NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coombe Abbey MyTime Carer Breaks

    Source: City of Coventry

    Unpaid carers in Coventry are being offered free hotel stays and leisure experiences as part of a new scheme to provide a rare break from their demanding responsibilities.

    MyTime Coventry, a project run by the charity Local Solutions connecting carers and their families with complimentary leisure, cultural and educational activities, has now launched in the city – with Coombe Abbey Hotel and Coventry Rugby Club the first organisations to get involved.

    The project is funded by Coventry City Council, with money from the Department of Health and Social Care for the next two years as part of the Accelerated Reform Fund to trial innovation in Adult Social Care.

    Coventry resident Faye Mackey, 36, who started caring for her father Hugh Mackey last year, has become one of the first people to benefit from the scheme after staying at Coombe Abbey Hotel, which is offering an overnight stay with breakfast to carers on a monthly basis.

    Coventry Rugby Club has also provided free tickets to first-team matches at Butts Park Arena as part of the initiative.

    MyTime was set up in Liverpool by the charity Local Solutions and later was also rolled out in Wigan. Carers can apply for breaks online via mytime4carers.co.uk.

    A minimum of 27,500 people are estimated to have caring responsibilities in Coventry, according to Coventry City Council. Meanwhile, one in five carers nationally have not had a break in five years, according to Carers UK.

    Hugh, 68, suffered a major internal bleed last spring, which led him to being placed in an induced coma for four months. He then had an arm amputated after contracting sepsis, in addition to having an oesophageal tumour removed.

    Faye said she chose to become his carer to provide comfort and familiarity while he adapted to long term-disability.

    She said: “When you become a carer, you have to adapt your whole life including your relationships with the people closest to you, which can be really challenging – especially as you often have to make the decision overnight.

    “I wouldn’t have done it differently, but it gets to a point where you’d never actively seek a break for all sorts of reasons, so this initiative, in making it easier for carers to access some great experiences in the local area, is absolutely brilliant.

    “I spent my 21st birthday at Coombe Abbey – it’s a really special place and it was great to have the chance to visit again after what has been a really challenging year.”

    Michalina Kryska, MyTime coordinator for Coventry, hopes more city organisations and businesses will partner with the scheme, which is part of the council’s Carers Action Plan for 2024-26.

    She said: “One of the things carers tell us time and again is how much they need a break, yet finding time for themselves can be incredibly difficult.

    “MyTime gives carers the opportunity to prioritise their own wellbeing, take a step back, and enjoy some much-needed relaxation. It can be a real boost to mental health.

    “For many carers, simply organising an evening off can be complicated. That’s why our partnerships with Coombe Abbey Hotel and Coventry Rugby Club have been so important. They’ve made it possible to offer these experiences in a way that’s easy and accessible.

    “The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re excited about the possibility of expanding it even further to support more carers and their families.”

    Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services at Coventry City Council, added: “There are thousands of people who care for others in Coventry who don’t even realise they are carers.

    “It is vital that they have the right support to help them and that’s why this pilot project is so important. I’ve been a carer myself and every day see the compassion and commitment of so many people – of all ages – being there for someone else.

    “It is lovely to see the difference that carers getting a break can have, and I’m delighted that both Coombe Abbey Hotel and Coventry Rugby Club have signed up to the MyTime project.

    “I hope that more hospitality businesses and venues will be able to see the benefits it brings and consider being a part of the scheme.”

    Richard Harrison, Managing Director of No Ordinary Hospitality, which operates Coombe Abbey Hotel, commented: “It’s a real privilege to support the MyTime Carers initiative to give carers in the city a much-needed break, and we are looking forward to welcoming more people to the hotel over the coming months and years.”

    Jon Sharp, Executive Chairman of Coventry Rugby Club, said: “Coventry Rugby Club is proud to support the MyTime Carers initiative. As a club rooted in the heart of the community, we believe in using our platform to champion inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity for all.

    “Since 2013, it’s been my mission to ensure Cov plays a meaningful role beyond the pitch – and recognising the vital, often unseen work of unpaid carers is part of that.

    “They give so much to others, and we’re honoured to give something back and provide some respite and relaxation for such important members of our community.”

    Pictured left to right: Gabrielle Boro, Richard Harrison, Hazel Brown and Michalina Kryska, with Faye Mackey and Cllr Linda Bigham (seated) at Coombe Abbey Hotel

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Nuveen Selects Molecule Software’s ETRM to Scale Renewable Trading Capabilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Molecule Software is today announcing that global investment leader Nuveen, a TIAA company, has selected Molecule’s future-ready ETRM software to accelerate its expanding renewable power trading operations.

    Nuveen, one of the world’s largest asset managers, manages a diverse power trading portfolio across large markets, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. As their renewable power business grows, an agile ETRM platform that can handle the increasing complexities of their portfolio has become a top priority.

    “We have ambitious goals to grow our portfolio,” said Jordi Francesch, MD, Head of Global Asset Management, Clean Energy at Nuveen. “As we scale up our portfolio of energy generation assets, we encounter technical challenges across the different geographies in which we operate and different market risks in those geographies.

    “Therefore, the need to have a state-of-the-art energy trading risk management system that allows for scalability, risk control, and best-in-class management features becomes business critical.”

    Molecule, which has been expanding its footprint in Europe with the addition of a new EU production environment, EU- and UK-based sales, implementation, and support staff, and a growing list of new customers (including Nuveen), was selected for its tech-forward capabilities, ease of use, agility, and ability to handle the complexities of Nuveen’s growing portfolio.

    “We really need to be quite efficient in terms of decision-making and deployment of our strategy,” said Francesch. “We knew that a bulky, complicated ETRM would not help us achieve that goal. Molecule provides a more agile solution that can scale with our business”

    ”We’re so pleased to be working with the fantastic team at Nuveen,” said Sameer Soleja, Founder and CEO at Molecule. “They’re using Molecule as a force multiplier – as an ETRM should be – and we look forward to partnering with them as their portfolio grows.”

    About Molecule
    Molecule is the ETRM built for the future of energy. Cloud-native with an intuitive, easy-to-use experience at its core, Molecule is the alternative to the convoluted systems of the past. With near real-time reporting, 30+ integrations, and headache-free implementations, Molecule gets your ETRM out of your way – because you have more valuable things to do with your time. Find out more at molecule.io.

    About Nuveen
    Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, offers a comprehensive range of outcome-focused investment solutions designed to secure the long-term financial goals of institutional and individual investors. Nuveen has $1.3 trillion in assets under management as of 31 December 2024 and operations in 27 countries. Its investment specialists offer deep expertise across a comprehensive range of traditional and alternative investments through a wide array of vehicles and customized strategies. For more information, please visit www.nuveen.com.

    Media Contact
    Kari Foster, VP of Marketing
    Molecule
    Phone: +1 832.464.4037
    Email: kari@molecule.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK applauds Ukraine’s heroic resistance and demands Russia end its illegal war: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK applauds Ukraine’s heroic resistance and demands Russia end its illegal war: UK Statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, reiterates the UK’s call for Russia to cease its unlawful aggression against Ukraine and reaffirms Ukraine’s right to self-defence under international law.

    Thank you, Madame Chair. The United Kingdom again calls on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its illegal and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been extremely clear: Ukraine is not defeated. On the contrary, it has emerged as a formidable fighting force, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and determination in defending its sovereignty. And let us be clear, Ukraine has an absolute right to defend itself against aggression, and the United Kingdom stands firmly in support of that right.

    We remain focused on achieving a just and lasting peace. In Istanbul, Ukraine demonstrated its commitment to peace by offering reasonable and practical proposals aimed at securing an unconditional ceasefire. Regrettably, Russia failed to reciprocate. Instead, it presented maximalist, non-negotiable demands that do not respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. This behaviour underscores that President Putin is not serious about peace and remains committed to prolonging his illegal war.

    Since Ukraine’s offer of a full, unconditional ceasefire on 11 March 2025, Russia has continued its brutal campaign, launching daily airstrikes that have killed over 500 civilians and injured more than 2,700. We fully anticipate that the Russian Federation will deliver more disinformation in this forum today about alleged ‘acts of terrorism’ from Ukraine. But the distinction between Ukraine striking military targets and Russia hitting civilian targets is a critical one, both morally and under international law.

    There is a clear difference. Ukraine’s drone and missile strikes have been targeting military infrastructure within Russian territory or illegally occupied regions. These include airbases, logistics hubs, ammunition depots, command and control centres and radar and missile systems. These strikes are intended to degrade Russia’s ability to wage war, especially its long-range bombing capabilities. Under international humanitarian law, Ukraine is within its rights to target military assets of an aggressor state, especially in self-defence.

    In contrast, Russia has repeatedly launched drone and missile attacks on civilian areas across Ukraine. These have included Residential buildings, Hospitals and Schools, Energy Infrastructure and Emergency Services. In Kharkiv, over 50 explosions were recorded, damaging residential buildings and killing civilians. In Kyiv, three firefighters were killed while responding to earlier strikes. Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernihiv also suffered civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights verified a total of 45,000 civilian casualties as of 30th April 2025 and specified that the real numbers could be higher.

    Russian strikes on civilians or civilian infrastructure are either an attempt to terrorise the civilian population and break morale (rather than achieve legitimate military objectives), or a failure to adequately distinguish military targets and act proportionately for military necessity. These are not the actions of a nation seeking peace, despite what President Putin says. These are the acts of blatant retaliation from the Kremlin, following Ukraine’s most successful and comprehensive strike against Russian Strategic bomber air bases.

    Russia’s continued occupation in Ukraine and escalating aggression are not only unlawful, but they are also unsustainable. President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has now dragged on for over 1,200 days, resulting in catastrophic losses – including an estimated one million Russian casualties. President Putin continues to sacrifice Russian lives and futures and must choose another path – one of peace, responsibility and respect for international law. We have seen what the brave men and women of Ukraine’s Armed Forces are capable of, and the UK will continue to provide them with the tools they need to defend their sovereignty and protect their people. We call on Russia to accept the unconditional ceasefire, return to the negotiating table in good faith, and end this illegal war. Thank you, Madame Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government training IDF soldiers is active participation in genocide

    Source: Scottish Greens

    12 Jun 2025 External Affairs

    Training soldiers who participate in the atrocities in Gaza is a betrayal of every principle of human rights and international law.

    More in External Affairs

    The Scottish Greens have condemned the UK Government after it was revealed through a parliamentary question that Israeli Defence Forces personnel are currently being trained on UK military bases.

    The shocking revelation comes as Israel continues its relentless assault on Gaza. More than 55,000 Palestinians have already been murdered, the majority of whom are women, children and the elderly. 

    The further destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure has led to the situation in Palestine to be described as “worse than hell on earth” by the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Human rights organisations, UN officials and legal scholars around the world have described Israel’s actions as war crimes and acts of genocide.

    The UK Government has already faced widespread criticism for continuing to supply arms to Israel despite overwhelming evidence that they are being used in clear violation of international law. The news that UK forces are also providing military training takes that complicity to a far more serious level of active participation.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

    “The UK  is actively training members of the Israeli military while they carry out a brutal assault on Gaza. This is nothing short of disgraceful. This goes beyond complicity – it is direct, active participation in the genocide of the Palestinian people. Every bomb dropped, every home destroyed, every child killed is a crime that the UK Government is now tied to.

    “The Scottish Greens have been clear from the start, what we are witnessing in Gaza is a genocide. Tens of thousands of people, most of them women, children and the elderly, have been killed and entire communities have been wiped out. Hospitals, schools, and refugee camps have been targeted. This is not self-defence – it is the destruction of a people through murder and forced displacement.”

    “It is appalling that instead of taking action to end the violence, this Labour UK Government are training the Israeli war machine that is committing these crimes. Training soldiers who are part of these atrocities is a betrayal of every principle of human rights and international law. It must stop now. 

    “We repeat our calls for an immediate ceasefire, an end to UK participation in genocide, and full accountability for war crimes. Scotland must stand on the side of peace and justice – not with those who commit and support these horrific acts. All those who are participating in these atrocities must be brought to justice.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frontex Joins Forces with Spain to Keep Summer Travel Safe and Smooth

    Source: Frontex

    Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is working side by side with Policía Nacional in Spain this summer to support border checks at some of the busiest ports in the country.

    Every summer, thousands of people travel between Spain and Morocco, especially through Algeciras, Tarifa and Ceuta. With travel picking up, Frontex is sending more than 100 officers as part of Operation Minerva to help Policía Nacional manage the high number of passengers and vehicles.

    The goal? To make travel safer, faster and more secure for everyone.

    A year ago, Operation Minerva helped stop more than 100 kg of hashish and nearly 27 000 smuggled cigarettes from crossing the border. It’s a strong example of how working together helps tackle crime and keeps borders safe.

    “Spain knows its borders, and we bring backup when it counts. This isn’t just about sending officers. It’s about showing up when we’re needed. Strong borders start with strong cooperation,” said Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens.

    This partnership is part of Frontex’s wider effort to support countries across the EU while ensuring that border management respects people’s rights and upholds European values.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales ranked No.1 most attractive employer among engineering students in France in 2025

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales ranked No.1 most attractive employer among engineering students in France in 2025

    Thales has secured the top spot in the 2025 ranking of the most attractive employers for engineering students in France, in a survey conducted by the Universum research institute. The survey covered 23,376 students, including 11,556 from engineering schools. Thales also ranked 4th among IT students.

    Students notably praised the Group’s capacity for innovation and the wide range of career development opportunities it offers.
    ​As a global leader in high technology across Defence, Aerospace, Cybersecurity and Digital Identity, Thales provides the opportunity to work in critical environments involving artificial intelligence, quantum technologies or cloud computing. The company offers a very broad array of career paths, backed by a strong industrial and academic presence across 68 countries. For the past three years, Thales has also invested heavily in a global upskilling initiative called the “Learning Company” programme, delivered by 2,000 in-house trainers. It brings together 13 Domain Academies (Radar, Radio, Naval, Tubes, Pyrotechnics…) and 19 Functional Academies (Engineering, Industry, HR, Finance, Communications…).

    The preference expressed by young engineering students for Thales also reflects the Group’s efforts to reach out to younger generations. Last year, Thales engaged with over 150,000 young people through 600 events. In 2025, in France alone, the Group expects to welcome more than 3,000 interns and apprentices in higher education, with around 25% going on to secure permanent or fixed-term roles. Nearly 1,500 students in Year 10 and Year 11 will also be welcomed for short-term work experience across around 40 Thales sites in mainland France, helping to spark interest in science and technology careers.

    “Attracting engineers – and diverse talent more broadly – to Thales is essential to staying at the forefront of innovation. We firmly believe that mathematics and science are key to understanding the world around us and tackling society’s greatest challenges. Joining Thales means continuing to learn throughout your career and helping to address the major societal challenges we are working on through our activities.”
    ​    Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales

    Interested candidates can learn more and apply online at
    ​    https://careers.thalesgroup.com/global/en

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • 11 years of Modi govt: Digital finance drives unprecedented financial inclusion

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    During the 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, India has emerged as a global leader in digital finance and inclusion, harnessing technology to deliver accessible, efficient, and transparent financial services to every corner of the country. This digital transformation has played a pivotal role in bridging the urban-rural divide and reshaping India’s economic landscape.

    The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital transactions, with over 1,867.7 crore transactions worth ₹24.77 lakh crore recorded in April 2025 alone. Now used by nearly 460 million individuals and 65 million merchants, UPI has gone global, with its presence in more than seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, and France. According to ACI Worldwide’s 2024 report, India accounted for 49% of all global real-time transactions in 2023, underscoring its leadership in digital payments innovation.

    The Aadhaar-enabled e-KYC system has simplified access to banking and public services, with over 141.88 crore Aadhaar IDs issued as of April 2025. It has become a foundational pillar of India’s digital infrastructure, ensuring faster verification and enhanced transparency.

    Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT), backed by Aadhaar authentication, has streamlined welfare delivery. Over ₹44 lakh crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries’ accounts as of May 2025, eliminating middlemen and fake beneficiaries. This has saved the exchequer more than ₹3.48 lakh crore since 2015. The system has also removed over 5.87 crore ineligible ration card holders and 4.23 crore fake LPG connections, making welfare schemes more targeted.

    In the realm of e-commerce, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), launched in 2022, has expanded to over 616 cities, empowering small sellers and service providers. By January 2025, more than 7.64 lakh sellers had joined the platform, boosting MSME participation in the digital economy.

    Similarly, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), launched in 2016, has transformed public procurement. By January 2025, GeM had achieved a gross merchandise value (GMV) of ₹4.09 lakh crore in just 10 months of FY 2024–25, marking nearly 50% growth over the previous year. With over 1.6 lakh government buyers and 22.5 lakh sellers, GeM continues to enhance transparency and efficiency in government transactions.

    Together, these initiatives reflect a decade of digital empowerment under the Modi government, setting the foundation for a more inclusive, transparent, and resilient financial ecosystem.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency leads industry delegation to participate in Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in France

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency leads industry delegation to participate in Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in FranceIssued at HKT 16:40

    The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in France and joined forces with the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA) to set up the Hong Kong Pavilion themed “AI-assisted Animation Production” and organised a series of activities, with the aim of increasing overseas exposure of Hong Kong original animation works and creative teams, enhancing their reach in market development, and enabling them to explore collaboration opportunities.

    As the international animation film festival with a rich history and the largest scale of its kind, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival commands high respect from the global animation industry. Its film market, the Annecy International Animation Film Market, is a prominent annual business-oriented exhibition that takes place from June 10 to 13 (Annecy time). In the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion held on June 10, the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mrs Lowell Cho, expressed hope that through a series of activities during this promotion, the CCIDA and the industry join hands to promote Hong Kong animation works to the animation industry professionals and audiences from all over the world, hence enabling the original animation by Hong Kong to shine bright on the international stage and to strive for opportunities to strengthen ties with global industry counterparts. She also warmly congratulated the film “Another World”, funded by the Film Development Fund (FDF) and produced by an animation creative team from Hong Kong, for being selected for the non-competitive section of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 and that it will be screened at the “Midnight Specials” session on the evening of June 13 (Annecy time). “Another World” brings international recognition, which serves as a significant booster for the Hong Kong animation industry, showcasing the global appreciation for Hong Kong animation.

    The Hong Kong animation film “Another World” is directed by Tommy Ng, and produced and scripted by Polly Yeung. The production team attended the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in person to engage with audiences and industry counterparts. In 2019, the team participated in the sixth Animation Support Program, a project funded by the CCIDA through the CreateSmart Initiative (CSI), and was granted a subsidy to initiate the production of the short version of “Another World”, which won the Gold Award under the Small Animation Enterprises (Advanced Production) category. Subsequently, the team, with its proposal to develop “Another World” into a feature-length animation film, successfully applied for the Film Production Financing Scheme under the FDF and was granted the subsidy to bring the debut animation feature film directed by Ng into fruition, paving the way for the film’s global premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Yeung was also invited by the Hong Kong Film Development Council to participate in the 81st Venice International Film Festival in Italy and the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France to seek production investment, attend various producer matching activities, and exchange ideas with filmmakers from all over the world, increasing publicity for “Another World” and opening doors for overseas distribution of the film project.

    During the exhibition period, a series of networking and exchange activities were launched at the Hong Kong Pavilion, and six short original animated works created with AI assistance were also showcased, demonstrating to the international market the creativity and unique charisma of Hong Kong productions. The Hong Kong Partner Pitches was held on June 11, where the six Hong Kong companies selected under the 2nd Future Animation – AI-assisted Animation Production Support Scheme organised by the HKDEA and sponsored by the CCIDA, namely 924 Studio Limited, Astro Heart Limited, Free-D Workshop, ManyMany Creations Ltd, Morph Workshop and Stepc, conducted exchanges with elite animation companies from all over the world. They took the opportunity to broaden their horizons, enhance their promotion to overseas practitioners and investors, and pursue more collaboration possibilities.

    The Animation Support Program, a government-funded project under the CSI, is now in its 12th edition. It focuses on supporting local start-ups and small animation companies and cultivating local animation talent. Over the years, it has assisted more than 250 local animation companies and enabled them to produce more than 270 original animation works. As a scheme under the FDF with the longest history and well-received by the film industry, the Film Production Financing Scheme aims to provide government financing for film productions with small-to-medium production budgets. As of the end of May 2025, approved films have received more than 150 local and international film awards.

    Ends/Thursday, June 12, 2025
    Issued at HKT 16:40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SITI to visit France and Netherlands

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SITI to visit France and NetherlandsIssued at HKT 15:00

    The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, will depart for a visit to France and the Netherlands this evening (June 12) to strengthen Hong Kong’s ties and co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with France and the Netherlands.

    Professor Sun will attend Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, and deliver a keynote speech on “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” at a seminar and networking reception organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. VivaTech, being held from June 11 to 14, is Europe’s annual start-up and technology event that brings together start-ups, tech leaders, corporates and investors to drive I&T and business collaboration.

    During the visit, Professor Sun will also meet with leaders of the local I&T sector as well as technology enterprises and tour the I&T and advanced manufacturing enterprises there.

    Professor Sun will return to Hong Kong on June 18. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, will be the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.

    Ends/Thursday, June 12, 2025
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apply to join the Attorney General’s Senior Treasury Counsel (Civil) Group

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Apply to join the Attorney General’s Senior Treasury Counsel (Civil) Group

    Applications to join the Attorney General’s Senior Treasury Counsel (Civil) Group are now open

    The Attorney General is creating a new Senior Treasury Counsel (Civil) Group (STCG) and is seeking applicants from both barristers and solicitors (with relevant Higher Court Advocacy qualifications) who have been appointed as King’s Counsel with regular advocacy experience.   

    This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a new approach to the strategic management of the government’s civil litigation and most significant cross-cutting legal issues.

    Members of the Group will share responsibility with the First Treasury Counsel in co-ordinating and providing strategic direction on the most significant litigation affecting government, shaping the way that the government handles its litigation and consequently, influencing the development of civil law.

    Members will also have an important role in providing legal leadership to the Attorney General’s Civil Panel Counsel, supporting the Treasury Solicitor in monitoring and developing the performance of junior panel counsel.

    The Attorney General seeks KCs with a vision for how the group could operate and a clear understanding of the value they could individually bring to it.  

    The introduction of this group sits alongside proposed changes to the role of the First Treasury Counsel, principally by relaxing the current requirement that the postholder undertakes work exclusively for government.  

    Subject to any necessary transitional arrangements, STCG members will be expected to make available the time necessary to perform their new role and to prioritise and be available for government work. 

    Given the nature of the role and the access to sensitive information it will necessarily afford, for the duration of their appointments, the government would regard the acceptance by the FTC or members of the STCG of instructions to undertake work against central government as potentially giving rise to a conflict of interest, requiring the prior approval of the Treasury Solicitor.

    Application

    To obtain more details about the role and the application process, we recommend reading our Information for Candidates document (MS Word Document, 90.7 KB)

    Please submit an application via Gatenby Sanderson.

    Completed applications must be submitted by noon on Thursday 3 July 2025.

    If you have any queries, please feel free to get in touch via Julie.Myers@gatenbysanderson.com.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to London-bound passenger plane crashing shortly after take-off in India

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on a London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashing shortly after take-off in India. 

    Prof Graham Braithwaite, Director of Aerospace and Aviation, Cranfield University, said:

    What do we know about the situation so far?

    “The aircraft involved is an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. This is the first major accident involving the 787.

    “At this point we don’t know whether there are any survivors or whether there have been any casualties on the ground.

    What don’t we know and are waiting to find out?

    “At this stage the focus will be on search and rescue at the site. For the airline, they will be focused on caring for family members and friends at both the departure airport and destination. Until the manifest is confirmed, they will be dealing with a very high number of enquiries from concerned friends and families. Early information about the accident is unlikely to be accurate so even though people will look at tools like FlightRadar 24, it won’t tell us anything about the “why it happened”. We should be very careful not to speculate on cause when there is so little reliable information available.

    Is it unusual for a plane crash to occur so soon after take-off?

    “Yes. Although take off is a critical stage of flight, aircraft accidents are incredibly rare, especially involving modern aircraft types such as the Boeing 787. Take off is a critical stage because the aircraft is still accelerating and any problem-solving requires a rapid response.

    Any other information you think is relevant for journalists to know.

    “The accident will be investigated by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau – an organisation which is independent from the aviation regulator, and which is focused on ‘not for blame’ safety investigations. This is governed by an international standard known as ICAO Annex 13. Under that, participants will include the US National Transportation Safety Board as the State of Manufacturer. Stated with a significant number of people on board will also have a right to participate so I would expect the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch to be involved.”

    Declared interests

    No reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland’s unpaid carers over £4,400 better off

    Source: Scottish Government

    Carers urged to check for financial support during Carers Week.

    This Carers Week (9 – 15 June), unpaid carers across Scotland are being encouraged to find out if they are eligible for social security support – through Carer Support Payment, Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant.   

    Carer’s Allowance Supplement – a payment only available north of the border – was the first benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland in 2018 to provide extra financial support for carers, recognising their important contribution.   

    Since the payment’s introduction, unpaid carers in Scotland will be up to £4,475 better off by the end of 2025. 

    On a visit to Midlothian Carers Centre to meet with parent carers of adults with additional support needs, Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, said: 

    “Social security in Scotland isn’t about renaming benefits previously delivered by the UK Government. We are about delivering social security with dignity, fairness and respect, continually listening to what carers and support organisations have to say to help shape the changes we’re making.  
      
    “We introduced Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant, which are only available in Scotland, and widened eligibility for Carer Support Payment to enable more carers in education to access it. We’re also committed to introducing new extra support for carers who care for more than one person. Changes to help improve the lives of carers in Scotland. 

    “Social security is something anyone may need at any point in their life. It’s a public service and I encourage all unpaid carers to find out if they are entitled to financial support and apply.”  

    Carla Bennett, Carer Services Manager at VOCAL Midlothian added: 

    “Unpaid carers often face financial hardship, with many forced to give up paid work or reduce their hours to support those they care for. Caring for someone comes with additional costs too, such as transport, heating, equipment and food. These expenses, combined with reduced income, mean carers are more likely to experience poverty.  

    “Demand for VOCAL’s income maximisation service has doubled in the past year, showing that carers are feeling the strain. Accessing financial and social security support can ease this burden and make a significant difference to the lives of carers and those they care for. We would encourage carers to find out what they might be eligible for.” 

    Background 

    • £4,475 is based on a carer who will have received every Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment since it was introduced in June 2018 to December 2025. This includes the two extra Coronavirus Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments made in June 2020 and December 2021. 
       
    • Over 172,000 carers have benefited from Carer’s Allowance Supplement since its introduction in 2018, totalling over £333.7 million in payments to December 2024 Social Security Scotland – Summary statistics for Carer’s Allowance Supplement to October eligibility date 2024   
    • Find out more about Social Security Scotland’s existing three payments for unpaid carers at Carer Support Payment, Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant. Carer payments are for people providing care for someone getting a disability benefit. Find out more about our disability and illness payments at Disability and illness – mygov.scot 
       
    • Further improvements are planned for carers once all clients in Scotland who are receiving Carer’s Allowance are transferred to Carer Support Payment, a process called case transfer. This includes an extra payment for carers getting Carer Support Payment and caring for more than one person receiving a disability benefit. This improvement, amongst others, will require parliamentary approval. More details available at Benefits for carers – Social security – gov.scot 
    • VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) supports and empowers unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian through individual support, information, training and access to services. VOCAL – VOCAL 
    • Information on other support for carers, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at  Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot     

    Help to apply  

    • Social Security Scotland provides a range of support for people to apply. This includes support to apply in another language and an interpreter can be arranged to help in over 100 languages.  
    • Applications can be made in British Sign Language using a video call using the Contact Scotland BSL app. 
    • People can apply over the phone, online or face to face. Paper copies of application forms are available by calling Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 
    • A client support adviser can also help with applications. They can meet at a person’s home, a venue in the local community, provide support over the phone or through a video call. Call 0800 182 2222 for more information. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth celebrates double win at national awards

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth is celebrating a proud moment after scooping two prestigious awards last night – recognising the city’s leadership in both environmental innovation and inclusive employment.

    The prestigious Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2025, recognise the best in local government, with judges having to consider over 1,000 submissions from councils across the UK.

    At a ceremony last night, the city was honoured in the Environmental Services category for our pioneering Habitat Bank, and in Diversity and Inclusion for our transformative Supported Internships programme.

    These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done across Plymouth to build a greener, fairer future – and the dedicated teams making it happen.

    Plymouth’s Habitat Bank, delivered through the city’s green finance vehicle Ocean City Nature, will deliver an impressive £7m in investment to restore and enhance habitats across the city. The initiative is creating a local market for Biodiversity Units, helping developers meet planning requirements while delivering real gains for nature and communities with work on the first site at Ham Woods already underway.

    Councillor Tom Briars Delve, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “This award is a huge recognition of the bold, creative work happening in Plymouth to tackle the ecological emergency. The Habitat Bank is a brilliant example of how we can use green finance to deliver real, lasting benefits for wildlife and communities. I’m incredibly proud of the team behind this – their passion and innovation are helping to put Plymouth on the map as a leader in nature recovery.”

    At the same time, the city’s Supported Internships programme scooped the top award in its category. Run in partnership with Discovery College – the programme has grown from just nine participants to 67 in just two years. The programme supports young people with learning difficulties or disabilities to gain meaningful, sustainable employment through a blend of tailored work placements, coaching and classroom learning.  Every single participant has gone on to secure a job – a remarkable achievement that’s changing lives.

    Councillor Sally Cresswell, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, added: “This award is a celebration of the young people who’ve taken part in Supported Internships – and the incredible staff who’ve supported them every step of the way. It shows what’s possible when we believe in people’s potential and invest in inclusive opportunities. This work is vital to building a city where everyone can thrive.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: College prepares students for real-world success

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Writtle College students and staff celebrate the Ofsted report

    Writtle College has been recognised for preparing students for real-world success through a strong curriculum and industry-relevant teaching, following its first Ofsted inspection since becoming part of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

    The inspection team noted that students at Writtle College are developing business-relevant skills through hands-on learning, expert teaching, tailored support and a curriculum shaped by industry needs, with courses in areas such as animal management, horticulture, equine studies, and floristry.

    These programmes are enriched by employer feedback and include practical skills like customer service, pricing strategies, and the use of industry-standard tools.

    Inspectors particularly commended the college’s support for students with high needs and those who have previously faced challenges in education. They found that learners feel safe, respected, and well-supported, with clear pathways into further study or employment.

    The college’s partnerships with local and regional employers were described as a key strength. These collaborations provide students with meaningful work placements, real-world projects, and exposure to current industry practices.

    The college also plays a vital role in regional skills development initiatives, including the Chelmsford Partnership for Skills and the upcoming Essex Rural Skills Summit. Writtle College offers Level 2 and 3 courses, including T-Levels and apprenticeships, for 16-18-year-olds as well as adult learners.

    New courses starting in September 2025 include; Level 1 provision with Animal and Equine pathways, Level 2 Horticulture, Level 2 Veterinary Care Assistant and a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Land-Based Service Engineering.

    The college received a “Good” rating across all categories, affirming its role as a leading provider of land-based and vocational education in the region.

    “We are proud of this outcome, which reflects the college’s commitment to excellence and community impact in the land-based education sector as well as the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the strength of our partnerships.

    “This is a significant milestone in our journey as part of Anglia Ruskin University, and we remain focused on continuous improvement.”

    Philip Grant, Principal of Writtle College

    For more information about Writtle College and its programmes, visit aru.ac.uk/study/college-courses/about-writtle-college

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green Tourism success for Aberdeen’s Art Gallery and Museums

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen City Council’s Archives, Gallery & Museums service (AAGM) is celebrating Green Tourism awards success for four of its venues. 
     
    The Art Gallery has achieved the highest award, Gold recognition, with the Maritime Museum, Provost Skene’s House and the Treasure Hub celebrating Silver status.  
     
    Green Tourism is the world’s largest sustainable certification programme of its kind, promoting greener ways for businesses and organisations to operate, by offering advice on sustainability best practice, from ethical buying to reducing energy use. 
     
    The AAGM staff team was congratulated by the judges for displaying an excellent understanding of sustainability and awareness of opportunities and challenges associated with running a responsible business. The AAGM submissions were themed around People, Places and Planet, with initiatives including: 

    Key projects: 
    Establishing a wildflower meadow at the Treasure Hub in Northfield 
    Over 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s. Staff volunteers worked with Habitat People to rewild a patch of land at the Treasure Hub to bring back at-risk plant species including crane’s-bill, yellow toadflax or pignut. As the meadow matures it will increase the biodiversity of the area, including pollinators and grasshoppers.  
     
    Re-homing bee hives 
    Bees prop-up the ecosystem and are an integral part of it. The team is working with a local beekeeper to provide a safe and secure home for hives.  
     
    Repurposing art crates – from crate to plate 
    The AAGM collection is in demand, but bespoke packing materials are an unfortunate by-product of lending artworks to other art galleries and museums. Re-fitting a crate requires specialist equipment and knowledge, making them difficult and expensive to re-use. AAGM worked with Fresh Community Wellness SCIO (Freshcom) to re-purpose crates as flower and vegetable planters for a community garden in Seaton. ACC gardeners re-purposed a number crates for Cfine, who worked with asylum seekers  to plant a range of vegetables including kale, beetroot, carrots, radishes and parsnips. The crates were painted in the Ukranian colours of blue and yellow.  
    David McDonald of the Green Tourism Awards, said, “It gives the judges the utmost pleasure to confirm these awards. We were extremely impressed with the level of detail and work put into all four submissions. The whole staff team should be justifiably proud of their achievement and we look forward to continuing to work together.” 
     
    David Jackson, VisitScotland Regional Director, said, “We must all play a role in preserving Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage. I’m thrilled to hear about AAGM’s Green Tourism Award successes. Sustainable tourism development is at the heart of what we do, working with partners to drive change and embed responsible practices across the industry. Our VisitScotland business support hub contains a plethora of essential advice, including a guide to Net Zero and information on how businesses can create a sustainability and climate action plan. We have a vision for Scotland to be the most economically, environmentally and socially sustainable destination in the world, so it’s great to see AAGM playing their part and demonstrating real leadership for the region.” 
     
    Councillor Miranda Radley, Aberdeen City Council’s tourism spokesperson and VisitAberdeenshire Council Director, said, “The Gold and Silver Green Tourism awards are fantastic news for visitors to the Art Gallery, Maritime Museum, Provost Skene’s House and Treasure Hub. We know from research with our visitors that climate change is an important issue for them. The globally-recognised Green Tourism awards will give visitors the confidence that we are working towards a climate positive future where, alongside the art and history collection, we also value our planet as an irreplaceable treasure.” 

    Councillor Ian Yuill, Co-Leader of the Council, said, “This success in the Green Tourism awards highlights the Council’s commitment to sustainability, from improving biodiversity and eliminating single-use items, to supporting our local communities. I congratulate the Archives, Gallery & Museums team on their commitment to sustainability in relation to people, place and planet and the excellent work they have done to date to achieve the Green Tourism awards.” 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Schools and workplaces to take part in Clean Air Day

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER schools and workplaces are getting ready to take part in Clean Air Day next week.

    Clean Air Day, on Thursday 19 June, is the UK’s biggest initiative to reduce air pollution, raising awareness about air quality and encouraging action for a healthier environment.

    Selected roads will be closed to traffic so that sports, games and fun activities can be held out on the streets in front of several schools in Leicester.  

    Among the schools taking part in Leicester are Castle Mead Academy, which will be running sporting activities on the street and waterside activities in conjunction with the Canal & River Trust and Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, including a ‘park and paddle’ where pupils will be able to arrive at school by bell boat.

    Dovelands Primary School will have sports on the streets, cycling activities and the Hop! fully electric green bus, with its signature ‘ribbit’ effect bell, will pay a visit. The Children’s Bookbus will be at Kestrel Mead Infants School, and there will be sport on the street outside Rushey Mead Primary School, as well as a visit from Strider the walking mascot.

    Temporary road closures will be in place on Thursday 19 June from 8am until 4pm on Magnus Road, Bessingham Close, Richard III Road, Eastfield Road, Hazeldene Road and Bramble Close.

    Parking, waiting and loading will be prohibited from 8am on Wednesday 18 June until 4pm on Thursday 19 June 2025 on sections of Mundesley Road, Kestrel Lane, Richard III Road, Maidenwell Avenue, Foxglove Road and Laverton Road.

    Some of the city’s largest workplaces are also getting involved in Clean Air Day. The University of Leicester has organised a walk in Victoria Park, meeting at the memorial arch at 12pm. The walk is suitable for all abilities and is open to staff, students and the public. Researchers from the Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, who work on air quality and pollutants, will be taking part in the walk and will be available to discuss their research, how air pollution impacts health and ways we can all support reductions in air pollution.

    The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust will have information stands in hospital restaurants in the run-up to Clean Air Day, offering advice and information to staff and the public on how they can help reduce air pollution, with information on travel, food and nutrition, energy use and some simple flash card quizzes.

    The events are being supported by Leicester City Council, national walking, wheeling and cycling charity Sustrans and Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, as well as by the Canal & River Trust and Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.

    Assistant city mayor responsible for air quality, Cllr Geoff Whittle, said: “Clean Air Day is a chance for schools to take part in some fun activities on traffic-free streets, while delivering an important message about improving air quality.

    “It’s also a great chance for local workplaces to get involved by promoting the benefits of active travel.

    “It is very encouraging to see so many people across the city marking Clean Air Day in this way.”

    The city council’s air quality action plan includes commitments to carry out education and awareness campaigns in communities and schools to improve knowledge and understanding of the main sources of pollution and their impact, as well as working with schools to encourage active travel.

    More information on air quality in Leicester is available at www.leicester.gov.uk/airquality

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: The Eclipse Foundation Launches the S-CORE Project: The Automotive Industry’s First Open Source Core Stack for Software-Defined Vehicles

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRUSSELS, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Eclipse Foundation, one of the world’s largest open source software foundations, today announced the upcoming 0.5 release of the Safety Open Vehicle Core (S-CORE) project, the first open source core software stack specifically designed for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). Targeting embedded high-performance Electronic Control Units (ECUs), S-CORE represents a significant milestone in the automotive industry’s transition toward open, community-driven software platforms.

    With support from a growing group of major industry leaders, including BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, ETAS, QNX, Qorix, and Accenture, the S-CORE project is building an open source foundation that allows automakers and suppliers to accelerate the development of next-generation automotive software, while allowing them to concentrate on building their own differentiated features and applications.

    “Open collaboration is key to managing complexity in modern vehicle software architectures,” said Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation. “With S-CORE, we’re providing developers with a reliable, safety-grade runtime environment that allows the industry to focus on innovation while reducing duplication of effort. This project offers the entire sector a jumpstart in building the custom solutions that will define the future of mobility.”

    Often described as “middleware,” S-CORE sits between the operating system and application layer, delivering core, non-differentiating services that all software-defined vehicles require. By providing a common set of baseline functions, such as application orchestration, inter-process communication (IPC), logging, and data persistence, S-CORE aims to streamline development, lower costs, and accelerate time-to-market for companies building software-defined vehicles.

    The 0.5 release, targeted for availability in October 2025, will mark the project’s first public milestone, providing an initial set of functional building blocks for industry adoption and feedback. The reference platform for this release will run on QNX SDP 8.0, which is available for non-commercial prototyping and experimentation via the company’s recently launched QNX Everywhere program. Additional operating system support, including Linux, is planned for future releases.

    In parallel, the S-CORE development process, currently under audit by a certification agency, aims to define a methodology for producing open source software suitable for safety-critical automotive standards such as ISO 26262.

    As software increasingly defines vehicle functionality, S-CORE’s open approach helps address one of the automotive industry’s most pressing challenges: developing complex, high-performance vehicle software that is safe, cost-effective, and scalable, while still allowing room for innovation. By enabling automakers, suppliers, and technology companies to collaborate on shared core components, S-CORE allows development teams to focus their efforts on areas that create the most value, such as differentiated features, enhanced customer experiences, and brand-defining innovations.

    Join the Eclipse SDV Community
    The Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) Working Group is a global hub for open source collaboration in automotive software. Our diverse membership of automakers, suppliers, and technology leaders is driving real-world innovation that is shaping the future of mobility. We provide an inclusive platform where companies of all sizes can contribute on equal footing. Learn more about participation opportunities at sdv.eclipse.org/membership.

    For additional details on the S-CORE project and its upcoming release, visit Eclipse Safe Open Vehicle Core

    About Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle
    Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle (SDV), a working group within the Eclipse Foundation, supports the open source development of cutting-edge automotive technologies that power the programmable vehicles of the future where software defines features, functionality, and operations. With over 50 members, including leading automotive manufacturers, global cloud providers, technology innovators, and key supply chain partners, the initiative has strong industry backing. The working group’s mission is to provide a collaborative forum for developing and promoting open source solutions tailored to the global automotive industry. Adopting a “code first” approach, Eclipse SDV focuses on building the industry’s first open source software stacks and associated tools that will support the core functionalities of next-generation vehicles.

    About the Eclipse Foundation
    The Eclipse Foundation provides our global community of individuals and organisations with a business-friendly environment for open source software collaboration and innovation. We host the Eclipse IDE, Adoptium, Software Defined Vehicle, Jakarta EE, and over 420 open source projects, including runtimes, tools, specifications, and frameworks for cloud and edge applications, IoT, AI, automotive, systems engineering, open processor designs, and many others. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the Eclipse Foundation is an international non-profit association supported by over 300 members. To learn more, follow us on social media @EclipseFdn, LinkedIn, or visit eclipse.org.
    Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    Media contacts:
    Schwartz Public Relations (Germany)
    Julia Rauch/Marita Bäumer
    Sendlinger Straße 42A
    80331 Munich
    EclipseFoundation@schwartzpr.de
    +49 (89) 211 871 -70/ -62

    514 Media Ltd (France, Italy, Spain)
    Benoit Simoneau
    benoit@514-media.com
    M: +44 (0) 7891 920 370

    Nichols Communications (Global Press Contact)
    Jay Nichols
    jay@nicholscomm.com
    +1 408-772-1551

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Request for clarification concerning France’s possible interference in the 2025 Romanian presidential election – P-002053/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002053/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    Following the recent presidential election in Romania, the runner-up, nationalist candidate George Simion, publicly made accusations of foreign interference. He spoke of external influence, in particular from France, which affected the conduct and fairness of the ballot.

    These statements have been backed up in remarks made by Valérie Hayer, Chair of Parliament’s Renew Europe Group, who admitted to having organised meetings in France for the Romanian diaspora to encourage them to vote[1].

    Furthermore, according to Pavel Durov, founder of the platform Telegram, there has been pressure coming from Paris to censor certain conservative Romanian voices. If these accusations prove to be true, it would pose a serious problem with regard to the principles of non-interference and democratic equality between candidates in a Member State or EU candidate country.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission been informed of such actions by French politicians or institutions?
    • 2.Do such initiatives align with the principles of neutrality and non-interference promoted by the EU?
    • 3.Will it request official explanations from the French authorities or open an independent investigation to assess the impact of these incidences on the electoral process in Romania?

    Submitted: 21.5.2025

    • [1] https://x.com/franceinfo/status/1921096329398190324
    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need for sanctions and embargo on the sale of military equipment in response to Türkiye’s threats to invade Cyprus – E-001809/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU is fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the United Nations (UN) agreed framework, in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis. It remains crucial that Türkiye commits and actively contributes to such a peaceful settlement, including its external aspects.

    As per the conclusions of the Special European Council of 17-18 April 2024, the EU attaches particular importance to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation[1].

    As per latest Council conclusions on Enlargement, welcoming the recent steps taken by the UN Secretary-General towards a resumption of settlement talks, the EU remains ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal[2]. These messages are continuously communicated to Turkish authorities.

    The EU remains committed to continue cooperation in areas of common interest on the basis of an equal commitment on Türkiye’s side to advance on a path of cooperation and de-escalation.

    Concerning restrictive measures, under Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union[3], it is strictly the prerogative of the Council, through its Member States, to take, with unanimity, decisions to adopt, renew or lift sanctions regimes.

    The EU will continue to call on Türkiye to comply with its international obligations, and with the EU values, as a candidate country for EU accession.

    It should be recalled that accession negotiations with the country remain at a standstill since 2018, in line with the decision of the Council[4].

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf.
    • [2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:25_1.
    • [4] ‘35. The Council notes that Turkey has been moving further away from the European Union. Turkey’s accession negotiations have therefore effectively come to a standstill and no further chapters can be considered for opening or closing and no further work towards the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union is foreseen’, Brussels, 26 June 2018 (OR. en) 10555/1.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Türkiye’s violation of Cyprus’s sovereignty – E-001827/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU is fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the United Nations (UN) agreed framework, in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis.

    It remains crucial that Türkiye commits and actively contributes to such a peaceful settlement, including its external aspects. As per the conclusions of the Special European Council of 17-18 April 2024, the EU attaches particular importance to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation[1].

    As per the Council conclusions on Enlargement of 2024, welcoming the recent steps taken by the UN Secretary-General towards a resumption of settlement talks, the EU remains ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal[2]. These messages are continuously communicated to the Turkish authorities.

    Concerning restrictive measures, under Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union, it is strictly the prerogative of the Council of the EU, through its Member States, to take, with unanimity, decisions to adopt, renew or lift sanctions regimes.

    The EU will continue to call on Türkiye to comply with its international obligations, and with the EU values, as a candidate country for EU accession.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf.
    • [2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.
    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Vote – Budgetary assessment on mid-term review of cohesion policy – 16.06 – Committee on Budgets

    Source: European Parliament

    © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    The Committee will vote on the budgetary aspects of the proposal for a regulation amending ERDF (European Regional Development Fund), Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review.

    The budgetary assessment analyses if the act provides for sufficient financial and human resources, assessing the alignment with the EU’s long term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027) and the budgetary principles outlined in the Financial Regulation.
    Ms Danuše Nerudová (EPP, Czechia) is the rapporteur for the file.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ‘I thought we’d arrived at a town rather than a hospital’

    Source: European Investment Bank

    From as early as 4 years old we knew that our daughter, Josephine, would most likely need an operation to correct her scoliosis. The thought of the procedure, which involves screwing metal rods into the vertebrae down most of the spine to straighten it out, filled us with terror. We did everything to avoid it — physical therapy twice a week, horse-riding, swimming, and even an innovative dynamic spine brace that was much more comfortable than the traditional hard braces.

    But after the pandemic disrupted travel to London for her regular brace adjustments, the scoliosis got worse and even the classic hard brace that went down to her hips did nothing. When it became clear that surgery was the only option to stop the S-shaped curve of her spine getting worse and compressing her organs, we set out to find the best orthopaedic surgeon. We met several excellent surgeons in Brussels before trying UZ Leuven, a university hospital about 30 kilometres east of Brussels in Flanders.

    With roots that trace back to 1160, UZ Leuven is one of the largest and oldest teaching hospitals in Europe. KU Leuven, the 600-year-old university to which it is attached, is the oldest in the low countries and considered the most prestigious in Belgium. Turning off the motorway and seeing the massive campus for the first time, I thought we’d arrived at a town rather than a hospital. Impressed by the doctor and the facilities, and relieved that the staff were happy to communicate in English and French, we chose to go ahead with the procedure.

    Some months later in 2024, when my daughter was recovering from her successful operation in the new paediatric wing, I remember looking around at the great facilities, which included a rooftop playground, and a well-appointed playroom with events for patients led by staff, and thinking, “I wonder if this place has had EIB funding? It looks like the sort of thing we’d do…”

    I didn’t know at the time that the Bank would soon sign a €230 million loan to help fund the hospital’s Health Sciences Campus 2.0 Masterplan. This gave me the chance to write about the plan and have many of my own questions answered about the whole hospital.

    Yes, the building that my daughter spent five days in had received EIB funding. The paediatric wing was financed in part with a €325 million loan from the Bank in 2008 under the first phase of the university hospital’s redevelopment. The new loan signed in 2025 is for the second phase of that vision.

    In his office. Dr Wim Tambeur, operations director at UZ Leuven, explained the hospital’s Health Sciences Master Plan. “About 20 years ago, we started to think about and redefine our vision of what a university hospital should be and how we envisioned our role,” he says.

    “We clearly said that a university hospital is quite unique in its setting because it creates innovation by R&D. We should invent better healthcare and better healthcare models, implement them in daily care, and teach the innovation to our students.”

    UZ Leuven is not just a hospital campus but a “city of innovation” integrating clinical care, research, and teaching, he said.

    This approach is reflected in many ways that we noticed during our stay. Our daughter’s doctor, for example, was also a professor at KU Leuven. “A lot of our medical staff are also appointed as professors at the university, so that already creates close interaction,” explained Dr Tambeur. “The real innovation is that our research is really focused on how we can improve clinical practice.”

    As a practical example, Dr Tambeur pointed to the nuclear medicine building on the campus, which will be expanded with funding from the new loan as one part of the plan. The centre develops specialised radioactive molecules for scans that help doctors in the hospital and scientists from the pharmaceutical industry with which they work to get a precise view of the targets where drugs are working in the body. Such molecules have very short lifespans so need to be produced on site to reduce transport times.

    Back at the paediatric wing where my daughter stayed was another great example of how the university hospital combines clinical research with innovation in patient care. The hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit has a unique design in which each baby gets its own quiet little room where parents and family can visit.  

    Typically, neonatal units, such as the one where my daughter spent five weeks after being born in Brussels, are like busy intensive care wards for adults with bright lights and machines constantly beeping. Access even for families is tightly controlled to limit crowding.

    “Neonatal care has improved dramatically in recent decades but has become a lot more intensive,” says Dr Tambeur. “The babies are so surrounded by technical equipment you can barely see them and all the noise and activity is very disturbing for them.”

    Dr Tambeur’s ward is designed in concentric circles, with a bay of individual rooms around a central staffing zone and an outer ring of rooms where brothers, sisters, grandparents and so can visit. “It allows for a lot of family involvement without disturbing the care processes,” he says. “And the monitors beep at the nurse’s station rather than the baby’s bed.”

    Health outcomes for the newborns seem to have improved and the neonatal care department is studying the long term effects of the new care process design, says Dr Tambeur.

    About one year on from the operation, Josephine, who is 15, is rid of her brace, her back is straight, her scar is discreet, and she’s four centimetres taller. We’ve been back to UZ Leuven several times and each time I feel proud to know that the European Investment Bank supports this kind of project.     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong headed to Europe

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart for a visit to France and the Netherlands this evening to strengthen Hong Kong’s ties and co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with the two countries.

    Prof Sun will attend Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, and deliver a keynote speech on “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” at a seminar and networking reception organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

    VivaTech, being held from June 11 to 14, is Europe’s annual startup and technology event that brings together startups, tech leaders, corporates and investors to drive I&T and business collaboration.

    During the visit, Prof Sun will also meet leaders of the local I&T sector as well as technology enterprises and tour the I&T and advanced manufacturing enterprises there.

    Prof Sun will return to Hong Kong on June 18. During his absence, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Shaping the EU Anti-Fraud landscape: OLAF’s Helsinki Conference gathers specialists from all Member States

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Press release no. 15/2025
    PDF version  

    More than 100 anti-fraud experts from across the European Union met this week in Finland for the 2025 Helsinki OLAF Conference aimed at defining the next chapter in EU anti-fraud action. Organised by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) on 11-12 June, the event brought together representatives from EU Member States’ Anti-Fraud Coordination Services as well as key EU bodies involved in protecting the Union’s financial interests.

    This year’s conference offered a unique platform to discuss policy and operational challenges in fighting fraud and irregularities affecting EU expenditure. Opening speeches were delivered by Ville Itälä, OLAF Director-General, and Riikka Purra, Finland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, highlighting the strategic importance of effective fraud prevention and detection.

    A particular highlight of the conference was a discussion on the future of the EU Anti-Fraud Architecture, led by OLAF Deputy Director-General Salla Saastamoinen. The panel brought together senior representatives from OLAF and other Commission services, Europol, and Eurojust to examine how the anti-fraud framework must evolve to tackle increasingly complex and cross-border threats. 

    Ville Itälä, OLAF Director-General, said: “We gather just before the Commission presents its proposals for the next multi-annual financial framework.  This conference is about building a shared vision for how we protect the EU’s financial interests in an increasingly complex environment. Fraud is evolving, and so must we. Cooperation should be the cornerstone of our response. OLAF plays a unique role at the intersection of policy, investigation and coordination, bringing together institutions and Member States to ensure that EU funds are protected and, if necessary, recovered to the Union budget.”

    The conference also featured panel discussions and interactive workshops covering a wide range of topics, from the protection of Cohesion Policy and Recovery and Resilience Facility funds, to the use of Artificial Intelligence in administrative investigations, and exploring the advent of increasingly performance-based EU funding instruments. It addressed emerging risks, such as money laundering linked to EU funding and conflicts of interest in fund management.

    By gathering operational and policy-level anti-fraud professionals in person, the 2025 OLAF Conference set out to prepare all EU actors for dealing with an evolving financial framework and new financial instruments being rolled out in a context of ever more complex digital and international fraud challenges.

    OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
    OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.    

    OLAF fulfils its mission by:
    •    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
    •    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
    •    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

    In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
    •    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
    •    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
    •    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

    Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

    For further details:

    Pierluigi CATERINO
    Spokesperson
    European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
    Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
    https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu

    LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    X: x.com/EUAntiFraud
    Bluesky: euantifraud.bsky.social

    If you’re a journalist and you wish to receive our press releases in your inbox, please leave us your contact data.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Largest amphibious exercise on Braunton Burrows since WW2

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Largest amphibious exercise on Braunton Burrows since WW2

    Exercise Catamaran brought together more than 3,000 personnel from several NATO allies to carry out training on the North Devon coast.

    Personnel from several NATO allies took part in the exercise. Copyright: MOD Crown Copyright.

    The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has enabled a major multi-national training exercise alongside NATO allies on Braunton Burrows Training Area, demonstrating its crucial role in supporting military capability.  

    Exercise Catamaran ran between 30 May and 7 June, bringing together military personnel from France, the UK, Brazil, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the US. Royal Marines from 40 and 47 Commando led British involvement in the exercise.  

    It is the largest amphibious exercise of this scale to have been conducted on the training area since it was used by US troops in 1943 to rehearse for the D-Day landings on Utah and Omaha beaches.  

    Ex Catamaran formed part of the wider French-led POLARIS 25 exercise, a month-long training exercise which sees more than 3,000 military personnel from allied nations working on warfighting skills together. The amphibious exercise involved more than 20 surface ships and 40 aircraft in the Atlantic and the Channel and included landing exercises taking place on the beach at Braunton Burrows. 

    Braunton Burrows Training Area is home to one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK and offers a unique place to train.  

    DIO’s Overseas and Training team played an important part in planning and facilitating the exercise. The Foreign Forces team acted as the liaison between the French exercise planners and the Ministry of Defence. They provided expert advice on how the training area could be best utilised to meet training objectives, ensuring that all partners were informed and engaged. 

    Alongside that, Braunton Burrows’ Deputy Training Safety Officer led safety briefings for military personnel, flexibly supported training requirements and ensured a safe place to train was maintained, carefully managing the balance between military training and public access on the area. This technical guidance proved crucial in developing realistic training scenarios that couldn’t be replicated elsewhere in the UK.  

    Braunton Burrows: Enabling Exercise Catamaran

    Brigadier Gavin Hatcher CBE, DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region, said:  

    As custodians of the Defence Training Estate, DIO proudly provides a safe and high-quality environment for our Armed Forces and allies to train. While we enable and support important military training year-round, the scale and complexity of Exercise Catamaran has really showcased the versatility and diversity of what we can facilitate.  

    My team has been working closely with the French military for some time to meticulously plan this phase of the exercise on Braunton Burrows Training Area. It has been great to see this collaboration brought to fruition this week with UK military personnel training alongside our allies as they prepare for potential deployments.

    Major Martyn Heenan, Royal Marines, said:  

    Braunton Burrows and the amphibious training it allows is so important as it is one of the most complex operations you can carry out and there’s very few places you can do it. It allows the allied nations involved in this exercise to get onto the same space in a challenging area and work together, which is very difficult to do anywhere else in the world.  

    It’s been a long planning process but DIO have been there all the way through, be it the Foreign Forces team, the Training Safety Officers or the regional commanders, they have really helped with the planning and delivering everything to make this a success.

    Braunton Burrows has to remain accessible to the public at all times, and the site’s Deputy Training Safety Officer conducts careful planning and continuous monitoring alongside colleagues from our industry partner, Landmarc, to ensure military activities can go ahead safely without endangering personnel or members of the public.  

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Polar safety code updated to protect people and the environment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Polar safety code updated to protect people and the environment

    A consultation has been launched on measures by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure safety and protect maritime environments in polar waters.

    A consultation launches today (Thursday 12 June) on further measures by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to uphold the safety of vessels, crew and passengers within polar waters and to protect some of the world’s most pristine environments, based on changes made by the International Maritime Organization to its Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention.

    Changes are proposed within the Merchant Shipping (Polar Code) (Safety) Regulations 2025 to apply the existing special requirements for such extreme conditions to a wider range of vessels.

    They will ensure more vessels working in or transiting polar regions are designed, built and operated to a higher safety standard.

    Additions to the code are: 

    • fishing vessels of 24 metres in length overall and above
    • pleasure yachts of 300 gross tonnage (GT) and upwards not engaged in trade
    • and cargo ships of at least 300GT but less than 500GT

    The aim is to widen the protection of crew and passengers within the particularly harsh conditions that confront vessels within the north and south polar regions.

    The regulations will also defend the sensitive habitats, flora and fauna by strengthening safeguards against incidents that could result in pollution and damage.

    Ship Construction and Equipment Lead Pete Rollason said: 

    Extreme environments like the north and south polar regions require special safety considerations. Our proposed requirements are practical, common-sense measures that many vessels already operate under. 

    Expanding some elements of the code’s scope to more vessels sailing within the polar regions will add another layer of protection for seafarers and some of planet Earth’s last great wilderness.

    Further information

    The consultation will run for six weeks from Thursday 12 June to Thursday 24 July 2025.

    To take part in the consultation, please visit Consultation on the Merchant Shipping (Polar Code)(Safety) Regulations.

    Press office

    Email public.relations@mcga.gov.uk

    Press enquiries (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) 0203 817 2222

    Outside these hours or on bank holidays and weekends, for media enquiries ONLY, please send an email outlining your query and putting #Urgent in the subject title.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get your tickets to Coventry City Orchestra’s Summer celebration.

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry City Orchestra’s next concert, Summer Celebration, is just around the corner.

    Tickets are available to purchase for Saturday, 28 June, 7.30pm

    they will be playing iconic movie classics from Lord of the Rings, Dr Who, and Thunderbirds as well as pop hits including Coventry’s very own Ghost Town!

    It’s due to be held at:

    Coventry Methodist Hall
    CV1 2HA

    Buy your tickets to avoid disappointment.

    Thursday, 12th June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden launches its XMC Ethernet switch card, a cybersecure and sovereign solution for critical environments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden launches its XMC Ethernet switch card, a cybersecure and sovereign solution for critical environments

    Paris, France – June 12, 2025 – Eviden, the Atos Group product brand leading in advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI today announces the availability of a cybersecure and sovereign Ethernet switching solution, the XMC1Ethernet switch card, specifically designed for mission-critical environments. This innovative solution uses a protocol break of communications to achieve the security and independence of critical communication systems.

    Designed and manufactured in France, this XMC-format Ethernet switch card is a sovereign alternative to market offerings. It is produced at Eviden’s Aix-en-Provence site in France by teams with expertise in mission-critical systems. It complements Eviden’s range of MLS Gateway solutions, which are multi-level security gateways designed for two-way communications between networks of different classifications.

    Eviden’s new XMC Ethernet switch card is designed to protect data effectively. It incorporates powerful protection mechanisms that filter information, detect issues, and report anomalies to ensure secure and reliable transmission.

    Coupled with the CPU card2 of a critical system, Eviden’s XMC Ethernet switch card is configurable, allowing systems to evolve. It offers the ability to partition data between open and secure environments that require a break in protocol for security and confidentiality reasons.

    The card can be integrated on the mezzanine level with third-party embedded computers (air-land, naval or land-based) as well as with Eviden’s multi-level gateway solutions (MLS Gateway).

    Designed for the highest levels of criticality, Eviden’s XMC Ethernet switch card supports multiple protocols3 and is compatible with the AFDX standard4, enabling seamless integration into existing avionics systems. It is also DO-254 DAL A certifiable5 and developed in accordance with standards that support certification to the CC EAL 4+ level6. It incorporates technology from Cetrac.io, a specialist in hardware switching technologies and a partner of Eviden.

    Bernard Payer, Head of Mission-Critical Systems at Eviden, Atos Group, said: “Eviden’s XMC Ethernet switch card is a fusion of technologies designed to guarantee the security and compartmentalization of critical information flows without reliance on foreign technologies or operators. Our next-generation Ethernet switching solution provides operators in mission-critical environments with a sovereign solution in their hands, reflecting the know-how of our teams. I am particularly proud to announce the availability of this solution.”

    Eviden’s XMC Ethernet switch card will be presented at SIAE, June 16-22, booth Avantix S3, GIFAS pavilion, hall 2B C140.

    ***

    About Eviden

    Eviden is the Atos Group brand for hardware and software products with c. € 1 billion in revenue, operating in 36 countries and comprising four business units: advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI. As a next-generation technology leader, Eviden offers a unique combination of hardware and software technologies for businesses, public sector and defense organizations and research institutions, helping them to create value out of their data. Bringing together 4,200 world-class talents and holding more than 2,100 patents, Eviden provides a strong portfolio of innovative and eco-efficient solutions in AI, computing, security, data and applications.

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Isabelle Grangé | isabelle.grange@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

    1 XMC: Mezzanine Card switch. A mezzanine board is a secondary electronic board (or daughter board) that, when connected to a main board (or motherboard), allows the addition of specific features to a computer or embedded system, without changing the basic architecture.
    2 CPU: Central Processing Unit
    3 UDP, TCP, ICMP, ARP, IP
    4 AFDX : Avionics Full Duplex switched Ethernet
    5 DO 254 DAL A: the highest criticality level according to the DAL (Design Assurance Level) which categorizes software according to the potential impact of its failures on the safety of aeronautical systems.
    6 CC EAL 4+: Common Criteria Level 4 evaluation system “methodically designed, tested and verified.”

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia’s victimhood narrative is inconsistent with the facts: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Russia’s victimhood narrative is inconsistent with the facts: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland calls out Russia’s victimhood narrative, which is inconsistent with the facts. The UK stands firmly and unapologetically with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.  We listened carefully to the statements made by the Russian Federation at last week’s Permanent Council.  The esteemed Russian representative noted then the OSCE “remains almost the only forum in the pan-European space where an equal and inclusive exchange of views is still possible.”

    The United Kingdom also values this forum for that reason. If we are willing to use it, the OSCE provides a platform for risk reduction, cooperation and confidence-building. And using these capacities to the maximum extent possible would fulfil the shared responsibility we took on for the security of the OSCE region that we took on in Helsinki in 1975.

    The signing of the Helsinki Final Act marked a pivotal moment when all participating States agreed to move beyond zero-sum security, which bred so many conflicts of the past. Reflecting this sentiment, Leonid Brezhnev told the 1975 Helsinki conference that the OSCE could “strengthen European and international security and develop mutually advantageous co-operation”.

    A lot has been said in recent weeks about trust, which is essential for such advantageous cooperation.  As we look ahead to Helsinki in late July, we must recognise that we build trust in this place when we speak truthfully and uphold the OSCE’s founding documents, including the Helsinki Final Act. However, trust is eroded by unfounded assertions and the selective reinterpretation of the commitments in those documents.

    Last week, the Russian Federation made several unsubstantiated claims about the United Kingdom in this Council. So, let me deal with these assertions and ask a couple of questions of my own in the hope of some direct answers.

    The UK does not seek military tension and regional instability to further our economic objectives. In fact, I think most economists would argue that conflict is bad for economies overall.  The UK’s aims for Ukraine are guided by our desire to achieve peace. We believe in upholding the fundamental norms that underpin our shared security, including the sovereign equality of states. We do so through our actions as well as our words.  The Russian Federation regularly reference the concepts of non-interference and inviolability of borders. The question I would put to them is how invading their peaceful neighbour lives up to these concepts.

    The Russian Federation also accused the UK of using their war of aggression to militarise its economy and prepare for war. Now it is true that the UK plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, and to 3% in the next Parliament. But I would have thought the reasons for doing so were obvious.  We are increasing defence spending to deter war in the face of Russia’s increasing belligerence – not to provoke it. And we are taking on more responsibility for security in Europe, which faces a more serious and less predictable future because of the Kremlin’s actions. The hypocrisy of this allegation is of course that Russia’s military spending now exceeds 32% of their national budget. It is truly a war economy. My request to the Russian delegation is that they explain what response they expected from the European countries in the face of such rapid militarisation in a country that so regularly threatens its neighbours and whose recent history is one of breaching Helsinki commitments on borders and sovereignty?

    Madam Chair, the assertions made about my country reflect a broader narrative of Russian state victimhood that is inconsistent with the facts. The full-scale invasion of another country, illegal annexations, the targeting of civilians and the persistent obstruction of peace are not the actions of a victim – they are the actions of an aggressor. Our support for Ukraine, like our support for the OSCE’s mandate and principles, comes from our interest in upholding mutually agreed rules, including rules Russia has agreed to uphold. This is why the UK stands firmly and unapologetically with Ukraine in the face of this aggression.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Enters Final Presale Phase With $3.8M Raised Ahead of July Launch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTC-S sets sights on 2025 wealth creation with dual-consensus architecture, 100K+ TPS, and smart staking rewards With under eight weeks left before its public launch, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) has crossed a major milestone in its presale: over $3.8 million raised and more than 11,000 early adopters onboarded. Priced at $7 in its current phase and scheduled to launch at $20, BTC-S is quickly positioning itself as one of the most anticipated blockchain projects of 2025.

    More than just another token, Bitcoin Solaris introduces a next-generation blockchain infrastructure built to scale, incentivize participation, and power real utility. The network is designed around a hybrid consensus model—combining SHA-256 Proof-of-Work (PoW) with Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS)—to deliver both robust security and speed.

    We’re creating a high-throughput, inclusive ecosystem where users can earn rewards based on real contribution, not just capital.” said a core developer from the Bitcoin Solaris team.

    Key Features Now Live or In Development:

    • Block Times: 15 seconds for fast confirmations
    • Transactions Per Second: Capable of 100,000+
    • Validator Rotation: Every 24 hours to maximize decentralization
    • Energy Use: 99.95% lower than traditional PoW networks
    • Accessibility: Full support for web, desktop, and mobile wallets

    Momentum Is Building—And the Numbers Prove It

    Bitcoin Solaris is now in Phase 7 of its presale, and the pace is accelerating:

    • Over $3.8 million raised
    • More than 11,000 users joined
    • Current price: $7, next phase: $8, launch: $20
    • Less than 8 weeks left until full allocation closes

    Investors aren’t just responding to price action—they’re reacting to the fundamentals. In a detailed breakdown, 2Bit Crypto highlighted the technical edge and performance roadmap that’s turning heads across the space.

    Early Bitcoin Changed Lives—BTC-S Is the Second Chance

    How Bitcoin Solaris Will Make People Rich

    BTC-S isn’t just for holding—it’s for building wealth through participation.

    • 40% of rewards go to miners on the Base Layer
    • 25% to validators on the Solaris Layer
    • 20% to stakers
    • 10% reserved for development
    • 5% supports the community

    Rewards scale with your contribution—factoring in time held, task complexity, and even device capability. The more value you provide, the more the network gives back. It’s built to distribute—not concentrate—wealth.

    A Glimpse Into the Road Ahead

    Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just a plan—it’s executing on a timeline that’s already underway.

    After launching its token and whitepaper in Q2 2025, the project moved quickly into community building and core protocol development. By early 2026, the testnet will go live, validator tools will be deployed, and bridge integration with Solana will be finalized.

    The full mainnet rollout is scheduled for Q3 2026, accompanied by exchange listings, governance tools, and major enterprise partnerships. Following that, DApp expansion, a decentralized exchange, and institutional adoption will take center stage heading into 2027 and beyond.

    This roadmap isn’t years away—it’s happening now.

    Audited, Battle-Tested, and Ready for Growth

    All BTC-S smart contracts have been fully audited and passed inspection. You can verify the full audit reports via Cyberscope and Freshcoins. Built in Rust and optimized for scale, these contracts support everything from DeFi and synthetic assets to NFTs, tokenized systems, and cross-chain functionality.

    Community conversations are already heating up on Telegram and X, where early adopters are lining up for what could be the most significant wealth-building crypto in years.

    The Window Is Narrow. The Potential Is Massive.

    Bitcoin’s early millionaires were defined by timing. Now, Bitcoin Solaris offers a similar setup—only this time with faster tech, greater utility, and a presale window that’s still open. If history really does rhyme, 2025 could be remembered as the year BTC-S redefined what it means to be early in crypto.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
     Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
     X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact

    Xander Levine

    press@bitcoinsolaris.com

    Press Kit: Available upon request

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34571973-5a21-4812-b4ad-84423a1e5a7a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c145344-816a-4bc0-9cb8-cc986471c66b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0858913e-4cca-4d85-9d6c-ad4f83d3e182

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa8c62a5-c0a1-4e28-a5cb-d85540ecd6ef

    The MIL Network –