE’s crucial contribution to the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent – keeping a nuclear-armed submarine at sea continuously – ensuring the security of the nation and our NATO allies around the clock.  

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    The nuclear weapons technology delivered at AWE keeps us all safe every minute of the day. The skilled men and women working here play a fundamental role in deterring global conflict and that cannot be underestimated.

    However, our nuclear deterrent doesn’t just protect us, it also powers prosperity. From the design and development of the warhead in Aldermaston, to shipbuilding in Barrow and maintenance in Plymouth, to deployment for operations from Clyde, defence is an engine for growth. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise delivers on the Plan for Change by backing thousands of jobs across the country. 

    Through the Strategic Defence Review we are unshakeable in our commitment to maintaining our nuclear deterrent – it is the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies.

    AWE is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) – the partnership of organisations that operate, maintain, renew and sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent as part of a national endeavour which supports more than 48,000 jobs across the country – set to rise to 65,000 in the next decade. 

    Through the Nuclear Skills Task Force Skills Plan, nearly 4,000 early career starters are projected to have entered the wider nuclear sector over the last year, with the total number of graduate and apprenticeship roles in the sector aiming to double over the next 10 years. 

    During his visit, the Defence Secretary met with staff, scientists and apprentices to acknowledge the establishment’s legacy, celebrate current achievements, and highlight the importance of investing in future talent. AWE welcomed nearly 500 graduates, apprentices and placement students in 2024/25 – double the previous year – many of them from local communities. 

    The defence nuclear industry wage premium also brings prosperity to some of the most economically disadvantaged communities in the UK, with over half of those employed in the defence nuclear industry living in areas targeted for economic regeneration. 

    The visit comes after the SDR and Spending Review provided the commitment and funding for the UK to produce a new submarine every 18 months in future years. It follows the commitment to grow the UK’s attack submarine fleet to up to 12 under the AUKUS partnership.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Game changer for the nation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Game changer for the nation

    £900 million investment in major sporting events and grassroots sport.

    • Major sporting events and grassroots sport across the UK to benefit from over £900 million in funding, as part of government’s Plan for Change 
    • More than £500 million to support delivery of world class major sporting events hosted in the UK, including UEFA EURO 2028, Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs 2027 
    • At least £400 million to be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities in communities across the country

    Villages, towns and cities across the UK are set to benefit from a transformational investment of more than £900 million in sport, which will support a pipeline of major international events and deliver new grassroots facilities that can drive economic growth and inspire people of all ages to get active. 

    The funding commitment, which was outlined in the Spending Review last week, has now been set out by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. 

    It will see more than £500 million committed to supporting the delivery of a host of world class sporting events being held in the UK over the coming years, including:

    • The men’s and women’s Tour de France Grand Départs in 2027
    • Men’s UEFA EURO 2028 – alongside Ireland
    • The European Athletics Championships 2026 in Birmingham

    These events are expected to deliver significant economic benefits, with EURO 2028 alone projected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic value across the UK. 

    Work is also continuing with the Home Nation football associations (FA)s and devolved administrations to develop the bid for the UK to host the Women’s FIFA World Cup in 2035. 

    In tandem at least £400 million will be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities that promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion. Work to remove the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups, such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities will continue. 

    Already, government funding has helped local clubs from Ayrshire to Anglesey, Strangford to Somerset, build new pitches and changing rooms, install floodlights, solar panels and goalposts; supporting a range of sports including football and rugby.  

    Together, this strategic investment in sport will help to deliver on the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by creating jobs, driving regional prosperity and encouraging visitors to the UK. It is also designed to reduce barriers to opportunity, bring communities together through shared national moments and showcase the best of the UK to the world. 

    Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said:

    Sport tells our national story in a way few other things can – uniting communities, inspiring millions, and showcasing our nation on the global stage.

    This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country, delivering on our Plan for Change. Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we’re creating a complete pathway to allow the next generation of sporting heroes to train and take part in sport in communities across the UK.

    This investment is central to the government’s commitment to delivering major sporting events with pride and impact and stands alongside ongoing work with partners in the sport sector and across the UK. The pipeline of major events already secured includes this Summer’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026, the ICC T20 Cricket women’s and men’s World Cups (in 2026 and 2030 respectively), the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham, and many other elite continental and world championships. 

    Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of the UK and Ireland 2028 Board, said:

    We welcome today’s announcement of significant investment in sport from the UK government, which marks a major boost to the successful delivery of UEFA EURO 2028. This commitment will not only help us stage a world-class tournament but also ensure that communities across the UK feel long-lasting benefits – from enhanced grassroots facilities to stronger local economies. 

    UEFA EURO 2028 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and with this investment, we are better placed than ever to deliver an event with pride, purpose and impact.

    Nick Webborn, Chair of UK Sport, said: 

    We welcome the government’s ongoing commitment to hosting the Tour De France, Tour De France Femmes and Euro 2028. These events have huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation in communities across the UK. 

    We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of this country’s social fabric. We are really excited to be working with the government and support their commitment to secure the pipeline of big events beyond 2028 to ensure we can continue to reach, inspire and unite people in every corner of the country.

    Chair of Sport England, Chris Boardman said:

    The government’s continued investment into grassroots sport facilities is welcome news; the nation’s pitches, pools and leisure centres play a pivotal role in keeping people moving.

    With every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generating £4.20 in value for our economy, supporting grassroots facilities isn’t just good for public health — it’s a smart investment in the nation’s social and economic wellbeing.

    Notes to Editors

    • On grassroots funding, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will work closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University

    Louise Beaumont/Getty

    When a renewable energy developer announces a new project, there’s one big question mark – how will nearby communities react?

    Community pushback has scuttled many renewables projects. Sometimes, communities are angry landowners hosting infrastructure will be paid, but neighbours and those further afield may not.

    As a result, renewable projects often involve schemes where the developer gives funding or resources to local community initiatives.

    Australia has dozens of these schemes, with many more to come as the clean energy transition accelerates. The Clean Energy Council estimates developers contribute about A$1,050 to communities for every megawatt of wind and about $850 for solar.

    The problem is, research shows poorly designed schemes can look a lot like bribery. Developers dish out money to gain community acceptance. Our new research points to a clear solution: design these schemes carefully.

    How do these schemes work?

    Renewable developers usually structure community-benefit schemes in one of three ways:

    • community funds, where a developer offers a one-time or ongoing payment for local infrastructure such as roads, services or community projects

    • in-kind benefits, such as investment in local sports fields or tourism initiatives

    • local ownership models, such as offering community members preferential access to shares in the company or a community co-ownership model of the project.

    In Australia, a number of community schemes are already established or planned.

    More are on their way. The Queensland government has introduced laws which require wind and solar farm developers enter into community benefit agreements.

    Worldwide, offshore wind farms have for many years involved community benefit sharing. Australia is very likely to follow suit as this industry emerges.

    Developers will sometimes set up more targeted neighbour payment schemes where funding is given to nearby landowners.

    What are they for?

    There are three reasons why benefit sharing can be a good idea overall. They are:

    1. Impact on locals: solar farms take up large areas of land, while wind farms on land or sea draw the eye and can compete with other uses of the space. Community benefit schemes can help counterbalance these impacts.

    2. Benefits are centralised: solar, wind and battery developments generate significant economic value. But this is largely captured by the developer. Benefit schemes can make residents feel the deal is fairer.

    3. Acceptance: change of any kind is often hard. Offering incentives to towns and communities can make the change easier.

    Payments to communities hosting renewable projects can look like bribes if not done carefully.
    myphotobank.com.au/Shutterstock

    Straying into bribery?

    The definition of a bribe is a benefit which influences or intends to influence a person to violate their role-based obligations. Offering money to a police officer to avoid losing your licence would count as a bribe.

    Community benefit sharing isn’t a bribe in a strict legal sense. But the payments can resemble bribes if they influence community members to accept the new development. Improving community acceptance is often a central goal of such schemes.

    The accusation is common. In the United Kingdom, researchers observe these schemes are regularly seen:

    as an attempt by local developers to ‘bribe’ local communities to ‘buy’ support for their wind farm development.

    Community members may decry a scheme as a “paltry bribe” or “shut up candy”. Some insist their “principles are not for sale”.

    Developers recognise this too. As one says:

    you don’t just turn up in a community and say, don’t worry, we’ll buy you a new rugby pitch […] because it really does look like you’re trying to buy them off.

    But do local communities have obligations which accepting a renewables project might violate?

    As part of a democracy, residents have civic obligations to make public-spirited decisions, evaluating policies and developments based not on self-interest but in a principled way.

    This is why it’s illegal to pay someone to vote for a particular candidate in an election, for instance.

    Offering money for community initiatives isn’t intrinsically wrong. As a community objector to a wind farm proposal put it:

    Of course it is a relevant planning consideration if a wind power company is offering to pour significant sums of money into a community for the life of a wind farm […] Why should that not be recognised as a good thing?

    But any economic boon to a town must be considered alongside other important concerns, rather than wiping them away.

    If these schemes operate by influencing citizens to ignore their civic duties, that’s intrinsically wrong. Worse still, it risks a backlash from offended community members.

    In the worst cases, benefit sharing operates as a pay-off, where uneasy communities are given money to reduce their resistance.

    Offshore wind farm developers overseas often set up community benefit schemes.
    Tupungato/Shutterstock

    Achieving fairness, avoiding bribery

    The solutions are straightfoward: design these schemes strategically so they are fair and avoid eroding civic obligations. Here are four aims:

    1. Minimise self-interest. Schemes should avoid large up-front payments and focus on in-kind benefits.

    2. Respect the community. Employ and contract local staff, keep the community informed and respond transparently to complaints.

    3. Encourage community involvement. Big renewable projects should stack up on energy, environmental, economic and community grounds. Robust and genuine community consultation should be used when designing any benefit scheme.

    4. Ensure integrity. Development and implementation of any scheme should be genuine, transparent and accountable.

    Getting it right

    As climate change intensifies, Australia’s clean energy transition has a clear moral urgency. But this cannot be done by steamrolling local residents or buying them off with cash for community projects.

    When community benefit schemes are sensibly designed with local input, it will boost both climate action and civic legitimacy.

    Hugh Breakey receives funding from the Blue Economy CRC. This research was funded through the project ‘Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia’ by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre.

    Charles Sampford receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Professional Services Council and the Blue Economy CRC.

    Larelle Bossi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right – https://theconversation.com/bribe-or-community-benefit-sweeteners-smoothing-the-way-for-renewables-projects-need-to-be-done-right-258903

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hugh Breakey, Deputy Director, Institute for Ethics, Governance & Law, Griffith University

    Louise Beaumont/Getty

    When a renewable energy developer announces a new project, there’s one big question mark – how will nearby communities react?

    Community pushback has scuttled many renewables projects. Sometimes, communities are angry landowners hosting infrastructure will be paid, but neighbours and those further afield may not.

    As a result, renewable projects often involve schemes where the developer gives funding or resources to local community initiatives.

    Australia has dozens of these schemes, with many more to come as the clean energy transition accelerates. The Clean Energy Council estimates developers contribute about A$1,050 to communities for every megawatt of wind and about $850 for solar.

    The problem is, research shows poorly designed schemes can look a lot like bribery. Developers dish out money to gain community acceptance. Our new research points to a clear solution: design these schemes carefully.

    How do these schemes work?

    Renewable developers usually structure community-benefit schemes in one of three ways:

    • community funds, where a developer offers a one-time or ongoing payment for local infrastructure such as roads, services or community projects

    • in-kind benefits, such as investment in local sports fields or tourism initiatives

    • local ownership models, such as offering community members preferential access to shares in the company or a community co-ownership model of the project.

    In Australia, a number of community schemes are already established or planned.

    More are on their way. The Queensland government has introduced laws which require wind and solar farm developers enter into community benefit agreements.

    Worldwide, offshore wind farms have for many years involved community benefit sharing. Australia is very likely to follow suit as this industry emerges.

    Developers will sometimes set up more targeted neighbour payment schemes where funding is given to nearby landowners.

    What are they for?

    There are three reasons why benefit sharing can be a good idea overall. They are:

    1. Impact on locals: solar farms take up large areas of land, while wind farms on land or sea draw the eye and can compete with other uses of the space. Community benefit schemes can help counterbalance these impacts.

    2. Benefits are centralised: solar, wind and battery developments generate significant economic value. But this is largely captured by the developer. Benefit schemes can make residents feel the deal is fairer.

    3. Acceptance: change of any kind is often hard. Offering incentives to towns and communities can make the change easier.

    Payments to communities hosting renewable projects can look like bribes if not done carefully.
    myphotobank.com.au/Shutterstock

    Straying into bribery?

    The definition of a bribe is a benefit which influences or intends to influence a person to violate their role-based obligations. Offering money to a police officer to avoid losing your licence would count as a bribe.

    Community benefit sharing isn’t a bribe in a strict legal sense. But the payments can resemble bribes if they influence community members to accept the new development. Improving community acceptance is often a central goal of such schemes.

    The accusation is common. In the United Kingdom, researchers observe these schemes are regularly seen:

    as an attempt by local developers to ‘bribe’ local communities to ‘buy’ support for their wind farm development.

    Community members may decry a scheme as a “paltry bribe” or “shut up candy”. Some insist their “principles are not for sale”.

    Developers recognise this too. As one says:

    you don’t just turn up in a community and say, don’t worry, we’ll buy you a new rugby pitch […] because it really does look like you’re trying to buy them off.

    But do local communities have obligations which accepting a renewables project might violate?

    As part of a democracy, residents have civic obligations to make public-spirited decisions, evaluating policies and developments based not on self-interest but in a principled way.

    This is why it’s illegal to pay someone to vote for a particular candidate in an election, for instance.

    Offering money for community initiatives isn’t intrinsically wrong. As a community objector to a wind farm proposal put it:

    Of course it is a relevant planning consideration if a wind power company is offering to pour significant sums of money into a community for the life of a wind farm […] Why should that not be recognised as a good thing?

    But any economic boon to a town must be considered alongside other important concerns, rather than wiping them away.

    If these schemes operate by influencing citizens to ignore their civic duties, that’s intrinsically wrong. Worse still, it risks a backlash from offended community members.

    In the worst cases, benefit sharing operates as a pay-off, where uneasy communities are given money to reduce their resistance.

    Offshore wind farm developers overseas often set up community benefit schemes.
    Tupungato/Shutterstock

    Achieving fairness, avoiding bribery

    The solutions are straightfoward: design these schemes strategically so they are fair and avoid eroding civic obligations. Here are four aims:

    1. Minimise self-interest. Schemes should avoid large up-front payments and focus on in-kind benefits.

    2. Respect the community. Employ and contract local staff, keep the community informed and respond transparently to complaints.

    3. Encourage community involvement. Big renewable projects should stack up on energy, environmental, economic and community grounds. Robust and genuine community consultation should be used when designing any benefit scheme.

    4. Ensure integrity. Development and implementation of any scheme should be genuine, transparent and accountable.

    Getting it right

    As climate change intensifies, Australia’s clean energy transition has a clear moral urgency. But this cannot be done by steamrolling local residents or buying them off with cash for community projects.

    When community benefit schemes are sensibly designed with local input, it will boost both climate action and civic legitimacy.

    Hugh Breakey receives funding from the Blue Economy CRC. This research was funded through the project ‘Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia’ by the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre.

    Charles Sampford receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Professional Services Council and the Blue Economy CRC.

    Larelle Bossi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Bribe or community benefit? Sweeteners smoothing the way for renewables projects need to be done right – https://theconversation.com/bribe-or-community-benefit-sweeteners-smoothing-the-way-for-renewables-projects-need-to-be-done-right-258903

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tribunal Issues Determination of Reasonable Indication of Injury—Certain Carbon or Alloy Steel Wire from Various Countries 

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Ottawa, Ontario, June 19, 2025—The Canadian International Trade Tribunal today determined that there is a reasonable indication that the dumping of certain carbon or alloy steel wire from China, Chinese Taipei, India, Italy, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye and Vietnam has caused injury to the domestic industry.

    The Tribunal’s inquiry was conducted pursuant to the Special Import Measures Act as a result of the initiation of a dumping investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA will continue its investigation and, by July 21, 2025, will issue a preliminary determination.

    The Tribunal is an independent quasi-judicial body that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Finance. It hears cases on dumped and subsidized imports, safeguard complaints, complaints about federal government procurement and appeals of customs and excise tax rulings. When requested by the federal government, the Tribunal also provides advice on other economic, trade and tariff matters.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain: 19 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM meeting with Prime Minister of Bahrain: 19 June 2025

    The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain to Downing Street today.

    The Prime Minister welcomed His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain to Downing Street today.

    The leaders reflected on the strength of the UK-Bahrain relationship, and welcomed the UK becoming a full member of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) today. The agreement will deepen trilateral cooperation with Bahrain and the United States on regional security at a critical time, both agreed.

    The Prime Minister also welcomed the signing of the Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership, building on the two-way investment partnership between the countries, and how this will unlock new investment, growth and jobs into the UK, delivering on the Plan for Change. 

    The leaders also underscored the importance of the new Defence Cooperation Accord between the two countries, deepening joint military training and building on the two nations’ strong naval ties.

    Highlighting the strength of the 200-year relationship between both nations, the leaders looked forward to further cooperation, including trade negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council. 

    Turning to the situation in the Middle East, the leaders called for de-escalation and both agreed on the need for enduring and closer relationships across the region to support stability. 

    The Prime Minister and Crown Prince looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: IvoryLab fast-tracks development with support from the Telnyx AI Accelerator

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, TX, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Telnyx, a leading provider of voice, messaging, and connectivity solutions for AI-powered communications, today shared that Poland-based startup IvoryLab has significantly advanced the development of its AI voice automation platform through the Telnyx AI Accelerator. The program, which provides up to $20,000 in credits, technical enablement, and priority support, empowered the IvoryLab team to move from MVP to production-ready with speed and confidence.

    IvoryLab is building a scalable voice automation platform that helps businesses handle both inbound and outbound customer calls using AI-powered voice assistants. The platform supports use cases across hospitality, real estate, health and wellness, and food delivery, with functionality ranging from customer service to outbound lead qualification.

    As a small team with a big roadmap, removing cost constraints allowed IvoryLab to experiment, break things, and refine their platform without hesitation. Marcel Karpiak, co-founder of IvoryLab, shared, “The Accelerator will definitely help us to build a product which is the closest to perfection…Now we can test freely and not worry about the cost as much.”

    The IvoryLab platform is built on Telnyx APIs and infrastructure, enabling rapid prototyping and seamless call orchestration. The team commented on Telny’s intuitive yet powerful developer experience—designed to support both fast iteration and long-term scalability. “We really like the Telnyx interface. Everything is super intuitive,” said Karpiak. He also noted that while other tools felt overly simplified, Telnyx struck the right balance between usability and professional-grade depth. 

    IvoryLab dove head first into Telnyx AI assistants, and since joining the program, they have:

    • Created 11 AI assistants
    • Conducted 464 conversations
    •  Logged 745 minutes (12.5 hours) of conversation usage

    With potential STT integrations that better support Polish, the company anticipates these figures to triple.

    “The Accelerator enabled us to move from MVP to a production grade AI solution faster,” said Adrian Marcinkowski, founder of IvoryLab. The partnership with the Telnyx AI Accelerator has helped them think bigger and build more confidently.

    “We designed the AI Accelerator to help teams like IvoryLab iterate quickly and get real products into users’ hands,” said Ian Reither, COO at Telnyx. “It’s been exciting to watch their progress, and we’re looking forward to seeing other emerging use cases across the Accelerator portfolio.”

    IvoryLab plans to launch its platform commercially within the next few weeks, targeting subscription-based deployments across Europe.

    ABOUT TELNYX

    Telnyx is a global connectivity platform that provides carrier-grade voice, messaging, and real-time communication APIs to developers and enterprises. As the infrastructure layer for AI-powered communication, Telnyx helps businesses build and scale next-generation experiences—from AI voice assistants to global contact centers. Learn more at telnyx.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly travels to France to support innovative Canadian industries

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 19, 2025 – Paris, France 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, led Canada’s presence at the 55th International Paris Air Show.

    Minister Joly showcased Canada’s highly innovative aerospace sector and promoted the country as a top destination for global aerospace investment—at a time when Canada is seeking to help build trusted, reliable partnerships that support its companies and workers.

    Minister Joly met with CEOs of Canadian and global aerospace businesses as well as with key provincial partners, including François Legault, Premier of Quebec; Christine Fréchette, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy; and the Honourable Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

    During the visit, Minister Joly underscored Canada’s world-class aerospace sector, with its strong workforce and cutting-edge innovation, and highlighted that the government is committed to making major investments in the economy and supporting Canada’s defence sector. These investments will generate jobs and opportunities throughout Canada’s industrial base, strengthen domestic capabilities, and diversity Canada’s international partnerships. She also advocated for workers across other Canadian industries, including steel and aluminum, which are well positioned to be better integrated into global aerospace supply chains.

    A highlight of the visit was LOT Polish Airlines’ announcement of its intention to purchase up to 84 Canadian-built Airbus A220 aircraft, made in Mirabel, Quebec. This is a major win for Canadian workers. The deal will create many high-paying jobs and highlights Canada’s desire for deeper industrial and commercial ties with Europe at a time when cooperation with reliable partners is more important than ever.

    Minister Joly welcomed France’s announcement of its purchase of new GlobalEye aircraft from Saab, which uses Bombardier’s Canadian-designed, -developed and -built Global 6500 platform. 

    In addition, Minister Joly welcomed the announcement of $87.4 million for the latest projects from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT), a pan-Canadian, industry-led network focused on accelerating sustainable innovation in aviation.

    Prior to the Paris Air Show, Minister Joly represented Canada at VivaTech 2025, Europe’s largest startup and tech event. Canada was Country of the Year at the event, and its participation was a celebration of our leadership in AI and new technologies that the world needs.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – New measures adopted by the Italian Government that restrict freedom of information – E-002906/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive (EU) 2016/343 sets out rules on public references by public authorities to the guilt of a suspect or accused person prior to a conviction.

    It does not require specific limitations as to the publication by the press of procedural documents relating to the pre-trial stage of the proceedings.

    Without prejudice to national law protecting the freedom of press and other media, the directive only establishes minimum rules, requiring that the dissemination of any information by public authorities to the media must respect the presumption of innocence and not create the impression that the person is guilty before his or her guilt has been proven according to law.

    The 2024 Rule of Law report for Italy[1] noted that the legislative initiatives regulating access to and publication of certain judicial information were a source of concern for media stakeholders.

    The report also notes that the Italian Government considers these initiatives to be justified to guarantee the right to privacy and the presumption of innocence. The Commission will continue monitoring the developments in this respect in the framework of the Rule of Law Report.

    • [1] E uropean Commission, 2024 Rule of Law Report, ‘Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Italy’ (SWD(2024) 812 final); https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/60d79a4f-49cd-4061-a18f-d3a4495d6485_en?filename=29_1_58066_coun_chap_italy_en.pdf.
    Last updated: 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Regulation (EU) 2020/741 on minimum requirements for water reuse – E-002381/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002381/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Schneider (PPE)

    Numerous reports and observations from various Member States, in particular Germany, indicate that the practical implementation of Regulation (EU) 2020/741 has caused significant difficulties. Many farmers and municipalities lose access to treated waste water because many smaller projects are unable to meet the technical and administrative requirements of the Regulation. This runs counter to the Regulation’s objective of promoting water reuse and addressing water scarcity.

    • 1.How does the Commission assess the practical implementation of Regulation (EU) 2020/741, in particular as regards access to treated waste water for irrigation in agriculture in the Member States, and is the Commission aware that, as a result of the above-mentioned requirements, smaller farms and municipalities in particular have lost access to treated waste water and are instead having to increasingly resort to using valuable drinking water for irrigation?
    • 2.How does the Commission view the criticism that the current requirements of the Regulation could lead to a reduction in water reuse in practice, thus undermining the very objective of the Regulation?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to evaluate Regulation (EU) 2020/741 in the light of real-world practical experience and feedback so far and, if necessary, propose adjustments to facilitate water reuse?

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    Last updated: 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening support for renewable hydrogen to meet EU energy and climate targets – E-001831/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since 2020, the EU has set up a comprehensive regulatory framework to support the scale up of renewable hydrogen, including enabling financing under the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB).

    After two auctions already implemented under this financial initiative to support hydrogen production in Europe[1], by the end of 2025 the Commission will launch a third auction, with a budget of up to EUR 1 billion from the Innovation Fund (IF).

    The IF also provides funding to hydrogen-related projects through its regular grants[2]. By the end of 2025, the results of the latest regular grant call (IF24) will be published and a new call will be opened.

    Moreover, to enhance impact from its calls, the IF implemented the ‘as-a-Service’ feature[3], allowing Member States[4] to allocate national funding in addition to the Innovation Fund. This feature will be available again in upcoming calls.

    The Commission also works to establish joint European auctions for imports of renewable hydrogen. Under a Team Europe approach, willing Member States will be able to pool funding and attract competitive bids from third-country producers, thus further supporting the decarbonisation of their industry and transport sectors as well as contributing to wider goals such as the development of key import infrastructure corridors.

    The Commission will launch the Mechanism to support market development of hydrogen[5] in the third quarter of 2025. It will bring together buyers and sellers[6] on an online platform, enabling them to find potential commercial partners, and connecting them with financial support.

    • [1] Through the three auction calls, the EHB will have made available EUR 3 billion in grants: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-funding-climate-action/innovation-fund/competitive-bidding_en.
    • [2] Under the IF, more than 40 projects covering the full hydrogen value chain are already receiving a total of EUR 3 billion in regular grants.
    • [3] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-funding-climate-action/innovation-fund/competitive-bidding_en#auctions-as-a-service-aaas.
    • [4] Germany, Austria, Spain and Lithuania have already contributed, together, with almost EUR 1.2 billion in national resources in the IF23 and IF24 Auctions.
    • [5] In accordance with the mandate received pursuant to Regulation (EU) 1789/2024 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen.
    • [6] The Hydrogen Mechanism covers renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives (ammonia, methanol, eSAFs).
    Last updated: 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Human rights breaches in Georgia, Iran and Mali

    Source: European Parliament

    On Thursday, Parliament adopted human rights resolutions on Georgia, Iran and Mali.

    Media freedom in Georgia and the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    MEPs are deeply concerned about arbitrary detentions in Georgia and the government’s harassment of and violence against journalists. They demand the immediate and unconditional release of Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, condemning her arrest as politically motivated . They strongly condemn the Georgian Dream regime’s systemic assault on democratic institutions, political opposition, independent media, civil society and judicial independence. They call for independent investigations and urge the authorities to act immediately to ensure journalists’ safety.

    Parliament also calls for the release of all political prisoners, including activists, opposition leaders and former President Mikheil Saakashvili. In the resolution, MEPs call urgently for the repeal of repressive laws, restoration of democracy, and full protection of media freedom and civil liberties. The EU must step up its support for Georgian civil society, while pressing for sanctions on officials responsible for democratic backsliding, MEPs add.

    They also express grave concern at the latest wave of assaults against Georgian non‑governmental organisations, which is putting the work of targeted organisations at risk.

    The resolution was adopted by 324 votes in favour, 25 against and 87 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (19.6.2025)

    The case of Dr Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran

    Parliament condemns Dr Ahmadreza Djalali’s sham trial, torture and lack of access to medical care, and urge Iran to provide him with legal representation and defence and allow contacts with his family.

    MEPs call on Iran to put a moratorium on executions and abolish the death penalty. They urge Sweden and relevant member states and the European External Action Service to adopt targeted measures in response to Iran’s continued detention of EU nationals, including Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris.

    They reiterate their call on the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation and extend EU sanctions to those who take EU nationals hostage, execute opposition members en masse, and commit other human rights violations. They demand that UN human rights mechanisms be fully activated in Iran, including the Special Rapporteur. They also call on EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to raise Djalali’s case in public and during all engagements with her Iranian counterparts.

    The resolution was adopted by 486 votes in favour, 8 against and 29 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (19.6.2025)

    Dissolution of political parties and crackdown on the opposition in Mali

    Parliament condemns the dissolution of political parties in Mali and the repression of the opposition. MEPs criticise the authorities for actions that undermine democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and demand respect for international human rights law and Mali’s own commitments.

    They note the transitional president’s 2024 request to create conditions for transparent and peaceful elections, and call for the immediate release of those arrested or abducted for political reasons, an end to repression and intimidation, and guarantees for the safety of opposition members and civil society actors.

    Parliament also denounces the ongoing violence and Islamist terrorism in Mali, and stresses the need for accountability for human rights violations and war crimes committed by the Wagner Group/Africa Corps, and reaffirms the EU’s support for multi-party democracy, civil society, and human rights in Mali. MEPs express serious concern over the growing illegal migration flows from Mali, fuelled by growing insecurity, political instability and economic stagnation and call on the Malian authorities to take full responsibility for preventing uncontrolled departures.

    The resolution was adopted by 511 votes in favour, 14 against and with 25 abstentions. For further details, the full version will be available here. (19.6.2025)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Clean Industrial Deal must marry industrial competitiveness with climate action

    Source: European Parliament

    The Industrial Decarbonisation Bank and action plan for affordable energy are crucial for the competitiveness and resilience of European industry, MEPs say.

    The resolution, adopted on Thursday 19 June in response to the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal plan, stresses the need to combine climate action with industrial competitiveness.

    It underscores the importance of the newly established Industrial Decarbonisation Bank, which MEPs consider vital for scaling up investment in clean technologies. Investment should be based on carbon impact, scalability, and security of supply, they say.

    Parliament welcomes lead markets for European-made clean, circular and low-carbon products, and stresses the need to stimulate demand through public and private procurement.

    MEPs also advocate for the protection of the EU market from unfair competition and the dumping of industrial overcapacity from third countries. They underline the importance of an effective carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) in the context of phasing out free allowances under the emissions trading system (ETS).

    Faster permitting procedures

    The resolution addresses the importance of regulatory simplification and the need to streamline permitting procedures to support the transition and innovation efforts of small businesses. MEPs want to simplify funding applications, reduce reporting obligations, and fast-track small projects.

    They also want to build the business case for permanent carbon removals in upcoming legislative reviews, as carbon management, including capture, storage, transport, and utilisation, may be necessary for hard-to-abate sectors, they say.

    Affordable energy action plan

    MEPs support the action plan for affordable energy and demand measures to boost cross-border energy infrastructure and complete the energy union. The current fragmentation of regulatory oversight and investment planning across Member States is hampering integration and electrification, they say. MEPs also call on Member States, transmission system operators and the Commission to do more to promote cross-border electricity trading.

    Quote

    “European industry is facing enormous challenges, while a strong industrial base is essential for our competitiveness and strategic autonomy. The Clean Industrial Deal offers a strategy for a competitive and decarbonised European industry. At the same time, it seeks to protect our autonomy and secure jobs. This Deal is an important first step, but time is running out. We urge the Commission to act without delay and raise its level of ambition. When it comes to industrial policy, European cooperation is more crucial than ever” said lead MEP Tom Berendsen (EPP, Netherlands).

    The resolution was adopted with 381 votes to 173, with 13 abstentions.

    Background: Clean Industrial Deal

    Presented by the European Commission in February, the Clean Industrial Deal aims to support the competitiveness and resilience of European industry. It focuses mainly on two sectors: energy-intensive industries and clean technology, and aims to lower energy costs via an action plan on affordable energy. The Clean Industrial Deal also seeks to boost demand for clean products, further finance the clean transition and improve circularity, access to critical raw materials and the establishment of sectoral skills for strategic industries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend Thailand on Gender Inclusive Climate Action, Ask about Combatting Patriarchal Stereotypes and Ensuring Education for Marginalised Girls

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Thailand, with Committee Experts commending Thailand on its climate change master plan, which was gender inclusive, while raising questions about how the State was combatting patriarchal stereotypes and ensuring the right to education for marginalised girls. 

    A Committee Expert congratulated Thailand on the steps being taken to revise the climate change master plan which focused on gender and social inclusive climate action, including climate finance, adaptation and mitigation, recognising that women and girls experienced disproportionately greater loss and damage from the impacts of climate change. 

    Another Expert said Thailand remained a patriarchal society where women were expected to be caregivers while men were seen as leaders, which was reinforced in the media and other avenues.  What programmes were in place to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes?  Were there programmes to engage men and boys in efforts to transform discriminatory social norms?  What mechanisms were in place to ensure that women from all communities could access justice and public services without stigma or discrimination? 

    A Committee Expert said the Committee was concerned about the high dropout rates among stateless and refugee girls and the fact that Patani Malay girls were discouraged from continuing their education due to early marriage and lack of education in Malay. Were there policies specifically targeted for expanding education to minorities?  What steps were being taken to ensure the safety of girls living in the Southern Border Provinces?

    The delegation said Thailand was aware that gender stereotypes were ingrained, and this would take a lifetime effort to overcome.  Currently, changing the mindset of the people was difficult.  It was important to raise awareness and re-learn what was appropriate.  The Department of Women’s Affairs coordinated with academics to work with young people on a project to identify sexist language in textbooks in schools.  A guidebook had been created and distributed to teachers to provide guidance on how to combat harmful gender stereotypes in schools. 

    The delegation said there were mechanisms in place to ensure women from marginalised groups received education.  There were schools established in the Southern Border Provinces, with border patrol officers teaching the students.  The State provided safety in all areas to prevent threats to students. A religious school, supported by the Government, was located in the Southern Border Provinces, providing additional opportunities for students. 

    Introducing the report, Ramrung Worawat, Director-General of the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, head of the delegation, said the act amending the Civil and Commercial Code (no. 24) or the equal marriage act came into force in January 2025.  The act raised the minimum marriage age from 17 to 18 years old, adopted gender-neutral terms on marriage, permitted child adoption by same-sex couples, and ensured inheritance rights to them.  Recent results of the general election in 2023 reflected a notable increase in the number of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals elected to leadership positions.  The current cabinet included eight females at ministerial rank, the highest number in Thailand’s political history.   

    In closing remarks, Ms. Worawat said the discussion with the Committee had been very fruitful. The State would aim to take forward the Committee’s recommendations, with a will to transform them into concrete actions.

    In her closing remarks, Nahla Haidar, Committee Chair, thanked Thailand for the constructive dialogue which had provided further insight into the situation of women and girls in the country. 

    The delegation of Thailand was comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security; the Ministry of Public Health; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Administrative Centre of the Southern Border Provinces; the Royal Thai Police; the Office of the Attorney General; the National Institute of Development Administration; and the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s ninety-first session is being held from 16 June to 4 July.  All 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 at 10 a.m. on Friday, 20 June to begin its consideration of the eighth periodic report of Ireland (CEDAW/C/IRL/8).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the eighth periodic report of Thailand (CEDAW/C/THA/8).

    Presentation of Report

    RAMRUNG WORAWAT, Director-General of the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, head of the delegation, said women made up just over half of Thailand’s population and almost 70 per cent of those were women between 15 to 59 years of age.  Since the submission of Thailand’s last report in 2017, Thailand had been revising and drafting laws to further promote women’s rights, gender equality, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. 

    The act amending the Civil and Commercial Code (no. 24) or the equal marriage act came into force in January 2025.  The act raised the minimum marriage age from 17 to 18 years old, adopted gender-neutral terms on marriage, permitted child adoption by same-sex couples, and ensured inheritance rights to them.  In addition, the gender equality act was being reviewed to ensure it further aligned with international standards. 

    The draft anti-discrimination act would strengthen the legal basis for the elimination of discrimination on all grounds, including sex and gender, and address situations of multiple and intersecting discrimination.  Furthermore, the draft act on the protection and promotion of the way of life of ethnic groups was being considered by the Parliament.  The act focused on eliminating discrimination and promoting equality based on cultural diversity.  The plan of action on women’s development (2023-2027) was developed to ensure women’s participation in socio-economic development and to promote their leadership in public spaces. 

    The National Women’s Development Policy and Strategy Committee and the Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equality were responsible for setting and driving gender equality policies.  A substantial budget was allocated for the main agencies, with an additional budget allocated to assist specific groups of women and advance gender equality in an integrated manner.  A strategic plan for the promotion and protection of children and youth in the use of online media was being developed, and a coordinating centre, Child Online Protection Action Thailand, was established to lead collaborative efforts with partners. 

    Thailand continued its policy of inclusive education and provided 15 years of free education for all children without discrimination.  The country supported royal-initiated “Phiengluang Schools” for special target groups in border or underserved areas with limited access to rights and social welfare.  An online teacher training programme aimed to help schools and teachers plan inclusive sexuality education. 

    Economic empowerment measures had been introduced to protect both formal and informal female workers.  The Women’s Role Development Fund was established to enable women to pursue careers and income opportunities, improve women’s access to financial resources, and expand childcare services for children under three years old to promote equality in family responsibilities.  The child support grant programme and the state welfare card programme provided monthly allowances and financial assistance to support low-income households. 

    Women were increasingly taking part in politics at the national and local levels and within the public administration.  Recent results of the general election in 2023 reflected a notable increase in the number of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals elected to leadership positions.  The current cabinet included eight females at ministerial rank, the highest number in Thailand’s political history.  There were currently 15 female provincial governors, including the appointment of the first Muslim female governor of Pattani Province in 2022. 

    The Thai Government promoted universal access to public health services and implemented measures to ensure that vulnerable women, including informal female workers and registered migrant women, could access healthcare.  All women and girls were guaranteed equal access to health services under the Universal Health Coverage Scheme.  The most challenging task for Thai Government agencies was advanced and disaggregated data collection.  Enhanced data collection would enable Thailand to better implement policies and undertake targeted actions to empower specific groups. 

    In October 2024, the Cabinet approved guidelines to accelerate the resolution of nationality and legal status issues for long-term migrants and their children born in Thailand, to ensure the legal recognition and integration of stateless individuals who had lived in the Kingdom for extended periods, as well as their Thai-born descendants. 

    The draft policy on administration and development in the Southern Border Provinces (2025-2027) was developed to support vulnerable groups, strengthen family and community roles in problem-solving, and develop networks of women and youth to foster peace at the family and community level.  The Coordination Centre for Women and Children in the Southern Border Provinces was established as a joint mechanism between the Government and civil society, serving as a platform to coordinate and mobilise resources, receive complaints, and resolve issues involving women and children.

    Thailand had developed a national adaptation plan for climate change, with a strong emphasis on gender dimensions at every stage, from planning and decision-making to community participation.  The country was committed to promoting gender equality and to upholding and protecting the human rights of women, girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals, and those facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.  Thailand’s progress in gender equality was not just a matter of fulfilling international obligations, but a national priority. 

    Statement by the National Human Rights Institution

    PORNPRAPAI GANJANARINTR, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, said while the Thai Government had made efforts to promote gender equality, many women, especially those from vulnerable groups, continued to face serious barriers in accessing their basic rights.  Women with disabilities faced violence and barriers in accessing the justice system, were subjected to forced sterilisation and abortion, and were excluded from decision-making processes.  Ethnic women remained without legal status and were not protected under the law.  Women in detention faced overcrowding, with 46 per cent of women’s detention facilities in Thailand exceeding their capacity, leading to poor hygiene, limited space, and mental health issues. 

    These cases illustrated that many women were still blocked from accessing basic rights due to deep-rooted discrimination.  The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand believed that the structural reform needed action in three key areas: inclusive participation in policymaking bodies at different levels; legal reform and proper enforcement; and the empowerment of women.  It was vital to ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, could fully enjoy her rights.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    RANGITA DE SILVA DE ALWIS, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, 

    signalled two significant law reform initiatives.  Thailand was the first country in Southeast Asia to guarantee same sex marriage in 2024. The marriage equality bill had helped bend the arch of justice toward all.  The organic act on anti-corruption (No. 2) included provisions to protect those who reported corruption. 

    The Committee looked forward to the expedited revision of the domestic violence law and the new sex worker protection law.  Thailand’s national artificial intelligence strategy must remain vigilant as this was an important new frontier for gender justice and women’s leadership.  Thailand was encouraged to cite the Convention as an authoritative tool in all jurisprudence. 

    How would Thailand broaden the civic space for female journalists and female human rights defenders? How did Thailand provide protection from arbitrary arrest for women human rights defenders?  How were they ensured the right to a fair trial?  How were they protected from online crimes and cyber harassment?  How did the Safe Internet Coalition address hate speech and tech-facilitated gender-based violence?  How was free speech for women guaranteed in politics? 

    Despite the de facto moratorium on the death penalty, Thailand had one of the largest proportions of women on death row, predominately for drug-related offenses. Many of these women had faced numerous stressors throughout their lives, including mental health problems.  Would Thailand consider reviewing mandatory sentencing guidelines so that specific exculpatory or mitigatory factors such as homelessness and metal health were considered? 

    Thailand should be lauded for its women, peace and security plan, which addressed both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.  Not citing the Convention in relation to climate change was a missed opportunity.  How were Muslim women, indigenous women, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex women engaged as peacemakers?  Would cyber security be considered in the women, peace and security plan? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said pregnant women were entitled to paid maternity leave, to protect the health and safety of mothers and children.  This was considered a form of positive discrimination.  Male, female and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex inmates were separated in prisons to ensure their rights.  Thailand recognised the important role of women human rights defenders, and they had been identified as a key target group under the national human rights plan.  The plan included special provisions for developing laws and mechanisms to protect this group.  Thailand had been forced to strengthen its legislative framework to create a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders.  The anti-corruption act aimed to protect whistleblowers reporting corruption or public misconduct. 

    A course had been developed to promote internet awareness among children, youth and older persons.  In Thailand, most victims of online scams were older persons.  The implementation of the training was carried out in collaboration with public and private companies, academics and non-governmental organizations.  The training fostered skills to ensure safe and secure internet use.  Work to strengthen child and youth protection mechanisms on online media was driven by child protection committees and child protection centres. 

    The Department of Corrections was fully committed to ensuring the protection of the rights of all women in custody.  Special attention was given to the emotional wellbeing of women prisoners and their accompanying children.  Women were subject to non-invasive scans to avoid invasive strip searches.  Women prisoners underwent initial screenings by medical staff upon entry, and were ensured that their specific health needs were fulfilled.  Counselling services were provided to female inmates at least one month, and those who required further psychological support were identified. 

    Female death row inmates benefitted from the right to communicate with their family.  For pregnant women facing capital punishment, the sentence would be suspended until three years after the child was born. The human rights of female death row inmates were ensured, while also upholding legal and ethical safeguards.

    Thailand had participated in many United Nations peacekeeping operations for several decades, and believed female peacekeepers helped foster trust within the communities. The State was committed to providing more female peacekeepers.  Thailand was finalising the national action plan on women, peace and security for 2024 to 2027, which would focus on women affected by conflict-affected situations. It was expected to be launched by the end of 2025.  Gender initiatives had been integrated into several aspects of the peacekeeping module, including training courses. 

    The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre had established the subdistrict Peace Councils in 317 subdistricts.  Thailand’s climate change response aimed to allocate a budget for funding assistance to support women engaging in climate change and revise laws which created barriers for women’s participation. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert recognised important advances, including the marriage equality act, and the adoption of a national strategy on this issue.  What measures had the State party adopted to ensure the territorialised adoption of gender policies in areas affected by armed conflict?  What measures had been taken to harmonise religious and customary laws with State legislation and gender equality?  How was it ensured that data collected reflected the multiple inequalities by marginalised groups? 

    Another Expert said the Committee was happy to note that the Government had improved relevant policies and regulations and formulated a national action plan for women’s development.  During the pandemic, the Government took a variety of measures to improve women’s working measures and legal provisions.  Would the State party adopt temporary special measures to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in the public and private sectors? 

    Would special measures be adopted to address intersecting forms of discrimination faced by women from marginalised groups, including indigenous women and elderly women? Would temporary special measures be adopted to further reduce poverty and levels of violence for women in Southern Border Provinces, including female genital mutilation?  Would these measures be coupled with capacity building to ensure their effectiveness?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Thailand had established gender-responsive budgeting.  Seminars had been organised by Government officials and representatives of the private sector to ensure that gender-responsive budgeting was understood, and that women and girls could benefit from the national budget.  The private business sector cooperated with United Nations Women to integrate gender-responsive budgeting into business operations. 

    A study had been conducted which focused on the allocation of quotas for women and gender diverse individuals at national and local levels of politics.  The Government encouraged political parties to include women proportionally to men in their candidate lists.  Thailand’s number of female candidates had dramatically increased since 2019 and was on a positive trend.   

    Under the application of Islamic law in certain provinces, the Islamic family law was currently applied to Muslim citizens in the Southern Border Provinces.  A hybrid court system was responsible for handling cases involving disputes with family cases.  Muslim women who were victims of domestic violence and sexual violence could seek assistance through alternative avenues.  Marriages were regulated under the Central Islamic Committee, which prohibited marriage for anyone under the age of 17.  Most of the Southern Border Provinces were Muslim.  There were also channels for grievances for Islamic women, including remedies for victims affected by the conduct of officials. Assistance had been provided to more than 3,000 victims, and remedy was also provided to those affected by violence in the Southern Border Provinces.  Scholarships and education support was provided to children affected by the unrest. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said patriarchal practices continued to drive high rates of gender-based violence.  Current frameworks prioritised family reunification over the protection of the survivors.  How was it ensured that survivor centred protection and legal remedies were available to all victims, including those in conflict-affected areas?  Were there plans to enact comprehensive legislation which criminalised online violence against women?  How was it ensured that survivors could report cases of violence safely without fear of reprisals?  How were gender-based violence policies being monitored and evaluated? 

    Thailand remained a patriarchal society where women were expected to be caregivers while men were seen as leaders, which was reinforced in the media and other avenues. What programmes were in place to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes?  Were there programmes to engage men and boys in efforts to transform discriminatory social norms?  What mechanisms were in place to ensure that women from all communities could access justice and public services without stigma or discrimination?  What steps was the State party taking to explicitly criminalise and eliminate harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and bride abduction, and to conduct awareness campaigns on their impact on women’s rights?

    Another Expert asked what steps the State party would take to effectively combat labour trafficking of women?  The anti-trafficking act allowed courts to waive punishments for parents who forced their children into labour due to extreme poverty and other extenuating circumstances; this was unacceptable.  How did the State party intend to ensure the protection of the girl child from being trafficked by her parents?  What steps was the State party taking to ensure the effective implementation of the national referral mechanism throughout the country. 

    The Committee commended the State party for the significant efforts made to bring the perpetrators of trafficking in persons to justice, including corrupt officials who protected traffickers.  While training was provided to police, immigration and labour officials, and prosecutors and judges, it was not mandatory for new judges.  What steps would be taken to ensure all those responsible for trafficking cases and prosecutions were adequately trained? How did the State party envisage regulating prostitution in the future?  Would sex workers be decriminalised and prostitution be legal? 

    Another Expert asked what the State was doing to combat cyber trafficking, which was an increasingly prevalent issue? 

    RANGITA DE SILVA DE ALWIS, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said the Thai President had been the victim of a voice scam.  How were scams tackled in the context of women in political and public life? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said the domestic violence protection act was approved in 2025.  The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand opposed female genital mutilation and recognised it as a grave violation of human rights. Thailand was committed to eliminating this harmful practice in all its forms and was focused on providing education about its potential health consequences.  This effort was carried out in collaboration with community networks. 

    During the period 2021–2023, there were no violations found by labour inspectorates.  Thailand maintained proactive oversight through the labour inspectorate system.  Thailand aimed to conduct awareness raising among children and youth on trafficking and had developed youth focused education and training in this regard. 

    Thailand was aware that gender stereotypes were ingrained, and this would take a lifetime effort to overcome.  Currently, changing the mindset of the people was difficult.  It was important to raise awareness and re-learn what was appropriate. The Department of Women’s Affairs coordinated with academics to work with young people on a project to identify sexist language in textbooks in schools.  A guidebook had been created and distributed to teachers to provide guidance on how to combat harmful gender stereotypes in schools.  While gender stereotypes were the key focus currently, the States pledged to eventually address all kinds of stereotypes. 

    The country operated under the premise that sex work was not considered a crime and that sex workers should have access to appropriate justice avenues if required. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    An Expert acknowledged the second female Prime Minister of Thailand, who was historically the youngest.  The Committee was concerned about the low levels of women’s representation in political institutions.  Cultural norms and stereotypes actively discouraged women from entering politics. What legislative measures were being taken to combat issues such as gender hate speech and harmful stereotypes which deterred women from participating in public life?  Were there plans to address workplace bullying in parliament?  What was the level of representation of Muslim women in politics? 

    Women appeared to be underrepresented in the Foreign Office, comprising just 15 per cent of ambassadors.  What steps were being taken by the State party to ensure this underrepresentation of women was rectified, including minorities such as women from the deep south and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex women?  The Committee commended the Thai Government for increasing the protection of human rights defenders.  How many recommendations from the fourth and fifth national human rights plan targeting human rights defenders had been implemented? Were there plans to address the small number of female military personnel?  How was it ensured that civil society could participate in multilateral environments?

    A Committee Expert said Thailand had over half a million registered stateless persons in January 2022, many of whom were ethnic minorities in remote areas who were unaware of their rights.  Thailand had not ratified key United Nations Conventions on statelessness.  There were differences when it came to men and women obtaining Thai nationality.  Would the State plan to make amendments to the national act, providing equality on citizenship for men and women?  What measures had been taken to decrease the number of stateless women and children? How did the Government plan to support refugee women, including Rohingya women? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said female police officers could advance to the Commissioner rank through examinations.  Female police officers occupied the highest rank within the Thai police.  The representation of women in the Superintendent rank rose from 13 per cent in 2021 to 16.7 per cent in 2025. Approximately 66 per cent of Thai diplomats were women, and around 36 per cent of Thai ambassadors were women. Measures including maternity leave were put in place to ensure the support of female staff.  Women were encouraged to participate in multilateral fora. 

    For decades, the Thai Government had continually adopted policies and measures to improve the protection of stateless persons in the country.  Their access to public services had been increased.  In 2024, a cabinet solution was adopted to expedite the process to nationality acquisition to a large group of the population.  This would allow stateless children to obtain Thai nationality. 

    It was important to analyse data to determine how to counter the trend of violence against female political candidates. 

    Comprehensive health access was ensured for all migrants, including women.  The migrant health insurance scheme was a voluntarily contributory scheme utilised by migrant workers in the informal sector, prior to national health insurance enrolment.  Public health care was actively working to address the needs of unregistered migrants.  Although Thailand was not party to the 1951 Convention relating to the protection of refugees, the State had taken other steps to ensure their rights were upheld. For instance, a memorandum of understanding had been developed to ensure children and their mothers were placed in child protection centres, instead of being held in immigration centres. 

    Recent steps showed that 80 per cent of Thai women wished to start their own business, with 45 per cent of Thai women considering themselves to be entrepreneurs. 

    The delegation said within the fourth national human rights action plan (2019-2022), there were several recommendations for human rights defenders, including strengthening the protection act, studying best practices on the protection of freedom of assembly, and allocating more funding, among others.  The fifth national human rights action plan also contained three specific recommendations for human rights defenders, including acceding to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which came into effect in Thailand in 2024. 

    The Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equality was responsible for formulating policies, measures and operational plans to promote gender equality across all sectors. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said the Committee noted with satisfaction the adoption of the national education act of 1999 which guaranteed all children equal rights and opportunities to receive free and compulsory basic education.  The Committee encouraged the State party to continue efforts aimed at reaching gender parity in primary and secondary school enrolment.  Despite these efforts, the Committee was concerned about the high dropout rates among stateless and refugee girls and the fact that Patani Malay girls were discouraged from continuing their education due to early marriage and lack of education in Malay. 

    Were there policies specifically targeted for expanding education to minorities?  What steps were being taken to ensure the safety of girls living in the Southern Border Provinces?  How was cyber bullying against transgender students being addressed in schools and universities? 

    Thailand was commended for leading in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields; how was it ensured these translated into employment opportunities for young women?  What steps was the State party taking to ensure age-appropriate sexual reproductive education in schools?

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said there were mechanisms in place to ensure girls from marginalised groups received education.  There were schools established in the Southern Border Provinces, with border patrol officers teaching the students.  Schools in rural areas faced disadvantages; however, there were no discriminatory practices for migrant girls to access schools.  The current school graduation rates showed a higher percentage of girls compared to boys.  The State provided safety in all areas to prevent threats to students.  A religious school, supported by the Government, was located in the Southern Border Provinces, providing additional opportunities for students. 

    Bullying stemmed from stereotypes, and the Ministry of Education was aware of this issue.  Work had been undertaken to combat bullying of transgender students, including launching a digital platform for reporting on school safety.  At risk students, including victims and perpetrators, were identified, and activities were conducted to encourage friendship and positive interaction. Support was strengthened for teachers to enable them to identify early warning signs and respond in a timely fashion. The development of science and technology projects had provided scholarships to students of all genders. Thailand was committed to providing age-appropriate sexual and reproductive education in schools.  The protest “One School One Hospital” encouraged hospitals to provide advice on sexual health and contraception directly to students. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said the gender pay gap remained at around 11 per cent in Thailand, and around 66 per cent of female workers in the agricultural sector earned below the minimum wage.  Had the equal pay act been adequately enforced?  What was being done to address noncompliance?  What measures were being taken to ensure women in the domestic sector and migrant workers were covered under social protection schemes? 

    How was the effective protection of pregnant women ensured, particularly in small businesses? Was there a plan to introduce mandated paternity leave?  What steps had been taken to ensure sexual harassment protections extended to all sectors? What mechanisms were in place to monitor sexual harassment?  Were there any plans to formalise the employment pathway for migrant workers? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said the labour protection act mandated that employers paid equal wages for equal work, regardless of a person’s gender.  Thailand was developing a draft act to facilitate the empowerment of informal workers.  Thailand provided compensation for women migrant workers, including paid maternity leave and protection against dismissal due to pregnancy.  Thailand had enacted legislation which prohibited sexual harassment in all workplaces.  Steps were being taken to bring informal migrant workers into the formal system. The State provided legal guidance on rights and duties under the law, including regarding labour disputes. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said according to the Criminal Court, abortion could be interrupted up to the twelfth week, but after this time period, a pregnant woman was required to have a consultation with a doctor, and faced a sanction and fine if she proceeded with an abortion.  Did the State plan to amend its Criminal Code to fully decriminalise abortion and abolish the need for consultations after the 12-week mark?  How was the State combatting the stigma of abortion by health staff?  The number of forced sterilisation and coercive abortions of persons with disabilities was concerning.  What was being done to end these damaging practices?  What mechanisms were put in place to ensure appropriate measures were taken in this area?  Would the State provide reparations to victims? 

    Women in the Southern Border Provinces faced further issues, including female genital mutilation and unsafe abortions, as well as mental health issues due to the violence they experienced.  How was the State addressing these issues?  What steps was it taking to combat female genital mutilation, ensuring Muslim women could access care appropriate to their religious beliefs? The Committee had heard that women living with HIV were subject to tests without their consent and were pressured to undergo sterilisation.  What steps were being taken to ensure these tests were carried out without coercive pressure?  What was being done to ensure full access to HIV therapy for the most vulnerable groups? How was the right to health guaranteed for women in the prison system? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said a woman could fully terminate her pregnancy under 12 weeks without criminal liability.  Between 12 and 20 weeks, abortion services were accessible following certified consultations with public health professionals and based on medical grounds. Medical personnel received specialised training to enhance their expertise in abortion care.  The current national reproductive health policy aimed to ensure equitable and inclusive births, including for persons with disabilities. 

    Any HIV treatment was provided based on consent, and testing without consent was considered a violation of a patient’s rights.  Sterilisation could only be performed with an individual’s free and informed consent. Women and others living with HIV were only treated if they gave their informed consent; there were no practices of forced testing, and any allegations of such cases were investigated. Thailand focused on improving standardised medical treatment for females who were incarcerated.  Screenings were carried out for cancers and other diseases. The Universal Health Coverage Scheme also covered the border areas, as did the mental health programme. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert asked how the State party planned to reduce gender disparity in social security, particularly for refugees and migrants residing in camps?  Initiatives supporting women’s entrepreneurship were welcomed, including the Women’s Empowerment Fund.  However, women in rural communities faced issues in accessing services.  What policies were in place for ensuring equal access to financial services for women in all areas?  What measures were in place to promote disadvantaged women in sports and culture? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Human Development Fund was available to provide opportunities for women to access funds for businesses and economic empowerment.  Currently, there were around 17 million female members of this Fund.  By 2024, 17-million-baht worth of loans had been provided to females across the country. Work needed to be done to provide larger loans to women. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert asked what concrete steps the State party was taking to ensure the protection and empowerment of marginalised women and girls?  What was being done to effectively advance the rights of these women and girls?  How was the State party effectively implementing the international standards for the treatment of prisoners as provided for in the Nelson Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules?

    The Expert congratulated the State party on the steps being taken to revise the climate change master plan which focused on gender and social inclusive climate action, including climate finance, adaptation and mitigation, recognising that women and girls experienced disproportionately greater loss and damage from the impacts of climate change.  What concrete steps was the State party taking to ensure that climate financing, adaptation and mitigation strategies met the specific needs of women and girls? 

    What steps was the State party taking to ensure that the blue economy and agriculture were sustainable, inclusive, and resilient to climate change, to meet the specific needs of women and girls?  What measures was the State party taking to ensure the protection of all women and girls from the disproportionate impacts of air pollution?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said inmates in the prison system received three nutritious meals daily which respected local, cultural and religious practices, and drinking water was supplied in adequate quantities.  To address overcrowding concerns, the Department of Corrections could authorise inmates to be moved to alternative custody alternatives.  A committee had been established to manage this process.   

    A national adaptation plan on climate change had been developed, aligning with global adaptation goals.  The plan emphasised the importance of gender equality in planning, decision making and public participation.  Measures in the plan included enhancing early warning systems, developing adaptation guidelines for vulnerable farming communities, and gender-responsive budgets, among other measures.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert commended the State party for raising the minimum age of marriage to 18 years.  In addition, Thailand had become the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.  However, child marriage persisted in Thailand, particularly in lower income areas. Polygamy was prohibited under the Civil Code, but it was still practiced.  What enforcement mechanisms were in place to eradicate exceptions permitting marriage under the age of 18?  What progress was being envisaged in harmonising Islamic family and inheritance law? What was the body specifically assigned for this important task?  How was the State party addressing systemic barriers that Muslim women faced in accessing divorce?  What concrete steps were being taken to eradicate polygamous unions? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Islamic family law was currently provided to Muslim citizens in the Southern Border Provinces.  Government authorities had supported the application of the use of Islamic family law in line with human rights and standards.  The Administrative Centre of the Southern Border Provinces had disseminated a family law handbook on inheritance and other laws.  After divorce, women were required under the Civil Code to wait for a certain number of days before remarrying.  They could remarry earlier, if they could provide a certificate from a doctor which stated they were not pregnant.  Door to door outreach was conducted to screen populations at risk of air pollution, including pregnant women. 

    Closing Remarks

    RAMRUNG WORAWAT, Director-General of the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, head of the delegation, said the discussion with the Committee had been very fruitful. The State would aim to take forward the Committee’s recommendations, with a will to transform them into concrete actions.  Thailand wished to maintain the dialogue with the Committee and advance this important agenda at the international level. 

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chair, thanked Thailand for the constructive dialogue which had provided further insight into the situation of women and girls in the country.

    ___________

    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.

     

    CEDAW25.014E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Plenary round-up – June 2025 – 19-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    One focus of the June 2025 plenary session was the situation in the Middle East, with Members debating statements from Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, on the risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation, and the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan addressed Parliament in a formal sitting, and spoke in particular on the implications of the crisis in the Middle East. Members held further debates on international questions, including debating with Kallas on the upcoming NATO summit, on 24-26 June 2025. They also debated the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression, the rise in violence and the deepening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, and the assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe and the threat to the democratic process and peace in Colombia. Inside the EU, Members debated the state of play on illegal use of spyware and the follow-up two years after the PEGA inquiry committee recommendations, freedom of assembly in Hungary and the need for the Commission to act, safeguarding the rule of law in Spain, the institutional and political implications of the EU enlargement process, and the latest developments on the revision of the air passenger rights and airline liability regulations. Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, opened the session with a statement marking the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Area agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – REGI – Reporting back to committee – Mission to Sweden – 25.06.25 – Committee on Regional Development

    Source: European Parliament

    REGI Sweden mission_May 2025 © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    The Committee on Regional Development will have a reporting back to committee on the subject of its mission to Sweden from 26-28 May at its meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Keeping Sapri maternity hospital open and safeguarding essential services in small European towns and communities – E-002386/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002386/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left)

    Sapri’s maternity hospital covers 17 municipalities alone in health district 71 – a border area between Campania, Basilicata and Calabria that is already suffering from demographic decline, poor infrastructure and regional marginalisation.

    Its closure risks preventing people from having access to essential care and increasing territorial inequalities. It also contradicts EU policies to combat demographic decline and ensure the vitality of small communities.

    Resolution 2020/2039 (INI) stresses the need for targeted investments to stop depopulation and support birth rates, while Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan promote universal access to health services, which is key to a sustainable demographic fabric.

    In the light of Article 3 TEU, Article 9 TFEU and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 21):

    • 1.Will the Commission ensure that EU funds are made compatible with the protection of essential health services, such as maternity hospitals? How?
    • 2.Can Italy use EU funds (NRRP, ESF +, ERDF) to combat population degrowth and ensure the continuity and vitality of these small communities?
    • 3.Does it consider it appropriate to promote EU guidelines providing for specific derogations for healthcare facilities in disadvantaged areas, with a view to safeguarding basic services such as maternity hospitals and combating health desertification in local communities?

    Submitted: 13.6.2025

    Last updated: 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inverness to mark Armed Forces Week with flag raising ceremony

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday, 23 June at Inverness Town House to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week which culminates in Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June 2024.  Armed Forces Day flags will be raised on buildings and landmarks around the country including at Inverness Town House and Highland Council’s Headquarters at Glenurquhart Road.

    On Saturday 28 June at 13.45, there will be an Armed Forces Day Parade led by the Inverness Royal British Legion Scotland Band which will march from the Eastgate Centre, through the High Street to Inverness Cathedral for a Drumhead service supported by the Inverness Military Wives Choir.

    Provost of Inverness and Area, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair said: “This is a chance for us to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from serving personnel to service families, veterans, and cadets.

    “This flag raising ceremony is an opportunity to recognise the work that our Armed Forces do to protect our country and show our deep appreciation for their service. They would not be able to undertake their role without the incredible support of their family and friends. I am delighted to have been asked to take the salute on Saturday along with Wing Commander S Spence and David Sutherland CBE”.

    19 Jun 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gaelic and football united – Thig còmhla rinn!

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Football, language and a shared Celtic heritage will be the focus of a special sporting celebration in Inverness this Saturday (21 June).

    Alba FA is a football team established to use the game as a force to connect, inspire and grow Scottish Gaelic through community activity, both nationally and internationally.

    This Saturday Alba welcome Kernow FA, who represent Cornwall, for a ‘Celtic Nations’ clash at Canal Park.

    As well as the football match, the day includes a Gaelic medium football session (12 noon-1.30pm) for boys and girls, where all participants will receive free access to the main match.

    A pre-match gathering will begin with a pipe band and Highland dance performance followed by team warm-ups and national anthems prior to the 3pm kick-off.

    Driving the idea to create a Scottish national football team made up entirely of Gaelic speakers is Calum Ferguson, a former professional who played for Inverness Caley Thistle.

    He is a former pupil of Central Primary in Inverness, which 40 years ago was the first school in the Highlands to offer Gaelic medium education.

    He said: “You don’t have to be a Gaelic speaker or learner to come along, it’s just a celebration of football and what it can do.

    “This is a new footballing development and we’re trying to do our bit to support the language and Gaelic culture.

    “Above all else we want to preserve the language and pass it on to future generations.

    “Football is a great vehicle to champion that cause and bring people together.

    “Thig còmhla rinn – join us!”

    In recent years Calum has been heavily involved in promoting the Gaelic language through football.

    He helped to found FC Sonas, a Gaelic community football club, which delivers football sessions to youngsters.

    Highland Council is supporting Saturday’s events. Efforts to broaden Gaelic language opportunities for young people outside of a school setting is a key strand in the council’s Gaelic language plan.

    Calum was one of the guest speakers at Highland Council’s recent Gaelic conference which examined the economic, social and cultural opportunities that the language can offer for the region.

    Full details of Saturday’s event can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/alba-fa-vs-kernow-fa-tickets-1390581589969?aff=oddtdtcreator

    Alba Squad list

    • Michael MacÌomhair (MacVicar)
    • Harry MacNeacail (Nicolson)
    • Calum MacIllinnein (MacLennan)
    • Uilleam MacFhionghan (MacKinnon)
    • Domhnall Mhoireasdan (Morrison)
    • Niall Mac a’Phì (MacPhee)
    • Gilleasbuig Mac’Phiocair (MacVicar)
    • Jonathon Peutan (Beaton)
    • Dòmhnall MacEanraig (Henderson)
    • Padraig Mac Ille Mhaoil (MacMillian)
    • Ross MacDhòmhnaill (MacDonald)
    • Alex John Moireasdan (Morrison)
    • Angus John Moireach (Murray)
    • Daniel Moran
    • Gillies O’hAnluain (O’Hanlon)
    • Euan MacAnndra (Anderson)
    • David MacAnndra (Anderson)
    • Sam MacAoidh (MacKay)
    • Luke MacAoidh (MacKay)
    • Calum Frame
    • Calum MacFhearghais⁠ (Ferguson)

    Caption: Alba FA members Innes Scullion centre, Calum Ferguson left, Harry Nicolson right. Photo, Dylan Lawrence.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call From Slovenia Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 19, 2025

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received Thursday a phone call from HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Tanja Fajon.

    Discussion during the call dealt with the two countries’ cooperation relations and ways to bolster them in addition to the latest regional developments, primarily the Israeli attack on the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran.

    In this context, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the continued Israeli violations and attacks, which undermine peace efforts and risk igniting a broader regional war.

    Furthermore, His Excellency underscored the grave implications of Israel’s targeting of economic facilities in Iran, warning of the potentially disastrous regional and international repercussions, particularly concerning the stability of global energy supplies. He further emphasized the importance of protecting civilians from the consequences of war and stressed the need for both parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure.

    His Excellency highlighted the urgent need for coordinated regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels; affirming that the State of Qatar is actively working, in close cooperation with its partners, to revive dialogue among all parties in order to address outstanding issues and to promote regional as well as international security and peace.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Accor Signs Novotel Victoria Falls, Marking Strategic Market Entry into Zimbabwe

    Accor (www.Group.Accor.com), a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the signing of Novotel Victoria Falls, a landmark project set within Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

    The agreement, signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa, marks Accor’s market entry into Zimbabwe, leveraging a first-mover advantage in one of Africa’s most iconic destinations and underscoring the Group’s commitment to pioneering development in emerging markets.

    Scheduled to open in 2028, the 111-key new-build property will be developed under a management agreement with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust, a Development REIT focused on high-quality assets across tourism, hospitality, health, retail, and residential sectors.

    Located in the Eagle Heights precinct, in a prime location overlooking the Masuwe River, the hotel will blend natural beauty with Novotel’s modern, family-friendly hospitality. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully designed experience, with facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, kids’ club, all-day dining restaurant, and destination bar – designed to meet the needs of modern travellers seeking comfort, connection, and local discovery.

    Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders”, Victoria Falls is not only a dramatic natural wonder but also a world-renowned hub for adventure tourism, offering white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and scenic helicopter flights.

    “This signing represents a bold step forward in our development strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor. “Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, and we are proud to bring the Novotel brand experience to Zimbabwe for the very first time. As a first mover, we see this project as a gateway to long-term sustainable growth in the country.”

    The signing signals a strategic entry for Accor into a destination with growing regional and domestic tourism and a limited presence of global hotel brands.

    Bevin Ngara, Managing Director of Eagle Asset Managers, the Eagle REIT Fund Managers, added: “We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring an international standard of hospitality to Victoria Falls. This project reflects our vision of investing in transformative developments that elevate tourism and deliver value to local communities and investors alike.”

    Novotel, with over 590 hotels across 68 countries and 180+ more in the pipeline, champions balanced living for both business travellers and families. As the first internationally branded Novotel in Zimbabwe, the hotel will meet the rising demand for high-quality yet accessible accommodation in Victoria Falls supporting the city’s evolution into a year-round destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Accor.

    Contacts media relations:
    Cybelle Daou Khadij
    Director PR & Communications
    Middle East, Africa and Türkiye
    Cybelle.daou@accor.com

    Follow on Social Media:
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4k8ziS4
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4kLuiDL
    LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4lhFPdX
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4kLrBlF
    TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/4ebcFuM

    About Accor:
    Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle, with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor’s mission is reflected in the Group’s purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit www.Group.Accor.com.

    About Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust (Eagle REIT):
    Eagle REIT is Zimbabwe’s first dollar-denominated Development REIT focusing on developing high-impact real estate assets across the hospitality, healthcare, and residential sectors. It is also the first REIT to be listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), a member of the International Financial Services Center. The REIT is managed by Eagle Asset Management, a licensed investment manager and a subsidiary of Zimre Holdings Limited.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What UK involvement in Iran could look like – and the political questions it raises

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Geraint Hughes, Reader in Diplomatic and Military History, King’s College London

    Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, CC BY-NC-ND

    At the time of writing, US President Donald Trump is deliberating over whether to join Israel’s air campaign to destroy Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons programme. This is already a contentious issue within Washington DC and the Trump administration. But if the president decides to take the US into a war with Iran, it will have significant implications for the US’s allies, not least the UK.

    As the recent strategic defence review emphasises, the US is Britain’s main ally, an essential partner in defence and intelligence.

    However, the Trump administration has made clear to its European allies that it no longer regards the defence of the continent as a US national security priority. And the president’s commitment to Nato is uncertain.

    It is possible that Britain and other European allies could be publicly pressured by Trump to support any intervention on Israel’s side. The US may expect this in return for the US’s continued involvement in Nato and its readiness to honour article 5 (the collective defence principle, which obliges collective retaliation to aggression against one member) for its allies.

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

    Given the importance of American military power in deterring wider Russian aggression in Europe – and Trump’s transactional character – this would present Keir Starmer with a particularly stark dilemma.

    A purely US air campaign against Iran is feasible. The US Navy will soon have two carrier strike groups in the Middle East region. And the US Air Force’s B2 strategic bombers can launch raids across the globe from bases in the continental US.

    The US also has several military bases in the region. However, as was the case with the 1991 and 2003 wars with Iraq, Washington DC will need permission from Gulf Arab allies to use them.

    Nonetheless, the Trump administration could request authorisation from the UK’s Labour government to use US airbases in the UK and its overseas territories to support an air campaign against Iran. This would not involve the UK deploying forces, but would require the UK to approve the use of the airbases.

    The Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean would be a useful asset in this case. But its employment would reopen the controversy over its establishment in the 1960s.

    It could also call into question the diplomatic deal the UK made with Mauritius last month to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, while keeping this base open. The Mauritians are likely to oppose US airstrikes on Iran.

    Britain also has options for direct participation. RAF Typhoon jets stationed at Britain’s airbase in Akrotiri, Cyprus provided air defence support for Israel during the Iranian missile and drone strikes in April and October 2024. They could conduct similar missions now.

    But from the Royal Navy’s perspective, it would be difficult to divert the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales from its deployment to the Indo-Pacific, partly because the task group it sails with is a multinational one.

    Given that the British armed forces are already overstretched, it is difficult to see whether the UK could provide more than basing rights and air support to the Israelis (if requested).

    A discreet commitment of UK special forces (the 22nd Special Air Service regiment and the Special Boat Service) on the ground is conceivable. This can be – and indeed has been – authorised by previous governments without parliamentary debate. But any further British military commitment is likely to cause a political row.

    Legal and political ramifications

    The key question for Starmer and his ministers will not be whether Britain could back a US war against Iran but whether it should. After the debacle of the Iraq war and the ensuing Chilcot inquiry, it is difficult to see how any government – let alone a Labour one – can take Britain into a major interstate conflict on this scale without firm parliamentary support and a solid case in international law.

    To this end, the Attorney General Richard Hermer has reportedly questioned the legality of Israel’s preemptive attack on Iran, and has argued that any British military intervention should be limited to the defence of its allies.

    We should not forget that Starmer was a human rights lawyer and the head of the Crown Prosecution Service before he became a politician.

    Another legacy of Iraq is that it is customary (though not a legal requirement) for prime ministers to seek parliamentary approval for any major military operation. David Cameron lost a vote in the House of Commons to approve airstrikes against Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria in August 2013. But he gained parliamentary support for Britain’s commitment to the fight against Islamic State in 2015.

    A similar debate now is unlikely to lead to approval of British military intervention in this case. Within the Labour party, there is already widespread condemnation of Israeli tactics and Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza.

    There is little popular appetite for sending British sailors and airmen into a war with Iran. And, given the US vice-president’s own dismissive comments about the military experiences of European allies, the public is also entitled to ask why British servicemen should die or risk breaching international law for an administration that probably will not appreciate their sacrifice.

    Geraint Hughes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What UK involvement in Iran could look like – and the political questions it raises – https://theconversation.com/what-uk-involvement-in-iran-could-look-like-and-the-political-questions-it-raises-259420

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s unpredictable approach to Iran could seriously backfire

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Bentley, Professor of International Relations, Royal Holloway University of London

    US president Donald Trump has now publicly approved a plan of attack against Iran, which includes a strike against its underground nuclear facility at Fordow (though, at the time of writing, a final decision to go ahead hasn’t been made).

    The world is now waiting to see whether Trump will put this plan into action. And that’s exactly what Trump wants. This is not a case of indecision or buying time. Trump has long based his foreign policy on being unpredictable. Iran is another example of his strategy to be as elusive as possible. Yet, his approach has always been difficult – and now threatens to destabilise an already fractious conflict.

    One interpretation of Trump’s new public threat towards Iran could be deterrence. Trump is warning Iran that there would be significant consequences if they do not reverse their nuclear ambitions. Change or you will regret it.

    If this is Trump’s plan, then he is doing it badly. Successful deterrence relies on clearly communicating the exact penalties of not complying. While Trump has specified a possible attack on Fordow, the rest of the plan is extremely hazy. Trump said he wants “better than a ceasefire”.

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

    But what does that mean? Just Fordow? Boots on the ground? Regime change? His ambiguity creates problems for deterrence because if your adversary doesn’t know what the outcomes of their actions will be, they can’t formulate a response or will think you just aren’t serious.

    But current US foreign policy on Iran is more than bad deterrence. Trump’s vague rhetoric and his refusal to commit reflects his long-standing strategy of being unreliable when it comes to foreign policy.

    Trump’s prevarication has all the hallmarks of his unpredictability doctrine – which states that you should never let anyone know what you will do. The doctrine is also about uncertainty. The idea being that you unnerve your opponents by making them unsure, allowing you to take the advantage while they have no idea what to do themselves.

    Trump’s rhetoric on Iran reflects that unpredictability doctrine. Trump actively said of his future action: “I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.”

    This would not be the first time he has used unpredictability in relation to Iran. In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA). This agreement – signed by the US, France, Germany, the UK, China, Russia and the EU – was designed to limit Iran’s nuclear activity in return for sanctions relief. The US withdrawal was seen as disruptive and creating unnecessary uncertainty, not just for Iran but also US allies.

    Will the strategy work?

    Being unpredictable is a dangerous way of doing foreign policy. Stable international politics depends on knowing what everyone else will do. You can’t do that with Trump.

    The downsides of unpredictability will be even worse in a conflict. In the case of Iran, adding even more uncertainty to a fragile situation will only add fuel to what is already a massive fire.



    Read more:
    China positions itself as a stable economic partner and alternative to ‘unpredictable’ Trump

    Trump’s refusal to specify exactly what the US response would be is more proverbial petrol. The insinuation that this could escalate to regime change may be true or not (or just unpredictable bluster).

    It’s also the case that only 14% of Americans support military intervention and so a more aggressive policy may not be realistic. But if Iran is led to think that Trump is directly threatening their state, this could encourage them to hunker down as opposed to changing their nuclear policy – risking greater military action on both sides.

    Donald Trump being unclear about whether the US is going to bomb Iran.

    Even just the implicit threat of US military intervention will damage what little relations there are between America and Iran. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said: “Any US military intervention will undoubtedly cause irreparable damage.” Unpredictability then undermines any diplomatic negotiations or solution to the crisis.

    Trump is also risking his foreign policy relations beyond Iran. While preventing a new member of the nuclear club is a laudable aim, any US attack on a state over weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will lie in the difficult shadow of the “war on terror”, the US-led military campaign launched after 9/11.

    With the International Atomic Energy Agency questioning Iran’s capacity to build a nuclear bomb, the US’s legacy of intervention over the WMD in Iraq that never were still looms large. Trump will need to be fully transparent and clear if any action over nuclear arms is going to be seen as legitimate. Unpredictability does not allow for that.

    Trump’s fellow state leaders are going to feel disrupted by yet another example of unpredictability. Even if they support curbing Iran, they may find it difficult to back someone they simply can’t depend on. And if they feel cautious about the Iran situation because they can’t rely on Trump, Trump needs to start asking whether he can rely on them for support in whatever his next move is.

    Michelle Bentley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump’s unpredictable approach to Iran could seriously backfire – https://theconversation.com/trumps-unpredictable-approach-to-iran-could-seriously-backfire-259399

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s unpredictable approach to Iran could seriously backfire

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Bentley, Professor of International Relations, Royal Holloway University of London

    US president Donald Trump has now publicly approved a plan of attack against Iran, which includes a strike against its underground nuclear facility at Fordow (though, at the time of writing, a final decision to go ahead hasn’t been made).

    The world is now waiting to see whether Trump will put this plan into action. And that’s exactly what Trump wants. This is not a case of indecision or buying time. Trump has long based his foreign policy on being unpredictable. Iran is another example of his strategy to be as elusive as possible. Yet, his approach has always been difficult – and now threatens to destabilise an already fractious conflict.

    One interpretation of Trump’s new public threat towards Iran could be deterrence. Trump is warning Iran that there would be significant consequences if they do not reverse their nuclear ambitions. Change or you will regret it.

    If this is Trump’s plan, then he is doing it badly. Successful deterrence relies on clearly communicating the exact penalties of not complying. While Trump has specified a possible attack on Fordow, the rest of the plan is extremely hazy. Trump said he wants “better than a ceasefire”.

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

    But what does that mean? Just Fordow? Boots on the ground? Regime change? His ambiguity creates problems for deterrence because if your adversary doesn’t know what the outcomes of their actions will be, they can’t formulate a response or will think you just aren’t serious.

    But current US foreign policy on Iran is more than bad deterrence. Trump’s vague rhetoric and his refusal to commit reflects his long-standing strategy of being unreliable when it comes to foreign policy.

    Trump’s prevarication has all the hallmarks of his unpredictability doctrine – which states that you should never let anyone know what you will do. The doctrine is also about uncertainty. The idea being that you unnerve your opponents by making them unsure, allowing you to take the advantage while they have no idea what to do themselves.

    Trump’s rhetoric on Iran reflects that unpredictability doctrine. Trump actively said of his future action: “I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.”

    This would not be the first time he has used unpredictability in relation to Iran. In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA). This agreement – signed by the US, France, Germany, the UK, China, Russia and the EU – was designed to limit Iran’s nuclear activity in return for sanctions relief. The US withdrawal was seen as disruptive and creating unnecessary uncertainty, not just for Iran but also US allies.

    Will the strategy work?

    Being unpredictable is a dangerous way of doing foreign policy. Stable international politics depends on knowing what everyone else will do. You can’t do that with Trump.

    The downsides of unpredictability will be even worse in a conflict. In the case of Iran, adding even more uncertainty to a fragile situation will only add fuel to what is already a massive fire.



    Read more:
    China positions itself as a stable economic partner and alternative to ‘unpredictable’ Trump

    Trump’s refusal to specify exactly what the US response would be is more proverbial petrol. The insinuation that this could escalate to regime change may be true or not (or just unpredictable bluster).

    It’s also the case that only 14% of Americans support military intervention and so a more aggressive policy may not be realistic. But if Iran is led to think that Trump is directly threatening their state, this could encourage them to hunker down as opposed to changing their nuclear policy – risking greater military action on both sides.

    Donald Trump being unclear about whether the US is going to bomb Iran.

    Even just the implicit threat of US military intervention will damage what little relations there are between America and Iran. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said: “Any US military intervention will undoubtedly cause irreparable damage.” Unpredictability then undermines any diplomatic negotiations or solution to the crisis.

    Trump is also risking his foreign policy relations beyond Iran. While preventing a new member of the nuclear club is a laudable aim, any US attack on a state over weapons of mass destruction (WMD) will lie in the difficult shadow of the “war on terror”, the US-led military campaign launched after 9/11.

    With the International Atomic Energy Agency questioning Iran’s capacity to build a nuclear bomb, the US’s legacy of intervention over the WMD in Iraq that never were still looms large. Trump will need to be fully transparent and clear if any action over nuclear arms is going to be seen as legitimate. Unpredictability does not allow for that.

    Trump’s fellow state leaders are going to feel disrupted by yet another example of unpredictability. Even if they support curbing Iran, they may find it difficult to back someone they simply can’t depend on. And if they feel cautious about the Iran situation because they can’t rely on Trump, Trump needs to start asking whether he can rely on them for support in whatever his next move is.

    Michelle Bentley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump’s unpredictable approach to Iran could seriously backfire – https://theconversation.com/trumps-unpredictable-approach-to-iran-could-seriously-backfire-259399

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Deepening the European Single Market

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    Remarks by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the Eurogroup Meeting on Enhancing Competitiveness and Addressing Internal Barriers in the Single Market – Luxembourg

    June 19, 2025

    As prepared for delivery

    Thank you, Paschal, for inviting me back to speak on the topic of Europe’s single market.

    We have been urging all of our members that now is the time to get your own house in order given the global trade and other tensions and the uncertainty. Reforms delayed? Delay no more.

    And our advice has been resonating. Across the globe, countries and regions are on the move, pushing to higher competitiveness, more dynamism, and faster technological transformation. For Europe it is very simple: either Europe acts, or Europe risks getting sidelined. Relative decline would not happen in a flash, it would creep in, but that would not make it less real.

    There is no time for delay.

    Here at the Eurogroup, I have two positive messages that I want to deliver upfront:

    • First: with the Draghi and Letta reports, with the work of the Commission, and with your work, Europe has defined a strategic agenda with single market integration at its core, yet also bringing in national reforms and a bolder vision for the EU budget. Today I will sum this up in a three-point approach—single market, national reforms, and the EU budget—where the strength of each piece rests on the strength of the others.
    • Second: Europe has all the assets it needs—the savings, the skills, and the technology. It falls to Europe’s policymakers to push—nationally, collectively, and decisively—to mobilize these assets to their full potential. The people want a Europe that creates high-value jobs, innovates, and generates cutting-edge products and services. They want opportunity. It is within reach.

    I know it can be done because Europe has done it before. I think back, for instance, to the EU enlargement of 2004, which opened up many new avenues for households and firms. Today, GDP per capita in the new member states is 30 percent higher than it would have been without EU accession—30 percent! Even for the “old” member states, we estimate that GDP per capita today is some 10 percent higher, on average, thanks to the enlargement.

    Our assessment is thus clear and grounded in hard data: the single market delivers.

    And yet we know that internal trade barriers remain high. According to the European Commission, for every 100 euros of value added produced in EU countries, only around 20 euros of goods are flowing back and forth between EU countries. In contrast, for the United States, for every 100 dollars of value added produced, 45 dollars of goods are crossing state borders.

    This shows how various factors are holding Europe back. What are they? Regrettably, the list is long: fragmented regulation, obstacles to financial integration, labor market rigidities, gaps in the energy market, parochial interests—all coming together to constrain growth.

    Too many European firms remain too small. One in five EU workers works at a company with fewer than ten employees—twice the share we see in the United States. Fragmentation and regulatory differences across member states make it hard for firms to compete, expand, and thrive. Productivity has fallen behind.

    So what can be done to inject new vibrancy? Our advice is: pick a few key priorities, make sure they are the right ones, and push hard.

    Let me start with the first piece of our three-point agenda—the single market. In this first piece, we see four top priorities.

    Priority one: create a predictable regulatory environment to help firms grow.

    Reducing regulatory fragmentation is critical: firms need clarity. Harmonizing company law and insolvency law would be the first best, but this is difficult. That is why we at the Fund put our full support behind the so-called “28th regime”—a voluntary EU-wide corporate charter. It offers a pragmatic way to slash legal complexity and compliance costs for cross-border firms: one system, applicable everywhere in the EU, for firms that opt in.

    We know that our colleagues at the European Commission are working on a proposal. I say: please write up a simple set of rules covering key phases of the corporate life cycle from entry to exit, and everything in between. Create the possibility of the European Firm, enjoying legal certainty so it can focus on innovation and growth rather than navigating a maze of 27 national systems.

    The goal need not be uniformity in all things, but rather, uniformity where uniformity matters most. Sensible national variations can—and must—coexist.

    And to those who say corporate law is so deeply rooted in national legal tradition that a 28th regime is impossible, let me repeat what I said here two years ago: you have already done it. I am referring to the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive, which is nothing other than an EU-level carveout from national frameworks for selected banks. Please now create an alternative regime for European companies.

    Priority two on our list is longstanding: putting European savings to work.

    This point too I raised here two years ago: Europe has the money—many trillions in private savings—but it is lazy money. Savings work harder elsewhere. Europe’s bank-centric financial system is failing to support the kind of innovative, high-growth firms that will drive the next wave of productivity and innovation.

    That’s why the capital markets union needs to move—now. Europe needs deeper, more integrated capital markets to channel savings to high-risk, high-reward investments. Europe needs more venture capital. Creating a 28th regime will be key, but let it be paired with better investor access to corporate information on all firms—so market discipline can work.

    And importantly, energizing finance requires positive steps in banking too. Bank dominance in Europe will persist, and there is room for more bank credit. Let banks be nudged to embrace more risk taking—prudently—to support economic growth. Done right, this can strengthen internal capital generation, strengthen risk buffers, and boost bank soundness.

    Let’s recognize also that large banks, especially, serve as key players in the capital markets, including by managing investment accounts for their clients. For them to serve most efficiently and in a pan-European way, Europe must shed its reluctance to accommodate cross-border bank mergers and acquisitions. Blocking mergers on non-economic grounds—and dropping the ball on banking union more broadly—will not deliver 21st century finance.

    Priority three, very briefly: improving labor mobility and access to talent.

    I am told it can take up to six months for a worker relocating within the EU to become legally employable in another member country—surely not optimal. Speeding up work authorizations and streamlining the cross-border recognition of professional qualifications will help ease skills mismatches and enable firms to hire appropriate talent. This is critical to allowing firms to grow.

    Fourth priority: building an interconnected and affordable energy market.

    Energy is a chokepoint. Just look at the dispersion of prices across European electricity hubs—it is some three times higher than in the United States and, yes, it presents a profitable arbitrage opportunity for European energy majors that they should be grabbing.

    What can be done to help this happen? For a start, as we have been emphasizing in our work, Europe needs an energy blueprint that pulls together all the parts. One part, certainly, needs to be better interconnectors between national electricity grids. High and volatile energy costs inhibit corporate investment and expansion. Conversely, improving access to reliable, affordable energy spurs growth.

    Across the four areas—regulatory overload, access to finance, labor mobility, and affordable energy—we have laid out ten specific policy actions in a new paper last week. And our simulations suggest that, even by implementing a few, the dividends could be substantial—an uplift to overall EU activity on the order of about 3 percent over ten years. And there would be no question of winners and losers—every country stands to win.

    Next, the second piece of our three-point agenda: reforms at the national level.

    EU-level reforms are essential, but to be effective they must be paired with national reforms in many areas—and it is vital that these two layers of reform pull in the same direction.

    Three examples:

    • First, capital markets union should make it easier for funds to flow to startups, but for the benefits to be fully realized national permitting processes must be streamlined.
    • Second, EU-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing talent mobility are important, but to work they require complementary labor market reforms at the national level.
    • Third, increasing the effectiveness of EU investment in cross-border infrastructure is key, but parallel actions are needed to address national infrastructure gaps.

    Wherever one looks, there is a vital and complementary national element.

    Finally, the third piece of the three-point agenda: making more of the EU budget.

    This is about raising the level of ambition: more support from the EU budget for investments in shared priorities—European public goods—and, importantly, better coordination of national efforts around these priorities. And, if new EU borrowing could be agreed, it would help frontload investments, spread costs over time, and increase the supply of safe assets.

    Bottom line: we recommend a doubling of EU budget expenditures on European public goods—electricity grids, digitalization, defense, and R&D—from 0.4 percent of EU gross national income to at least 0.9 percent, to help close investment gaps.

    Not only would such investments accelerate single market deepening, they would also offer material cost savings. Our analysis shows that EU-level investments in energy infrastructure, for instance, can achieve savings of up to 7 percent relative to duplicative national efforts. With long-term spending pressures piling up, great deals like this one should be seized.

    We also propose an expanded role for performance-linked disbursements to member states. I know from my time managing the EU budget that, done right, such schemes can play an important role in incentivizing necessary national reforms and investments, aligning them with shared EU priorities, and maximizing positive cross-border externalities. Famous case in point: the Recovery and Resilience Facility, with its formidable economic payoffs.

    Let me conclude. My colleagues and I have put forward for your consideration a strategic agenda with three clear objectives:

    • One, remove internal barriers to deepen the single market and let firms grow;
    • Two, advance national reforms that align with and amplify EU-level initiatives; and
    • Three, use the EU budget strategically to coordinate efforts and invest in public goods.

    We do not underestimate the difficulty of delivering on this agenda and the political hurdles and vested interests to be encountered along the way. But the alternative of doing nothing will deliver nothing. Key, in our view, is to push hard.

    Success will require you, the policy leaders, to explain reforms to the public and exert sustained pressure at the technical level. Regulators defend their missions but are not always tasked to consider connections and externalities. Like a football coach, you will need to make all the players play as a team.

    And to our colleagues at the Commission who hold the legislative pen, our advice would be, first, to prioritize speed and not let the perfect be the enemy of the good and, second, to not let the legal mindset dominate the economic mindset. Economic rationale and economic objectives must drive Europe’s developments at this crucial time. 

    There is a saying that Europe is the “lifestyle superpower of the world.” Every time I return here—to my European home—I feel a sense of admiration. But please also hear this: for the European way of life to be sustained, Europe must also become a “productivity superpower.” Europe needs the growth potential that can come only from releasing its entrepreneurial energy.

    And for that to happen, Europe needs its single market now more than ever. I’m told that at the Eurogroup Working Group last week one respected colleague described the internal market as “a treasure in the EU’s own hand, which now needs to be unwrapped.” I agree.

    The stakes are high, the potential rewards are large, and—in this time of global tensions and uncertainty—the moment is surely now.

    Thank you very much.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER:

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/19/sp061925-deepening-the-european-single-market

    MIL OSI

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  • MIL-OSI Global: British holidaymaker dies from rabies: what you need to know about the disease and getting the jab if you’re going abroad this summer

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol

    Olexandr Panchenko/Shutterstock.com

    The recent death of a British woman from rabies after a holiday in Morocco is a sobering reminder of the risks posed by this almost universally fatal disease, once symptoms begin.

    If you’re considering travelling to a country where rabies is endemic, understanding how rabies works – and how to protect yourself – may go a long way in helping you stay safe.

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

    Rabies is a zoonotic disease – meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans – and is caused by a viral infection. In 99% of cases the source of the infection is a member of the canidae family (such as dogs, foxes and wolves). Bats are another animal group strongly associated with rabies, as the virus is endemic in many bat populations.

    Even in countries that are officially rabies-free, including in their domestic animal populations – such as Australia, Sweden and New Zealand – the virus may still be found in native bat species. Other animals known to transmit rabies include raccoons, cats and skunks.

    Rabies is caused by lyssaviruses (lit. rage or fury viruses), which are found in the saliva of infected animals. Transmission to humans can occur through bites, scratches or licks to broken skin or mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth. Once inside the body, the virus spreads to eventually reach the nervous system.

    Because it causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, symptoms are primarily neurological, often stemming from damage to the nerve pathways responsible for sensation and muscle control.

    Patients who develop rabies symptoms often experience altered skin sensation and progressive paralysis. As the virus affects the brain, it can also cause hallucinations, and unusual or erratic behaviours. One particularly distinctive symptom – hydrophobia, a serious aversion to water – is believed to result from severe pain and difficulty associated with swallowing.

    Once rabies symptoms appear, the virus has already caused irreversible damage. At this stage, treatment is limited to supportive intensive care aimed at easing discomfort – such as providing fluids, sedation and relief from pain and seizures. Death typically results from progressive neurological deterioration, which ultimately leads to respiratory failure.

    It’s important to note that rabies symptoms can take several weeks, or even months, to appear. During this incubation period, there may be no signs that prompt people to seek medical help. However, this window is crucial as it offers the best chance to administer treatment and prevent the virus from progressing.

    Another danger lies in how the virus is transmitted. Even animals that don’t appear rabid – the classical frothing mouth and aggressive behaviour for instance – can still transmit the virus.

    Rabies can be transmitted through even superficial breaks in the skin, so minor wounds should not be dismissed or treated less seriously. It’s also important to remember that bat wounds can often be felt but not seen. This makes them easy to overlook, should there be no bleeding or clear mark on the skin.

    Don’t be tempted to pet stray animals in rabies endemic countries, not matter how cute they appear.
    cristi180884/Shutterstock.com

    The vaccine

    The good news is that there are proven and effective ways to protect yourself from rabies – either before travelling to a higher-risk area, or after possible exposure to an infected animal.

    Modern rabies vaccines are far easier to administer than older versions, which some may recall – often with discomfort. In the past, treatment involved multiple frequent injections (over 20 in all) into the abdomen using a large needle. This was the case for a friend of mine who grew up in Africa and was one day bitten by a dog just hours after it had been attacked by a hyena.

    The vaccine can now be given as an injection into a muscle, for instance in the shoulder, and a typical preventative course requires three doses. Since the protective effect can wane with time, booster shots may be needed for some individuals to maintain protection.

    Sustaining a bite from any animal should always be taken seriously. Aside from rabies, animals carry many potentially harmful bacteria in their mouths, which can cause skin and soft tissue infections – or sepsis if they spread to the bloodstream.



    Read more:
    How to treat a wound – without using superglue, grout or vodka, like some people

    First aid and wound treatment is the first port of call, and seeking urgent medical attention for any bites, scratches or licks to exposed skin or mucous membranes sustained abroad. In the UK, this also applies to any injuries sustained from bats.

    A doctor will evaluate the risk based on the wound, the animal involved, whether the patient has had previous vaccines, and in which country they were bitten, among other things. This will help to guide treatment, which might include vaccines alone or combined with an infusion of immunoglobulin infusions – special antibodies that target the virus.

    Timing is crucial. The sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome. This is why it is so important to seek medical help immediately.

    In making the decision whether you should get a vaccine before going on holiday, there are recommendations, but ultimately the choice is individual. Think about what the healthcare is like where you are going and whether you’ll be able to get treatment easily if you need it.

    Vaccines can have side-effects, though these tend to be relatively minor, and the intended benefits vastly exceed the costs. And of course avoid contact with stray animals while on holiday, despite how tempting it may be to pet them.

    Several rules of thumb can counteract the dangers of rabies: plan your holiday carefully, seek travel advice from your GP, and always treat animal bites and scrapes seriously.

    Dan Baumgardt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. British holidaymaker dies from rabies: what you need to know about the disease and getting the jab if you’re going abroad this summer – https://theconversation.com/british-holidaymaker-dies-from-rabies-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-disease-and-getting-the-jab-if-youre-going-abroad-this-summer-259325

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Jaws at 50: a thinly disguised western by a nerdy young filmmaker that helped to rejuvenate Hollywood

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Barry Monahan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Film and Screen Media, University College Cork

    The collapse of classical Hollywood’s studio system in the 1960s mirrored much of America’s cultural and political uncertainties at the time. The assassinations of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King, the civil rights movement and the escalating Vietnam war provided a background that destabilised the optimism with which the decade began.

    It’s not surprising that narratives of many films at the time may have been hinting at an ominous dystopian turn.

    The decade opened with Hitchcock’s premature dispatching of his heroine in Psycho (1960) and ended with the haphazard slaughter of Dennis Hopper’s protagonists in Easy Rider and George Roy Hill’s outgunned antiheroes in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (both 1969).

    En route, Arthur Penn’s conclusion for Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, plus Mike Nichols’ finale for graduate Benjamin Braddock and Elaine Robinson in 1967, did little to reassure audiences that all was well in society or the cinema.

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    But the 1970s offered some shoots of optimism. A new pack of filmmakers – versed in the best of international cinema – inveigled their way by luck, acumen or raw talent into the confidence of executives who were willing to give nerdy young cinephiles like Martin Scorsese, Brian de Palma, Frances Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas a shot with studio funding.

    Despite the concerns of executives at Universal Studios, Spielberg began shooting on the adaptation of Peter Benchley’s bestseller Jaws in May 1974. By the following summer it was an enormous hit with the public and critics. The blockbuster had arrived and a new kind of studio system was born.

    Jaws is 50 years old this year, and it has earned the “classic” epithet. It invokes certain nostalgia for cinephiles and original audiences, many of whom fondly remember their first viewing.

    Aside from any cultural wistfulness, however, feelings towards the film may very well be a harkening back to a pre-neoliberal era when the embers of baby-boomer optimism still smouldered.

    Championing the everyman

    The film ultimately supports the blue collar “everyman” who has idealism, moral courage and emotional empathy: an ordinary protagonist, predating movie superheroes, Jedi knights, muscular macho men and cyborgs, who could still take on the system and its vices and defeat the villain (on land or sea).

    Most of the intense dramatic action – the battle between good and evil – is situated on the water. This displacement facilitates a useful comparative character study. On the ocean, police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and old sea-dog Quint (Robert Shaw) are strategically detached from the political and economic incentives that initiated the crisis in the first place.

    Working-class tough guy, middle-class intellectual and honest, reliable cop, they are brave, determined and morally strong, representing a microcosm of the society they’ve left behind, and hope to save. True to the thinly disguised western that Spielberg’s film is, the fate of each man positions the film’s compass as it sails a course between the values of an evolved society and the forces of primitive nature, pitting one of the youngest evolved mammals against one of the oldest evolved fish.

    However, it is in the first section of the film, set on dry land, where the political machinations of corruption, the distortion of truth for financial profit, the disregard of expertise and a manipulation of the media, are played out.

    A key scene in the early part of the narrative frames the duplicity that led to the avoidable death of the first victims. After the first shark attack, pressure is put on Chief Brody by Amity’s Mayor Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) to reopen the beaches despite the threat to holidaymakers on the island.

    Mayor Vaughn We’re really a little anxious that you’re, eh, rushing into something serious here. This is your first summer, you know.

    Chief Brody What does that mean?

    Mayor Vaughn I’m only trying to say that Amity is a summer town. We need summer dollars.

    The message is simple: economic prosperity takes precedence over human life. The strategy is straightforward: deride and deny allegations, falsify the evidence, use media spin to conceal the truth and platform the politician’s personal agenda.

    The propulsion of the plot into the second half of the film hinges on a later critical scene, which follows another shark attack. When their own boys become near victims of the predator, a shaken Vaughn is forcefully compelled by Brody to sign an agreement to pay a bounty hunter to find and kill the shark.

    The rise of neoliberalism (the political and economic ideology that advocates free-market capitalism) in the late 1970s and 1980s brought about the reconfiguration of the middle class in the US. Without consciously predicting the impending political transformations, the film – released before these wider ideological and economic changes took hold – idealistically offers hope for that social group.

    And while it may have been differently constituted under the Reagan and Thatcher governments, the public service sector (to which Brody belongs) existed in both America and Britain. Jaws implicitly and unproblematically acknowledged the reality of working-class sacrifice in Quint, while peddling the heroic survival of blue-collar police chief Brody.

    In holding out hope for the affirmative action of the dedicated, moral hero, Jaws might have been too idealistic, even narratively conservative: real-world good guys don’t always win.

    The phenomenal box office success of the film ran parallel with critical acclaim that has been reiterated in the five decades since its release. However, it marked the rejuvenation of a broken studio system that would soon energetically endorse the Reaganite neoliberalism of the following decade with films like The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Rambo: First Blood (1982), The Terminator (1984), Top Gun (1986) and Die Hard (1987).

    The film has undeniably stood the test of time as a remarkable cinematic feat, but crucially, it ushered in a new age for Hollywood’s seduction of global audiences with sophisticated, aggressive marketing strategies. Jaws may have irredeemably villainised nature’s most enduring predator, but Spielberg’s blockbuster played a pivotal role in making Hollywood great again.

    Barry Monahan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Jaws at 50: a thinly disguised western by a nerdy young filmmaker that helped to rejuvenate Hollywood – https://theconversation.com/jaws-at-50-a-thinly-disguised-western-by-a-nerdy-young-filmmaker-that-helped-to-rejuvenate-hollywood-257751

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –