Category: Farming

  • MIL-OSI: Caliber Receives Design Review Approval for PURE Pickleball & Padel Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caliber (NASDAQ: CWD), a real estate investor, developer, and manager, today announced that its joint venture development, PURE Pickleball & Padel™ has gained Design Review approval from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Planning Department. This approval positions the project to seek a building permit once final construction documents are complete, with a planned ground-breaking shortly after receiving the permit.

    PURE Pickleball & Padel™ is developing an 11+ acre site in the Riverwalk Development Project located in the Talking Stick Entertainment District, a 100-acre site in the SRPMIC adjacent to Scottsdale. PURE will be a world-class pickleball and padel facility and seeks to claim the title of the largest indoor pickleball and padel facility in the world. The 196,726 square feet state-of-the-art facility will boast a 1,200-seat pro arena, 48 indoor courts (40 pickleball, 8 padel), sports performance and recovery fitness center by HonorHealth, restaurant and rooftop bar, pro shop, locker rooms and spa, special event spaces, childcare and other amenities.

    Chris Loeffler, CEO of Caliber, said, “We are grateful to the SRPMIC team for their thoughtful review and approval of this project. Collaboration with the SRPMIC has been instrumental throughout the design review process which has brought an elevated design and uniqueness to the project.”

    Kevin J. Berk, Co-Founder & CEO of PURE, said, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the SRPMIC for believing in and supporting our vision. I’m deeply grateful to all the incredible teams contributing to this project—your passion, dedication, and commitment to bringing our first facility to life inspires me every day.”

    With the approval of the use and design, the PURE project will now focus on the next phase of development, the completion of construction documents and the approval of a final building permit. This approval also positions Caliber to formally enter the debt markets to finalize its sourcing of construction financing and puts a clear timeline in place for investors funding the equity into the project’s private offering.

    Unique to this project, Caliber created the [insert official fundco offering name here], a single asset offering designed to invest in the real estate, land sublease, and business operations of PURE. The offering allows for direct investment from accredited investors as well as qualified opportunity zone funds (QOFs) seeking to allocate capital to a potentially attractive qualified opportunity zone business (QOZB). Caliber has designed the offering for broad participation, seeking Pickleball & Padel enthusiasts who are looking for exposure to the two fastest growing sports in the United States and the World.

    For more information on the project, visit Caliber’s website.

    About Caliber (CaliberCos Inc.)

    With over $2.9 billion in Managed Assets, Caliber’s 16-year track record of managing and developing real estate is built on a singular goal: to make money in all market conditions, specializing in hospitality, multi-family residential, and multi-tenant industrial. Our growth is fueled by performance and a key competitive advantage: we invest in projects, strategies, and geographies that global real estate institutions often overlook. Integral to this advantage is our in-house shared services group, which gives Caliber greater control over our real estate and enhanced visibility into future investment opportunities. There are multiple ways to participate in Caliber’s success: invest in Nasdaq-listed CaliberCos Inc. and/or invest directly in our Private Funds.

    About PURE Pickleball & Padel
    PURE Pickleball & Padel has partnered with Caliber to build the world’s largest indoor pickleball & Padel facility and pro arena in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a target opening date of late 2026. The 196,726 square feet state-of-the-art facility will boast 48 indoor courts (40 Pickleball and 8 Padel), a 1,200-seat pro arena, along with country club level amenities that include a restaurant and bar, retail pro shop, gym, recovery spaces, VIP lounge, office space, childcare and teen room. PURE is a member-focused, program-driven concept that will connect the two fastest growing sports in the world with the Scottsdale community across all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. With an estimated 800,000 visits annually, the facility plans to host the largest pickleball/padel tournaments in the world.

    About the Talking Stick Entertainment District
    The Talking Stick Entertainment District is a dynamic area for culture, shopping, dining and entertainment, conveniently located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Located at the Pima-101 Freeway and Talking Stick Way, just 20 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, Talking Stick is home to Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, The Pavilions at Talking Stick, Arizona Boardwalk at Talking Stick and many more entertainment and hospitality options.

    About the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
    The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is represented by two distinct Native American tribes; the Akimel O’odham (River People), more commonly known as the Pima and the Xalychidom Piipaash (People Who Live Toward the Water) commonly known as the Maricopa; both share the same cultural values but maintain their unique traditions. Today, more than 11,000 individuals are enrolled Salt River tribal members. The SRPMIC is bordered by Tempe, Fountain Hills and Mesa and shares a Scottsdale address. The Community owns and operates several successful enterprises including Salt River Materials Group and Saddleback Communication and hospitality enterprises: Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, all within the Talking Stick Entertainment District, on the northern part of the Community. The culture and the history of the people is an important story to tell and have been interwoven at many of the destination amenities through interior art, building design and landscape.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the Company’s public offering filed with the SEC and other reports filed with the SEC thereafter. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    CONTACTS:
    Caliber Investor Relations:
    Ilya Grozovsky
    +1 480-214-1915
    Ilya@CaliberCo.com

    PURE Pickleball & Padel
    Kevin J. Berk – Co-Founder & CEO
    +1 480-861-7474
    Kevin@purepickleball.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-05-07

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg

     Abbreviations and symbols

    + adopted
    rejected
    lapsed
    W withdrawn
    RCV roll-call votes
    EV electronic vote
    SEC secret ballot
    split split vote
    sep separate vote
    am amendment
    CA compromise amendment
    CP corresponding part
    D deleting amendment
    = identical amendments
    § paragraph

    IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.


    2. Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)

    The decisions of the LIBE and PECH committees and (jointly) the SEDE and ITRE committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations had been announced on 5 May 2025 (minutes of 5.5.2025, item 12).

    Since no requests for vote had been made pursuant to Rule 72(2), the committees responsible had been able to begin negotiations after the expiry of the deadline set.


    3. EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine (2025/2685(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Michael Gahler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Yannis Maniatis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Adam Bielan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Petras Auštrevičius, on behalf of the Renew Group, Terry Reintke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Özlem Demirel, on behalf of The Left Group, Hans Neuhoff, on behalf of the ESN Group, Sandra Kalniete, Thijs Reuten, Harald Vilimsky, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Moritz Körner, Alberico Gambino, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Marc Botenga, who also answered a blue-card question from Sebastian Tynkkynen, Petar Volgin, Fidias Panayiotou, who also answered a blue-card question from Moritz Körner, Rasa Juknevičienė, Brando Benifei, Tom Vandendriessche, Mirosława Nykiel and Heléne Fritzon.

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Beata Szydło, Nathalie Loiseau, Mika Aaltola, Francisco Assis, Hannah Neumann, Paulius Saudargas, Marcos Ros Sempere, Roberto Vannacci, Victor Negrescu, Aurelijus Veryga, Hilde Vautmans, Matej Tonin, Danilo Della Valle, Francisco José Millán Mon, Tonino Picula, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Salvatore De Meo, Raphaël Glucksmann, Merja Kyllönen, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Elena Yoncheva, Seán Kelly, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Tamás Deutsch, Rihards Kols, Helmut Brandstätter, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Krzysztof Hetman, Jonas Sjöstedt, Danuše Nerudová, Tobias Cremer, Tomasz Buczek, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Dan Barna, Wouter Beke, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Irene Montero and Ana Miguel Pedro.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Michał Szczerba, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Viktória Ferenc, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Dainius Žalimas, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Siegbert Frank Droese, Lukas Sieper, Maria Grapini, Damian Boeselager and Petras Gražulis.

    The following spoke: Valdis Dombrovskis (Member of the Commission) and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended at 11:19.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    4. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 11:35.


    5. Commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe

    The President made a statement to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

    António Costa (President of the European Council), Robert Chot (Member of the Belgian Royal National Federation of War Volunteers), Janusz Komorowski (President of the Polish Association of Home Army Soldiers) and Janusz Maksymowicz (Vice-President of the Warsaw Uprising Insurgents Association), addressed the House.

    The House stood for the European anthem performed by soprano Francesca Sorteni, accompanied by Thomas Gautier and Claire Rigaux on violin, Marie Viard on cello and Emma Errara on viola.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    6. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:19.

    The following spoke: Valérie Hayer (the President noted her remarks. She pointed out that serving Europe in the House of democracy was an honourable commitment and called for everyone to respect what this represented).


    7. Welcome

    On behalf of Parliament, the President welcomed Dr Denis Mukwege, winner of the 2014 Sakharov Prize and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, who had taken his seat in the distinguished visitors gallery.


    8. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    8.1. Amending ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review ***I (vote)

    Amending ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review – (COM(2025)0123 – C10-0063/2025 – 2025/0084(COD))

    REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION by the REGI Committee (Rule 170(5))

    Approved

    Vote: at a later part-session.

    Detailed voting results


    8.2. European Social Fund (ESF+): specific measures to address strategic challenges ***I (vote)

    European Social Fund (ESF+): specific measures to address strategic challenges – (COM(2025)0164 – C10-0064/2025 – 2025/0085(COD))

    REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION by the EMPL Committee (Rule 170(5))

    Approved

    Vote: at a later part-session.

    Detailed voting results


    8.3. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Commission, executive agencies and European Development Funds (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section III – Commission, executive agencies and the ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0067/2024 – 2024/2019(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Niclas Herbst (A10-0074/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS – Commission and executive agencies

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0077)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS – European Development Funds – EDF (9th, 10th and 11th)

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0077)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0077)

    Detailed voting results


    8.4. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Parliament (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section I – European Parliament [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0068/2024 – 2024/2020(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Monika Hohlmeier (A10-0062/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0078)

    Detailed voting results


    8.5. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Council and Council (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section II – European Council and Council [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0069/2024 – 2024/2021(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0052/2025)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0079)

    Discharge postponed (see Annex V, Article 5(1)(b) to the Rules of Procedure)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0079)

    Detailed voting results


    8.6. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Justice of the European Union (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IV – Court of Justice [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0070/2024 – 2024/2022(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Cristian Terheş (A10-0050/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0080)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0080)

    Detailed voting results


    8.7. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Auditors (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section V – Court of Auditors [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0071/2024 – 2024/2023(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Dick Erixon (A10-0047/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0081)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0081)

    Detailed voting results


    8.8. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Economic and Social Committee (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0073/2024 – 2024/2025(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0054/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0082)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0082)

    Detailed voting results


    8.9. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Committee of the Regions (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VII – Committee of the Regions [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0074/2024 – 2024/2026(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0046/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0083)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0083)

    Detailed voting results


    8.10. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Ombudsman (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VIII – European Ombudsman [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0075/2024 – 2024/2027(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0055/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0084)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0084)

    Detailed voting results


    8.11. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Data Protection Supervisor (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0076/2024 – 2024/2028(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0053/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0085)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0085)

    Detailed voting results


    8.12. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European External Action Service (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section X – European External Action Service [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0072/2024 – 2024/2024(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0069/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0086)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0086)

    Detailed voting results


    8.13. Discharge 2023: European Public Prosecutor’s Office (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0077/2024 – 2024/2029(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Tomáš Zdechovský (A10-0051/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0087)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0087)

    Detailed voting results


    8.14. Discharge 2023: Agencies (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union Agencies for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0078/2024 – 2024/2030(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Erik Marquardt (A10-0065/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Agency for Support for BEREC

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Banking Authority (EBA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Environment Agency (EEA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Labour Authority (ELA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Medicines Agency (EMA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (now European Union Drugs Agency)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Railways (ERA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Euratom Supply Agency (ESA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Training Foundation (ETF)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge and closure of the accounts was postponed (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Detailed voting results


    8.15. Discharge 2023: Joint Undertakings (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the EU joint undertakings for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0079/2024 – 2024/2031(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Michal Wiezik (A10-0056/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Chips Joint Undertaking (before 21.9.2023: Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Single European Sky ATM Research 3 Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Detailed voting results


    8.16. A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world (vote)

    Report on a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world [2024/2051(INI)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteurs: Siegfried Mureşan and Carla Tavares (A10-0076/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 9).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0090)

    Detailed voting results


    8.17. The European Water Resilience Strategy (vote)

    Report on the European Water Resilience Strategy [2024/2104(INI)] – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. Rapporteur: Thomas Bajada (A10-0073/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 13).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0091)

    Detailed voting results


    8.18. 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye (vote)

    2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye [2025/2023(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Nacho Sánchez Amor (A10-0067/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 14).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0092)

    The following had spoken:

    Nacho Sánchez Amor (rapporteur), to move an oral amendment to add a new paragraph after paragraph 31. Parliament had agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote.

    Jordan Bardella, to move an oral amendment to add a new paragraph after paragraph 36. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it.

    Detailed voting results


    8.19. 2023 and 2024 reports on Serbia (vote)

    Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Serbia [2025/2022(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Tonino Picula (A10-0072/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 16).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0093)

    The following had spoken:

    Tonino Picula (rapporteur), to move an oral amendment to paragraph 23. Parliament had agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote.

    Detailed voting results


    8.20. 2023 and 2024 reports on Kosovo (vote)

    Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission Reports on Kosovo [2025/2019(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Riho Terras (A10-0075/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 17).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0094)

    Detailed voting results

    20

    (The sitting was suspended at 13:39.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ
    Vice-President

    9. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 13:44.


    10. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    11. Winning the global tech race: boosting innovation and closing funding gaps (topical debate)

    The following spoke: Eva Maydell to open the debate proposed by the PPE Group.

    The following spoke: Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Pablo Arias Echeverría, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julie Rechagneux, on behalf of the PfE Group, Elena Donazzan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kim Van Sparrentak, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Leila Chaibi, on behalf of The Left Group, Marcin Sypniewski, on behalf of the ESN Group, Tomislav Sokol, Christel Schaldemose, Kosma Złotowski, Svenja Hahn, David Cormand, Milan Mazurek, Massimiliano Salini, Giorgio Gori, Philippe Olivier, Charlie Weimers, Morten Løkkegaard, Eszter Lakos, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Diego Solier, Fernando Navarrete Rojas, Matthias Ecke, Mario Mantovani and Elena Sancho Murillo.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    12. Competition policy – annual report 2024 (debate)

    Report on competition policy – annual report 2024 [2024/2079(INI)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Lara Wolters (A10-0071/2025)

    Lara Wolters introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Teresa Ribera (Executive Vice-President of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Andreas Schwab, on behalf of the PPE Group, and Thomas Bajada, on behalf of the S&D Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Pierre Pimpie, on behalf of the PfE Group, Francesco Ventola, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, Rada Laykova, on behalf of the ESN Group, Markus Ferber, René Repasi, Enikő Győri, Marlena Maląg, Marie Toussaint, Marcin Sypniewski, Branislav Ondruš, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Georgios Aftias, Nikos Papandreou, Dirk Gotink, Adnan Dibrani, Marco Falcone and Jonás Fernández.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Ralf Seekatz, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Petras Gražulis, João Oliveira and Alexander Jungbluth.

    The following spoke: Teresa Ribera and Lara Wolters.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    13. Resilience and the need to improve the interconnection of energy grid infrastructure in the EU: the first lessons from the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Resilience and the need to improve the interconnection of energy grid infrastructure in the EU: the first lessons from the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula (2025/2686(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Dan Jørgensen (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Dolors Montserrat, on behalf of the PPE Group, Nicolás González Casares, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Diego Solier, on behalf of the ECR Group, Anna Stürgkh, on behalf of the Renew Group, Diana Riba i Giner, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Estrella Galán, on behalf of The Left Group, Petr Bystron, on behalf of the ESN Group, Paulo Cunha, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Francisco Assis, António Tânger Corrêa, who also answered a blue-card question from Bruno Gonçalves, Patryk Jaki, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Irene Montero, Marc Jongen, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, François-Xavier Bellamy, who also answered a blue-card question from Nicolás González Casares, Sofie Eriksson, Paolo Borchia, Nora Junco García, Christophe Grudler, Pernando Barrena Arza, Pilar del Castillo Vera, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Nicolás González Casares, and Elena Sancho Murillo.

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: András Gyürk, Nicolas Bay, Michał Kobosko, João Oliveira, Ana Miguel Pedro, Bruno Gonçalves, Pascale Piera, Daniel Obajtek, Seán Kelly, Bruno Tobback, Georg Mayer, Aleksandar Nikolic and Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Davor Ivo Stier, Susana Solís Pérez, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Maria Zacharia and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Dan Jørgensen and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    14. High levels of retail food prices and their consequences for European consumers (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: High levels of retail food prices and their consequences for European consumers (2025/2687(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Tomislav Sokol, on behalf of the PPE Group, Camilla Laureti, on behalf of the S&D Group, Gilles Pennelle, on behalf of the PfE Group, Stefano Cavedagna, on behalf of the ECR Group, Asger Christensen, on behalf of the Renew Group, David Cormand, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Hanna Gedin, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Mazurek, on behalf of the ESN Group, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Adnan Dibrani, Tomasz Buczek, Veronika Vrecionová, Christine Singer, Ana Miranda Paz, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Konstantinos Arvanitis, who also answered a blue-card question from Rody Tolassy, Kateřina Konečná, Péter Magyar, Biljana Borzan, Marieke Ehlers, Sergio Berlato, Ciaran Mullooly, Marc Botenga, Nikolaos Anadiotis, Krzysztof Hetman, Pierfrancesco Maran, Barbara Bonte, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión and France Jamet.

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Cristina Maestre, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Csaba Dömötör, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Rasmus Andresen, Elena Kountoura, João Oliveira, Lukas Sieper and Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    15. Malta’s Golden Passport scheme circumventing EU sanctions against Russia (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Malta’s Golden Passport scheme circumventing EU sanctions against Russia (2025/2688(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: David Casa, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, on behalf of the ECR Group, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, on behalf of the Renew Group, Saskia Bricmont, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giuseppe Antoci, on behalf of The Left Group, Luděk Niedermayer, Birgit Sippel, Georgiana Teodorescu, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Irena Joveva, Daniel Freund, Peter Agius, Thomas Bajada, who also answered a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle and did not accept a blue-card question from Daniel Freund, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Daniel Attard, who also answered a blue-card question from Daniel Freund, and Evelyn Regner.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Sebastian Tynkkynen.

    The following spoke: Alex Agius Saliba (the President cut off the speaker as his remarks did not constitute a point of order).

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    16. The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season (debate)

    Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 as regards the role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season [COM(2025)0099 – C10-0041/2025 – 2025/0051(COD)] – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Borys Budka (A10-0079/2025)

    Borys Budka introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Dan Jørgensen (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Andrea Wechsler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jens Geier, on behalf of the S&D Group, András Gyürk, on behalf of the PfE Group, Ondřej Krutílek, on behalf of the ECR Group, Yvan Verougstraete, on behalf of the Renew Group, Marie Toussaint, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Dario Tamburrano, on behalf of The Left Group, Alexander Sell, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jüri Ratas, Nicolás González Casares, Julie Rechagneux, Michael Bloss, Thomas Geisel and Mirosława Nykiel.

    IN THE CHAIR: Ewa KOPACZ
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Michalis Hadjipantela and Virgil-Daniel Popescu.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Liudas Mažylis, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Marta Wcisło and Billy Kelleher.

    The following spoke: Dan Jørgensen and Borys Budka.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    17. Banking Union – annual report 2024 (debate)

    Report on Banking Union – annual report 2024 [2024/2055(INI)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Ralf Seekatz (A10-0044/2025)

    Ralf Seekatz introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Marco Falcone, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jonás Fernández, on behalf of the S&D Group, Marlena Maląg, on behalf of the ECR Group, Billy Kelleher, on behalf of the Renew Group, Jussi Saramo, on behalf of The Left Group, Costas Mavrides and Giovanni Crosetto.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Marta Wcisło, Sebastian Tynkkynen and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath and Ralf Seekatz.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    18. The fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms (debate)

    Commission statement: The fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms (2025/2704(RSP))

    Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: François-Xavier Bellamy, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Virginie Joron, on behalf of the PfE Group, Gheorghe Piperea, on behalf of the ECR Group, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alexandra Geese, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Mary Khan, Pablo Arias Echeverría, Elisabeth Dieringer, Sandro Gozi, Fidias Panayiotou, Sunčana Glavak, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Moritz Körner.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Billy Kelleher and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath.

    The debate closed.


    19. Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (debate)

    (For the titles and authors of the motions for resolutions, see minutes of 7.5.2025, item I.)


    19.1. Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania

    Motions for resolutions B10-0260/2025, B10-0261/2025, B10-0262/2025, B10-0263/2025, B10-0264/2025 and B10-0265/2025 (2025/2690(RSP))

    Reinhold Lopatka, Marit Maij, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Catarina Vieira and Tomasz Froelich introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    19.2. Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

    Motions for resolutions B10-0247/2025, B10-0249/2025, B10-0250/2025, B10-0252/2025, B10-0255/2025 and B10-0258/2025 (2025/2691(RSP))

    Jessika Van Leeuwen, Thijs Reuten, Petras Auštrevičius, Villy Søvndal and Małgorzata Gosiewska introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Michał Szczerba, on behalf of the PPE Group, and Pina Picierno, on behalf of the S&D Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Karin Karlsbro, on behalf of the Renew Group, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Sandra Gómez López, Charles Goerens, Lukas Mandl, Pierfrancesco Maran, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Davor Ivo Stier and Alice Teodorescu Måwe.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Liudas Mažylis, Nikos Papandreou, Lukas Sieper and Marta Wcisło.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    19.3. Violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    Motions for resolutions B10-0248/2025, B10-0251/2025, B10-0253/2025, B10-0254/2025, B10-0256/2025 and B10-0259/2025 (2025/2692(RSP))

    Danuše Nerudová, Hannes Heide, Mariusz Kamiński, Engin Eroglu and Ville Niinistö introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Michael McNamara, on behalf of the Renew Group.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McNamara, on the previous speaker’s comments, and Lukas Sieper on Michael McNamara’s contribution.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    20. Democratic legitimacy and the Commission’s continued authorisation of genetically modified organisms despite Parliament’s objections (debate)

    Commission statement: Democratic legitimacy and the Commission’s continued authorisation of genetically modified organisms despite Parliament’s objections (2025/2645(RSP))

    Olivér Várhelyi (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Esther Herranz García, on behalf of the PPE Group, Biljana Borzan, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Inselvini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Martin Häusling, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Nikolas Farantouris, on behalf of The Left Group, Daniel Buda, Maria Noichl, Georgiana Teodorescu and Günther Sidl.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Kristian Vigenin, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Olivér Várhelyi.

    The debate closed.


    21. The illegal visit of President Erdoğan to the occupied areas of Cyprus (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: The illegal visit of President Erdoğan to the occupied areas of Cyprus (2025/2705(RSP))

    Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

    The following spoke: Loucas Fourlas, on behalf of the PPE Group, Costas Mavrides, on behalf of the S&D Group, Afroditi Latinopoulou, on behalf of the PfE Group, Geadis Geadi, on behalf of the ECR Group (the President reminded the speaker of the rules on conduct), Kai Tegethoff, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, and Irene Montero, on behalf of The Left Group.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath.

    The debate closed.


    22. Explanations of vote


    22.1. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European External Action Service (A10-0069/2025 – Joachim Stanisław Brudziński) (oral explanations of vote)

    Lynn Boylan


    22.2. Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    23. Agenda of the next sitting

    The next sitting would be held the following day, 8 May 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.


    24. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.


    25. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 22:21.


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0260/2025)
    Catarina Vieira, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Maria Ohisalo, Mélissa Camara, Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0261/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marit Maij
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0262/2025)
    Tomasz Froelich
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0263/2025)
    Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Michal Wiezik, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0264/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Reinhold Lopatka, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Danuše Nerudová, Miriam Lexmann, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0265/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alexandr Vondra, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Ivaylo Valchev, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0247/2025)
    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0249/2025)
    Villy Søvndal, Sergey Lagodinsky, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Maria Ohisalo, Catarina Vieira, Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0250/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Thijs Reuten, Evin Incir, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0252/2025)
    Petras Auštrevičius, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Abir Al-Sahlani, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Michał Kobosko
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0255/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Sandra Kalniete, Andrzej Halicki, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Dariusz Joński, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Reinhold Lopatka, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Danuše Nerudová, Miriam Lexmann, Ondřej Kolář, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Ewa Kopacz, Matej Tonin, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0258/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Michał Dworczyk, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Jaak Madison, Alexandr Vondra, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Bogdan Rzońca, Roberts Zīle, Ivaylo Valchev, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Assita Kanko, Aurelijus Veryga, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Rihards Kols, Maciej Wąsik, Marlena Maląg, Charlie Weimers, Cristian Terheş
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0248/2025)
    Ville Niinistö, Catarina Vieira, Maria Ohisalo, Erik Marquardt, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Leoluca Orlando
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0251/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0253/2025)
    Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch, Susanna Ceccardi
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0254/2025)
    Engin Eroglu, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Karin Karlsbro, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0256/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Danuše Nerudová, Michael Gahler, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Reinhold Lopatka, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Miriam Lexmann, Ondřej Kolář, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0259/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alberico Gambino, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Assita Kanko, Michał Dworczyk, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Bogdan Rzońca, Alexandr Vondra, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Maciej Wąsik, Marlena Maląg
    on behalf of the ECR Group


    II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))

    Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2631 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the content, methodologies, and presentation of the information to be voluntarily disclosed by issuers of bonds marketed as environmentally sustainable or of sustainability-linked bonds in the templates for periodic post-issuance disclosures (C(2025)00005 – 2025/2674(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 16 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2631of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying rules of procedure for the exercise of the power to impose fines or periodic penalty payments by the European Securities and Markets Authority on external reviewers (C(2025)00006 – 2025/2676(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 16 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2631 of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying the type of fees to be charged by ESMA to external reviewers of European Green Bonds, the matters in respect of which fees are due, the amount of the fees, and the manner in which those fees are to be paid (C(2025)00007 – 2025/2677(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 16 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the general conditions for the functioning of supervisory colleges, and repealing Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/98 (C(2025)00701 – 2025/2678(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 23 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards additional data types on alternative fuels infrastructure (C(2025)01912 – 2025/2661(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 2 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards common technical requirements for a common application programme interface (C(2025)01913 – 2025/2659(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 2 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the harmonised classification and labelling of certain substances (C(2025)01916 – 2025/2660(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 2 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards standards for wireless recharging, electric road system, vehicle-to-grid communication and hydrogen supply for road transport vehicles (C(2025)01918 – 2025/2662(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 2 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/68 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/208 with regard to vehicle braking requirements and to vehicle functional safety requirements for agricultural and forestry vehicles (C(2025)01944 – 2025/2663(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 3 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/205 as regards the European Maritime Single Window environment data set (C(2025)02021 – 2025/2667(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 7 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing threshold levels and classes of performance for permanent anchor devices and safety hooks (C(2025)02119 – 2025/2670(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 9 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Directive amending Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the minimum training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon (C(2025)02128 – 2025/2671(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 10 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives (C(2025)02189 – 2025/2672(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 14 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission delegated decision on the unilateral inclusion of sectors by Finland in the emissions trading system within the Union for buildings, road transport and additional sectors pursuant to Article 30j of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (C(2025)02232 – 2025/2673(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 15 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2197 as regards the date of application (C(2025)02258 – 2025/2675(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 16 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: SANT

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the conditions and indicators that the EBA is to use to determine whether extraordinary circumstances in the sense of Article 325az(5) and Article 325bf(6) of that Regulation have occurred (C(2025)02287 – 2025/2679(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 23 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the arrangements, systems and procedures to prevent, detect and report market abuse, the templates to be used for reporting suspected market abuse, and the coordination procedures between the competent authorities for the detection and sanctioning of market abuse in cross-border market abuse situations (C(2025)02480 – 2025/2684(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 29 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds (C(2025)02566 – 2025/2701(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 5 May 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)…/ … amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards UV-328 (C(2025)02567 – 2025/2703(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 5 May 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2910 on the implementation of the Union’s international obligations, as referred to in Article 15(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, under the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (C(2025)02570 – 2025/2702(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 5 May 2025

    referred to committee responsible: PECH


    III. Implementing measures (Rule 115)

    Draft implementing measures falling under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Regulation correcting certain language versions of Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and implementing Council Directive 97/78/EC as regards certain samples and items exempt from veterinary checks at the border under that Directive (D010438/05 – 2025/2693(RPS) – deadline: 22 July 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: AGRI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for acetamiprid in or on certain products (D102375/03 – 2025/2664(RPS) – deadline: 4 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (E 1202) as a carrier in colour tablets for the decorative colouring of poultry eggshells (D106245/02 – 2025/2680(RPS) – deadline: 29 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 as regards maximum levels of inorganic arsenic in fish and other seafood (D106246/02 – 2025/2681(RPS) – deadline: 29 July 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI


    IV. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from other institutions:

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 05/2025 – Section III – Commission (N10-0013/2025 – C10-0065/2025 – 2025/2078(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations INF 1/2025 – Section VI – Economic and Social Committee (N10-0014/2025 – C10-0078/2025 – 2025/2091(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations No. 2/2025 – Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor (N10-0015/2025 – C10-0079/2025 – 2025/2092(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG


    V. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions

    In accordance with Article 31(1) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve the European Commission’s transfers of appropriations DEC 03/2025 and DEC 04/2025 – Section III – Commission.

    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve the European Commission’s transfers of appropriations DEC 03/2025 and DEC 04/2025 – Section III – Commission.


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Patriciello Aldo, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schnurrbusch Volker, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Verheyen Sabine

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: France: EIB and Groupe BPCE sign an agreement to provide €200 million in support for French agricultural businesses

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Through an intermediated loan to the BPCE banking group, this operation will help to finance investments made by small businesses and mid-caps in the farming and bioeconomy sectors in France.
    • It will provide special support to young farmers, helping to address one of the most urgent challenges facing the French farming sector.
    • This is the first operation signed by the EIB in France as part of the €3 billion package set up in 2024 to support agricultural businesses.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the BPCE banking group have signed an agreement to mobilise €200 million in loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in the French farming and bioeconomy sectors. This is the first operation that the EIB has signed in France as part of the €3 billion package it approved in 2024 to support businesses in the farming sector.

    The particular focus of this operation is to meet the specific needs of young farmers, thus facilitating the creation of new holdings and the takeover of existing ones. It will help to sustain and create jobs in rural communities by encouraging people to stay in those areas. The operation will help residents to purchase and modernise farms and to invest in sustainable technologies.

    “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Groupe BPCE. It is the first in France as part of the EIB’s €3 billion package to support agricultural businesses, with an emphasis on young farmers. The aim of this operation is to provide affordable and tailored financing to support the agricultural sector on its path to a more sustainable and resilient future,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti, who is responsible for operations in the agricultural sector.

    “Thanks to our long-standing partnership with the EIB, we have a credit envelope of €200 million dedicated to the farming and winegrowing sectors. The Banques Populaires and the Caisses d’Epargne will thus be stepping up their support for young farmers, winegrowers and new entrants, encouraging the renewal of generations, which is essential to the vitality of our regions. At the same time, we are committed to supporting projects aimed at accelerating the transition to sustainable agriculture”, added Cédric Glorieux, Director of Products and Solutions, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne.

    Present at the signing of the agreement in Brussels, as part of the conference on the vision for Agriculture and Food organised by the European Commission the european commissioner for agriculture and food Christophe Hansen welcomed the agreement : “”When launching the €3 billion package last December, the European Commission and the EIB set a clear aim: to support the EU’s agricultural priorities by facilitating generational renewal in a sector that encounters various hurdles in access to finance, and driving the ecological transition in rural areas. Today’s signature is a testament to the essential role these funds play in the agriculture and bioeconomy sectors. We remain committed to meeting the needs of our farmers.”

    Almost all of this finance will be allocated to projects in regions that fall within the scope of European cohesion and transition programmes. In addition, 30% of the funds will be dedicated to projects helping to promote climate action, efficient water use and biodiversity protection. These projects will involve energy-efficient irrigation systems, solar panel installation, low-carbon machinery, soil regeneration, and sustainable resource management. Thanks to the EIB’s operation, SMEs and mid-caps will be able to access loans with more favourable financing conditions and repayment deadlines that are adapted to the business cycle of their investments.

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank 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. The EIB Group signed more than 100 operations in France in 2024 for a total amount of €12.6 billion, mobilising €62 billion of investment in the real economy. All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our 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. Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and unlocked €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    Groupe BPCE

    Groupe BPCE is the second-largest banking group in France. It employs 100 000 staff serving 35 million customers worldwide – individuals, professionals, companies, investors and local government. It operates in the retail banking and insurance fields in France via its two major networks, Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, along with Banque Palatine and Oney. It also pursues its activities worldwide with the asset and wealth management services provided by Natixis Investment Managers and the wholesale banking expertise of Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking. The group’s financial strength is recognised by four rating agencies with the following preferred senior long-term ratings: Moody’s (A1, stable outlook), Standard & Poor’s (A+, stable outlook), Fitch (A+, stable outlook) and R&I (A+, stable outlook).

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Portugal: EIB provides €400 million loan to Santander to boost financing for SMEs and mid-caps and the agricultural sector

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • €75 million will go exclusively to the agricultural sector, while €325 million will support small businesses and mid-caps.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Santander have signed a €400 million financing operation to boost investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps, as well as to support the agricultural sector in Portugal. The operation aims to improve access to finance for companies operating in strategic sectors, with a view to accelerating development in the agricultural sector and to supporting cohesion regions.

    The operation includes €75 million to be allocated specifically to the agricultural sector under the Pan-European Agricultural Programme. An EIB initiative, this programme aims to strengthen farming and the bioeconomy in Europe, which is one of the EIB’s eight core priorities.

    At least 10% of this amount will support young and newly established farmers. The financing will also be available for the purchase of agricultural land. This is the first operation that the EIB has signed under the €3 billion package launched in 2024 to support businesses in the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on companies led by young entrepreneurs.

    The remaining €325 million will be used to finance SMEs and mid-caps in Portugal. It is expected that around 60% of this figure will be allocated to cohesion regions, promoting economic development in areas where credit is less accessible, and encouraging businesses to modernise.

    “This financing agreement reinforces the EIB’s commitment to sustainable economic growth, ensuring that SMEs and the agricultural sector have access to favourable financing conditions,” said EIB Director-General and Head of Operations Jean-Christophe Laloux. “By supporting young farmers and innovative projects, we are helping to make the Portuguese economy more resilient and competitive.”

    Santander Portugal Executive Board Member Amílcar Lourenço added: “It is with great commitment to our companies that we have concluded yet another agreement with the EIB. Every day we work to provide the best solutions for our clients, and we are aware that sustainable investment decisions are crucial for business growth and for Portugal’s development.”

    This agreement reinforces the EIB’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and economic development, promoting financial inclusion and sustainable growth in Portugal.

    To carry out the operation, Santander is issuing debt securities in the form of premium European covered bonds subscribed exclusively by the EIB. In this way, the EIB will provide financing directly to Santander, which in turn will use these resources to support SMEs and mid-caps – including young farmers – thus ensuring better financing conditions.

    Background information

    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, high-impact investments outside the European Union and the capital markets union.

    The EIB Group, which includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed almost €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 Climate Agreement, as pledged in our 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.

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Around half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    About Santander Portugal

    Santander Portugal is a leading bank in the Portuguese financial system, whose mission is to contribute to the development of people and companies. Serving around 3 million customers, Santander’s vision is to be the best open financial services platform, all while acting responsibly and earning the trust of partners, clients, shareholders and society. 

    Santander is the largest private bank in Portugal in terms of credit granted, with a privileged position in segments such as mortgage and corporate credit, and also in profitability and efficiency, with a return on equity of 32.2% in March 2025. The strength of its balance sheet is reflected in high capital ratios (CET1 of 14.2% in March 2025, above the SREP requirement of 8.4%) and high credit portfolio quality (non-performing exposure ratio of 1.5%).

    The bank has been implementing a comprehensive digitalisation strategy, geared towards simplifying processes and innovation, thus providing its clients with a more attentive and personalised service to ensure they have the best possible experience. 

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met Police continues clampdown on tool theft across London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met officers have seized around half a million pounds worth of suspected stolen tools following a proactive policing operation at a car boot sale in east London.

    Local officers made six arrests and recovered around 1,500 tools worth £150,000 at the Warren Farm Bonzer Boot Sale in Romford. A further 159 tools were seized during another search at a property in Hackney.

    The intelligence-led activity was carried out in response to concerns from tradespeople about tool theft and is part of the Met’s continued focus on tackling the crimes that matter most to Londoners.

    Inspector Mark Connolly, from the Met’s Havering Safer Neighbourhood Team who led the operation, said:

    “We know tool theft has a significant impact on tradespeople and we’re working hard across the Met to tackle it through targeted operations like this and prevention, such as holding tool marking events and issuing advice on keeping vehicles secure.

    “While victims have their livelihoods disrupted, organised crime groups are making huge sums of money from selling on suspected stolen tools and we won’t stand for it.

    “This is the second operation of this kind we’ve carried out over the past month and we will continue to take action against those who make the lives of Londoners a misery through this type of offending.”

    Among the items recovered were three surveillance systems used to monitor earth and infrastructure movements each worth more than £30,000, a device used to measure ground depth worth around £20,000, and a motorised heist worth £17,000.

    Met officers were also joined by partners including Havering Council’s trading standards team at the operation on Thursday, 1 May.

    Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, added:

    “This is once again excellent work from our trading standards team working in partnership with police and other partners.

    “Illegal and harmful products have been taken off the streets in our borough as a result of this operation. I know there has been a lot of work to get this result, so I thank everyone involved.

    “It’s our aim to help keep our residents safe and we want to continue to crackdown on a crime that is often hiding in plain sight in venues such as car boot sales and our town centres. That is why we will continue to take the strongest action we can against those trying to sell these harmful and illegal products and work with the police to bring them to justice.”

    Four men and two women, aged between 25 and 60 and from Hackney, Newham and Kent, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have since been bailed while officers carry out further enquiries.

    Tradesperson and social media influencer Shoaib Awan, widely known as The Gas Expert, said:

    “As a tradesperson who has invested years in education, training and building a business, repeated incidents of tool theft are not only demoralising, but financially crippling, and is forcing many to walk away from their respective trades.

    “I fully support the great work the Met Police is doing to crack down on this type of illegal activity and I’ll continue to work with them alongside our partners to bring down the organised crime groups and people who have a complete disregard for the law and their victims.”

    The activity is part of the Met’s continued crackdown on tool theft which last month resulted in around £50,000 worth of suspected stolen tools being recovered from a car boot sale in Rainham.

    Officers will work over the coming weeks to identify the tools and trace their original owners.

    Any tradespeople or those in possession of power tools are advised to mark their property, take photographs, and record serial numbers so that, in the event of theft, officers have more chance of returning property.

    If you suspect anyone of selling stolen or counterfeit goods, you can report this to us online or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Bridge Specialty Group acquires the assets of Tim Parkman, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — J. Scott Penny, chief acquisitions officer of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO), and Timothy Parkman, owner of Tim Parkman, Inc. (“TPI”), today announced that a Bridge Specialty Group company and subsidiary of Brown & Brown, Inc. has acquired the assets of TPI.

    Established in 2002, TPI is a full-service wholesale insurance brokerage located in Clinton, Mississippi. TPI was founded with a mission to provide all customers with consistently superior service while sustaining positive underwriting results. Initially focused on personal lines, TPI has expanded into commercial lines and leverages its proprietary state-of-the-art technology platform to deliver premier service to its network of over 5,000 retail agents. TPI will continue to operate from Clinton, Mississippi, under the leadership of President Mike Leach. Tim Parkman will continue with the business, providing oversight and support. Mike Leach will report to Jason Haupt, regional president of Bridge Specialty Group’s Mid-Atlantic and Delta region.

    Steve Boyd, president of Bridge Specialty Group, stated, “We are excited to welcome the TPI team to Bridge Specialty Group. TPI’s specialized product suite and broad distribution footprint in Mississippi and the Gulf States are a great complement to Bridge Specialty Group’s offerings today.”

    Tim Parkman said, “TPI has always been about people — our agents, carriers and team members. With Bridge Specialty, we’re joining an organization that shares our vision and brings added resources to help us achieve even more together. We’re incredibly excited for what lies ahead.”

    About Bridge Specialty Group, LLC

    Bridge Specialty Group is a leading global insurance wholesaler with access to over 230 admitted, excess and surplus lines and Lloyd’s markets that support over $7 billion premium book. With more than 50 locations and 2,000 teammates throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia, Bridge Specialty Group holds market recognition that enables us to connect retail partners with tailored insurance solutions through our specific practice groups, including property, casualty, executive risk, personal lines, public entity,
    transportation, workers’ compensation, Farm and Ranch and Environmental.

    About Brown & Brown, Inc.

    Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm providing enhanced customer-centric risk management solutions since 1939. With a global presence spanning 500+ locations and a team of more than 17,000 professionals, we are dedicated to delivering scalable, innovative strategies for our customers at every step of their growth journey. Learn more at BBrown.com.

    This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements, including those associated with this acquisition. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only Brown & Brown’s current belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Brown & Brown’s control. It is possible that Brown & Brown’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further information concerning Brown & Brown and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect Brown & Brown’s financial results and condition, as well as its other achievements, is contained in Brown & Brown’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such factors include those factors relevant to Brown & Brown’s consummation and integration of the announced acquisition, including any matters analyzed in the due diligence process and material adverse changes in the business and financial condition of the seller, the buyer, or both, and their respective customers. All forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this release, and Brown & Brown does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which Brown & Brown hereafter becomes aware.

    For more information:

    R. Andrew Watts
    Chief financial officer
    (386) 239-5770

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Leiðrétting: Lánasjóður sveitarfélaga – Útboð LSS 39 0303 og LSS151155

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Lánasjóður sveitarfélaga hefur ákveðið að efna til útboðs á skuldabréfaflokkunum LSS 39 0303 og LSS151155 mánudaginn 12. maí 2025. Lánasjóðurinn stefnir að því að taka tilboðum að fjárhæð 500 til 1.500 milljónir króna að nafnvirði í skuldabréfaflokknum LSS151155 og að fjárhæð 500 til 1.500 milljónir króna að nafnvirði í skuldabréfaflokknum LSS 39 0303. Lánasjóðurinn áskilur sér rétt til að hækka og lækka útboðsfjárhæð útboðsins, taka hvaða tilboði sem er eða hafna þeim öllum. Lánasjóðurinn hefur boðið aðalmiðlurum sjóðsins Arion banka, Íslandsbanka, Kviku banka, Landsbankanum og Fossum fjárfestingabanka að taka þátt í útboðinu. 

    Óskað er eftir tilboðum í samræmi við eftirfarandi lýsingu:

    Fyrirkomulag: “Hollensk” uppboðsaðferð þar sem allir tilboðsgjafar fá sömu ávöxtunarkröfu og hæst er tekið. Heimilt er að afturkalla eða breyta tilboði með sama hætti og tilboðum er skilað inn, sé það gert fyrir lok útboðsfrests.

    Tilboð: Í tilboði skal taka fram ávöxtunarkröfu án þóknunar og tilboðsfjárhæð.  

    Að öðru leyti er vísað til skilmála skuldabréfanna á heimasíðu Lánasjóðs sveitarfélaga

    Tilboð skulu berast fyrir kl. 16:00, mánudaginn 12. maí 2025 til Lánasjóðs sveitarfélaga á netfangið utbod@lanasjodur.is

    Öllum tilboðum verður svarað fyrir kl. 17:00 á útboðsdegi. Uppgjör sölu fer fram fimmtudaginn 15. maí 2025.

    Nánari upplýsingar veitir Óttar Guðjónsson, framkvæmdastjóri, ottar@lanasjodur.is / s. 515 4949

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Jammu Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Jammu and Kashmir

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated May 06, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.00 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Jammu Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Jammu and Kashmir (the bank) for non-compliance with specific directions issued by RBI under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had accepted fresh deposits in savings bank accounts in violation of specific directions issued by RBI.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/282

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Advanced tech boosts fight against animal and plant disease

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Advanced tech boosts fight against animal and plant disease

    £10 million in new Government funding for surveillance programme will further strengthen the country’s biosecurity to protect animals, plants, people and trade.

    The fight against pests and diseases, which can cost the UK economy billions of pounds, has been stepped up today (Thursday 8 May) with £10m of new funding announced for surveillance projects.

    The Genomics for Animal and Plant Disease Consortium (GAP-DC) project led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency will undertake surveillance across animal, plant and aquatic environments, using advanced genome sequencing technologies – a method that reads the complete genetic code of a living organism, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, or animals – to detect, identify and track pathogens with precision.

    For example, when avian influenza is found in UK poultry, genome sequencing can help confirm the virus type, trace its spread, and detect any mutations, supporting disease control measures.

    The UK faces significant and growing economic threats from pests and diseases affecting agriculture, livestock, and the environment. Invasive species alone cost the UK economy an estimated £4 billion annually, while plant pathogens and pests contribute to substantial crop losses.

    Ash dieback is predicated to cost £15 billion to the UK over coming decades and livestock disease such as avian influenza can have devastating financial and societal consequences, and has been estimated to cost the poultry meat sector more than £100m over a two-year period.

    APHA Interim Chief Executive Dr Jenny Stewart said:

    “Disease presents a significant risk to our farmers, global trade and human health.

    “This vital funding and collaboration with world leading experts will help APHA identify and tackle disease risk more effectively.

    “This research will lead to significantly advanced surveillance capabilities to protect UK borders from new and existing threats.”

    Research to be undertaken in collaboration with seven expert partners will include a focus on increasing the speed of pathogen detection at our borders, addressing new and re-emerging disease outbreaks, developing new strategies to control and mitigate endemic disease, and an improved approach to working with stakeholders and the community. It will also investigate disease spillover from wild animals and plants – when a virus moves from one species to other, such as the transmission of the COVID-19 virus from bats to humans.

    The £10 million of new funding provided by Defra and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will strengthen pathogen detection across the UK over the next two years and help protect the UK economy, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    The announcement comes during National Plant Health Week (5-12 May 2025), an annual designated week of action to raise public awareness and engagement on how to keep our plants healthy, led by Defra in partnership with 32 organisations, including the Royal Horticultural Society, the Woodland Trust and the Horticultural Trades Association.

    Additional information:

    • APHA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government, and the Scottish Government, which employs around 3,600 staff, based at various sites across the UK.
    • The GAP-DC project will help APHA to get a better understanding of new sequencing technologies and platforms available in genomic surveillance so that we can test more effectively.
    • The project is supported by £7 million of funding from Defra and £3m from UKRI.
    • A full list of partners involved in the project is below:

    -Animal and Plant Health Agency (lead)

    • Defra

    • UKRI

    • Forest Research

    • Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

    • The Pirbright Institute

    • Fera Science

    • Royal Veterinary College

    • Forest Research Head of Pathology Dr Lisa Ward said:

    “Forest Research is internationally renowned for the provision of science, research, evidence, data and services for the support of sustainable forestry.

    “The genomic methods being developed under the GAP DC project are essential to future proof Forest Research’s work on monitoring the health of our trees by enhancing early pathogen detection, allowing rapid response and more effective disease control.”

    • Royal Veterinary College Vice Principal for Research and Innovation Professor Oliver Pybus said:

    “The Royal Veterinary College is pleased to contribute its expertise in infectious disease genomics and animal health to GAP-DC.

    “The consortium will further strengthen the UK’s position as a world-leader in genomic surveillance for animal and plant pathogens”

    • Cefas Animal and Human Health Science Lead Professor David Bass said:

    “Cefas, an Executive Agency of Defra, has diverse expertise in marine and freshwater science, working for healthy and productive oceans, seas, and rivers, and safe and sustainable seafood.

    “Genomic methods for pathogen surveillance and understanding the health of aquatic organisms are central to this mission, so we greatly value our participation in GAP-DC, and contributing to the UK’s excellence and innovation in pathogen genomics.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 143-2025: Import conditions for fresh jujubes from China

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    8 May 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    This notice affects importers of fresh horticulture produce and brokers.

    What has changed?

    The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has approved the publication of import conditions for fresh jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba) from China for human consumption.

    This approval has followed completion of the…

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra on screen

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ABC series Austin was filmed in Canberra.

    In brief:

      • Canberra has featured in Australian and international films and television series.
      • These are some of the iconic locations that have featured on screen.

    As a local, there’s nothing quite like seeing Canberra on screen.

    Whether it’s a spot in your neighbourhood, a cultural institution or our bushland, Canberra has been a backdrop to several films and television shows.

    Here are some of the locations that have been featured on screen:

    The Hyatt Hotel Canberra

    This is one of many Canberra locations used to film the ABC comedy series, Austin. The Hyatt is a regular feature and appears as the ‘Canberra Hotel’ in the show.

    Some of the other Canberra locations that were used for filming include:

    • Book Lore and The Front in Lyneham
    • The Marion
    • The National Library of Australia
    • Rebel Rebel.

    Constitution Avenue

    Blacklight is an action film starring Liam Neeson and set in Washington DC. During 2021, an action scene was filmed on the streets of Canberra. Despite being edited to look as though the scene took place in DC, Canberra residents will recognise some familiar scenery.

    Notable locations include:

    • the underground carpark at the National Gallery of Australia
    • Glebe Park and the surrounding area.

    The Parliamentary Triangle

    The political thriller television series Secret City was filmed inside of Parliament House. You’ll see the prime minister’s office, the Press Gallery, and the building’s exterior to name a few.

    Some other Canberra locations you’ll spot include:

    • Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
    • Lake Burley Griffin
    • Australian National University
    • Ovolo Canberra
    • The National Gallery of Australia.

    Other TV shows and films that feature Parliament House include:

    • Total Control
    • The Hollowmen.

    Kambah Inn

    Somersault is a 2004 drama film starring Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington. Most of the film is set in Jindabyne, but some of it was filmed in Canberra. Kambah Inn is featured, and some Canberrans will recognise the old Belconnen Interchange.

    The High Court of Australia

    Mabo tells the life story of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo and his part in the landmark case that overturned the doctrine of terra nullius. It starts Jimi Bani and Deborah Mailman and The High Court of Australia is visible in the film.

    The High Court of Australia also featured briefly in film The Castle. It is the setting for Darryl Kerrigan’s (played by Michael Caton) legal battle to protect his family home.

    Gungahlin Skate Park

    Skate parks and Kingsley’s Chicken are two of Canberra’s most popular locations for teenagers. It’s fitting that they are featured in the 2013 film Galore. The film is set in suburban Canberra and tells the story of a group of teenagers in the lead up to the 2003 bushfires. Scrivener Dam is also visible in part of the film.

    Black Mountain Tower

    Blue World Order is a 2017 film directed by Ché Baker and Dallas Bland. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world and stars Titanic actor Billy Zane. There is even a cameo from ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

    The iconic Black Mountain Tower is visible in the film. Scenes were also shot at the Australian National University and Wee Jasper Caves.

    Read more like this


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  • MIL-Evening Report: Greens’ election hubris – how the minor party lost its way and now its leader

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Josh Holloway, Lecturer in Government in the College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University

    The Greens’ federal election result has been widely condemned as a “disaster”.

    The party has been all but wiped out in the House of Representatives. It has lost three of its four members, including leader Adam Bandt, who has just conceded his once safe seat of Melbourne. This leaves the Brisbane electorate of Ryan as the Greens’ only remaining seat in the lower house.

    Yet the tired explanations being rolled out – the party is too extreme, too obstructionist, too distant from a mythical single-issue environmentalist past – misidentify the party’s dilemmas.

    And they overlook the fact the Greens’ influence will be greater in the new parliament, at least in the Senate.

    Under-delivering

    The Greens share the blame for the tone of these election post-mortems.

    This is a party of campaign hubris, consistently over-promising and under-delivering.

    Bob Brown’s “green government” is yet to emerge. Christine Milne’s aspirations of gains in the bush barely materialised. And the “small-l liberals” chased by Richard Di Natale now prop up independents.

    Bandt’s list of new target seats appears to have stretched resources too thin and underscored the challenges of taking a Senate party into the House.

    The campaign narrative of “keeping Dutton out and getting Labor to act” may have suited a time when either a Labor or Coalition minority government was a possibility. But it did little to distinguish the Greens as Labor gained momentum.

    Many voters may have thought kicking Peter Dutton out was best done by voting for Labor, backed up by supporting the Greens in the Senate to encourage more ambitious Labor action.

    National vote holds up

    And yet – is the election result all that bad?

    Despite a small negative swing, the Greens’ nationwide primary vote was still above 12%. This election sits alongside 2010 and 2022 as among the party’s largest ever share of votes.

    Support ticked up in seats as divergent as Lalor, Fraser, Macarthur, Barton, Newcastle, Page, Spence, and Swan. Even in divisions lost to Labor, such as Griffith and Brisbane, voters did not abandon the party in large numbers.


    aec.gov.au, CC BY

    The Greens will also maintain their Senate numbers. This gives them sole balance of power, making them pivotal to Labor’s legislative success.

    Clearly, if the Greens are too “extreme”, it’s an extremism shared by a significant and relatively stable share of Australians.

    Lower house obstacles

    So, what explains this mix of loss and achievement?

    The Greens routinely highlight the barriers of the lower house electoral system. They have a point. Single member districts tend not to produce a chamber that reflects primary vote share.

    Preferential voting can be a boon to minor parties. But it also makes the outcomes of tight, multiparty electoral contests – the kind the Greens relied on to win in 2022 – susceptible to even slight shifts in voters’ preferences.

    Given the Nationals and a slew of independents held their seats, this may read like a cop out.

    But unlike the Nationals, the Greens lack a clear geographic cleavage that corrals large numbers of electors their way. And contrary to vaguely centrist independents, the Greens occupy ideological space where most voters don’t reside – even if many of the Greens’ “social democratic” policy positions have broad support when considered individually.

    This is hardly new. The party is no more stridently left-wing than in 2022. But even in the country’s most progressive seats, there is always a conservative rump. If the Liberal Party is knocked out of a race, most of their preferences will flow to Labor, which can be decisive.

    Senate obstruction

    Much has been made of the Greens’ legislative obstruction in the Senate. Delaying Labor’s housing agenda is one such example.

    Dabbling in opposition before ultimately capitulating for minor concessions may have dampened Greens support.

    The Greens reaped neither the benefits of opposition nor those of compromise, but instead the costs of both. It’s hard to see crucial segments of voters in lower house seats not being repulsed by this, even as the party finds sufficient support to meet Senate quotas.

    Way forward

    The future requires serious internal reflection on who the party appeals to, and how.

    A new parliamentary strategy is needed to leverage Senate balance of power for progressive outcomes and electoral growth. Greens also need to navigate a relationship with the government that is seemingly hostile to the very existence of the party (has anyone mentioned the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme yet?).

    With the loss of Bandt from parliament, the party’s leadership – spilled following an election, regardless of outcome – is now wide open.

    Who will lead the Greens now?

    Bandt’s replacement will need to balance electoral appeal with an ability to contain internal ructions that have diminished, not disappeared.

    Senator Larissa Waters ought to be a frontrunner. She has held leadership positions for 10 years and is popular, both electorally and internally. Crucially, she represents Queensland, a state where the Greens need to regain votes.

    Another option is Senator Nick McKim, who would return the party’s centre of gravity to Tasmania, and offer previous state party leadership experience.

    Another candidate could be Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who has long held leadership aspirations.

    In a party where members are stridently advocating for greater say in leadership selection, the process could open up and be unpredictable.

    All is not lost

    The Greens do best when voters turn away from Labor.

    As the government advances an unambitious agenda of, at best, “thin labourism”, the number of disappointed and disaffected voters will grow.

    Even a modest swing against Labor at the next election puts several House seats back in play, alongside the Greens’ ongoing presence in the Senate.

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

    ref. Greens’ election hubris – how the minor party lost its way and now its leader – https://theconversation.com/greens-election-hubris-how-the-minor-party-lost-its-way-and-now-its-leader-255954

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: UN General Assembly holds special meeting to mark 80 years since end of WWII

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

    Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday convened a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II, as the international community marks the 80th anniversary of the war’s end.

    China, which won the war in the major Oriental theater of WWII, endured casualties exceeding 35 million, said Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, emphasizing China’s role in the global victory over fascism.

    “By holding back the main forces of Japanese militarism, China not only secured its own survival and national salvation, but also provided strong support to the resistant forces in Europe and the Pacific, making an indelible contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War,” said Fu.

    Fu said that 80 years later, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and change, with unilateralism on the rise and bullying running rampant.

    Fu called for jointly promoting “a correct understanding of the history of WWII.” “Any scheme or action seeking to downplay, deny, or distort the history of WWII and any rhetoric that glorifies wars of aggression and colonial rule tantamount to a mockery of history and an affront to human conscience, and will surely lose the trust of the global community,” he said.

    “We must firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the rules-based multilateral trading system, and unequivocally say no to all forms of power politics and bullying,” he said.

    He also called for jointly upholding the authority and status of the United Nations.

    “Certain countries treat the UN as something they can use when it suits them and discard when it doesn’t. They willfully withdraw from agreements and organizations, default on contribution payments, and cut funding in an attempt to place their narrow interests over the collective global good,” Fu said, adding that such practices are “deeply unpopular and are ultimately doomed to failure.”

    Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said the victory came at the cost of millions of people.

    “China lost 35 million people. The United States, approximately half a million. Serbia organized the largest partisan movement in Europe. The struggle for the freedom of the peoples was carried out by heroes from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The cost for the Soviet Union was 27 million people. Twelve million of them were military losses,” Nebenzia said.

    “We will forever remember the great feat that was achieved by the Soviet people, the participants of these historic events. This was a time that was exceedingly difficult, but it was very sacred. A person who experiences significant trials and who vanquishes this will forever draw strength from this victory,” he said.

    Antje Leendertse, Germany’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said the war, unleashed by Nazi Germany, caused immeasurable suffering, in Europe and beyond.

    “That legacy of pain, destruction, and loss will forever be tied to my country’s name. We carry this burden with humility and a moral responsibility, and we accept it without hesitation,” she said.

    “‘Never again’ is not only a commitment for Germany. It is a universal obligation — one that binds us all. An obligation to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. To protect civilian lives and defend the vulnerable. To uphold the dignity of every human being. And to safeguard the principles of the United Nations Charter for all, including future generations,” said Leendertse.

    Stavros Lambrinidis, head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations, said it is the occasion to “honor the sacrifices made and mourn the countless lives lost during and after the war.”

    “It is also an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to collaborating with all Member States of the United Nations to ensure a more peaceful, equitable, and prosperous future for generations to come,” Lambrinidis said.

    He said that 80 years on from the end of the Second World War, “we are reminded of the solemn responsibility entrusted to us: to remain true to our collective commitment to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and to ensure that the horrors of war are never repeated.”

    Philemon Yang, president of the UNGA, said in his remarks: “On this 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we reflect on the immense sacrifices made by the millions who fought and died to secure the freedoms we too often take for granted.”

    “As time passes, these commemorations take on a deeper meaning. Most surviving veterans are now centenarians… Preserving their stories is not only a tribute to them, it is a moral responsibility for us all. We must ensure that the lessons they leave behind do not fade but endure,” he said.

    Yang called on world leaders “to choose dialogue over conflict. Diplomacy over escalation. Cooperation over division. Peace over the absence of peace.”

    “We stand at a defining moment — not only for this institution, but for humanity,” said the UNGA president.

    In March, the UNGA passed a resolution to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The resolution calls for a special commemorative meeting to be held in the second week of May 2025, and every five years thereafter, to honor the victims of the war.

    It was introduced by Russia, China, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

    Fu Cong (on the screen), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a UN General Assembly’s special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York on May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Investment Scammer Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding Alpha Influence Investors of Over $20M

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jeremiah Joseph Evans, aka “The Bull,” 29, of Utah County, Utah, was sentenced today to 96 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to defrauding approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors in his company Alpha Influence LLC.  

    The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell, comes after Evans pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to securities fraud and money laundering. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Evans was sentenced to three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay $19,134,150.00 in restitution.

    According to court documents and statements made at the Evans’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, from July 2019 to July 2022, Evans fraudulently sold investments in e-commerce stores through Alpha Influence, LLC., a registered Utah corporation. Evans promised investors to secure money in exchange for the Alpha investments and fraudulently obtained approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors. As part of his scheme, Evans lied about how successful his company, how long it was in operation and promised their investment would generate consistent, predictable monthly returns, when it would not. He failed to disclose that testimonials published about Alpha Influence and its success were made by his own relatives or others who received commissions paid from investor proceeds. On one occasion, in July 2021, Evans transferred $50,000 from Alpha Influence LLC’s bank account to make a partial payment for a white Lamborghini Huracan Evo.  

    “Crime does not always come in the form of violence and for a number of years, Evans lied about the success of his company and defrauded millions of dollars from investors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Protecting the public is a top priority for the Department of Justice and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute criminals and seek justice for crime victims.”

    “Today marks a significant step towards justice for the hundreds of Utahns victimized by Jeremiah ‘The Bull’ Evans’ $20 million fraud,” says Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, Margaret Busse. “Evans exploited social media and Utahns’ strong community ties to lure unsuspecting investors into his scheme and caused significant harm. Schemes like this not only affect individual lives but also erode the overall public trust in legitimate investment opportunities. We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication of the U.S. Attorney General’s Office and the tireless efforts of our own Utah Division of Securities, along with the FBI, in bringing these individuals to justice.”

    “Like many fraudsters, Mr. Evans was motivated by greed, using his victims’ money to fund a lavish lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The sentencing shows that stealing for personal gain doesn’t pay. The FBI and our partners will hold accountable those who engage in fraudulent schemes.”

    The case was investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf, Jennifer E. Gully, and Brian Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

    Attachments:

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Bennet, Salinas, Lofgren Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Provide Disaster Relief for Farm Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Bennet, Salinas, Lofgren Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Provide Disaster Relief for Farm Workers

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act to provide compensation for farm workers who lose out on wages due to extreme weather, public health emergencies, and other disasters beyond their control. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.-06) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.-18) are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    California is home to as many as 800,000 year-round and seasonal farm workers who help power the state’s $59 billion agricultural economy, yet despite their contributions to the local, regional, and national economies, there are few protections for the farm workforce. The California agricultural economy faced almost $4 billion in damages from 2023 to 2024, and that’s without even accounting for flooded farm worker homes in Pajaro or lost farm worker income. Existing federal disaster relief programs insufficiently compensate farm workers when they lose wages as a result of conditions out of their control.
    “California’s farm workers often work under extreme conditions to help put food on the table for hundreds of millions of Americans,” said Senator Padilla. “But increasingly frequent natural disasters, including historic flooding in Pajaro, have devastated California’s agricultural communities. We must protect the heart of our nation’s food supply by providing critical emergency assistance to these essential workers.”
    “Agriculture is the backbone of Colorado’s economy and central to our Western way of life, but as climate-fueled disasters become increasingly common, our state’s farm workers are paying the price,” said Senator Bennet. “Our bill will help ensure the people that grow America’s fruits, vegetables, and other crops get the assistance they need in the wake of emergencies like drought, wildfires, and other natural disasters.”
    “Extreme weather and natural disasters are only getting worse with climate change. Unfortunately, many of the hardworking individuals who grow and harvest our food do not receive direct financial support when they are forced to miss work and lose wages as a result of these disasters,” said Representative Salinas. “My legislation would finally correct this injustice by providing federal disaster relief for farmworkers. This change is well-deserved and long-overdue, and I will continue to advocate for the brave men and women who help feed America.”
    “When extreme weather occurs, farmworkers across our country continue to feed the nation. And yet, these essential workers and their families face great uncertainty when unexpected disasters harm their communities and livelihood. For example, hundreds of farmworkers in my congressional district faced displacement and lost wages after severe flooding devastated the Pajaro community in early 2023. We owe them – and all farmworkers – more. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act ensures America’s indispensable farmworkers can receive disaster relief funding they need and have earned,” said Representative Lofgren.
    The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act would address this problem by providing direct relief funding for farm workers. Specifically, this bill would:
    Make grants available to eligible farm worker organizations to provide emergency relief to farm workers affected by a disaster.
    Ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) develops and executes a promotional plan prior to and throughout the distribution of the relief grants to increase awareness of the assistance available.
    Require USDA to work with eligible farm worker organizations.
    Provide definitions for a covered disaster, eligible farm worker organization, and migrant or seasonal farm worker.
    Amend Section 2281 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to allow for emergency assistance for farm workers.
    The legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: A Better Balance, Alianza Americas, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), Borderlands Resource Initiative, California Human Development, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, Care in Action, CASA of Oregon, Center for Employment Training, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Central Valley Opportunity Center, Centro de los Derechos del Migrante, Inc (CDM), Child Labor Coalition, CHILDREN AT RISK, CIERTO, Civic Empowerment Coalition, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Columbia Legal Services, CRLA Foundation, Davidson County Local Food Network, El Futuro es Nuestro, Farm Worker Ministry Northwest, Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project-FLAP, Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (FHDC), Farmworker Justice, Food Empowerment Project, GALEO Impact Fund, Hand in Hand/Mano en Mano, Hispanic Affairs Project, Hispanic Federation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Latino Outdoors, League of Conservation Voters, Make the Road CT, Make the Road NJ, Make the Road NV, Make the Road NY, Make the Road PA, Make the Road States, Michiganders for a Just Farming System, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Social Workers – Florida and Virgin Islands Chapter, National Consumers League, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Employment Law Project, National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, NC FIELD, Inc., NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, North Carolina Council of Churches, North Carolina Farmworker Advocacy Network, North Carolina Justice Center, Nourish Up, Opportunity Arizona, Oregon Human Development Corporation, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc, PCUN, Oregon’s Farmworker Union, Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Popular Democracy, Presente.org, Progress Michigan, Proteus Inc., Puente de la Costa Sur, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Slow Food USA, Student Action with Farmworkers, Sur Legal Collaborative, TODEC Legal Center, Toxic Free North Carolina, UFW Foundation, Unidos Yamhill County, United Farm Workers, and Voces Unidas de las Montañas.
    “Farm workers are always on the front lines of fires, floods, and storms — yet are too often excluded from federal disaster relief programs,” said Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW). “If the federal government can provide emergency support to farm owners who lose crops in natural disaster, then the federal government can emergency provide support to farm workers who lose work in that same disaster. The Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act will ensure that farm workers who put food on all our tables can continue to put food on their family’s table when disaster strikes.”
    “Every year we see an alarming number of natural disasters that drastically and disproportionately impact the farm worker community. As climate change gets worse, these types of disasters will only worsen and farm workers are the ones who are affected the most by these calamities. Just last year, we saw heavy California rains flooding Ventura County farm areas and Hurricane Helen devastating Georgia’s farm worker communities, leading to organizations like ours stepping up to do what we can. But that is not enough. We must have a federal response to these kinds of disasters. From wildfires to tornadoes to hurricanes, farm workers have little to no safety net to help them recover from unexpected disasters,” said Erica Lomeli Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer at UFW Foundation. “This is exactly why the UFW Foundation is supporting the Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act. It would provide resources and aid to those who truly need it and would ensure that those responsible for our nation’s food supplies are not overlooked, as they have been in the past. Farm workers have been largely ignored and neglected by the law, shut out from basic protections provided to all workers. It is time that Congress acts and ensures that our nation’s farm workers are given the support they need to overcome times of emergencies and to provide equity to all workers.” 
    “Farmworkers are frontline workers, which means they are the hardest hit by the impacts of extreme weather conditions across the country. Many farmworkers feel that they are risking their health with extreme heat and colder days, but losing even one day of work is not an option for their families’ economic situation. Outdoor protections are important, yet there are days that are becoming too extreme to even be outside. Our vision is to be a resilient workforce for the agricultural industry. Disaster relief means we can start investing in addressing the issues that workers are facing today by building resilience for climate change in the future, without sacrificing the economic well-being of farmworkers,” said Reyna Lopez, Executive Director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noreste (PCUN).
    Senator Padilla has fought hard to deliver relief to agricultural communities devastated by natural disasters. Earlier this year, Padilla announced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve access to federal agriculture disaster programs. Padilla also introduced the Smoke Exposure Research Act, legislation to better protect winegrape growers against wildfire smoke damage by strengthening research and risk management efforts at West Coast land-grant universities. Last year, he led a bipartisan coalition of California members in urging the Senate and House Agriculture Committees to incorporate permanent disaster assistance for agricultural producers and communities in the Farm Bill. The letter called for the inclusion of his bipartisan Agricultural Emergency Relief Act, which would create a permanent structure at the USDA to provide relief for farmers who lost crops due to natural disasters. Previously, Padilla introduced a pair of bills to equip the USDA to better meet the needs of farm workers. He also introduced the Fairness for Farm Workers Act last Congress to update the nation’s labor laws to ensure farm workers receive fairer wages and compensation.
    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is a blood cholesterol ratio? And what should yours be?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle

    Shutterstock

    Have you had a blood test to check your cholesterol level? These check the different blood fat components:

    • total cholesterol
    • LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is sometimes called “bad cholesterol”
    • HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is sometimes called “good cholesterol”
    • triglycerides.

    Your clinician then compares your test results to normal ranges – and may use ratios to compare different types of cholesterol.

    High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This is a broad term that includes disease of blood vessels throughout the body, arteries in the heart (known as coronary heart disease), heart failure, heart valve conditions, arrhythmia and stroke.

    So what does cholesterol do? And what does it mean to have a healthy cholesterol ratio?

    What are blood fats?

    Cholesterol is a waxy type of fat made in the liver and gut, with a small amount of pre-formed cholesterol coming from food.

    Cholesterol is found in all cell membranes, contributing to their structure and function. Your body uses cholesterol to make vitamin D, bile acid, and hormones, including oestrogen, testosterone, cortisol and aldosterone.

    When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it gets deposited into artery walls, making them hard and narrow. This process is called atherosclerosis.

    High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
    Halfpoint/Shutterstock

    Cholesterol is packaged with triglycerides (the most common type of fat in the body) and specific “apo” proteins into “lipo-proteins” as a package called “very-low-density” lipoproteins (VLDLs).

    These are transported via the blood to body tissue in a form called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

    Excess cholesterol can be transported back to the liver by high-density lipoprotein, the HDL, for removal from circulation.

    Another less talked about blood fat is Lipoprotein-a, or Lp(a). This is determined by your genetics and not influenced by lifestyle factors. About one in five (20%) of Australians are carriers.

    Having a high Lp(a) level is an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor.

    Knowing your numbers

    Your blood fat levels are affected by both modifiable factors:

    • dietary intake
    • physical activity
    • alcohol
    • smoking
    • weight status.

    And non-modifiable factors:

    • age
    • sex
    • family history.



    Read more:
    Got high cholesterol? Here are five foods to eat and avoid


    What are cholesterol ratios?

    Cholesterol ratios are sometimes used to provide more detail on the balance between different types of blood fats and to evaluate risk of developing heart disease.

    Commonly used ratios include:

    1. Total cholesterol to HDL ratio

    This ratio is used in Australia to assess risk of heart disease. It’s calculated by dividing your total cholesterol number by your HDL (good) cholesterol number.

    A higher ratio (greater than 5) is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, whereas a lower ratio is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

    A study of 32,000 Americans over eight years found adults who had either very high, or very low, total cholesterol/HDL ratios were at 26% and 18% greater risk of death from any cause during the study period.

    Those with a ratio of greater than 4.2 had a 13% higher risk of death from heart disease than those with a ratio lower than 4.2.

    2. Non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (NHHR)

    Non-HDL cholesterol is the total cholesterol minus HDL. Non-HDL cholesterol includes all blood fats such as LDL, triglycerides, Lp(a) and others. This ratio is abbreviated as NHHR.

    This ratio has been used more recently because it compares the ratio of “bad” blood fats that can contribute to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) to “good” or anti-atherogenic blood fats (HDL).

    Non-HDL cholesterol is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than LDL alone, while HDL is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk.

    Because this ratio removes the “good” cholesterol from the non-HDL part of the ratio, it is not penalising those people who have really high amounts of “good” HDL that make up their total cholesterol, which the first ratio does.

    Research has suggested this ratio may be a stronger predictor of atherosclerosis in women than men, however more research is needed.

    Another study followed more than 10,000 adults with type 2 diabetes from the United States and Canada for about five years. The researchers found that for each unit increase in the ratio, there was around a 12% increased risk of having a heart attack, stroke or death.

    They identified a risk threshold of 6.28 or above, after adjusting for other risk factors. Anyone with a ratio greater than this is at very high risk and would require management to lower their risk of heart disease.

    The greater this ratio, the greater the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
    Alex Yeung/Shutterstock

    3. LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio

    LDL/HDL is calculated by dividing your LDL cholesterol number by the HDL number. This gives a ratio of “bad” to “good” cholesterol.

    A lower ratio (ideal is less than 2.0) is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

    While there is lesser focus on LDL/HDL, these ratios have been shown to be predictors of occurrence and severity of heart attacks in patients presenting with chest pain.




    Read more:
    Health Check: five food tips that could save your life after a heart attack


    If you’re worried about your cholesterol levels or cardiovascular disease risk factors and are aged 45 and over (or over 30 for First Nations people), consider seeing your GP for a Medicare-rebated Heart Health Check.

    Clare Collins AO is a Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, NSW and a Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) affiliated researcher. She is a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Leadership Fellow and has received research grants from NHMRC, ARC, MRFF, HMRI, Diabetes Australia, Heart Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, nib foundation, Rijk Zwaan Australia, WA Dept. Health, Meat and Livestock Australia, and Greater Charitable Foundation. She has consulted to SHINE Australia, Novo Nordisk, Quality Bakers, the Sax Institute, Dietitians Australia and the ABC. She was a team member conducting systematic reviews to inform the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines update, the Heart Foundation evidence reviews on meat and dietary patterns and current Co-Chair of the Guidelines Development Advisory Committee for Clinical Practice Guidelines for Treatment of Obesity.

    Erin Clarke is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Newcastle, and an affiliated researcher with Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). She is also an Accredited Practising Dietitian working in private practice. She is currently supported by L/Prof Clare Collins’ National Health and Medical Research Council Leadership Fellowship. She has received funding from the New South Wales Ministry of Health, University of Newcastle, HMRI, Hunter New England Health and has an industry grant with Honeysuckle Health Pty Limited. She also holds positions on the Nutrition Society of Australia Council as Co-Chair of the Newcastle Regional Group, she is an early career representative for the HMRI Food and Nutrition Research Program and the University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing ECR Research Sub-Committee. She is also a member of the Nutrition Society of Australia Precision and Personalised Nutrition Special Interest Group and the NSW Cardiovascular Research Network.

    ref. What is a blood cholesterol ratio? And what should yours be? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-blood-cholesterol-ratio-and-what-should-yours-be-253126

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Strengthen American Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) to introduce the American Innovation and Jobs Act, legislation that will expand and strengthen research and development by small businesses and startups located in the United States. The bill will help America outcompete and out-innovate global rivals, like China, who are significantly investing in research and development.
    “China is on the move and would love nothing more than to make American innovation a thing of the past,” said Senator Tuberville. “Thankfully, President Trump is 100% committed to doing whatever it takes to put American businesses first on the world stage. This bill gives us the upper hand over China by investing in research and development projects based in the United States.”
    “The United States is locked in a competition to ensure we maintain our position as the global leader in scientific and technological innovation. Our legislation would incentivize job-creating R&D activity in the United States — particularly among start-ups — to drive our innovation future, strengthen international competitiveness, and protect our national security. Congress must pass this legislation,” said Senator Young.
    Sens. Tuberville and Young are joined by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jon Husted (R-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Kennedy (R-LA), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), James Lankford (R-OK), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in cosponsoring the legislation.
    Read full text of the legislation here. 
    BACKGROUND:
    Specifically, the American Innovation and Jobs Act would:
    Restore incentives for long-term R&D investment by ensuring that companies can continue to fully deduct R&D expenses each year by repealing the change made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to section 174 of the tax code.
    Expand support for innovative startups by:
    Immediately doubling the cap on the refundable R&D tax credit from $250,000 to $500,000, and ultimately raising it to $750,000 over ten years.
    Expanding access to the R&D tax credit for startups by lowering certain threshold needed to qualify.

    Expand the number of startups eligible to use the refundable R&D credit by:
    Increasing the eligibility threshold from $5 million to $15 million in gross receipts.
    Increasing the period during which startups can claim the credit from 5 years to 8 years after beginning to generate at least $25,000 in revenue.

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Crapo Introduce Legislation to Level Playing Field for Alabama Sporting Equipment Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act  to close a tax loophole that has resulted in lost revenue for state-led wildlife conservation efforts.  Foreign sellers should be held to the same tax regulations as domestic manufacturers, and this bill will ensure that happens. 
    “Alabama is proud to be home to hundreds of small businesses who make sporting equipment that outdoorsmen and conservationists rely on. The last thing these business owners need is to be punished for producing goods right here in the U.S.A.” said Senator Tuberville.“Under President Trump, we are laser-focused on doing everything we can to encourage domestic production. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Crapo which closes a loophole allowing foreign sellers to exploit our domestic retailers and rob money from our state conservation programs.”
    “Federal excise taxes on certain recreational outdoor sporting equipment provide funding for conservation programs,” said Senator Crapo. “This bill closes loopholes on imported fishing and archery equipment that deprive fish and wildlife conservation programs of additional critical funds. This move will help level the playing field for Idaho and American companies and strengthen existing conservation programs.”
    Numerous conservation and sporting groups, including the Alabama Department of Conservation, Archery Trade Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, American Sportfishing Association, and The Conservation Fund haveendorsed Senator Tuberville’s legislation. 
    “We applaud Senator Tuberville’s support of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.“These funds are critical to supporting outdoor activities in the U.S. and we rely on them heavily in Alabama. This legislation will help secure state conservation funding and ensure all Americans have access to quality outdoor recreation throughout the country.”
    “The archery industry applauds Senators Crapo and Tuberville for their exceptionally strong leadership and introduction of this high priority legislation,” said Dan Forster, Vice President & Chief Conservation Officer, Archery Trade Association. “Holding foreign companies accountable for paying the federal excise tax is not only about protecting American businesses but it will help ensure that our conservation funding and outdoor heritage are protected for future generations.”
    “We thank Senators Tuberville and Crapo for their leadership in helping to make the Sport Fish Restoration and Wildlife Restoration funds whole,” said Jim Fredericks, Chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Fisheries and Water Resources Policy Committee and Director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.“State fisheries programs count on these funds to maintain the good quality fishing opportunities that keep our anglers coming back for more.”
    “The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act will ensure the future viability of the Sport Fish Restoration Fund by closing a loophole and securing millions of dollars in lost excise tax revenue to improve recreational fishing,” said Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of American Sportfishing Association. “Since 1950, excise taxes on fishing equipment have provided $12 billion for conservation efforts and improved access for anglers across the country – a unique user-pay, public-benefit system that has become a cornerstone of the American conservation model. We applaud Senators Tuberville and Crapo for introducing this legislation and for their commitment to the sportfishing industry, which contributes $230 billion to the U.S. economy each year.”
    Complete text of the bill can be found here. U.S. Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT-01) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year.
    BACKGROUND:
    For decades, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act have provided states and territories with essential funding for wildlife restoration, conservation, hunter education programs, and boating access programs.  These programs, funded through excise taxes on sportfishing and archery equipment, have contributed more than $1.3 billion in FY2025 to support conservation efforts across the country.
    However, a loophole in current tax policy allows some online purchases of imported sporting goods to bypass these excise taxes when purchased directly from foreign sellers, leading to a shortfall of tens of millions of dollars from going to conservation funds. Many consumers are unaware that they may be responsible for these taxes, and even those who are aware often struggle to navigate IRS guidelines on calculating and paying them. A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommended that Congress address this issue by ensuring that U.S. online marketplaces, rather than consumers, are responsible for collecting and remitting these excise taxes.
    The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act would:
    Require U.S. online marketplaces to collect and remit federal excise taxes on imported archery and fishing equipment, treating them as the importer of record.
    Ensure that funding for state-led wildlife conservation efforts is not lost due to tax loopholes.
    Maintain fairness for domestic retailers who already pay these taxes on sporting goods they sell.
    Simplify the tax process for consumers, eliminate confusion, and ensure that conservation programs receive the full funding they deserve.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PM’s Science Prizes celebrate excellence

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Some of New Zealand’s most outstanding scientific minds have been recognised at the 2024 Prime Minister’s Science Prizes Award Ceremony, held this evening in Wellington.

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon praised the winners, acknowledging the crucial role that science plays in building a more productive, innovative, and sustainable New Zealand.

    “This year’s top honour, the Prime Minister’s Science Prize, has been awarded to Dr Linda Johnson and the Endophyte Discovery Team at AgResearch,” Christopher Luxon says. 

    “Their groundbreaking work to improve the health and productivity of ryegrass is making a tangible difference for New Zealand farmers, boosting yields while reducing reliance on pesticides.”

    Ryegrass is the most commonly used pasture grass in New Zealand agriculture. The team’s research has led to the development of beneficial microorganisms that protect grass from pests and disease, while also enhancing drought resistance.

    “This is an excellent example of science delivering real-world solutions.

    “By improving the quality of pasture on our farms, we’re not only increasing our capacity to produce high-quality food, but we’re also supporting the growth of our economy and ensuring a more resilient future for our agricultural sector.”

    The Prime Minister’s Science Prizes comprise five prestigious awards, with a total prize pool of $975,000. The 2024 recipients include:

    • Dr Olivia Harrison, University of Otago – awarded the MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize for her multidisciplinary work in understanding and managing anxiety.
    • Dr Aiden Kiely, Aorere College, Auckland – awarded the Science Teacher Prize for his dedication to equity and excellence in science education.
    • Professor Jemma Geoghegan, University of Otago – awarded the Science Communication Prize for advancing public understanding of infectious diseases and guiding policy responses to pandemic threats in New Zealand and the Pacific.
    • Rena Misra, Epsom Girls’ Grammar School – awarded the Future Scientist Prize for her innovative research into using fungi to improve stormwater filtration systems.

    “Congratulations to all this year’s winners. Your achievements are a testament to the power of Kiwi ingenuity and scientific excellence,” Mr Luxon says. 

    “Your work is not only advancing knowledge—it’s improving lives and building a better New Zealand for future generations.”

    The five prizes are: 

    The Prime Minister’s Science Prize

    An individual or team for a transformative scientific discovery or achievement, which has had a significant economic, health, social and/or environmental impact on New Zealand and/or internationally. The total value of this prize is $500,000. $100,000 goes towards the team, and $400,000 will be used to support the ongoing research.

    The Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize

    An outstanding emerging scientist who has had their PhD or equivalent qualification conferred within the last eight years i.e. (no earlier than 1 January 2014). The total value of the Prize is $200,000. $50,000 is for the winner, and $150,000 for their ongoing research. 

    The Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize

    A registered teacher kaiako who has been teaching science, mathematics, technology, pūtaiao, hangarau or pāngarau learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum to school-age children in a primary, intermediate or secondary New Zealand registered school or kura kaupapa. The total value of this prize is $150,000. The winner can use $50,000 at their own discretion. The winner’s school will receive $100,000 which must be used for the development of science in their school.

    The Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize

    A practising scientist who can demonstrate an interest, passion and aptitude for science communication and public engagement, or to a person who has developed expertise in public engagement, or communication of complex scientific or technological information to the public and/or science and research communities. The total value of the Prize is $75,000. $55,000 of the Prize money is to be used to support the recipient to carry out a programme of activities/professional development to further their understanding of science communication.  $20,000 is for the winner.

    The Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize

    Awarded to a Year 12 or Year 13 school tauira student for outstanding achievement in carrying out a practical and innovative science research, maths, technology or engineering project. This Prize is valued at $50,000 and is to be used to support the winner’s tertiary education.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PM’s Science Council to set direction for science

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has today announced the new Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, and the members of the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council.

    “We have world-class scientists in our universities and research institutes, but they’re working in a system held back by outdated settings. To unlock the full potential of science and technology, we need a sharper focus on commercialisation, better access to global investment, and clearer priorities at home,” Mr Luxon says. 

    “This Council is a new initiative to get clear, independent advice to ensure our investments in science and technology are delivering real outcomes for New Zealanders.

    “The Council will provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation. They will help identify areas of focus that will have the greatest benefit for Kiwis and our economy. 

    “I also expect them to provide bold and courageous advice about those areas that aren’t delivering value for New Zealanders and may need to be deprioritised. It’s about making sure we are investing in what will have the greatest impact for New Zealanders.”

    Members of the Council bring a strong mix of scientific, commercial and strategic expertise. They include:

    Sir Peter Gluckman
    Craig Piggott
    Professor Merryn Tawhai
    Komal Mistry-Mehta
    Malcolm Johns
    Dr John Roche

    “I am also pleased to announce that Dr John Roche has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor. In this role, John will support robust decision making by providing high quality, independent scientific advice. John, in his capacity as my science advisor, will also be a member of the council.”

    Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon Dr Shane Reti, will chair the Council, with Dr John Roche as deputy chair.

    “These are highly capable individuals who understand both the science and the economic imperatives. They are prepared to make the bold calls needed to ensure the system is future-focused, outcome-driven and aligned with our economic goals,” Mr Luxon says.

    “A strong, well-directed science and innovation sector is critical to lifting productivity, creating high-value jobs and supporting a more resilient and competitive economy.”

    The Council will provide its first formal advice to the Prime Minister and Minister Reti later this year.

    Biographies of Council members:

    Sir Peter Gluckman 
    Professor Sir Peter Gluckman ONZ KNZM FRSNZ FMedSci FRS trained as a paediatrician and biomedical scientist. He is Director of Koi Tu- Centre for Informed Futures and holds a Distinguished University Professorship at the University of Auckland. He is currently the chair of the Science System Advisory Group. Sir Peter is President of the International Science Council (ISC, 2021-2026). From 2014-2021 he was the inaugural Chair of the International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA), and from 2009-2018 he was the first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand. He was also Science Envoy for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and coordinated the secretariat of the Small Advanced Economies Initiative. He has written and spoken extensively on science-policy and science-diplomacy and science-society interactions. He has received the highest scientific and civilian honours in New Zealand and numerous international scientific awards. 
    Craig Piggott
    Craig Piggott is the founder of Halter. The company’s solar-powered collar for dairy and beef cows, pairs with an app for farmers and allows cows to respond to guidance cues, enabling virtual herding and fencing while monitoring health 24/7. This innovation helps farmers increase milk and protein production propelling the company to become one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing businesses with a thriving international customer base. Craig brings experience in innovation, agriculture and business.  
    Merryn Tawhai
    Merryn Tawhai graduated from the University of Auckland with a PhD in Engineering Science in 2001. She leads a research programme at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) in applied computational physiology of the respiratory system. Merryn is the Director of the ABI and sits on the Board of Directors for Cure Kids Ventures and the Virtual Physiological Human Institute. She was ABI’s Deputy Director for 10 years, Director of the Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), and an independent Director for Izon Science. Merryn was awarded the 2016 MacDiarmid Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) Te Apārangi, is a Fellow of the RSNZ, a Fellow of IAMBE and AIMBE, and an elected member of the Fleischner Society.
    Komal Mistry-Mehta
    Komal is Chief Innovation & Brand Officer at Fonterra and Managing Director of the Ki Tua Fund, Fonterra’s corporate venture capital arm. She leads global innovation, research and development, digital, brand and marketing functions for New Zealand’s largest company. Prior to joining the Fonterra Executive Team, Komal led Fonterra’s global health and nutrition business based in Singapore. With experience across Asia, the America’s and Europe, she has led major transformations in sales, innovation, digital enablement and technology. Komal was named New Zealand’s Young Executive of the Year in 2017 and serves on several international boards. Komal has completed the Executive Program at Stanford University School of Business and holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Management degrees from the University of Waikato. She is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand as well as a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
    Malcolm Johns
    Malcolm is the Chief Executive of Genesis Energy. Previously he was the Chief Executive of InterCity Group and held several governance roles within New Zealand’s transport, infrastructure and tourism sectors. He is Convenor of the Climate Leaders Coalition and served as Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council leading the regional trade policy task force for climate change. Malcolm has extensive business acumen and understanding of Government systems

    John Roche 
    John was appointed MPI’s Chief Science Adviser in June 2018 to provide an independent science perspective. He leads MPI’s Science Forum, chairs the Science Governance Group at MPI and the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. John is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser’s forum and is an adjunct professor in University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences. John was previously DairyNZ’s Principal Scientist for Animal Science. He has held science appointments in Ireland and Australia. He is also Managing Director of Down to Earth Advice Ltd. Widely published and a regular contributor to international science and farming conferences, John has an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, a Masters in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MPI helps farmers prepare for winter grazing season

    Source: police-emblem-97

    The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will step up proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead-up to the winter grazing season, says MPI national response manager Andrew Curtis.

    “We will prioritise visits to farms where it can be more problematic to manage soil conditions during periods of wet weather,” says Mr Curtis.

    “We’ll be assessing these farms before livestock start grazing winter feed and they will be closely monitored to ensure they are meeting animal welfare standards. We will do follow-up visits in June.”

    Alongside the above, MPI has been working with regional councils and industry groups, especially in Otago and Southland, to develop practical information to help farmers prepare.

    “This includes an information flyer that contains a winter grazing checklist. Extra support is available for Southland farmers around managing their animals and reducing mud build up should they need it,” says Mr Curtis.

    “Most farmers work hard to do the right thing and have carefully planned ahead to look after their animals.

    “Some farmers will need to continue adapting their approaches to ensure they have more robust back-up plans during extreme weather, which can come with little warning.

    “A well-planned winter grazing system supports good animal health and welfare. It ensures animals have sufficient and appropriate feed, access to clean water, and comfortable areas to lie down and rest.”

    MPI’s proactive on-the-ground support aims to ensure better outcomes for livestock, the environment, and farmers.

    “MPI will also have a helicopter in the air from time to time so that we can pinpoint potential winter grazing problem areas,” Mr Curtis says.

    Earlier this year MPI successfully prosecuted a Southland livestock grazing company for allowing hundreds of cattle to graze in mud with the company fined $48,750.

    Southland livestock grazing company fined $48,750 over hundreds of cattle grazing in mud

    “We visited numerous properties throughout Southland during winter 2024 and found most farmers were on top of their winter grazing requirements with good plans in place,” says Mr Curtis.

    “Sector groups have useful resources and information on their websites to help minimise the amount of mud created during winter grazing, such as back fencing and using portable water troughs to reduce walking distances for livestock.”

    Winter grazing is an annual practice where livestock are grazed on forage crops between May and September throughout Southland, much of Otago and other parts of New Zealand.

    Further information about winter grazing

    Animal welfare is everyone’s responsibility and MPI strongly encourages any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33.

    For further information and general enquiries, email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy reintroduces CRAWDAD Act to support Louisiana jobs, culture

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today reintroduced the Crawfish Recovery Assistance from Weather Disasters and Droughts (CRAWDAD) Act. The bill would support Louisiana crawfish jobs when severe weather puts strain on the industry.

    “Come rain, shine, sleet or snow, Louisiana’s mudbug farmers always work hard to deliver quality food to crawfish lovers. My CRAWDAD Act would make sure crawfish producers have access to the emergency support they need when droughts and other severe weather strike,” said Kennedy. 

    Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) cosponsored the CRAWDAD Act.

    “When you think Louisiana, you think crawfish. Crawfish farmers work hard to provide Louisiana and the world with the tastiest crawdads possible. Let’s support them as they do so, rain or shine,” said Cassidy.

    Background:

    • The Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) provides producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish access to federal financial assistance when they face adverse weather, disease or loss conditions. 
    • In 2021, the Secretary of Agriculture temporarily expanded the ELAP to include crawfish producers when the industry suffered losses.

    The CRAWDAD Act would make crawfish producers eligible for ELAP funding on a permanent basis, ensuring that they have access to the emergency support they need without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.

    Kennedy’s bill would also classify a drought as a weather event that the Secretary of Agriculture could declare as an emergency. 

    The Louisiana Farm Bureau supports the CRAWDAD Act.

    “Louisiana crawfish farmers hope to never see another drought like they did in 2023. Louisiana Farm Bureau appreciates Senator Kennedy in the reintroduction of the CRAWDAD Act to provide additional support for this vital Louisiana industry,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot.

    Full text of the CRAWDAD Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-Evening Report: New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney

    Poetra.RH/Shutterstock

    The re-election of the Albanese government has led to renewed concern about planned changes to the taxation of investment returns in superannuation funds.

    Labor’s emphatic victory on Saturday night, including what looks like an increased presence in the Senate, suggests the legislation is likely to become law in the near future.

    Retirement income in Australia

    Australia’s retirement income system comprises two pillars: a government-funded age pension as well as private superannuation.

    Super includes compulsory employer-funded contributions as well as additional personal contributions.

    These two pillars are complementary; a person can receive a pension even if they have private super. But the more super they have, the less pension they are eligible for.

    About 70% of superannuation assets are held in Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)-regulated funds and 25% are held in self-managed super funds (SMSFs).

    There are two types of tax – and tax concessions – on super. First, employer contributions and capped personal contributions are taxed at a concessional rate of 15%. Second, income earned by a super fund is taxed at 15% for balances in the accumulation phase (when contributions are being made). Income earned in the pension phase is tax-free.

    So what does the proposed reform entail?

    Starting July 1, the government proposes to increase the concessional tax rate on super account earnings in the accumulation phase from 15% to 30% for balances above A$3 million.

    Those affected – about 80,000 super account holders, or 0.5% of the total – will continue to benefit from the existing 15% concessional tax rate on earnings on the first $3 million of their super balance.

    They will also be able to carry forward any loss as an offset against their tax liability in future years.

    The proposed increase in taxes would affect about 80,000 account holders.
    Fizkes/Shutterstock

    Concerns with the proposed reform

    Concerns have been raised this reform implies the taxation of unrealised capital gains on assets held in super accounts, such as shares or property, even if they have not been sold.

    This is, indeed, a significant departure from the status quo. Both APRA-regulated funds and SMSFs are currently only required to pay capital gains tax once the asset is sold and the gain is crystallised.

    The move to tax unrealised capital gains is likely to prove particularly onerous for SMSFs. The typical industry super fund has a diversified portfolio of assets of varying liquidity, including significant cash holdings. But SMSF portfolios are often dominated by a large and illiquid asset (ones that cannot be easily sold and converted into cash) such as a farm or business property.

    As a result, an SMSF facing a large unrealised capital gain, say from an increase in property values, may not have sufficient cash flow to pay the associated tax bill. The SMSF trustee might be forced to prematurely sell assets to meet the fund’s tax liability.

    In the United States, President Joe Biden’s 2025 budget included a similar proposal to tax unrealised capital gains for households with more than US$100 million in wealth.

    Purpose of the proposed reform

    In announcing this initiative, Treasurer Jim Chalmers suggested the motivation was two-fold.

    First, the federal government is facing pressure on the budget bottom line and generous tax concessions for super are becoming expensive.

    Second, current super tax concessions are highly regressive. This means most benefits of the concessions flow to the wealthiest households which, in any case, will not be eligible for the pension.

    The cost of current super concessions to the federal budget is about $50 billion in foregone revenue, according to Treasury. That is almost the cost of the age pension.

    The Grattan Institute argues superannuation has become a “taxpayer-funded inheritance scheme”. A Treasury review found most Australians die with large outstanding super balances.

    The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Retirement Standard calculates that, for a comfortable retirement, a couple needs a super balance of about $700,000 if they retire at age 67. The $3 million threshold is out of the ballpark. However, if the threshold is not indexed more people will be affected over time.

    So, is this reform useful?

    According to the government’s Retirement Income Review, the objective of Australia’s super system should be to “deliver adequate standards of living in retirement in an equitable, sustainable and cohesive way”.

    While the proposed tax change aims to improve the equity and sustainability of Australia’s super system, it is not clear how it will work in practice.

    In response to SMSF concerns about the difficulty in paying tax bills, the government’s proposal gives taxpayers 84 days to pay the tax liability instead of the usual 21 days. This hardly mitigates the risk that SMSF trustees may have to liquidate the main asset in their fund.

    The Biden proposal had presented an alternative model, allowing for the tax liability to be paid over several years, not all at once. Alternatively, taxpayers could pay an interest-like charge while deferring their unrealised capital gains tax liability.

    Such alternatives do not appear to have been seriously considered in the Australian government’s proposal.

    Ultimately, though, the question must be asked: is taxing volatile unrealised capital gains really the most effective way to improve equity in, and the sustainability of, the superannuation system?

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

    ref. New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement – https://theconversation.com/new-taxes-on-super-didnt-get-much-attention-in-the-election-campaign-but-they-could-be-tricky-to-implement-255871

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Spring Flooding in Kazakhstan

    Source: NASA

    For the second consecutive year, rapid snowmelt and spring rains caused widespread flooding along rivers in northern Kazakhstan in 2025. Floodwater inundated homes and displaced hundreds of people from several riverside communities.
    The images above show flooding along the Esil River on April 24, 2025 (right), after floodwaters arrived, and on April 9, 2025 (left), when water levels were lower. The images were captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) and OLI-2 on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9.
    The image below is a false-color version (bands 6-5-4) of the April 24 image, showing a wider view and emphasizing the presence of water, which appears blue. Vegetation appears light green, and farmland has varying shades of brown. Several neighborhoods and villages near the river appear flooded, though many are communities with rustic cottages called dachas, which people use as summer homes.

    Heavy rains and warm temperatures early in the month quickly melted snow and ice, adding to the amount of runoff flowing into rivers. Precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Crop Explorer Tool show that parts of northern Kazakhstan received 2 to 4 times as much precipitation as usual in April, and temperatures that month were 3 to 8 degrees Celsius (5 to 14 Fahrenheit) higher than usual.
    To minimize the impact of the flooding, Kazakh authorities implemented several flood control measures, including pumping millions of cubic meters of floodwaters out of vulnerable areas, cleaning hundreds of thousands of kilometers of drainage ditches, and placing hundreds of thousands of sandbags to shore up dikes and levees.
    Hundreds of people and tens of thousands of farm animals were evacuated before floodwaters arrived. Among the evacuated villages was Teplichnoye, a suburb of Petropavl, where emergency responders worked around the clock to reinforce dams and other flood control structures.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: California sues Trump administration for illegally withholding billions in bipartisan infrastructure funds: ‘Another Trump gift to China’

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 7, 2025

    What you need to know: California and 16 other states today filed a federal lawsuit accusing President Trump of unlawfully withholding billions of dollars approved by bipartisan majorities in Congress for electric vehicle charging infrastructure that would reduce toxic pollution, expand access to clean vehicles and create thousands of green jobs.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today that a multi-state lawsuit was filed in federal court challenging actions taken by President Trump’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to thwart Congress’s $5 billion program to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The Trump administration’s unlawful actions would cost Californians more than $300 million, eliminate thousands of good-paying jobs and hobble a critical, emerging tech industry. 

    On the first day of his administration, President Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to immediately stop releasing funds appropriated through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $5 billion that Congress appropriated for electric vehicle charging stations under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. 

    Following that directive, FHWA effectively halted the NEVI Formula Program by, among other things, unlawfully withholding billions in funds that Congress had directed to the states for building EV infrastructure.

    When America retreats, China wins.

    President Trump’s illegal action withholding funds for electric vehicle infrastructure is yet another Trump gift to China – ceding American innovation and killing thousands of jobs.

    Instead of hawking Teslas on the White House lawn, President Trump could actually help Elon – and the nation – by following the law and releasing this bipartisan funding.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    California, Colorado, and Washington led a coalition of 17 states in suing FHWA. The lawsuit states that FHWA’s unlawful actions deprive the states of billions of dollars in appropriated funds, ignores Congressional mandates, violates the U.S. Constitution and will devastate the ability of states to build the charging infrastructure necessary for making EVs accessible to more consumers, combating climate change, reducing other harmful pollution, and supporting the states’ green economies. 

    “The President continues to roll back environmental and climate change protections, this time illegally stripping away billions of dollars for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, all to line the pockets of his Big Oil friends,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The facts don’t lie: the demand for clean transportation continues to rise, and California will be at the forefront of this transition to a more sustainable, low-emissions future. California will not back down, not from Big Oil, and not from federal overreach.” 

    California’s State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan anticipated that California would need hundreds of thousands of additional EV charging ports to support passenger cars and trucks and incrementally more charging ports for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses to meet climate goals. The plan, approved by the federal government, would leverage public funding and private investment to build out a statewide charging infrastructure, including $384 million from the NEVI program.   

    The lawsuit requests the court to declare that President Trump’s directives are unlawful, vacate the actions and permanently stop the administration from withholding the funds. 

    A national leader in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) and infrastructure

    California’s support for clean cars is unmatched, and the state is home to more than 30% of new ZEVs sold in the U.S. With the rise in EV and plug-in hybrid demand, the state is committed to rapidly deploying funds to develop and ensure a reliable and easy-to-use charging network. The state has doubled down on improving the charging network and making it even easier to buy an EV:

    • More than 178,000 public or shared private electric vehicle charging ports have been installed throughout California, plus more than 700,000 at-home charging ports. 
    • Grants and rebates for thousands of dollars are available for low-income Californians to purchase EVs. Learn more at ClimateAction.ca.gov or ElectricForAll.org.

    The work doesn’t stop with passenger electric vehicles — the state has been hard at work to cut emissions from trucks and buses. Recent efforts include:

    • More than $640 million toward the deployment of zero-emission truck and bus recharging and refueling infrastructure.
    • $500 million to put another 1,000 ZEV school buses on the road.
    • More than $1.3 billion for public transportation projects, including several that support zero-emission buses. 

    California’s strategy for a clean transportation transition

    In addition to advancing ZEVs, the Newsom Administration is prioritizing clean fuel production, public transit and rail infrastructure enhancements, and a cleaner, smarter electric grid to help power it all. As California works toward this clean transportation future, the state is also advancing efforts to prevent gasoline price spikes. 

    Standing up for California communities and businesses 

    Today’s lawsuit follows the Governor’s recent announcement that California is challenging President Trump’s authority to unilaterally enact tariffs. The Governor also intends to create new strategic trade relationships with international partners aimed at strengthening shared economic resilience and protecting California’s manufacturers, workers, farmers, businesses, and supply chains. The Governor has also announced a new international campaign to help maintain the strong tourism partnership between California and Canada.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: Despite the Trump Administration’s assaults, both California and Texas are working to build high-speed rail. But only one state has built anything: California. SACRAMENTO — What’s the main difference between California high-speed rail and…

    News What you need to know: A new report details nearly $33 billion raised for climate projects and direct support for Californians funded by cap-and-trade, as Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders seek an extension of the program. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin…

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 4-10, 2025 as “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONChildren’s mental health has become an…

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – MEPs call for bolder EU action on water resilience

    Source: European Parliament

    Parliament adopted its recommendations for the European Water Resilience Strategy, expected from the Commission before summer 2025.

    In their report, adopted with 470 votes in favour, 81 against and 92 abstentions, MEPs want an ambitious strategy for the EU to manage its water resources more efficiently and respond better to current water-related challenges. The text says water is not only essential to people’s lives and health, but also central to Europe’s economy, competitiveness, and climate adaptation efforts.

    Water efficiency targets, reducing pollution and improving disaster preparedness

    MEPs want the Commission to propose sectoral targets for water efficiency and water abstraction (taking water from a surface or underground source) based on risk assessments.

    The EU needs to do more to reduce water pollution from pharmaceuticals, chemical pesticides and fertilisers, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, microplastics and chemicals, and to phase out so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS).

    Parliament wants climate adaptation to be integrated into sectoral plans and policy measures affecting water and land use, as well as tailored measures for regions facing unique challenges, such as the Mediterranean, island areas and outermost regions. Preparedness and crisis response mechanisms for water scarcity, drought and floods must be significantly improved, they add.

    Dedicated funding and digital innovation

    Additionally, MEPs are asking the Commission to make dedicated funding available for water resilience, supported by specific mechanisms within existing funds, to modernise water infrastructure, sustainable water management, nature-based solutions and innovative water-efficient technologies.

    They urge the Commission to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, real-time leak detection, smart irrigation, and emerging technologies that improve water efficiency. They also stress the importance of digital tools for transparent data collection, monitoring and early warning systems, as well as improving cybersecurity of critical water infrastructures.

    Quote

    Rapporteur Thomas Bajada (S&D, MT) said: “Our people – our families, farmers, and businesses – deserve clean, secure, and affordable water. That means moving from promises to real, binding action. We cannot afford to treat water as infinite. That is why this report calls for enforceable water efficiency and abstraction targets – sector by sector, basin by basin. We call for a strong EU-wide response to pollution, including the full phase-out of PFAS wherever safe alternatives exist. Because these “forever chemicals” have no place in a sustainable future. We must also invest in solutions that work: modern irrigation, smart recycling systems, real-time monitoring, and infrastructure that prevents leaks before they happen. These are not luxuries – they are the tools we need to protect our health, our food systems, and our future.”

    Next steps

    The Commission is expected to adopt the European Water Resilience Strategy before the summer, according to its 2025 work programme.

    Background

    Pollution, habitat degradation, impacts of climate change, and the over-use of freshwater resources are putting pressure on Europe’s lakes, rivers, coastal waters and groundwaters, with water stress affecting 20% of Europe’s territory and 30% of the population every year. Only 39,5% of Europe’s surface water bodies achieved good ecological status and only 26.8% achieved ‘good’ chemical status under the implementation of EU’s water legislation.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Animal welfare standards in EU aquaculture to boost competitiveness and food security – E-001689/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001689/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Niels Fuglsang (S&D), Robert Biedroń (S&D), Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Marianne Vind (S&D), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Maria Noichl (S&D), Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE), Günther Sidl (S&D), Per Clausen (The Left), Michal Wiezik (Renew), Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE), Pär Holmgren (Verts/ALE), Christel Schaldemose (S&D)

    While up to one billion fish are farmed in the EU each year, there are no rules to protect them. This allows unethical practices to persist.

    Yet several opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) demonstrate that fish are sentient beings, and nine out of ten EU citizens want better protection for farmed fish. Cost-effective solutions are available, with a recent report by environmental economist Griffin Carpenter showing that implementing stunning in EU aquaculture is economically feasible[1].

    The Commissioners for animal welfare and fisheries have reiterated their commitment to modernising the rules on animal welfare and making aquatic animal welfare a priority of their respective mandates.

    The Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food calls for animal welfare standards to be applied to imports in order to boost food security and competitiveness in the EU.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Will farmed aquatic animals be included in the scope of the upcoming consultations on the animal welfare legislation taking place this year?
    • 2.Will the Commission commit to delivering species-specific welfare provisions for farmed fish and other aquatic animals, as part of the comprehensive modernisation of animal welfare laws on kept animals, slaughter and labelling, based on the upcoming EFSA opinions on farmed finfish and invertebrates?

    Submitted: 28.4.2025

    • [1] https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/library/stunning-results-eu-aquaculture.
    Last updated: 7 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Fresh protests from European farmers – E-001000/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is fully aware of the challenges faced by farmers such as the drought conditions in Romania.

    To address these challenges, the Vision for Agriculture and Food presented on 19 February 2025[1] contains an ambitious roadmap and different work streams towards an agri-food system that is attractive, competitive, sustainable and fair for current and future generations, including trade and simplification.

    Trade agreements, like the EU-MERCOSUR Partnership Agreement, strike a balance between both the EU offensive and defensive interests of the agri-food sector.

    Trade agreements open new export opportunities for the EU agri-food sector, to the benefit of EU farmers income. At the same time the EU agri-food sector relies on imports from third countries.

    Moreover, imported products need to fully comply with EU sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards (SPS). These standards include the ban of hormones in cattle raising in both domestic and imported products.

    The current autonomous trade measures[2] for Ukraine include strengthened safeguards setting caps on imports of certain agricultural products from Ukraine. They helped stabilising markets and provide stability and predictability for farmers on both sides.

    Meanwhile, the Commission continues its efforts to simplify the delivery of the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in view of reducing the administrative burden and providing more flexibility to farmers and national administrations. The second simplification package of the current CAP is expected for the second quarter of 2025.

    • [1]  https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/vision-agriculture-food_en#:~:text=Shaping%20the%20future%20of%20farming%20and%20the%20agri-food,entire%20value%20chain%20within%20the%20EU%20and%20globally
    • [2]  Regulation (EU) 2024/1392 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on temporary trade-liberalisation measures supplementing trade concessions applicable to Ukrainian products under the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part (ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1392/oj).
    Last updated: 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring fair competition for farmers in the EU agricultural market in the future – E-000958/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is currently working on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) and intends to present a proposal in July 2025.

    The Commission communication on the road to the next MFF highlights the importance of food security and nature protection for sustaining Europe’s quality of life and emphasises that a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that is fit for purpose must provide targeted support to farmers who need it most, work within planetary boundaries supporting positive environmental and social outcomes through rewards and incentives for ecosystem services and support the right enabling conditions for thriving rural areas.

    It must become simpler, targeted and find the right balance between incentives, investment and regulation, and ensure that farmers have a fair and sufficient income.

    The Vision for Agriculture and Food adopted on 19 February 2025[1] provides more details on how the future CAP will address the challenges and needs of the EU agrifood sector and rural areas.

    • [1] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/overview-vision-agriculture-food/vision-agriculture-and-food_en
    Last updated: 7 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lack of parliamentary oversight over the EU agri-food chain Observatory – E-001039/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU agri-food chain observatory (AFCO) was launched in 2024 as one of the actions that aim to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain and reinforce trust between actors.

    As set out in its Terms of Reference[1], the purpose of AFCO is to advise the Commission and to exchange information and discuss, based on available evidence and facts, with a view to establishing a common diagnosis of the situation across markets, and bring increased transparency on prices, cost structure, margin distribution and added value in the supply chain, while respecting confidentiality and competition rules.

    Expert groups, such as AFCO, provide advice and expertise and do not engage in policy discussions. In line with its Terms of Reference, any recommendation of the group would only represent an input to policy making, providing facts and data to inform policy responses by the Commission and other policy-makers. Such analysis can support legislative proposals and discussions by the co-legislators.

    Members of AFCO are Member States’ authorities and organisations representing stakeholders operating in two or more EU Member States, and active in at least one stage of the food supply chain.

    Stakeholder organisations were selected by the Commission through a public call for applications in line with rules for the creation and operation of Commission expert groups[2].

    The objective was to gather experts from all along the food supply chain. The European Parliament’s Secretariat of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development has an observer status to the group and regularly participates in its meetings.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?lang=en&groupID=3949
    • [2] C(2016) 3301 final.
    Last updated: 7 May 2025

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