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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Banking: AGNICO EAGLE PROVIDES NOTICE OF RELEASE OF FIRST QUARTER 2025 RESULTS, CONFERENCE CALL AND ANNUAL MEETING

    Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

    Stock Symbol: AEM (NYSE and TSX)

    TORONTO, March 25, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle” or the “Company“) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2025 results on Thursday, April 24, 2025, after normal trading hours. Additionally, the Company will host its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “AGM”) the following day, Friday, April 25, 2025, in a hybrid format (in Toronto and virtually).

    First Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call and Webcast

    Agnico Eagle’s senior management will host a conference call on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 08:30 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company’s financial and operating results.

    Via Webcast:

    To listen to the live webcast of the conference call, you may register on the Company website at www.agnicoeagle.com, or directly via the link here.

    Via Phone:

    To join the conference call by phone, please dial 416.945.7677 or toll-free 1.888.699.1199 to be entered into the call by an operator. To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

    To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register your phone number here 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call to receive an instant automated call back.

    Replay Archive:

    Please dial 289.819.1450 or toll-free 1.888.660.6345, access code 36377 #. The conference call replay will expire on May 25, 2025.

    The webcast, along with presentation slides, will be archived for 180 days on the Company’s website.

    Annual Meeting

    The AGM will begin on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM (E.D.T). During the AGM, management will provide an overview of the Company’s activities.

    Hybrid Format

    The AGM will be held in person at the Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street, Simpson Tower, 8th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2Y4 and online at: https://meetnow.global/M59UWL4

    The Company is conducting a hybrid meeting that will allow registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders to participate both online and in person. The Company is providing the virtual format to provide shareholders with an equal opportunity to attend and be heard at the AGM even if they are unable to attend the AGM in person.

    For details explaining how to attend, communicate and vote virtually at the AGM please see the Company’s Management Information Circular dated March 24, 2025, filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Shareholders who have questions about voting their shares or attending the AGM may contact Investor Relations by phone at 416.947.1212, by toll-free phone at 1.888.822.6714 or by email at investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com or may contact the Company’s strategic shareholder advisor and proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by phone at 1.877.452.7184 (toll free in North America), at 1.416.304.0211 (for collect calls outside of North America) or by e-mail at assistance@laurelhill.com.

    Investor Relations

    Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
    145 King Street East, Suite 400
    Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2Y7
    investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com 
    Phone: 416.947.1212
    Fax: 416.367.4681

    About Agnico Eagle

    Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

    View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnico-eagle-provides-notice-of-release-of-first-quarter-2025-results-conference-call-and-annual-meeting-302409463.html

    SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: MDS Global Secures Strategic Partnership with PlatformX Communications (PXC)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WARRINGTON, United Kingdom, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  MDS Global, a leading provider of Business Support Systems (BSS) for digital telcos, is delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with PlatformX Communications (PXC), the UK’s leading wholesale provider of connectivity, voice, cloud and security solutions. With this landmark agreement, MDS Global will continue to deliver its industry-leading Converged Monetisation Platform (CMP) as a fully outsourced end-to-end monetisation service to power PXC’s ambitious digital transformation and innovation goals.

    Under this partnership, MDS Global’s CMP will serve as the single strategic wholesale billing platform for PXC, supporting their plans to build a powerful altnet aggregation platform while simplifying PXC’s IT infrastructure and merging multiple BSS environments. The platform optimises PXC’s operations and brings process automation to reduce operational costs, power innovation and deliver digital customer experiences.

    This partnership is a testament to MDS Global’s track record of delivering value and ensuring effective, trouble-free operations. PXC’s decision to extend this relationship, following a long partnership history, demonstrates their trust in MDS Global’s commitment to align with their strategy and help PXC achieve their ambitious goals.

    Phil Haslam, Chief Technology Officer of PXC, said, “Our relationship with MDS Global spans over 2 decades and we are delighted to renew our agreement to further strengthen our partnership. The MDS Converged Monetisation Platform enables us to simplify our technology stack and drive innovation which has been critical in our journey to become the UK’s leading wholesale connectivity provider. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration and achieving new milestones together.”

    John Burton, CEO of MDS Global, commented, “We are delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with PXC. MDS Converged Monetisation Platform will not only simplify PXC’s IT architecture, but also drive innovation and efficiency, further underpinning PXC’s leading position in the UK wholesale telecoms market. This partnership highlights our commitment to work closely with our customers to deliver reliable solutions that power growth and digital transformation.”

    About PlatformX Communications (PXC)

    PlatformX Communications (PXC) is the UK’s leading provider of innovative solutions for connectivity, voice, cloud and security underpinned by the UK’s most robust, secure, resilient and reliable network.  

    PXC is uniquely positioned with a scaled customer base and diversified fibre infrastructure partners, powered by a national network covering of more than 3,000 exchanges covering 98% of homes and businesses.  

    Born from the combination of TalkTalk’s wholesale services and national network business with Virtual1, PXC’s deep understanding of the issues facing players in the wholesale market equips it to uniquely support all types of businesses.   

    Visit: www.PXC.co.uk  

    About MDS Global

    MDS Global powers digital telcos for revenue growth, customer delight, and cost reduction. We offer industry-leading Business Support Systems (BSS), including solutions for Monetisation, Customer Experience, eSIM and AI-powered Decision Intelligence designed for B2B, B2C, B2B2X, and IoT business models.

    From successful MVNOs like iD Mobile to Tier-1 operators like BT, our highly scalable, cloud-based solutions power MVNOs, MVNEs, Network Operators, and Wholesale Providers across mobile, fixed, and converged services.  

    Originally a B2B MVNO, we bring 35+ years of billing excellence. Our friendly, international teams are committed to long-term, collaborative partnerships helping our customers succeed. MDS Global is a Lumine Group company (TSXV:LMN)

    Visit mdsglobal.com and follow us on linkedin.com/company/mdsglobal. 

    Contact for more information

    Corine Suscens
    Head of Global Marketing
    marketing@mdsglobal.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6fa94b87-7250-4c03-9be7-25e33ce798c8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9efca876-29d9-4ac7-99bd-f703d62b148b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tower Semiconductor and Alcyon Photonics Announce Collaboration to Accelerate Integrated Photonics Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Providing Silicon-Validated Photonics IP Based on Tower’s SiPho Platform for Datacom, Telecom and Sensing Markets

    MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, and MADRID, Spain, March 25, 2025 – Tower Semiconductor [NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM], the leader in high-value analog semiconductor foundry solutions, and Alcyon Photonics, a leader in integrated photonics design, today announced their collaboration to accelerate photonics integration. Through this partnership, Alcyon Photonics will provide customers with silicon-validated, high-performance photonic building blocks (BBs) and circuits to accelerate the development of next-generation optical applications.

    Leveraging Tower Semiconductor’s advanced, high-volume SiPho platform, this collaboration enabled the development of robust, silicon-proven photonic IP, facilitating a seamless transition from concept to production while ensuring exceptional performance, reliability, and manufacturability. Alcyon’s proprietary design techniques, optimized for Tower’s SiPho technology, provide significant competitive advantages, including outstanding stability that maintains channel drifts below 3 nm even with fabrication variations of up to 30 nm. Joined with Tower’s high-volume SiPho manufacturing capabilities, this partnership provides customers with consistent, high-yield results, enabling efficient and cost-effective photonic integration.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Tower Semiconductor to deliver best-in-class photonic IP to the market,” said Jimena García-Romeu, CEO of Alcyon Photonics. “By combining our advanced photonics design expertise with Tower’s industry-leading foundry SiPho technology, we are enabling customers to create compelling new applications with a faster and more predictable development cycle.”

    This collaboration brings specific advancements to market, including CWDM solutions optimized for data center networking in the O band, which support high-capacity and high-performance optical interconnects. Additionally, the partnership is driving advancements in coherent communications across the C+L bands, expanding bandwidth, enhancing scalability, and future-proofing optical networks.

    “Tower Semiconductor is committed to fostering a strong ecosystem that supports our customers in accelerating their photonic innovation,” said Dr. Samir Chaudhry, Vice President of Customer Design Enablement, Tower Semiconductor. ” Collaborating with Alcyon Photonics as an IP partner further reinforces Tower Semiconductor’s leadership in silicon photonics, strengthening our offering by providing validated, high-performance photonic components that will help drive the next wave of integrated photonics applications.”

    To learn more about Tower’s advanced silicon photonics (SiPho) platform and RF & HPA technology offerings, visit Tower’s booth #3222 at the upcoming OFC conference, April 1-3, 2025. Additional information is also available on the company’s website: here.

    More detailed information and additional technical data on this development can be found here: Alcyon & Tower Semiconductor Whitepaper

    For more information about Alcyon, visit www.alcyonphotonics.com.

    About Tower Semiconductor         

    Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for its customers in growing markets such as consumer, industrial, automotive, mobile, infrastructure, medical and aerospace and defense. Tower Semiconductor focuses on creating a positive and sustainable impact on the world through long-term partnerships and its advanced and innovative analog technology offering, comprised of a broad range of customizable process platforms such as SiGe, BiCMOS, mixed-signal/CMOS, RF CMOS, CMOS image sensor, non-imaging sensors, displays, integrated power management (BCD and 700V), photonics, and MEMS. Tower Semiconductor also provides world-class design enablement for a quick and accurate design cycle as well as process transfer services including development, transfer, and optimization, to IDMs and fabless companies. To provide multi-fab sourcing and extended capacity for its customers, Tower Semiconductor owns one operating facility in Israel (200mm), two in the U.S. (200mm), two in Japan (200mm and 300mm) which it owns through its 51% holdings in TPSCo, shares a 300mm facility in Agrate, Italy with STMicroelectronics as well as has access to a 300mm capacity corridor in Intel’s New Mexico factory. For more information, please visit: www.towersemi.com.

    Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. A complete discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements included in this press release or which may otherwise affect Tower’s business is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Tower’s most recent filings on Forms 20-F, F-3, F-4 and 6-K, as were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Israel Securities Authority. Tower does not intend to update, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update, the information contained in this release.                    

    About Alcyon Photonics:
    Alcyon Photonics is a leading innovator in integrated photonics design, delivering high-performance photonic building blocks and circuits for advanced optical applications. The company’s cutting-edge solutions enable seamless, efficient, and reliable photonic integration, empowering industries from datacom and telecom to sensing and quantum technologies. Alcyon’s proprietary design techniques ensure exceptional stability and performance, driving innovation and efficiency in next-generation optical systems. For more information, visit www.alcyonphotonics.com.

    ###

    Tower Semiconductor Company Contact: Orit Shahar | +972-74-7377440 | oritsha@towersemi.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Resolutions by the Annual General Meeting of Municipality Finance Plc held on 25 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    25 March 2025 at 1:00 pm (EET)

    Resolutions by the Annual General Meeting of Municipality Finance Plc held on 25 March 2025

    The Annual General Meeting (hereinafter the AGM) of Municipality Finance Plc (MuniFin) held on 25 March 2025 adopted the company’s financial statements and discharged the members of the Board of Directors (the Board), the CEO, and the Deputy to the CEO from liability for the financial year 2024.

    Use of Profit Shown on the Balance Sheet and the Distribution of Dividend
    The Annual General Meeting decided that a dividend of EUR 1.86 per share, totaling 72,658,664.28 EUR shall be paid out. Dividends will be paid on 3 April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter to each shareholder who is registered in the company’s shareholder register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date of dividend payment on 27 March 2025.

    Remuneration and Composition of the Board
    The AGM decided on the remuneration for the members of the Board for the term from the closing of the 2025 AGM to the closing of the next AGM (the Term 2025–2026) as follows:

    • annual fixed remuneration of the Chair of the Board EUR 51,000;
    • annual fixed remuneration of the Vice Chair of the Board EUR 33,000;
    • annual fixed remuneration of the Chair of the Risk or Audit Committee EUR 36,000;
    • annual fixed remuneration of a Board member EUR 28,000 and
    • for each Board and committee meeting as well as for each meeting required by the authorities, for the members and Vice Chair of the Board, a fee of EUR 600 per meeting attended and for the chairs, EUR 950 per meeting attended.

    The annual remuneration of the Chair of the Board was increased by EUR 6,000, the annual remuneration of the Vice Chair of the Board was increased by EUR 4,000, the annual remuneration of the Chairs of the Risk and Audit Committees was increased by EUR 5,000 and the annual remuneration of a Board member was increased by EUR 3,000. No amendments were made to the meeting fees.

    The AGM decided to elect nine members to the Board for the Term 2025–2026 and to re-elect the following current members: Ms. Maaria Eriksson, Mr. Kari Laukkanen, Mr. Tuomo Mäkinen, Ms. Elina Stråhlman, Ms. Leena Vainiomäki and Mr. Arto Vuojolainen. In addition, the AGM decided to elect Ms. Liisa Harju, Mr. Juho Malmberg and Mr. Henrik Rainio as new board members.

    The CEO’s Review

    Esa Kallio, the President and CEO of MuniFin, discussed the company’s development in 2024. There are currently many uncertainties in the world, and therefore it is important that MuniFin can provide stability and ensure the security of supply for the Finnish society through its operations. The year 2024 was a record year for MuniFin’s sustainable finance: the company issued a record number of sustainable bonds, and the demand for green finance grew significantly.

    Election and Remuneration of the Auditor

    PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was elected as the company’s auditor with Jukka Paunonen, Authorized Public Accountant, as the principal auditor. The auditor’s fees will be paid against the invoices approved by the company.

    Election and Remuneration of the Sustainability Reporting Assurer

    PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was selected as the sustainability reporting assurer, with Tiina Puukkoniemi as the responsible sustainability reporting auditor. The assurer’s fees will be paid against the invoices approved by the company.

    Constitutive Meeting of the Board
    At its constitutive meeting, the Board appointed Kari Laukkanen as the Chair and Maaria Eriksson as the Vice Chair of the Board. The following persons were appointed to the Remuneration Committee: Kari Laukkanen as the Chair, and Leena Vainiomäki, Maaria Eriksson and Tuomo Mäkinen as members. The following persons were appointed to the Audit Committee: Elina Stråhlman as the Chair, and Liisa Harjula, Kari Laukkanen and Henrik Rainio as members. The following persons were appointed to the Risk Committee: Leena Vainiomäki as the Chair, and Maaria Eriksson, Juho Malmberg and Arto Vuojolainen as members.

    Additional information on the company’s operations in 2024 is available in the company’s Annual Report, which is available for downloading in PDF format at the company website www.munifin.fi.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Esa Kallio
    President and CEO
    tel. +358 50 337 7953

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

    MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic, but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: www.munifin.fi

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Polarisation: poor countries disagree over the economy, richer countries on social issues – new findings

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Francesco Rigoli, Reader in Psychology, City St George’s, University of London

    Shutterstock/Lightspring

    It is hard nowadays to find topics on which people agree. Ironically, though, all agree on one point: that disagreement has reached peak levels. People are united in recognising that society has become polarised.

    Why has this happened? In a new study, I examined which characteristics of a country fuel polarisation – and whether economics is a factor. I found that poorer countries such as Ethiopia, Myanmar, Guatemala and Zimbabwe are indeed usually more polarised than richer countries. In fact, the poorer the nation, the greater the division on attitudes towards the economy, gender equality and immigration.

    This helps explain why poorer countries are also more vulnerable to revolutions and civil wars. They are more divided and slide more easily into actual armed conflict. It is not a coincidence that communist revolutions, which are often sparked by economic polarisation, have never occurred in rich countries, but in those at an early stage of industrialisation – think of Russia in 1917, China in 1949 and Ethiopia in 1974.

    However, people in rich countries such as France, Germany and the US report more polarised opinions on abortion, divorce, suicide and homosexuality. It is social norms, rather than economic views, that divide. Anyone who has paid attention to the culture wars raging in the west can attest to this. Think of the anti-abortion stance of evangelical Christians in the US and to the traditional family cherished by European parties like the Alternative for Germany and Brothers of Italy, and compare them with the growing importance of LGBTQ issues among liberals in the west.

    Why are rich countries more polarised on social customs? The study shows that people in poor countries have conservative views on these issues – for example, claiming that abortion and divorce are never justified. There is little margin for disagreement in these countries as far as social norms are concerned. By contrast, opinion on social norms in rich countries is split between liberals and conservatives. Conformity pressures are weak on these topics, boosting polarisation.

    Education may also play a role. I found that poorly educated people prefer redistribution and state intervention in the economy more than the highly educated. This divergence is greater in poor countries, partially explaining why attitudes on the economy are more polarised in poor countries.

    Meanwhile, my study found that highly educated people profess more liberal opinions on social norms than the poorly educated, but the divergence is greater in richer countries. In other words, in poor countries education is more divisive on economic attitudes, while in rich countries it is more divisive on social norms.

    Inequality and polarisation

    A 2021 study found that polarisation is higher in countries where the income distribution is more unequal. Interestingly, this applies across various domains, including opinions about the economy, immigration and social norms. This adds another important layer to the picture. It suggests that the increase in polarisation is linked to the increase in economic inequality over the past few decades.

    Wealthier nations polarise along social lines.
    norbu gyachung/unsplash

    Some researchers predict that, as people get richer, polarisation over social norms is destined to fade in the west. In their view, the west is polarised because the population is gradually shifting from a conservative to a liberal stance on social customs. In this view, our current polarisation is essentially an epochal shift. Economic prosperity, the argument goes, will ultimately lead western societies to converge to liberal views, deflating polarisation.

    There are two reasons to be cautious about such an assessment. First, the multiple crises faced today by the world, and by the west in particular, may stunt economic prosperity, implying that people may continue to be divided on social norms rather than converging on liberal views.

    Second, there is no evidence that economic inequality is going down in the west, and as the research shows, this is not a promising sign in terms of decreasing polarisation. So, citizens of western countries better get used to culture wars for the foreseeable future.

    Francesco Rigoli 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. Polarisation: poor countries disagree over the economy, richer countries on social issues – new findings – https://theconversation.com/polarisation-poor-countries-disagree-over-the-economy-richer-countries-on-social-issues-new-findings-252552

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government paves the way for local people to build more homes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government paves the way for local people to build more homes

    The government has announced a £20 million investment to support the delivery of community-led housing.

    • Thousands more homes to be unlocked through government investment in community-led housing
    • Local communities to get more power to locate, design and build high quality homes with £20 million package
    • All part of the government’s Plan for Change – delivering 1.5 million homes and the biggest boost in affordable housing in a generation

    Thousands of new high-quality homes, including social and affordable, will be designed and built by local people for local people, thanks to new government investment to accelerate the delivery of community-led housing.  

    A £20 million package for community groups, such as community land trusts and housing co-operatives, has been confirmed by the Housing Minister that will directly support the construction of more than 2,500 new homes over the next decade. These housebuilding projects will be led by communities to specifically address local needs in their area.   

    Community-led housing is about placing power into the hands of local people who will take the lead in the design and location of new homes, with community groups being able to access land and receive planning permission where speculative developments cannot.  

    This is the first time the government has supported this approach to finance housebuilding at this scale and will help overcome critical barriers to community-led housing delivery, such as community groups accessing the capital needed for housebuilding.

    The new investment announced today forms part of the government’s Plan for Change and commitment to build 1.5 million new homes as well as helping more working people and families achieve the dream of homeownership, boosting growth and raising living standards across the country.

    Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:

    “Community-led housing not only delivers social and affordable homes for local people, it also gives local communities a greater say on where new homes are built and how they are designed.

    “This investment will help community-based organisations overcome barriers to housing delivery and will support the growth of the community-led housing sector.

    “Through our Plan for Change we are boosting housing supply and reforming the housing system, delivering on our commitment to the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.”

    The community-led housing sector is grossly under-developed in the UK compared to other countries in Europe, resulting in a significant loss of potential social and affordable housing as well as depriving communities of the high-quality housing they want.  

    Recognising the value of community-led housing, the government is investing the £20 million in a social finance fund, which will be led by Resonance who have strong experience in working with community organisations to support the delivery of these homes.  

    This investment will be used to attract up to £30 million in match-funding from the private sector as well as local authorities and combined mayoral authorities.

    Head of Developing Communities at Resonance, Jon Rolls said:

    “This is a landmark moment for our fund and for the community-led housing movement. MHCLG’s investment will act as a vital catalyst, unlocking more support for communities determined to shape their own futures. It’s simple – when communities are in the driving seat, brilliant things happen.”

    Chief Executive at the Community Land Trust Network, Tom Chance said:

    “This investment will be welcomed by hundreds of communities working to build thousands of much-needed homes, from tourist hotspots where local are priced out to city neighbourhoods blighted by a lack of investment. Community-led development offers local people a tool to be builders rather than blockers.”

    The new funding follows the government’s overhaul of the planning system with a new growth-focused National Planning Policy Framework, which has imposed new mandatory housebuilding targets for councils so they can play their part to meet local housing need.  

    The updated planning framework has also strengthened support for community-led housing, which includes broadening the definition of organisations able to deliver this housing and making changes to the size limit on community-led sites to allow more homes to be built.  

    Government investment in housing has increased to £5 billion for this year, including a top-up of £800 million being injected into the existing Affordable Homes Programme to help deliver tens of thousands of new social and affordable homes across the country.  

    An extra £2 billion injection of new grant funding to build up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes has also been confirmed today, helping to deliver the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation while making sure those homes go to the people who need them most.

    As part of its Long-Term Housing Strategy, which is due to be published later this year, the government is considering further measures to help grow the community-led housing sector.

    Further information

    Community-led housing is developed by community-based organisations, such as community land trusts and housing co-operatives, to deliver much-needed affordable housing in their area.  

    The government has invested £20 million in the Resonance Community Developers social finance fund for a 10-year period. Resonance Limited is an established social finance company with experience in supporting the delivery of community-led housing.  

    Resonance is expected to begin investing directly into local housebuilding schemes across England over the next few weeks.  

    Community-led organisations and housebuilders across the country have already benefitted from previous funding. This includes Chagford Community Land Trust delivering nearly 30 affordable homes in Devon, YorSpace building 19 affordable homes and a common house in York, and Cohousing in Cambridge providing 42 apartments and town houses with community facilities and a sociable shared garden.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Solihull man prosecuted for failing to remove waste from land

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Solihull man prosecuted for failing to remove waste from land

    The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted a Solihull man who failed to remove waste from his land.

    • Birmingham Magistrates Court imposes fines and costs totalling £7,752.85
    • Defendant given 4 months to completely clear outstanding waste
    • Plastics, metals and treated wood among waste found on land

    Benjamin Summers ignored a formal Notice from the Environment Agency to remove the waste and also operated a waste facility without the necessary environmental permit.

    At Birmingham Magistrates on Friday 21 March 2025, Benjamin Robert Summers, 80, of Pig Trot Lane, Tanworth-in-Arden, Solihull, admitted the offences.

    He was fined £1107 and ordered to pay costs of £6545.85.

    Additionally, the magistrates imposed a Remediation Order of 4 months to completely clear any outstanding waste from the land.

    Environment Agency investigation

    The Environment Agency commenced an investigation in February 2023, having been notified by the Local Authority. They provided evidence that approximately 35 cubic metres of mixed waste was being stored on the land, made up of plastics, metal, treated wood and derivatives.

    Between February 2023 and August 2023, Environment Agency officers made a total of 5 site visits and requested Summers to clear the waste. However, the waste remained on site and was added to over time. 

    On 1 November 2023, a formal Notice was served on Summers to clear the waste by 1 January 2024.

    On 9 January 2024, Environment Agency officers made a further site visit and discovered that no waste had been removed.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

    The Environment Agency will pursue any person or company that fails to uphold the law to protect nature and will continue to press for the strongest possible penalties. 

    Failure to comply with these legal requirements is a serious offence that can damage the environment and harm human health.    

    If anyone has environmental concerns, they should call our 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on 0800 555 111. 

    The charges

    1, Benjamin Summers, on 2 January 2024, being the occupier of land, namely Summerhill Cottage, Pig Trot Lane, Danzey Green, Tanworth-in-Arden, Solihull, B94 5BJ failed without reasonable excuse to comply with a Notice dated 1st November 2023 to remove controlled waste from the land, contrary to sections 59ZB (2) and 59ZB (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    2,  Benjamin Summers, prior to and between 17 February 2023 and 3 May 2024, operated a regulated facility on land at Summerhill Cottage, Pig Trot Lane, Danzey Green, Tanworth-in-Arden, Solihull, B94 5BJ which was not authorised by an Environmental Permit, namely a non- exempt waste operation involving the deposit, storage and disposal of waste, contrary to Regulations 12 (1)(a) and 38 (1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: External merchandise trade statistics for February 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    External merchandise trade statistics for February 2025 
         Due to the difference in timing of the Chinese New Year holidays, it is more appropriate to analyse the trade figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.
     
         Taking January and February of 2025 together, the value of total exports of goods increased by 6.5% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 5.7%. A visible trade deficit of $34.6 billion, equivalent to 4.6% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first two months of 2025.
     
         In February 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 15.4% over a year earlier to $327.9 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 0.1% in January 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 11.8% over a year earlier to $364.2 billion in February 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 0.5% in January 2025. A visible trade deficit of $36.3 billion, equivalent to 10.0% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in February 2025.
     
         Comparing the three-month period ending February 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 8.6%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 3.4%.
     
    Analysis by country/territory
     
         Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 25.0%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+114.2%), Taiwan (+73.0%), the Philippines (+32.3%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+29.5%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to India (-29.8%).
     
         Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the Netherlands (-44.7%) and the USA (-18.5%). On the other hand, an increase was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Kingdom (+61.0%).
     
         Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular France (+77.9%), the United Kingdom (+77.6%), Vietnam (+52.4%), Taiwan (+42.6%), Malaysia (+41.7%) and the Mainland (+18.1%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-31.4%).
     
         For the first two months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+89.9%), Taiwan (+29.2%), Singapore (+18.3%) and the Mainland (+10.9%). On the other hand, decreases were recorded in the values of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-38.2%) and India (-25.6%).
     
         Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular France (+106.7%), the United Kingdom (+58.7%), Vietnam (+50.4%), Malaysia (+48.1%), Taiwan (+39.9%) and the Mainland (+2.0%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-25.3%).
     
    Analysis by major commodity
     
         Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $27.3 billion or +20.8%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $20.5 billion or +68.9%). 
     
         Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $23.2 billion or +16.9%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $16.6 billion or +76.3%).
     
         For the first two months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $35.5 billion or +53.2%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $23.0 billion or +7.3%).
     
         Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $30.5 billion or +63.3%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $30.2 billion or +10.1%).
     
    Commentary
     
         A Government spokesman said that Hong Kong’s merchandise exports continued to see solid increase in general in early 2025. Taking the first two months of 2025 together to remove the effect of the earlier arrival of the Chinese New Year this year, the value of merchandise exports grew by 6.5% over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland increased visibly, and those to many other Asian markets also increased. Exports to the United States rose marginally, while those to the European Union declined.
     
         Looking ahead, the tariff measures introduced so far by the United States and the uncertainties surrounding protectionist policies would continue to pose challenges to Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance. Nevertheless, the sustained growth in global economy in particular the Mainland economy, should render support to Hong Kong’s exports. The Government will monitor the situation closely.
     
    Further information
     
         Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for February 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to February 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.
     
         The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for February 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.
     
         Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for February 2025.
     
         All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for February 2025 will be released in mid-April 2025.
     
         The February 2025 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in February 2025 and will be available in early April 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230 
         Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).
    Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROVIDING TAP WATER CONNECTION UNDER JJM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 2:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India is committed to the provision of safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with States/ UTs, in August 2019. The Government of India supports the states by providing technical and financial assistance.

    Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of JJM, towards enhancing access to tap water for rural households. At the start of JJM in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.71%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by State/UTs as on 20.03.2025, around 12.30 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 20.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, approximately 15.53 Crore (80.22%) households are reported to have tap water supply. The year-wise and State-wise including the Kushinagar district of Uttar Pradesh details of the progress made under the JJM in providing tap water connections since its inception are available on JJM IMIS Dashboard at https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx.

    The government of India is building strategic international partnerships to enhance international cooperation in specific areas of water supply, water distribution, wastewater and solid waste treatment, sewerage systems, re-use of treated wastewater, water management, and energy optimization.

    At present, India and Denmark have entered into a Green Strategic Partnership on 28th September, 2020. Joint Work Plan (2021-2024) has subsequently been formulated between the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, New Delhi and Danish Environment Protection Agency, Ministry of Environment, Denmark (DEPA) to support Government of India’s objective of providing drinking water supply to all rural households. The objective of the work plan is to enhance cooperation in the specific areas of water supply, water distribution, wastewater treatment, sewerage systems, re-use of treated wastewater, water management and energy optimization in the water sector.

    The cooperation is working to support a range of priorities of the JJM and co-create solutions in the fields of policy, planning, regulation and implementation as well as technology, research & development and skilling that combine Danish and Indian expertise.

    As on date, 11 States/ UTs have become ‘Har Ghar Jal’ States/ UT i.e. 100% households are having tap water supply and the remaining States/ UTs are at various stages of achieving the objectives of the mission.

    Government of India has taken a number of steps to ensure coordinated planning between infrastructure development projects, like road construction and water supply system, like pipelines installations which inter alia includes (i) nomination of a nodal officer in the Department for coordinating with Central nodal Ministries/ Departments/ agencies viz. M/o EF&CC, M/o RTH, NHAI, M/o Railways etc. to facilitate the States in obtaining Statutory/ other clearances; (ii) regular review meetings with central agencies and State level officers; (iii) State Programme Management Units (SPMUs) and District Programme Management Units (DPMUs) have been set up to bridge the gap in availability of technical skill sets and of HR for programme management; (iv) A network of Civil Society Organizations working in the water sector, the Rural WASH Partner Forum, has been set up to extend support to states for time bound implementation.

    Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmark for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes. BIS specifies ‘acceptable limit’ and ‘permissible limit in the absence of alternate source’ for various physio-chemical and bacteriological parameters for drinking water quality.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

     (Rajya Sabha US Q2632)

    (Release ID: 2114775) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) Maixent Raoul Ominga to Speak at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, March 25, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris is pleased to announce Maixent Raoul Ominga, Director General of Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), as a speaker, with SNPC also serving as a Gold Sponsor of the event. Ominga will contribute to discussions on Monetizing Congo’s Gas Opportunities, offering insights into the country’s substantial natural gas potential and the strategies being implemented to unlock its value.

    Congo’s gas sector is set for expansion, with significant developments aimed at maximizing its full potential. Eni’s Congo LNG project stands as a key pillar – eyeing production expansion up to four billion cubic meters per year by 2025 – strengthening the country’s position in the global energy market. Wing Wah’s Banga Kayo gas monetization project further accelerates this growth by optimizing stranded gas resources and supplying the domestic market with essential refined products. Additionally, the implementation of a new gas code and the development of a comprehensive gas master plan, which SNPC is actively helping to shape, will provide a clear regulatory framework and long-term strategy to attract investment, drive infrastructure development and optimize gas resource utilization.

    IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4hNID0n) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    As Director General of SNPC, Ominga offers deep expertise in Congo’s energy sector, with a focus on gas exploration, infrastructure development and international partnerships. The Monetizing Congo’s Gas Opportunities session will highlight the country’s untapped gas resources, exploring how Congo can leverage its natural assets for economic growth and regional energy security. The forum will also address the critical roles of investment, innovation and collaboration among public and private stakeholders.

    Congo is currently pursuing a major investment drive to attract global capital to its oil and gas sector. SNPC’s participation at IAE 2025, along with its role as a Gold Sponsor, represents a key stop on the country’s roadshow to engage European and international investors, highlighting its promising hydrocarbon exploration and gas monetization prospects. With a strategic focus on driving project investments and maximizing investor returns, IAE 2025 offers the ideal platform to foster high-level discussions and connect Congo with potential partners and investors to support the sector’s growth and long-term success

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Withdrawal of the proposed horizontal anti-discrimination directive – P-001148/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001148/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Maria Walsh (PPE), Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Lucia Yar (Renew), Birgit Sippel (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Magdalena Adamowicz (PPE), Marc Angel (S&D), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Francisco Assis (S&D), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Kira Marie Peter-Hansen (Verts/ALE), Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE), Carla Tavares (S&D), Katrin Langensiepen (Verts/ALE), Anna Strolenberg (Verts/ALE), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Christophe Clergeau (S&D), Alexandra Geese (Verts/ALE), Dainius Žalimas (Renew), Elio Di Rupo (S&D), Thijs Reuten (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Robert Biedroń (S&D), Nicolae Ştefănuță (Verts/ALE), Lukas Sieper (NI), Catarina Martins (The Left), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Alex Agius Saliba (S&D), René Repasi (S&D), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Vilija Blinkevičiūtė (S&D), Gabriele Bischoff (S&D), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska (PPE), Nikos Pappas (The Left), Lena Schilling (Verts/ALE), Carolina Morace (The Left), Evin Incir (S&D), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Romana Jerković (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Nikos Papandreou (S&D)

    The announcement that the proposed horizontal anti-discrimination directive is being withdrawn from the 2025 Commission Work Programme has raised serious concerns about transparency and institutional accountability. The proposed law was expected to fill a significant legislative gap and generate benefits for society as a whole by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the EU’s anti-discrimination framework beyond the workplace and promoting more harmonised living standards and free movement in the internal market.

    In June 2024, the Belgian Council Presidency put forward a compromise proposal for a new Council directive on equal treatment, which won the support of a broad majority of Member States after having been blocked in the Council for 16 years. Negotiations on this directive are currently a priority for the Polish Council Presidency.

    Can the Council provide clarification on the following points:

    • 1.Did the Commission notify the Council and the Polish Council Presidency in a timely manner of its intention to withdraw the directive, and what are their views regarding these plans?
    • 2.Can the Council provide a detailed overview of the arguments advanced by the Member States that continue to oppose the proposal (Czechia, Germany and Italy)?
    • 3.In light of the above, what concrete measures do the Council and the Council Presidency plan to take to continue comprehensively addressing discrimination in the EU?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Escalation of violence against Christian minorities in Syria and the need for EU intervention – P-001149/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001149/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Geadis Geadi (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Assita Kanko (ECR), Mario Mantovani (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza (ECR), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Ivaylo Valchev (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Alexandr Vondra (ECR), Kosma Złotowski (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR)

    In recent days, Syria has witnessed a dramatic escalation of violence, particularly in Tartus and Latakia, traditional strongholds of Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that the new Syrian regime’s forces have launched a harsh offensive in these areas, resulting in over 800 deaths, with numerous civilians, women and children among the victims.

    Particularly alarming are the targeted attacks against the Christian community. Testimonies report the killing of a Greek Orthodox priest and entire Christian families in their homes. The patriarchs of the Christian churches in Syria are denouncing a ‘dangerous escalation of violence, torture and killings’ against innocent civilians.

    The leader of the new Syrian regime, Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledged to protect Christian minorities as recently as January 2025. However, the recent wave of violence casts doubt on his actual willingness and ability to uphold these commitments.

    We therefore ask the Commission:

    • 1.What immediate measures does the Commission intend to take to protect Christian communities and other minorities in Syria?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure that EU aid effectively reaches the affected communities?
    • 3.How does the Commission assess the actions of the new Syrian regime and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, with respect to persecuted minorities?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Fernand Kartheiser (ECR)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Addressing problems relating to the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project – E-001111/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001111/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

    Further to my letter of 20 January 2025, addressed to the High Representative and the Commissioner for Energy, concerning the need for EU initiatives to address Turkish acts of provocation that are hampering the implementation of the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), and in view of recent reports in the Greek press, which state that the project promoter (ADMIE) has suspended payments to cable manufacturing and laying company Nexans, leading to the departure of the research vessels from Greece because they have been unable to enter international waters (but within the boundaries of the internationally recognised Greek/European EEZ based on the agreement between Greece and Egypt) for months due to geopolitical reasons (the acts of provocation began in July 2024), can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Concerning risks to the project implementation schedule and the EUR 657 million that has been earmarked or the amount which the CEF has disbursed for the project, are there any, have any been foreseen and are any being addressed?
    • 2.Has the Greek Government informed the Commission of the above developments and, if so, have joint initiatives been taken to protect this strategic European energy infrastructure project (PCI)?
    • 3.Given that the project is ‘encounter[ing] significant implementation difficulties’ and that Cyprus is the only EU Member State that is not connected to the European electricity grid, is the Commission planning on ‘designat[ing] a European coordinator’ (Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869), as it did for the Baltic states?

    Submitted: 14.3.2025

    Last updated: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission meddling in the Romanian presidential election – E-001112/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001112/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE)

    On 11 March 2025, the Romanian Constitutional Court upheld the decision of the Central Electoral Committee barring Romanian presidential hopeful Călin Georgescu – who had come out on top in the first round – from the electoral re-run. As this antidemocratic coup unfolded, the EU proved itself to be anything other than a guardian of democracy; on the contrary, its antidemocratic meddling precipitated the vote’s annulment. For example, shortly after the first round yielded a result it deemed unsavoury, the Commission responded by launching a series of formal proceedings against the video platform TikTok, citing alleged violations of the Digital Services Act. By employing such tactics, the Commission is groundlessly exerting its influence over national elections and undermining the sovereignty of an EU Member State.

    Although free elections are the bedrock of democracy, basic democratic principles are being jettisoned, with disinformation and claims of foreign influence used as a smokescreen. Against such a background, US Vice-President JD Vance was absolutely right to say that Europe has a democratic deficit.

    • 1.What does the Commission make of the Romanian Constitutional Court’s decision to strip an EU citizen – who had triumphed in the first round – of the right to stand for election?
    • 2.Did the Commission exert pressure on Romanian institutions to advance decisions against anti-EU and anti-NATO presidential candidate Georgescu?
    • 3.What specific evidence does the Commission have to justify annulling the vote and barring the candidate in pole position?

    Submitted: 14.3.2025

    Last updated: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Stigmatisation of civil society groups in Greece – E-001113/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001113/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew)

    In the chapter on Greece of the 2024 Rule of Law Report published by the Commission, a number of issues were raised regarding the state of the rule of law in the country and the independence of the judiciary.

    The report indicated that concerns persist in the area of civil society, stressing that the registration of NGOs remains an issue, while a study by the Expert Council on NGO Law drew attention to the stigmatisation and criminalisation of their activities.

    Meanwhile, vulnerable groups, notably minorities, are stigmatised and targeted in Greece, such as NGOs representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace. In a news article published in October 2021 on newsbreak.gr, the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe was stigmatised and discredited with unfounded allegations against it. As a result, the federation opened a claim for damages and the legal process is ongoing.

    • 1.What measures does the Commission intend to take against the serious setbacks in the field of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Greece?
    • 2.What steps can the Commission take to counter the stigmatisation of individuals and NGOs representing the Turkish community in Western Thrace?

    Submitted: 15.3.2025

    Last updated: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Professional recognition of behaviour analysts in Europe – E-001079/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001079/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Magdalena Adamowicz (PPE)

    Current estimates suggest that approximately 15-20 % of children and adults (nine million people) across Europe are neurodiverse, meaning they think and behave differently from the general population. Most of these individuals have autism and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with many also experiencing intellectual disabilities or mental health conditions. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA)-based interventions are associated with demonstrable improvements in overall quality of life for these individuals, especially when provided early in life.

    In the United States, legislation endorsed by the US Surgeon General ensures professionally certified or licensed behaviour analysts provide high-quality ABA services in all 50 US states. In Europe, a significant shortage of training opportunities has created a vacuum where myths and misinformation about ABA abound. The profession is regulated in only two European countries: Czechia and the UK. Professional regulation is the only way to ensure evidence-based practice and protect consumers who would benefit from high-quality ABA services.

    Therefore, I would like to ask the Commission:

    • 1.What practical steps are being taken to support national regulation of the profession with regard to workforce planning?
    • 2.To what extent is the professional recognition and regulation of behaviour analysts supported across Europe to facilitate cross-border mobility?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    Last updated: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lake Trichonida – ‘Energy Centre’ in a Natura area – E-001078/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001078/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Zacharia (NI)

    Lake Trichonida, covering an area of 98.6 square kilometres (km2), is the largest lake in Greece and the ecosystems it hosts have been designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) GR2310009, Special Protection Area (SPA) GR2310013, Important Bird Area (IBA) GR091, Wildlife Refuge (WRF) and Corine Biotope, while it is also in constant interaction with the ecosystems of Panaitoliko, Arakynthos, the mountains of Nafpaktia, the Achelous and Dimikos rivers, the Agrinio plain, Makryneia, the lakes of Amvrakia and Lysimachia, the Ambracian Gulf and the Missolonghi lagoon (Ramsar wetlands), so that any environmental degradation or destruction in one of them will also affect the others.

    Recently, residents have been confronted by the intention of construction companies to convert the lake into an ‘energy centre’ by building more pumped storage units, while an Environmental Impact Study has already been submitted for licensing for the construction of a pumping station project with a capacity of five million cubic metres of water. Such a change will be a springboard for the general degradation of the natural environment of the area, with social and economic implications.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the programme to convert a rare habitat into an ‘energy centre’?
    • 2.What does the Commission intend to do to prevent the destruction of the largest wetland of European and international interest in Greece?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    Last updated: 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Survey confirms Europe’s citizens want the EU to protect them and act in unity

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament’s Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey, released today, highlights historic levels of approval for EU membership linked to peace and security.

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Two thirds of Europeans want the EU to play a greater role in their protection. This is a clear call for action which we will answer. Europe needs to be stronger so that our citizens feel safer. The European Parliament will ensure that every proposal put forward is bold and ambitious enough to match the serious level of threat Europe faces. Europe must step up today, or it risks being stepped over tomorrow.”

    66% of EU citizens want the EU to take a more important role in protecting them against global crises and security risks. This view is particularly strong amongst younger respondents to the survey. At the national level, results for a stronger role of the EU range from 87% in Sweden to 47% in Romania and 44% in Poland.

    Almost three quarters of EU citizens (74%) believe their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. This is the highest result ever recorded in a Eurobarometer survey for this question since it was first asked in 1983. Fitting the current context, respondents mention the EU’s contribution to maintaining peace and strengthening security (35%) as the main reason why membership is considered beneficial.

    In addition, there is wide agreement among EU citizens that EU Member States should be more united to face current global challenges (89%) and that the European Union needs more means to deal with the challenges ahead (76%).

    Citizens expect the EU to strengthen security and defence and to enhance competitiveness

    In a rapidlychanging geopolitical environment, defence and security (36%) as well as competitiveness, economy and industry (32%) are identified as the areas on which the EU should focus most to reinforce its position in the world. These are also the topics that featured high on last week’s European Council with Parliament’s President calling for faster action and bolder ambition. While the results for defence and security have remained stable compared to February/March 2024, those for competitiveness, economy and industry have increased by five points. These two areas are followed by energy independence (27%), food security and agriculture (25%) and education and research (23%).

    Economic and security issues are also at the forefront when it comes to the topics citizens want the European Parliament to address as a priority. Four in ten Europeans mention inflation, rising prices and the cost of living (43%), followed by the EU’s defence and security (31%), the fight against poverty and social exclusion (31%) and support to the economy and the creation of new jobs (29%). Inflation, rising prices and the cost of living is a main priority across all age groups and with peak results recorded in Portugal (57%), France (56%), Slovakia (56%), Croatia (54%) and Estonia (54%).

    As shown by the EP’s previous survey, inflation and the cost of living had already played a major role as a driving force in the last European elections and the economic situation continues to be a main concern for many Europeans. A third (33%) expect their standard of living to decrease in the next five years, seven points more than in June-July 2024. This is the case for 53% of French respondents (+8 pp) and 47% of Germans (+15 pp).

    Peace and democracy remain EU core values

    Looking at the values Europeans would like the European Parliament to defend, peace (45%), democracy (32%) and the protection of human rights in the EU and worldwide (22%) come first. The results for this question have remained stable, underlining citizens steadfast support for the EU’s founding values and principles.

    Two-thirds of citizens support a stronger role for the EP

    As historic trend lines show, in moments of crisis citizens look to the EU for decisive actions and solutions. When the EU is perceived as coming together and delivering results, support indicators are high – which is currently the case.  50% of respondents have a positive image of the EU. In the last decade, this positive perception was only higher once (at 52%), in spring 2022 in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The positive image of the EP is stable at a high level (41%). A few months into the legislative term, over six in ten (62%) citizens would like to see the European Parliament play a more important role, a six- percentage point increase compared to February-March 2024, a few months before the June 2024 European elections.

    Full results can be found here.

    Background   

    The European Parliament’s Winter 2025 Eurobarometer survey was carried out between 09 January and 04 February 2025 in all 27 EU Member States. The survey was conducted face-to-face, with video interviews used additionally in Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Malta, Netherlands, and Sweden. 26.354 interviews were conducted in total and EU results are weighted according to the size of the population in each country.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met officers identify prolific shoplifters who targeted Tesco in Hackney

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two prolific offenders have been identified following a Met Police investigation into shoplifting at a shop in Hackney.

    Officers worked with staff at the Tesco Express, Old Street, Hackney to identify Garvey Powell and Carmen Sinclair. Through analysing CCTV, they linked the pair to more than 30 thefts.

    One officer from the local policing team in Hackney worked a 33-hour shift after the pair were arrested to collate the evidence and secure charges against them.

    Sergeant Adam Hunter, from the Met’s Neighbourhood Policing Team in Haggerston, said:

    “We know shoplifting has a huge impact on businesses and also fuels other crime and anti-social behaviour. We recognise it’s something that Londoners are concerned about and we’re working hard to tackle it. This outcome demonstrates the commitment of officers.

    “This pair’s offending cost Tesco many thousands of pounds in stock and tens of thousands in additional security measures, and we’re pleased our investigation has brought them to justice.”

    Powell was repeatedly seen on CCTV entering the shop with a large bag or rucksack and filling them with bottles of wine. He was regularly assisted by Sinclair. On many occasions, they would steal wine worth hundreds of pounds in under a minute and sometimes targeted the retailer two or three times a day.

    The offences happened between July 2024 and March 2025. Officers viewed more than 40 hours of CCTV footage to identify the offenders. They were arrested at their house on Thursday, 13 March and charged the following day.

    A Tesco spokesperson said:

    “Our colleagues work hard to serve our customers every day, and every member of our team deserves to feel safe at work. We would like to thank all the Police Officers, store teams and our internal security team who have worked collaboratively on this case. We continue to work closely with partners such as the Metropolitan Police to share information and invest in new ways to keep our stores, like the Old St Hackney Express, safe places to work and shop.”

    Garvey Powell, 45 (24.07.79), of Aitken Close, Hackney, pleaded guilty to 19 counts of theft and breach of court bail. He was sentenced at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 March to 9 months’ imprisonment and a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order. One of the conditions bans him from being in possession of a bag or rucksack in Hackney.

    Carmen Sinclair, 47 (21.09.77), of Whiston Road, Hackney, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of theft. She will be sentenced at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 April.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tree planting at Ireby Green Farm provides a boost for biodiversity, business and communities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Tree planting at Ireby Green Farm provides a boost for biodiversity, business and communities

    Ireby Green Farm used their England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) funding to invest in trees for a more sustainable future.

    Ireby Green Farm facts:

    • site: Ireby Green Farm, Cowan Bridge, Carnforth, Lancashire
    • size: 7 hectares of new woodland
    • type: native broadleaf and non-native conifer
    • species: oak, birch, silver birch, alder, beech, Scots pine, Douglas fir and crab apple
    • date planted: 2022
    • grant: England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)

    Main objectives:

    • reduce the farm’s reliance on their sheep enterprise
    • provide a reliable income during a time of uncertainty
    • grow their caravan park

    Trees planted on Ireby Green Farm. Copyright Ireby Green Farm

    Ireby Green Farm is a 35 hectare, family-run farm located in the upper Lune Valley. With access to both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, the farm runs a successful caravan campsite alongside their sheep enterprise of around 150 ewes.

    Despite great success in diversifying their farming operation, the landowner John Welbank was aware that the end of the Basic Payment Scheme would affect his family and business. They began to research other options for diversification and, after exploring funding for woodland creation and organic certification, John decided on tree planting as the next project for the farm.

    Funding a greener future

    In 2022, 7 hectares of native broadleaf woodland with a 20% conifer mix were planted with the help of EWCO. The grant funding included capital items, the cost of planting and supporting the early establishment of the trees, as well as additional contributions including nature recovery, water quality and riparian planting. These stackable payments provide extra support when the design of a new woodland delivers public benefits to nature and the environment. 

    Whilst initially hesitant about the complexity of the scheme, John was pleased to find that the grant was relatively easy to apply for. With the support of EWCO, Ireby Green Farm now proudly boasts 7 hectares of woodland, providing a boost for biodiversity, the business and the local community.

    The benefits of tree planting

    A year after planting, Ireby Green Farm was already seeing the benefits. Neighbours, visitors and the parish council are now making use of permissive footpaths and the environmental boost in the community. The farm has also seen benefits to:

    • biodiversity – kingfishers, hares and other native species are inhabiting the new woodland and surrounding area
    • business – increasing the woodland area has helped to reduce the costs of supporting their sheep enterprise, increasing their gross profit per hectare
    • soil structure – improved structure and nutrient content provided by the tree’s roots and leaf litter from fallen leaves, resulting in better grass coverage and growth, saving on feeding supplements for their sheep
    • flood mitigation – flood mitigation – the trees have helped to reduce nutrient run off, which has meant less inputs into the soil are required

    John is also hoping the planting will successfully offset their carbon, demonstrating the environmental and social credentials of the farm and campsite.

    The tree planting scheme has received additional contributions under EWCO for riparian planting and improving water quality. Copyright Ireby Green Farm

    Managing woodland for long-term success

    Ireby Green Farm has big plans for the woodland; they have planted with timber production in mind to provide another revenue stream for the future of the farm business. After 15-20 years, a portion of softwood can be extracted whilst maintaining the minimum canopy cover required under EWCO. 

    The new woodland also means that John has been able to proceed with plans to expand the caravan park, as the woodland minimises the visual impact from the road. This will increase business for their farm and the local area, providing more capacity for their often-sold-out holiday park.  

    Alongside these benefits, John is pleased that a legacy will be left in the woodland planted. He encourages others to investigate woodland creation as a potential opportunity for their farm.

    John Welbank, Landowner, Ireby Green Farm said:

    Local farmers have had mixed thoughts on planting woodland, but taking a more detailed view of finances and the opportunity trees can bring, is one to be enthusiastic about.

    Top tips

    1. Speak to your Woodland Officer early. Woodland creation can be a confusing process, but starting conversations can be the first step. Woodland Officers are local experts and can help you find useful resources and answer your questions.
    2. Plan a woodland scheme that fits your farm and your objectives. Take time to work out what will work for you as a woodland is a long-term investment.
    3. Invest in tree protection. Using proper tree protection throughout the process can massively reduce replacement and maintenance costs.
    4. Look after your crop. In the same way that you wouldn’t spend £36,000 on a traditional farm crop and then close the gate and walk away, woodland needs to be managed if you want to optimise your outcomes.

    Further information

    For guidance on woodland creation and information on grants and available support, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation: overview.

    Find out how other farmers and landowners are benefitting from woodland creation, visit: Tree planting and woodland creation case studies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: East West Rail services planned to begin this year as Chiltern Railways named operator

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    East West Rail services planned to begin this year as Chiltern Railways named operator

    This milestone will unlock the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and provide greater connectivity across the region.

    • Chiltern Railways named as operator for first East West Rail services later this year   
    • passengers will benefit from better and faster connections between Oxford and Milton Keynes, unlocking job, education and business opportunities
    • forms a critical part of the government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by unleashing the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor

    In a significant step towards boosting connectivity and growth between Oxford and Cambridge, the Rail Minister has today (25 March 2025) named Chiltern Railways as the operator for the first stage of East West Rail. 

    This comes ahead of its planned launch later this year, which will support almost 100 new jobs at Chiltern, boost local economies along the route and see passengers benefit from slashed journey times and better access to jobs, education and business opportunities. 

    When delivered in full, East West Rail is set to generate £6.7 billion of growth per year in Oxford-Cambridge by 2050, bolstering the thriving life science cluster and supporting up to 28,000 jobs in Cambridge alone. 

    Serving 6 stations, the new line will initially link Oxford and Milton Keynes for the first time in nearly 60 years, accelerating the regeneration of town centres and helping build new homes across the full line as part of our Plan for Change. 

    Rail Minister Peter, Lord Hendy, said: 

    Appointing Chiltern Railways to run the first East West Rail services is one of the crucial last steps in getting the line up and running later this year and means local people in the area are closer to experiencing the benefits of this transformative project. 

    This milestone demonstrates that we are serious about unlocking the potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, providing greater connectivity across the region and delivering on our Plan for Change mission to drive economic growth.

    A brand-new station at Winslow will reconnect the town to the rail network for the first time since the 1960s, with trains also stopping at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village and a revamped Bletchley station along the new line. 

    Chiltern will manage the newly constructed station in Winslow, opening up better employment opportunities, easier access to public services and reduced reliance on road travel. 

    Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said:

    The first stage of East West Rail will provide fast, direct train services between Oxford and Milton Keynes and we are delighted that Chiltern has been announced as operator.  

    Chiltern has a proud track record of delivering new services and infrastructure, including our London to Oxford connections and introduction of new stations at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village.  

    We are looking forward to carrying customers on this exciting new route which is set to make a critical contribution to the UK’s economic growth.

    David Hughes, CEO of East West Railway Co, said: 

    This is a huge milestone which will allow Chiltern Railways to deliver a much-needed rail service linking the dynamic cities of Oxford and Milton Keynes, providing new opportunities for commuters and leisure travellers alike. 

    This is the first part of East West Rail’s vision to extend services to Bedford and Cambridge, which will transform connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.

    The announcement comes following a 10-week consultation period giving local people the chance to shape the second and third stages of East West Rail, which will see the line reaching Bedford from 2030 and Cambridge from the mid-2030s. 

    This outlined the government’s aim for trains to be powered on the route with greener traction and hybrid battery-electric trains, which would result in cleaner and faster journeys for passengers. 

    Gary Walsh, Route Director for West Coast South at Network Rail said: 

    We’re delighted by today’s announcement, which is fantastic news for passengers who will soon benefit from the new journey opportunities that East West Rail provides between Milton Keynes and Oxford.

    Following completion of major construction, which included installing 70km of new track, 17 brand new bridges and a modern signalling system, we’re working closely with our partners at Chiltern Railways and the DfT ahead of passenger services starting later this year.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland youngsters creating opportunity for play in Dalneigh

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Young people from Dalneigh Youth Club have designed an extension to Hawthorn Drive play park as part of a community-driven project in Dalneigh. Funded by The Highland Council and Dalneigh and Columba Community Council, the project has brought local community groups together with youth club members to create a new play area for teenagers.

    Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie, said: “Play is fundamental to the wellbeing and development of children of all ages in communities across the Highlands and this project is a fantastic example of a community-led collaboration. The views of children and young people should be valued when developing play parks in their local areas and by investing in these community assets we can support young people with their physical health, mental wellbeing and future development.”

    The projected was supported by local ward members from Ward 14 Inverness Central who congratulated the youth club members and community organisations for their commitment to the project and creating an opportunity to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors.

    Led by Dalneigh Youth Leader, Shannon Kelly and Highland Council staff, Dalneigh Youth Club members took part in workshops to design an additional play area and select new equipment including a climbing frame with monkey bars and nets, a hammock and a zipline, which is due to be installed in summer 2025. Dalneigh Playpark Association also supported the project.

    Barry Kane, Chair of Dalneigh and Columba Community Council, said: “We’re delighted to have supported the consultations and planning for the second phase of the Hawthorn Drive play park. We are sure this will be an excellent and well-used facility and we’re extremely grateful for the support of local ward members and Highland Council staff who have provided invaluable support, and for the enthusiasm, creative ideas and input of the Dalneigh Youth Club members.”

    Dalneigh Youth Club Leader, Shannon Kelly, said: “This extension will be a welcome addition to the park which is often used by the young people who attend the youth club and have been very enthusiastic during the process of choosing which equipment should be installed. Teenagers are often excluded from good old-fashioned play with many play areas catering to younger children, so this has been a great opportunity for young voices to be heard on a decision that will directly impact them in their local community.”

    A member of Dalneigh Youth Club said: “It felt very good to be asked about what we want to see at the park, and I am excited about the climbing frame. I liked that we had options, and I felt like my voice mattered.”

    Dalneigh Youth Club is a free club for young people living in the Inverness High School catchment area. The club runs on Wednesday nights in James Cameron Community Centre from 6-7pm for P6-S2 and 7.15-8.45pm for S3+.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report on Statutory Performance Indicators to be scrutinised by Highland councillors

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of The Highland Council are to be presented with the Annual Report of Statutory Performance Indicators, Benchmarking and Best Value for financial year 2034/24 when they meet on Thursday, 27 March 2025. 

    Leader of the Council, Cllr Raymond Bremner thanked staff for their continued efforts to support service improvements. He said: “I am pleased to see improvement across a number of areas of the Council including those that support the vulnerable in our communities, especially for children and young people, and in Housing Benefit and Council Tax services.” 

    Convener of the Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: “It is encouraging to see the overall evidence of improvement in the Council’s key performance indicators when compared to what was reported at the same time last year. These results are evidence of the positive impact that our services can have on our communities such as the increase of community payback order supervision and the reduction in the time taken to process homelessness applications.” 

    The report explains that data is currently available for analysis of 70 indicators out of a total 81. Fifty five (79%) of the 70 indicators analysed are on target or within agreed performance threshold. This compares to a 2% increase on target or within threshold as reported at the same time last year. 

    Statutory Performance Indicators (SPIs) are locally determined and are drawn from local performance indicators (LPI) and the Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) indicators used in the Council’s Performance Plan. 

    There are 34 SPIs which the Council considers to be Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).  KPIs provide a high-level overview of the Council’s performance overall and are selected considering their weighting in terms of evidencing effective service delivery of key Council functions. 

    The performance analysis available for 27 of the Council’s KPIs in 2023/24 shows that 85% are on target or within the performance threshold. 

    Some of the key areas of improvement to be highlighted to councillors are: 

    Children’s Services:  

    Adult Services: 

    Corporate Services: 

    Business Development Services: 

    Housing Services: 

    Cultural and Leisure Services:

    The Council’s Performance Plan sets out its strategic and operational priorities along with relevant Local Government Benchmarking Framework indicators and targets to monitor progress, with the Council’s Delivery Plan being a key mechanism through which the priorities are delivered. These LGBF indicators along with locally determined indicators are now the focus of the Council’s SPI reporting.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for targeted energy bill support

    Source: Scottish Government

    Working group proposals put to UK Government

    The Scottish Government has called on UK Government ministers to urgently deliver a targeted energy bill discount to protect customers in greatest need and drive down high fuel poverty rates.

    The final report of the Social Tariff Working Group – comprising energy suppliers, consumer and fuel poverty groups and disabled people’s organisations – published today, recommends targeted energy bill support to address the issue of unaffordable bills, plus a move beyond determining eligibility based on receipt of benefits.

    The group concluded that support applied automatically to eligible households, using metrics based on a combination of household income, medical need and rurality would have a positive impact. 

    Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan said:

    “High energy prices remain the single greatest driver of fuel poverty in Scotland, and we have taken various steps – within the limits of our devolved powers – aimed at raising household incomes and improving energy efficiency. We have reinstated the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners; we have increased funding for Warmer Homes Scotland by £20 million, helping around 1,500 more households save on energy bills; and we have committed a further £20 million for the Scottish Welfare Fund to support the most vulnerable people.

    “However, this is not enough to drive down stubbornly high fuel poverty rates and energy prices continue to rise. Targeted bill support is urgently needed to ensure that consumers are protected against high costs at source and can afford all their energy needs.

    “We have worked very productively with energy providers and advice groups to come up with a deliverable scheme, and the final report demonstrates clear consensus on the way forward. However, the fundamental levers to make a difference are with the UK Government.

    “Existing one-off flat rate rebates are insufficient and are not a long-term solution, and the UK Government must urgently deliver a unit rate discount, with the level of discount proportionate to need. The outputs from our group must act as a foundation and mainstay of a revised strategy, providing a signal of intent and leadership by the UK Government in tackling fuel poverty at source.”

    The group considered fuel eligibility, consumer eligibility and data, level and form of support, and funding, as well as feedback from frontline advisers and campaigners.

    Its conclusions differ from previous models which would have meant moving customers on to a different tariff, thereby removing them from the competitive market and from other means of saving money.

    Background

    Energy: Social Tariff Working Group – gov.scot

    Letter to UK Government Energy Consumers Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s Youth Justice Service praised for ‘strong performance’

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It has been moved into Quadrant 1 – the top group – of the Youth Justice Oversight Framework and has been commended for the way it continually focuses on the needs of the children, families and the communities it serves.

    The multi agency Youth Justice Service, formerly known as the Youth Offending Team, works with children aged 10 to 18 who are involved in the criminal justice system, from early stages of intervention in pre-court disposals to intensive orders and custodial sentences.

    It also prepares reports that are used by the courts to help them sentence young people, and works with the victims of crime to, where possible, facilitate the process of mediation and to repair the harm caused.

    In a letter to the City of Wolverhampton Council, Louise Wood, Director of Operations North, Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, said: “This change is in recognition of the strong performance your service has demonstrated, including decreasing first time entrants and custody rates, your proactive and committed Management Board and your inclusive approach and contributions to regional initiatives.

    “The Youth Justice Board commends you on the way in which you continually focus on the needs of the children, families and the communities you serve.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This is a really important endorsement by the Youth Justice Board of the excellent work which is being undertaken by our Youth Justice Service.

    “It works hard to balance the wellbeing of young people who have offended with managing risk to the community. Central to its approach and intervention is the understanding of what the young people may have experienced in their lives, and a focus on trauma informed practice which balances the need to create boundaries for their behaviour with the need to prevent reoffending and the need to protect people from harm.”

    The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales has a statutory responsibility to oversee the operation of the youth justice system and a specific function to monitor its operation and the provision of youth justice services.

    The Youth Justice Oversight Framework explains how this monitoring function is fulfilled and reinforces putting children at the heart of the system and achieving better outcomes for them.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Northern Ireland Open Judo Open is back at the Foyle Arena

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Northern Ireland Open Judo Open is back at the Foyle Arena

    25 March 2025

    An international field of judoka from across the UK and Europe will join the cream of local players when the Northern Ireland Judo Open returns to the Foyle Arena next month on Saturday 12th and Sunday April 13th.  
    The tournament, which has a new sponsor for 2025 in the form of SmartPayNI, will see hundreds of judoka descend on the Waterside venue.
    SmartPayNI deliver payment solutions to businesses and have added the capability to pay by card for those attending this year’s tournament.
    Excitement is building for the Open already and Steve Setterfield, Area Leisure Manager for Derry City and Strabane District Council said they were delighted to again host the prestigious event.
    “The team at the Foyle Arena are delighted to welcome the SmartPayNI Northern Ireland Open back in April 2025,” he said.
    “The event has been a resounding success since the centre opened back in 2015 and it now forms an important part of our events calendar.
    “We would like to wish all the competitors the very best of luck.
    “We’ll see you next month!”
    Russell Brown, Chairman for Northern Ireland Judo added: “There’s always a buzz around the Open, the fact that competitors are looking to qualify for further events, the homegrown talent testing their mettle against those across the water and the high level of competition always draws excitement.
    “It’s fantastic to welcome SmartPayNI to the team this year, and we’d like to thank them for their input and support for the event.”
    Marc McLaughlin, Sales Director from SmartPayNI said:
    “SmartPayNI are proud to be sponsoring partners of the Northern Ireland Judo Open we are always keen on supporting the growth of local sport.”
    The SmartPayNI Open is ready for entries, and you can find out more about the event here – https://www.nijudo.com/events/calendar
    To learn more out more about services at the Foyle Arena visit derrystrabaneleisure.com/foyle-arena email [email protected] or call 028 71 376555 and to find your nearest Judo club, log on to www.nijudo.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Repair & Share Foyle awarded £188,094 to tackle waste

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Repair & Share Foyle awarded £188,094 to tackle waste

    25 March 2025

    Repair & Share Foyle has successfully secured £188,094 to tackle waste through three key repairing and sharing initiatives, Tech Connect, Fixing Factory & RePaint.

    Repair & Share Foyle is supported by The National Lottery Communities Fund through the ‘People and Communities’ grant to launch more ‘repairing & sharing’ initiatives.

    These projects will actively engage local residents across the Derry City & Strabane District Council area to tackle the growing problem of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and waste paint. Through community engagement programmes, skills-based workshops and wider business development, the community interest company (C.I.C) plans to collaborate with a broad range of participants, community organisations and businesses to develop circular economy solutions.

    Welcoming the news, Managing Director, Caroline McGuinness-Brooks, said: “Working towards an authentic circular economy at the local level requires forward thinking, collaboration and innovation. Our volunteer led team has demonstrated that we are leaders in grassroots sustainability solutions. This funding award is our first significant leap forward as a young non profit and we’re confident that we’ll make a positive impact, tackling waste streams collectively with our community.”

    For the first time since starting their repair cafes back in 2022, the team will now employ three permanent members of staff to take the C.I.C to the next level. They will scale up their existing laptop campaign, via ‘Tech Connect’, training volunteers and residents with new repair skills and understandings of supply chains and material recovery. Their ‘Fixing Factory’ model will enable the group to expand their current repair cafe capacities, beyond monthly pop ups.

    Ever wanted to learn how to fix household electricals yourself? This is where the fixing factory comes in, with workshops for schools, residents, and businesses interested in repair culture. Additionally, these projects will continue to advocate for the ‘Right to Repair’ movement where legislation and policy change is required to make repair more accessible and affordable for everyone. A ‘Waste Electrical & Electronic Coordinator’ will spearhead these projects.

    Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Congratulations to Repair and Share Foyle on their £188,094 National Lottery grant. We look forward to seeing the difference this project will make to support local people to repair and re-use, creating a more sustainable community, and reducing the effect of the cost-of-living crisis.

    “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are continuing to deliver on our strategy, ‘It starts with community’, with several programmes open for applications to support those in need.”

    Derry City & Strabane Council and Council works closely with Repair & Share Foyle on a number of waste reduction initiatives, and Council’s Climate Programme Manager, Cathy Burns, said: “E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world and processing of waste paint costs the taxpayer significantly as local authorities have a statutory obligation to manage waste. Social enterprises like Repair & Share Foyle are vital in developing the circular economy, keeping valuable resources in circulation.”

    After securing £4000 capital costs from the SSE energy fund in 2024 to remanufacture waste paint, Repair & Share Foyle are delighted to now have funding in place from the National Lottery to create a ‘Paint & Innovation Technician’ role, which will be advertised in the coming weeks.

    Caroline McGuinness-Brooks said she was looking forward to expanding their team. “As an accredited real living wage employer, we expect to receive plenty of applications for the job postings, and will be ensuring that our first team of staff will set precedent for the future of jobs within Repair & Share Foyle. This is a really exciting time to join our team.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bruised Orange: A Tribute to John Prine Live at The Alley Theatre

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Bruised Orange: A Tribute to John Prine Live at The Alley Theatre

    25 March 2025

    The music of John Prine will be brought to life at the Alley Theatre in Strabane this Saturday night (29th March).

    Bruised Orange, named after one of Prine’s iconic songs, is set to deliver an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of one of folk and Americana’s most beloved singer-songwriters.

    John Prine, known for his unique blend of wit, wisdom, and storytelling, has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Bruised Orange captures the essence of Prine’s work, bringing his songs to life with the same raw emotion and craftsmanship that defined his career. From ‘Angel from Montgomery’ to ‘Sam Stone’, Bruised Orange will perform a collection of Prine’s most cherished songs,

    Bruised Orange brings together a talented group of musicians from Co Meath who share a deep admiration for Prine’s music, and their live performances are known for their warmth, sincerity, and sense of community. Whether you’re a long-time fan of John Prine or discovering his music for the first time, Saturday night at the Alley promises to be full of unforgettable moments.

    Tickets are £20 available from the Alley Theatre website: www.alley-theatre.com or call the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council wants public to have their say on Improvement Objectives

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council wants public to have their say on Improvement Objectives

    25 March 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council is seeking the views of the public to its recently published draft Performance Improvement Objectives for 2025/26.

    Part 12 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014 legally requires Council to produce a Performance Improvement Plan, (setting out Improvement Objectives), that strives towards continuous improvement in the quality of life of its citizens.

    The Council is keen to get the views of the public on the proposed Improvement Objectives and to find out what alternatives they would like considered.

    The draft objectives include promoting healthy lifestyles by achieving greater participation in leisure, sport and physical activities, as well as a commitment to create a greener, cleaner and more attractive district and improved customer support services and are set out on our website at https://derrystrabane.uk.engagementhq.com/consultation-on-draft-performance-objectives-2025-2026.

    Encouraging the public to take part in the consultation, Derry City and Strabane District Council Chief Executive John Kelpie said public feedback on the draft objectives is essential in helping the Council improve its services and identifying issues that are important to the people across the entire City and District.

    “Derry City and Strabane District Council is firmly committed to delivering on continuous improvement,” he stressed. “This consultation process is important in gauging opinion that in turn helps us bring about improvements across all areas of our work. We look forward to hearing the views and opinions of the public and would encourage everyone to view the plan and provide their feedback.”

    Feedback can be submitted by via the survey link-  https://derrystrabane.uk.engagementhq.com/consultation-on-draft-performance-objectives-2025-2026

    Alternatively you can email [email protected]  with your comments or contact the Council by phone at 028 71 253253 ext 4266.

    The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Wednesday 22nd May 2025.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool residents invited to a day of wellbeing and community support

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Residents in a Liverpool community are coming together for an inspiring event designed to promote well-being, reduce social isolation and connect people with local services.

    The event will take place at Wavertree Aquatics Centre on Wednesday, 26th March 2025, from 10 – 3pm.

    With more than 16 organisations participating, including Age Concern, LCC Adult Services, Primary Care Network, House of Memories Bus, Love Wavertree, Riverside Housing, and many more, people who come along will have access to:

    • free blood pressure checks
    • housing advice
    • benefits support

    The meeting will also provide residents with connections to local services that tackle issues such as social isolation, dementia, and mental health challenges.

    These services aim to improve wellbeing, and ensure that everyone in the community has access to the support they need.

    Residents can also take part in interactive activities that will bring people closer, including shared reading sessions with The Reader, pickleball, and cardio tennis at Wavertree Tennis Centre.

    The event is a collaboration between the City Council and local organisations, all working together to strengthen community support networks and ensure residents have access to vital services.

    Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, said: “This event is more than just services. It’s about people, connection, and belonging.

    “We want to ensure that everyone in Wavertree feels supported and empowered, and we invite all residents to come along, meet new people, and find out what’s available to them.”

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