NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Legal News – Former NZ Associate Minister Of Foreign Affairs Calls On NZ Government To Uphold International Law Over US Designation of Cuba

    Source: Hon Matthew Robson

    Former NZ Associate Minister Of Foreign Affairs, Hon Matt Robson, has called on the New Zealand Government to uphold International Law.

    “New Zealand prides itself on being in the forefront of countries supporting the international rule of law and not the international rule of might ”, said former Associate Foreign Minister in the Helen Clark government, the Hon Matt Robson.

    “To uphold this principled position Foreign Minister, the Hon Winston Peters, must strongly condemn the US action of placing Cuba on its “List of Non-Cooperative Terrorism countries.

    “This illegal act is a further breach of international law alongside the ever-tightening unilateral sanctions on Cuba, in place since 1960, which have been condemned as illegal by an overwhelming vote in the UN General Assembly, including that of New Zealand vote” said the Hon Matt Robson.

    “Cuba is recognised by the UN for its commitment to anti-terrorism measures. The irony is that it has been the United States that has supported terrorism against Cuba from the attempted assassination of its leaders, military invasions ,economic sabotage to the bombing of a Cuban airliner and protection in the US of the culprits.”

    “Cuba is renowned not for terrorism but for sending medical professionals to the poorest countries of the world since 1960, training doctors in Cuba from those countries, including many from Pacific nations, and during Covid providing specialist health personnel, including to developed Italy , to world acclaim”.

    “The Hon Winston Peters should place New Zealand on the side of the vast majority of countries supporting international law and condemn the United States for its illegal persecution of a developing country,” Hon Matt Robson said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major Investment in North Wales delivers 140 new jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Major Investment in North Wales delivers 140 new jobs

    Around 140 jobs will be created in North Wales after Knauf Insulation unveiled plans to invest £170 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates and Knauf Insulation

    • International manufacturer Knauf Insulation to invest £170m in a new facility in Shotton creating 140 new jobs
    • UK and Welsh Governments welcome the investment into new manufacturing facility
    • Announcement comes as UK and EU hold a summit to discuss future opportunities to boost economic growth

    Around 140 jobs will be created in North Wales after Knauf Insulation unveiled plans to invest £170 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shotton.

    The landmark development will produce more than 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation per year and create approximately 140 direct jobs, with more in local supply chains.

    The announcement coincides with the UK-EU Summit taking place today (Monday 19 May) underscoring the UK Government’s commitment to fostering economic growth through its Plan for Change and attracting inward investment to strengthen the economy. 

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    This £170 million investment by Knauf Insulation is fantastic news for North Wales and our UK Government mission to drive economic growth.

    This is a vote of confidence in the Welsh economy and our government’s plan to make Britain the destination of choice for investment in industry.

    Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said:

    This is great news for North Wales. The plans will be a major investment in the area and are a testament to the skills and facilities we have here.

    This positive announcement is the start of the journey and we will continue to provide support as the work to deliver the project gets underway.

    Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said:

    The UK is open for business, and this is yet another vote of confidence in North Wales and its thriving advanced manufacturing sector which will boost jobs and prosperity across the region.

    Our modern Industrial Strategy, which will prioritise advanced manufacturing as one of eight key UK sectors, will help us go further by attracting even more investment, creating new opportunity across the country and making our Plan for Change a reality.

    Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe said:

    Knauf Group has a proud history of manufacturing in Wales and this project aligns with the Welsh and UK Government’s commitment to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside. 

    Using UK-First Submerged Arc Furnace technology, the new factory will produce non-combustible, low embodied carbon, recyclable rock mineral wool insulation to support the need for safer, more energy efficient and sustainable buildings.

    Joint efforts by the UK Government, Welsh Government, and local leadership have paved the way for Knauf Insulation’s confidence in Wales as a destination for transformative projects.

    The UK and Welsh Government-backed North Wales Growth Deal and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone collectively support the decision by Knauf Insulation to locate a second plant in the area.

    As leaders in the production of sustainable building materials, Knauf Insulation’s expansion further supports the growing advanced manufacturing cluster in North Wales.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Government setting new ten-year budgets for R&D funding

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on DSIT setting new 10 year budgets for R&D funding.

    John-Arne Røttingen, Chief Executive of Wellcome, said:

    “The UK has long been a global leader in R&D and staying at the forefront requires ambitious and sustainable investment over the long-term. Making progress on critical challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance and mental health, won’t happen overnight. We welcome the government’s long-term commitment to supporting science and scientific infrastructures. This will unlock R&D for breakthrough discovery science and research with potential to improve and save lives both in the UK and beyond.”

     

    Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said:

    “Good science can take time, the pay-off can be decades later. That is why investing in research has to be a long game. The Government recommitting to the principle of ten year cycles of public investment is very welcome. It provides stability to those doing the research and shows businesses that the UK is a reliable place to invest. We look forward to seeing the details.”

     

    Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:

    “The Government’s commitment to 10-year R&D funding budgets represents a positive and strategic shift that the Academy has long advocated for. The principles of this approach can provide the stability needed for breakthrough health research and innovation, potentially transforming our ability to tackle complex challenges from antimicrobial resistance to developing the next generation of medical technologies. 

    “We are particularly pleased to see the criteria focus on attracting global talent, supporting partnerships and fostering international collaboration, which are essential to maintaining the UK’s position as a world leader in medical science. Building sustainable research careers, collaborative networks and creative public-private partnerships takes time, and this long-term approach acknowledges this reality. 

    “We look forward to learning more specific details in the coming weeks, including how this funding will be sourced and allocated across health research. Overall, this announcement marks a positive step towards improving the conditions for the life sciences sector to drive both better health outcomes and economic growth.” 

     

    Prof Sir John Hardy, Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, said:

    “Long term certainty over science budgets would be an enormous help in planning research projects. Too often the vicissitudes of annual budget shifts have damaged scientific progress. Boom and bust destroys research progress.”

     

     

    ‘Government to set new ten-year budgets for R&D funding’ was published at 00:01 UK time on Monday 19th May. 

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-set-new-ten-year-budgets-for-rd-funding

     

     Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence experts meet in Latvia

    Source: NATO

    The fourth annual NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Conference took place on 6 – 9 May 2025 in Riga, Latvia. The event provided a forum for high-level policy discussions on the current state of and potential adaptions to NATO IAMD.

    The conference, which focuses on political and strategic-level themes, engaged NATO delegates, senior decision-makers in capitals, and stakeholders from across the Alliance.

    The Secretary General opened the conference with keynote remarks highlighting the critical role of IAMD for NATO’s deterrence and defence. Mr Rutte underscored the need for Allies to invest more in defence and increase overall defence industrial production in light of global security challenges.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Republic of Iceland launches cash tender offer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    19 May 2025. The Republic of Iceland (the “Offeror”) announces today an invitation (such invitation, the “Offer“) to holders of its €500,000,000 0.625 per cent. Notes due 3 June 2026 (ISIN: XS2015295814) (of which €500,000,000 in aggregate nominal amount is outstanding as at the date hereof) (the “Notes“) to tender their Notes for purchase by the Offeror for cash.

    The Offer is being made on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the tender offer memorandum dated 19 May 2025 (the “Tender Offer Memorandum“) prepared by the Offeror in connection with the Offer, and is subject to the offer and distribution restrictions set out below and as more fully described in the Tender Offer Memorandum.  Noteholders are advised to read carefully the Tender Offer Memorandum for full details of, and information on the procedures for participating in, the Offer.

    Copies of the Tender Offer Memorandum are (subject to distribution restrictions) available from the Tender Agent as set out below.  Capitalised terms used but not otherwise defined in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    A summary of certain terms of the Offer appears below:

    Description
    of the Notes    		 ISIN /
    Common Code    		 Outstanding
    nominal amount    		 Reference Rate Fixed Spread Amount Amount subject
    to the Offer
    €500,000,000 0.625 per cent. Notes due 3 June 2026 XS2182399274/ 218239927 €500,000,000 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate -15 basis points Any and all

    Rationale for the Offer

    The Offeror intends to issue the New Notes. Part of the proceeds from the New Notes will be used for purchasing the Notes. The rationale of the Offer is thus to proactively manage upcoming debt repayments and to extend the average debt maturity profile of the Offeror.

    Purchase Price and Accrued Interest

    The Offeror will pay for any Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase by the Offeror pursuant to the Offer a purchase price to be determined in the manner described in the Tender Offer Memorandum by reference to a yield which is equal to the sum of the fixed spread of -15 basis points (the “Fixed Spread Amount“) and the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate at or around the Pricing Time, expressed as a percentage and rounded to the third decimal place (with 0.0005 being rounded upwards) (the “Purchase Price“).  Specifically, the Purchase Price will equal (a) the value of all remaining payment of principal and interest on the Notes, up to and including the scheduled maturity date of the Notes, discounted to the Tender Offer Settlement Date at a discount rate equal to the yield, minus (b) the Accrued Interest.

    The Offeror will also pay, on the Tender Offer Settlement Date, Accrued Interest in respect of any Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer.

    New Financing Condition

    On 19 May 2025, the Offeror announced that it intends to issue euro-denominated fixed-rate notes (the “New Notes“) under its U.S.$5,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the “Programme“). 

    The Offeror is not under any obligation to accept for purchase any Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer.  The acceptance for purchase by the Offeror of Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer is at the sole discretion of the Offeror and tenders may be rejected by the Offeror for any reason.  The purchase of any Notes by the Offeror pursuant to the Offer is also subject, without limitation, to (i) the pricing of the issue of the New Notes, (ii) the signing by the Offeror and the relevant managers of a subscription agreement in respect of the subscription for the New Notes and (iii) such subscription agreement remaining in full force and effect as at the Tender Offer Settlement Date (the “New Financing Condition“). 

    The Offeror reserves the right at any time to waive any or all of the conditions of the Offer (including the New Financing Condition) as set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    Priority in Allocation of New Notes

    A Noteholder that wishes to subscribe for New Notes in addition to tendering Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer will receive priority (the “New Notes Priority“) in the allocation of the New Notes, subject to the completion of the Offer, the issue of the New Notes and such Noteholder making a separate application for the purchase of such New Notes to one of the Dealer Managers (in its capacity as a Joint Lead Manager (as defined herein) of the issue of the New Notes) in accordance with the standard new issue procedures of such Joint Lead Manager. 

    A key factor in the allocation of the New Notes will be whether Noteholders have indicated they have validly tendered or indicated their firm intention to the Offeror or the Dealer Managers to tender their Notes. When considering allocation of the New Notes, the Offeror intends to give preference to those Noteholders who, prior to such allocation, have validly tendered or indicated their firm intention to the Offeror or any of the Dealer Managers to tender the Notes and subscribe for New Notes. However, the Offeror is not obliged to allocate the New Notes to a Noteholder who has validly tendered or indicated a firm intention to tender the Notes pursuant to the Offer and any amount allocated may be more, equal to, or less than the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered or in respect of which a firm intention to tender has been indicated by such Noteholder. Any allocation of the New Notes, while being considered by the Offeror as set out above, will be made in accordance with customary new issue allocation processes and procedures.

    The aggregate principal amount of New Notes, if any, for which priority will be given to any Noteholder will be subject to the sole and absolute discretion of the Offeror and may be less than, equal to or greater than the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered by such Noteholder in the Offer and accepted for purchase by the Offeror.

    Noteholders should note that the pricing and allocation of the New Notes are expected to take place prior to the Expiration Deadline for the Offer and any Noteholder that wishes to subscribe for New Notes in addition to tendering existing Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer should therefore provide, as soon as practicable, to any Dealer Manager any indications of a firm intention to tender Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer and the quantum of Notes that it intends to tender in order for this to be taken into account as part of the New Notes allocation process.

    If any Noteholder wishes to subscribe for New Notes in addition to its New Notes Priority it must make a separate application to subscribe for such additional New Notes to a Joint Lead Manager in accordance with the standard new issue procedures of such Joint Lead Manager.

    To contact the Dealer Managers, Noteholders should use the contact details on the last page of the Tender Offer Memorandum. 

    Any investment decision to purchase any New Notes should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the information memorandum (to be dated on or around the date hereof) prepared in connection with the Programme (the “Programme Information Memorandum“) and the pricing supplement to be prepared in connection with the issue and the listing of the New Notes, and no reliance is to be placed on any representations other than those contained in the Programme Information Memorandum.  Subject to compliance with all applicable securities laws and regulations, the Programme Information Memorandum is available from the Dealer Managers on request.

    The New Notes are not being, and will not be, offered or sold in the United States. Nothing in the Tender Offer Memorandum constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered, sold or delivered in the United States absent registration under, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The New Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act).

    The target market for the New Notes is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II“) and the New Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of MiFID II; (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC (as amended or superseded), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended or superseded)

    No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction in relation to the New Notes to permit a public offering of securities.

    Acceptance and no scaling

    If the Offeror decides to accept valid tenders of Notes pursuant to the Offer, the Offeror will (subject to satisfaction (or waiver) of the New Financing Condition on or prior to the Tender Offer Settlement Date) accept for purchase all of the Notes that are validly tendered in full, with no pro rata scaling.

    Tender Instruction

    In order to participate in the Offer, Noteholders must validly tender their Notes for purchase by delivering, or arranging to have delivered on their behalf, a valid Tender Instruction that is received by the Tender Agent by 5.00 p.m. (CEST) on 23 May 2025 (the “Expiration Deadline“).

    Tender Instructions will be irrevocable except in the limited circumstances described in the Tender Offer Memorandum.

    Tender Instructions must be submitted in respect of a minimum nominal amount of no less than €100,000, being the minimum denomination of the Notes, and may be submitted in integral multiples of €1,000 thereafter. In addition, the New Notes Priority requested must be for an amount which is at least €100,000 in aggregate nominal amount of the New Notes for the relevant Noteholder to be eligible to receive priority in the allocation of the New Notes.

    Tender Instructions which relate to a nominal amount of Notes of less than €100,000 will be rejected.

    Indicative Timetable for the Offer

    Events   Times and Dates
    Commencement of the Offer   Monday, 19 May 2025
    Expiration Deadline   5.00 p.m. (CEST) on Friday, 23 May 2025
    Determination of the 1 Year Euro Mid-Swap Rate   Expected to be on or around 11.00 a.m. (CEST) (the “Pricing Time“) on Tuesday, 27 May 2025
    Announcement of Results and Pricing   As soon as reasonably practicable following the Pricing Time on Tuesday, 27 May 2025
    Tender Offer Settlement Date   Expected to be Wednesday, 28 May 2025

    The Offeror may, in its sole discretion, extend, re-open, amend, waive any condition of or terminate the Offer at any time (subject to applicable law and as provided in the Tender Offer Memorandum) and the above times and dates are subject to the right of the Offeror to extend, re-open, amend, waive any condition of and/or terminate the Offer.

    Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes by when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or (in the limited circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, the Offer by the deadlines set out above.  The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission and withdrawal of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines above.

    Unless stated otherwise, announcements in connection with the Offer will be made (i) by publication through RNS and (ii) by the delivery of notices to the Clearing Systems for communication to Direct Participants.  Such announcements may also be made on the relevant Reuters Insider Screen and/or by the issue of a press release to a Notifying News Service. Copies of all such announcements, press releases and notices can also be obtained upon request from the Tender Agent, the contact details for which are set out below.  Significant delays may be experienced where notices are delivered to the Clearing Systems and Noteholders are urged to contact the Tender Agent for the relevant announcements during the course of the Offer.  In addition, Noteholders may contact the Dealer Managers for information using the contact details set out below.

    Noteholders are advised to read carefully the Tender Offer Memorandum for full details of, and information on the procedures for, participating in the Offer.

    Barclays Bank Ireland PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG and J.P. Morgan SE are acting as Dealer Managers for the Offer and Citibank, N.A., London Branch is acting as Tender Agent.

    Questions and requests for assistance in connection with the Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers.

    THE DEALER MANAGERS

    Barclays Bank Ireland PLC
     One Molesworth Street
    Dublin 2
    D02 RF29
    Ireland

    Attention: Liability Management Group
    Email: eu.lm@barclays.com

    		 Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG
     Börsenplatz 9
    60313 Frankfurt am Main
    Germany

    Attention: Liability Management Group
    Telephone: +44 20 7986 8969
    Email: liabilitymanagement.europe@citi.com
    J.P. Morgan SE
     Taunustor 1 (TaunusTurm)
    60310 Frankfurt am Main
    Germany

    Telephone: +44 20 7134 2468
    Attention: EMEA Liability Management Group
    Email: liability_management_emea@jpmorgan.com

    Questions and requests for assistance in connection with the delivery of Tender Instructions may be directed to the Tender Agent.

    THE TENDER AGENT

    Citibank, N.A., London Branch

    Citigroup Centre
    Canada Square
    Canary Wharf
    London E14 5LB
    United Kingdom

    Telephone: +44 20 7508 3867
    Attention: Exchange Team
    Email: citiexchanges@citi.com

    DISCLAIMER

    This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Tender Offer Memorandum.  This announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum contain important information which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offer.  If any Noteholder is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own financial and legal advice, including as to any tax consequences, from its broker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial adviser.  Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee must contact such entity if it wishes to tender such Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer.  Each of the Dealer Managers is acting exclusively for the Offeror and no one else in connection with the arrangements described in this announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Offeror for providing the protections afforded to customers of the Dealer Managers or for advising any other person in connection with the Offer.  None of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers and the Tender Agent, nor any of their respective directors, employees or affiliates, makes any recommendation as to whether Noteholders should tender Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer.

    OFFER AND DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS

    Italy

    None of the Offer, this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum or any other document or materials relating to the Offer have been submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (“CONSOB“) pursuant to Italian laws and regulations.  The Offer is being carried out in Italy as exempted Offer pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the “Financial Services Act“) and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended.  Accordingly, Noteholders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in Italy can tender Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer through authorised persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority.

    Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-à-vis its clients in connection with the Notes or the Offer.

    United Kingdom

    The communication of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offer is not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.  Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom.  The communication of such documents and/or materials may be exempt from the restriction on financial promotion under section 21 of the FSMA pursuant to Article 34 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (“Financial Promotion Order“) or on the basis that any such communication is only directed at and may only be communicated to persons to whom these documents and/or materials may lawfully be communicated in accordance with the Financial Promotion Order.

    France

    This announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other offering material relating to the Offer may be distributed in France only to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifiés) as defined in Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation“). Neither this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum, nor any other such offering material has not been and will not be submitted for clearance to, nor approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers.

    General

    Nothing in this announcement or the Tender Offer Memorandum or the electronic transmission thereof constitutes an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Notes (and tenders of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer will not be accepted from any Noteholder) in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.  In any jurisdiction where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and either of the Dealer Managers or any of their respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in such jurisdiction, the Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Offeror in such jurisdiction.

    Each holder of Notes participating in the Offer will be deemed to give certain representations in respect of the jurisdictions referred to above and generally as set out in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer from a Noteholder that is unable to make these representations will not be accepted. Each of the Offeror, the Dealer Managers and the Tender Agent reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to investigate, in relation to any tender of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offer, whether any such representation given by a Noteholder is correct and, if such investigation is undertaken and as a result the Offeror determines (for any reason) that such representation is not correct, such tender may be rejected.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New rules to end Buy-Now, Pay-Later wild-west, protect millions of shoppers and drive growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New rules to end Buy-Now, Pay-Later wild-west, protect millions of shoppers and drive growth

    Over 10 million people who use Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) products will gain stronger rights and clearer protections under new rules – stopping unaffordable borrowing and helping families keep more of their money.

    • Millions of Buy-Now, Pay-Later shoppers to gain stronger rights and clearer information – in line with other types of credit ending the ‘wild west’ of unregulated borrowing. 

    • New rules include affordability checks to stop people racking up unaffordable debt, and faster access to refunds to protect working people as part of the Plan for Change. 

    • Comes alongside reforms to the 50-year-old Consumer Credit Act to deliver a modern, pro-growth framework that reflects how people borrow today. 

    From next year, BNPL firms will need to follow consistent standards — so shoppers will know exactly what they’re signing up to when they opt to break up payments, whether they can afford it, and how to get help when things go wrong. 

    That means upfront checks to make sure people can repay what they borrow, fairer and faster access to refunds, and the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman — bringing BNPL in line with other credit products.  

    BNPL is a useful tool when used responsibly to help people manage their finances and has grown rapidly with an extra 2 million people using the product since 2022. 

    The changes will boost consumer confidence while giving firms the certainty they need to innovate, grow and invest — delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to grow the economy, unlock investment, create jobs and put more money into people’s pockets. 

    Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: 

    Buy-Now, Pay-Later has transformed shopping for millions, but for too long has operated as a wild west – leaving consumers exposed.

    These new rules will protect shoppers from debt traps and give the sector the certainty it needs to invest, grow, and create jobs through our Plan for Change.

    The announcement is backed by brand new reforms to the Consumer Credit Act — which will replace a 50-year-old regime with a modern, pro-growth framework that reflects how people borrow today. 

    Outdated and confusing rules will be removed, with oversight shifting to the FCA’s more flexible system — cutting unnecessary burdens on business while strengthening protections for consumers.  

    Further information

    • The government is today publishing the response to the consultation on BNPL first announced in October 2024 and has confirmed that the legislation bringing BNPL into regulation will be laid in Parliament on 19 May.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Childminding Recruitment Campaign

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A call is going out for Dundee people to consider taking up a career in childminding.  

    The City Council is supporting the Scottish Childminding Association’s (SCMA) recruitment campaign, which a senior councillor calls an “investment in the future of the city”.  

    Advantages of flexible employability opportunities for local people to work from their own home, as well as the potential growth of childcare options for city families are being highlighted as benefits.  

    Funded training and support would be provided to successful applicants, who will also be able to access employability and Business Gateway support throughout the programme and into their self-employment journey.  

    Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “We are acutely aware in the drop of the number of childminders across Scotland, which is reflected in our city.  

    “I think that this campaign will provide an investment in the future of the city, for those who set up childminding businesses and for the children and families themselves.”  

    Children, Families and Communities convener Cllr Stewart Hunter added: “We fully support this SCMA campaign which will help develop flexible and exciting employment opportunities for local people.  

    “It will also help provide more childcare options for families to allow them to take on more training or employment themselves.”  

    The campaign features Dundee childminder Elaine Bruce, who runs Elaine’s Amazing Spaces

    Elaine worked in child education for 38 years and previously worked in a senior position in a nursery. She realised she could be a professional childminder, working from home with small numbers of children.    

    She said: “I’d thoroughly recommend childminding as a career. If you’ve got a passion for working with children, the opportunity is there to make a really great business.”  

    “I felt really supported by SCMA, particularly throughout the process of registration. I thought the one-to-one support available from SCMA was invaluable. Any problem or question, no matter how small, I received help so quickly. It’s really reassuring to have experts in childminding to refer to.”  

    Elaine explains that childminding brings great benefits for the children who take part.  

    “With smaller numbers involved in childminding, there’s lots of opportunity for the younger ones to learn together to share and play in wee groups. It’s an important part of learning – things like waiting their turn – and I believe being around children that aren’t their siblings is important.”  

    A dedicated SCMA Workforce Officer is assigned to each candidate to provide expert, one-to-one support through the process of registration with the Care Inspectorate. Personalisation of the process is integral to the progression of candidates, ensuring they feel fully informed about their future career in childminding, and means they are less likely to drop out.  

    Childminders provide high-quality childcare from their home that is nurturing and safe and also provides the flexibility for childminders and their ‘mindees’ to ‘get out and about so that children have chances to learn from real life experiences.  

    As with other childcare providers such as nurseries, childminders are guided by the Curriculum for Excellence and are required to follow the values and principles of the ‘Getting It Right for Every Child’ (GIRFEC) framework, which supports the health and wellbeing of children.  

    Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive, Scottish Childminding Association, said: “Childminding is a vital community asset providing local flexible childcare and family support which is so important in remote and rural communities.  The Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future is an important step towards addressing the urgent demand for high-quality childcare from parents and carers and recruiting childminders in areas where they are most needed. This is a fantastic opportunity for those living in these areas to access a wealth of support in setting up their own sustainable childminding business and to undertake a rewarding new career.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney

    I. Noyan Yilmaz, Shutterstock

    Societies increasingly rely on scientists to guide decisions in times of uncertainty, from pandemic outbreaks to the rise of artificial intelligence.

    Addressing climate change is no different. For governments wanting to introduce ambitious climate policies, public trust in climate scientists is pivotal, because it can determine whether voters support or resist those efforts.

    So do people trust climate scientists, and what affects levels of trust? Our new study shows climate scientists are less trusted than other types of scientists globally. But there are profound variations in this trust gap between countries, and within them.

    Finding ways to increase trust in climate scientists is crucial if the world is to implement effective policies to avert dangerous global warming.

    Low trust in climate scientists may hinder effective climate science communication and reduce public engagement with climate solutions.
    Mozgova, Shutterstock.

    Examining trust in science

    We collaborated with an international team of researchers to analyse data from one of the largest cross-national surveys of public attitudes toward science. The dataset includes responses from nearly 70,000 people across 68 countries. It offers a rare global snapshot of how people perceive scientists in general, and climate scientists in particular.

    Each of these people rated their trust in climate scientists on a five-point scale, with a five indicating very high trust and a one being not trusted at all.

    Trust in scientists more generally was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire that measured perceptions of expertise, integrity, benevolence and openness. The responses were averaged to create a composite trust score. Higher scores reflected higher levels of trust.

    We found trust in scientists was moderately strong worldwide, as it was above the midpoint of the scale (averaging 3.6 out of 5). But trust in climate scientists was slightly lower (averaging 3.5). The difference between the two scores is what we call the “trust gap”.

    In 43 of the 68 countries, the trust gap was statistically significant, with people reporting lower trust in climate scientists than in scientists in general.

    The size of the trust gap varied between countries. In Europe, Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand) and North America the gap tended to be smaller. Larger gaps emerged in parts of Latin America and Africa.

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo had the widest gap, with climate scientists trusted less than in any other country. This may reflect local concerns that global climate agendas — often supported by international scientists — prioritise resource extraction for foreign renewable energy demands over local interests. Such feelings may be particularly acute in regions where mining has brought limited community benefit.

    Six countries bucked the trend. Climate scientists were more trusted than scientists overall in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Egypt, Israel and Germany.

    In China and Germany, this may reflect strong investment in green energy, high levels of public support for climate action, and the visible role climate scientists play in shaping policy.

    What’s going on here?

    Not surprisingly, people with more positive views of science tended to express higher trust in scientists and even more so, climate scientists. But people with dim views of scientists were less trusting of climate scientists.

    Age also played a role. Older people tended to trust scientists more than younger people. But younger people were more likely to trust climate scientists.

    Climate scientists were generally less trusted than scientists regardless of gender. While men reported slightly lower trust in scientists than women did, the difference was not statistically significant.

    Among all the variables we examined, political orientation emerged as one of the strongest factors associated with trust in climate scientists. People with right-leaning or conservative views reported lower trust in climate scientists compared with those with more left-leaning or liberal views.

    However, the meaning of terms such as “liberal” and “conservative” can vary considerably between countries. For example, in Australia, the Liberal Party is politically right-leaning. But in the United States, “liberal” typically refers to left-leaning or progressive views. This variation makes cross-national comparisons complex and requires careful interpretation of results.

    As a particular person’s political orientation shifted further to the right, the trust gap between climate scientists and scientists widened.

    In 28 countries across the Americas, Europe and Oceania, right-leaning orientation was associated not only with lower trust in climate scientists than people who leaned to the left, but also with a larger gap between trust for scientists generally and trust for climate scientists.

    In a smaller subset of countries, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, the pattern reversed – right-leaning individuals expressed greater trust in climate scientists than their left-leaning counterparts.

    These findings suggest it is not political orientation alone that drives public trust, but how climate issues are framed in political discourse. In many Western countries, public messaging around climate change — particularly from conservative parties and media — has cast doubt on the credibility of climate science. This politicisation, often amplified by vested interests such as fossil fuel lobbies, may help explain the erosion of trust among some conservative groups.

    Closing the trust gap

    Trust alone will not solve the climate crisis, but it plays a crucial role in shaping how societies respond to scientific guidance.

    Ambitious, evidence-based policies require public support to succeed. A persistent trust gap — no matter how small — can undermine that support and help explain why many governments continue to fall short of their climate targets.

    Closing the trust gap through transparent communication, inclusive public engagement, and consistent political leadership is essential for turning awareness into action.

    Omid Ghasemi receives funding from the Australian Academy of Science.

    Ben Newell receives funding from The Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why – https://theconversation.com/climate-scientists-are-trusted-globally-just-not-as-much-as-other-scientists-heres-why-256441

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    Kieran Gilbert, Host: Joining me live in the studio is the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell. Thanks for your time. A lot to talk about. I will ask you about that issue that the Deputy Prime Minister finished on there in terms of productivity and the superannuation, but let’s start on trade. Will you get the deal done with the EU? We’re hearing that the talks will resume soon.

    Trade Minister, Don Farrell: Yes. In fact, I’m going to be talking to my counterpart tomorrow. So, you might recall in the middle of the election, I had a conversation with Trade Minister Maroš. He’s from Slovakia. We hit it off pretty well, I think, in our first discussion. He sent me a very kind and warm message on election night when it was clear that we had won the election. I’ve subsequently had a meeting with the EU Ambassador and reaffirmed our commitment and heard from him his commitment.

    Gilbert: Sounding good?

    Trade Minister: Sounding good, yeah, yep. And as I said, I’ve got a conversation with him tomorrow. And of course, in the meantime, the Prime Minister has met President von der Leyen.

    Gilbert: The sticking point was on the geographical indicators and also on agriculture. Is that right?

    Trade Minister: Yeah.

    GILBERT: So, will there be compromise there from the EU?

    Trade Minister: Look, what – the politics have changed in two years. I think both Australia and Europe now realise that there’s a priority and an imperative to get a free trade agreement. If other countries don’t want to trade with you, well that’s fine, that’s their decision. But if there are countries such as Europe who do want to do trade with you, well then you’ve got to go that extra mile to get an agreement over the line.

    Gilbert: And the things that changed, we know, Donald Trump.

    Trade Minister: Yeah, yeah, well look, look. A whole lot of things have changed since we last had a conversation. But I think we share the same values as Europe. So, those geographical indicators are hard issues. On the one hand, the Europeans say, well look, you’re using all of our names. On the other hand, what I say to them is, look, after World War II, a whole lot of Europeans came to Australia. They bought their families, they bought their culture, more importantly, they bought their food and wine.

    Gilbert: They sure did.

    Trade Minister: Yeah. And for them, the link with Europe is not an economic link, it’s a way that they keep in contact with their European roots.

    Gilbert: Would you like to see then, that trade deal, you know, if you are successful in landing that, also expand into a security relationship? Because that’s what von der Leyen has raised with the Prime Minister overnight, that we talk not just in trade terms, but security terms, like Japan and Korea have.

    Trade Minister: Yeah, look, look. My space is trade. I’m going to be focused on the trade agenda. We’ve gone a long way down that path. We need to complete that process. What happens with defence and all of those other issues? The Prime Minister has addressed that today. He said, look, we’re happy to look at these things, but our immediate priority with the Europeans is all about trade.

    Gilbert: When the PM went to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, why was it important in your view to be there? Is it something that, you know, a Prime Minister necessarily has to be at, the inauguration of a new Pope?

    Trade Minister: Look, I think it was very important that the Prime Minister was there. As you know, he sent me to the funeral a couple of weeks ago. That was obviously, you know, a very solemn event. This was a very joyous event for Australia’s 5 million Catholics, of which the Prime Minister and myself are both adherents to the Catholic faith. I think it was very important that Australia be represented there and represented at the highest level.

    Gilbert: Do you think it’s also important in a more secular world that the leadership does show respect to people of faith? Is this something, you know, in simple terms, that people of other faiths will respect?

    Trade Minister: Well, look, I think that’s part of it. But this new pope, Pope Leo XIV, has come out very strongly on the issue of peace. That’s very important for Australia. We’ve been calling for peace in Ukraine. We want the Russians to withdraw from Ukraine. And we also want peace in the Middle East. So, I think we’re on board with the agenda for this new Pope to start talking about a more peaceful world. That’s good for Australia and it’s good for the world.

    Gilbert: Ok. On some other issues, my colleague Andrew Clennell reported yesterday that state MPs and officials won’t be hit by the government’s super tax on funds upwards of $3 million. Is that viable? You’ve been around politics a long time. Do you think you can still sell that as a policy when people start to realise that some premiers and officials won’t have to pay it?

    Trade Minister: Well, look, this tax applies to very, very few people. Less than 0.5 per cent of the population are going to be affected. And of course, it only applies to people on very, very high balances. There are some constitutional issues that relate to how superannuation is dealt with by state governments. But rest assured that the people who are going to be making this decision will themselves be covered by this tax, if they get to that high level of superannuation.

    Gilbert: The $3 million fund, I mean, as you touched on, we did go to the election recently, but do you think people, when the details start to emerge about taxing unrealised gains and so on, that that’s going to be a bit complex to try and navigate for the government?

    Trade Minister: Look, I hope not. We nailed our colours to the mast in respect to this tax. We tried to get it through the last Parliament, it wasn’t successful. We took it to the last election. So, nobody was in any doubt about what our policy was in respect of this tax. And we’ve received an overwhelming endorsement from the Australian people. So, I think in terms of honesty, if we didn’t proceed with this, then I think people would say, well, what’s going on? You said you were going to do this. We’ve built the savings from this new super tax into our future budgets. So, I think now, we’ve got the endorsement for the Australian people. It’s a very, very minor tax in the scheme of things, and I think the Australian people would now expect us to proceed with it.

    Gilbert: And do you think the Treasurer can make it work just with all of those other complications?

    Trade Minister: Well, he’s a very, very good Treasurer and I think-

    Gilbert: There are those that say it’s just too complex in terms of tax structures and people’s superannuation. You might have an impact on productivity because people will pull out of the workforce before they hit that threshold.

    Trade Minister: I think people are barking up the wrong tree. I doubt whether the relatively small impact of this tax is going to result in any of those sorts of things. But we’ve got a very good salesman in Jim Chalmers and of course, now he’s being assisted by Daniel Mulino, who’s a very good friend of mine. He’s got a, I think it’s a Master of Economics from Yale, very smart fellow, and I think that combination will be very successful.

    Gilbert: I know you’ve got to go. Just quickly, what else is on your agenda? You’ve got that, the talks tomorrow with the EU.

    Trade Minister: Yes, yes, and India.

    Gilbert: What’s at the top of your agenda here?

    Trade Minister: We were very close to a free trade agreement with India before the election was called. I’m now confident that we’ll get another agreement with them. And of course, in a few weeks’ time, the United Arab Emirates Free Trade Agreement comes into operation. The United Arab Emirates is like the Woollies warehouse of the Middle East. If you can get your product in there. And all of our products are going into the UAE tariff free. It’s a really good, really good agreement.

    Gilbert: 93 seats for Labor, you must have said some pretty strong prayers when you were over in the Vatican. They seem like they’ve worked.

    Trade Minister: I did. Look, we were the last people, I think, to touch the Pope’s coffin before we went out for the Mass. And I did say a little prayer for the Prime Minister and the Labor Party.

    Gilbert: Certainly strengthened your favour. Don Farrell, thanks for your time. Appreciate it.

    Trade Minister: Thanks, Kieran.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney

    I. Noyan Yilmaz, Shutterstock

    Societies increasingly rely on scientists to guide decisions in times of uncertainty, from pandemic outbreaks to the rise of artificial intelligence.

    Addressing climate change is no different. For governments wanting to introduce ambitious climate policies, public trust in climate scientists is pivotal, because it can determine whether voters support or resist those efforts.

    So do people trust climate scientists, and what affects levels of trust? Our new study shows climate scientists are less trusted than other types of scientists globally. But there are profound variations in this trust gap between countries, and within them.

    Finding ways to increase trust in climate scientists is crucial if the world is to implement effective policies to avert dangerous global warming.

    Low trust in climate scientists may hinder effective climate science communication and reduce public engagement with climate solutions.
    Mozgova, Shutterstock.

    Examining trust in science

    We collaborated with an international team of researchers to analyse data from one of the largest cross-national surveys of public attitudes toward science. The dataset includes responses from nearly 70,000 people across 68 countries. It offers a rare global snapshot of how people perceive scientists in general, and climate scientists in particular.

    Each of these people rated their trust in climate scientists on a five-point scale, with a five indicating very high trust and a one being not trusted at all.

    Trust in scientists more generally was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire that measured perceptions of expertise, integrity, benevolence and openness. The responses were averaged to create a composite trust score. Higher scores reflected higher levels of trust.

    We found trust in scientists was moderately strong worldwide, as it was above the midpoint of the scale (averaging 3.6 out of 5). But trust in climate scientists was slightly lower (averaging 3.5). The difference between the two scores is what we call the “trust gap”.

    In 43 of the 68 countries, the trust gap was statistically significant, with people reporting lower trust in climate scientists than in scientists in general.

    The size of the trust gap varied between countries. In Europe, Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand) and North America the gap tended to be smaller. Larger gaps emerged in parts of Latin America and Africa.

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo had the widest gap, with climate scientists trusted less than in any other country. This may reflect local concerns that global climate agendas — often supported by international scientists — prioritise resource extraction for foreign renewable energy demands over local interests. Such feelings may be particularly acute in regions where mining has brought limited community benefit.

    Six countries bucked the trend. Climate scientists were more trusted than scientists overall in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Egypt, Israel and Germany.

    In China and Germany, this may reflect strong investment in green energy, high levels of public support for climate action, and the visible role climate scientists play in shaping policy.

    What’s going on here?

    Not surprisingly, people with more positive views of science tended to express higher trust in scientists and even more so, climate scientists. But people with dim views of scientists were less trusting of climate scientists.

    Age also played a role. Older people tended to trust scientists more than younger people. But younger people were more likely to trust climate scientists.

    Climate scientists were generally less trusted than scientists regardless of gender. While men reported slightly lower trust in scientists than women did, the difference was not statistically significant.

    Among all the variables we examined, political orientation emerged as one of the strongest factors associated with trust in climate scientists. People with right-leaning or conservative views reported lower trust in climate scientists compared with those with more left-leaning or liberal views.

    However, the meaning of terms such as “liberal” and “conservative” can vary considerably between countries. For example, in Australia, the Liberal Party is politically right-leaning. But in the United States, “liberal” typically refers to left-leaning or progressive views. This variation makes cross-national comparisons complex and requires careful interpretation of results.

    As a particular person’s political orientation shifted further to the right, the trust gap between climate scientists and scientists widened.

    In 28 countries across the Americas, Europe and Oceania, right-leaning orientation was associated not only with lower trust in climate scientists than people who leaned to the left, but also with a larger gap between trust for scientists generally and trust for climate scientists.

    In a smaller subset of countries, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, the pattern reversed – right-leaning individuals expressed greater trust in climate scientists than their left-leaning counterparts.

    These findings suggest it is not political orientation alone that drives public trust, but how climate issues are framed in political discourse. In many Western countries, public messaging around climate change — particularly from conservative parties and media — has cast doubt on the credibility of climate science. This politicisation, often amplified by vested interests such as fossil fuel lobbies, may help explain the erosion of trust among some conservative groups.

    Closing the trust gap

    Trust alone will not solve the climate crisis, but it plays a crucial role in shaping how societies respond to scientific guidance.

    Ambitious, evidence-based policies require public support to succeed. A persistent trust gap — no matter how small — can undermine that support and help explain why many governments continue to fall short of their climate targets.

    Closing the trust gap through transparent communication, inclusive public engagement, and consistent political leadership is essential for turning awareness into action.

    Omid Ghasemi receives funding from the Australian Academy of Science.

    Ben Newell receives funding from The Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why – https://theconversation.com/climate-scientists-are-trusted-globally-just-not-as-much-as-other-scientists-heres-why-256441

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Commander UKStratCom Commendations 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Commander UKStratCom Commendations 2025

    On Friday 16 May, personnel and teams from across Strategic Command came together to receive their Commander’s Commendation from General Sir Jim Hockenhull. ​​​​​​​

    MOD Copyright

    This four-star award was given in recognition of outstanding work in support of Strategic Command and wider-MOD.  

    General Sir Jim Hockenhull was pleased to welcome Strategic Command personnel from areas such as Defence Support, Permanent Joint Headquarters and Integrated Global Defence Network (IGDN). 

    MOD Copyright

    Commander Strategic Command Commendations 

    • British Army Lieutenant Colonel R Weston 

    • Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander S Williams 

    • British Army Major S Johnson 

    • British Army Major M Wyldes  

    • Royal Air Force Squadron Leader L Bryden 

    • British Army Captain W Smith 

    • British Army Staff Sergeant P Spencer 

    • British Army Sergeant R Toner 

    • British Army Corporal T Harker 

    • Civil Service J Blackwood 

    • Civil Service M Darlow 

    • Civil Service J Froom 

    • Civil Service P Reid 

    • Civilian P Sadler 

    Team Awards 

    • Defence Digital Strategic Networks, Computers and Communications (Strat NCC) Team 

    • Defence Academy Climate Change and Sustainability Lead Team 

    • Defence Support Chain Operations and Movements (DSCOM) Compassionate Cell – Joint Support

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 May 2025 Departmental update World No Tobacco Day 2025 Awards – meet the winners

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Each year, WHO honours individuals and organizations from each of the six WHO regions for their outstanding contributions to tobacco control. These accolades include the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Awards, the World No Tobacco Day Awards, and, in 2025, one WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Certificate.

    The recipients of the 2025 awards are:

    WHO Director-General Special awards:

    • Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President, Republic of Maldives
    • The Ministry of Health and Wellness, Republic of Mauritius

    WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition certificate:

    • Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC)

    African Region

    • Programme National de Lutte contre le Tabagisme, l’Alcoolisme, la Toxicomanie et les autres Addictions (PNLTA), Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
    • Dr Brou Dieudonne Koffi, Secretary, Organization of the Network of NGOs Engaged in Tobacco Control (ROCTACI), Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
    • Labram Massawudu Musah, Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Republic of Ghana
    • Elvina Majiwa, Student, United States International University-Africa, Republic of Kenya
    • Charity Aienobe-Asekharen, Health Promotion, Education and Community Development Initiative (HPECDI), Federal Republic of Nigeria

    Region of the Americas

    • Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), Federative Republic of Brazil
    • Lisa Lu, CEO, International Youth Tobacco Control, United States of America

    Shared award:

    • Ministry of Finance, Federative Republic of Brazil
    • Ministry of Health, Federative Republic of Brazil

    Shared award:

    • Denis Choinière, Retired Director, Tobacco Products Regulatory Office, Health Canada
    • Clifton Curtis (in memoriam), Environmental Lawyer, United States of America

    Shared award:

    • Colectivo Todas y Todos por la Vida, Republic of Ecuador
    • Acción Jurídica Popular, Republic of Ecuador

    Shared award:

    • Asociación de Periodismo con Lupa, Republic of Peru
    • Cooperativa de Trabajo Sudestada, Eastern Republic of Uruguay
    • Proyecto sobre Organización, Desarrollo, Educación e Investigación (PODER), United Mexican States

    Eastern Mediterranean Region

    • Dr Seyed Morteza Khatami, Deputy for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Islamic Republic of Iran
    • Mr Lhassane Hallou, Director of Studies and International Cooperation, Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes, Kingdom of Morocco
    • Hamad Medical Corporation Tobacco Control Centre, WHO Collaborating Centre, State of Qatar

    European Region

    • Dr Lena Nanushyan, First Deputy Minister of Health, Republic of Armenia
    • Dr Franz Pietsch, Head of Directorate, Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Republic of Austria
    • Mr Frank Vandenbroucke, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, Kingdom of Belgium
    • Professor Constantine Vardavas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
    • Dr Shukhrat Shukurov, Chief Specialist, Institute of Health and Strategic Development, Republic of Uzbekistan

    South-East Asia Region

    • National Board of Revenue, People’s Republic of Bangladesh
    •  State Tobacco Control Cell, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, Republic of India
    •  Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal
    •  Mr Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, Chairman of Bangkok Tobacco Products Control Committee, Kingdom of Thailand

    Western Pacific Region

    • Professor Emily Banks AM, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, Senior Principal Research Fellow, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Australia
    • Te Marae Ora, Ministry of Health, Cook Islands
    • Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Republic of the Philippines
    • Ms Dao Hong Lan, Minister of Health, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

    Shared award:

    • YB Datuk Seri Dr Haji Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, Minister of Health, Malaysia
    • Dr Noraryana Binti Hassan, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
    • Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, Malaysia

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement with the WHO in 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement with the WHO in 2025

    Joint press release: Support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement with the World Health Organization and participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly

    Logos of all the co-signed offices

    We, the British Office Taipei; the Australian Office Taipei; the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei; the Czech Economic and Cultural Office; French Office in Taipei; the German Institute Taipei; the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association;  and the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office wish to reaffirm our support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the work of the World Health Organization and Taiwan’s participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly.

    As this year’s 78th session of the World Health Assembly commences in Geneva, Taiwan remains largely excluded from the world’s international health system. As COVID-19 and continued public health crises make plain, infectious diseases and health hazards do not respect borders. Global cooperation is required to keep the whole world safe.

    Taiwan has shown itself to be a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community and was invited to participate as an observer in WHA meetings from 2009 to 2016.  Taiwan’s distinct capabilities and methods – including its significant public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology – bring considerable value that would inform the WHA’s deliberations. Taiwan’s isolation from the WHA, the preeminent global health forum, is entirely unjustified. This undermines inclusive global public health cooperation and security, which the world demands, and which is enshrined in the founding documents of the WHO. 

    Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the fora and technical committees of the World Health Organization would bring benefits not just to people in Taiwan, but also around the world. Only by including Taiwan as an observer would the WHO be able to fully exemplify the Health Assembly’s commitment to “One World for Health.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Trump to speak to Putin on end to war in Ukraine as Europeans demand ceasefire

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday about peace in Ukraine as European leaders demanded that the Kremlin accept an immediate ceasefire to halt the region’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

    Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the gravest confrontation between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

    Trump, who says he wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, has repeatedly called for an end to the “bloodbath” of Ukraine, which his administration casts as a proxy war between the United States and Russia.

    Under pressure from Trump, delegates from the warring countries met last week in Istanbul for the first time since March 2022, after Putin proposed direct talks and Europeans and Ukraine demanded an immediate ceasefire.

    “The subjects of the call will be stopping the ‘bloodbath’ that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social website.

    “Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end.”

    Trump, who said that progress on peace was unlikely until he and Putin get together, said he would speak to Putin at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (1400 GMT) on Monday. The Kremlin said preparations for a call were underway.

    Trump, whose administration has made clear that Russia could face additional sanctions if it does not take peace talks seriously, said he would also speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and various members of NATO.

    Putin, whose forces control a fifth of Ukraine and are advancing, has stood firm on his conditions for ending the war, despite public and private pressure from Trump and repeated warnings from European powers.

    On Sunday, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war.

    Ukraine’s intelligence service said it also believed Moscow intended to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile on Sunday, though there was no confirmation from Russia.

    In June 2024, Putin said Ukraine must officially drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from the entire territory of the four Ukrainian regions Russia claims.

    On Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine with leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

    “Tomorrow, President Putin must show he wants peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on X after Sunday’s call.

    Putin is wary of a ceasefire and says fighting cannot be paused until a number of crucial conditions are worked out or clarified.

    European leaders say Putin is not serious about peace, though they fear Trump and he may force a punitive peace deal that will leave Ukraine essentially shorn of a fifth of its territory and lacking a strong security guarantee against possible future attack from Russia.

    Former U.S. President Joe Biden, Western European leaders and Ukraine cast the invasion as an imperial-style land grab and repeatedly vowed to defeat Russian forces which they say could one day attack NATO, a claim denied by Moscow.

    Putin casts the war as a watershed moment in Moscow’s relations with the West, which he says humiliated Russia after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union by enlarging NATO and encroaching on what he considers Moscow’s sphere of influence, including Ukraine.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Legal Aid Agency data breach

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Legal Aid Agency data breach

    An update following a cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency’s online digital services.

    On Wednesday 23 April, we became aware of a cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency’s online digital services.

    These are the services through which legal aid providers log their work and receive payment from the Government.

    In the days following the discovery, we took immediate action to bolster the security of the system, and informed all legal aid providers that some of their details, including financial information, may have been compromised.

    Since then, we have worked closely with the National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre as well as informing the Information Commissioner.

    On Friday 16 May we discovered the attack was more extensive than originally understood and that the group behind it had accessed a large amount of information relating to legal aid applicants.

    We believe the group has accessed and downloaded a significant amount of personal data from those who applied for legal aid through our digital service since 2010. 

    This data may have included contact details and addresses of applicants, their dates of birth, national ID numbers, criminal history, employment status and financial data such as contribution amounts, debts and payments.

    We would urge all members of the public who have applied for legal aid in this time period to take steps to safeguard themselves. We would recommend you are alert for any suspicious activity such as unknown messages or phone calls and to be extra vigilant to update any potentially exposed passwords. If you are in doubt about anyone you are communicating with online or over the phone you should verify their identity independently before providing any information to them.

    Jane Harbottle, Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Agency, said:

    I understand this news will be shocking and upsetting for people and I am extremely sorry this has happened.

    Since the discovery of the attack, my team has been working around the clock with the National Cyber Security Centre to bolster the security of our systems so we can safely continue the vital work of the agency.

    However, it has become clear that to safeguard the service and its users, we needed to take radical action. That is why we’ve taken the decision to take the online service down.

    We have put in place the necessary contingency plans to ensure those most in need of legal support and advice can continue to access the help they need during this time.

    I am incredibly grateful to legal aid providers for their patience and cooperation at a deeply challenging time.

    We will provide further updates shortly.

    Further information on how to protect yourself from the impact of a data breach can be found on the NCSC website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke-on-Trent to weed out illegal cannabis grows in zero-tolerance crackdown

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Weed them out graphic

    Published: Monday, 19th May 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police are teaming up in a major new crackdown on illegal cannabis grows in the city.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police are teaming up in a major new crackdown on illegal cannabis grows in the city.
     

    The joint operation will target cannabis grows in council properties, privately rented homes and empty commercial buildings to combat the negative impact the drug has on our communities.
     

    Action will be taken against council tenants, private landlords and their tenants, and owners of commercial buildings when a cannabis grow is found.
     

    Private landlords who knowingly allow cannabis grows in their properties could face criminal charges, while council tenants will see their tenancies terminated.

    To encourage private building owners and landlords to make sure buildings are in legal use – as well as encouraging regeneration of the city’s empty properties – charges on empty homes are now applicable and can be up to a 300% premium.
     

    The crackdown will build on the existing police Operation Levidrome, which has seen more than 21 significant cannabis grows detected in the city in the last three months.

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are committed to tackling this issue – and it starts with the property owners.
     

    “Criminal gangs are targeting empty buildings to set up dangerous grow which create fire risks and other hazards.

    “We need to keep drugs out of our communities and out of the hands of children.
     

    “We won’t stand by while illegal activity threatens the safety of our residents.
     

    “If you see, smell or hear something suspicious: grass a grow!!! Together we will weed them out.”
     

    Stoke North Local Policing Team Inspector Victoria Ison said: “We’re determined to continue working with our partners in the city to rid the area of organised crime, including the gangs responsible for cannabis cultivation.

    “We’re acting proactively to identify, dismantle and disrupt cannabis grows in Stoke-on-Trent, and we welcome the city council’s clampdown on tenancy rules to ensure that grows are more easily identified.

    “Working in partnership with the local authority helps us act strongly against those responsible for harm in local communities. By working together, we have arrested more than 260 people suspected of high-harm offences in the city under our Making Great Places initiative.
     

    “Officers are continuing to act on the concerns of local people and businesses as robustly as possible in Stoke-on-Trent.”
     

    Over the coming months, council housing teams will carry out proactive inspections of high-risk properties, particularly those standing empty. More information about how to spot and report cannabis farms can be found at: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/police-forces/staffordshire-police/areas/staffordshire-police/campaigns/2021/cannabis-farms/

    The campaign will also work to help aide the reduction in anti-social behaviour across the city.
     
    For any other concerns relating to anti-social behaviour (ASB), report through to the ASB Team on 01782 234234, complete the online form at www.stoke.gov.uk or email asb@stoke.gov.uk

    To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    For information on charges for Empty Homes, visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/emptyandsecondhomes
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pregnant women and new mums asked to share views on vaccine

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Wolverhampton Maternity and Health Visiting Services and the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Public Health Team are working together to better understand what pregnant women and new mothers know about whooping cough, their attitudes toward the whooping cough vaccine, and their experiences discussing vaccinations during pregnancy.

    The findings will help improve how vaccine information is communicated and guide future conversations during antenatal care.

    The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and is available at Pregnant women and new mothers whooping cough survey. The survey closes at the end of May.

    Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems, especially in babies and young children.

    Mums to be are offered the vaccine between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy so their baby has protection against whooping cough from birth. The whooping cough vaccine is also routinely given as part of the 6 in 1 combination vaccine for babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks, which also protects against diphtheria, hepatitis B, hib, polio and tetanus.

    For more information on the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy, please visit Keeping well in pregnancy.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Not long left to submit Young Citizen of the Year nominations

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The awards, now in their 12th year, shine a spotlight on young people who are making a real difference in the community, recognising the achievements of those who have gone that extra mile to help others.

    Previous winners include residents who have raised funds for charity, supported other members of their community, and made a difference to the people around them.

    Chairman of the organising committee, former Wolves player Mel Eves, said: “The Young Citizen of the Year awards have gone from strength to strength over the years. Last year, we selected 10 young people as finalists and invited them with their guests to an awards ceremony, with many others receiving a certificate of commendation for their efforts.

    “This year, we look forward to seeing plenty more fantastic nominations.”

    There are 2 age categories to the awards, 13 to 18 and 19 to 25. Anyone can nominate candidates, who must live or go to school or work in Wolverhampton.

    Residents have until Saturday 31 May to submit their nomination. For more details, visit Wolverhampton Young Citizen.

    Councillor Coogan said: “The Young Citizen of the Year award is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge young people in our city who go above and beyond in what they do.

    “I would encourage anybody who knows a young person who has put others first to nominate them for this fantastic award – but please hurry as the deadline for nominations is less than 2  weeks away.”

    A ceremony will take place later this year to reveal the winners of these prestigious awards, backed by the City of Wolverhampton Council, Collins Aerospace, Wolves Foundation, the Express & Star, Carvers Building Supplies, the James Beattie Charitable Trust, WCR FM and West Midlands Magazines.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apply now to get 30 hours funded childcare from September

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The expansion means eligible working families in Wolverhampton can now apply for 30 hours of funded childcare per week during term time from the term after their child turns 9 months until they reach school age.

    The changes being rolled out by the Government are designed to support a child’s early education and help families better balance work and family life.

    To qualify, each parent must earn at least the equivalent of 16 hours per week at national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year. Applications must be made by 31 August, 2025 to access funded childcare from September, with the window for applications now open.

    To find out more, including how to apply, please visit the Childcare Choices website.  

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Every year hundreds of families in Wolverhampton benefit from funded childcare schemes at participating nurseries, schools and childminders around the city, and its great news that this is being extended to offer 30 hours of funded childcare per week to children from the term they turn 9 months right through until they reach school age.

    “Accessing early education gives your child the chance to learn, play and make new friends and the opportunity to develop and master new skills. It supports them as they prepare for school by helping them to communicate, explore new experiences, be active and healthy – and of course, it also helps parents juggle careers and childcare.

    “I would encourage eligible working parents who are not yet accessing funded childcare but would benefit from doing so to sign up at Childcare Choices today.”

    Apart from funded childcare for eligible working parents, people in receipt of certain benefits are also eligible for 15 hours of funded childcare for 2 year olds, known as Terrific for Twos in Wolverhampton.

    Meanwhile, eligible working parents and carers with children aged 11 or under can get up to £2,000 per child each year towards their childcare costs, or up to £4,000 for children with a disability aged 16 or under, though the tax free childcare scheme. 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further catch up clinics offer vaccinations for secondary pupils

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The following vaccinations will be available:

    • The Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) vaccine, also known as the 3 in 1 teenage booster, which is offered to children in Year 9 and above. This booster is the last routine dose that provides young people with long lasting protection into adulthood
    • The Meningococcal (Men ACWY) vaccination for children in Year 9 and above which helps protect young people against 4 types of meningococcal disease which can cause both meningitis and septicaemia
    • The HPV vaccine, given in school Year 8 which helps protect against cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)
    • The MMR vaccination, to provide long lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella for all school aged children who have missed doses.

    Clinic will be held next Monday 26 May at Biz Space, Room 2, Planetary Road WV13 3SW from 10am to 2pm and on Saturday 12 July at Whitmore Reans Family Hub, Lansdowne Road, Wolverhampton WV1 4AL from 9.30am to 2pm. Appointments must be booked in advance by contacting Vaccination UK on 01902 200077.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “These vaccines offer the best protection for teenagers as they start their journey into adulthood and start mixing more widely – whether that’s going to college, starting work, travelling or going to festivals.

    “So, if your child has missed out on their vaccinations, maybe because they were off school or are home educated, please come along to one of the catch up clinics being delivered by Vaccination UK over the coming weeks.”
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City plans events to mark Dementia Action Week 2025

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Dementia affects nearly a million people in the UK, including approximately 3,600 in Wolverhampton.

    Dementia Action Week, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society and supported by the City of Wolverhampton Council and other members of Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the help and support available to people living with dementia, and their families and carers.

    The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI), Alzheimer’s Society, the council and Healthwatch Wolverhampton will be holding a ‘Let’s Talk About Dementia’ event including interactive workshops, music and exercise, at the Church of God Prophecy tomorrow (Tuesday) from 11am to 3pm – for details, call 01902 571230 or email carers@acci.org.uk.

    The council’s Public Protection Team, with colleagues from the Carer Support Team, the Dementia Action Alliance, Wolves Foundation and ACCI, will be at Bilston Indoor Market on Thursday from 10am to 1pm offering information and advice.

    Memory Matters will have 2 phone in sessions offering one-to-one advice and information to individuals, families and carers who have memory concerns. These will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) from 1.30pm until 4pm and Wednesday (21 May), also 1.30pm to 4pm. Please call 01902 551852.

    Meanwhile, the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Admiral Nursing Team and the Alzheimer’s Society will be hosting a series of webinars aimed at professionals and covering 5 different themes, Preventing Well, Diagnosing Well, Supporting Well, Living Well and Dying Well. To book places, visit Black Country Healthcare – Dementia Action Week Webinars.

    Jon Crockett, Chair of Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance, said: “Dementia Action Week is showing once again the range of organisations across the city who are working together to make a difference for those people living with dementia, their families and carers.

    “I’m proud of all those people across Wolverhampton taking the opportunity to help people to understand more about dementia and what they can do to help people living with dementia. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people born in the UK today will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime and it remains the commitment of everyone in the Dementia Action Alliance to make Wolverhampton a dementia friendly city.

    “Dementia Action Week gives us the opportunity to showcase the many organisations who are working hard to make that ambition a reality.”

    Councillor Paula Brookfield, the council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, added: “Dementia Action Week enables us to highlight the support available to people living with this debilitating condition, and their families and friends.

    “We would also like to encourage more people in Wolverhampton to become a Dementia Friend so you better understand the needs of people living with dementia and can do your bit to help them. You can do this online by visiting Dementia Friends.”

    People who are worried about dementia can contact the Alzheimer’s Society for information and support either via the National Dementia Helpline on 0333 150 3456 or by visiting Alzheimer’s Society. For more information about the help and support available locally, please visit Dementia.

    The Dementia Action Alliance brings together a range of local organisations which want to make Wolverhampton more dementia friendly, including businesses, emergency services, religious groups and education providers. For more information, please visit Dementia.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: N. Dan Wins Second Round of Romanian Presidential Elections – Preliminary Official Results

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BUCHAREST, May 19 (Xinhua) — Bucharest Mayor and independent candidate Nicusor Dan has won the second round of Romania’s presidential election, according to nearly complete official results released Sunday evening by the Permanent Electoral Administration.

    After counting almost all the ballots, N. Dan received 54.17% of the votes, while his rival, the leader of the nationalist Alliance for the Unification of Romanians, George Simion, received 45.83%.

    The vote ended a repeat presidential election that was held after the results of the first round held in 2024 were annulled over allegations of campaign irregularities and foreign interference.

    Mr. Dan, 55, is a pro-European candidate who campaigned on promises to strengthen rule of law reforms, maintain military and diplomatic support for Ukraine and deepen relations with the West.

    Simion, 38, led the first round of the elections on May 4, receiving 40.96 percent of the vote, beating Dan by 20.99 percent. His campaign was held under the slogan “Romania First.” He promised to lower taxes, reduce EU restrictions and reduce military aid to Ukraine. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Russia launches war’s largest drone attack ahead of Putin-Trump call

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia launched on Sunday its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war, destroying homes and killing at least one woman a day before U.S. President Donald Trump is due to discuss a proposed ceasefire with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

    Ukraine’s intelligence service said it also believed Moscow intended to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile later on Sunday as an attempt to intimidate the West. There was no immediate response from Moscow to the accusation.

    President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, straining to restore ties with Washington after a disastrous February White House visit, met Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday on the sidelines of Pope Leo’s inauguration.

    Zelenskiy said the meeting was “good” and released pictures of Ukrainian and U.S. officials sitting outside at a round table and smiling. Ukrainian media said the meeting lasted 40 minutes.

    “I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible,” said Zelenskiy, who also met the new pope.

    Ukraine and Russia held their first face-to-face talks in more than three years on Friday, under pressure from Trump to agree to a ceasefire in a war he has pledged to bring to a quick end. The foes agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners each but failed to agree a truce, after Moscow presented conditions that a member of Ukraine’s delegation called “non-starters”.

    The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland planned to speak to Trump before the U.S. and Russian presidents speak on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. The four European leaders jointly visited Kyiv last week and have been calling for Trump to back new sanctions on Russia.

    Asked if it was time to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that was up to Trump.

    “I think we will see what happens when both sides get to the table,” he told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” programme.

    “President Trump has made it very clear, that if President Putin does not negotiate in good faith, that the United States will not hesitate to up the Russia sanctions along with our European partners.”

    After a night of air alerts, Ukraine’s air force said that as of 8 a.m. on Sunday Russia had launched 273 drones at Ukrainian cities, more than the previous record Moscow had set in February on the war’s third anniversary.

    ‘I COULD HEAR THE DRONE’

    In the ruins of her family home in the Obukhiv region west of Kyiv, Natalia Piven, 44, recounted how she squeezed into a cellar with her son after an air raid warning, just in time to survive a first wave of drones.

    They then ran out to a bomb shelter at a kindergarten, before another wave of drones bore down on the village. Their house was completely destroyed. A 28-year-old woman who lived next door was killed. Ukrainian authorities said three other people were injured, including a four-year-old child.

    “I cannot get over it. I simply cannot. I could clearly hear the drone flying right towards my house,” Piven told Reuters.

    Trump has shifted U.S. rhetoric from supporting Ukraine towards accepting some of Moscow’s narrative about the war that Putin launched in 2022. But Kyiv and its European allies are working hard to persuade Trump that it is Moscow that is holding up a truce now.

    Zelenskiy has said he would accept Trump’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire of at least 30 days with no conditions. Moscow says it would consider a ceasefire but only if conditions are met, including a halt in arms supplies to Kyiv.

    It also says any peace talks must address the “root causes” of the conflict, including its demands that Ukraine cede territory, be disarmed and accept neutral status. Kyiv says that would amount to capitulation and leave it defenceless.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI: CREDIT AGRICOLE S.A. announces redemption of USD 1,500,000,000 Senior Non-Preferred Callable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes issued on June 2020 and due June 2026 (ISIN: Rule 144A: US22535WAG24 and Regulation S: US22536PAG63)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Montrouge, May 19, 2025

    CREDIT AGRICOLE S.A. ANNOUNCES REDEMPTION OF

    USD 1,500,000,000  Senior Non-Preferred Callable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes issued on June 16, 2020 (ISIN: Rule 144A: US22535WAG24 and Regulation S: US22536PAG63)*

    Crédit Agricole S.A. (the “Issuer”) announces today the redemption (the “Redemption”) with effect on June 16, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”) of all of its outstanding USD 1,500,000,000 Senior Non-Preferred Callable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes issued on June 16, 2020 (ISIN: Rule 144A: US22535WAG24 and Regulation S: US22536PAG63) (the “Notes”) pursuant to Condition 9(a) (Redemption at the Option of the Issuer) of the terms and conditions of the Notes included in the base offering memorandum dated April 8, 2020, as supplemented by the pricing term sheet dated June 9, 2020 (together, the “Terms and Conditions”), at the outstanding nominal amount thereof, together with any accrued interest thereon (the “Redemption Amount”).

    On the Redemption Date, the Redemption Amount shall become due and payable and, unless the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused, each Note shall cease to bear interest on the Redemption Date.

    The holders of the Notes will receive formal notice of the Redemption in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.

    For further information on Crédit Agricole S.A., please see Crédit Agricole S.A.’s website: https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance

    DISCLAIMER

    This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan or in any other jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions.

    No communication or information relating to the redemption of the Notes may be distributed to the public in a country where a registration obligation or an approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any country where such action would be required. The redemption of the Notes may be subject to specific legal and regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions; Crédit Agricole S.A. accepts no liability in connection with a breach by any person of such restrictions.

    This press release is an advertisement; and none of this press release, any notice or any other document or material made public and/or delivered, or which may be made public and/or delivered to the holders of the Notes in connection with the redemption of the Notes is or is intended to be a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 14 June 2017 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”). No prospectus will be published in connection with the redemption of the Notes for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.

    This press release does not, and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute an offer to the public of Notes by Crédit Agricole S.A. nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer in any jurisdiction, including France.

    * The ISIN number is included solely for the convenience of the holders of the Notes. No representation is being made as to the correctness or accuracy of the ISIN number either as printed on the Notes or as contained herein and the holder may rely only on the identification numbers printed on its Note.

    CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. PRESS CONTACT

    Alexandre Barat                             + 33 1 57 72 12 19                                      alexandre.barat@credit-agricole-sa.fr
    Olivier Tassain                               + 33 1 43 23 25 41                                      olivier.tassain@credit-agricole-sa.fr

    Find our press release on: www.credit-agricole.com – www.creditagricole.info

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Russia is labelling Oscar Jenkins a ‘mercenary’, not a prisoner of war. What’s the difference – and why does this matter?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shannon Bosch, Associate Professor (Law), Edith Cowan University

    Oscar Jenkins, a 33-year-old former teacher from Melbourne, was one of many foreigners who responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call in 2022 for volunteers to join Ukraine’s armed forces to help repel Russia’s invasion.

    In early 2024, Jenkins joined Ukraine’s International Legion of Territorial Defence, which has attracted some 20,000 fighters from 50 countries since the war began. He had no previous military experience, but this wasn’t a requirement to join.

    In December, Jenkins was captured by Russian forces in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine and accused of serving as a “mercenary” in Ukraine’s 66th Mechanised Brigade’s 402nd Rifle Battalion. He was tried in a Russian court and sentenced on May 16 to 13 years imprisonment in a maximum-security penal colony.

    When a foreigner volunteers to fight in a war, their legal status under international law can be complicated.

    Are they a soldier with the full authorisation of one of the warring parties to engage in hostilities? Or are they an illegal mercenary?

    And what happens if they are captured?

    Why legal status matters

    The answers to these questions have very real importance to the thousands of foreigners who have joined Ukraine’s International Legion since 2022.

    Russian authorities have classified all of Ukraine’s foreigner fighters as “mercenaries”. They’ve used this label to deny foreign fighters the status of “prisoner of war” (POW), with the requisite protections that come along with that under international humanitarian law.

    While foreigners are permitted under international law to enlist in the armed forces of a state for political or moral reasons, mercenaries have historically been outlawed due to their sole motivation being financial gain.

    International humanitarian law (the rules that govern war) define mercenaries as individuals who are not nationals or residents of a state engaged in war and are recruited to fight outside that state’s official armed forces.

    They are motivated solely by private gain (like money or promises of reward), often well in excess of what the traditional armed forces are paid. Mercenaries are essentially professional soldiers who sell their services to a state without any real ties to that country.

    Once a fighter is classified as a “mercenary”, they lose all the legal protections that are traditionally afforded lawful combatants.

    This includes prisoner of war status if they are captured and immunity from prosecution for fighting in a conflict. Prisoners of war are also entitled to humane treatment and access to food and medical care. And they cannot be subjected to sham trials or torture.

    According to my research, many of the foreign nationals who joined the International Legion were motivated by a desire to defend Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. They were sworn into Ukraine’s armed forces and paid the same as a Ukrainian soldier of equal rank.

    Once enlisted in the armed forces, they were immediately exempt from “mercenary” status, irrespective of their motivation for joining.

    As such, these foreign fighters should be entitled to the full range of protections guaranteed to members of Ukraine’s armed forces under the Geneva Conventions.

    Labelling lawful foreign members of the Ukrainian armed forces as “mercenaries”, and denying them their protections, is an abuse of international law.

    How can Australia protect its nationals?

    If an Australian enlists in Ukraine’s armed forces and is captured by Russian forces, there is a limited toolkit the Australian government can use to help him or her. However, it is not powerless.

    Through its embassy in Moscow, Australia can request access to detainees to assess their welfare while in prison. Russia can, however, decline this access. Details of a detainee’s capture may also be withheld.

    Australia can also apply diplomatic pressure to ensure humane treatment of prisoners and their full POW rights.

    This can be done by working with international bodies, such as the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention or organisations like the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC), which can request access to detainees.

    It appears the government is already doing some of these things. According to Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the government has been working with Ukraine and the ICRC to advocate for Jenkins’ welfare and release, and providing consular support to Jenkins’ family.

    Australia also has an obligation to warn its citizens they will likely face severe consequences if they travel to Ukraine to fight and are captured by Russian forces, given Russia’s misuse of the “mercenary” label.

    Through back-channel negotiations, Australia could also push Ukraine or its allies to include Australians being held by Russia in future prisoner swaps.

    In January of this year, Ukraine and Russia carried out such an exchange of 470 prisoners from both nations. And in talks last week in Turkey, both sides agreed to release another 1,000 prisoners on each side.

    Such exchanges have involved foreign fighters in the past. In 2022, 10 foreign citizens were included in a prisoner swap, including five Britons, two Americans, a Croatian, a Swede and a Moroccan. Several of them had been convicted of being mercenaries and sentenced to death after a Russian sham trial.

    There is no guarantee Jenkins would qualify for such an exchange, however, if Russia continues to classify him as a mercenary.

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

    – ref. Russia is labelling Oscar Jenkins a ‘mercenary’, not a prisoner of war. What’s the difference – and why does this matter? – https://theconversation.com/russia-is-labelling-oscar-jenkins-a-mercenary-not-a-prisoner-of-war-whats-the-difference-and-why-does-this-matter-256996

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni’s telephone conversation with President Trump, Prime Minister Starmer, President Macron and Chancellor Merz

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, had a telephone conversation late yesterday evening with the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, together with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, of France, Emmanuel Macron, and of Germany, Friedrich Merz, for consultations prior to the announced call that President Trump will have today with President Putin.

    President Meloni first of all reiterated Italy’s support, together with European and Western partners, for President Trump’s efforts for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, stressing the importance of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

    Lastly, President Meloni expressed her appreciation for the willingness Ukraine has once again shown with regard to dialogue, and reaffirmed the hope that Moscow will seriously engage, through direct leader-to-leader contact, in negotiations that can lead to peace.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with leaders of US, France, Germany and Italy: 18 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with leaders of US, France, Germany and Italy: 18 May 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany last night [18 May 2025].

    The Prime Minister spoke to leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany last night [18 May 2025].

    The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, and the catastrophic cost of the war to both sides.

    Looking ahead to President Trump’s call with President Putin tomorrow, the leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire and for President Putin to take peace talks seriously.

    They also discussed the use of sanctions if Russia failed to engage seriously in a ceasefire and peace talks.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics, protest and some seriously inappropriate songs: who gets censored at Eurovision, and who doesn’t?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Strong, Associate Professor, Music Industry, RMIT University

    As always, Eurovision 2025 was full of glitter, costume reveals, divas, spectacle and, of course, controversy. From ongoing calls to ban Israel from participating, to one song that had to be edited since it was too inappropriate, here’s what you may have missed from this year’s contest.

    A milkshake meltdown

    For Australian viewers, the final may have been a bit of a letdown because, for the second year in a row, our contestant failed to get past the semis.

    Go-Jo’s Milkshake Man seemed like a strong offering, with its daft and suggestive lyrics, huge energy and oversized blender prop – but some weak vocals on the night left us in the cold.

    Other wacky entries of the uniquely Eurovision variety fared better, though. Sweden’s ode to saunas, Bara Bada Bastu, started the night as the favourite to win and ended high with a fourth placing, just behind Estonia’s rubbery-legged Tommy Cash, whose love song to coffee may have just been more relatable to voters.

    Serving what?

    More controversial was Miriana Conte’s song for Malta, originally titled Serving Kant, with kant being the Maltese word for singing. But this thinly disguised attempt to celebrate “serving cunt” was deemed inappropriate by the European Broadcasting Union, and reworked as simply Serving.

    This performance is part of a long Eurovision tradition of celebrating queer culture. Each year, multiple entries use LGBTQIA+ imagery, tropes and lyrics to celebrate the theme of being who you are.

    Last year’s event marked the first time two non-binary performers were featured in the contest. One of them, Switzerlans’s Nemo, won. As a side note, Nemo’s return performance this year may be one of the best things to ever grace the Eurovision stage.

    But it seems Malta’s cheeky play on the theme didn’t pay off, as it landed them in 17th place by the end of the voting.

    Other stand-out performances included Finland’s Erika Vikman, who outperformed a whole crop of big-voiced divas in sparkly body suits by riding a giant flaming microphone to the roof of the stadium during the, ahem, climax to Ich Komme (which translates to “I’m coming”).

    Less in your face, yet strangely compelling, were the women of Latvia’s folk band Tautumeitas. In their forest-nymph-axolotl (?) costumes, they delivered a flawless and gentle performance.

    A heated, close race to the top

    The winner was, as is often the case at Eurovision, a more serious song that showcased a high level of musicianship and vocal ability. Austria’s JJ performance of Wasted Love was stripped-back compared to most of the rivals.

    JJ took to the stage alone, using a completely black and white palette that stood out against the reds that dominated the rest of the night. The way he used his body onstage, and the dynamism of his soprano voice – moving from a conventional pop vocal style to a more operatic delivery – was compellingly dramatic, and was rewarded by the juries and public voters.

    It was a close race for the top spot however. I imagine the broadcasting union breathed a sigh of relief when Austria knocked Israel into second place at the last moment.

    Israel’s presence in the contest has been a source of division and conflict since the events of October 7. For two years there have been highly publicised calls to expel Israel from the competition, in light of the extreme atrocities and human rights abuses taking place on the ground in Gaza.



    Read more:
    1 in 5 Gazans face starvation. Can the law force Israel to act?

    Multiple pro-Palestinian rallies took to the streets in the host city, Basel, and protesters trying to disrupt the Israeli performance found their way into the arena during the rehearsals and final. While they did not make it into the broadcast, there were reports of audience members being removed, staff being hit with paint, and violent clashes with security and police.

    Beyond this, 70 ex-competitors and, separately, more than 4,000 Nordic music workers put their names on open letters protesting Israel’s inclusion in the contest. But these attempts failed, partly because the countries involved did not threaten to withdraw themselves if Israel participated (which was how Russia was expelled from the 2022 contest, in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine).

    What can we expect moving forward

    It’s worth considering what Israel’s inclusion in the contest does allow. In recently published work, my coauthors and I consider what it means to face up to some of the uglier aspects of music and music-making – and to sit with the discomfort, rather than ignore it.

    If Israel had been excluded, those calling for its exclusion may have achieved a sense that a certain wrong had been righted, and the Eurovision party could go on, free from worry.

    Yet the realities of events in Gaza would not have disappeared. Viewers at home would simply not have to think about them.

    Israel’s inclusion – and the opposition to it – forces us to ask what role, if any, cultural institutions can play in helping put a stop to what the International Court of Justice has said can plausibly be called a genocide.

    While the broadcasting union could perhaps put pressure on Israel with a ban, the fissures of Israel’s continued inclusion have shone a spotlight on other types of pressure and resistance – and the power music has in bringing people together for the explicit purpose of being political.

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

    – ref. Politics, protest and some seriously inappropriate songs: who gets censored at Eurovision, and who doesn’t? – https://theconversation.com/politics-protest-and-some-seriously-inappropriate-songs-who-gets-censored-at-eurovision-and-who-doesnt-256447

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Starmer discusses Russian war against Ukraine with US, Italy, France and Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine with leaders of the U.S., Italy, France and Germany, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

    Looking ahead to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Monday, the leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire in the war that Russia launched against its smaller neighbour more than three years ago.

    They also discussed the use of sanctions if Russia fails to engage seriously in ceasefire and peace talks, the spokesperson added.

    The talks followed intense diplomacy by the leaders that started with their May 10 trip to Kyiv when the major European powers threw their weight behind an unconditional 30-day Ukraine ceasefire.

    “Tomorrow, President Putin must show he wants peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on X after the Sunday call.

    UK’s Foreign Minister David Lammy on Saturday accused Moscow of obfuscating after talks between Ukraine and Russia on a possible ceasefire ended in less than two hours and Trump said “nothing could happen” until he had met directly with Putin.

    Russia – which is slowly but steadily advancing on the battlefield and is worried that Ukraine will use such a pause to regroup and re-arm – has said it needs to nail down the terms of a ceasefire before signing up to one.

    (Reuters)