NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Susan Hall AM Appointed Conservative Group Leader

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Conservative Group at City Hall has today announced that Susan Hall AM has been appointed as their new leader.

    In her new role, Hall will lead the Conservative opposition at City Hall, holding the Mayor’s administration to account whilst championing Conservative policies for the capital.

    Susan Hall AM said:

    “I am deeply honoured to lead City Hall’s Conservatives Group. London faces significant challenges, from tackling crime to delivering affordable housing, and Londoners deserve strong opposition that offers genuine alternatives.

    “My priority will be ensuring that City Hall focuses on the issues that matter most to ordinary Londoners – safer streets, value for taxpayers’ money, and practical solutions rather than ideological pursuits. We will be constructive where appropriate but firm in our scrutiny of the Mayor’s decisions.”

    The new Conservative leader will formally take up her position with immediate effect.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Assembly calls for ‘inclusive, safe and accessible’ streets in Mayoral plans for Oxford Street

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor’s plans for Oxford Street should recognise the urgency of the climate crisis and prioritise streets that are inclusive, safe, and accessible for all Londoners.

    The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor to maximise the public purpose the Mayoral Development Area (MDA) and the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) can provide.

    Len Duvall OBE AM, who proposed the substantive motion, said:

    “The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee’s scrutiny of the plans and its response to the Mayor’s consultation greatly assisted the wider Assembly in today’s debate.

    “The contribution of all Assembly Members also reflected the variety of opinions held by Londoners.”

    Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the amendment, said:

    “Pedestrianising Oxford Street is a huge step toward reimagining one of London’s most iconic streets for the public good, but how we pedestrianise matters just as much as whether we do it at all.

    “Transparency, inclusivity, and climate positivity should be at the forefront of this project and I’m glad the Assembly agrees with me and supported my amendment.

    “The Mayor must embed these principles throughout the transformation of Oxford Street so it becomes an accessible and distinctive space for all Londoners and visitors to enjoy.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    That the Assembly notes the Mayor’s Proposal to designate a Mayoral Development Area for Oxford Street. The Assembly also calls on the Mayor to maximise the public purpose the MDA and the MDC can provide by:

    • recognising the urgency of the climate crisis and so make the MDC a climate positive development;
    • ensure the MDC is truly publicly-owned and publicly-controlled in perpetuity, so space can be preserved for free public use, and small businesses and creative industries can flourish;
    • prioritising implementing Healthy Streets that are inclusive, safe and accessible for all Londoners, including providing world class public toilets; and
    • ensuring there is a routine inclusion of transparency clauses in all contracts and written agreements entered into by the Oxford Street MDC, for the purpose of both public interest and Assembly scrutiny.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly w/c July 7

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLICATION

    Thursday 10 July

    Affordable Housing Monitor

    Housing Committee

    The annual Affordable Housing Monitor tracks the Mayor’s progress against his affordable home delivery targets.

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Monday 7 July

    Internal Audit Reports

    Audit Panel – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    The Audit Panel will examine internal and external audit reports, as well as the Greater London Authority (GLA) Corporate Risk Register, the Draft Annual Governance Statement and expenses and taxable benefits. The guests are:

    • Mark Woodley – Group Audit Lead, MOPAC
    • Dianne Tranmer – Executive Director Corporate Resources & Business Improvement, GLA
    • Fay Hammond – Chief Finance Officer, GLA
    • Vicky Ridley-Pearson – Director of Digital, Digital Experience Unit, GLA
    • Stephen Reid – Partner & Head of UK Government and Public Sector Audit, EY
    • Jacob McHugh – Senior Manager, EY
    • David Esling – Head of Audit Assurance – Risk Management, MOPAC

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    Tuesday 8 July

    Fare evasion

    Transport Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Transport Committee will ask what Transport for London (TfL) is doing to tackle fare evasion and learn more about the impact it has on staff.  The guests are:

    Panel 1 -10am – 11.30am

    • Jared Wood – London Transport Regional Organiser, RMT
    • Michael Roberts – Chief Executive, London TravelWatch

    Panel 2 – 11.30am – 1pm

    • Siwan Hayward OBE – Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, TfL
    • Jonathan Gronow – Analysis Manager, TfL

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 9 July

    London’s place in the Government’s Devolution Reforms

    GLA Oversight Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    This third meeting of the GLA Oversight Committee investigation on devolution will aim to identify priority areas for London in any new devolution settlement and assess the opportunities available to London through the English Devolution White Paper and the proposed devolution framework in the English Devolution Bill.  The guests are:

    • Councillor Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils
    • Professor Tony Travers, Professor in Practice and Associate Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy
    • Richard Watts, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of London

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    Thursday 10 July

    Affordable Housing Monitor

    Housing Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Housing Committee will meet with representatives from London boroughs, housing associations, and a supported housing provider to discuss the Mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme.

    These discussions will follow the release of the Affordable Housing Monitor and aim to gather feedback on the existing programme and insights into what investment partners hope to see in the next one. The guests are:

    Panel 1 – 10.00am-11.15am

    • Tom Oliver – Development Programme Director, Peabody
    • Tracey Cullen – Chief Executive & Board Member, Croydon Churches Housing Association
    • Barbara Richardson – Managing Director at Square Roots
    • Heather Thomas – Chief Executive at Sapphire Independent Housing

    Panel 2 – 11.25am-12.40pm

    • Alice Lester MBE – Director of Regeneration, Growth and Employment at the London Borough of Brent
    • Osama Shoush – Housing Strategic Lead, Southwark Council

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]
     

    Friday 11 July

    Mayor’s Question Time

    All Assembly meeting – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Mayor of London will face questions from London Assembly Members, in Mayor’s Question Time (MQT). Topics will include:

    • Manifesto Pledges
    • Counterterrorism Approach
    • Contaminated land in London
    • Disability Equality Champion

    The guest is:

    • Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: Indra Group to step up research and development of defence and space technologies with €385 million in EIB financing

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • Credit marks EIB’s largest financing operation in Spain to strengthen EU security and defence capabilities.
    • Financing to enable Indra to build a technological research and development centre, Indra Technology Hub, and push ahead in radar, electronic defence and other technologies.
    • Agreement supports technological innovation in Europe and is part of the EIB Group’s efforts to strengthen European security and defence capabilities, one of its cross-cutting priorities. It also contributes to the TechEU initiative.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €385 million financing agreement with Spanish technology company Indra Group to boost research, development and innovation of cutting-edge technologies for the defence and space sector. This is the largest EIB’s financing agreement in Spain to date to strengthen the European Union security and defence capabilities.

    The loan is aimed at spurring cutting-edge technologies in areas such as radar, electronic defence, electro-optics, command and control communications and advanced digitalisation. The EIB support will enable Indra to build an integrated technology centre in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid region. The planned Indra Technology Hub will be equipped with laboratories and advanced manufacturing technologies to serve the defence and space sector.

    The financing agreement was signed today at the EIB headquarters in Luxembourg. EIB President Nadia Calviño and Vice-President Robert de Groot attended the event along with Indra Chaiman Angel Escribano.

    “Today we are signing a strategic agreement with Indra to boost research and development of cutting-edge technologies. In the current geopolitical context, it is more important than ever to strengthen Europe’s security capabilities, with a pan-European approach and strategic projects. Investing in innovation and technology is investing in security, and the EIB’s support is key to enabling companies to develop projects that contribute to the security of all Europeans,” said Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB Group.

    “This agreement is about turning new ideas into real capabilities across Europe’s defence and space ecosystem,” said EIB Vice-President de Groot. “Space in particular has a critical role in Europe’s security and defence. By backing Indra’s innovation and supporting the creation of its Technology Hub, we are helping Europe stay ahead of the curve in technology, in resilience and in its ability to act with greater autonomy in a fast-changing world.”

    The project will boost the competitiveness of European industry and strengthen the resilience of the EU aerospace, security and defence supply chain. It supports the EIB’s  goal of strengthening European security and defence capabilities as well as the priorities included in its Strategic Roadmap to strengthen the European security and defence industry and accelerate digitalisation and technological innovation. It also contributes to the EIB’s TechEU initiative.

    “The EIB’s financing will boost our industrial and technological development supporting our ’Leading the Future’ strategic plan and our vision of becoming a key player in Europe’s security, defence and aerospace sectors,” said Indra Chairman Ángel Escribano. “The support of this public funding will enable Indra to accelerate the deployment of our industrial and innovation capabilities as well as strengthen our leadership in the security and defence field amidst the new European sovereignty environment.”

    EIB Group support for European security and defence

    Since 2024, the EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), has significantly stepped up its support for European security and defence. This line of activities is now a permanent cross-cutting public policy goal for the Group and one of its eight strategic priorities for 2024-2027.

    The Group has updated its lending policy, broadening the eligibility criteria and the range of security and defence projects it can finance. It has also set up a Security and Defence Office to ensure a rapid and effective response to project proposals.

    The EIB Group aims to allocate 3.5% – or about €3.5 billion  – of its total planned financing for 2025 to security and defence projects.

    As a result of ongoing fruitful dialogue with industry, financial intermediaries, defence ministries and key institutions such as the European Commission, the European Defence Agency and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Group currently has a solid pipeline of 80 projects contributing to Europe’s security and defence capabilities.

    For more information on EIB support for the European security and defence sector, click here.

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. In France, the EIB Group signed €12.6 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition of both countries, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    Indra Group

    Indra Group (www.indracompany.com) is a holding company that promotes technological progress, which includes Indra, a leading global defence, air traffic and space company; and Minsait, a leader in digital transformation and information technologies in Spain and Latin America. Indra Group drives a safer, more secure and connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships and the best talent. Sustainability is part of its strategy and culture, in order to respond to present and future social and environmental challenges. At year-end 2024, Indra Group had revenues of 4,843 million euros, local presence in 49 countries and commercial operations in more than 140 countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fourth NASA-Enabled Private Flight to Space Station Completes Safely

    Source: NASA

    The NASA-supported fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4, completed its flight as part of the agency’s efforts to demonstrate demand and build operational knowledge for future commercial space stations.
    The four-person crew safely returned to Earth, splashing down off the coast of California at 5:31 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Teams aboard SpaceX recovery vessels retrieved the spacecraft and astronauts. 
    Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut Tibor Kapu of Hungary, completed about two and a half weeks in space.
    The Axiom Mission 4 crew launched at 2:31 a.m. on June 25, on a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Approximately 28 hours later, Dragon docked to the space-facing port of the space station’s Harmony module. The astronauts undocked at 7:15 a.m. on July 14, to begin the trip home.
    The crew conducted microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities. The spacecraft will return to Florida for inspection and processing at SpaceX’s refurbishing facilities. Throughout their mission, the astronauts conducted about 60 science experiments, and returned science, including NASA cargo, back to Earth.
    A collaboration between NASA and ISRO allowed Axiom Mission 4 to deliver on a commitment highlighted by President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the station. The space agencies participated in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations. NASA and ISRO have a long-standing relationship built on a shared vision to advance scientific knowledge and expand space collaboration.
    The private mission also carried the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station.
    The International Space Station is a springboard for developing a low Earth orbit economy. NASA’s goal is to achieve a strong economy off the Earth where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA’s commercial strategy for low Earth orbit provides the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.
    Learn more about NASA’s commercial space strategy at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-space
    News Media Contacts:Claire O’Shea Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 claire.a.o’shea@nasa.gov
    Anna Schneider Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Luxembourg’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of play – 15-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Luxembourg’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) was initially to be financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) with a total of €93.4 million in grants. This allocation accounted for around 51 % of the plan’s total estimated value (€183.1 million), while a further 46 % of the costs were to be covered by the national budget, and 3 % from other EU co-financing. The NRRP has since been adjusted, first to factor in the European Commission’s 2022 recalculations of the grants available to Member States, bringing Luxembourg’s new RRF total to €82.7 million. In May 2024, Luxembourg submitted a newly revised NRRP, including a REPowerEU chapter with its additional allocation, and modifying existing measures. In February 2025, the country submitted another revised version of plan with no financial implications. The estimated total EU contribution to the NRRP stands at €241.1 million, of which €177.3 million have been dedicated to REPowerEU measures (including a €128.5 million transfer from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the RRF). Luxembourg’s RRF allocation remains the smallest in the EU in absolute figures, and the lowest as a share of grants relative to gross domestic product (GDP) (0.4 % of GDP in 2019). Luxembourg has so far received €90.2 million in RRF grants (pre-financing and two payments). The NRRP aims to address Luxembourg’s structural issues. The measures included complement and build on priorities laid out in the national economic stimulus package from May 2020. The central objective is to support social cohesion and the promotion of a modern, attractive economic environment while responding to climate and environmental challenges. The REPowerEU chapter seeks to advance Luxembourg’s green transition, helping it meet EU energy-related recommendations. With 80.1 % of the funds going to climate objectives and 37.5 % to the digital transition (the latter excluding REPowerEU), the NRRP will contribute to EU efforts in these areas. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on the implementation of the RRF, and scrutinises the Commission’s work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fifth edition. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Venezuela: Enforced disappearances amount to crimes against humanity

    Source: Amnesty International –

    • Venezuelan authorities commit enforced disappearances as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, particularly those they consider dissidents, which amount to crimes against humanity. 
    • Out of the 15 cases of people forcibly disappeared that Amnesty International has documented since July 2024, 11 remain subjected to enforced disappearance, including Venezuelans and citizens of the United States, France, Spain, Ukraine, Colombia and Uruguay.
    • The International Criminal Court and national courts exercising universal jurisdiction should investigate and – where sufficient evidence exists – prosecute those allegedly responsible, up to the highest authorities.

    The Venezuelan authorities have committed, and continue to commit, enforced disappearances as part of their policy of repression of dissidents and those they perceive as such, Amnesty International said in its report Detentions without a trace: The crime of enforced disappearance in Venezuela, which analyses the situation of 15 individuals forcibly disappeared between the presidential election of 28 July 2024 and 15 June 2025.

    Based on this new report and the organization’s body of research over the past decade, Amnesty International concludes that these serious human rights violations and crimes under international law are committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in Venezuela.

    “Once again, the Venezuelan authorities are demonstrating that their cruelty knows no bounds. Enforced disappearance means not knowing where your family member is, what condition they are in, or even if they are alive or dead. It is a crime that puts the life and integrity of the forcibly disappeared person at grave risk and subjects their family to constant suffering, marked by the uncertainty, anguish and daily torment of being left to wonder their loved one’s whereabouts,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    “The international community cannot normalize or ignore the human rights crisis in Venezuela. The scale and gravity of the crimes committed in the country – particularly the enforced disappearance of people – must stir the conscience of the world, and propel international justice into action. As an international crime, it not only entails the responsibility of the state, but also the criminal responsibility of the individual officials who commit it.”

    The international community cannot normalize or ignore the human rights crisis in Venezuela. The scale and gravity of the crimes committed in the country – particularly the enforced disappearance of people – must stir the conscience of the world, and propel international justice into action.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    Amnesty research is grounded on international human rights law, according to which three elements must be cumulatively present for an enforced disappearance to be established: (1) the detention of a person; (2) by agents of the State, or persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State; (3) the official denial of the detention or the concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the detained person.

    The time frame of the report begins with the presidential election of 28 July 2024 and covers the repression that followed the disputed result announced by Nicolás Maduro’s government. The government’s strategies to suppress expressions in favor of political change followed a familiar and recurring pattern, although on a previously unseen scale: 25 people lost their lives, at least 2,200 people were arbitrarily and unlawfully deprived of their liberty, and possibly hundreds of them were subjected to enforced disappearance with their detention denied or their fate or whereabouts concealed. In the case of the 15 people whose enforced disappearance was investigated by Amnesty International, the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM, in Spanish), the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN, in Spanish) and the Bolivarian National Guard stand out as the main state agencies responsible for such arbitrary detentions.

    The whereabouts of 11 of the 15 forcibly disappeared persons, whose cases were investigated by Amnesty International, remain unknown. They are Andrés Martínez, Damián Rojas, Danner Barajas, Dennis Lepaje, Eudi Andrade, Fabián Buglione, Jorgen Guanares, Jose María Basoa, Lucas Hunter, Rory Branker and Yevhenii Petrovish Trush. Only the whereabouts of four people were established: Alfredo Díaz, who was subjected to enforced disappearance for four days; Eduardo Torres, who was forcibly disappeared for eight days; and Rosa Chirinos and Raymar Pérez, who were forcibly disappeared for four months.

    At the time this report was finalised, at least 46 people were possibly forcibly disappeared, according to information collected by the organization Foro Penal.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London statement following Government Spending Review

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’ve been determined to stand up for London and it’s good news that we have won extra resources for transport and housing. I have been campaigning for years for a multi-year deal for City Hall and for Transport for London and I welcome this agreement.

    “However, I remain concerned that this Spending Review could result in insufficient funding for the Met and fewer police officers. It’s also disappointing that there is no commitment today from the Treasury to invest in the new infrastructure London needs. Projects such as extending the Docklands Light Railway not only deliver economic growth across the country, but also tens of thousands of new affordable homes and jobs for Londoners. Unless the government invests in infrastructure like this in our capital, we will not be able to build the numbers of new affordable homes Londoners need. 

    “As Mayor, I’ll continue to make the case to the government that we must work together for the benefit of our capital and the whole country. The way to level up other regions will never be to level down London. I’ll continue to fight for the investment we need so that we can continue building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor and LTA partner to open tennis up to thousands more Londoners

    Source: Mayor of London

    • New £500,000 investment from Mayor and LTA will open up the sport to at least 5,500 Londoners in areas with limited opportunities to play
    • Three-year collaboration on Rally Together London will help grow and diversify tennis workforce by training 250 young people to help deliver the sport, over 50% of whom will be women
    • Sadiq has declared London the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025, as women’s tennis returns to the Queen’s Club for first time in over 50 years

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a new partnership with the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) that will open up the sport to more people across London.

    The new three-year collaboration will see a £500,000 investment from the Mayor and the LTA into Rally Together London, a programme which will train 250 people from under-represented backgrounds to join the tennis workforce and facilitate sessions for local communities, with a minimum of 50% to be female.

    The programme will help at least 5,500 more young people to play the sport, who may never otherwise have played. This capitalises on the return this year of women’s tennis to the Queen’s Club as part of the HSBC Championships, and will help open up access to the sport across the whole city.

    Rally Together London will recruit, train and deploy 200 tennis activators to deliver the sport.[1] These activators will help grow the LTA’s Barclays Free Park Tennis programme [2] which offers free, weekly sessions with equipment provided on public park courts, and LTA SERVES[3] which takes tennis to the heart of local communities for young people who may never otherwise have played.

    Through the partnership, a cohort of 50 new tennis coaches will be supported to achieve their LTA Assistant (Level 1) and Instructor (Level 2) qualifications[5] to help grow participation in parks and community venues, and create employment opportunities, again with a particular focus on growing the number of female coaches in the sport.

    The wider partnership will see the Mayor and LTA work together on various initiatives and campaigns to promote women’s tennis and women’s sport across the capital, such as the recent launch of the HSBC Championships with a pop-up tennis court on the city’s iconic Trafalgar Square. The announcement comes as a women’s tennis tournament returned this week to the iconic Queen’s Club for the first time in more than 50 years, with the HSBC Championships 2025 [4] running through to 15 June.

    Many of the world’s best women’s tennis players are competing in West London, including Britain’s own 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu and British No.1 Katie Boulter.

    They are joined by global stars including reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys and Paris 2024 Olympic Champion Qinwen Zheng. The line up also features former Wimbledon champions in Petra Kvitova and Elena Rybakina.

    The Mayor has declared London the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025 [6]. In addition to the HSBC Championships, the capital is also set to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham Stadium, which will have a world-record attendance for a standalone women’s rugby XV’s event, as well as football, basketball, rugby league, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics and triathlon.

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to be partnering with the LTA to introduce tennis to thousands of Londoners who otherwise might not have had the opportunity.

    “The really exciting aspect of this partnership is that we will be reaching young people across the capital and specifically young women, as we create new opportunities for them to play tennis, train as coaches and get jobs in the industry.

    “I am thrilled we are announcing this new partnership as women’s tennis returns to the renowned Queen’s Club for the first time in more than 50 years, with the world’s best players competing in our city at the HSBC Championships.

    “London is the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025 and I am determined to bring even more sporting events to our city as we continue working to build a better, healthier, more prosperous London for everyone.”

    LTA Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd, said: “As women’s tennis returns to the Queen’s Club, this partnership with the Mayor of London will make a significant difference in opening access to our sport for communities across the whole of London.

    “We know that London is a tennis city, with iconic events like the HSBC Championships engaging and inspiring the next generation to pick up a racket and play on accessible community facilities, including park courts in every London Borough.

    “This partnership will help open up tennis and its benefits to even more people, by growing the number of LTA activators and coaches and ensure that the tennis workforce is reflective of the diversity of the capital.

    “In particular, we are excited by the opportunity to grow the female tennis workforce, which will in turn help provide opportunities for more women and girls to pick up a racket and play.”

    Naomi, an LTA SERVES Activator from Badu Sports based in East London, said” “Tennis is an amazing sport, and I’ve seen the impact that it can deliver for young people in London first-hand, helping them get active, developing skills and confidence.

    “It’s great that this new partnership between the LTA and Mayor of London will help give more young people across the city access to the sport — particularly as tennis has historically not been fully inclusive or accessible to underrepresented groups.”

    “Not only is tennis a great sport to play, but it can also help young people to develop their skills as a volunteer or coach, and even be an opportunity for paid employment.

    “I hope that as a result of this new partnership we will see more women and girls getting into tennis.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the Tobacco Products Directive: protecting local industry, ensuring a level regulatory playing field and tackling unfair competition in the overseas regions – E-002784/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002784/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE)

    Economic actors in Réunion are greatly concerned about the revision of the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive.

    Between 2022 and 2025, local taxation increased by 20 %, while the dock dues rate reached 70 %, making Réunion the most taxed region of France in relation to its revenue.

    Some of the measures mentioned in the report on the application of Directive 2014/40/EU[1] could further increase costs for local producers, who are already struggling, while also encouraging smuggling.

    • 1.Can the Commission ensure that the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive will take into account the economic realities of the outermost regions, in accordance with the EU’s strategy[2], by introducing appropriate exemptions?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to publish the evaluation study that is currently being carried out[3]?
    • 3.Will the Commission undertake to include a territorial impact assessment[4] and to strengthen controls on imported products in order to both ensure the directive is applied fairly, and tackle unfair competition?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    • [1] COM(2021) 249 final.
    • [2] COM(2022) 198 final.
    • [3] Study commissioned by the Commission as part of the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive.
    • [4] Tool #34 – the ‘better regulation’ toolbox, 2023.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1141 – E-002805/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002805/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Kobosko (Renew)

    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1141 introduces a 96-hour time limit for the processing of fishery products at temperatures below 0°C. Although seemingly technologically neutral, these rules have an impact on processing plants that use stiffening technology as an integral part of their production process.

    The largest plants of this type are located in Poland, including in Ustka and Słupsk. They employ thousands of people in a region with limited opportunities for economic development. The fish processing industry, which is a pillar of the local labour market, has been forced to undergo a costly reorganisation of its production. I have received information that producers from other Member States have not implemented the same rules. These rules have a direct impact on jobs, investment and the socio-economic stability of less industrialised areas.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission carried out an analysis of the impact of Regulation 2024/1141 on employment and the economic situation in EU regions where fish processing is a key local industry?
    • 2.Did the Commission take into account in its impact assessment that the new rules will almost exclusively affect specific plants located in less industrialised regions, and does the Commission intend to adopt compensatory or support measures for local communities affected by this regulation?
    • 3.Has the Commission carried out an assessment of the implementation of this regulation throughout the EU? If so, which countries were included in the detailed assessment and what methodology was used?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Dangerous and underfunded school buildings – E-001960/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states that the EU’s role in education is limited to supporting, coordinating, or supplementing the actions of its Member States.

    Member States remain solely responsible for the content of teaching and the organisation of their education systems. The Commission monitors and supports Member States’ education policies under the European Education Area cooperation framework (see Education and Training Monitor[1]), the European Semester and through EU funds to help Member States ensure access to quality education and lifelong learning to all.

    While the learning environment is essential in this respect, defining common technical specifications for schools is not in the competence of the EU.

    According to the information available, Ktiriakes Ypodomes S.A. is Greece’s sole authority that undertakes the construction of public buildings including schools. The municipalities are responsible for the maintenance of schools.

    EU funding for education and training tripled during the 2021-27 period compared to the 2014-20 period, with the total allocation exceeding EUR 130 billion, including EUR 75 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

    In Greece some EUR 470 million public funding have been allocated under the cohesion policy programmes for the development and modernisation of infrastructure and equipment for all levels of education.

    In addition, Greece supports under the RRF investments related to education, training and skills representing more than 10% of the budget allocated amounting at EUR 30.5 billion.

    Greece supports the modernisation of its education and training system, including by upgrading digital infrastructure and equipment.

    • [1] https://op.europa.eu/webpub/eac/education-and-training-monitor/en/.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Re-emergence of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece – aid needed for affected livestock farmers – E-002766/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002766/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left)

    There has been a particularly strong re-emergence of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece, mainly in Thessaly, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Chalkidiki and Fokida. As a result of this crisis, tens of thousands of animals have been killed, extensive areas have been placed under quarantine, animal movements have been prohibited, slaughterhouse operations have been suspended and livestock farmers, especially pastoral farmers, have seen their incomes plummet.

    This all takes place in a broader context of lack of prevention, inadequate checks on imports from non-EU countries (in particular the Balkans) and understaffing of veterinary services. This new combination of factors comes on top of a series of natural disasters (Cyclone Ianos, storms Daniel and Elias), which have already placed considerable strain on livestock farming in the Greek region, which is now under threat of total collapse, with wider consequences for the agri-food sector, landscape conservation, the local economy and national livestock production.

    In view of the seriousness of the situation, will the Commission say:

    • 1.Does it intend to activate European mechanisms for affected Greek farmers?
    • 2.Does it intend to strengthen monitoring, checks and veterinary care, particularly in border regions, through animal health protection programmes?
    • 3.Does it consider that pastoral livestock farming – as a form of sustainable and extensive farming – requires specific support under the new CAP and the EU’s mountain and rural policies?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Demand for electricity in heat-wave summers – E-002822/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002822/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mihai Tudose (S&D)

    The heat wave in Europe in June and July 2025 has pushed up daily electricity demand by as much as 14 % owing to the intensive use of air conditioners. According to the energy think tank Ember, this increased demand, combined with interruptions in thermal power plant operations and reductions in nuclear power plant production capacity, have led to a significant rise in prices, which have exceeded EUR 400/MWh in Germany and EUR 470/MWh in Poland.

    This was despite the fact that June saw the highest levels of solar energy production ever recorded in the EU.

    Since heat waves are becoming ever more intense and frequent from one year to another, what solutions does the Commission have for preparing the EU energy sector for heat-wave summers (particularly as regards storage and interconnection capacities)?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Pensions and fiscal plan – E-001553/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Under the Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) framework, social contribution projections, including those paid into the pension system, are ordinarily assumed to remain constant as a ratio to gross domestic product (GDP) during the 10 years that follow the end of the adjustment period, i.e. from 2032 to 2041, unless different assumptions are duly justified.

    In the case of Spain, its medium-term fiscal structural plan (MTFSP) internalises the impact of compensatory revenue measures legislated in 2023 (along with the pension reform) that will materialise after 2031.

    The cumulative increase in social contributions over the following 10 years is estimated at 1.8 percentage points of GDP, which improves the debt dynamics.

    This assumption relies on the legislated measures described in Spain’s Country Fiche accompanying the 2024 Ageing Report. These measures lower the adjustment required to put debt on a plausibly downward path and enable a higher average net expenditure growth over the adjustment period.

    The revenue increases over the years 2027-2031 resulting from the potential activation of the closure clause were not included in the assumption of the Spanish MTFSP.

    Under the commonly agreed methodology, the activation of the closure clause would have been considered a discretionary revenue measure and would be taken into account only ex post in the assessments of compliance with the net expenditure rule.

    Therefore, the updated estimates of the independent fiscal authority (AIReF) do not imply that the Spanish plan deviates from the debt reduction requirement.

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The sustainability of Spanish public spending – E-000252/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission assesses fiscal sustainability in a comprehensive way, considering a country’s overall public finances at different time horizons.

    For this, the Commission accounts for the expected change in age-related spending, including for pension and healthcare systems. Long-term projections are prepared and discussed with all Member States within the Ageing Working Group and published in a triennial ‘Ageing Report’.

    If pensions contribute to an identified sustainability risk, the Commission will signal this through several channels, including through the European Semester of economic and fiscal policy coordination.

    With the introduction of the Recovery and Resilience Facility an extra incentive was provided for Member States to implement reforms. Spain committed to a pension reform in its recovery plan.

    The Commission preliminary assessment of the fourth payment request[1] considered the fiscal sustainability requirements of the pension reform as satisfactorily fulfilled[2], noting that ‘the closure clause legislated as part of Milestone 409 ensures that corrective measures enter into force as soon as necessary so that the long-term fiscal sustainability of the pension reforms […] is preserved even under less favourable developments than assumed’.

    Since 2024, under the revamped fiscal rules, Member States commit to a 4-year plan during which public finances are put on a sustainable footing.

    This adjustment period can be extended from four to seven years — as is the case for Spain — if Member States commit to set of reforms and investments, notably to improve the long-term budgetary and economic outlook.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e8b93743-5a80-4c10-9caa-4dabedc95728_en?filename=C_2024_4171_1_EN_annexe_acte_autonome_nlw_part1_v2_1.pdf.
    • [2] These requirements are set out in the Council Implementing Decision: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10150-2021-ADD-1-REV-2/en/pdf.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Accessing employment after leaving London’s prisons

    Source: Mayor of London

    The number of people being released from prison in London rose by 5 per cent in the year to March 2024, increasing from 9,070 to 9,520.1

    Prison leavers who get a job are almost 10% less likely to reoffend, but London is below the national average for people finding employment within six weeks of leaving prison.2

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee will meet with charities and a prison service representative to understand the challenges prison leavers face when seeking employment.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 (14:00 – 15:25):

    • Jon Collins, Chief Executive, Prisoners’ Education Trust
    • Paul Clarkson, Director of Quality and Training, The Clink Charity 
    • Helena Hamilton, Head of Education, Skills and Work, HMP Wandsworth

    Panel 2 (15:30 – 17:00):

    • Matt Randle, Director of Justice, Catch22
    • Penny Parker, Chief Executive Officer, StandOut
    • Sian Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Switchback

    The meeting will take place on Wednesday 16 July 2025 from 2pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Infrastructure: IMI CIB promotes dialogue in London on the UK’s €846 billion plan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mauro Micillo, Chief of the IMI CIB Division at Intesa Sanpaolo

    LONDON, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division of Intesa Sanpaolo hosted the conference “Infrastructure and Growth Opportunities for Europe and the UK: Focus on the UK Infrastructure Strategy” in London, bringing together institutions, companies and investors to discuss the growth prospects linked to the United Kingdom’s new ten-year infrastructure plan.

    “Intesa Sanpaolo is playing a catalytic role in supporting investments alongside institutions, corporates, funds and investors to support the key projects of the United Kingdom’s new 10-year infrastructure plan. Financing sustainable infrastructure, while supporting the so-called twin transition (green and digital), will continue to be a strategic pillar of the IMI CIB Division’s strategy.”

    Mauro Micillo, Chief of the IMI CIB Division at Intesa Sanpaolo

    The United Kingdom’s Plan outlines investments of more than €846 billion between 2025 and 2035, centred on three strategic pillars:

    • infrastructure works
    • energy transition
    • enhancement of social and environmental systems.

    The Conference stems from the belief that a constructive public-private dialogue is key to accelerating projects that strengthen the competitiveness of the United Kingdom and Europe.

    In 2024 alone, global project finance volumes surpassed €300 billion, with transactions involving Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI CIB Division representing around €45 billion — nearly 15% of the global total.

    IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division’s Activities in the United Kingdom

    The London branch of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division serves as the main hub for the UK & MEA Region, which also includes operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Istanbul.

    In 2024, total financing volumes for corporate and financial institution clients in the Region amounted to approximately €8.5 billion (as of 31/12/2024).

    Since 2023, the IMI CIB Division has participated in numerous international transactions originating in the United Kingdom, supporting transition and innovation, for a total value of approximately €11 billion.

    Key projects supported by the IMI CIB Division include:

    • CO₂ transport and storage – Liverpool Bay T&S.
    • Acquisition of National Grid Transmission by Macquarie AM.
    • Renewables and energy efficiency operations with TRIG and SEEIT.

    These initiatives confirm the Intesa Sanpaolo Group’s ongoing commitment to enabling sustainable and digital transformation, in line with the Group’s 2022–2025 Business Plan

    Contact: international.media@intesasanpaolo.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a06e75ac-8a5b-4a97-abcc-b480cb22b9de

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: EU fails to approve new sanctions package against Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BRUSSELS, July 15 (Xinhua) — The European Union failed to approve a new round of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday as the move was blocked by Slovakia over energy security concerns, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Flags flying high again across the district after parks and open spaces scoop top national awards Flags will once again proudly fly over many of Lancaster City Council’s parks and public spaces after they retained coveted national recognition for their outstanding standards.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    Flags will once again proudly fly over many of Lancaster City Council’s parks and public spaces after they retained coveted national recognition for their outstanding standards.

    Happy Mount Park, Regent Park, and Torrisholme Cemetery in Morecambe, along with Williamson Park and Ryelands Park in Lancaster, have all once again received the prestigious Green Flag Award status for 2025.

    The Green Flag, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is a mark of excellence, awarded to parks and green spaces that are well-managed, beautifully maintained, and provide top-quality facilities for visitors.

    Williamson Park also once again picked up the Green Heritage Site Accreditation, a special accolade which acknowledges the park’s historical and cultural significance, as well as its exceptional upkeep.

    Councillor Paul Hart, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Parks and open spaces are vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see these beloved places recognised once again.

    “This continual achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our council staff, friends’ groups, and volunteers who help maintain these spaces to such a high standard. Our combined efforts ensure that both residents and visitors can continue to enjoy our green spaces at their very best.”

    We work closely with friends’ groups, who help us to make our parks and open spaces great places to enjoy. To find out more about the work of Friends of Parks across the district visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/friends-of-parks

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to host Third Basketball Without Borders Women’s Camp at AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 in Indianapolis

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced the 40 top high-school-age female prospects from outside the U.S. who will travel to Indianapolis, Ind., for the third Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global women’s camp, which will be held Thursday, July 17 – Saturday, July 19 at Nicoson Hall on the University of Indianapolis campus as part of AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025.

    The campers will be coached by several current and former WNBA and FIBA players and coaches, including 2025 No. 6 overall pick Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics; Australia), 1999 WNBA All-Star and two-time NCAA champion Tonya Edwards (U.S.), two-time NCAA champion Kelly Faris (U.S.) and two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year Andrea Gardner-Williams.  2004 WNBA All-Star and current Vice President of Team Operations & Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics Allison Feaster will serve as the camp director.

    The players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life-skills and leadership development sessions.  The camp will once again be open to WNBA scouts and NCAA coaches following last year’s event where 34 of the campers received NCAA Division I scholarship offers.  The campers will also attend the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19.  

    The event will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear.

    BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents.  Fifteen former BWB campers have advanced to the WNBA, including Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm; Australia; BWB Asia 2016), Jade Melbourne (Mystics; Australia; BWB Global 2020), Aaliyah Edwards (Mystics; Canada; BWB Global 2019), Domonique Malonga (Storm; BWB Europe 2022), Nika Muhl (Storm; Croatia; BWB Europe 2018; BWB Global 2019) and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky; Brazil; BWB Global 2019).  The NBA and FIBA have held 80 BWB camps in 53 cities across 33 countries on six continents.

    Follow the camp using the hashtag #BWBGlobal on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Find out more about BWB at BasketballWithoutBorders.com (https://BWB.NBA.com/), on YouTube (Basketball Without Borders: https://apo-opa.co/46csTll) and on Instagram (@ basketballwithoutborders: https://apo-opa.co/44O1jZs).

    The following is a complete list of players participating in the third BWB Global women’s camp at WNBA All-Star (roster subject to change):

    Name
    Sanja Aksam
    Maria Madalena Martinho Amaro
    Karina Capellán
    Emma D’este
    Fatou Kine Diop
    Misheel Elbegbayar
    Haya El-Halawany
    Rica Enriquez-Paea
    Melissa Guillet
    Amanda Guineo
    Janelle Gyampo
    Ayla Habbal
    Wiktoria Haegenbarth
    Keriana Hippolite
    Hyeonjeong Hwang
    Serena Ishiwatari
    Ya Ida Juwara Skold
    Anna Liepina
    Yu Han Lin
    Eiza Louveton
    Erika Mace
    Kartika Mahanani
    Sarah Aaliyah Mellouk
    Valeria Montero Piña
    Lucy Nchamba
    Nicole Ogun
    Chen Chia Shan Pan
    Maria Perez
    Jasmine Perry
    Maewenn Poilve
    Mika Sakaguchi
    Sena Sert
    Binta Seye
    Manon Simplot
    Maxine Maria Sutisna
    Tiia Talonen
    Nicole Torresani
    Tjasa Turnsek
    Maja Uranker
    Lea Vukic

    – on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

    Contact:
    Kevin Alonzo
    NBA
    kalonzo@NBA.com
    (212) 407-8158

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why the Nazis stole a fragment of the Bayeux tapestry

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Millie Horton-Insch, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, History of Art Department, Trinity College Dublin

    There was great excitement at the news this month that the Bayeux tapestry – the 11th-century embroidered epic depicting the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 – will go on display at the British Museum in 2026. However, the tapestry had already been in the news earlier this year, admittedly to much less fanfare.

    In March, it was reported that a fragment of the Bayeux tapestry had been discovered in Germany in the Schleswig-Holstein state archives. To understand how it ended up there, we must turn to a troubling and little-known episode in the tapestry’s history: Sonderauftrag Bayeux (Special Operation Bayeux), a project operated by the Nazi Ahnenerbe, the SS regime’s heritage research group.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    It has often been observed that art seems to have been of disproportionate concern to the Nazis. However, their manipulation of visual and material culture should be understood as central to – not separate from – Hitler’s genocidal regime and its efforts towards global domination.

    The Ahnenerbe, under the ultimate authority of Heinrich Himmler, was established to develop and disseminate histories in support of that mythology central to the Nazi regime: the supremacy of the Aryan race. To this end, the Ahnenerbe oversaw research that claimed to use unassailable scientific methods.

    However, it has long been acknowledged that their projects consciously manipulated historical evidence to construct fabricated histories that would support racist ideologies. To achieve this, numerous research projects were conducted. These projects saw scholars travel across the globe in the pursuit of objects that could act as monuments to the mythologies of Aryan supremacy. Sonderauftrag Bayeux was one such project.

    Nazi interest in the Bayeux tapestry may seem surprising to British people, where the tapestry is considered a symbol of a singularly significant moment in Britain’s history. However, just as politicians in modern Britain have found it tempting to reference the tapestry in the advancement of their political agendas, so too did the Ahnenerbe.

    Sonderauftrag Bayeux aimed to produce a multi-volume study of the tapestry that would assert its inherently Scandinavian character. The objective was to present the tapestry as proof of the supremacy of the early medieval Norman people, whom the Ahnenerbe claimed as the ancestors of modern German Aryans and descendants of “Viking” northern Europeans.

    By June 1941, work on Sonderauftrag Bayeux had begun in earnest. Among the team sent to Normandy to study the tapestry first hand was Karl Schlabow, a textile expert and head of the Germanic Costume Institute at Neumünster in Germany. Schlabow spent a fortnight in Bayeux, and it was he who removed a fragment of the tapestry’s backing fabric and brought it back to Germany when his research visit was complete.

    Though initial reports suggested that Schlabow removed this fragment when the embroidery was later transferred by the Nazis to Paris, it is more likely that he did so during June 1941, when he and his fellow members of Sonderauftrag Bayeux were stationed in Bayeux.

    In a sketch by Herbert Jeschke – the artist commissioned to create a painted reproduction of the tapestry – during this visit, Jeschke depicted himself with Schlabow and Herbert Jankuhn (the director of the project) hunched over the tapestry. The sketch is accompanied by the emphatic title, “Die Tappiserie!”, an expression of delight at their privileged viewing of this medieval masterpiece.

    To join the Ahnenerbe, Schlabow, like others involved in the Sonderauftrag Bayeux, was inducted into the SS. He held the rank of SS-Unterscharführer (roughly the equivalent of a sergeant in today’s British army). After the second world war many members of the Ahnenerbe denied having sympathy for Nazi policies.

    However, documents seized by US intelligence officers at the end of the second world war reveal that some were denied entry to the Ahnenerbe if they, for instance, had had Jewish friends or expressed sympathy towards communist ideas. They therefore had to (at least outwardly) appear sympathetic to Nazism to be inducted into its ranks.

    Details of what exactly the Ahnenerbe project uncovered, or even hoped to uncover, from this study of the tapestry are opaque. It appears that, to a large extent, the act of producing an illustrated study and dispatching researchers to the original textile was enough to claim the object as a monument to Germanic Aryan supremacy. It is clear that perceived Scandinavian influence within the tapestry’s designs was to be central to the study’s conclusions, but the project was not completed before Germany’s defeat at the end of the war.

    Like many other members of the Ahnenerbe, Schlabow returned to research after the war, working at the Schleswig-Holstein State Museum in Gottorf Castle.

    The discovery of even the tiniest fragment of this remarkable medieval object is cause for much excitement. However, its recovery should be framed firmly in the context in which it was removed. It should come as no surprise that Schlabow felt empowered to steal this piece of the tapestry; the regime for which he worked claimed the object as a piece of his heritage, his birthright as an Aryan German.

    This find is a timely reminder that the past is closer than we realise and that there is still much work to be done to explore the long shadows cast by previous practices in the histories we inherit. The recovered fragment is currently on display in Schleswig-Holstein, but will return to the Musée la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Normandy in time for the museum’s re-opening in 2027 when the two elements will be reunited for the first time since 1941.

    Millie Horton-Insch receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. Why the Nazis stole a fragment of the Bayeux tapestry – https://theconversation.com/why-the-nazis-stole-a-fragment-of-the-bayeux-tapestry-260048

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why the Nazis stole a fragment of the Bayeux tapestry

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Millie Horton-Insch, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, History of Art Department, Trinity College Dublin

    There was great excitement at the news this month that the Bayeux tapestry – the 11th-century embroidered epic depicting the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 – will go on display at the British Museum in 2026. However, the tapestry had already been in the news earlier this year, admittedly to much less fanfare.

    In March, it was reported that a fragment of the Bayeux tapestry had been discovered in Germany in the Schleswig-Holstein state archives. To understand how it ended up there, we must turn to a troubling and little-known episode in the tapestry’s history: Sonderauftrag Bayeux (Special Operation Bayeux), a project operated by the Nazi Ahnenerbe, the SS regime’s heritage research group.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    It has often been observed that art seems to have been of disproportionate concern to the Nazis. However, their manipulation of visual and material culture should be understood as central to – not separate from – Hitler’s genocidal regime and its efforts towards global domination.

    The Ahnenerbe, under the ultimate authority of Heinrich Himmler, was established to develop and disseminate histories in support of that mythology central to the Nazi regime: the supremacy of the Aryan race. To this end, the Ahnenerbe oversaw research that claimed to use unassailable scientific methods.

    However, it has long been acknowledged that their projects consciously manipulated historical evidence to construct fabricated histories that would support racist ideologies. To achieve this, numerous research projects were conducted. These projects saw scholars travel across the globe in the pursuit of objects that could act as monuments to the mythologies of Aryan supremacy. Sonderauftrag Bayeux was one such project.

    Nazi interest in the Bayeux tapestry may seem surprising to British people, where the tapestry is considered a symbol of a singularly significant moment in Britain’s history. However, just as politicians in modern Britain have found it tempting to reference the tapestry in the advancement of their political agendas, so too did the Ahnenerbe.

    Sonderauftrag Bayeux aimed to produce a multi-volume study of the tapestry that would assert its inherently Scandinavian character. The objective was to present the tapestry as proof of the supremacy of the early medieval Norman people, whom the Ahnenerbe claimed as the ancestors of modern German Aryans and descendants of “Viking” northern Europeans.

    By June 1941, work on Sonderauftrag Bayeux had begun in earnest. Among the team sent to Normandy to study the tapestry first hand was Karl Schlabow, a textile expert and head of the Germanic Costume Institute at Neumünster in Germany. Schlabow spent a fortnight in Bayeux, and it was he who removed a fragment of the tapestry’s backing fabric and brought it back to Germany when his research visit was complete.

    Though initial reports suggested that Schlabow removed this fragment when the embroidery was later transferred by the Nazis to Paris, it is more likely that he did so during June 1941, when he and his fellow members of Sonderauftrag Bayeux were stationed in Bayeux.

    In a sketch by Herbert Jeschke – the artist commissioned to create a painted reproduction of the tapestry – during this visit, Jeschke depicted himself with Schlabow and Herbert Jankuhn (the director of the project) hunched over the tapestry. The sketch is accompanied by the emphatic title, “Die Tappiserie!”, an expression of delight at their privileged viewing of this medieval masterpiece.

    To join the Ahnenerbe, Schlabow, like others involved in the Sonderauftrag Bayeux, was inducted into the SS. He held the rank of SS-Unterscharführer (roughly the equivalent of a sergeant in today’s British army). After the second world war many members of the Ahnenerbe denied having sympathy for Nazi policies.

    However, documents seized by US intelligence officers at the end of the second world war reveal that some were denied entry to the Ahnenerbe if they, for instance, had had Jewish friends or expressed sympathy towards communist ideas. They therefore had to (at least outwardly) appear sympathetic to Nazism to be inducted into its ranks.

    Details of what exactly the Ahnenerbe project uncovered, or even hoped to uncover, from this study of the tapestry are opaque. It appears that, to a large extent, the act of producing an illustrated study and dispatching researchers to the original textile was enough to claim the object as a monument to Germanic Aryan supremacy. It is clear that perceived Scandinavian influence within the tapestry’s designs was to be central to the study’s conclusions, but the project was not completed before Germany’s defeat at the end of the war.

    Like many other members of the Ahnenerbe, Schlabow returned to research after the war, working at the Schleswig-Holstein State Museum in Gottorf Castle.

    The discovery of even the tiniest fragment of this remarkable medieval object is cause for much excitement. However, its recovery should be framed firmly in the context in which it was removed. It should come as no surprise that Schlabow felt empowered to steal this piece of the tapestry; the regime for which he worked claimed the object as a piece of his heritage, his birthright as an Aryan German.

    This find is a timely reminder that the past is closer than we realise and that there is still much work to be done to explore the long shadows cast by previous practices in the histories we inherit. The recovered fragment is currently on display in Schleswig-Holstein, but will return to the Musée la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Normandy in time for the museum’s re-opening in 2027 when the two elements will be reunited for the first time since 1941.

    Millie Horton-Insch receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. Why the Nazis stole a fragment of the Bayeux tapestry – https://theconversation.com/why-the-nazis-stole-a-fragment-of-the-bayeux-tapestry-260048

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: Lightchain AI Launches Bonus Round Following Completion of $21M Presale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHREWSBURY, United Kingdom, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lightchain AI, the decentralized smart contract platform powered by artificial intelligence, has officially launched the Bonus Round of its presale following the successful completion of all 15 initial stages. With over $21 million raised from early supporters, the Bonus Round offers investors a final opportunity to participate at a fixed token price of $0.007.

    This milestone marks a major step forward in Lightchain AI’s roadmap, as the project continues to expand its ecosystem with growing wallet distribution, community engagement, and developer adoption.

    We’ve seen exceptional momentum across the board—from wallet growth to community interest,” said a spokesperson from Lightchain AI. “The Bonus Round gives participants a fair, final chance to join the network ahead of launch.”

    Lightchain AI Drives Real Adoption Through Expanding Wallet Distribution

    Lightchain AI is driving real adoption through expanding wallet distribution, reflecting broad-based interest across both retail and strategic holders. With all 15 presale stages completed and over $21 million raised, the Bonus Round continues to fuel decentralized growth at a fixed price point.

    Wallet activity is growing as Lightchain delivers on utility: public GitHub repositories are launching, validator and contributor nodes are being onboarded, and the Developer Portal is live with full technical documentation. Grants and liquidity incentives support builders and meme coin creators through the active Launchpad, encouraging wallet engagement beyond passive holding.

    Combined with fair tokenomics and optimized gas performance, Lightchain AI’s expanding wallet base signals real-world adoption—built on transparent progress, not speculation. This is participation with purpose.

    Secure Your Lightchain AI Tokens Today!

    Step into the future with Lightchain AI tokens, where decentralization meets cutting-edge AI innovation. Designed for transparency, efficiency, and scalability, these tokens reward pioneers and loyal supporters alike. 

    After raising millions across 15 successful presale stages, the Bonus Round is here—offering fixed pricing and an exclusive investment opportunity you don’t want to miss! 

    Lightchain’s ecosystem is packed with game-changing features: real-time AI execution powered by the AIVM, scalable sharded architecture, and a builder-first approach supported by a $150,000 grant pool. Add optimized gas consumption and strategic token allocation, and you’ve got more than just another blockchain project—it’s a movement. 

    Don’t just watch the future unfold—be part of it. Get your tokens now and help build a smarter, decentralized tomorrow!

    https://lightchain.ai

    https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf

    https://x.com/LightchainAI

    https://t.me/LightchainProtocol    

    Contact:
    SHAJAN SKARIA
    media@lightchain.ai

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/022f6ad4-9104-4fb3-bab9-8fd73ff59a2a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7074bcbe-a7d2-493b-a49e-2720c11749cc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: London’s park life

    Source: Mayor of London

    London is home to over 3,000 publicly accessible parks and green spaces – which together cover 18 per cent of London.1

    In 2019, the Mayor established the London Green Spaces Commission “to help support London boroughs transform how their parks services are managed and funded so that they can maintain or increase investment in parks and green spaces, in the context of substantial and ongoing constraints imposed on public sector funding”.2

    The London Assembly Environment Committee will meet tomorrow to understand the current state of London’s parks and the challenges they face, five years on from the Mayor’s Green Spaces Commission report.

    At the start of the meeting, the Committee will also speak with Thames Water to understand its consultation plans for the Teddington Direct River Abstraction.

    The guests are:

    Thames Water Teddington Direct River Abstraction consultation (10:00 – 10:45):

    • Simon Adams, Programme Director for Strategic Resource Options, Thames Water
    • Myles Rawstron-Rudd, London Water Recycling Project Development Manager, Thames Water

    London’s Parks (10:45 – 13:00):

    • Ed Stannard, Executive Director, Parks for London
    • Ruth Lin Wong Holmes, Head of Landscape and Public Realm, London Legacy Development Corporation.
    • Andrew Bedford, Assistant Director Greener More Active, London Borough of Islington
    • Mark Cridge, Executive Director, London National Park City and National Park City Foundation
    • Rochelle Shanthakumar, Programme Manager at London National Park City

    The meeting will take place on Tuesday 15 July 2025 from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First part of £50 million Aberdeen beachfront redevelopment officially opened

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    The first part of a £50million redevelopment of Aberdeen beach was officially opened today with the unveiling of the new-look Broadhill.

    Aberdeen’s Lord Provost, Councillor David Cameron, toasted the occasion with a cup of tea from a tartan flask and a traditional rowie at a striking new viewpoint on top of the well-known landmark.

    The five-hectare Broadhill has been transformed with new access steps, footpaths, viewpoints, drystone walls, timber and concrete seating and landscaping. The work has been completed in time for the public to enjoy the site as a vantage point for the forthcoming Tall Ships Race (19-22 July).

    As he surveyed the completed works, the Lord Provost said: “This is an exciting occasion to toast with the first part of the beachfront works finished.

    “As thousands of people come into the city for the Tall Ships Races, the revamped Broadhill with additional seating and a viewpoint will be a prime place to watch the vessels sail into the harbour as well as the spectacular Red Arrows display.”

    Broadhill is part of the biggest redevelopment of Aberdeen beach for 35 years with work well under way in creating a beach park and a large events field.

    The Broadhill works have seen more than 10,000 new trees, shrubs, and underlying vegetation planted across the site to help enhance the natural environment by further diversifying the habitat and ecological value of the area.

    The Lord Provost was joined for today’s opening ceremony by members of the city’s Young Ambassadors, a group of young people who contributed ideas for the beach plans.

    Aberdeen City Council’s Co-Leaders welcomed today’s opening as the first project to be completed in the ambitious Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Master Plan.

    Co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It is good to see the first of the beach works finished as the first of the City Centre and Beach Master Plan projects.  We hope many generations to come will make good use of the changes at Broadhill. The beachfront is one of the jewels in the city’s crown and the work taking place in the area will further transform the beach area for the enjoyment of everyone.

    “The works are the biggest redevelopment the beach has had for 35 years and is the next step to make Aberdeen an even better place for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

    Co-leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “We welcome the works finishing at Broadhill. As work continues at the beach, I am looking forward to more of the works finishing and people of all ages being able to make use of the great new facilities.

    “We welcome the input of the Young Ambassadors who helped to shape the new facilities here at the city’s beach.  The Council is committed to working with Aberdeen’s residents, beach users, partner organisations, and businesses at the beach to make Aberdeen beach and the Links the envy of other cities and a place where local people and visitors alike will want to visit to again and again.”

    The other beach works have seen five new buildings and shelters currently being constructed for the play and events sites along with a new skate landscape while the foundations have been laid for a large bespoke play structure called the Rope Factory which is set to become an iconic attraction.

    The play area will have four zones – sport, adventure, woodland, and coastal – all with different free activities.

    The 2.5-hectare events field will have an amphitheatre and will be able to host festivals, larger concerts and gatherings. The play park and events field are due for completion in Autumn 2026.

    Hub North Scotland is the council’s development and delivery partner for the master plan projects and the main contractor for the beach works is the Robertson Construction Group.

    Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: “This is a landmark moment for the beach redevelopment with the transformation of Broadhill and the progress on the other works. Robertson has done a fantastic job in completing the Broadhill and every day now you can see the progress on the rest of the area. This will be a ‘must-visit’ destination when completed.”

    Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Construction Group, said: “The opening of Broadhill is the first completed project as part of the overall transformation of Aberdeen’s beach. Being the trusted delivery partner, we understand the importance of bringing the vision of Aberdeen City Council and the local community to life.

    “Working closely with hub North Scotland and the Council, significant progress is being made in the creation of well-designed, connected spaces which will be home to high-quality facilities. The vision to redevelop the beach will benefit the community through the provision of public realm spaces that will inspire wellbeing and activity and contribute to the local and regional economy.”

    Work is progressing on stripping out the former Beach Leisure Centre in preparation for demolition of the building, which is due to begin next month. The Linx Ice Arena is open for business as normal during the works.

    The beach improvements are part of a £150million commitment by Aberdeen City Council towards the City Centre and Beach Master Plan. Works are well under way on a new streetscape for the Union Street Central area while construction on the new market building is progressing as planned. Work is also due to begin on new streetscape improvements to the Castlegate next month. These areas will create vibrant and accessible areas to help make the city a destination of choice for the benefit of residents, visitors, and businesses.

    Pic caption: Cllr Martin Greig, the Lord Provost Dr David Cameron, Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, and Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Construction Group, with some of the Young Ambassadors in the background, on one of the viewing platforms at the new-look Broadhill

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with Federal Chancellor of Austria

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    15 Luglio 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Christian Stocker, at Palazzo Chigi today. Following their meeting, the two leaders issued statements to the press.

    [Press statements by President Meloni and Federal Chancellor Stocker (Original audio)]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor backs Zane’s Law following pressure from Zack Polanski AM to tackle contaminated land crisis

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor has finally confirmed his support for Zane’s Law following sustained pressure from Green Party London Assembly Member Zack Polanski. This marks a significant step forward in addressing the urgent and long-overlooked issue of contaminated land.

    Zane Gbangbola, aged seven, tragically died during the catastrophic 2014 floods in Chertsey, Surrey. Since then his parents, Kye Gbangbola and Nicole Lawler, have led a tireless campaign for justice to better protect the public from contaminated land.

    In November 2024, Zack Polanski AM proposed a motion in calling for the London Assembly to support Zane’s Law which was unanimously approved and agreed upon, it’s encouraging to now see the mayor share the same position as the Assembly.

    The Mayor’s support signals growing momentum for legislative change, and increasing recognition of the Zane’s family’s decade-long campaign.

    Zane’s Law would ensure that all potentially contaminated land is identified, made public, regularly inspected and properly cleaned up. It would mean local authorities would be given the funding, resources and powers to act, with the Government upholding the ‘polluter pays’ principle, where those responsible for the pollution can be identified.

    Zack Polanski AM, who has championed the cause within City Hall said:

    “Contaminated Land is a huge public health issue that needs urgent action but is too often ignored. We’re talking about lives at risk, families unknowingly living alongside toxic and dangerous contamination.

    “The Mayor has made an important step in backing Zane’s Law, but there’s still so much more that can be done. The Mayor should use his influence to urge the Government to bring in this Law and ensure its full support and implementation.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Commends USTR For Addressing Fairness In Pharmaceutical Pricing And Putting The American People First

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) joined Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), and thirty-two additional House colleagues in commending the Office of the US Trade Representative for addressing issues of fairness in pharmaceutical pricing and reciprocal trade. Congressman Donalds released the following statement:

    “Our country makes up less than five percent of the world’s population, yet we fund seventy-five percent of the world’s pharmaceutical profits. This is wrong, this is unfair, and this cannot stand. Government must put the American people first and I’m proud to join my colleagues in this critical initiative.”

    Read the full text of the letter here or below:

    Ambassador Jamieson Greer
    United States Trade Representative
    Office of the United States Trade Representative
    600 17th Street NW, Washington DC, 20508

    Dear Ambassador Greer,

    We write to applaud you for demonstrating strong leadership by issuing the “Request for Comments Regarding Foreign Nations Freeloading on American-Financed Innovation” to address discriminatory policies and practices by foreign entities that cause American patients to pay a disproportionate share of the cost of global pharmaceutical research and development (R&D). We believe this is unsustainable because it both threatens the resiliency of the U.S. biopharmaceutical supply chain and increases costs for American patients.

    The American health care system bears the burden of subsidizing pharmaceutical R&D that is used across the world. In fact, despite the U.S. having less than 5 percent of the world’s population, the American patients fund approximately 75 percent of global pharmaceutical profits.

    Pharmaceutical R&D is both a costly and risky endeavor. For example, in 2019, the pharmaceutical industry spent $83 billion on R&D, with $62 billion spent domestically across all companies operating within the U.S. When adjusted for inflation, this is 10 times what the biopharmaceutical industry spent on R&D in the 1980s. In 2023, manufacturers invested over $96 billion in R&D, with over $71 billion in U.S. investments alone. This has led to an increased number of new medicines and potential cures for patients. Yet, only about 10 percent of assets that are in development are ultimately approved by world-wide regulatory bodies, and the expected cost to develop and bring a new drug to market can range from $1 billion to $2 billion.

    The U.S. is the world leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. New medicines are most often developed and launched first in the U.S., including life-saving therapies for cancers and rare diseases. Nearly 90 percent of all medicines launched between 2012 and 2021 were reimbursed in and available to patients in America; however, fewer patients had access to the same medicines abroad—for example, 48 percent of new medicines in the United Kingdom, 24 percent in Australia and 21 percent in Canada. Anti-innovation policies in other countries not only end up costing American patients more, but they threaten global access to medicines and potential cures.

    We are encouraged by USTR’s public comment process on this important issue, and we support utilizing the full force of the U.S. government to ensure other countries appropriately value American innovation. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Executive Branch to address foreign freeloading while ensuring the U.S. remains the clear world leaders when it comes to innovative pharmaceutical products. One Congressional proposal worth considering is the creation of a Chief Pharmaceutical Negotiator within USTR. This role would be specifically tasked with ensuring trade negotiations prioritize reimbursement for innovative medicines and our trading partners are held accountable when they adopt price control measures or other discriminatory practices that shift a disproportionate share of R&D costs back onto American patients.

    The price setting policies that other countries frequently adopt both undervalue medicines in the non-U.S. market and ultimately make life-saving therapies more expensive for U.S. patients. We applaud the Trump Administration for highlighting the impact foreign “freeloaders” have on drug prices for American patients. Simply put: the U.S. should not be forced to subsidize medicine costs for the rest of the world at the expense of American patients.

    Sincerely,

    Vern Buchanan (R-FL) Member of Congress 
     Jodey C. Arrington (R-TX) Member of Congress
     Byron Donalds (R-FL) Member of Congress
     Adrian Smith, (R-NE) Member of Congress
    Aaron Bean (R-FL) Member of Congress
    Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) Member of Congress
    Charles J. Fleischmann (R-TN) Member of Congress
    Carol D. Miller (R-WV) Member of Congress
    David D. Valadao (R-CA) Member of Congress
    Jeff Crank (R-CO) Member of Congress
    Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) Member of Congress
    Pat Harrigan (R-NC) Member of Congress
    Mike Bost (R-IL) Member of Congress
    Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) Member of Congress
    Claudia Tenney (R-NY) Member of Congress
    Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) Member of Congress
    Kat Cammack (R-FL) Member of Congress
    Rob Bresnahan Jr. (R-PA) Member of Congress
    Randy Feenstra (R-IA) Member of Congress
    Rich McCormick (R-GA) Member of Congress
    Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) Member of Congress
    Gabe Evans (R-CO) Member of Congress
    Mike Carey (R-OH) Member of Congress
    Max L. Miller (R-OH) Member of Congress
    Tim Moore (R-NC) Member of Congress
    Blake D. Moore (R-UT) Member of Congress
    Rick W. Allen (R-GA) Member of Congress
    Derek Schmidt (R-KS) Member of Congress
    Thomas H. Kean Jr. (R-NJ) Member of Congress
    Darin LaHood (R-IL) Member of Congress
    Don Bacon (R-NE) Member of Congress
    Richard Hudson (R-NC) Member of Congress
    Pete Stauber (R-MN) Member of Congress
    Mark B. Messmer (R-IN) Member of Congress
    Neal P. Dunn (R-FL) Member of Congress

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General meets President Trump to bolster support for Ukraine

    Source: NATO

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House yesterday (14 July 2025) to advance critical efforts in support of Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression. Speaking to press in the Oval Office, Rutte hailed President Trump’s pivotal decision to ensure Ukraine receives essential military resources, with NATO coordinating the effort with funding from Allies in Europe and Canada.

    Mr. Rutte highlighted the momentum from the recent NATO Summit in The Hague, where Allies agreed to a 5% GDP defence spending target and increased defence industrial production as well as continued support to Ukraine. He underscored how this effort brings all three together just weeks after the historic decisions were made. NATO is now working on substantial military equipment packages, including air defence systems, missiles, and ammunition. Rather than a single, finite package, the announcement yesterday marks new impetus, focused on rapid, substantial equipment transfers to Ukraine. “This is Europe stepping up,” he stated, noting commitments from Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada, with more expected to follow. 

    While in Washington, the Secretary General also had meetings with the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as well as Members of Congress. 

    MIL Security OSI –