Category: Germany

MIL-OSI: GAM announces 2024 full year results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

26 March 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules:

GAM announces 2024 full year results

Strong progress in implementing turnaround strategy. GAM continues to target profitability in fiscal year 2026.

Financial Highlights for Full Year 2024

IFRS net loss of CHF 70.9 million compared to CHF 82.1 million for FY 2023.
Underlying loss before tax of CHF 66.8 million compared to CHF 49.5 million for FY 2023.
AuM at CHF 16.3 billion compared to CHF 19.3 billion as at 31 December 2023.
Cost optimisation initiatives across the business resulted in a 20% decrease in underlying expenses compared to FY 2023. The full impact of these cost optimisation initiatives will be reflected in FY 2025 and beyond.
Successful CHF 100 million rights issue completed in November 2024, which resulted in our anchor shareholder, NJJ Holding SAS (through its holding in Rock Investment SAS (“Rock”)) becoming our majority shareholder.
The maturity of the existing CHF 100 million Rock loan facility has been extended until 31 December 2027.
GAM is now a highly scalable pure investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas to drive sustainable growth and profitability: Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management.
GAM continues to target profitability in fiscal year 2026.

Strategic Highlights

Launched GAM Alternatives, providing access to in-house and third-party alternative managers focusing on absolute return strategies and best-in-class talent.
A new, high performing and successful European Equity team joins GAM in 2025.
Partnering with Sun Hung Kai & Co. Ltd to drive growth and enhance our distribution capabilities across Greater China including Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau.
In 2025, GAM will continue to partner with best-in-class external managers, to include the development of new products and the distribution of their own existing products to GAM clients.

Elmar Zumbuehl, Group CEO at GAM said: “We have made strong progress in implementing GAM’s turnaround strategy and have now evolved into being a pure play investment management firm, but we are not finished yet. The cost optimisation initiatives implemented in 2024 will yield their full benefit in 2025 and beyond. While we stay focused on further cost optimisation, our main emphasis is growing our AuM and revenues as we continue our turnaround. With an unwavering commitment to our clients, and an expanding suite of innovative and distinctive products, we continue to build positive momentum and strengthen our market position. Backed by our majority shareholder, we continue to target profitability in fiscal year 2026 and remain focussed on delivering for our clients and all our stakeholders.”

Summary Financials

In 2024, we reported IFRS net loss after tax of CHF 70.9 million, compared with an IFRS net loss after tax of CHF 82.1 million in 2023. The loss in 2024 was mainly driven by the underlying net loss after tax of CHF 66.9 million.

Please refer to the ‘Financial Results for FY 2024’ section later in this press release for full information.

Financial Strength

In November 2024, GAM completed its CHF 100 million fully underwritten ordinary capital increase by way of a rights issue to support the implementation of GAM’s strategy and provide long-term financial stability. Given Rock’s underwriting commitment, NJJ Holding SA (indirectly) is now the majority shareholder of GAM following the rights issue.

The existing CHF 100 million Rock loan facility remains in place with its maturity extended to 31 December 2027.

Strategy Update

GAM’s strategy is designed to achieve sustainable growth and profitability by delivering best possible investment performance and exemplary service for our clients by focusing on our Investment and Wealth Management capabilities. The four pillars of our strategy remain:

Focusing on clients in existing core markets;
Amplifying and growing core active equity, fixed income and multi-asset strategies by investing in talent and product ideas;
Diversifying into new investment product areas and our Wealth Management offering by leveraging GAM’s heritage in active management, building strategic partnerships, and its alternatives and hedge funds platform; and
Enhancing effectiveness by reducing complexity.

GAM is now focusing exclusively on its Investment (Specialist Active and Alternatives) and Wealth Management businesses, expanding its distribution reach and capabilities, amplifying its core active strategies, and diversifying into new product areas, including building out our higher margin alternatives capabilities.

We have made strong progress throughout 2024 on our four-pillar strategy to transform GAM into a focused, client-centric, and profitable business.

Focusing on clients

Focusing on our clients in our existing core markets has been the most important way to rebuild GAM. In key markets where we have clients, but lack scalable distribution, we have, and will continue to, add partnerships to support our growth strategy and provide a broader range of client’s access to unparalleled investment expertise, opportunities, and exceptional outcomes across specialist active and alternative investment strategies.

We established a strategic alliance with Sun Hung Kai & Co. Ltd. to grow our client base, distribute our products, and innovate our alternatives offering across the Greater China region, including Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, and Macau.

We have also enhanced our regional presence and client coverage by hiring new Heads of Distribution across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Iberia, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and France to drive our local market presence. This significant investment into our client facing teams will enable GAM to provide clients with excellent local contacts, strong relationship management and access to unparalleled investment expertise targeting exceptional outcomes.

We additionally expanded our client reach through opening a second US office in Miami to cover the US international and Latin American markets and we are close to gaining customary approvals to open our planned branches in Paris and Milan.

Amplifying and growing core active equity, fixed income, and multi-asset strategies by investing in talent and product ideas

We are enhancing our capabilities by recruiting first-class investment talent in alternatives, systematic and equities teams.

We have established a multi-asset centre of excellence in a global team to optimise all our multi-asset investment capabilities, enhance client outcomes, and align with evolving market dynamics and client needs. The high quality and excellent performance of this team will allow GAM to grow its wealth management business.

In February 2025, we announced the hiring of three high performing and successful European Equity team members from Janus Henderson Investors. These strategic hires underscore GAM’s steadfast dedication to providing clients with access to unparalleled investment expertise and exceptional outcomes. The team brings extensive experience, having managed over EUR 6.5 billion in European Equity funds on behalf of institutional and retail clients globally.

In addition, we have strengthened our sustainability and stewardship practices, meeting the principles of the UK and Swiss Stewardship Codes. Today GAM released its 2024 Sustainability Report which is available at www.gam.com

Diversifying into new investment products while expanding the wealth management offering by leveraging GAM’s heritage in active management, strategic partnerships, and its alternatives and hedge funds platform

Randel Freeman joined GAM in 2024 as Co-head / Co-CIO of GAM Alternatives to build out our alternative investments platform to meet growing investor demand with differentiated offerings. In addition, in 2025, we hired two senior sales specialists with deep experience in Alternatives distribution.

In 2024, we launched GAM funds to introduce and distribute Avenue Capital’s Sports Opportunities fund, plus partnered with Arcus Investment to distribute their Japanese long/short equities fund. GAM also partnered with world leading Trafigura Group’s subsidiary Galena Asset Management to manage the GAM Commodities fund providing best-in-class sector expertise. This provides our clients access to exclusive and attractive commodity investment opportunities.

We are launching the GAM LSA Private Shares strategy in Europe to provide access for European clients to this award-winning evergreen, late-stage private equity fund.

Throughout 2025, GAM will be assessing M&A opportunities to enhance existing offerings, attracting best-in-class long-term strategic partnerships, and recruiting top talent to our core business areas globally.

Enhancing effectiveness by reducing complexity

Following the transfer of our fund services business for third-party funds we also successfully transitioned our Luxembourg, Irish and Swiss fund management company (ManCo) activities to Apex Group and 1741 Group in Q4 2024. In addition, we consolidated our operations onto our cloud based SimCorp investment management platform. GAM now operates on a global platform that delivers operational efficiencies.

These implementations pave the way to a much less complex operating model underpinning and delivering best outcomes for our clients.

GAM is now a highly scalable global investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas to drive sustainable growth and profitability: Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management.

Business Areas

GAM Investments is focused on three core business areas to drive sustainable growth and profitability:

GAM Specialist Active: Deep expertise, experience and specialisms unlocking core and niche returns in equities, fixed income, and multi-asset investing;
GAM Alternatives: Access to in-house and third-party alternative investment managers focusing on absolute return strategies and best-in-class talent; and
GAM Wealth Management: Multi-asset solutions with tailored portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, charities and trusts, utilising best-of-breed GAM and third-party products.

These three core business areas share and benefit from GAM’s global platform and agile operating model and modern technology.

Investment Performance

GAM has continued to deliver strong overall investment performance across our diverse and distinctive products, with 64% of assets under management (AuM) outperforming their three-year benchmark and 89% outperforming their five-year benchmark, as at 31 December 2024. Despite some weaker short-term performance in equities, the longer-term 5-year performance remains strong.

Percentage of GAM Fund AuM Outperforming Benchmark

		3 years	3 years	5 years	5 years
Business Area	Asset Class	31 Dec 2024	31 Dec 2023	31 Dec 2024	31 Dec 2023
Specialist Active	Fixed income	94%	98%	95%	91%
Specialist Active	Equity	1%	39%	79%	59%
Alternatives	Alternatives	60%	73%	75%	96%
Total		64%	78%	89%	81%

% of AuM in funds outperforming their benchmark (excluding mandates and segregated accounts) across our business areas. Three- and five-year investment performance based on applicable AuM of CHF 9.0 billion and CHF 9.0 billion, respectively.

Compared to our peer group performance remained strong, 66% of AuM outperformed their three-year Morningstar peer group and 82% outperformed their five-year Morningstar peer group, as at 31 December 2024.

Percentage of GAM Fund AuM Outperforming Morningstar Peer Group

		3 years	3 years	5 years	5 years
Business Area	Asset Class	31 Dec 2024	31 Dec 2023	31 Dec 2024	31 Dec 2023
Specialist Active	Fixed income	61%	53%	60%	50%
Specialist Active	Equity	20%	51%	89%	89%
Alternatives	Alternatives	91%	89%	95%	96%
Total		66%	66%	82%	76%

GAM continues to be recognised for its investment performance, including having been awarded the overall best European small group 2025 by Lipper. Four GAM funds (including two funds of our Swiss Equity strategy) won Lipper’s 2025 top performance awards across multiple countries. For the second time, at the Citywire Investment Performance Awards, GAM Multi-asset won the Best Large Firm Award. GAM won the Wealth Management PAM 2024 award for its growth portfolios. GAM’s Sustainable Climate Bond strategy won and was chosen as the best ESG Investment Fund in the Green, Social and Sustainability Bonds category at the ESG Investing Awards 2024. For further details on these and other awards please visit http://www.gam.com/awards.

Assets Under Management and Net Flows by Business Area

Total AuM were CHF 16.3 billion as at 31 December 2024, compared to CHF 19.3 billion as at 31 December 2023. Net outflows of CHF 4.4 billion were partially offset by positive market and foreign exchange movements of CHF 2.0 billion.

Business Area	Opening AuM 1 Jan 2024	Net flows	Disposal⁽¹⁾	Market/FX movements	Closing AuM 31 Dec 2024
Specialist Active	17.5	(3.9)	(0.6)	1.9	14.9
Alternatives	0.9	(0.4)		–	0.5
Wealth Management	0.9	(0.1)		0.1	0.9
Total	19.3	(4.4)	(0.6)	2.0	16.3
⁽¹⁾ In the second half of 2024, the sale of the UK Equity Income Fund to Jupiter Asset Management completed and subsequently is reflected as a disposal. Therefore, net outflows of CHF 0.6 billion in 2024 have been reflected as a disposal.

Financial Results for FY 2024

The average management fee margin earned on investment management AuM in 2024 was 40.4 basis points, compared with the average margin for the financial year 2023 of 49.7 basis points. The change in average management fee margin primarily reflects the mix of assets under management across products and sub-advisory agreements with existing and new partners.

Net management fees and commissions in 2024 totalled CHF 75.9 million, down from CHF 124.4 million in 2023 due primarily to the sale of the third-party fund services business in January 2024, lower average AuM and reduced average management fee margin in investment management.

Underlying net performance fees totalled CHF 1.9 million, down from CHF 4.8 million in 2023.

Underlying net other income/expenses includes net interest income and expenses, the impact of foreign exchange movements, net gains and losses on seed capital investments and hedging, as well as fund-related fees and service charges. In 2024, a net loss of CHF 2.3 million was recognised, compared with a CHF 0.4 million net loss in 2023. The 2024 net loss was mainly driven by the interest expenses incurred on the Rock Investment SAS loan facility and the impact of foreign exchange movements. The IFRS net other expense in 2024 amounts to CHF 4.4 million. The difference between the underlying and the IFRS net other expense of CHF 2.1 million mainly relates to a net foreign exchange loss on pension loan note offset by other income driven by the assignment of the UK property lease to a third party.

Underlying personnel expenses decreased by 26% to CHF 76.6 million in 2024, compared with CHF 96.8 million in 2023. Fixed personnel costs decreased by 28%, driven by lower headcount. Headcount stood at 294 FTEs as at 31 December 2024, compared to 478 FTEs as at 31 December 2023. Variable compensation in 2024 fell to CHF 11.2 million from CHF 13.1 million in 2023, mainly driven by lower management and performance fees which impacted variable compensation arrangements. The underlying personnel expenses compares to IFRS personnel expenses of CHF 81.0 million. The difference between the underlying and the IFRS personnel expenses of CHF 4.4 million primarily relates to a reorganisation charge. (For further information, see note 6 of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements).

Underlying general expenses in 2024 were CHF 52.1 million, down from CHF 65.0 million in 2023 due to cost optimisations initiatives across the business. This compares to IFRS general expenses of CHF 54.0 million. The difference between the underlying and the IFRS general expenses of CHF 1.9 million mainly relates to the Group’s reorganisation initiatives.

Underlying depreciation and amortisation charges were CHF 13.8 million in 2024 compared to CHF 16.5 million in 2023. There is no difference between underlying and IFRS amounts.

The underlying pre-tax loss in 2024 was CHF 66.8 million, compared to a CHF 49.5 million underlying pre-tax loss in 2023. The higher loss was driven mainly by lower net fee and commission income being only partially offset by lower personnel and general expenses. The underlying loss compares to an IFRS net loss before tax of CHF 69.6 million. The difference of CHF 2.8 million mainly relates to the remeasurement of the brand intangible, strategic initiative expenses and foreign exchange loss on pension loan note. (For further information, see note 6 of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements).

The underlying income taxes in 2024 was a tax expense of CHF 0.1 million compared to a tax expense of CHF 0.3 million in 2023.

Diluted underlying losses per share in 2024 was a negative CHF 0.25, compared to a negative of CHF 0.32 in 2023. This compares to a diluted IFRS earnings per share of negative CHF 0.27 in 2024. The difference between the diluted underlying and the diluted IFRS earnings per share of CHF 0.02 relates to the lower underlying net loss.

Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2024 were CHF 65.1 million, down from CHF 87.2 million as at 31 December 2023.This reduction was driven by the losses made by the Group partially offset by the proceeds received from the ordinary capital increase made by way of a rights offering in November 2024.

Adjusted tangible equity as at 31 December 2024 was CHF 58.5 million, up from CHF 20.9 million as at 31 December 2023.The main contributor to this increase was ordinary capital increase by way of a rights issue that took place in November 2024. See page 17 of our Annual Report 2024 for full definition of adjusted tangible equity.

The Board of Directors proposes to shareholders that no dividend will be paid for financial year 2024 given the underlying net loss in 2024.

Outlook

GAM continues to focus on implementing its strategy. Our priority is to achieve sustainable overall positive net inflows by rebuilding GAM’s distribution capabilities with a focus on our existing products and new product launches. The timeline for achieving these net inflows will be driven by our success in delivering our strategy, subject to market conditions. GAM continues to target profitability in fiscal year 2026.

Additional information

Investor Relations
Magdalena Czyzowska
T +44 (0) 207 917 2508

Media Relations
Colin Bennett
T +44 (0) 207 393 8544

Visit us: www.gam.com
Follow us: X and LinkedIn

About GAM Investments

GAM Investments is a highly scalable global investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas, Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management, that is listed in Switzerland. It delivers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions across its Investment and Wealth Management businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance clients’ financial future. It attracts and empowers brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 16.3 billion as of 31 December 2024. GAM Investments has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983 and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8037 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit www.gam.com

Other Important Information

This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “aim”, “project”, “forecast”, “risk”, “likely”, “intend”, “outlook”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “continue”, “plan”, “probability”, “indicative”, “seek”, “target”, “plan” and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements.

Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith.

This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction.

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GAM announces FY 2024 results_EN_adhoc

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Belgium

Source:

There’s an ongoing threat of terrorism in Belgium. The threat level issued by Belgian authorities remains at level 3 of 4 – ‘Serious’ (see ‘Safety’). Crowded places, such as music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, major sporting events and other public areas, are possible targets. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities. There are temporary border controls in place to travel into France and Germany from Belgium (see ‘Travel’).

MIL OSI News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mastery Made Easy: A First Look at HIKMICRO’s New Devices at JAGD & HUND 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DORTMUND, GERMANY, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HIKMICRO, a pioneering optics manufacturer, is set to unveil two groundbreaking thermal monoculars at JAGD & HUND Dortmund 2025, reinforcing its commitment to innovation in hunting technology. The FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 will be showcased at Germany’s Messe Dortmund from January 28 to February 2, 2025, embodying the company’s “Mastery Made Easy” philosophy.

These new devices represent a significant leap forward in thermal hunting technology, focusing on one-handed operation and superior image quality. The FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 feature a highly sensitive 15mK thermal detector, capturing minute temperature differences and providing rich image details on a 0.49″ display.

Both models offer precise laser rangefinding capabilities up to 1000 meters and incorporate HIKMICRO’s Shutterless Image System (HSIS) for continuous, uninterrupted viewing.

Mr. Wang, HIKMICRO’s R&D expert, stated, “We have made comprehensive improvements to the FALCON and CONDOR models with ‘Mastery Performance’ and ‘One-handed, easy operation’ functions. We made these advancements while maintaining high image quality to provide the most comfortable observation, with usability enhancements delivering a simplified and intuitive operating experience.”

The thermal monoculars boast an optimized 21700 battery, providing over six hours of operation time, and are compatible with external power banks. Both models feature a rear focus wheel and inline button arrangement for intuitive one-handed use, catering to hunters of all ages and handedness preferences.

HIKMICRO equips the CONDOR LRF 2.0 series with an integral laser rangefinder and sculpts it to cradle the hand. Meanwhile, the FALCON 2.0 maintains a traditional cylindrical shape, and the FQ50L 2.0 model features an in-lens LRF module design. These ergonomic designs guarantee comfortable operation and reduced fatigue during extended use.

Its commitment to user-centered innovation is evident in the development process of these thermal monoculars. The company conducted extensive market research and rigorous testing, including sending prototypes to professional hunters for real-life scenario evaluations. This meticulous method certifies that the final products meet the highest performance and usability standards.

The new thermal monoculars also offer enhanced connectivity through the HIKMICRO Sight App, allowing users to live-view, browse and save captured images and videos, share with friends, upgrade products, and track after-sales information. This feature enhances the overall hunting experience and fosters a sense of community among users.

Stefan Li, the company’s overseas director, emphasized the company’s vision: “We aim to keep blazing the trail by creating more precise, faster, and easier ways to help hunters master the mystery of the night. Our new FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 are testament to this commitment, providing hunters with the tools they need to enhance their skills and enjoy their passion to the fullest.“

As HIKMICRO prepares to showcase these innovative devices at JAGD & HUND Dortmund 2025, the company continues to push the boundaries of thermal hunting technology while respecting traditional hunting values and expert craftsmanship.

About HIKMICRO

HIKMICRO is a world-leading optics brand committed to “Continually Make Crafted Confidence” for hunters. The company focuses on user-centered innovation, pushing the boundaries of technological performance while respecting traditional hunting values and expert craftsmanship. With a dedication to providing mastery solutions, HIKMICRO aims to make hunting easier and more rewarding for enthusiasts around the globe.

Contact Information

Contact: Lina Wang

Brand: HIKMICRO

Email Address: wanglina21@hikmicrotech.com

Website: https://www.hikmicrotech.com/en/

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: BMW launches 360-degree full-chain AI strategy in China

Source: China State Council Information Office

German automaker BMW on Tuesday announced the launch of its 360-degree full-chain artificial intelligence (AI) strategy in China, aimed at accelerating the integration of AI across its operations in the country.

The newly unveiled AI strategy has three main pillars of focus: enhancing user experience, empowering business processes to improve efficiency, and fostering win-win supply chain cooperation, according to the German auto behemoth.

“BMW views AI as a key driver in creating more human-centered, smarter and safer mobility solutions. The Group remains committed to innovation and responsibility, advocating for the responsible use of AI,” said BMW CEO Oliver Zipse, who recently visited China and addressed the China Development Forum 2025.

The German company said AI-powered large language models (LLMs) and intelligent systems will be integrated into its first China-made, next-generation model, set to launch in 2026, which will enhance the natural and seamless interaction between cars and drivers. Earlier this month, BMW revealed that the next-generation model, Neue Klasse, will feature a smart interconnection solution from Huawei.

With research and development (R&D) centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang and Nanjing, BMW has established its largest R&D network outside of Germany in China.

“As a central focus of our AI strategy, BMW will continue to innovate based on the next-generation technology cluster, consistently enhancing and enriching the all-scenario intelligent experience for Chinese users,” said Sean Green, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China.

In 2012, BMW became the first automotive client of Chinese battery giant CATL. Moving forward, the German carmaker has announced plans to collaborate with more top Chinese tech companies in cutting-edge areas such as AI LLMs and intelligent voice interaction, jointly developing solutions that best meet the needs of Chinese users.

Since 2010, BMW’s total investment in its Shenyang production base has totaled 116 billion yuan (about 16.16 billion U.S. dollars), making the city home to BMW’s largest production facility worldwide.

MIL OSI China News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: German chancellor, gov’t dismissed by president

Source: China State Council Information Office

Olaf Scholz (C) attends the first gathering of the 21st Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, on March 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his cabinet were officially dismissed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday afternoon.

Scholz will remain as caretaker chancellor until a new government takes office.

The negotiation to build a ruling coalition is underway. Germany’s conservative bloc, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU), took the lead in the country’s 2025 federal election, followed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The results have paved the way for a CDU/CSU and SPD coalition.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz is expected to head the new government. He has voiced the willingness to put the government in place by Easter.

Also on Tuesday, CDU’s Julia Kloeckner was elected as the new president of the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament.

Born in 1972, Kloeckner served as a Bundestag member from 2002 to 2011. She held the position of Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection from 2009 to 2011. From 2018 to 2021, she served as minister of food and agriculture and again a member of the Bundestag from 2021.

The election took place during the first gathering of the 21st Bundestag following February’s election. The first sitting marks the end of the previous electoral term and the Bundestag adopted its rules of procedure.

The term of the current federal government concludes with the constitution of the new Bundestag.

MIL OSI China News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Trump silences Voice of America – end of a propaganda machine or void for China and Russia to fill?

ANALYSIS: By Valerie A. Cooper, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Of all the contradictions and ironies of Donald Trump’s second presidency so far, perhaps the most surprising has been his shutting down the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for being “radical propaganda”.

Critics have long accused the agency — and its affiliated outlets such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia — of being a propaganda arm of US foreign policy.

But to the current president, the USAGM has become a promoter of “anti-American ideas” and agendas — including allegedly suppressing stories critical of Iran, sympathetically covering the issue of “white privilege” and bowing to pressure from China.

Propaganda is clearly in the eye of the beholder. The Moscow Times reported Russian officials were elated by the demise of the “purely propagandistic” outlets, while China’s Global Times celebrated the closure of a “lie factory”.

Meanwhile, the European Commission hailed USAGM outlets as a “beacon of truth, democracy and hope”. All of which might have left the average person understandably confused: Voice of America? Wasn’t that the US propaganda outlet from World War II?

Well, yes. But the reality of USAGM and similar state-sponsored global media outlets is more complex — as are the implications of the US agency’s demise.

For the better part of a century, Voice of America has broadcast into countries whose governments censored free information. The Trump administration has dismantled VOA’s parent organization, put all of its employees on leave and ended funding for independent media agencies.… pic.twitter.com/TzagYQwNIx

— PBS News (@NewsHour) March 17, 2025

Public service or state propaganda?
The USAGM is one of several international public service media outlets based in Western democracies. Others include Australia’s ABC International, the BBC World Service, CBC/Radio-Canada, France Médias Monde, NHK-World Japan, Deutsche Welle in Germany and SRG SSR in Switzerland.

Part of the Public Media Alliance, they are similar to national public service media, largely funded by taxpayers to uphold democratic ideals of universal access to news and information.

Unlike national public media, however, they might not be consumed — or even known — by domestic audiences. Rather, they typically provide news to countries without reliable independent media due to censorship or state-run media monopolies.

The USAGM, for example, provides news in 63 languages to more than 100 countries. It has been credited with bringing attention to issues such as protests against covid-19 lockdowns in China and women’s struggles for equal rights in Iran.

On the other hand, the independence of USAGM outlets has been questioned often, particularly as they are required to share government-mandated editorials.

Voice of America has been criticised for its focus on perceived ideological adversaries such as Russia and Iran. And my own research has found it perpetuates stereotypes and the neglect of African nations in its news coverage.

Leaving a void
Ultimately, these global media outlets wouldn’t exist if there weren’t benefits for the governments that fund them. Sharing stories and perspectives that support or promote certain values and policies is an effective form of “public diplomacy”.

Yet these international media outlets differ from state-controlled media models because of editorial systems that protect them from government interference.

The Voice of America’s “firewall”, for instance, “prohibits interference by any US government official in the objective, independent reporting of news”. Such protections allow journalists to report on their own governments more objectively.

In contrast, outlets such as China Media Group (CMG), RT from Russia, and PressTV from Iran also reach a global audience in a range of languages. But they do this through direct government involvement.

CMG subsidiary CCTV+, for example, states it is “committed to telling China’s story to the rest of the world”.

Though RT states it is an autonomous media outlet, research has found the Russian government oversees hiring editors, imposing narrative angles, and rejecting stories.

A Voice of America staffer protests outside the Washington DC offices on March 17, 2025, after employees were placed on administrative leave. Image: Getty Images/The Conversation

Other voices get louder
The biggest concern for Western democracies is that these other state-run media outlets will fill the void the USAGM leaves behind — including in the Pacific.

Russia, China and Iran are increasing funding for their state-run news outlets, with China having spent more than US$6.6 billion over 13 years on its global media outlets. China Media Group is already one of the largest media conglomerates in the world, providing news content to more than 130 countries in 44 languages.

And China has already filled media gaps left by Western democracies: after the ABC stopped broadcasting Radio Australia in the Pacific, China Radio International took over its frequencies.

Worryingly, the differences between outlets such as Voice of America and more overtly state-run outlets aren’t immediately clear to audiences, as government ownership isn’t advertised.

An Australian senator even had to apologise recently after speaking with PressTV, saying she didn’t know the news outlet was affiliated with the Iranian government, or that it had been sanctioned in Australia.

Switched off
Trump’s move to dismantle the USAGM doesn’t come as a complete surprise, however. As the authors of Capturing News, Capturing Democracy: Trump and the Voice of America described, the first Trump administration failed in its attempts to remove the firewall and install loyalists.

This perhaps explains why Trump has resorted to more drastic measures this time. And, as with many of the current administration’s legally dubious actions, there has been resistance.

The American Foreign Service Association says it will challenge the dismantling of the USAGM, while the Czech Republic is seeking EU support to keep Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty on the air.

But for many of the agency’s journalists, contractors, broadcasting partners and audiences, it may be too late. Last week, The New York Times reported some Voice of America broadcasts had already been replaced by music.

Dr Valerie A. Cooper is lecturer in media and communication, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Colin Flint, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Utah State University

A warship is seen docked in the port of the Black Sea city of Sochi. Mikhail Mordasov/AFP via Getty Images

Away from the grueling land battles and devastating airstrikes, the Ukraine war has from its outset had a naval element. Soon after the February 2022 invasion, Russia imposed a de facto naval blockade on Ukraine, only to see its fleet stunningly defeated during a contest for control of the Black Sea.

But that war on the waves looks like it could be ending.

Under the terms of a deal announced on March 25, 2025, by the U.S. and agreed upon in Saudi Arabia, both sides of the conflict committed to ensuring “safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea,” according to a White House statement.

The naval aspect of the Ukraine war has gotten less attention than events on land and in the skies. But it is, I believe, a vital aspect with potentially far-reaching consequences.

Not only have Russia’s Black Sea losses constrained Moscow’s ability to project power across the globe through naval means, it has also resulted in Russia’s growing cooperation with China, where Moscow is emerging as a junior party to Beijing on the high seas.

Battle over the Black Sea

The tradition of geopolitical theory has tended to paint an oversimplification of global politics. Theories harkening back to the late 19th century categorized countries as either land powers or maritime powers.

Thinkers such as the British geopolitician Sir Halford Mackinder or the U.S. theorist Alfred Thayer Mahan characterized maritime powers as countries that possessed traits of democratic liberalism and free trade. In contrast, land powers were often portrayed as despotic and militaristic.

While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers. An accompanying view that naval and army warfare is somewhat separate has continued.

And this division gives us a false impression of Russia’s progress in the war with Ukraine. While Moscow has certainly seen some successes on land and in the air, that should not draw attention away from Russia’s stunning defeat in the Black Sea that has seen Russia have to retreat from the Ukrainian shoreline and keep its ships far away from the battlefront.

As I describe in my recent book, “Near and Far Waters: The Geopolitics of Seapower,” maritime countries have two concerns: They must attempt to control the parts of the sea relatively close to their coastlines, or their “near waters”; meanwhile, those with the ability and desire to do so try to project power and influence into “far waters” across oceans, which are the near waters of other countries.

The Black Sea is a tightly enclosed and relatively small sea comprising the near waters of the countries that surround it: Turkey to the south, Bulgaria and Romania to the west, Georgia to the east, and Ukraine and Russia to the north.

Control of the Black Sea’s near waters has been contested throughout the centuries and has played a role in the current Russian-Ukraine war.

Russia’s seizure of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 allowed it to control the naval port of Sevastopol. What were near waters of Ukraine became de facto near waters for Russia.

Controlling these near waters allowed Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s trade, especially the export of grain to African far waters.

But Russia’s actions were thwarted through the collaboration of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey to allow passage of cargo ships through their near waters, then through the Bosporus into the Mediterranean Sea.

Ukraine’s use of these other countries’ near waters allowed it to export between 5.2 million and 5.8 million tons of grain per month in the first quarter of 2024. To be sure, this was a decline from Ukraine’s exports of about 6.5 million tons per month prior to the war, which then dropped to just 2 million tons in the summer of 2023 because of Russian attacks and threats. Prior to the announcement of the ceasefire, the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture had forecasted a decline in Ukrainian grain exports for 2025.

But efforts to constrain Russia’s control of Ukraine’s near waters in the Black Sea, and Russia’s unwillingness to face the consequences of attacking ships in NATO countries’ near waters, meant Ukraine was still able to access far waters for economic gain and keep the Ukrainian economy afloat.

For Putin, that sinking feeling

Alongside being thwarted in its ability to disrupt Ukrainian exports, Russia has also come under direct naval attack from Ukraine. Since February 2022, using unmanned attack drones, Ukraine has successfully sunk or damaged Russian ships and whittled away at Russia’s Black sea fleet, sinking about 15 of its prewar fleet of about 36 warships and damaging many others.

Russia has been forced to limit its use of Sevastopol and station its ships in the eastern part of the Black Sea. It cannot effectively function in the near waters it gained through the seizure of Crimea.

Russia’s naval setbacks against Ukraine are only the latest in its historical difficulties in projecting sea power and its resulting tendency to mainly focus on the defense of near waters.

In 1905, Russia was shocked by a dramatic naval loss to Japan. Yet even in cases where it was not outright defeated, Russian sea power has been continually constrained historically. In World War I, Russia cooperated with the British Royal Navy to limit German merchant activity in the Baltic Sea and Turkish trade and military reach in the Black Sea.

In World War II, Russia relied on material support from the Allies and was largely blockaded within its Baltic Sea and Black Sea ports. Many ships were brought close to home or stripped of their guns as artillery or offshore support for the territorial struggle with Germany.

During the Cold War, meanwhile, though the Soviet Union built fast-moving missile boats and some aircraft carriers, its reach into far waters relied on submarines. The main purpose of the Soviet Mediterranean fleet was to prevent NATO penetration into the Black Sea.

And now, Russia has lost control of the Black Sea. It cannot operate in these once secure near waters. These losses reduce its ability to project naval power from the Black Sea and into the Mediterranean Sea.

Ceding captaincy to China

Faced with a glaring loss in its backyard and put in a weak position in its near waters, Russia as a result can project power to far waters only through cooperation with a China that is itself investing heavily in a far-water naval capacity.

Joint naval exercises in the South China Sea in July 2024 are evidence of this cooperation. Wang Guangzheng of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Southern Theater said of the drill that “the China-Russia joint patrol has promoted the deepening and practical cooperation between the two in multiple directions and fields.” And looking forward, he claimed the exercise “effectively enhanced the ability to the two sides to jointly respond to maritime security threats.”

Warships of the Chinese and Russian navies take part in a joint naval exercise in the East China Sea.
Li Yun/Xinhua via Getty Images

This cooperation makes sense in purely military terms for Russia, a mutually beneficial project of sea power projection. But it is largely to China’s benefit.

Russia can help China’s defense of its northern near waters and secure access to far waters through the Arctic Ocean – an increasingly important arena as global climate change reduces the hindrance posed by sea ice. But Russia remains very much the junior partner.

Moscow’s strategic interests will be supported only if they match Chinese interests. More to the point, sea power is about power projection for economic gain. China will likely use Russia to help protect its ongoing economic reach into African, Pacific, European and South American far waters. But it is unlikely to jeopardize these interests for Russian goals.

To be sure, Russia has far-water economic interests, especially in the Sahel and sub-Saharan Africa. And securing Russian interests in Africa complements China’s growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean to secure its own, and greater, global economic interests. But cooperation will still be at China’s behest.

For much of the Ukraine war, Russia has been bottled up in its Black Sea near waters, with the only avenue for projecting its naval power coming through access to Africa and Indian Ocean far waters – and only then as a junior partner with China, which dictates the terms and conditions.

A maritime deal with Ukraine now, even if it holds, will not compensate for Russia’s ongoing inability to project power across the oceans on its own.

Editor’s note: This is an updated version of an article originally published by The Conversation U.S. on Oct. 3, 2024.

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

– ref. Maritime truce would end a sorry war on the waves for Russia that set back its naval power ambitions – https://theconversation.com/maritime-truce-would-end-a-sorry-war-on-the-waves-for-russia-that-set-back-its-naval-power-ambitions-253089

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections

Source: The White House

class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose and Policy. Despite pioneering self-government, the United States now fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections employed by modern, developed nations, as well as those still developing. India and Brazil, for example, are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship. In tabulating votes, Germany and Canada require use of paper ballots, counted in public by local officials, which substantially reduces the number of disputes as compared to the American patchwork of voting methods that can lead to basic chain-of-custody problems. Further, while countries like Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person and do not count late-arriving votes regardless of the date of postmark, many American elections now feature mass voting by mail, with many officials accepting ballots without postmarks or those received well after Election Day.

Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic. The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election.
Under the Constitution, State governments must safeguard American elections in compliance with Federal laws that protect Americans’ voting rights and guard against dilution by illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and error. Yet the United States has not adequately enforced Federal election requirements that, for example, prohibit States from counting ballots received after Election Day or prohibit non-citizens from registering to vote.

Federal law establishes a uniform Election Day across the Nation for Federal elections, 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1. It is the policy of my Administration to enforce those statutes and require that votes be cast and received by the election date established in law. As the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently held in Republican National Committee v. Wetzel (2024), those statutes set “the day by which ballots must be both cast by voters and received by state officials.” Yet numerous States fail to comply with those laws by counting ballots received after Election Day. This is like allowing persons who arrive 3 days after Election Day, perhaps after a winner has been declared, to vote in person at a former voting precinct, which would be absurd.

Several Federal laws, including 18 U.S.C. 1015 and 611, prohibit foreign nationals from registering to vote or voting in Federal elections. Yet States fail adequately to vet voters’ citizenship, and, in recent years, the Department of Justice has failed to prioritize and devote sufficient resources for enforcement of these provisions. Even worse, the prior administration actively prevented States from removing aliens from their voter lists.

Additionally, Federal laws, such as the National Voter Registration Act (Public Law 103-31) and the Help America Vote Act (Public Law 107-252), require States to maintain an accurate and current Statewide list of every legally registered voter in the State. And the Department of Homeland Security is required to share database information with States upon request so they can fulfill this duty. See 8 U.S.C. 1373(c). Maintaining accurate voter registration lists is a fundamental requirement in protecting voters from having their ballots voided or diluted by fraudulent votes.
Federal law, 52 U.S.C. 30121, prohibits foreign nationals from participating in Federal, State, or local elections by making any contributions or expenditures. But foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations have taken advantage of loopholes in the law’s interpretation, spending millions of dollars through conduit contributions and ballot-initiative-related expenditures. This type of foreign interference in our election process undermines the franchise and the right of American citizens to govern their Republic.

Above all, elections must be honest and worthy of the public trust. That requires voting methods that produce a voter-verifiable paper record allowing voters to efficiently check their votes to protect against fraud or mistake. Election-integrity standards must be modified accordingly.
It is the policy of my Administration to enforce Federal law and to protect the integrity of our election process.

Sec. 2. Enforcing the Citizenship Requirement for Federal Elections. To enforce the Federal prohibition on foreign nationals voting in Federal elections:

(a)(i) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Election Assistance Commission shall take appropriate action to require, in its national mail voter registration form issued under 52 U.S.C. 20508:

(A) documentary proof of United States citizenship, consistent with 52 U.S.C. 20508(b)(3); and

(B) a State or local official to record on the form the type of document that the applicant presented as documentary proof of United States citizenship, including the date of the document’s issuance, the date of the document’s expiration (if any), the office that issued the document, and any unique identification number associated with the document as required by the criteria in 52 U.S.C. 21083(a)(5)(A), while taking appropriate measures to ensure information security.

(ii) For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, “documentary proof of United States citizenship” shall include a copy of:

(A) a United States passport;

(B) an identification document compliant with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-13, Div. B) that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States;

(C) an official military identification card that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States; or

(D) a valid Federal or State government-issued photo identification if such identification indicates that the applicant is a United States citizen or if such identification is otherwise accompanied by proof of United States citizenship.

(b) To identify unqualified voters registered in the States:

(i) the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, ensure that State and local officials have, without the requirement of the payment of a fee, access to appropriate systems for verifying the citizenship or immigration status of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered;

(ii) the Secretary of State shall take all lawful and appropriate action to make available information from relevant databases to State and local election officials engaged in verifying the citizenship of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered; and

(iii) the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the DOGE Administrator, shall review each State’s publicly available voter registration list and available records concerning voter list maintenance activities as required by 52 U.S.C. 20507, alongside Federal immigration databases and State records requested, including through subpoena where necessary and authorized by law, for consistency with Federal requirements.

(c) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, provide to the Attorney General complete information on all foreign nationals who have indicated on any immigration form that they have registered or voted in a Federal, State, or local election, and shall also take all appropriate action to submit to relevant State or local election officials such information.

(d) The head of each Federal voter registration executive department or agency (agency) under the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U.S.C. 20506(a), shall assess citizenship prior to providing a Federal voter registration form to enrollees of public assistance programs.

(e) The Attorney General shall prioritize enforcement of 18 U.S.C. 611 and 1015(f) and similar laws that restrict non-citizens from registering to vote or voting, including through use of:

(i) databases or information maintained by the Department of Homeland Security;

(ii) State-issued identification records and driver license databases; and

(iii) similar records relating to citizenship.

(f) The Attorney General shall, consistent with applicable laws, coordinate with State attorneys general to assist with State-level review and prosecution of aliens unlawfully registered to vote or casting votes.

Sec. 3. Providing Other Assistance to States Verifying Eligibility. To assist States in determining whether individuals are eligible to register and vote:

(a) The Commissioner of Social Security shall take all appropriate action to make available the Social Security Number Verification Service, the Death Master File, and any other Federal databases containing relevant information to all State and local election officials engaged in verifying the eligibility of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered. In determining and taking such action, the Commissioner of Social Security shall ensure compliance with applicable privacy and data security laws and regulations.

(b) The Attorney General shall ensure compliance with the requirements of 52 U.S.C. 20507(g).

(c) The Attorney General shall take appropriate action with respect to States that fail to comply with the list maintenance requirements of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act contained in 52 U.S.C. 20507 and 52 U.S.C. 21083.

(d) The Secretary of Defense shall update the Federal Post Card Application, pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. 20301, to require:

(i) documentary proof of United States citizenship, as defined by section 2(a)(ii) of this order; and

(ii) proof of eligibility to vote in elections in the State in which the voter is attempting to vote.

Sec. 4. Improving the Election Assistance Commission.
(a) The Election Assistance Commission shall, pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 21003(b)(3)and 21142(c) and consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate action to cease providing Federal funds to States that do not comply with the Federal laws set forth in 52 U.S.C. 21145, including the requirement in 52 U.S.C. 20505(a)(1) that States accept and use the national mail voter registration form issued pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 20508(a)(1), including any requirement for documentary proof of United States citizenship adopted pursuant to section 2(a)(ii) of this order.

(b)(i) The Election Assistance Commission shall initiate appropriate action to amend the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and issue other appropriate guidance establishing standards for voting systems to protect election integrity. The amended guidelines and other guidance shall provide that voting systems should not use a ballot in which a vote is contained within a barcode or quick-response code in the vote counting process except where necessary to accommodate individuals with disabilities and should provide a voter-verifiable paper record to prevent fraud or mistake.

(ii) Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Election Assistance Commission shall take appropriate action to review and, if appropriate, re-certify voting systems under the new standards established under subsection (b)(i) of this section, and to rescind all previous certifications of voting equipment based on prior standards.

(c) Following an audit of Help America Vote Act fund expenditures conducted pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 21142, the Election Assistance Commission shall report any discrepancies or issues with an audited State’s certifications of compliance with Federal law to the Department of Justice for appropriate enforcement action.

(d) The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, consistent with applicable law, shall in considering the provision of funding for State or local election offices or administrators through the Homeland Security Grant Programs, 6 U.S.C. 603 et seq., heavily prioritize compliance with the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 developed by the Election Assistance Commission and completion of testing through the Voting System Test Labs accreditation process.

Sec. 5. Prosecuting Election Crimes. To protect the franchise of American citizens and their right to participate in fair and honest elections:

(a) The Attorney General shall take all appropriate action to enter into information-sharing agreements, to the maximum extent possible, with the chief State election official or multi-member agency of each State. These agreements shall aim to provide the Department of Justice with detailed information on all suspected violations of State and Federal election laws discovered by State officials, including information on individuals who:

(i) registered or voted despite being ineligible or who registered multiple times;

(ii) committed election fraud;

(iii) provided false information on voter registration or other election forms;

(iv) intimidated or threatened voters or election officials; or

(v) otherwise engaged in unlawful conduct to interfere in the election process.

(b) To the extent that any States are unwilling to enter into such an information sharing agreement or refuse to cooperate in investigations and prosecutions of election crimes, the Attorney General shall:

(i) prioritize enforcement of Federal election integrity laws in such States to ensure election integrity given the State’s demonstrated unwillingness to enter into an information-sharing agreement or to cooperate in investigations and prosecutions; and

(ii) review for potential withholding of grants and other funds that the Department awards and distributes, in the Department’s discretion, to State and local governments for law enforcement and other purposes, as consistent with applicable law.

(c) The Attorney General shall take all appropriate action to align the Department of Justice’s litigation positions with the purpose and policy of this order.

Sec. 6. Improving Security of Voting Systems. To improve the security of all voting equipment and systems used to cast ballots, tabulate votes, and report results:

(a) The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate actions to the extent permitted by 42 U.S.C. 5195c and all other applicable law, so long as the Department of Homeland Security maintains the designation of election infrastructure as critical infrastructure, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e), to prevent all non-citizens from being involved in the administration of any Federal election, including by accessing election equipment, ballots, or any other relevant materials used in the conduct of any Federal election.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission and to the maximum extent possible, review and report on the security of all electronic systems used in the voter registration and voting process. The Secretary of Homeland Security, as the head of the designated Sector Risk Management Agency under 6 U.S.C. 652a, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission, shall assess the security of all such systems to the extent they are connected to, or integrated into, the Internet and report on the risk of such systems being compromised through malicious software and unauthorized intrusions into the system.

Sec. 7. Compliance with Federal Law Setting the National Election Day. To achieve full compliance with the Federal laws that set the uniform day for appointing Presidential electors and electing members of Congress:

(a) The Attorney General shall take all necessary action to enforce 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1 against States that violate these provisions by including absentee or mail-in ballots received after Election Day in the final tabulation of votes for the appointment of Presidential electors and the election of members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

(b) Consistent with 52 U.S.C. 21001(b) and other applicable law, the Election Assistance Commission shall condition any available funding to a State on that State’s compliance with the requirement in 52 U.S.C. 21081(a)(6) that each State adopt uniform and nondiscriminatory standards within that State that define what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote, including that, as prescribed in 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1, there be a uniform and nondiscriminatory ballot receipt deadline of Election Day for all methods of voting, excluding ballots cast in accordance with 52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq., after which no additional votes may be cast.

Sec. 8. Preventing Foreign Interference and Unlawful Use of Federal Funds. The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall prioritize enforcement of 52 U.S.C. 30121 and other appropriate laws to prevent foreign nationals from contributing or donating in United States elections. The Attorney General shall likewise prioritize enforcement of 31 U.S.C. 1352, which prohibits lobbying by organizations or entities that have received any Federal funds.

Sec. 9. Federal Actions to Address Executive Order 14019. The heads of all agencies, and the Election Assistance Commission, shall cease all agency actions implementing Executive Order 14019 of March 7, 2021 (Promoting Access to Voting), which was revoked by Executive Order 14148 of on January 20, 2025 (Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions), and, within 90 days of the date of this order, submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a report describing compliance with this order.

Sec. 10. Severability. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any agency, person, or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other agencies, persons, or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 11. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 25, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects the Integrity of American Elections
Source: The White House
RESTORING TRUST IN AMERICAN ELECTIONS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to protect the integrity of American elections.
- This Order strengthens voter citizenship verification and bans foreign nationals from interfering in U.S. elections.
  
  The Election Assistance Commission will require documentary, government-issued proof of U.S. citizenship on its voter registration forms.
  
  Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Social Security Administration and Department of State must provide states with access to Federal databases to verify eligibility and citizenship of individuals registering to vote.
  
  The Attorney General will prioritize prosecuting non-citizen voting and related crimes, including through use of DHS records and coordination with state attorneys general.
- Federal election-related funds will be conditioned on states complying with the integrity measures set forth by Federal law, including the requirement that states use the national mail voter registration form that will now require proof of citizenship.
- The Order improves the integrity of elections by directing the updating of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and security standards for voting equipment and prioritizing federal grant funds accordingly.
  
  This includes requiring a voter-verifiable paper ballot record and not using ballots in which the counted vote is contained within a barcode or QR code.
- It directs the Attorney General to enter into information-sharing agreements with state election officials to identify cases of election fraud or other election law violations.
  
  Non-compliant states may face prioritized Federal enforcement of election integrity laws and loss of funding given their unwillingness to police fraud.
- The Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security shall prevent non-citizens from any involvement in administering elections.
- The Attorney General will fully enforce the voter-list maintenance requirements of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act.
- Given clear Federal law setting a single Election Day deadline, the Attorney General shall take appropriate action against states that count ballots received after Election Day in Federal elections. Federal election funding will be conditioned on compliance.
- The Attorney General will prioritize enforcement of laws prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to or donating in U.S. elections.
- All agencies must report on compliance with undoing Biden Executive Order 14019, which turned Federal agencies into Democratic voter turnout centers.
SAFEGUARDING THE VOTE: President Trump recognizes that free, fair, and honest elections—unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion—are essential to our Constitutional Republic.
- The United States lags behind other nations in enforcing basic and necessary election protections.
  
  India and Brazil tie voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.
  
  Germany and Canada require paper ballots when tabulating votes, while the United States has a patchwork of methods that often lack basic chain-of-custody protections.
  
  Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person—and late arrivals do not count—while American elections now feature mass voting by mail, even after Election Day.
- Without proper enforcement of Federal laws, illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and error dilute the votes of lawful American citizens.
- Federal law establishes a uniform Election Day across the nation for Federal elections, but numerous states fail to comply with those laws by counting ballots received after Election Day.
- The Biden Administration blocked states from removing aliens from voter rolls, while foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) exploited loopholes to pour millions into influencing U.S. elections.
MAKING ELECTIONS SECURE AGAIN: Voters deserve elections they can trust, and that confidence is being restored thanks to President Trump.
- President Trump is following through on his promise to secure our elections.
  
  President Trump: “We’re going to fix our elections so that our elections are going to be honorable and honest and people leave and they know their vote is counted. We are going to have free and fair elections. And ideally, we go to paper ballots, same-day voting, proof of citizenship, very big, and voter ID, very simple.”
  
  President Trump: “We will secure our elections, and they will be secure once and for all.”
- Unlike the Biden Administration, which prioritized political agendas over fair elections, President Trump is putting the American people back in charge.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Warner Speaks at Senate Intelligence Committee Hearing

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF SEN. WARNER’S OPENING REMARKS IS AVAILABLE HERE

WASHINGTON – Today, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) delivered opening remarks at the Intelligence Committee’s annual Worldwide Threats Assessment hearing.

Sen. Warner’s opening remarks as delivered are below:

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good morning, everybody, and I want to thank all the witnesses for being here.

I got to say, I’ve been on the committee now for 14 years, and this year’s assessment is clearly one of the most complicated and challenging in my tenure on the committee.

And I want to get into that in a moment, but I want to, first of all, address the recent story that broke in the news.

Yesterday, we stunningly learned that senior members of this administration and according to reports, two of our witnesses here today, were members of a group chat that discussed highly sensitive and likely classified information that supposedly even included ‘weapons packages, targets and timing,’ and included the name of an active CIA agent.

Putting aside for a moment that classified information should never be discussed over an unclassified system, it’s also just mind boggling to me that all these senior folks were on this line and nobody bothered to even check, security hygiene 101…

Who are all the names? Who are they?

Well, it apparently includes a journalist.

And no matter how much the Secretary of Defense or others want to disparage him, this journalist had at least the ethics to not report everything he heard.

The question I raise is: everybody on this committee gets briefed on security protocols. They’re told you don’t make calls outside of SCIFs of this kind of classified nature.

Director Gabbard is the executive in charge of all keeping our secrets safe. Were these government devices? Or were they personal devices? Have the devices been collected to make sure there’s no malware?

There’s plenty of declassified information that shows that our adversaries, China and Russia, are trying to break in to encrypted systems like Signal.

I can just say this. If this was the case of a military officer, or an intelligence officer, and they had this kind of behavior, they would be fired. I think this is one more example of the kind of sloppy, careless, incompetent behavior, particularly towards classified information, that this is not a one off or a first time error.

Let me take a couple of minutes and review some of the other reckless choices that this administration has made regarding our national security. We all recall it seems like it wasn’t that long ago, but less than two months ago, in the first two weeks, the administration canceled all U.S. foreign assistance.

Now, some may say, how can that how bad can that be, its foreign assistance?

Well, U.S. foreign assistance paid for the units in Ukraine to provide air defense to civilian cities being attacked by Russia.

Foreign assistance paid for guarding camps in Syria, where ISIS fighters are to be detained.

Foreign assistance paid for programs abroad that ensure that diseases like Ebola don’t come home.

And until recently, it paid for the construction of a railway in Africa that would have help given the United States much needed access to critical minerals in Congo.

Now that project… China is going to try to finance it as well.

In the first two weeks, the administration fired several of our most experienced FBI agents, including the head of the criminal Investigative submission, the head of the intelligence division, the head of the Counterterrorism division, the heads of the New York, Washington and Miami field office, all individuals who were distinctly and directly responsible for helping to keep America safe.

The irony a little bit, was the recently dismissed head of the counterterrorism division was involved in disrupting the ISIS attacks planned for Oklahoma City and Philadelphia and helped lead the effort to bring to justice the key planner of the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, who killed 13 U.S. servicemen and 150 civilians.

That very Abbey Gate effort was actually praised by the president in his state of the Union address.

The administration’s response to these agents’ good works and years of service was to force these folks out.

It’s hard to imagine how that makes our country safer.

Nor can I understand how Americans are made more secure by firing more than 300 staff at the National Nuclear Security Administration, including those responsible for overseeing the security and safety of the nuclear stockpile, or by ousting 130 employees at CSA.

The agency directly responsible for trying to take on China’s salt typhoon attack again. After Salt Typhoon, I would have thought folks on that group chat might have thought twice.

Or how are we made safer by sacking a thousand employees at the CDC and NIH. We’re actually directly working on trying to keep our country safe from disease by pushing out hundreds of intelligence officers.

The amazing thing is our intelligence officers, they’re not interchangeable like a Twitter coder. Our country makes $20,000 to $40,000 of an investment just in getting a security clearance.

It literally goes into six figures when you take the training involved. Can anyone tell how firing probationary individuals without any consideration for merit or expertise is an efficient use of taxpayer dollars?

And just to make clear that yesterday’s story in the Atlantic was not this rookie one-off, it’s a pattern.

I want to acknowledge Director Ratcliffe was not here in his position with this took place.

But again, earlier in the administration, when a new unclassified network was used, thereby exposing literally hundreds of CIA officers’ identities.

Those folks can’t go into the field now.

How does that make our government more efficient?

You know, again, this pattern of an amazing, cavalier attitude towards classified information is reckless and sloppy.

And perhaps what troubles me most is the way the administration has decided that we can take on all of our problems by ourselves without any need for friends or allies.

I agree that we’ve got to put America’s priorities first, but American first cannot mean America alone.

The intelligence we gather to keep Americans safe depends on a lot of allies around the world who have access to sources that we don’t have.

That’s sharing of information saves lives. And it’s not hypothetical.

We all remember (because it was declassified) last year when Austria worked with our community to make sure to expose a plot against Taylor Swift in Vienna that could have killed literally hundreds of individuals.

However, these relationships are not built in stone. They’re not dictated by law. Things like the Five Eyes are based on trust built on decades, but so often that trust is now breaking literally overnight.

Yet suddenly, for no reason that I can understand, the United States is starting to act like our adversaries are our friends. Voting in the UN with Russia, Belarus and North Korea. It’s a rogues gallery if ever heard one.

Treating our allies like adversaries, whether it’s threats to take over Greenland or over the Panama Canal, a destructive trade war with Canada, or literally threatening to kick Canada out of the Five Eyes, I feel our credibility is being enormously undermined with our allies, who I believe, and I think most of us on this committee, regardless of party believes, makes our country safer and stronger.

But how can our allies ever trust us as the kind of partner we used to be when we, without consultation or notice, for example, stop sharing information to Ukraine in its war for survival against Russia. Or how can our allies not only not trust our government, but potentially not our businesses with such arbitrary political decision?

Let me give you a few examples. You know, as a result of a lot of work from this committee and others in Congress, we made sure America’s commercial space industry is second to none from space to launch to commercial sensing and communications.

The United States has taken a lead. Yet overnight, this administration called into question the reliability of American commercial tech industry.

When maps are and other commercial space companies were directed to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine.

I’m going to tell you… I’m a business guy. Can’t say longer than being an elected official, but pretty close. That shockwave across all of commercial space and frankly, not just commercial space. I’ve heard it from some of our hyperscalers, in the tech community, has sent an enormous chill.

Who’s going to hire an American commercial space company, government or foreign business with the ability to have that taken down so arbitrarily?

It’s not just in the case of commercial space.

We’ve seen that Canada, Germany, Portugal have all been saying they’re rethinking buying F-35s.

I’ve heard from Microsoft and Google directly, and Amazon that they’re having questions about whether they can still sell their services.

We’ve also seen foreign adversaries and friends take advantage of this RIF in our national security areas, and our scientists.

Germany has already put out ads trying to attract some of our best scientists who’ve been RIFed and the Chinese intelligence agencies are posting on social media sites in the hopes of luring individuals with that national security clearance who’ve been pushed out, perhaps arbitrarily, to come into their service.

So, no, the signal fiasco is not a one off. It is, unfortunately, a pattern we’re seeing too often repeated.

I fear that we feel the erosion of trust from our workplace, from our companies, and from our allies and partners can’t be put back in the bottle overnight. Make no mistake, these actions make America less safe.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Motsoaledi to open second G20 Health Working Group meeting in KZN

Source: South Africa News Agency

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will deliver the keynote address at the opening of the second meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) Health Working Group on Wednesday.

The meeting will take place at the Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, and will last for three days.

The theme of the meeting will be “Accelerating Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage”.

Motsoaledi will be joined by Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane.

The event will also include several side events that provide a platform for delegates to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions on various critical issues, including strengthening health systems and promoting equitable access to health services.

Key issues for discussion during the meeting and side events include financial protection for universal health coverage (UHC) and maintaining health financing amid a challenging global economy.

The meeting will also zoom into strengthening investments and advancing UHC, bridging the equity gap to accelerate action to address the burden of non-communicable diseases, and responding to the global health financing emergency.

The Department of Health has announced that a co-sponsored event focused on the elimination of cervical cancer will take place alongside this meeting.

Delegates from G20 countries, invited nations, representatives, and international organisations will be in attendance.

South Africa holds the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, only five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. South Africa has embraced the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” for its G20 Presidency.

The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU).

The first virtual G20 Health Working Group meeting was held in January as part of the country’s G20 Presidency activities planned for this year. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Olli Rehn: Eurozone outlook and European Central Bank monetary policy

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Presentation accompanying the speech

Let me first thank MNI for inviting me to speak at this conference. To kick off, I will briefly discussthe economic outlook in the eurozone and the current lines of thought in the ECB’s monetary policy.

In presenting my remarks here, I will focus particularly on how the significant shifts in world politics of recent weeks will, in my view, affect the euro area economy and the European Central Bank’s monetary policy.

Slide 2: Geopolitics dominates economic outlook

Geopolitics currently dominates and weighs on the outlook for the global economy, and does so with exceptional force.

Russia’s illegal, brutal war of aggression in Ukraine has been going on for more than three years. It has shaken the European security order, and more recent events since the Munich Security Conference a month ago have marked a major disruption in the world order – in a way that is dangerous for Europe. This has forced the European Union to seek to strengthen its common defences.

It is clear that the United States is undergoing a fundamental change of direction both in its foreign and security policy and in its domestic political development. This is not necessarily just a temporary phenomenon, but may be a more permanent turn in US politics. And US foreign policy is now operating under a very different kind of rationality than it used to.

“America first” trade policy in the US is profoundly protectionist but highly unpredictable. There will be no winners in a trade war. Tariffs and the related uncertainty will hit investment and slow down growth everywhere. The latest indicators on the US economy point to weaker than expected growth, which would also affect growth prospects in Europe.

As a result of the turmoil in world politics in recent weeks, Europe has woken up to the necessity of strengthening common defence. The situation is acute, and many EU countries, led by Germany, have announced significant decisions to increase defence spending. Europe is now taking action and responding to the challenge of forming and financing a common, strong defence.

These defence investments will have to be made in a situation where the public deficits of EU Member States are already large. However, the investments required for defence are of such a magnitude that they cannot be financed simply by increasing taxation or cutting other public sector expenditure. It is therefore, in my view, justified, in the short term, to utilize the flexibility elements included in the EU’s new fiscal rules, provided that longer-term debt sustainability is not compromised.

This is why we also need common European financing solutions, implemented in a way that strengthens our common security and accelerates joint procurement and production – I am thinking of air defence and drone production, for example.

Slide 3: Bank of Finland’s scenario calculation: A trade war would weaken growth worldwide

Recent statements from the United States about imposing import tariffs have raised the threat of a trade war in the global economy. An analysis published a week ago by the Bank of Finland illustrates the significant risks that a trade war would pose to economic growth.

The study assumes that the United States would impose a 25% tariff increase on all imports from the euro area and a 20% increase on all imports from China. It also assumes that the euro area and China would impose equivalent tariffs on the United States. Moreover, the calculations take into account the potential economic effects of increased uncertainty affecting economic policy.

The scenario demonstrates that there are no winners in a trade war. As a result, world GDP would decline by more than 0.5% per year. The effects on the euro area and China would be even greater. A key aspect of a trade war is the rise in uncertainty, which we are already witnessing and which could lead to a reduced willingness to investment among businesses.

Efforts should, in any case, be made to prevent the threat of a trade war through a fair negotiated solution to mitigate the negative effects on growth. To support a negotiated solution, Europe should be prepared to respond to the imposition of tariffs with potential countermeasures.

It must also be said that when a brutal war is being fought on European soil, a trade war is the last thing we need right now – especially among allies.

Slide 4: Growth in the euro area economy picking up gradually

US tariffs and increased uncertainty are already having adverse effects on economic growth outlook in the euro area in the immediate and near term.

Europe’s response to the deterioration of the security situation will have its own effects on European economies, which are very difficult to quantify at this stage.

The growth outlook for the euro area remains subdued. According to the ECB’s March forecast, growth in the euro area is gradually picking up, but at a slower pace than expected, and growth risks are on the downside.

In addition to cyclical factors, the euro area economy is also experiencing structural problems. In the ECB’s new forecast, productivity growth is slower than before. The weakness appears to be more structural than previously. But it would be wrong to say that it is entirely structural.

One – if not the only – reason for Europe’s slow productivity growth is precisely the weak development of investment in recent years. The background is a great deal of uncertainty fuelled by geopolitics, but there were also tight financial conditions for a long time.

Let me reveal that I don’t belong to those who makes a crystal-clear distinction between structural and cyclical factors – it would be against my macroeconomic training. Rather, I see the distinction as a line drawn in water. Here, I feel like applying a giant of economics: “In the long run, we will all retire. But in the meantime, we need more productive investment.”

In other words: although the euro area’s longer-term challenges of growth and competitiveness cannot be solved by monetary policy, the fall in interest rates brings welcome room for manoeuvre for households and companies. Rate cuts have been supportive of the investments that are required to improve productivity. Of course, in the long term, the level and growth of investments is determined by their expected real returns.

Although there is little to be positive about in the security situation in Europe, the expected increases in defence spending and investment are at least likely to support GDP growth over the medium-term.

Slide 5: Euro area inflation stabilising at the 2% target

Inflation in the euro area is stabilising at the ECB’s 2% target. The path of disinflation has been pretty much in line with forecasts. Wage inflation has largely decelerated, and forward-looking wage indicators point to a clear slowdown in wage growth. Most measures of core inflation − which excludes energy and food prices − also point to a sustained convergence of inflation around the 2% target over the medium term.

Risks to the inflation outlook are two-sided. Protectionism in world trade dampens growth and increases uncertainty about the inflation outlook. Geopolitical tensions pose a wide range of risks to the energy market, consumer confidence and corporate investment.

Slide 6: ECB’s decision to ease monetary policy spurred by inflation stabilising and growth weakening

The ECB’s latest decision to ease monetary policy leaned on the fact that inflation is stabilising and growth weakening. Thus, the Governing Council decided to cut the key policy rate by 25 basis points.

The rate cut was the sixth since we started easing monetary policy. Since last June, the deposit facility rate has been lowered by a total of 1.5 percentage points, from 4% to 2.5%. Monetary policy is thus becoming meaningfully less restrictive.

The decision was based, as usual, on three elements: the inflation outlook, the dynamics of underlying inflation and the strength of monetary policy transmission.

We are not pre-committed to any interest rate path. Policy rates are set at each meeting based on the latest information and our comprehensive assessment, next time on 17 April. The Governing Council retains full freedom of action in times of pervasive uncertainty.

Slide 7: Europe is under challenge from the world of geopolitics – investment is needed now in security and productivity

Let me now conclude. The world is now experiencing a transition of potentially similar magnitude as 30 years ago, when the Berlin Wall fell, the Cold War ended and Europe united. At that time, the evolution of humanity took a step forward and security rooted in cooperation was strengthened.

Today the world only is in reverse gear: power politics has returned in a brutal way with Russia’s invasion, the United States is standing by Russia and playing sphere-of-influence politics, and China is challenging the entire international order.

But we must be able to navigate even in this geopolitically difficult terrain. With the Munich Security Conference, Europe has received yet another wake-up call.

At the same time, we must focus on our own economic problems. Europe needs investments in productivity growth – in human capital and in research and innovation. Protectionism highlights the need to complete the single market and expand the EU’s network of free trade agreements.

The stabilisation of inflation and the weakening of the growth outlook have supported monetary policy easing since last summer. The ECB’s monetary policy has been reasonably successful in bringing inflation down without inflicting unnecessary pain to the real economy.

The past few weeks have shown that Europe must urgently get its act together and stand united in the face of external security threats. In the coming weeks and months, Europe will have to demonstrate that it is taking action and meeting the challenge of strengthening its defence. There is no time to waste.

Thank you very much. I am happy to take any questions you have.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mastery Made Easy: HIKMICRO’s New FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 Introduced at the JAGD & HUND 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DORTMUND, GERMANY, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HIKMICRO, a leading optics manufacturer, will unveil its latest thermal hunting innovations, the FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 thermal monoculars, at JAGD & HUND Dortmund 2025. The event, taking place from January 28 to February 2 at Messe Dortmund, will showcase these groundbreaking devices that embody the company’s “Mastery Made Easy” philosophy.

The FALCON 2.0 and CONDOR LRF 2.0 represent significant advancements in thermal imaging technology, focusing on one-handed operation and superior image quality. These devices feature a highly sensitive 15mK thermal detector, capturing minute temperature differences and providing rich image details on a 0.49″ display.

The CONDOR LRF 2.0 series features an integral laser rangefinder and has an ergonomic design that cradles the hand. Meanwhile, the FALCON 2.0 maintains a traditional cylindrical shape.

Mr. Wang, HIKMICRO’s R&D expert, stated, “We have made comprehensive improvements to the FALCON and CONDOR models with ‘Mastery Performance’ and ‘One-handed, easy operation’ functions. We have made these advancements while maintaining high image quality to provide the most comfortable observation. The enhanced usability will deliver a simplified and intuitive operating experience.”

Both models incorporate HIKMICRO’s Shutterless Image System (HSIS), eliminating image freeze and guaranteeing continuous, smooth viewing. The devices boast an optimized 21700 battery, offering over six hours of operation time, and are compatible with external power banks for extended use. The laser rangefinder function can precisely determine ranges up to 1000m (±1m), enhancing shot placement accuracy for safe and humane hunting.

The new models feature a rear focus wheel and inline button arrangement, certifying intuitive operation for hunters of all ages. The devices offer multiple carrying options, including a neck strap, wrist lanyard, and monocular carrying bag, catering to various hunting styles and preferences.

Stefan Li, HIKMICRO’s overseas director, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, “HIKMICRO’s vision is to keep blazing the trail by creating more precise, faster and easier ways to help hunters master the mystery of the night. These new devices reflect our dedication to user-centered innovation and understanding hunters’ needs in the field.”

About HIKMICRO

HIKMICRO is a world-leading optics brand dedicated to “Continually Make Crafted Confidence” for hunters. The company focuses on user-centered innovation, combining technological breakthroughs with traditional hunting values and expert craftsmanship to deliver superior hunting experiences.

Contact Information

Brand: HIKMICRO

Contact: Lina Wang

Email: wanglina21@hikmicrotech.com

Website: https://www.hikmicrotech.com/en/

The MIL Network –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: An Interview with Eva Schnitzler, Foreign Law Intern

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

Today’s interview is with Eva Schnitzler, a foreign law intern working with Foreign Law Specialist Jenny Gesley in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress.

Describe your background.

I grew up in a small town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, close to the border of the Netherlands. During my school days, I had the opportunity to attend high school in North Vancouver in Canada, and gained my first experiences living abroad.

What is your academic/professional history?

After graduating from high school, I started studying law and economics at the University of Bonn. The bachelor’s program focused on the economic analysis of law, which examines the effect of legal regulations on human behavior. During my studies, I spent a semester abroad at the Université de Fribourg in Switzerland, and worked as a research assistant at the Center for Advanced Studies in Law and Economics at the University of Bonn. After completing my Bachelor of Laws, I studied law at the University of Bonn and specialized in corporate and capital markets law. I passed the first German state exam in 2023, and started my two-year legal traineeship program at the Higher Regional Court of Cologne to qualify as a lawyer in Germany. During the previous parts of my legal traineeship, I worked at the Regional Court of Cologne, at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, at the German Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin, and at a U.S. law firm in Cologne.

How would you describe your job to other people?

As a foreign law intern at the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress, I assist my supervisor, Jenny Gesley, with providing legal expertise on German-speaking jurisdictions and the European Union in response to requests from Congress, executive agencies, or the courts. Additionally, I prepare articles for the Global Legal Monitor.

Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?

Working in the Law Library of Congress is an amazing opportunity to get an insight into the work of the U.S. government. My internship at the Law Library of Congress is also a great opportunity to work at the interface of politics and law, and meet experts of different legal systems from all over the world.

What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

The underground tunnel system connecting the federal buildings including the Library of Congress is impressive. Formerly, the tunnel system in the Library of Congress was used to transfer books. Nowadays, the tunnels are used as pedestrian walks, and you can find a coffee shop or even a gym there.

What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

I really enjoy skiing! At the age of three, I started skiing and have never missed a skiing season so far.

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Calls for closer cooperation resonate at Asian forum amid global uncertainties

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

BOAO, China, March 25 — Political and business leaders worldwide are gathering in Boao, a coastal town in southern China’s Hainan Province, for the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025 running from March 25 to 28.

Amid rising global economic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions, the forum, themed “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future,” serves as a critical platform for fostering regional cooperation, driving global economic growth and strengthening the region’s role in global governance.

As Asia plays a bigger role in global growth, discussions are centering on how the region can help navigate challenges and drive sustainable development, with participants recognizing Asia as the world’s growth engine and highlighting regional coordination, economic inclusivity and technological advancements as key drivers in addressing economic uncertainties and building up momentum for growth.

GROWING INTEGRATION

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Hainan, the forum has long been a platform for regional dialogue, but its role is evolving as Asian economies become more integrated. “Fast-growing South-South trade and investment is making the Boao Forum for Asia relevant beyond the boundaries of Asia,” said Denis Depoux, global managing director at Roland Berger, a Germany-based consultancy.

Often referred to as the “Asian Davos,” the forum brings together political and business leaders to discuss trade, investment and technology, with growing participation from Global South countries in recent years.

“The forum highlights the power of partnership through its ability to create space for exchanging ideas, building relationships and collectively shaping the future of Asia,” said Dino Otranto, CEO of Australia’s mining giant Fortescue Metals.

In an increasingly uncertain economic environment, Asia remains a key growth engine for the world economy. According to a report released by the forum, real GDP growth in Asia is projected to rise from 4.4 percent in 2024 to 4.5 percent in 2025, while the region’s share of global GDP is expected to increase from 48.1 percent to 48.6 percent at purchasing power parity in the same period.

The growth not only highlights Asia’s economic dynamism but also its role as a stabilizing force in a world where traditional economic powerhouses face mounting challenges.

Given complex geopolitical and economic dynamics, multilateralism, governance and development have become hot topics of discussions at the forum. “These terms are critical in shaping a more stable and prosperous regional landscape amid evolving global challenges,” said Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, a think tank in Manila.

ASIA’S POTENTIAL

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), comprising 15 Asia-Pacific countries, has emerged as a powerful force in bolstering regional economic integration. The International Monetary Fund has projected that from 2023 to 2029, the RCEP region’s GDP will grow by 10.9 trillion U.S. dollars, contributing over 40 percent to global economic growth.

The integration of Asian supply chains has accelerated, driven by the need for greater competitiveness and resilience, Depoux said.

“Asia’s future in the shifting global landscape is incredibly exciting and full of promise,” Otranto said. “It’s not just about economic growth, but also about Asia leading the way in areas like innovation, technology and sustainability.”

As global trade and supply chains evolve, Asia’s role in driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), green energy and digital transformation will undoubtedly be critical, he added.

Take DeepSeek, a representative Chinese startup in the AI sector that attests to Asia’s growing innovation capacity. Its latest R1 model outperforms many of the world’s top AI developers across a variety of benchmarks, drawing significant attention from Silicon Valley. This breakthrough showcases Asia’s growing technological prowess in advanced fields, notably AI.

Technological innovation has become a key driver of Asia’s sustainable transformation. From solar panels stretching across China’s western Gobi Desert to smart city networks leveraging digital twin technology in ASEAN countries, Asia is reshaping its development model with cutting-edge technologies, said Wu Xiaochen, vice president of the Hainan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.

Meanwhile, experts at the forum stressed the importance of attuning technological progress to environmental responsibility. They called for stronger policies to ensure that businesses align their innovations with sustainable growth objectives.

CHINA’S ROLE

Asia, particularly China, is seen as a key driver of global growth. The world’s second-largest economy is restructuring by prioritizing high-end manufacturing, digital development and green industries, bringing new opportunities for Asia and beyond.

As a key pillar of Asia’s development, China is pivotal to rebalancing globalization, inclusive growth and regional economic integration, said Zhang Jun, secretary general of the Boao Forum for Asia.

“China’s rapid advancements in digitization, green transition and AI have positioned it as a key driver of global sustainable development,” said Malindog-Uy. “Through cutting-edge research, large-scale industrial transformation and international collaboration, China’s innovation-driven approach benefits global cooperation and economic progress.”

By fostering global partnerships in green energy, digital infrastructure and smart industries, China plays a crucial role in shaping a more resilient and interconnected global economy, she added.

Through multilateral cooperation, China is injecting “Asian momentum” into global growth, translating regional experiences into viable ways for global governance, said Chi Fulin, head of the China Institute for Reform and Development.

MIL OSI China News –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Come dine with us – Derby Market Hall unveils new set of street food traders
Source: City of Derby

Derby City Council is excited to announce the second wave of traders set to move into the revitalised Derby Market Hall, marking another milestone in the transformation of the historic Grade II-listed building.

Following a £35.1m restoration, the Market Hall will reopen its doors to the public on Saturday 24 May, marking a new era for Derby’s independent shopping, dining, and entertainment scene.

A curated mix of traditional and contemporary traders will be in place when the Market Hall reopens its doors, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of the city and blending the Market Hall’s rich history with a modern experience. The newest announcement of traders offers something for everyone, with a variety of international flavours and diverse menus for all visitors.

Authentic international flavours:
- Award-winning Back-A-Yard Cuisine is set to bring the vibrant and diverse tastes of Jamaica to the Market Hall, offering a unique experience for visitors. With freshly made and locally sourced food, Back-A-Yard Cuisine will take customers’ tastebuds on a tour of Jamaica with their award-winning jerk chicken dumplings and Portland jerk chicken. Honouring a motto of ‘serving quality with taste and smiles’, Back-A-Yard Cuisine holds the People’s Choice award from the British Street Food Awards 2024 and went on to represent Britain at last year’s European Street Food Awards in Germany. With 15 years of experience in catering, visitors can expect to expand their culinary horizons with a fresh taste of Jamaican spices.
- SHIO (translating to ‘salt’ in Japanese), is bringing a taste of Japan to Derby. Originally located in Nottingham with a focus on small plate dishes, SHIO will offer Market Hall customers steamed rice bowls and their signature Japanese fried chicken, made using the finest locally sourced ingredients. With a unique approach, SHIO blends traditional Japanese techniques with innovative flavour combinations, offering a memorable dining experience at Derby Market Hall. Visitors can enjoy high-quality, flavour-packed dishes.
- Tony’s Greek Street Food is gearing up to offer an authentic taste of Greece. Led by Tony, who has over 35 years of experience in the food industry in both Greece and the UK, Tony’s Greek Street Food was founded in 2017 as a mobile food stall. It is now a takeaway shop which was previously nominated for the Best 10 British Kebab Awards 2021. Tony’s Greek Street Food is now ready to offer its signature dishes at the Market Hall, including gyros, souvlaki, halloumi, moussaka, and more. The traditional recipes have been passed down through generations, offering customers a truly unique experience of Greek cuisine.
A unique twist on a classic:
- Traditional classics are expected to be at the heart of the Market Hall’s culinary offer with Gourmegg bringing its multi-award-winning Scotch eggs alongside classic handmade dishes. With its innovative approach to Scotch eggs, Gourmegg uses ingredients that aren’t found on the high street to ensure the best quality. The range on offer includes classic pork, pork and nduja imported from Calabria, pork and Fruitpig black pudding (made using the UK’s only fresh blood black pudding) and pork with caramelised red onion chutney. Gourmegg will also offer a variety of handmade dishes for visitors, including fried chicken and brunch favourites.
A Taste of Holland:
- Also joining the Derby Market Hall will be Cheeky Pancakes, who are offering a taste of Holland to visitors. Known for their freshly cooked Poffertjes (fluffy mini-Dutch pancakes) and Stroopwafels, Cheeky Pancakes offers an irresistible menu of sweet and savoury food inspired by popular Dutch street food. Claiming the Bristol Eats Better Award for their commitment to eco-friendly practices, sustainability, and locally sourced ingredients, the vendor has served countless customers across the UK. They have also worked with big names such as Warner Bros. Studios and Silverstone and have catered for private stars, including Gareth Bale and Tom Cruise. Customers at the Market Hall can enjoy signature dishes including Cheeky Cheese (Poffertjes topped with melted cheese, garlic butter, and smoked paprika). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options will also be available.
Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

I am thrilled to announce the second wave of traders who will be moving into the transformed Derby Market Hall when it reopens its doors on Saturday 24 May. We are bringing together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment, and I’m incredibly excited for visitors to explore all the various international foods on offer.

Our traders offer something special for everyone. With a variety of cuisines available, I’m certain that the opening of the Market Hall will be met with much anticipation, and I am eager to welcome visitors upon opening.

The Market Hall will once again be Derby’s beating heart where people choose to come together to enjoy the buzz of the city, and I am certain that it will be a huge success.

Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64m for the local economy every year.

More traders, including street food traders, are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website to find out more.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI: Regula Reaches 15,000 ID Templates in Its Industry’s Largest Database, Revealing New Document Trends
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

RESTON, Va., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Regula, a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions, now has 15,000 templates in its identity document template database, the most comprehensive in the world. This significant update ensures that businesses and government agencies around the globe can verify the latest IDs, including the most advanced biometric documents, with the highest accuracy.

Regula’s proprietary identity document template database contains detailed descriptions of each document’s security features. Combined with the advanced capabilities of Regula Document Reader SDK, this enables online ID verification with the same level of precision previously achievable only in on-site scenarios. Incorporating ID templates from 251 countries and territories and capable of reading 138 national languages, this database enables the recognition and proper verification of nearly every ID from any corner of the world, even the rarest ones.

Tracking Global Shifts in Identity Documents

The latest expansion of Regula’s ID template database reflects the global shift towards more sophisticated identity documents. More and more countries are introducing biometric passports, which are considered the most secure at the moment. For example, among the recent additions to Regula’s database are the first-ever biometric passports issued by India, Sri Lanka, and Guyana.

Apart from the format, documents’ security features are also becoming more complex and elaborate. First and foremost, ID issuers are switching from paper substrates in favor of polycarbonate pages, which are much harder to counterfeit. For this reason, states like Benin, Burkina Faso, Chile, and Djibouti have recently issued new IDs with polycarbonate data pages.

Another advanced security feature that has become quite widespread across different identity documents is the Multiple Laser Image (MLI). An MLI embeds two distinct images within a document. Typically, these include the passport holder’s photo and their personal data. Special lenses positioned above the images can visualize either image clearly by tilting the document. Hard to illegally duplicate by design, MLIs significantly enhance document protection. Among the IDs that were added to Regula’s ID template database with the latest update, the US driver’s license from Wisconsin, as well as the ID cards of Jamaica, San Marino, and Yemen contain such security features.

“The growing complexity of identity documents presents notable challenges for ID verification workflows. Businesses and government agencies must be prepared to properly verify all the document security features so as not to miss any forgery or identity fraud attempts. Furthermore, they have to handle multiple ID versions from the same country simultaneously, as many older documents remain in circulation alongside the new formats. By keeping pace with evolving security features and document standards, we help streamline ID verification workflows, reduce fraud risks, and maintain compliance with global regulations,” says Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula.

Among the new IDs added to Regula’s database to hit 15,000 templates are the following, issued in 2024-2025:

Passports:
- Azerbaijan
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Chile
- Djibouti
- Germany
- Guyana
- India
- Kosovo
- Malawi
- Myanmar
- Netherlands
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Slovakia
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
ID cards:
- Argentina
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Chile
- Guatemala
- Jamaica
- Kazakstan
- Kosovo
- Netherlands
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Philippines
- Puerto Rico
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Driver’s licenses:
- Azerbaijan
- Denmark
- Honduras
- Iran
- Kosovo
- Mongolia
- Puerto Rico
- Slovakia
- Sweden
- Venezuela
- Bolivia
- US states: Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin
To get the full list of the documents supported by Regula’s software solutions, visit Regula’s official website.

About Regula

Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

Contact:
Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a3cd960-c05b-412f-9df8-ce5052474afa.

The MIL Network –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Amid U.S. threats, Canada’s national security plans must include training in non-violent resistance

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Richard Sandbrook, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Toronto

Canadians are currently learning tough lessons about national security thanks to United States President Donald Trump’s repeated annexation threats.

It’s clear that American proclamations of support for universal human rights, national sovereignty and a rules-based international order can vanish with a change of leadership. These ideals, though tarnished by some past U.S. actions, have now been replaced by the predatory dictum known as “might makes right.”

Although it seems unthinkable that Trump will invade Canada, we live in an increasingly unstable world and Canadians need to be prepared for the worst. In the midst of a federal election campaign, party leaders need to present innovative ideas to fight Trump and potential American aggression.

Read more:
An American military invasion of Canada? No longer unthinkable, but highly unlikely

More than military defence

Unfortunately, the common assumption is that national security depends wholly on military strength and alliances. But the emergency Canada is now facing demands a rethink.

Of course, Canada would not dispense with its military. It’s needed, especially to defend Canada’s northern frontier. However, Canada cannot match the U.S. in military power, nor would anything be achieved if it broke its commitments to the United Nations’ Non-Proliferation Treaty — a pact designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons — by acquiring nukes.

Either of these tactics would be suicidal. Canada’s real strength is its unity and institutions.

Canadians can paralyze military might through civil, non-violent resistance. Familiarity with these techniques could empower Canadian citizens to preserve a vibrant democracy.

Non-violent resistance can not only a more effective defence, but also much less devastating in terms of lives lost and property destroyed. Responding to an invasion with military force would only mean widespread casualties and the destruction of Canada’s largest cities.

Canada should therefore aim to subvert the will of the occupying force, not drive it, through armed defence, to fear, hatred and further violence.

What is civil defence?

Non-violent resistance involves using a country’s citizens and institutions to deter an invasion, and if that fails, to defeat and drive out the invaders. It has a long history both as a spiritual practice and a strategic weapon.

Civil defence, however, only emerged as a strategic concept in the 1980s and 1990s. It is a system of deterrence and defence that relies on a united and resolute citizenry employing only non-violent tactics.

An early American proponent was the Albert Einstein Institution’s Gene Sharp, an American political scientist. Recent advocates from around the world — Srdja Popovic, Erica Chenoworth and Michael Beer — follow in Sharp’s footsteps.

Civil defence is not merely a theory. There is a long history of improvised civilian resistance to invasions, most recently in Ukraine.

Ukrainians undertook many inspirational acts of non-violent resistance following the Russian invasion in 2022. They blocked tanks and convoys, berated or cajoled Russian soldiers to undermine their resolve, gave the wrong directions to Russian convoys, refused to co-operate and mounted spontaneous protests in occupied towns. But then the bloody carnage on both sides overwhelmed civilian defence.

Countries that include Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Germany and Lithuania have institutionalized civil defence at various times. In Canada, civil defence was part of the mandate of Public Safety Canada during the Cold War. The idea then faded, being replaced by emergency management.

Public Safety Canada protected Canadians from both human-made and natural disasters. The agency, now the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness of Canada, should be resuscitated. The toll being exacted by climate disasters is reason enough.

Making Canada ungovernable

Non-violent resistance involves determined citizens deterring an aggressor by signalling that the targeted country is united in opposition to a takeover.

A potential aggressor fears contagion from the democratic ethos of these citizens. If invaded, the civilians defeat the invaders by rendering their society ungovernable by the aggressor.

When the Warsaw Pact army invaded Czechoslovakia to crush the “Prague Spring” in 1968, the commanders soon learned that tanks and heavily armed soldiers were useless against unarmed civilians who refused to comply. The country was unruleable. Soviet troops were also infected with the democratic spirit and had to be rotated out of the country. It took several months and concessions from the Soviet Union before order could be restored.

The invader cannot consolidate control if citizens and their institutions refuse to comply with its rule. The tactics involve a complete refusal to co-operate with the occupying force along with open defiance.

That means that governments at all levels in the invaded nation continue to supply only basic services: clean water, electricity and policing, for example. Governments resign and civil servants find ways to subvert every order issued by the invader.

Crowds fill urban squares in silent or derisory defiance of orders, making it apparent to all — the occupiers, the dictator’s audience back home, less committed citizens and global observers — who are the true purveyors of violence against non-violent people

Throughout the occupation, citizens and non-governmental organizations focus on subverting the loyalty and morale of the occupying troops and functionaries and rallying international support.

In Canada’s case, the long history of friendship with Americans would likely mean that the morale of the occupiers would be low. The aim is to encourage defections by soldiers and functionaries, and erode the support base of the dictator. This erosion of support could lead to the overthrow of the leader, or at least to his concoction of a compromise to cover a retreat.

Attracting international support to Canada’s cause would not be a challenge. Trump has already alienated most of humankind and foreign governments during his first weeks in office.

Obstacles

Non-violent resistance is most effective with nation-wide training, organization and leadership. The national government is best equipped to provide the facilities. Training of volunteers could include responding to natural disasters and emergencies, as well as implementing a civil defence strategy.

Yet partisan divides and apathy make such nationwide training difficult. It would likely be viewed with suspicion by right-wing populist forces in this era of conspiracy theories and misinformation.

Read more:
How conspiracy theories polarize society and provoke violence

Apathy might also be a problem.

These considerations suggest that top-down, apolitical training in civilian defence may not work. If so, training and organization should be the goal of as many existing civil society associations as possible: churches, synagogues, temples, civil rights groups, unions, Indigenous rights organizations, peace advocates and climate groups, for example.

The manual authored by Michael Beer, the longtime director of the Nonviolence International non-governmental organization, includes more than 300 tactics. Widespread training and organization can not only deter aggression but ensure countries remain free of tyrants.

Canada’s leverage

Amid the ongoing threats against Canadian sovereignty, Canada is an ideal candidate for effective civil defence. Although it might be unlikely Trump will order a military invasion of Canada, a united country capable of non-violent resistance decreases the risk.

Canada cannot match the U.S. in firepower or economic strength. But it shares with America a language, a history of common struggles, myriad cross-border personal relationships and basic democratic values still considered important by many Americans, if not Trump.

All of these factors give Canada considerable leverage.

Richard Sandbrook is Vice-President of Science for Peace, a registered charity.

– ref. Amid U.S. threats, Canada’s national security plans must include training in non-violent resistance – https://theconversation.com/amid-u-s-threats-canadas-national-security-plans-must-include-training-in-non-violent-resistance-252451

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Polarisation: poor countries disagree over the economy, richer countries on social issues – new findings

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

Shutterstock/Lightspring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inequality and polarisation

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

Wealthier nations polarise along social lines.
norbu gyachung/unsplash

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

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

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

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

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

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Withdrawal of the proposed horizontal anti-discrimination directive – P-001148/2025
Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

Can the Council provide clarification on the following points:
- 1.Did the Commission notify the Council and the Polish Council Presidency in a timely manner of its intention to withdraw the directive, and what are their views regarding these plans?
- 2.Can the Council provide a detailed overview of the arguments advanced by the Member States that continue to oppose the proposal (Czechia, Germany and Italy)?
- 3.In light of the above, what concrete measures do the Council and the Council Presidency plan to take to continue comprehensively addressing discrimination in the EU?
Submitted: 18.3.2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 36th Annual International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference and First Chaplain Africa Forum held in Brussels

Source: United States AFRICOM

The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and Belgian Ministry of Defence, in partnership with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. Indo Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Chaplain Directorates, hosted the world’s largest annual meeting of senior military religious leaders at the 36th Annual NATO & Partner International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC) in Brussels, Belgium, January 27-31, 2025.

Over 200 military chaplains, academic experts, and special guests participated, representing 43 nations and more than 30 religious denominations. This year’s gathering included a special Africa Summit hosted by AFRICOM, highlighting the role of chaplains in fostering regional stability through spiritual and ethical leadership. Delegates divided into working groups to share information, identify training needs and areas cooperation, and update their future engagement plans.

“This conference has not only strengthened our bonds across nations but has also underscored the indispensable role of chaplains in modern military operations, particularly in fostering resilience and ethical leadership in Africa and beyond.” said Major General Kenneth Ekman, DOD West Africa Coordination Lead, AFRICOM.

AFRICOM’s Command Chaplain, U.S. Army Chaplain Colonel Karen Meeker said, “Our engagement at the IMCCC and the Africa Forum is crucial for developing a comprehensive approach to chaplaincy that resonates with the unique cultural and spiritual landscapes of Africa, ensuring our chaplains are well-prepared to support our service members and their families.”

Experts from the United Nations, European Union, NATO, Belgium Armed Forces and other organizations briefed attendees on topics such as conflict resolution, interoperability and the importance of interworld view dialogue for achieving peace. Delegates collaborated to identify areas of cooperation and update their future engagement plans.

EUCOM Command Chaplain, Colonel Christopher LaPack, shared, “First, I want to sincerely thank EUCOM’s co-hosts for this year’s IMCCC. The Belgian Planning Team, led by Chief Chaplain Hans De Cuester, provided a world-class forum for what turned out to be the biggest-ever IMCCC. I have no doubt that the engagements that took place this week will improve future interoperability amongst our chaplaincies. The change in security environment and NATO’s military posture in response to Russian aggression in the region means that our nations’ warfighters are more integrated than ever before. Military chaplains must be properly trained and ready to respond to the religious and spiritual needs of military personnel serving in multinational formations.”

The Africa Forum agenda also highlighted the role of chaplains in the DoD State Partnership Program (SPP), which partners National Guard forces from the United States with militaries around the world. Chaplain General Henry Matifeyo, Zambian Ministry of Defence said, “The discussions here, especially the tri-lateral meetings, have opened new avenues for cooperation. We are keen on building a network that not only strengthens our chaplaincy but also addresses critical issues like PTSD and moral injury through a multi-disciplinary lens.”

The IMCCC began in 1990 when the USEUCOM chaplain’s office convened twelve senior NATO military chaplains in order to provide a forum for dialogue to enhance interoperability among NATO chaplaincies, facilitate mutual support, and ensure professional pastoral care is available to all Allied Forces during combat or crisis circumstances. Over time, its scope has expanded to enhance religious affairs interoperability, strengthen international relations, support warfighter and family resilience, improve spiritual advisement for commanders, and promote religious freedom. The IMCCC 2025 has grown into a forum that includes not just European military religious leaders but also leaders from Africa, Asia and North America to share ideas and practices that support the collective security mission on a global scale. This year’s focus on Africa was a step forward in recognizing and addressing the unique needs of this diverse continent.

List of national chaplaincies that participated in the 2025 conference: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, , Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Serbia, , Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, , Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and Zambia.

MIL Security OSI –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF): CLG Workshop Offers Insight into Congo’s Legal Framework

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

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), March 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

Pan-African legal firm CLG – formerly Centurion Law Group – led a workshop during the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) on the country’s legal and fiscal frameworks. The workshop – Mastering Business in Congo: Challenges and Strategic Solutions for Success – delved into strategies investors can deploy to navigate the Republic of Congo’s business environment as the country prepares to launch an international licensing round.

As a leading provider of specialized legal and tax advisory services, CLG – a Legal Partner of CEIF 2025 – caters to a diverse portfolio of multinational energy companies. With offices in the Republic of Congo, Germany, South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia and South Sudan, the firm delivers bespoke solutions for a variety of challenges faced by oil and gas companies. The CLG workshop underscored how the firm’s expertise can support oil and gas projects in the Republic of Congo as the country targets 500,000 barrels per day of oil.

“Our goal is to provide solutions by interpreting regulations, ensuring companies can operate freely. We have advisors across several African countries,” stated Zion Adeoye, CEO and Group Managing Partner, CLG.

The country’s strong Central African presence and deep knowledge of the associated legal frameworks gives it an edge in the region’s energy landscape. According to Yves Ollivier, Managing Director, CLG Congo, the firm’s services in the region include M&A transactions, due diligence, legal secretariat services for oil and gas companies and expertise in intellectual property and immigration laws.

“We provide legal opinions in various fields, including employment law, corporate structuring and contract negotiations,” he explained.

In addition to these services, CLG has strong expertise in taxation. Daoudou Mohammad, Director: Tax and Legal, CLG Congo, explained that the firm assists companies with tax compliance, fiscal advisory services and global tax audits. “We conduct comprehensive tax reviews and offer targeted training upon request,” he said.

For the Republic of Congo, these services will play a key role in facilitating investment, advancing projects and realizing the country’s energy production goals. Given the complexity of the oil and gas sector, understanding the potential challenges associated with the industry is vital.

Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, Deputy Managing Director & Partner, CLG, explained that, “Understanding all contractual details is crucial, especially in the gas sector. We have encountered cases where disputes arose due to poorly negotiated agreements. Anticipating potential legal issues is key to mitigating risks.”

Additional challenges include misunderstanding of the requisite taxation laws. Mohammad pointed out that many companies fail to consider available tax exemptions, leading to missed opportunities for fiscal optimization. “A thorough assessment of tax incentives can significantly reduce financial burdens. Companies should proactively evaluate their eligibility for exemptions,” he advised.

MIL OSI Africa –

March 25, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Technology has shaped human knowledge for centuries. Generative AI is set to transform it yet again

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Vivienne Bentley, Research Scientist, Responsible Innovation, Data61, CSIRO

Cristóbal Ascencio & Archival Images of AI & AIxDESIGN/Better Images of AI, CC BY-SA

Where would we be without knowledge? Everything from the building of spaceships to the development of new therapies has come about through the creation, sharing, and validation of knowledge. It is arguably our most valuable human commodity.

From clay tablets to electronic tablets, technology has played an influential role in shaping human knowledge. Today we stand on the brink of the next knowledge revolution. It is one as big as — if not more so — the invention of the printing press, or the dawning of the digital age.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a revolutionary new technology able to collect and summarise knowledge from across the internet at the click of a button. Its impact is already being felt from the classroom to the boardroom, the laboratory to the rainforest.

Looking back to look forward, what do we expect generative AI to do to our knowledge practices? And can we foresee how this may change human knowledge, for better or worse?

The power of the printing press

While printing technology had a huge immediate impact, we are still coming to grips with the full scale of its effects on society. This impact was largely due to its ability to spread knowledge to millions of people.

Of course, human knowledge existed before the printing press. Non-written forms of knowledge date back tens of thousands of years, and researchers are today demonstrating the advanced skills associated with verbal knowledge.

In turn, scribal culture played an integral role in ancient civilisations. Serving as a means to preserve legal codes, religious doctrines, or literary texts, scribes were powerful people who traded hand-written commodities for kings and nobles.

But it was the printing press – specifically the process of using movable type allowing for much cheaper and less labour-intensive book production – that democratised knowledge. This technology was invented in Germany around 1440 by goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg. Often described as the speaking of one-to-many, printing technology was able to provide affordable information to entire populations.

This exponential increase in knowledge dissemination has been associated with huge societal shifts, from the European Renaissance to the rise of the middle classes.

The printing press was invented in Germany around 1440.
Daniel Chodowiecki/Wikipedia

The revolutionary potential of the digital age

The invention of the computer – and more importantly the connecting of multiple computers across the globe via the internet – saw the arrival of another knowledge revolution.

Often described as a new reality of speaking many-to-many, the internet provided a means for people to communicate, share ideas, and learn.

In the internet’s early days, USENET bulletin boards were digital chatrooms that allowed for unmediated crowd-sourced information exchange.

As internet users increased, the need for content regulation and moderation also grew. However, the internet’s role as the world’s largest open-access library has remained.

Computers set in motion another knowledge revolution, providing a means for people to communicate, share ideas, and learn at an unprecedented scale.
Masini/Shutterstock

The promise of generative AI

Generative AI refers to deep-learning models capable of generating human-like outputs, including text, images, video and audio. Examples include ChatGPT, Dall-E and DeepSeek.

Today, this new technology promises to function as our personal librarian, reducing our need to search for a book, let alone open its cover. Visiting physical libraries for information has been unnecessary for a while, but generative AI means we no longer need to even scroll through lists of electronic sources.

Trained on hundreds of billions of human words, AI can condense and synthesise vast amounts of information, across a variety of authors, subjects, or time periods. A user can pose any question to their AI assistant, and for the most part, will receive a competent answer. Generative AI can sometimes, however, “hallucinate”, meaning it will deliver unreliable or false information, instead of admitting it doesn’t know the answer.

Generative AI can also personalise its outputs, providing renditions in whatever language and tone required. Marketed as the ultimate democratiser of knowledge, the adaptation of information to suit a person’s interests, pace, abilities, and style is extraordinary.

But, as an increasingly prevalent arbitrator of our information needs, AI marks a new phase in the history of the relationship between knowledge and technology.

It challenges the very concept of human knowledge: its authorship, ownership and veracity. It also risks forfeiting the one-to-many revolution that was the printing press and the many-to-many potential that is the internet. In so doing, is generative AI inadvertently reducing the voices of many to the banality of one?

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT can condense and synthesise vast amounts of information, across a variety of authors, subjects, or time periods.
Ascannio/Shutterstock

Using generative AI wisely

Most knowledge is born of debate, contention, and challenge. It relies on diligence, reflexivity and application. The question of whether generative AI promotes these qualities is an open one, and evidence is so far mixed.

Some studies show it improves creative thinking, but others do not. Yet others show that while it might be helping individuals, it is ultimately diminishing our collective potential. Most educators are concerned it will dampen critical thinking.

More generally, research on “digital amnesia” tells us that we store less information in our heads today than we did previously due to our growing reliance on digital devices. And, relatedly, people and organisations are now increasingly dependent on digital technology.

Using history as inspiration, more than 2,500 years ago the Greek philosopher Socrates said that true wisdom is knowing when we know nothing.

If generative AI risks making us information rich but thinking poor (or individually knowledgeable but collectively ignorant), these words might be the one piece of knowledge we need right now.

Sarah Vivienne Bentley 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. Technology has shaped human knowledge for centuries. Generative AI is set to transform it yet again – https://theconversation.com/technology-has-shaped-human-knowledge-for-centuries-generative-ai-is-set-to-transform-it-yet-again-252616

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese shipbuilder delivers large LNG dual-fuel-powered vehicle carrier

Source: China State Council Information Office

A Chinese shipbuilder on Monday delivered a liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel-powered, 8,600-Car-Equivalent-Unit (CEU) vehicle carrier vessel to its operator.

The carrier vessel, Wenjingkou, was independently developed and designed by a Chinese research institute and measures 199.9 meters in length, 38 meters in width and 14.8 meters in depth.

The vessel features 14 vehicle decks, enabling the efficient loading and unloading of various automobile types, including cars, trucks and buses. The total deck area is approximately 75,000 square meters — equivalent to nearly 11 standard soccer fields.

Wenjingkou was constructed by the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, in collaboration with the China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd.

The vessel is equipped with an advanced LNG dual-fuel power system, which significantly enhances power efficiency and reduces carbon emissions and pollutants during operations, according to Liu Yunwu, vice chairman of Guangzhou Yuanhai Automobile Shipping, which will operate Wenjingkou.

The inaugural operational voyage of Wenjingkou will see it transport over 5,700 units of commercial and engineering vehicles from Shanghai to major European ports such as Bristol in the United Kingdom, Zeebrugge in Belgium, and Bremerhaven in Germany.

MIL OSI China News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Sector – Meet Cotality: CoreLogic Embraces a New Name and Bold Vision for the Future of the Property Industry

Source: CoreLogic

CoreLogic to rebrand to Cotality, reflecting the company’s mission to unify property professionals, strengthen industry relationships and drive innovation globally.

CoreLogic today announced its global rebrand to Cotality, marking the company’s progression to a leader in property information, analytics and data-enabled solutions from its origins in financial services supporting the mortgage industry.

This rebrand introduces a new name, logo and brand identity that reflect the company’s transformation into an information services provider that is creating a faster, smarter and more people-centric property industry.

“The property ecosystem underpins the prosperity of individuals, businesses, governments and society as a whole. But at the core, it’s people, businesses and communities that drive it forward. Cotality’s insights build on this, by turning questions into futures you can see,” said Patrick Dodd, President and CEO of Cotality.

“This rebrand reflects innovation, evolution and commitment to uniting property professionals – strengthening businesses, fostering relationships and powering outcomes that balance logic and data with humanity and emotion. Our name is changing to demonstrate the company’s unmatched dedication and service to clients around the world.”

The new name, Cotality, reflects the company’s deep commitment to collaboration and connectivity, both internally and externally, while honoring its CoreLogic roots. It also signifies its approach of totality, delivering comprehensive data and insights across the entire property ecosystem and beyond. Tying it all together is the company’s spirit of vitality – placing the idea that helping people thrive is at the center of every insight and workflow.

“While remaining true to our core DNA, the time is right to launch a refreshed brand that captures our evolution,” said Lisa Claes, CEO of Cotality International, pointing to its significantly expanded capability and customer solution set following a suite of acquisitions, sustained product investment and strengthened industry partnerships.

Alongside the new Cotality name sits the tagline: Intelligence Beyond BoundsTM.

This tagline serves as both a first impression and a powerful expression of the company’s identity. It is an embodiment of the seamless integration of data, technology, artificial intelligence, insights and people that inspire Cotality to collaborate across the entire lifecycle of properties and homeowners.

“For CoreLogic Australia, New Zealand and UK, Cotality captures our unique position and reinforces to the market that we are part of a global, technology-enabled information services leader, whose solutions truly unlock Intelligence beyond bounds.”

“Our new name and tagline reflect the essence of who we are and where we’re headed. This transformation is a natural evolution, honoring our roots while embracing a future defined by collaboration, innovation and impact,” said Kristie Vainikos Stegen, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Cotality. “This isn’t just about a new look; it’s about harnessing the power of data and technology and empowering people – internally and externally – to drive meaningful change globally.”

Cotality empowers industry professionals across home lending, insurance, real estate and government worldwide. With operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India and Germany, Cotality’s new global brand identity will build on CoreLogic’s trusted legacy to deliver innovation and drive smarter decisions while expanding its global reach.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: More Investment, More Jobs, and More Money in Americans’ Pockets
Source: The White House
More Investment, More Jobs, and More Money in Americans’ Pockets

Today, Hyundai announced a $20 billion investment in the United States — including $5.8 billion for a new steel plant in Louisiana, which will create nearly 1,500 jobs. The investment, which builds on Hyundai’s pledge earlier this year to “further localize production in the U.S.,” is the latest success in President Donald J. Trump’s pursuit of a Made in America renaissance.

It’s further proof that President Trump’s economic agenda is working.

Hyundai is far from the only automaker planning major investments as President Trump leverages tariffs to remake the U.S. into a global manufacturing powerhouse:
- Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network — including re-opening an Illinois manufacturing plant — as it pledges to increase domestic vehicle production.
- Volkswagen is considering shifting production of the high-end Audi and Porsche brands to the U.S.
- Honda is expected to produce its next-generation Civic hybrid model in Indiana.
- Nissan is considering moving production from Mexico to the U.S.
- Rolls-Royce is expected to “ramp up” production in the U.S. by hiring more American workers and expand its U.S.-based operations.
- Volvo is considering expanding its U.S.-based output.
It’s not just the auto sector; domestic and foreign companies have pledged trillions in new investments since President Trump took office:

Project Stargate, led by Japan-based Softbank and U.S.-based OpenAI and Oracle, announced a $500 billion private investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.

Nvidia announced it will invest hundreds of billions of dollars over the next four years in U.S.-based manufacturing.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.

Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment in domestic manufacturing.

United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.

France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.

Merck announced it will invest $8 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility.

Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.

GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.

GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.

London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.

Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.

Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.

Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.

Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.

Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.

India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.

Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.

Samsung is considering moving its dryer production from Mexico to South Carolina.

LG is considering moving its refrigerator manufacturing from Mexico to Tennessee.

Italian spirits group Campari is “assessing the opportunities to expand its production in the U.S.”

Essity, a Swedish hygiene product manufacturer, is considering shifting production to the U.S.

Taiwan-based Compal Electronics is considering a U.S.-based expansion.

Taiwan-based Inventec is expected to expand its manufacturing operations into Texas.

LVMH, a French luxury giant, is “seriously considering” an expansion to its U.S.-based production capabilities.

Cra-Z-Art, the biggest toymaker in the U.S., said it will move a “large percentage” of its China-based manufacturing back home.

Prepac, a Canadian furniture manufacturer, announced it will move production from Canada to the U.S.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the EU – E-000395/2025(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

[3]

The Commission adopted three regionalisation decisions:

— Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/87 of 13 January 2025 concerning certain interim emergency measures relating to foot and mouth disease in Germany (OJ L, 2025/87, 14.1.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2025/87/oj);

— Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/186 of 24 January 2025 concerning certain emergency measures relating to foot and mouth disease in Germany and repealing Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/87 (OJ L, 2025/186, 28.1.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2025/186/oj); and

— Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/323 of 11 February 2025 concerning certain emergency measures relating to foot and mouth disease in Germany and repealing Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/186 (OJ L, 2025/323, 12.2.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2025/323/oj).

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening early childhood education and care in the EU – E-000464/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission supports Member States to ensure the provision of high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) for all children.

The European Education Area Working Group on ECEC[1] — in line with the 2019 Council Recommendation on high-quality ECEC systems[2] and the EU quality framework on ECEC — provides peer learning opportunities and evidence-based knowledge and examples to inform Member State reforms, addressing topics of governance, staff and inclusion. It plans to focus on curricula in 2026.

The Commission also encourages free and effective access to ECEC for children in need, through the European Child Guarantee, with the support of the European Social Fund Plus[3].

In addition, the Commission supports ECEC through various funding instruments:

—With the support of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, 15 Member States committed to reforms and investments in this policy area with a value of almost EUR 7.5 billion.[4]

—The Technical Support Instrument[5] has, since 2020, been supporting ECEC reforms in Bulgaria, Czechia, Austria, Cyprus, Portugal and Germany.

—Erasmus+[6] funds mobility projects for (future) ECEC staff, and projects to develop innovative pedagogies and cooperation.

[1] https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/display/EAC/ECEC

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2019_189_R_0002

[3] https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en

[4] Figure as of 10 March 2025. Data are based on the pillar tagging methodology for the Recovery and Resilience scoreboard and correspond to the measures allocated to the policy area ‘early childhood education and care’ as primary or secondary policy area.

[5] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/technical-support-instrument/technical-support-instrument-tsi_en

[6] https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/
Last updated: 24 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 25, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The impact of red tape on European competitiveness – E-001084/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001084/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nora Junco García (ECR), Diego Solier (ECR)

The recent study by the ifo Institute in Germany confirms what the European business sector has been denouncing for years: the bureaucratic burden imposed by national and European regulations is stifling competitiveness and economic growth. The figures are stark.

German workers spend 22 % of their time on administrative tasks, at a cost of EUR 150 billion per year.

This structural problem is the result of an administration obsessed with control and regulation. Instead of facilitating business development, the EU imposes regulations that slow down innovation, discourage investment and force companies to divert valuable resources towards complying with unnecessary administrative requirements.

The Commission’s ‘Competitiveness Compass’ is another example of the disconnection between economic reality and EU bureaucracy. Grand statements about reducing administrative burdens do not translate into real changes. SMEs, Europe’s economic engine, suffer the consequences of these short-sighted policies. The proof of this is the AI Act, the excessive regulation of which will hamper European technological development while the US and China move ahead unimpeded.

1.Does the Commission recognise that its regulatory policy is damaging European competitiveness and encouraging relocation?

2.What concrete steps will it take to ensure that cutting red tape is real and not merely a declaration of intent?

3.How will the Commission ensure that regulations such as the AI Act do not stifle technological development in Europe?

Submitted: 13.3.2025
Last updated: 24 March 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 25, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government steps to ensure energy security

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:35PM by PIB Delhi

Prices of petrol and diesel are market determined and Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) take appropriate decision on pricing of petrol and diesel.

Domestically, Petrol and Diesel prices have come down to Rs. 94.77 and Rs. 87.67 per litre respectively (Delhi prices) as a result of various steps taken by Government and PSU OMCs, Central Excise duty was reduced by the Central Government by a total of Rs. 13/litre and Rs. 16/litre on petrol and diesel respectively in two tranches in November 2021 and May 2022, which was fully passed on to consumers. Some State Governments also reduced state VAT rates to provide relief to citizens. In March, 2024, OMCs reduced the retail prices of petrol and diesel by Rs. 2 per litre each.

India has been the only major economy in the world where the prices of petrol and diesel have come down in recent years. Changes in prices of petrol and diesel in some major economies between November 2021 and January 2025 are as under:

	% age Change in Prices between Nov-21 and Jan-25
Country	Petrol	Diesel
India (Delhi)	-13.60%	-10.92%
France	14.21%	15.08%
Germany	7.87%	12.43%
Italy	8.65%	11.39%
Spain	8.67%	12.93%
UK	0.08%	2.61%
Canada	10.52%	23.05%
USA	4.83%	12.86%

Changes in prices of petrol and diesel in some neighboring economies between November 2021 and January 2025

	% age Change in Prices between Nov-21 and Jan-25
Country	Petrol	Diesel
India (Delhi)	-13.60%	-10.92%
Pakistan	29.76%	34.97%
Bangladesh	13.94%	30.82%
Sri Lanka	53.98%	101.59%
Nepal	22.02%	31.32%

India imports about 60% of the domestic LPG consumed. Price of LPG in the country is linked to its price in the international market. While the average Saudi CP (international benchmark for LPG pricing) rose by 63% (from US$ 385/MT in July 2023 to US$ 629/MT in February 2025), the effective price for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) consumers for domestic LPG was reduced by 44% (from Rs. 903 in August 2023 to Rs. 503 in February 2025).

The retail selling price of a 14.2 Kg domestic LPG cylinder is currently Rs. 803 in Delhi. After a targeted subsidy of Rs. 300/cylinder to PMUY consumers, Government of India is providing 14.2 Kg LPG cylinders at an effective price of Rs.503 per cylinder (in Delhi). This is available to more than 10.33 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries, across the country.

Globally, PMUY is the biggest program of its kind that provides Domestic LPG to more than 100 million poor households at an effective price of just about Rs. 35/Kg. Further, the effective price of domestic LPG cylinder in neighbouring countries as on 01.01.2025 is as below.

Country	Domestic LPG (Rs./14.2 kg.cyl.)
India	503.00*
Pakistan	1094.83
Sri Lanka	1231.53
Nepal	1206.65

Government of India is closely monitoring global energy markets as well as potential energy supply disruptions as a fall-out of the evolving geopolitical situation. To ensure security of crude supplies and to mitigate the risk of dependence on crude oil from single region, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have diversified their petroleum import basket and are procuring crude from countries located at various geographical locations.

Government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to reduce the dependency on crude oil which, inter alia, include demand substitution by promoting usage of natural gas as fuel/feedstock across the country towards increasing the share of natural gas in economy and moving towards gas based economy, promotion of renewable and alternate fuels like ethanol, second generation ethanol, compressed bio gas and biodiesel, refinery process improvements, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, efforts for increasing production of oil and natural gas through various policies initiatives, etc. For promoting the use of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) as automotive fuel, Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative has also been launched.

The government has been taking various steps to boost domestic oil and gas production which, inter-alia, include:

i. Policy under PSC regime for early monetization of hydrocarbon discoveries, 2014.

ii. Discovered Small Field Policy, 2015.

iii. Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), 2016.

iv. Policy for Extension of PSCs, 2016 and 2017.

v. Policy for early monetization of Coal Bed Methane, 2017.

vi. Setting up of National Data Repository, 2017.

vii. Appraisal of Un-appraised areas in Sedimentary Basins under National Seismic Programme, 2017.

viii. Policy framework for extension of PSCs for Discovered Fields and Exploration Blocks

under Pre-New Exploration Licensing Policy (Pre-NELP), 2016 and 2017.

ix. Policy to Promote and Incentivize Enhanced Recovery Methods for Oil and Gas, 2018.

x. Policy Framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons under Existing Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Contracts and Nomination Fields, 2018.

xi. Natural Gas Marketing Reforms, 2020.

xii. Lower Royalty Rates, Zero Revenue Share (till Windfall Gain) and no drilling commitment in Phase-I in OALP Blocks under Category II and III basins to attract bidders.

xiii. Release of about 1 million Sq. Km. (SKM) ‘No-Go’ area in offshore which were blocked for exploration for decades.

xiv. Government is also spending about Rs.7500 Cr. for acquisition of seismic data in onland and offshore areas and drilling of stratigraphic wells to make quality data of Indian Sedimentary Basins available to bidders. Government has approved acquisition of additional 2D Seismic data of 20,000 LKM in onland and 30,000 LKM in offshore beyond Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India.

This information was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

****

MONIKA

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 25, 2025

Category: Germany

Battle over the Black Sea

For Putin, that sinking feeling

Ceding captaincy to China

More than military defence

What is civil defence?

Making Canada ungovernable

Obstacles

Canada’s leverage

Inequality and polarisation

The power of the printing press

The revolutionary potential of the digital age

The promise of generative AI

Using generative AI wisely