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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 19 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this evening.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy this evening and stressed the need for everyone to work together. 

    The Prime Minister expressed his support for President Zelenskyy as Ukraine’s democratically elected leader and said that it was perfectly reasonable to suspend elections during war time as the UK did during World War II. 

    The Prime Minister reiterated his support for the US-led efforts to get a lasting peace in Ukraine that deterred Russia from any future aggression.

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    Published 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Somalia successfully kick-starts its WTO accession process

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Somalia successfully kick-starts its WTO accession process

    Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama led the high-level delegation in Geneva. Several government officials from a wide range of ministries and agencies joined virtually from Mogadishu. Mr Jama said that Somalia’s first Working Party meeting marks “a historic moment in the country’s journey toward economic recovery, integration into the global trading system, and the realization of the nation’s aspirations for sustainable development and prosperity.
    “Somalia today is a nation on the rise, one that departed with the challenges of the past and has keenly focused on a prosperous future. Our government, under the leadership of His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud, has indeed embarked on very transformational changes,” he said.
    “For Somalia, WTO membership is not merely an end goal but a vital mechanism to achieve sustainable economic growth, attract investment, and create meaningful opportunities for our people. We are dedicated to aligning our trade policies with global standards, enhancing institutional capacity, and ensuring that our economic transformation is inclusive and equitable, benefiting all segments of society,” he added.
    Sadiq Abdikarim Haji Ibrahim, WTO Chief Trade Negotiator, recognized WTO accession as a rigorous process requiring transparency, policy coherence, and sustained engagement. He said that Somalia approaches this process with openness and a constructive spirit. “We are ready to work closely with WTO members to address concerns, provide necessary clarifications, and reaffirm our commitment to a rules-based trading system,” he stated.
    WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang highlighted Somalia’s strong political will and commitment to moving the accession process forward. “Today is a historical moment for Somalia, but it is just the beginning of a journey where I am sure Somalia will make its own history, as Comoros and Timor-Leste did recently. They are both least developed countries and fragile and conflict-affected states, who can serve as a good model and inspiration for Somalia.” His statement is available here.
    The Chair of the Working Party on the Accession of Somalia, Ambassador Nina Tornberg of Sweden, stated that Somalia has advanced technical work and stepped up its political engagement in the past few years, recalling her meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in June 2024.
    She added that the Working Party noted Somalia’s strong commitment to economic integration, both at the multilateral and regional level. “As Somalia joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2024, it is crucial to ensure coordination at all levels between EAC membership and WTO accession, to enable Somalia to focus on priority reforms and reinforce its economic resilience,” she said.
    Members welcomed Somalia’s renewed commitment to joining the WTO, emphasizing the importance of the accession for the country’s integration into global trade and for its stability. Delegations acknowledged Somalia’s constraints as an LDC and committed to supporting Somalia’s accession process. Members said they are looking forward to discussing Somalia’s efforts to align its regulations with WTO rules, while providing support and guidance throughout the accession process.
    Moving forward, Ambassador Tornberg invited the WTO Secretariat to prepare a Factual Summary of Points Raised based on the exchanges held, which will guide the continued examination of Somalia’s trade regime. Somalia was requested to submit a comprehensive set of negotiating inputs before the next Working Party meeting. The Chair said that, given Somalia’s interest in advancing its accession process, the aim would be for the next meeting to take place towards the end of the year, subject to the availability of the required inputs.
    The Working Party meeting took place immediately before the 4th edition of the Trade for Peace Week, which has featured several sessions focused on Somalia and has discussed the private sector’s role for sustainable peace and stability.  
    The Working Party meeting was followed on 18 February by a Round Table on Technical Assistance for Somalia’s WTO Accession. The round table was attended by several members and developing partners, including the East African Community Secretariat, the European Investment Fund (EIF), the International Trade Centre (ITC), UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Bank, which provide capacity-building support to Somalia. The discussions aimed at presenting Somalia’s accession-related needs in terms of technical assistance and capacity building and coordinating available and future support.
    Background
    Somalia has the longest coastline on the African continent and a population of approximately 18 million. With an economy highly dependent on livestock production, the government has committed itself over recent years to developing key sectors of the Somali economy, with special emphasis on economic enablers such as energy, transportation and financial markets.
    Somalia submitted its application for WTO accession, signed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in December 2015 during the 10th Ministerial Conference (MC10) in Nairobi, Kenya. The General Council established the Working Party on 7 December 2016. Somalia was a central part of the g7+ WTO Accessions Group launch during the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in 2017, inspiring the vision for the creation of the Trade for Peace Programme.
    More information on this accession is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New UN Mediator for Libya — Tenth in 14 Years — Must Avoid Past Failures, Delegate Warns Security Council

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    UN Political Chief Says Libyans’ Dream Unfulfilled after February Revolution 14 Years Ago

    Libya’s leaders and security actors are prioritizing political and personal gain over national interests, the United Nations’ top political official told the Security Council today, as the country’s delegate blamed proxy wars for its instability.

    Fourteen years on since the 17 February 2011 Revolution in Libya, “the dream of a civil, democratic and prosperous Libya remains unfulfilled” due to “entrenched divisions, economic mismanagement, continued human rights violations and competing domestic and external interests”, said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.  Highlighting efforts by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to revive the political process, she noted the establishment of an Advisory Committee comprising legal and constitutional experts to provide proposals supporting efforts towards holding national elections.

    Pointing to the lack of progress on a unified budget or an agreed spending framework, as well as disagreement over the leadership of the Libyan Audit Bureau, she said it is critical to support the Central Bank’s efforts to stabilize the financial situation.  The dispute over the position of President of the High Council of State remains unresolved.  “Politicization and political divisions are also hindering progress on national reconciliation,” she said, noting that amendments to a draft law on that topic have raised concerns over the independence of a future National Reconciliation Commission.

    Following successful local elections in 56 municipalities in November 2024, the High National Elections Commission is preparing for the next 63 elections.  “Funding from the Government is crucial to enable the High National Elections Commission to implement this next phase of municipal council elections,” she stressed.  On the security front, the activities of non-State and quasi-State armed actors continue to pose a threat to Libya’s fragile stability, she said, noting that the 2020 Ceasefire Agreement has only been partially implemented.

    She also expressed concern about the continuing trend of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances across Libya.  Drawing attention to “the alarming and tragic discovery of mass graves” earlier this month in north-east and south-east Libya, she said:  “This is yet another reminder of the urgent need to protect migrants and combat human trafficking.”  Calling for support to the 2025 Libyan chapter of the Sudan Refugee Regional Response Plan, which requires $106 million, she urged Council members to support the newly appointed Special Representative Hanna Tetteh, who will be taking up her functions in Tripoli on 20 February.

    In December 2024, a senior UN official announced a new UN-mediated process aimed at breaking the political deadlock — marked by the presence of rival Governments — and facilitating elections.  (See Press Release SC/15938.)

    Libya Battleground for Proxy Wars

    Libya’s delegate, who spoke at the end of today’s meeting, pointed out that Ms. Tetteh will be the tenth Special Representative of the Secretary-General assigned to his country in 14 years, calling this “a record”.  The Council must reflect on whether this indicates a “problem” with the imposition of solutions, UN mechanisms or the officials themselves.  He added:  “We hope that she will harness the lessons from the past and will not repeat the same misgivings by trying the same things and expecting different results.”  He also raised several concerns about the Advisory Committee established by UNSMIL, including whether it was expected to put forward a single proposal or numerous proposals, and how exactly political stakeholders would contribute to this process.

    “My country has become a ground for the settlement of disputes” in proxy wars, he said, adding that it is influenced by instability in the region, including “political and security-based changes”.  However, he pointed out, the recent holding of municipal elections around the country is a good example of Libya’s ability to ensure electoral processes where there is support and political will.  Any reconciliation must be based “on transitional justice, on accountability, on truth and on redress and compensation”, he stressed, while reiterating a request for the removal of individuals on the Sanctions List for humanitarian reasons or if their “listing was erroneous, or because their file was used to further political friction”.

    Many Council members welcomed the establishment of the Advisory Committee and the appointment of the new Special Representative as positive steps towards relaunching the political process.

    The representative of the United States said Ms. Tetteh’s prior experience in Sudan and South Sudan can inform her approach in Libya.  A political solution is the path to long-term stability, and time is of the essence, she said, noting “destabilizing activities from external actors” and the need for “east-west security integration”. Recalling the visit of a delegation from her country to Libya, she urged all parties to reach agreement on a unified budget to end persistent conflicts over revenue-sharing.

    The Russian Federation’s delegate expressed hope that the new Special Representative will adopt an impartial approach, informed by a sober assessment of the political climate.  Ms. Tetteh will have the difficult task of redressing imbalance and revitalizing UN mediation efforts, he said.  This month marks the fourteenth anniversary since the “egregious Western intervention and the virtual destruction of Libyan Statehood”, he observed, adding:  “The collapse of the country took place and is ongoing to this date.”

    Updating Sanctions Regime

    The United Kingdom’s delegate welcomed the recent adoption of new designation criteria for the UN sanctions regime to hold those exploiting Libyan crude oil and petroleum accountable and help to safeguard its resources.  “Until a unifying political agreement is achieved in Libya, it will be impossible to unlock its great potential,” she added.  (See Press Release SC/15967.)  Along similar lines, France’s delegate said:  “Libyan money needs to benefit the Libyan people”, adding that a unified budget and a unified Government go hand in hand.  Such a Government, capable of organizing presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible, is crucial.

    “Good-faith engagement and demonstrating compromise” will be essential in overcoming all outstanding, contentious issues, Slovenia’s speaker advised, adding that the political process must include Libyans from all walks of life, with women and young people.  Denmark’s delegate added:  “No woman should fear reprisals as a consequence of political engagement — neither online, nor offline.”  Further, organizations promoting women’s rights should be able to operate freely.

    The representative of Panama acknowledged the enormous political challenges in Libya, where “the crisis has fragmented the social fabric and institutions in the country”, as he expressed support for efforts to hold elections representing different factions of Libyan society.  Greece’s delegate pointed out that stability in Libya remains key for the region, and even more so for immediate neighbours like his own country which are impacted by the significant increase of irregular migration flows.

    Communications between East-West Security Institutions

    On security, the representative of Pakistan highlighted the reported agreement between Eastern and Western security institutions to establish a joint centre for communication and information exchange.  Noting that these are preliminary steps, he added:  “This will need a well-defined comprehensive peacebuilding and reconciliation strategy”.  Also welcoming the establishment of the joint centre for border security, the representative of the Republic of Korea noted that efforts to unify military institutions will be essential for strengthening Libya’s security.  Calling on “foreign Powers” to refrain from providing arms to Tripoli “for their narrow geopolitical interests”, he said that those weapons destabilize the broader region and bolster terrorism.

    Several speakers echoed the need to avoid external interference and respect the leadership of the Libyan people.  The representative of Guyana, also speaking for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, said the Advisory Committee’s proposals are meant to foster further consultations between UNSMIL and the relevant Libyan decision makers and stakeholders.  She called for “careful attention to how this work is undertaken, so that it “avoids creating any additional challenges”.  She also expressed concern about the lack of progress in convening national elections.

    The representative of China, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity, stressed the need to avoid undue external interference, while Libya is on the path to elections and national reconciliation.  UNSMIL must strengthen its communication with Libyan parties and put forward practical proposals, he said, hoping that the Special Representative will advance the political process.  The Mission should monitor the ceasefire, he said, noting that improving the security situation and fighting the crime trajectory are imperative.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament and member states agree on new support plan for Moldova

    Source: European Parliament 3

    EU member states and MEPs have agreed on essential improvements to a new support facility for Moldova, focusing on better financing and democratic oversight.

    Negotiators from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have reached a provisional agreement on Wednesday on the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova. The Facility aims to support Moldova in facing significant challenges, notably to mitigate the profound impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on Moldova’s security, economy, and citizens’ livelihoods and to strengthen its resilience against the ongoing and unprecedented hybrid attacks and foreign malign interference targeting the country and democratic processes and institutions.

    Key improvements:

    Increased grant-based support: Negotiators agreed to allocate €520 million in grants – a €100 million increase compared to initial proposals – alongside €1.5 billion in low-interest loans. This adjustment ensures Moldova can implement reforms without unsustainable debt accumulation.

    Accelerated funding access: The Facility provides 18% pre-financing, up from 7% originally, of total support, enabling rapid deployment of resources to address energy security, anti-corruption infrastructure, and public service modernisation.

    Administrative capacity building: A dedicated 20% of grant funds will strengthen Moldova’s institutions through digital governance systems, civil service training, and judicial reforms – prerequisites for effective EU fund management.

    Reinforced oversight framework: To ensure full parliamentary scrutiny the agreement establishes a Dialogue between Parliament and the Commission to review implementation progress regularly.

    Also agreed was to make available additional voluntary contributions in the form of external assigned revenue from other donors such as international financing organisations for further financial support to Moldova, and that the Facility shall not support activities or measures which undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.

    Quotes

    Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania), co-rapporteur for the Committee on Budgets: “With a €200 million increase in pre-financing and €100 million in total allocations, we are mobilizing enhanced immediate support to assist Moldova in advancing reforms, accelerating its European integration, and countering the economic and energy repercussions of Russian aggression. This ambitious agreement underscores Europe’s capacity to respond decisively to escalating geopolitical challenges.”

    Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia), co-rapporteur for the Committee on Foreign Affairs: “This Facility underscores our commitment to Moldova’s EU accession journey and supports the country in undertaking necessary reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance energy security, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of its citizens. Raising the grant component to 20.5% and the pre-financing rate to 18% secures €520 million in non-repayable support for Moldova and ensures rapid access to funding.”

    Next steps

    The provisional agreement will be submitted to Parliament’s plenary (March) and the Council for final approval.

    Background

    Between 2025 and 2027, the maximum resources to be made available to Moldova through the Facility will amount to €1.785 billion (in current prices). This includes up to €1.5 billion in concessional loans and €385 million in non-repayable financial support. Additionally, €135 million will be set aside to provision the loans.

    The Reform and Growth Facility is part of a broader EU Growth Plan for Moldova aimed at doubling its economy within a decade while fostering socio-economic stability. The facility is modelled after similar initiatives in other EU candidate regions, such as the Western Balkans Facility, representing a significant step forward in Moldova’s path toward EU membership.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU financing for the International Planned Parenthood Federation – E-000629/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000629/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Carlo Ciccioli (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR)

    According to the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, in recent years, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has received large sums from the Commission: EUR 599 000 in 2022, EUR 875 987 in 2023, EUR 875 776 in 2024 and EUR 919 101.60 in 2025, which comes to a total of EUR 3 269 864.60[1].

    Those figures give cause for concern: the IPPF has been involved in a number of scandals in recent years. In 2015, an undercover investigation revealed that some managers discussed the sale of foetal tissue from late abortions, including cases where foetuses would have been born alive[2]. Subsequently, in 2024, further videos came to light showing similar conversations between senior IPPF officials[3]. What is more, in 2025, an IPPF chapter in Florida was accused of breaching tax laws, offering working space to the Harris-Walz presidential campaign[4].

    Concerns are therefore being raised about how EU funds allocated to the IPPF are being used. In the light of the above:

    • 1.What steps will the Commission take to ensure that EU funds are not used for controversial or potentially illegal lobbying by the IPPF?
    • 2.Has it carried out thorough checks on the use of the funding allocated to the IPPF and if so, what were the results?
    • 3.Is it willing to suspend or review its allocating of funding to the IPPF?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    • [1] https://agendaeurope.wordpress.com/2025/02/06/outrageous-the-eus-most-aggressive-baby-slaughtering-lobby-receives-80-of-its-budget-directly-from-the-european-commission/.
    • [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZr7rzVwEnw.
    • [3] https://nypost.com/2024/08/08/us-news/undercover-video-allegedly-shows-planned-parenthood-scandal/.
    • [4] https://nypost.com/2025/01/14/us-news/planned-parenthood-chapter-gave-harris-campaign-workspace-breaking-tax-law-irs-complaint/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Calviño’s interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Interview by Matthias Kolb and Alexander Mühlauer (Süddeutschen Zeitung)

    Nadia Calviño is President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the largest promotional bank in the world. On behalf of the EU Member States, it is tasked with ensuring stability through investments within and beyond the European Union. So it’s little wonder that the former Deputy Prime Minister of Spain would attend the 61st Munich Security Conference. Shortly before the event, Calviño visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, signing investment agreements totalling around  €1 billion. Before beginning her interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the 56-year-old wanted to get one thing straight, right from the start: Europe must realise that we are at a turning point in history.

    Something seems to have ruptured between the United States and the European Union. Trump is talking with Putin about the future of Ukraine, without the EU at the table. The US Secretary of Defense says that America will no longer guarantee security in Europe. And US Vice President J.D. Vance says the greatest risk for Europe is not Russia or China, but the alleged internal threat to freedom of expression. How shocked are you by this?

    Calviño: I’m not shocked, or even surprised. I was certain we would see a fundamental change in transatlantic relations. We Europeans need to remember where our strengths lie, stand up for our interests and defend the rules-based world order from which we have benefited so richly over the past 80 years. And the Americans even more so.

    Isn’t the new US government threatening to destroy this world order?

    I am convinced that good transatlantic relations are strategically important for both sides. We must work to create a new foundation for them. In such turbulent times, it is more important than ever for Europe to stand for stability and reliability – not just within our own borders, but also for the rest of the world. That Europe should do even more to uphold a rules-based world order is something I hear often from our partners across the globe.

    But again, do the United States pose a risk to the global order?

    It is in their interest to preserve the things that have made America great. Institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund or the World Trade Organization, which we founded together. That’s one reason the US dollar is a global reserve currency. There are many win-win situations to be had from working together, and with Europe. But the most important thing is for us to accept that the world of tomorrow is very different from the world of yesterday.

    “We are at a turning point in history.”

    The European Investment Bank is the world’s largest promotional bank. As its president, what can you do to help Europe stand the test of time in this new world?

    We are at a crucial moment in history. And at a turning point in the geopolitical order. The future will depend on the decisions we make today, and every decision counts.

    What does that mean exactly?

    Since I joined the EIB as president in 2024, I have held talks with all 27 EU Member States and our European and international partners, but also with civil society and industry. For the first time, we have set out a clear Strategic Roadmap. 2024 was a record year for us, in which the EIB signed €89 billion in financing to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and security. These funds will go, for example, to energy infrastructure and renewable projects, to new technologies like artificial intelligence or quantum computers, and to supporting the transport and automotive industries. In 2024, we invested a record amount in energy networks. We also doubled our support for security and defence – to €1 billion – and we expect to double it again in 2025.

    At the Munich Security Conference, we kept hearing the question of where Member States could get the many billions of euros they would need to invest in their armies, including under pressure from Trump. Are they all coming to you now?

    Ursula von der Leyen has already proposed relaxing the rules under the Stability Pact so that EU countries can finance their defence spending. Olaf Scholz has similar ideas. The EIB is not a defence ministry, but there is a lot we can do to help in this area. For example, if Member States want to renovate their roads and bridges to improve military mobility, we can fund that, just like we can fund protection of critical infrastructure like submarine cables, or investments in cybersecurity. We are doing this, and are exchanging with Europe’s finance and defence ministries and with industry.

    What is the EIB financing in Germany in this domain?

    We are currently looking into 14 specific projects across Europe. In 2021, for example, we granted the Munich-based drone startup Quantum Systems a loan of €10 million. Their products are now used by the Ukrainian military, and have both civilian and military applications, so they can be supported by the EIB. The Lithuanian government has just applied to us with a proposal that we are now evaluating. It seeks financial assistance to build the base for the new German army brigade in Rūdninkai, near the border with Belarus.

    Soon 5 000 German soldiers will be permanently stationed in Lithuania, as a deterrent to Russia. Cost projections by the German Defence Ministry for this brigade are over €10 billion. Lithuania would like to invest around €1 billion in the new base. How much money could come from the EIB?

    This is a very important and demanding project, and we’ve only just started looking into the details. Another good example is the EIB support for the expansion of the Danish port in Esbjerg. Going forward, it will be better able to accommodate NATO vessels and the transport of materials for offshore wind farms.

    You just came from a visit to Ukraine. How is the EIB supporting that country?

    The trip to Ukraine was my first one outside the EU as EIB President. We are probably Ukraine’s most important investment partner, and our role is one that our partners value greatly. During my visit, we signed agreements for investment totalling around €1 billion. They will allow major Ukrainian banks to grant more loans to medium-sized companies. And with the country’s government, we have signed packages to finance infrastructure for energy, transport, water and district heating, as well as the construction of bunkers in schools and nurseries. So we are actively investing in all of the important areas for the Ukrainian people to lead normal lives, as far as possible. And, of course, we aim to strengthen the country’s resilience.

    Are you also supporting Ukraine’s defence industry?

    We support the European security and defence industry, which also helps Ukraine. In 2024 we expanded the dual-use approach, so that we can now support a wide range of projects, such as border security, cybersecurity, satellites and drones, and mine clearance.

    The CEO of the Italian arms company Leonardo recently told our reporters that Europe has one main problem: Member States spend more and more money on defence, but don’t work together enough. Is he right?

    It is clear that a common European procurement system would make us stronger and more efficient, especially when it comes to our flagship projects. And yes, I think the European Investment Bank can contribute by acting as an independent appraiser for projects. In 2024, to bring in top expertise, we signed agreements with the NATO Innovation Fund and the European Defence Agency so that we can draw on their technical knowledge in this regard.

    Is there any dispute at the EIB due to differing positions on Ukraine, with member countries like Hungary or Slovakia that have pro-Moscow governments?

    No, not at all.

    “I would never presume to tell a Member State what to do.”

    So you are president of one of the only EU institutions that aren’t divided?

    I told you that I visited the 27 Member States, and listened very carefully to them. On that basis, we drew up our strategy, which was unanimously supported. We are therefore well aligned with the EU priorities and the expectations of the Member States. There is strong support for what we are doing. Including in Ukraine.

    When it comes to Europe’s future, one word always comes up: competitiveness. What does Europe need to do to avoid falling even further behind the US and China economically?

    The different reports, for example by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi, are quite unanimous: We need market integration, streamlining and investment. So what we need to do is clear. And I think the new Commission is willing to go in that direction. On streamlining, for example, we have teamed up with the Commission to adapt environmental reporting standards so that we can pursue the Paris Agreement and our green transformation objectives in a way that promotes the competitiveness of European industry, as well as green finance and green investment.

    How optimistic are you that Europe will finally begin to react more quickly and actually make decisions? With the capital markets union, we’ve been waiting ten years for things to finally happen. And that’s just one example of many.

    As Spain’s Minister of Finance and its Deputy Prime Minister, I saw lots of things. The euro area crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic. And I have seen how Europe can succeed: Together, we developed the vaccines, and we dealt with the crisis. With the NextGenerationEU package, Spain has made some very far-reaching reforms and, thanks to mobilising investment, it is now the best-performing economy in Europe and a driver of growth and prosperity on the continent. We succeed when we unite, act decisively, truly focus and bring all our energy together.

    In contrast to Spain and other countries, Germany’s economy has been hit hard. Many experts see the debt brake as an obstacle to further growth. What does Germany have to do for things to start looking up again?

    I would never presume to tell a Member State what to do. I simply wish for a strong Germany with a stable, pro-Europe government – because we need a strong Germany at the centre of our union.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possible measures to control illegal immigration at European borders – E-000619/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000619/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE)

    With the recent inauguration of US President Donald Trump, new measures and decrees have immediately been implemented to reinforce immigration policies. These measures include stricter border restrictions, the signing of agreements for the return of illegal immigrants to their countries of origin and a large deployment of troops to ensure compliance with these policies.

    The situation in Europe is serious, specifically in Spain, where the number of irregular arrivals continues to increase. In 2024, these arrivals rose by 12.3 % compared to 2023. Crime and a lack of security in our streets are causing great concern among citizens, and the lack of effective mechanisms to manage this situation makes it difficult to find a solution to illegal immigration.

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the current European policies robust enough to guarantee the effective control of our borders?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering an update to the recently adopted Migration Pact to strengthen the mechanisms for the expulsion and return of irregular immigrants, and taking, as a reference, similar measures implemented in the US, such as the Laken Riley Act?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Turkish meddling in the Turkish Cypriot community’s education system – E-000614/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000614/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    According to recent revelations, the Turkish-controlled teachers’ union KIB-TES is attempting to influence and alter the character of the Turkish Cypriot community’s education system. A report by KIB-TES to the President of Türkiye was recently revealed, calling on Türkiye to intervene in specific ways to make the educational programme in Turkish Cypriot schools more conservative.

    This development is an extension of Türkiye’s increased interference in the internal affairs of Turkish Cypriots. As a result, among other things, transfers of teachers from Türkiye are being promoted, religious schools are being strengthened, and pressure is being exerted to establish compulsory religious education in the Occupied Territories of Cyprus.

    All of this, however, contradicts the identity and will of the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriot community and its representatives (political parties, educational unions, etc.).

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission acquainted with the positions of the Turkish Cypriots on the above issue?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to support the right of the Turkish Cypriots to an independent education system?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Increase in criminal acts against Catholic churches – E-000584/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000584/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    According to a report by the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe, 2 444 anti-Christian hate crimes were documented in 2023, including nearly 1 000 in France (41 % of the total in Europe). Of those, 62 % were acts of vandalism, 10 % were arson, and 7 % were acts of physical violence.[1]

    The trend took a turn for the worse in 2024, especially in France, where actual and attempted arson attacks against churches increased by more than 30 %[2].

    In 2015 the Commission appointed an EU Coordinator on combating antisemitism, and in 2018 it appointed an EU Coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred. No one has been appointed to combat Christianophobia.

    The lack of effective border controls and shortcomings with regard to the integration of certain populations are resulting in hostile behaviour towards the culture and traditions of the host countries.

    • 1.Does the Commission acknowledge that there has been an increase in criminal acts against Catholic churches in Europe?
    • 2.What measures does it have in mind to prevent these attacks in Europe?
    • 3.Is it planning to appoint a coordinator to combat Christianophobia in 2025, or at a later stage?

    Submitted: 8.2.2025

    • [1] https://www.intoleranceagainstchristians.eu/publications/oidac-report-2024?
    • [2] https://fr.aleteia.org/2025/02/03/en-2024-moins-dactes-anti-chretiens-mais-plus-dincendies-criminels-deglises?
    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Displaced Ukrainians: Challenges and outlook for integration in the EU – 19-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 forced millions of people to flee Ukraine. To date, approximately 6.8°million people have had to seek refuge, mostly in the EU and its neighbourhood. The EU responded rapidly in March 2022, activating the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) for the first time ever. The TPD’s emergency mechanism offers swift protection and rights to those in need who arrive in large numbers, preventing Member States’ asylum systems from becoming overwhelmed. Rights under the TPD include access to a residence permit, employment, housing, medical and social welfare assistance, and education for children and adolescents. For those fleeing Ukraine, these rights also include travel within the EU, and to and from Ukraine. Currently, the largest number of beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine reside in Germany, Poland and Czechia. Among them are nearly 1.3 million children, with 50 % still awaiting enrolment in their host countries’ education systems. Many pupils attend online classes delivered from Ukraine, as parents prefer to keep ties with their home country. The EU and its Member States have made efforts and funds available to support the integration of displaced people from Ukraine in terms of employment, housing, education and healthcare. Research indicates that Ukrainian refugees have a high employment rate in host countries, reflecting the circular mobility pattern observed among Ukrainians prior to 2022, when they were the largest non-EU workforce within the EU. However, with no end to the war in sight, the situation of Ukrainian refugees remains uncertain. There is currently no EU-level strategy regarding the status of refugees from Ukraine beyond the extension of temporary protection until March 2026. By April 2024, an estimated 1.2 million Ukrainians had already returned to their country despite the war. While most only go for brief visits to see family or tend to their properties, some intend to return permanently. Both the EU and Ukrainian policymakers face questions about the potential scale of and reasons for returns, as they seek to adapt and prepare their policies.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lack of access to court for post-conflict victims – P-002838/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    It is primarily a Member State’s responsibility to deal with the sensitive and complex issue of addressing the horrors and crimes committed in the past by totalitarian regimes.

    Within its competence, the Commission can facilitate the process of remembrance by encouraging discussion and sharing of experiences, as well as promoting best practices.

    Keeping the memory of totalitarian regimes alive is a collective duty as a tribute to and respect for the victims. Preserving this memory nourishes not only the commitment of the European Union to democracy and the respect of fundamental rights, but also to the fight against modern manifestations of intolerance, extremism and historical revisionism.

    The EU is currently funding many initiatives worldwide, aimed at providing reparations and redress to victims in the framework of its transitional justice activities.

    None of such programmes is dedicated to the process of transitional justice in relation to crimes committed during the World War II either in Poland or in any other Member States.

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need for immediate EU action and financial support in response to damage caused by recent floods in Cyprus – E-002774/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission expresses its deep regret for the damage caused to Cyprus by the floods on 2 November 2024. Under the ‘Thalia 2021-2027’ Programme, Cohesion Policy supports Cyprus with EUR 79 million (EU contribution) for long-term investments aimed at risk prevention and resilience-building, particularly in coastal areas.

    These investments include targeted anti-flood measures, designed to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. In addition, Cyprus’ recovery and resilience plan includes several anti-flood and water collection measures, as well as measures to enhance Cyprus’ civil protection system .

    Similarly, through the Cypriot Rural Development Programme 2014-2022 and the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027, significant support is available for restoring agricultural potential.

    Furthermore, on 19 December 2024, the Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE) proposal was approved.

    RESTORE introduces targeted flexibilities under the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy framework, for reconstruction and repair measures to alleviate the negative socioeconomic consequences of natural disasters.

    Additional measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) are also available to provide liquidity support for farmers, forest holders, and small and medium-sized enterprises under the Rural Development Programmes impacted by such events.

    The Commission stands ready to collaborate with the Cypriot authorities to explore how EU resources can be deployed effectively. In line with the shared management principle, the national authorities are responsible for selecting, implementing and monitoring the EU co-funded projects, in line with the programming documents.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Are the Commission’s objectives regarding the rate of wind power installation still tenable and warranted? – E-000581/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000581/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    In 2024, mainly thanks to nuclear energy, the share of decarbonised electricity produced by France was nearly 95%[1], though wind energy production fell by 8.4% in spite of a 6.6% increase in wind power capacity[2]. France is the only major industrial country to have achieved such a level of electricity decarbonisation.

    In September 2024, however, the Commission brought infringement proceedings against France,[3]principally because its renewable-energy development targets for 2030 were regarded as insufficient and because of incomplete transposition of Directive (EU) 2018/2001[4].

    According to the European Court of Auditors, the cost of the energy transition in the EU between 2021 and 2030 is put at EUR 11 200 billion[5]. To achieve 70% renewable-electricity capacity by 2030, Europe would have to double the rate of wind power installation and maintain the record rate achieved by solar in 2023[6].

    The problems and limitations of wind power within the renewable-energy mix, coupled with the staggering overall costs of the energy transition, are now well documented.

    Does the Commission think it conceivable to lower its targets, in particular as regards wind power deployment?

    Submitted: 7.2.2025

    • [1] https://www.rte-france.com/actualites/production-electricite-francaise-atteint-plus-haut-niveau-depuis-5-ans
    • [2] https://www.rte-france.com/eco2mix/les-chiffres-cles-de-lelectricite
    • [3] https://horizon-63.cerfrance.fr/actualites/energies-renouvelables-la-france-mise-en-demeure-par-la-commission-europeenne
    • [4] https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2024/07/11/dans-le-plan-energie-climat-de-la-france-soumis-a-bruxelles-des-objectifs-insuffisants-en-matiere-de-renouvelables_6248839_3244.html
    • [5] https://www.connaissancedesenergies.org/tribune-actualite-energies/transition-energetique-quel-cout-et-quelles-mesures-prioritaires?
    • [6] https://www.iddri.org/sites/default/files/PDF/Publications/Catalogue%20Iddri/Etude/202406-ST0224-transition%20elec%20EU_0.pdf?
    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for the 100 climate-neutral cities under the Green Deal – E-000580/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000580/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

    One of the EU Missions set out under the Green Deal and Horizon Europe relates to the creation of 100 climate-neutral and smart cities. The mission aims to achieve climate neutrality in 100 European cities by 2030, with those cities acting as experimentation and innovation hubs.

    Six Greek cities are taking part: Athens, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Kalamata, Kozani and Trikala. These cities were invited to implement long-term planning and organise action plans and investment strategies to facilitate the project with public and private funding.

    However, the project’s implementation has been accompanied by significant challenges in terms of infrastructure, staffing, funding, training, as well as administrative capacity. What is more, Greek cities face additional obstacles, namely the lack of space for energy communities in the electricity grid and the lack of an institutional framework for direct financing through European funds.

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.What stage of maturity has this important initiative/mission reached in Greece and in the EU as a whole?
    • 2.In light of the challenges, which instruments and financial tools is the Commission planning to use to help the participating Greek cities achieve their complex objectives?

    Submitted: 7.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Making use of the infrastructure that has been implemented in Greece and that can ensure the energy security of the EU – E-000579/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000579/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

    According to recent statements by a representative of the Turkish Government, ‘Türkiye is one of the main routes for the supply of natural gas to the EU’. The representative proposed ‘resuming the EU-Türkiye High-level Energy Dialogue’ (opposed only by Cyprus), as well as ‘connecting Mediterranean reserves with the Southern Corridor’.

    At the same time, despite increased gas needs and the extensive investment undertaken by Greece (such as upgrades to the Revithoussa terminal and national network capacity, the new FSRU in Alexandroupolis) and Bulgaria (upgrades to the national network), full use has still not been made of the Vertical Corridor. At the same time, the EastMed pipeline, which has been included in the list of European Projects of Common Interest since 2013, will allow Eastern Mediterranean reserves to be directly connected to both the Vertical Corridor and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What initiatives does the Commission intend to take to complete the Vertical Corridor project and resolve the last outstanding issues, such as upgrading the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria pipeline and the network in Romania and addressing the matter of high network charges between Romania and Moldova?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to improve the diversification of natural gas supply sources and routes, for example by promoting the implementation of the EastMed pipeline project?
    • 3.Bearing in mind that Russia is using Türkiye to circumvent EU sanctions, is the Commission considering resuming the EU-Türkiye Energy Dialogue and under what conditions?

    Submitted: 7.2.2025

    Last updated: 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Budget: Discussed and decided

    Source: City of Sunderland

    A budget for the next financial year has been decided at a meeting of the City Council.

    The three hour meeting at City Hall (Wednesday 19 February) saw the budget backed with a vote of 44 councillors in favour and 17 against.

    From April the Council Tax for day-to-day services, which raises around £16 of every £100 the council spends, will rise by 2.49 per cent. This is to help fund hundreds of city services from waste collection to parks and street lighting.

    The Adult Social Care Precept will rise by 2 per cent and the council has joined with other local authorities to lobby the Government on reforming social care funding and to end this local precept.

    Leader of the City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey said: “We have worked very hard to ensure this is a positive budget, which allows us to continue with our ambitious social and economic regeneration plans for the city, whilst ensuring we continue to protect and support our residents most in need.”

    The majority of city households are in Council Tax Band A and have a £0.99p weekly increase to help pay for city services and social care. The national benchmark Band D increase is a weekly city rise of £1.48p.

    With increasing demand and cost pressures for adult social care, the 2 per cent precept is expected to raise around £2.6m. More spending on adult social care is a key part of the new budget with an extra £15.8m allocated for the next year.

    While outlining a more positive settlement from the new Government, Cllr Mordey said that to achieve a balanced budget the council would be using £9m of reserves and continue to introduce and achieve more savings and cost efficiencies.

    He said: “Raising council tax remains one of the most difficult decisions for all councils. However, if we don’t raise it, we will need to cut services and reduce our investment into key priority areas.

    “That would mean cuts in services to those most vulnerable in our communities and to the services which residents tell us are a high priority.

    “Our budget proposals for next year confirm that we will continue to invest in our city. We will continue to invest to protect the most vulnerable people in Sunderland, and we will continue to invest in services that our residents tell us are important to them such as tackling anti-social behaviour and increasing community safety.”

    The council has a programme of ambitious investments of more than £400m over the four years and more than £250m of this is programmed for the next year. Projects due for completion in coming months include the new Wear footbridge open for the hosting of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the Culture House opened, while a school buildings solar panel programme will get underway alongside further investments in the city’s infrastructure.

    Budget reports can be viewed at: Meetings and Events

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brighter Beginnings Event fun day at Eden Court

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council will be hosting a fun day at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness on Monday 3 March 2025.

    Cllr David Fraser, Chair of Highland Council’s Health Social Care and Wellbeing Committee said: “Brighter Beginnings is the first event held by Inverness Family Centre bringing together families and professionals to see what’s available for Highland’s youngest children. I hope that many families will take advantage of this great new opportunity.”

    Families with children under 5 years old are welcome to come along between 10.30am and 2.30pm and take part in free activities including messy play, scavenger hunt, outdoor play and puppet shows. There will also be a fire engine, police car and play bus on site. The first 100 parents/carers to come along will receive a free goodie bag!

    Image of Brighter Beginnings Event poster

    Gillian Forbes, PEEP Co-ordinator at the Inverness Family Centre said: “We are delighted to be hosting this event and are excited to welcome families along to meet services and enjoy the activities.  We recognise the importance of the Infant Pledge and working alongside families to give our youngest children the best possible start in life.”

    The event will run alongside the ‘Brighter Beginnings: Why early years matter’ Conference where there will be keynote speakers including Dan Wuori, Founder and President of Early Childhood Policy Solutions in the United States, and international author.

    Dan said: “I am looking forward to visiting the Highlands and meeting everyone. Learning starts before a baby is born and it’s vital that we recognise the importance of education in early years. This event is a great opportunity to talk about the role of parents/carers and professionals in giving our youngest children the best possible start in life.”

    Over 100 parents/carers and professionals will attend the Conference including children under 5.

    19 Feb 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Additional dates for public Visitor Levy consultation sessions

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has added additional dates to the series of engagement events so members of the public can take part in the current consultation process on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme for Highland.

    Additional events are to take place in Portree and Kinlochbervie.

    The sessions that have taken place so far have been well received, with people attending to find out more about the consultation process and to ask lots of questions.

    Council Convenor Bill Lobban said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has taken up the opportunity so far to come to speak to our staff to find out more about the consultation process and to ask questions. I’m pleased to see more dates for these drop-in-events being added as we want the consultation to be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that it fairly and accurately captures opinion and feedback from across all communities.”

    The Public Library Community Drop-in Events are informal in-person drop-in sessions to chat with Council staff on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme and ask questions about the proposal or the consultation process. Public access computers will be available on-site for members of the public to fill in the online consultation document, if required.

    Details of sessions still to take place are as follows:

    • Fort William Library – 26 February 2025, 11:00-13:00
    • Ullapool Community Library – 27 February 2025, 11:00 – 13:00
    • Brora Library – 28 February 2025, 10:30 – 12:30

    The Community Drop-in Events still to take place are:

    • Kyle of Lochalsh Service Point – 20 February 2025, 11:00 – 13:00
    • Kinlochbervie Harbour Officer – 17 March 2025 – 11.30 – 13.30

    There will also be a Community In-person Event on the Isle of Skye on Friday 14 March that will take the form of a formal presentation from Council staff on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme followed by an opportunity to ask questions. This event will be held in the Skye Candle Visitor Centre , Portree from  2:00-3:30pm.

    Formal industry-led events to discuss the specific business-related aspects of the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme with the opportunity to ask questions about the proposal or the consultation process will also take place. Chambers of Commerce have now publicised details of these sessions that council staff will be attending, and these are also listed on the Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation website.

    Everyone is being encouraged to regularly check the Visitor Levy Consultation website as further details are confirmed, and registration links to online events are published.

    lso on the website are helpful FAQs that have been updated recently with additional questions raised at earlier public engagement sessions.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, M/o Labour & Employment led the Indian delegation at First G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025 under South African Presidency

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Secretary, M/o Labour & Employment led the Indian delegation at First G20 Employment Working Group Meeting 2025 under South African Presidency

    Discussions held on Fostering Youth Transitions to Decent Work, Inclusive Labour Markets, Better Jobs for Youth and Women, Decent Jobs for Rehabilitation/ Persons with Disabilities

    Posted On: 19 FEB 2025 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, led the Indian delegation at the first G20 Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting under the South African Presidency, held from 18-21 February 2025 at Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The delegation included Dr. Thelma John David, Consul General of India in Durban, South Africa, and Mr. Piyush Kumar Pathak, Deputy Director from the Ministry of Labour & Employment

    Discussions were held on two priority issues namely, (i) Inclusive Growth and Youth Employment, (ii) Social Security and Digitalisation for an Inclusive Future of Work.

    First G20 Employment Working Group meeting saw interventions from G20 member countries, emphasizing their respective policy approaches to employment, social security, and skills development. Invited member States including United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of the Netherlands and Kingdom of Norway also made interventions on priority areas. International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Organisation for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) also made a presentation on global employment trends and best practices in labour market reforms.

    During the intervention, Secretary highlighted India’s major reforms aimed at job creation, labour market flexibility, and comprehensive social security. India, as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, continues to strengthen its economic landscape through strategic sectoral investments, including agriculture, MSMEs, manufacturing, medical education, and infrastructure development. The focus on global supply chains and export-driven employment was underscored, with initiatives to enhance warehousing and air cargo facilities.

    The intervention also emphasized India’s positive employment trends, noting a decline in the unemployment rate from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24, alongside a significant rise in the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and Worker Population Ratio. Labour market modernization was highlighted, particularly the four Labour Codes and other reforms aimed at improving labour welfare, expanding social security—including for gig and platform workers—formalizing employment, and increasing female labour force participation.

    India’s efforts in social security expansion were recognized, with coverage doubling from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, as per the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26. With the ongoing work with ILO on including ‘in-kind’ benefits and those of the states, the potential coverage of the country will go up further.

    Secretary emphasized the success of the e-Shram portal, which has registered over 300 million unorganized workers, and the modernization of ESIC and EPFO schemes. The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme was also highlighted as a key initiative to promote formal sector employment.

    On gender inclusion, Secretary reiterated India’s commitment to achieving 70% female workforce participation by 2047, citing progressive policies such as extended maternity leave, crèche facilities, and equal pay provisions. India’s increasing participation of women in high-growth sectors like IT, R&D, and engineering was noted as a critical driver of economic growth.

    Youth empowerment through skill development was emphasized during India’s intervention with a key focus on employability of graduates which has risen in last decade from 34% to 55%. India’s global engagement in skills mapping with the ILO and OECD was underscored, along with bilateral agreements facilitating skilled labour mobility with major G20 countries.

    Secretary reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering economic inclusion and empowering its youth, recognizing them as key drivers of national and global growth.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2104788) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, received the President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog, at Palazzo Chigi today, as part of the recent meetings held with the main leaders of the Middle East and the Gulf region. 

    This was the fourth meeting between the two leaders since President Meloni entered office, providing her with an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of upholding the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Said agreement has allowed for a number of the hostages to be released and for humanitarian aid to be significantly increased to the Strip, where Italy is at the forefront also through its ‘Food for Gaza’ initiative.

    During the meeting, President Meloni reiterated Italy’s commitment to the stabilisation and reconstruction of Gaza, as well as the need for a political horizon towards a just and lasting peace in the region.

    A similar hope was expressed with reference to the ceasefire reached in Lebanon, where Italy plays an irreplaceable role including through its UNIFIL contingent.

    Lastly, the meeting highlighted the common will to enhance the bilateral partnership in all sectors, starting with energy, science and technology.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trust in politics is in long-term decline around the world – new research

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Viktor Valgarðsson, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Southampton

    Pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol building to protest against the result of the 2020 presidential election. 72westy / Shutterstock

    Citizens’ trust in their political institutions has been falling around the world. This may not come as a shock to many.

    British politics has been in chaos since the Brexit referendum in 2016. Rioters stormed the US Capitol in protest against the result of the 2020 presidential election. And the US president, Donald Trump, is continuing to attack the supposed “deep-state” controlling American politics. None of these things scream public trust in government.

    But declining political trust is not self-evident. It’s possible that we may be too focused on a couple of countries that dominate our attention, and a lot has been going on in recent years that could explain the situation that we find ourselves in.

    Many researchers have also pointed out that people have never been particularly fond of politics. They suggest that we’ve simply been seeing “trendless fluctuations” in trust – ebbs and flows where we happen to notice declines more than rises or stability.

    In a recently published study, my co-authors and I took on this debate. We analysed more data on political trust than previous studies, from over 5 million respondents to 3,377 surveys conducted in 143 countries between 1958 and 2019.

    Our models suggest that, at least since 1990, trust in parliament and government has indeed been declining by an average of about 8.4 and 7.3 percentage points respectively in democratic countries across the world.

    The same does not apply to trust in non-representative “implementing institutions”, such as the civil service, justice system or police. In fact, we find that trust in the police has increased by about 12.5 percentage points across democracies on average over the same period.

    Thus, declining trust in government appears to be rooted in how politics is practised, which is seemingly less inspiring to citizens today, rather than in a growing distaste for social institutions in general.

    Global trends in trust in six types of institutions in democratic countries between 1990 and 2019.
    Valgarðsson et al. (2025) / British Journal of Political Science, CC BY-NC-ND

    Of course, this global picture masks a more nuanced story. Political trust has been rising in a few smaller countries: Denmark, Ecuador, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. These nations may chart a path forward for the rest of the democratic world.

    Conversely, trust in the legal system has been declining in many countries in eastern Europe and Latin America. The same appears to be the case more recently in the US, suggesting that implementing institutions are not immune to the political trust crisis.

    Our findings do not answer why citizens of democracies are gradually losing faith in their democratic institutions, or what the consequences could be. They also do not suggest how trust in politics can be rebuilt. But what we do know is concerning.

    For instance, our data tells us that political trust was declining dramatically in Hungary right up until 2010, when Viktor Orbán was re-elected as prime minister (his first term ended in 2002). When in office, Orbán started dismantling the country’s constitutional and liberal democratic order.

    Trust in parliament, the legal system and the police in western Europe and North America.
    Valgarðsson et al. (2025) / British Journal of Political Science, CC BY-NC-ND

    We also know that the US has seen one of the more dramatic declines of political trust in recent times, and that political distrust was a powerful predictor of voting for Trump at least in the 2016 Republican primaries.

    In a survey conducted that year by American National Election Studies, about 24% of Trump’s primary voters said they would “never” trust the federal government to do what is right. This compared with about 9% of voters for rival Republican candidate John Kasich, and 8% and 4% of voters for Democrat candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton respectively.

    We do not yet have data for the 2024 US presidential election. But it does not take a political scientist to know that Trump leaned even more heavily on people’s distrust in government in his campaign. Since becoming president, he has stepped up his efforts to dismantle America’s constitutional and liberal democratic order.

    Declining political trust is not the only cause of these developments. We are also seeing illiberal candidates and parties doing increasingly well in countries where we didn’t see the same trust declines in our data. The rising popularity of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands or the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany are both good examples.

    Some of this may be driven partly by more recent trust declines, like in the Netherlands where trust in parliament has dropped substantially since 2020. Or it could be driven by a polarisation of trust between a more trusting majority and a deeply distrusting minority. But much of it is also probably driven by other factors, such as economic distress, attitudes towards immigration and the “culture wars” of our day.

    It stands to reason that voters who deeply distrust the political establishment would tend to be attracted to populist leaders who rail against that establishment.

    These voters probably still support democracy as an ideal. Support for democratic principles has, in fact, remained high globally – although there are worrying signs among younger generations in US and UK. But these voters appear to be more willing to vote for politicians who will attack the institutions needed to make it work.

    Sceptical mistrust of government

    This brings us to one crucial question: are citizens right to distrust government? After all, political institutions haven’t been working all that well for a large portion of citizens – except maybe in areas like Scandinavia, where we have seen rising trust in recent times.

    A degree of sceptical mistrust of government is certainly vital for a healthy democracy. We are reminded of this by some of the more sobering points in our data.

    China has the highest rates of reported trust in the world, while Hungary and Russia have both seen rising trust levels as their governments have become less democratic and seized control of the media environment. Clearly, trust is not unequivocally good from a democratic perspective.

    Our challenge is to find the right balance: a climate of sceptical trust, where we hold our governments to account and engage critically with our institutions without throwing them away in favour of autocratic populists.

    To save the foundations of liberal democracy, we may need to rediscover its appeal to the ordinary citizen. If it’s something about the way politics is practised that citizens distrust, perhaps those politics need to change.

    Viktor Valgarðsson 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. Trust in politics is in long-term decline around the world – new research – https://theconversation.com/trust-in-politics-is-in-long-term-decline-around-the-world-new-research-250078

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Detectives name man killed in Hackney stabbing

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The victim of a fatal stabbing in Hackney has been named as 20-year-old Jason Junior Romeo.

    Police were called to reports of an altercation in Bodney Road, E5 at 17:59hrs on Tuesday, 18 February. Officers and the London Ambulance Service worked to treat Jason at the scene but he sadly died as a result of a stab wound.

    Two men in their 20s have been arrested and remain in police custody.

    Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, leading the investigation in Hackney, said: “Jason had his whole life ahead of him but this senseless attack has taken that from both him and his loved ones. Our continued thoughts go out to his family, who are being supported by specialist officers.

    “If anyone saw this incident, or was nearby, please do share that information with officers. We are especially interested in any footage from the surrounding area.”

    The public can contact the police via 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with any information, reference CAD 5635/18Feb.

    A crime scene will remain in place until the forensic investigation has concluded.

    Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “It is absolutely devastating for Jason’s family and extremely distressing for our communities that another young life has been taken away as a consequence of knife crime. We continue to work closely with our local community partners and Hackney Council to tackle the causes and effects of knife crime.

    “I repeat an appeal I have sadly had to make too frequently. If any young person feels they need to carry a knife please speak to a parent, carer, teacher, youth leader or adult you trust and we can get you the support to step back from that decision safely.

    “I will have additional uniformed and plain clothed officers working in the area as a consequence of this tragic event. While the investigation continues to work to understand the motive for this attack, we will work tirelessly to reduce the risk of any further violence.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to the sinkhole in Surrey

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    February 19, 2025

    Scientists comment on the sinkhole that has appeared in Surrey. 

    Dr Collins, Deputy Dean, College of Engineering, Design & Physical Sciences and Reader in Geology & Geotechnical Engineering, Brunel University of London, said:

    “The term ‘sinkhole’ is often reserved for naturally formed features, though the fundamental processes and end results are similar. In this case, the cause of the visible holes appears to be the washout of soil from beneath the road as a result of a burst water mains. This burst would have pumped a large volume of water into the soil in a short period of time, overcoming its strength and turning it to a slurry which was then washed away. It isn’t clear where the soil went yet, but it is likely to have gone into the sewers, which may cause problems elsewhere.

    “One of the contributing factors is the local geology, which is sand, and the former land use which is a sand quarry that was located immediately to the west of the sinkhole. Sand can be strong when compacted as the particles are packed together, but weak when it becomes wet, and particularly if there is a lot of water under pressure.

    “The area near the sinkhole has been developed over the last few decades and some of the properties look quite new. Normally, the ground would have been investigated before any construction. This might have involved shallow trial pits or boreholes. The local geology would possibly have been seen as fairly stable and low risk, and the buildings are not large so the amount of investigation could have been limited. Geotechnical engineers looking at the site would have been primarily concerned with soil strength and drainage and, perhaps quite reasonably, are unlikely to have considered the ‘lateral blast’ effect of a burst high pressure water main.

    “What is currently unclear is why the mains pipe ruptured. One possibility is soil movement that caused the pipe to deform. Interestingly, an ‘Entrance to Subterranean Sand Pit’ is marked very close to the position of the sinkhole on the 1868-9 Ordnance Survey map and, while this has been infilled, its may have left a legacy of deeper, weaker soil. There are some clay-rich layers in the local sands that could heave and shrink over time. An alternative is that there was a structural failure in the pipe or a nearby sewer.

    “The pipe rupture does highlight the challenge that comes with having buried infrastructure as they are often buried at depths in excess of a metre. The depth is to reduce the impact of deep freeze during a very cold winter and the place the pipe below the soil most exposed to seasonal changes in moisture content. Unfortunately, this makes them hard to monitor and repairs can be difficult, including the replacement of soil in the excavated hole once the repair is complete.

    “Hopefully, in this case, the extent of the damage is limited to the areas that have already collapsed and the foundations of the adjacent properties have not been affected. Repairing the collapse hole might not be straightforward as the ground is currently saturated and will need to drain. There will need to be ground investigations to see if the hole extends further under the road and buildings. Ultimately, it may be filled with processed sand that would need to be artificially compacted or with concrete.”

    Declared interests

    No reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Rising Living Costs, Climate Change, Secretary-General Tells Second Food Systems Summit Stocktake ‘All Hands on Deck’ Needed to Create Healthy, Resilient Structure

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s opening remarks, as delivered, at the Member States’ briefing on the second Food Systems Summit Stocktake, in New York today:

    It is a real pleasure to join our permanent representatives and welcome you all today.

    As you all know transforming our food systems is essential to driving progress across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and delivering for everyone, everywhere — sufficient, nutritious food — now and in the future, particularly as we go towards the five years to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    That is why, in 2021, the UN Secretary-General convened the UN Food Systems Summit.  This established the foundation for a new, integrated approach to food systems — placing food at the heart of our efforts to address poverty, zero hunger, inequality, climate change and biodiversity loss.  It has reshaped the global narrative, building an engine of transformation that recognizes food systems as a key lever to accelerate and reinforce SDG progress.

    Building on this momentum, the first Summit Stocktake, hosted by the Government of Italy in 2023, reaffirmed strong political will among nations.  Countries pledged to increase the pace of their efforts towards sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems transformation.

    But, it also highlighted persistent gaps and challenges.  Among them, an urgent need to enhance public-private-community partnerships, and strengthen private sector engagement.

    These crucial issues identified at the first stocktake, resulted in the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action.  The Call identified six critical areas for concerted action, including: securing concessional finance, investments, budget support and debt restructuring.  It also emphasized addressing food security in crisis situations.

    The proposed SDG Stimulus — of $500 billion a year — was recognized as a game-changer, offering fiscal space and resources, including through Special Drawing Rights rechannelling.  Finance was emphasized as a critical component of food systems transformation, along with support of our multilateral development banks in unlocking investments in this field.

    Given the global context riddled with challenges of rising living costs, social inequalities, climate change and geopolitical tensions, we will need all hands on deck to reach food systems transformations with the impact to advance on the 2030 Agenda.

    Now, in just over five months, Addis Ababa will host the second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake.

    We are grateful to the Government of Ethiopia for hosting this important event and for making our commitment to take the second stocktake to a developing country, a reality.  Worth noting also is its leadership and extensive work on its policy environment, infrastructure development and the production of food that engages small holder farmers across the country.  We are grateful to Italy, which has agreed to co-host, for its legacy and continued leadership and support to food systems transformation.  It is important that we see leadership and sustainability of that support at the country level.

    The Stocktake will be different — it has to be — in response to many of the requests for us to have more focus and impact.

    First, we will be reflecting on progress since 2023, with a report from the system, but also a shadow report from our stakeholders.  Second, we will be partnering to track commitments and outcomes through national food systems pathways to accelerate SDG implementation.  And third, unlocking investments to sustain and scale transformative initiatives aligned with the SDGs.

    In preparations for the Stocktake, we are committed to an inclusive, cross-sectoral efforts and consultations.  We will hold a second briefing in Nairobi next week engaging UN headquarters in Nairobi, Rome and Geneva.  In addition, we will hold five regional briefings, on the margins of the United Nations Regional Forums on Sustainable Development, from March to May.

    We will also be engaging all our resident coordinators in UN country teams, at the country level so that they are fully engaged with our Member States in bringing to Addis Ababa the progress, and of course, the challenges and opportunities.

    At the same time, we will push progress towards food systems transformation, including through important gatherings this year — the fourth Financing for Development Conference in Spain, thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Brazil, the second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar and the third United Nations Ocean Conference in France.

    These are all critical platforms to drive progress, harness collective action and create new investment opportunities.

    As Member States, you are at the forefront of this transformation.  Your leadership and coordination will be instrumental in ensuring that the Stocktake inspires real action at the national level.  The United Nations is with you — committed to creating sustainable, inclusive, healthy and resilient food systems everywhere, across all our regions, reaching everyone.

    We thank you for this important opportunity that will help us to shape the Stocktake in Addis Ababa in July.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Everyone deserves access to healthcare without harassment

    Source: Scottish Greens

    19 Feb 2025 Health Buffer Zones

    Abortion rights are human rights.

    More in Health

    Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has condemned anti-choice protests taking place today outside the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow, with the first arrest reported under the Safe Access Zones legislation.

    Ms Mackay introduced the bill that secured 200 metre wide safe access zones, or buffer zones, around abortion service providers to stop the intimidating anti-choice protests that have taken place across Scotland. 

    The Daily Record has also reported that US anti-choice campaign group 40 Days for Life have listed protests in Glasgow starting next month.

    Ms Mckay said:

    “The protests that have taken place outside Queen Elizabeth have been utterly shameful and I am grateful to Police Scotland for acting so quickly.

    “This kind of intimidation has no place in a modern or progressive Scotland. Everybody deserves to have access to healthcare without harassment. That is why I introduced my Act, and why these disgraceful protests are now illegal.

    “We know the awful impact that these protests have had. Some of the testimonies from women who have had to endure them have been heartbreaking.

    “I urge 40 Days For Life and anyone else who is planning to protest in a safe access zone to think again, as they will be stopped and there will be consequences.”

    Ms Mackay added:

    “It’s no coincidence that this has happened so soon after JD Vance and his supporters have spread toxic misinformation about Scotland, it is vital that we stand up for reproductive rights and against those who are working to undermine them.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Demand to repeal the Internal Market Act

    Source: Scottish Government

    Protecting the powers of the Scottish Parliament.

    Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has demanded the repeal of the Internal Market Act and the full restoration to the Scottish Parliament of the powers that were removed by the last UK administration.

    In October 2023 the Scottish Parliament called for the Act to be repealed – but that vote was ignored by the previous UK Government.  

    The current UK Government has now launched a review of the Act but has said it too will not consider repeal.

    Ms Forbes said:

    “It is baffling that the new UK Government has explicitly ruled out repealing the Internal Market Act before it begins the review process and consultation.

    “Neither the scope nor terms of reference of the review acknowledge the longstanding position of the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament to repeal the IMA.

    “We still face the prospect of laws passed in this parliament being nullified at the stroke of a pen by the UK Government. The very existence of such a risk diminishes the powers of this parliament. 

    “This, therefore, is a key test for the new UK Government to show whether it intends to continue to ignore the democratic voice of the Scottish Parliament.

    “Today is an opportunity for the Parliament to send a clear message to Westminster that it must change course by repealing the Internal Market Act and that the era of undermining Scottish democracy must come to an end.”

    Background

    On 25 January the UK Government launched a consultation as part of its statutory review on the Internal Market Act.

    In October 2023, MSPs voted to repeal the UK Internal Market Act.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement on Local Government Reorganisation proposals – 19 February

    Source: City of Derby

    Joint statement from:

    Amber Valley Borough Council

    Bolsover District Council

    Chesterfield Borough Council

    Derby City Council

    Derbyshire Dales District Council

    Erewash Borough Council

    High Peak Borough Council

    North East Derbyshire District Council

    South Derbyshire District Council

    “In our roles as the Leaders of Derbyshire’s eight District and Borough Councils and the Leader of Derby City Council, we came together last week to discuss options for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Derbyshire, mindful of the Government’s deadline of Friday 21 March for initial proposals. The Leader of Derbyshire County Council was also invited but declined to attend.

    “Working collaboratively, and in the best interests of local residents and businesses, we explored a range of options that would ensure that Derbyshire’s historic boundaries remained intact, while also creating new unitary councils of the right scale to deliver the best possible services for our communities.

    “The current options we are exploring would involve the creation of two new unitary Councils utilising the geographies of the eight district councils as the key building blocks alongside the geography of Derby City Council. 

    “It is important to stress that the County of Derbyshire and the City of Derby would continue to exist and retain their own unique identities irrespective of whatever option is agreed going forward. The proposals would however result in both Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council being abolished, along with Derbyshire’s eight District and Borough Councils.  

    “The options under consideration clearly meet the criteria set out in the Government’s invitation to submit proposals for unitary Local Government, in particular a population size of c500,000, and a sustainable local taxbase that is fair and balanced across all of Derbyshire and Derby. They also provide the opportunity for the two new unitary Councils to work in genuine partnership and collaborate on the delivery of all local government services, in turn ensuring the best possible value for money to local taxpayers. Most importantly, we believe they would be of the appropriate size to strike the right balance between retaining the strong local connections we already have with our communities and being financially sustainable.

    “To guide our final decision, our proposals will be subject to extensive consultation with residents, businesses, our workforces, partner public bodies, and the voluntary sector; ensuring all voices are captured and heard collectively.

    “We are of the view that Derbyshire County Council’s proposed ‘county unitary’ option would effectively ‘doughnut’ Derby City Council. This would create a large and remote Council, with disparate communities, particularly across Southern Derbyshire, that would in turn lead to the inefficient delivery of services. It would also create a significant imbalance in the local taxbase; a County Unitary with a taxbase of c810,000, and Derby City Council with a taxbase of only 270,000, with little space for growth.

    “Across the wider East Midlands, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and likewise, Leicester and Leicestershire, are engaging in discussions between the respective city and county councils to restructure their local authority frameworks, with a focus on creating more efficient and cohesive unitary systems.

    “Consequently we are still open to meeting with the Leader of Derbyshire County Council for future discussions around LGR, as although our current positions aren’t aligned, we firmly believe this would be in the best interests of the residents that elect us and use our services, and the businesses that rely on us to support local employment and drive economic growth.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: FN2/2025 Kapitalforhøjelse – Nye aktier

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NASDAQ FIRST NORTH GROWTH MARKET MEDDELELSE NR. 2/2025

    København, den 19. februar 2025

    FN2/2025 Kapitalforhøjelse – Nye aktier

    I forlængelse af FN1 vedrørende kapitalforhøjelsen meddeler selskabet hermed, at de nye aktier (i alt 49.257 stk.) er ansøgt optaget til handel på Nasdaq First North Growth Market Denmark hurtigst muligt. 

    Yderligere oplysninger

    FastPassCorp A/S, administrerende direktør Anders Meyer, am@fastpasscorp.com

    Certified Adviser

    Baker Tilly Corporate Finance P/S, Poul Bundgaards Vej 1, DK-2500 Valby, Tlf.: +45 33 45 10 00,

    www.bakertilly.dk

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank AS establishes an EUR 750,000,000 Covered Bond Programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Coop Pank AS (Bank) has established an EUR 750,000,000 Covered Bond Programme (Programme). The Central Bank of Ireland has approved the base prospectus (Base Prospectus) for the Programme on 19 February 2025. The Base Prospectus will be available on the website of Euronext Dublin at www.ise.ie and on the Bank’s website at https://www.cooppank.ee/en/investor.

    Establishment of the Programme is one of the preparatory steps in the commencement of issuance of covered bonds by the Bank. According to initial forecasts, the first issuance is expected to take place in the first half of 2025. The Bank will notify the market with a separate stock exchange announcement once the exact timing and conditions of the issuance are determined. The covered bonds to be issued under the Programme are expected to be rated (P)Aa2 by Moody’s Investors Service Ltd.

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking reached 209,500. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti, comprising of 320 stores. 

    Additional information:
    Paavo Truu
    CFO
    Phone: +372 5160 231
    E-mail: paavo.truu@cooppank.ee

    The MIL Network –

    February 20, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

    February 19, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

    iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, extraordinary battery life, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup that offers powerful capabilities at a more affordable price. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. iPhone 16e is also built for Apple Intelligence, the intuitive personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI. The 48MP Fusion camera takes gorgeous photos and videos, and with an integrated 2x Telephoto, it is like having two cameras in one, so users can zoom in with optical quality. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — help iPhone 16e users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most.1

    iPhone 16e will be available in two elegant matte finishes — black and white — with colorful cases available to accessorize. Pre-orders begin Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.

    “iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people.”

    A Beautiful and Durable Design with Breakthrough Battery Life

    iPhone 16e is built to last, featuring splash, water, and dust resistance with a rating of IP68; the Ceramic Shield front cover with an advanced formulation that is tougher than any smartphone glass; and the toughest back glass in a smartphone.2 The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology has an edge-to-edge design that is perfect for watching HDR videos, playing games, and reading crisp text.3 iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE.4 And with Face ID enabled by the TrueDepth camera system, users can securely unlock their iPhone, authenticate purchases, sign in to apps, and more. iPhone 16e also offers convenient charging options, including both wireless charging and USB-C for easy connection to a wide range of accessories.

    Performance and Connectivity

    iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest-generation A18 chip, which enables fast, smooth performance, incredible power efficiency, and Apple Intelligence. The 6-core CPU is up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on iPhone 11, handling both everyday and intensive tasks with ease — from simple workloads, to more demanding actions with Apple Intelligence. The 4-core GPU powers stunning graphics performance and unlocks next-level mobile gaming on the go, enabling graphically demanding AAA titles and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections. The 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models and runs machine learning (ML) models up to 6x faster than A13 Bionic.

    Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.

    Built for Apple Intelligence

    iPhone 16e is built for Apple Intelligence, unlocking exciting new capabilities that make iPhone even more helpful and powerful. With the Clean Up tool, it’s easy to remove distracting elements in images, and natural language search in the Photos app allows users to search for just about any photo or video by simply describing what they are looking for.

    Users can also explore creative new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground, create the perfect emoji with Genmoj, and make their writing even more dynamic with Writing Tools. They can now type to Siri, and Siri is more conversational with the ability to follow along if users stumble over their words. Siri can also maintain context from one request to the next. With extensive product knowledge, Siri can answer thousands of questions about the features and settings of Apple products, so users can learn how to do things like take a screen recording or schedule a text message to send later.

    With access to ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can choose to access ChatGPT’s expertise without jumping between applications, so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. Users can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration, and are in full control of when to use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT.

    Apple Intelligence marks an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI and is designed to protect users’ privacy at every step. It starts with on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power Apple Inteligence run entirely on device. For requests that require access to larger models, Apple’s groundbreaking Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request.

    Access Favorite Features and Unlock Visual Intelligence with the Action Button

    iPhone 16e features the Action button, allowing users to easily access a variety of functions with just a press. Once customized in Settings, the Action button can be used to quickly open the camera or flashlight; switch between Ring and Silent modes; recognize music with Shazam; activate Voice Memos, Focus, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier; or use Shortcuts for more options. The Action button can even access in-app functionality like launching the camera in Snapchat, unlocking a car door with FordPass, tracking a child’s sleep schedule with Napper, and more.

    The Action button on iPhone 16e also unlocks a new visual intelligence experience that builds on Apple Intelligence to help users learn about objects and places. Visual intelligence can summarize and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, identify an animal or plant, and more. Visual intelligence also allows users to search Google so they can see where they can buy an item, or benefit from ChatGPT’s problem-solving skills. Users are in control of when third-party tools are used and what information is shared.

    A Powerful Camera System to Capture Any Moment

    The powerful 2-in-1 camera system on iPhone 16e is perfect for capturing everyday moments and important memories, including in Night mode and Portrait mode. Using computational photography, the 48MP Fusion camera takes super-high-resolution photos, so users can capture gorgeous images that balance light and detail. With an integrated 2x Telephoto, users have the equivalent of two cameras in one, and can zoom in with optical quality to get closer to the subject and easily frame their shot. And the front-facing TrueDepth camera with autofocus enables sharper close-ups and beautiful group selfies. The latest generation of HDR captures subjects and the background with true-to-life renderings of skin tones, while ensuring photos have bright highlights, rich mid-tones, and deep shadows.

    iPhone 16e takes stunning videos with the ability to record in 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, and users can stop and restart a recording for more flexibility when capturing the moment. iPhone 16e also records video in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system, and enables more ways to edit video sound with Audio Mix. Users can adjust their sound after capture to focus on the voice of the person on camera, make it sound like the video was recorded inside a professional studio, or position vocal tracks in the front and environmental noises in surround sound. With wind noise reduction, powerful ML algorithms automatically reduce unwanted noise for better audio quality.

    Groundbreaking Safety and Communication Capabilities

    iPhone 16e helps users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most. Apple’s satellite features help users text via satellite when they’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. This includes Messages via satellite to text friends and family; Emergency SOS via satellite to connect with emergency services; and Roadside Assistance via satellite to reach a roadside assistance provider in case of car trouble. Users can also use the Find My app to share their location via satellite, reassuring friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid. Crash Detection on iPhone 16e can detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services if a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone.5

    Featuring iOS 18

    iOS 18 makes iPhone 16e more personal, capable, and intelligent than ever.6 With more customization options, users can give apps and widgets a new dark or tinted look and arrange them in any open space on the Home Screen. The controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen can be customized; Control Center has been redesigned to provide users with easier access to many of the things they use every day, including third-party apps; and new privacy protections include the ability to lock and hide apps to protect sensitive apps and the information inside them. iOS 18 also provides powerful updates for staying connected. In Messages, users can use text effects to bring words, phrases, sentences, and more to life. Tapbacks expand to include emoji, Genmoji, or stickers, and now users can schedule a message to send later. When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging when compared to SMS and MMS.

    Better for the Environment

    iPhone 16e is designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is transitioning to renewable electricity for its manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to charge all Apple products, including iPhone 16e. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

    To achieve Apple 2030, the company is designing products with more recycled and renewable materials, which further drives down the carbon footprint. iPhone 16e features over 30 percent recycled content overall, including 100 percent recycled cobalt and 95 percent recycled lithium in the battery, 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, and more.7 Additionally, the main logic board and back glass of iPhone 16e are designed to be manufactured more efficiently, reducing the amount of raw materials needed. The packaging is also entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of removing plastic from its packaging by the end of this year.8

    Pricing and Availability

    • iPhone 16e will be available in white and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $599 (U.S.) or $24.95 (U.S.) per month for 24 months.
    • Apple offers great ways to save and upgrade to the latest iPhone. With Apple Trade In, customers can get up to $120 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 11, or up to $170 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12. With a carrier offer, customers can get up to $400 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 11, or up to $599 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12 to put toward an iPhone 16e. Customers can take advantage of these offers by visiting the Apple Store online or an Apple Store location. For carrier offer eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers. To see what their device is worth and for Apple Trade In terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
    • Customers in 59 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S., will be able to pre-order iPhone 16e beginning at 5 a.m. PST on Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.
    • Apple Intelligence is available in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. Additional languages — including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) — will be available in April, with more languages coming over the course of the year, including Vietnamese. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.
    • Visual intelligence is available in iOS 18.2 or later on all iPhone 16 models. For more information on visual intelligence, visit support.apple.com/guide/iphone.
    • iPhone 16e Silicone Case will be available in five colors for $39 (U.S.): winter blue, fuchsia, lake green, black, and white.
    • AppleCare+ for iPhone provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know iPhone best. For more information, visit apple.com/support/products/iphone.
    • iCloud+ plans start at just $0.99 (U.S.) per month and offer up to 12TB of additional storage to keep photos, videos, files, and more safe in the cloud and available across devices. An iCloud+ subscription gives access to premium features such as unlimited event creation in the new Apple Invites app, as well as Private Relay, Hide My Email, and custom email domains. With Family Sharing, users can share their subscription with five other family members at no extra cost.
    • Customers who purchase iPhone 16e may receive three free months of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+, with a new subscription. Offer and services availability varies by region. See apple.com/promo for details.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 14 or later. For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426. Messages via satellite will be available in the U.S. and Canada in iOS 18 or later. SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details. Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in the U.S. with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, and in the UK with Green Flag. Participating roadside assistance providers may charge for services, and iPhone users who are not members can take advantage of their roadside assistance services on a pay-per-use basis. Apple’s satellite features were designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be impacted by obstructions such as trees or surrounding buildings.
    2. iPhone 16e is splash-, water-, and dust-resistant. It was tested under controlled laboratory conditions and has a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty.
    3. The display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.06 inches diagonally. The actual viewable area is smaller.
    4. All battery claims depend on the cellular network, location, signal strength, feature configuration, usage, and many other factors; actual results will vary. The battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. Battery tests are conducted using specific iPhone units. See apple.com/batteries and apple.com/iphone/compare for more information.
    5. Crash Detection is designed for four-wheel passenger vehicle crashes with certain mass, G-force, and speed profiles consistent with severe, life-threatening crashes. It was designed for severe, life-threatening, high-impact front and rear, side-swipe, T-bone, and rollover crashes. Crash Detection is available worldwide on iPhone 14 or later, Apple Watch Series 8 or later, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra or later.
    6. Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. For more information on iOS 18, visit apple.com/ios/ios-18.
    7. All cobalt and lithium references use a mass balance allocation.
    8. Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.

    Press Contacts

    Blair Ranger

    Apple

    blair_ranger@apple.com

    Alex Kirschner

    Apple

    alexkirschner@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 20, 2025
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