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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom joins Compton students to announce the Golden State Literacy Plan and deployment of literacy coaches statewide

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 5, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the Golden State Literacy Plan — a step-by-step strategy to improve student reading achievement across California, building on existing efforts and proposing bold new investments. The Golden State Literacy Plan includes the deployment of over one thousand literacy coaches and specialists to the state’s highest need schools.

    COMPTON – Standing alongside students and educators at Clinton Elementary School, Governor Gavin Newsom today launched the Golden State Literacy Plan, a step-by-step plan to boost literacy outcomes for California students. The plan builds on California’s recent progress in reading achievement while expanding investments to ensure every student — in every zip code — has the support they need to learn to read and read to learn. Implementation of these reforms over the coming years will mean that all students receive the comprehensive literacy instruction they need to read and analyze diverse texts, think critically and express their ideas orally and in writing, as students today and as citizens tomorrow.

    “Literacy is the pathway to success – all of California’s kids deserve to discover the joys and benefits of reading and the power to formulate and express their ideas. I’m proud to unveil the Golden State Plan for Literacy today to give teachers, schools, and students the power to read – and succeed.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    State Superintendent Tony Thurmond: “Literacy has the power to unlock countless doors for our students and transform their lives. We are implementing a strategy to move the needle on literacy, which has already funded literacy coaches and reading specialists at 803 sites across 45 counties and has provided professional learning to nearly 4,000 educators within just this past year. I thank Governor Newsom for his partnership in this work and for proposing a budget this year that builds upon these critical investments in our children’s futures.”

    State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond: “The Golden State Literacy Plan is an encouraging milestone in our ongoing quest to improve literacy education, making sure it’s effective, meaningful, and engaging for all of our students. We know effective literacy instruction requires early language development; diagnosis of student needs and progress; high-quality curriculum and materials; and preparation, professional development, and coaching for teachers so that they understand the reading process thoroughly and become adept at addressing diverse student needs, including those of English learners.  As all of these elements are being strengthened in California, we are seeing progress that will accelerate in the years to come.”

    Current landscape

    While California, like all states, experienced setbacks during the pandemic, the state’s progress in literacy since the adoption of our curriculum framework has been noteworthy. 

    • Between 2011 and 2022, California’s 8th grade reading achievement on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) improved more than any other state in the nation. 
    • California was one of three states that had the nation’s largest gains in 4th grade reading on NAEP over that decade. 
    • California was one of only a few states whose NAEP reading scores did not decline during the pandemic (2019-2022). 
    • While these indicators are positive, there is more work to be done to ensure all students achieve literacy success.

    Literacy initiatives under Governor Newsom 

    The Newsom Administration in partnership with the Legislature has made significant investments in evidence-based literacy and professional learning to support the implementation of the ELA/ELD standards. Among these initiatives are:

    • Literacy Coaches: To date, the State has invested a total of $500 million for Literacy Coaches in the 2022 and 2023 Budget Acts, funding 818 of the state’s highest needs schools to hire and train literacy coaches and reading specialists.  
    • Screener for Reading Difficulties: Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, California’s 1.2 million kindergarten, first, and second grade students will be annually screened for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. $25 million is allocated to support administration of literacy screenings. 
    • Teacher Recruitment and Retention: Well-prepared educators are essential to delivering high quality literacy instruction, and the state has invested $1.3 billion in recent years to recruit and retain quality educators.
    • Literacy Roadmap: Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, elementary grades educators have literacy blocks to guide instruction with evidence-based strategies to support comprehensive literacy instruction.
    • Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant: The State has allocated a total of $6.8 billion for the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant (LREBG) to support LEAs in addressing the academic and emotional impacts of the pandemic, including low ELA test scores.
    • Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK): . In 2025-26, the state will provide universal access to TK, which will provide pre-kindergarten to more than 300,000 additional four-year-olds (compared to the 2021-22 school year).
    • Before School, After School, and Summer School: The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program provides before, after, and summer school instruction and enrichment for students in grades TK-6, including high-impact tutoring.

    Proposed investments in literacy 

    The Governor’s Budget builds on the existing literacy initiatives and includes the following additional investments:

    • $500 million for TK-12 Literacy and Mathematics Coaching, which builds upon and expands the existing Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists Grant Program and includes a new opportunity to support mathematics coaching.
    • $378.6 million in additional LREBG funding for LEAs.
    • $40 million in additional funding to support annual reading difficulties screenings for kindergarten, first, and second grade students. 
    • $25 million to launch Literacy and Mathematics Networks to support implementation of state reading and mathematics initiatives. 
    • Directs the Instructional Quality Commission to initiate an adoption for ELA/ELD instructional materials.
    • $1.7 billion for the Student Support and Discretionary Block Grant which prioritizes professional development on the ELA/ELD Framework and the Literacy Roadmap.
    • $2.1 billion to support the full implementation of universal TK, so that all children who turn four years old by September 1 of the school year can enroll in TK, and an additional $1.2 billion to support lowering the average student-to-adult ratio in every TK classroom.
    • $525.5 million to support full implementation of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, increasing the total ongoing funding for before, after school and summer school instruction and enrichment to $4.5 billion. 

    In addition, the Governor’s May Revision includes:

    • $200 million one-time funding to support evidence-based professional learning in literacy instruction for elementary school teachers. This proposal stems from AB 1454 by Speaker Robert Rivas that has brought together a broad coalition to support evidenced-based literacy teaching. 

    $10 million one-time funding to support the expansion of the Multitudes reading difficulties screening tool in additional languages. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 5, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must restore funding to AmeriCorps in California. This comes after Governor Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta and a coalition of…

    Jun 5, 2025

    News What you need to know: California is launching the CalAssist Mortgage Fund on June 12, 2025, to provide $105 million in relief offering up to $20,000 to homeowners whose homes were destroyed in recent disasters, including the Los Angeles firestorms. LOS ANGELES —…

    Jun 4, 2025

    News What you need to know: California added a record of nearly 7,000 megawatts of new clean energy capacity in 2024, marking the largest single-year increase in state history and the third consecutive year of unprecedented growth. SACRAMENTO – California has achieved…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 3 things Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o taught me: language matters, stories are universal, Africa can thrive

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Charles Cantalupo, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English, Comparative Literature, and African Studies, Penn State

    Ngũgi wa Thiong’o reads from his work in Mexico in 2017. He wrote across a huge variety of genres. Tania Victoria/Secretaría de Cultura CDMX/Flickr, CC BY-SA

    Celebrated Kenyan writer and decolonial scholar Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o passed away on 28 May at the age of 87. Many tributes and obituaries have appeared across the world, but we wanted to know more about Thiong’o the man and his thought processes. So we asked Charles Cantalupo, a leading scholar of his work, to tell us more.

    Who was Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o – and who was he to you?

    When I heard that Ngũgĩ had died, one of my first thoughts was about how far he had come in his life. No African writer has as many major, lasting creative achievements in such a wide range of genres as Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o. His books include novels, plays, short stories, essays and scholarship, criticism, poetry, memoirs and children’s books.



    Read more:
    Five things you should know about Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, one of Africa’s greatest writers of all time

    His fiction, nonfiction and plays from the early 1960s until today are frequently reprinted. Furthermore, Ngũgĩ’s monumental oeuvre is in two languages, English and Gĩkũyũ, and his works have been translated into many other languages.

    From a large family in rural Kenya and a son of his father’s third wife, he was saved by his mother’s pushing him to be educated. This included a British high school in Kenya and Makerere University in Uganda.

    When the brilliant young writer had his first big breakthrough at a 1962 meeting in Kampala, the Conference of African Writers of English Expression, he called himself “James Ngũgi”. This was also the name on the cover his first three novels. He had achieved fame already as an African writer but, as is often said, the best was yet to come.

    Not until he co-wrote the play I Will Marry When I Want with Ngũgĩ wa Mirii was the name “Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o” on the cover of his books, including on the first modern novel written in Gĩkũyũ, Devil on the Cross (Caitaani Mũtharaba-inĩ).

    I Will Marry When I Want was performed in 1977 in Gĩkũyũ in a local community centre. It was banned and Ngũgĩ was imprisoned for a year.

    And still so much more was to come: exile from Kenya, professorships in the UK and US, book after book, fiction and nonfiction, myriad invited lectures and conferences all over the world, a stunning collection of literary awards (with the notable exception of the Nobel Prize for Literature), honorary degrees, and the most distinguished academic appointments in the US, from the east coast to the west.

    Yet besides his mother’s influence and no doubt his own aptitude and determination, if one factor could be said to have fuelled his intellectual and literary evolution – from the red clay of Kenya into the firmament of world literary history – it was the language of his birth: Gĩkũyũ. From the stories his mother told him as a child to his own writing in Gĩkũyũ for a local, pan-African and international readership. He provided every reason why he should choose this path in his books of criticism and theory.

    Ngũgĩ was also my friend for over three decades – through his US professorships, to Eritrea, to South Africa, to his finally moving to the US to live with his children. We had an ongoing conversation – in person, during many literary projects, over the phone and the internet.

    Our friendship started in 1993, when I first interviewed him. He was living in exile from Kenya in Orange, New Jersey, where I was born. We both felt at home at the start of our working together. We felt the same way together through the conferences, books, translations, interviews and the many more literary projects that followed.

    What are his most important works?

    Since Ngũgĩ was such a voluminous and highly varied writer, he has many different important works. His earliest and historical novels like A Grain of Wheat and The River Between. His regime-shaking plays.

    His critical and controversial novels like Devil on the Cross and Petals of Blood. His more experimental and absolutely modern novels like Matigari and Wizard of the Crow.

    His epoch-making literary criticism like Decolonising the Mind. His informal and captivating three volumes of memoirs written later in life. His retelling in poetry of a Gĩkũyũ epic, The Perfect Nine, his last great book. A reader of Ngũgĩ can have many a heart’s desire.

    My book, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Texts and Contexts, was based on the three-day conference of the same name that I organised in the US. At the time, it was the largest conference ever held on an African writer anywhere in the world.

    What I learned back then applies now more than ever. There are no limits to the interest that Ngũgĩ’s work can generate anytime anywhere and in any form. I saw it happen in 1994 in Reading, Pennsylvania, and I see it now 30 years later in the outpouring of interest and recognition all over the world at Ngũgĩ’s death.

    In 1993, he had published a book of essays titled Moving the Centre: The Struggle for Cultural Freedoms. Focusing on Ngũgĩ’s work, the conference and the book were “moving the centre” in Ngũgĩ’s words, “to real creative centres among the working people in conditions of gender, racial, and religious equality”.

    What are your takeaways from your discussions with him?

    First, African languages are the key to African development, including African literature. Ngũgĩ comprehensively explored and advocated this fundamental premise in over 40 years of teaching, lectures, interviews, conversations and throughout his many books of literary criticism and theory. Also, he epitomised it, writing his later novels in Gĩkũyũ, including his magnum opus, Wizard of the Crow.

    Moreover, he codified his declaration of African language independence in co-writing The Asmara Declaration, which has been widely translated. It advocates for the importance and recognition of African languages and literatures.

    Second, literature and writing are a world and not a country. Every single place and language can be omnicentric: translation can overcome any border, boundary, or geography and make understanding universal. Be it Shakespeare’s English, Dante’s Italian, Ngugi’s Gĩkũyũ, the Bible’s Hebrew and Aramaic, or anything else, big or small.

    Third, on a more personal level, when I first met Ngũgĩ, I was a European American literary scholar and a poet with little knowledge of Africa and its literature and languages, much less of Ngũgĩ himself. He was its favourite son. But this didn’t stop him from giving me the idea and making me understand how African languages contained the seeds of an African Renaissance if only they were allowed to grow.

    I knew that the historical European Renaissance rooted, grew, flourished and blossomed through its writers in European vernacular languages. English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and more took the place of Latin in expressing the best that was being thought and said in their countries. Yet translation between and among these languages as well as from classical Latin and Greek culture, plus biblical texts and cultures, made them ever more widely shared and understood.



    Read more:
    Drama that shaped Ngũgĩ’s writing and activism comes home to Kenya

    From Ngũgĩ discussing African languages I took away a sense that African writers, storytellers, people, arts, and cultures could create a similar paradigm and overcome colonialism, colonial languages, neocolonialism and anything else that might prevent greatness.

    Charles Cantalupo 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. 3 things Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o taught me: language matters, stories are universal, Africa can thrive – https://theconversation.com/3-things-ngugi-wa-thiongo-taught-me-language-matters-stories-are-universal-africa-can-thrive-258074

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Dehorning rhinos tips the balance against poaching – new study

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Timothy Kuiper, Senior Lecturer – Biodiversity and Statistics, Nelson Mandela University

    Black and white rhino populations in the Greater Kruger (Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves) in South Africa have plummeted from over 10,000 rhinos in 2010 to around 2,600 in 2023. Hundreds of rhinos are killed each year by poachers for their horns. These are sold on the illegal global market.

    Nature reserve managers, rangers, international funders, and local non-profit organisations have invested millions of dollars in anti-poaching interventions. These include tracking dogs to track poachers, artificial intelligence-enabled detection cameras, helicopters to monitor reserves and, more recently, dehorning (removing rhinos’ horns reduces the incentive for poachers).

    To see if these were working, the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation set up a research project involving several reserve managers, rangers, and scientists from the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela University, University of Stellenbosch, and the University of Oxford.

    The South African National Parks, World Wildlife Fund South Africa, and the Rhino Recovery Fund were also involved.



    Read more:
    Why military and market responses are no way to save species from extinction

    Together, managers and scientists gathered seven years of rhino poaching data across 2.4 million hectares in the north-eastern region of South Africa and western Mozambique. During this time, we documented the poaching of 1,985 rhinos across 11 reserves in the Greater Kruger area. This number is about 6.5% of the rhino populations in these reserves annually.

    This landscape is a critical global stronghold that conserves around 25% of all Africa’s rhinos.

    Our study’s headline result was that dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching achieved a 78% reduction in poaching (average reduction across implementing reserves). This was based on comparison between sites with and without dehorning as well as changes in poaching before and after dehorning. Exactly 2,284 rhinos were dehorned across eight reserves over the seven years of our research – this was most of the rhino in the region.

    Our findings show that significant progress can be made against rhino poaching by reducing the reward attached to poaching (removing the horn). This is a strategic shift in focus away from purely focusing on increasing risks to poachers.



    Read more:
    Chopping off the rhino’s horn and the war on wildlife crime

    But we are being careful to note that dehorning is not a complete solution. Our research found that 111 rhinos were poached even though they had been dehorned. This is because up to 15cm of horn is left on the rhino when it is dehorned by veterinarians. This is to protect the growth plate at the base of the horn.

    Rhinos’ horns regrow over time. During our fieldwork, we also noticed that criminal syndicates remain willing to kill rhinos for their stumps, even if they do this at lower rates than before dehorning.

    It may be best to think of dehorning as a very effective but short-term solution that buys us time to address the more ultimate drivers of poaching: horn demand, socio-economic inequality, corruption, and organised criminal networks.

    A different approach to pinning down the problem

    Part of what made our study special was its strong focus on collaboration between managers and scientists. The project was first conceived by reserve managers at the frontline of rhino conservation and led by Sharon Haussmann, chief executive officer of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation. They recognised the need to take a look at whether their investments into tracking dogs, artificial intelligence cameras and other anti-poaching interventions were paying off.

    Faced with a poaching crisis despite millions of dollars invested in law enforcement, security and technology, Sharon and the team were bold enough to ask: “Why are we still losing so many rhinos? What could we do differently?” These managers then began working closely with scientists to tackle this problem together through our research.

    Tragically, Sharon died unexpectedly on 31 May, less than a week before our research was published. We want to dedicate this research to her legacy.

    Detecting and arresting poachers alone is not enough

    The nature reserves we studied had invested US$74 million (R1 billion) in anti-poaching interventions between 2017 and 2021. Most of the investment focused on reactive law enforcement – rangers, tracking dogs, helicopters, access controls and detection cameras. This helped achieve over 700 poacher arrests. Yet we found no statistical evidence that these interventions significantly reduced poaching.

    Why? These interventions are a necessary element of the anti-poaching toolkit. But they were compromised by bigger challenges. For example, stark socio-economic inequality in the region creates the ideal conditions for crime to thrive, and criminal syndicates find it easy to recruit people willing to take the large risk of poaching rhino.



    Read more:
    Rhino poaching in South Africa has dipped but corruption hinders progress

    Entrenched corruption among police and reserve staff allowed offenders access to inside information on the locations of dogs, cameras and rhinos. This meant that poaching was not deterred as much as it could have been.

    Finally, ineffective criminal justice systems mean that arrested offenders often escape punishment, with evidence from the Greater Kruger of poachers who were multiple repeat offenders.

    What can be done differently?

    A range of interventions will be needed to complement dehorning, particularly as poaching for stumps would probably continue if there were no risk to poachers. There is also some evidence that dehorning rhino in one area means poachers may move to another area where rhino still have horns and poach there instead. (This has happened in South Africa’s second largest rhino stronghold in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park where rhino have not been dehorned.)



    Read more:
    The fight against poaching must shift to empowering communities

    Our findings challenge the conventional wisdom that detecting and arresting poachers is enough on its own. Instead, we recommend these measures:

    1. Give local people a voice and a stake. Many people affected by rhino conservation have no say and don’t share in the benefits of the industry.

    2. Disrupt transnational criminal networks outside protected areas through intelligence-led investigations (follow the money).

    3. Continue supporting dehorning in the short term. This will buy time to solve the biggest drivers of wildlife crime: inequality, horn demand, and corruption.

    4. Dehorning needs to be supported by other measures to protect the rhino.

    5. Support people first, then interventions. Rangers are key here – their welfare, wages, training and safety are not always given the attention or funding they deserve.

    6. Keep loving rhinos and buying your kids pyjamas with them on.

    Timothy Kuiper has received funding from the National Research Foundation in South Africa.

    – ref. Dehorning rhinos tips the balance against poaching – new study – https://theconversation.com/dehorning-rhinos-tips-the-balance-against-poaching-new-study-258315

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Terrorism burned schools, silenced dreams—but not anymore: PM Modi in J&K

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday strongly condemned Pakistan’s repeated attempts to destabilise peace and progress in the region, asserting that such acts would not derail India’s development push in Jammu and Kashmir.
     
    Addressing a public gathering in Katra, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple infrastructure projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore. These include the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji.
     
    He said that tourism has emerged as a key driver of economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, creating jobs and fostering unity. “Tourism generates employment and strengthens bonds between people. But Pakistan seeks to destroy this progress,” he said. PM Modi accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting the tourism sector, which has seen record-high visitor footfall in recent years, to hurt the earnings of local workers such as porters, horse riders, guides, and shopkeepers.
     
    The Prime Minister paid tribute to Adil, a young man who died while resisting the attackers. “Adil was working hard to support his family. He stood up to terrorists and lost his life in the process. His courage will always be remembered,” he said. 
     
    Highlighting the shift in public sentiment, PM Modi said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are now determined to confront terrorism head-on. He recalled how the decades-long militancy in the Valley had scorched schools, hospitals, and even disrupted free and fair elections. “Generations lost their dreams, and many came to accept violence as their fate. But today, this has changed,” he said.
     
    He noted that the current atmosphere reflects a profound transformation. “Kashmiri youth today take pride in the sight of thriving markets, lively cinema halls, and new shopping malls. They dream of bringing back film shoots and transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a sports hub,” he said, citing the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, and Eid celebrations as signs of the region’s renewed energy.
     
    PM Modi also recalled the military action carried out by India on May 6, named Operation Sindoor, which he said dealt a decisive blow to Pakistan-based terror networks. “The terror infrastructure built over decades was reduced to ruins within minutes. Pakistan never imagined such a bold response,” he said, adding that the operation would remain a reminder of Pakistan’s humiliation.
     
    He alleged that in retaliation, Pakistan targeted civilian areas in Jammu, Poonch, and other districts. “They shelled schools, hospitals, temples, mosques, and gurdwaras. The world witnessed their cruelty,” PM Modi said, praising the courage and unity displayed by residents in the face of cross-border aggression. He assured the affected families that the country stood with them in full solidarity.
     
    PM Modi announced that families who lost loved ones in cross-border firing have already been provided appointment letters for government jobs. He also said that the government had previously extended financial aid for home repairs in shelling-hit areas, and that this assistance would now be increased. Severely damaged houses will receive ₹2 lakh, while partially damaged homes will be granted ₹1 lakh in additional support.
     
    The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s recognition of border residents as the “nation’s frontline protectors”. Over the past decade, nearly 10,000 new bunkers have been built in the region, he said, noting their importance during recent escalations. Modi further announced the formation of two new Border Battalions in Jammu and Kashmir and confirmed the establishment of two Women Battalions to strengthen both security and women’s participation in the armed forces.
     
    PM Modi concluded his address by declaring that no obstacle would be allowed to hinder the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth. “If anyone dares to threaten their dreams, they will have to face me first,” he said.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Evans, Edwards Introduce Bipartisan Job-Training Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

    LEON Act is named for Rev. Leon Sullivan

    WASHINGTON (June 5, 2025) – U.S. Reps. Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11) have introduced a bipartisan job-training bill, the Leveraging Educational Opportunity Networks (LEON) Act, to help build pathways out of poverty and solve the nation’s structural, long-term labor shortage. 

    Under the bill (H.R. 3681), the U.S. Department of Labor would provide federal competitive grants to organizations that partner with local employers to provide no-cost professional training to workers for living-wage jobs in construction, disaster recovery, manufacturing and more. 

    “Too many families — in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District and across the country — have been shut out from employment opportunities that offer them a pathway to the middle class,” said Congressman Evans. “The LEON Act would help build a national career technical education system that would break down barriers and prepare low-income people with the skills that employers need.”

    “Western North Carolina is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene last fall, and recovery is going to take years. This is in part because we have a shortage of qualified construction workers to help us rebuild,” said Congressman Edwards. “The LEON Act would enable us to quickly train the workers we need to help us build stronger, more resilient communities and economies.”

    The bill — which would award grants to accredited, not-for-profit, post-secondary educational institutions providing training at no out-of-pocket cost to students — is named for civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, who in 1964 founded a worldwide network of skills-training organizations under the umbrella of Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC).

    “The LEON Act is an opportunity to future-proof tomorrow’s workforce by preparing adults for jobs that will provide a pathway to the middle class,” said Louis J. King II, OIC of America’s president and CEO. “With no-cost training, we can transform lives, stabilize and strengthen communities, and address the demands of our national labor shortage. In doing so, we can create a stronger America.

    The text of the bill is available here.

    Evans represents the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia. He recently announced that his office returned to or saved $4.5 million for constituents in 2024 in cases involving federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2024 figure brings Evans’ office’s total to more than $45.5 million returned to or saved for constituents during his first eight years in Congress.

    Evans serves on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, including its Subcommittee on Health. The committee oversees Social Security, Medicare, taxes, and trade. Evans’ website is evans.house.gov and his social media handle is @RepDwightEvans on YouTube, Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Threads.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chief Executive in Council approves provision of land resources to Urban Renewal Authority to take forward redevelopment programmes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chief Executive in Council approves provision of land resources to Urban Renewal Authority to take forward redevelopment programmes 
    The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, “As an important partner of the Government in urban renewal, the URA has been adopting a district-based approach in planning and taking forward redevelopment projects over the past years to avoid ‘pencil’ block development, inject holistic planning into urban redevelopment, and enhance liveability. Meanwhile, redevelopment projects of larger scale involve huge acquisition costs. Coupled with the sluggish property market in recent years, the URA’s projects have been subject to the ‘buy-high-sell-low’ situation (i.e. acquiring properties at the market peak but tendering at low price or even a failed tender), thus affecting its cashflow.”
     
    The URA has taken a number of measures to maintain a financially healthy portfolio, such as adjusting the pacing of taking forward redevelopment projects, obtaining external financing through bond issuance and loan facilities, enhancing the market attractiveness of project tenders, and critically controlling its operating expenditure. Notwithstanding, according to the URA’s latest assessment, in the event that the property market continues to falter and the results of project tenders are not as expected, the URA will have to secure additional financial support in order to maintain the redevelopment momentum, including making acquisition offers for the commenced redevelopment projects.
     
    “The Government has been providing financial support to the URA to enable it to carry out redevelopment and fulfil other statutory missions in a self-financing manner. Granting land at nominal land premium has long been one of the major government support measures for the URA. For example, the Government will grant urban renewal sites to the URA at nil land premium, as well as, in recent years, Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) sites in the vicinity of individual urban redevelopment projects to increase the overall development potential. Granting the two sites to the URA is along the same direction that helps the URA to fulfil its urban renewal mission,” Ms Linn continued.
     
    Ms Linn added, “The granting of the two sites to the URA could also benefit the community. Specifically, the Bailey Street Site can create synergy with the URA’s cluster of redevelopment projects in the Kowloon City area. As for the TKO Site, the original housing development of which has been deferred due to re-prioritisation of the Hong Kong Housing Authority’s (HKHA) projects, granting the site to the URA would optimise the use of the land resources in a timely manner.”
     
    The Bailey Street Site, with a net site area of 7 610 square metres, was reserved for school development. Upon review, the Education Bureau considered that this site can be released for other uses. Granting the Bailey Street Site to the URA could result in optimised land use and enhanced planning gains for the area by accommodating G/IC facilities to meet the district shortfall, enhancing connectivity of the area, and amalgamating the adjacent Hoi Sum Park to provide public open space. The proposed total gross floor area (GFA) will be about 68 490 sq m with a plot ratio of 9.
     
    The TKO Site has a net site area of about 9.15 hectares. The proposed total GFA is about 713 700 sq m with a plot ratio of 7.8. While the residential site concerned was reserved for public housing development, having considered the re-prioritisation of the HKHA’s projects and with sufficient land supply for public housing over the next 10 years, the granting of the site to the URA will have no impact on the overall public housing supply target for the current 10-year period (from 2025-26 to 2034-35). Furthermore, there are still about 42 ha of land reserved for housing development in Tseung Kwan O Area 137, which can be flexibly deployed for public or private housing use. The Government will take into account the market needs and adjust the public-to-private housing ratio in the area in a timely and appropriate manner to provide flexibility in the mix of housing planned for the longer term.
     
    The Executive Council has set clear requirements for this land grant, including (i) requesting the URA to make good use of the two sites as its assets to enhance its financing and borrowing capacity to maintain the momentum of urban redevelopment in a financially prudent manner in the next few years including making acquisition offers to the six commenced redevelopment projects (Note) between now and 2027-28. Moreover, with the land sales revenue to be generated from the two sites for the URA in the future, the URA should make good use of the additional and other income and re-prioritise yet-to-be-commenced projects in light of its financial position; and (ii) the URA should work with the Government to review and refine its operating and financing model that can enable it to undertake urban redevelopment in a financially sustainable manner irrespective of market ups and downs. Furthermore, the URA should advise how to step up building rehabilitation to extend the service life of aged buildings and reduce the immediate need for redevelopment. The URA should come up with specific recommendations within 2026.
     
    For details of the above, please refer to the Legislative Council Brief 
    Note: These six commenced redevelopment projects are Kau Pui Lung Road/Chi Kiang Street Project, Ma Tau Wai Road/Lok Shan Road Project, Queen’s Road West/Kwai Heung Street Project, Ming Lun Street/Ma Tau Kok Road Project, To Kwa Wan Road/Ma Tau Kok Road Project and Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Project.
    Issued at HKT 11:06

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs special operation combats online sale of counterfeit perfumes and skincare products (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs special operation combats online sale of counterfeit perfumes and skincare products (with photo)Issued at HKT 17:20

    Hong Kong Customs mounted a special enforcement operation on May 28 and yesterday (June 5), and detected two cases of selling suspected counterfeit goods on online platforms. A total of about 700 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including perfumes and skincare products, with an estimated market value of about $300,000, were seized, and two persons were arrested.

    Customs earlier received information from the public and a trademark owner alleging that counterfeit skincare products were put on sale through online platforms. Customs officers then made use of a big-data analytics system to conduct risk assessments and analyses, and through cyber patrols, discovered that another account on an online platform was also selling suspected counterfeit perfumes and skincare products. An investigation was then launched.

    After a comprehensive investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement actions on the aforementioned dates and searched two residential units in Mei Foo and Kwun Tong, resulting in the seizure of the batch of suspected counterfeit goods.

    During the operation, two women aged 43 and 31 were arrested.

    The investigation is ongoing, and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out. Also, Customs is looking into the source of the goods involved in the cases, and samples will be sent to the Government Laboratory for safety testing.

    Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to avoid conducting transaction with suspicious traders. They should check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.

    Customs has been striving to protect consumer rights and carries out inspections in the market and on the Internet from time to time. Moreover, Customs officers use a big-data analytics system to carry out risk assessments and analyses to verify whether online shops have complied with the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) with a view to safeguarding the interests of consumers during online purchases.

    Under the TDO, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

    Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    Ends/Friday, June 6, 2025
    Issued at HKT 17:20

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent need to fight the organised crime of smugglers – P-001576/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The political guidelines for the Commission 2024-2029[1] envisage strengthening Frontex, notably to equip it with state-of-the art technology for surveillance and situational awareness, along with its own equipment and personnel to ensure it can protect EU b orders in all circumstances with strong governance and the full respect of fundamental rights. The Commission has launched a feasibility study to support its upcoming impact assessment and legislative proposal. The Commission will reflect on the possibilities to reinforce the mandate of Frontex, also with regard to security aspects, as well as how to ensure that the inter-agency cooperation, particularly with Europol, will bring even more robust results in fighting cross-border crime.

    In 2023[2], the Commission tabled a targeted proposal to enhance Europol’s support to preventing and combating migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings that would also strengthen the cooperation between Europol and Frontex. In addition, in line with the political guidelines, the Commission envisages to table a proposal in order to make Europol truly operational, by addressing any areas for improvement that will allow Europol to reach its full potential and to best meet the needs of national law enforcement authorities .

    Strengthening the capacities of Europol and Frontex in countering migrant smuggling contributes to the implementation of the Global Alliance to counter migrant smuggling, with its call to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and responding to migrant smuggling and addressing alternatives to irregular migration[3].

    2. The Commission intends to present its proposal on the next multiannual financial framework in July 2025. The underlying political orientations were presented in the Commission Communication ‘The road to the next multiannual financial framework’ adopted on 11 February 2025[4].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/document/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en.
    • [2] COM/2023/754 final.
    • [3] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/irregular-migration-and-return/international-conference-global-alliance-counter-migrant-smuggling_en#more-information.
    • [4] COM(2025) 46 final.
    Last updated: 6 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Bulgarian city Burgas to get EIB guidance for new scientific campus

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB to advise Burgas on plan to create top scientific centre that will serve city’s four universities.
    • Due to open in 2027, new campus will feature research and data facilities as well as student housing and sports premises.
    • EIB to help develop economic model for site as Burgas seeks to attract researchers and students from around world.

    The Bulgarian city of Burgas will develop a state-of-the-art scientific campus and seek to attract Bulgarian and international researchers and students with guidance from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The new campus is due to open its doors in 2027 and serve four universities in Burgas, Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city and a major industrial and tourist hub on the Back Sea.

    The agreement involves the EIB’s advisory services. EIB Advisory Head of Public & Infrastructure Finance Division Julien Chebbo and Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov signed the accord today in the city.

    Burgas has a population of more than 200,000 and is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in Bulgaria. The new campus will feature centres for research and development and data as well as housing and sporting facilities.

    “Creating a quality space for studying, working and living is key to attract young people and retain talent in cohesion regions,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “We are pleased to support Burgas in structuring a viable economic model for the new campus, which will enhance the city’s position in the higher-education landscape, promoting innovation and economic growth.”

    The municipality of Burgas has completed a design for the campus and designated land plots for it. EIB Advisory will propose and evaluate financing options and help devise an appropriate management and governance structure for the campus. The expertise is being mobilised under the European Commission’s InvestEU Advisory mandate.

    “This is an extremely important project to attract young people by providing opportunities for broad-spectrum education and development,” said Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov. “This requires a modern environment that seamlessly combines opportunities for education and science with quality living quarters. This setting will inspire and nurture the development of specialists in various academic fields and the attainment of top scientific achievements.”

    The new agreement follows other EIB Advisory support for Burgas including a comprehensive feasibility study in 2022-2023 for a new children’s hospital. In September 2023, the EIB then approved a €12.8 million loan for Burgas to co-fund the hospital.

    Background information  

    About the EIB  

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

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

    In addition to financing, the EIB offers advisory services that help public and private partners develop and implement high-quality, investment-ready projects. In 2024 alone, EIB advisory teams helped mobilise over €200 billion of investments across Europe and beyond.

    About the InvestEU Advisory Hub

    The InvestEU programme provides the EU with long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery and growth. It helps mobilise private investments for the EU’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible.

    The InvestEU Advisory Hub is the central entry point for project promoters and intermediaries seeking advisory support and technical assistance related to centrally managed EU investment funds. Managed by the European Commission and financed by the EU budget, the InvestEU Advisory Hub connects project promoters and intermediaries with advisory partners, who work directly together to help projects reach the financing stage.

    EIB Advisory provides technical and financial expertise to support the development of sustainable and bankable projects in various sectors. In Bulgaria, EIB experts are assisting public authorities and businesses in preparing infrastructure investments in energy, energy efficiency, healthcare, transport and the environment, improving project planning and enhancing access to funding through tailored services and capacity building.

    About the Municipality of Burgas

    The Municipality of Burgas is the fourth-largest municipality in Bulgaria and the city of Burgas is the biggest city in south-eastern Bulgaria.  Surrounded by three lakes and the Black Sea, the fast-developing city serves as a commercial and transport hub in the country. Burgas is an important centre for sea tourism with facilities and transport connections to the resorts on the South Black Sea coast.  

    Bulgarian city Burgas to get EIB guidance for new scientific campus
    Bulgarian city Burgas to get EIB guidance for new scientific campus
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    Bulgarian city Burgas to get EIB guidance for new scientific campus
    Bulgarian city Burgas to get EIB guidance for new scientific campus
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    Bulgarian city Burgas to get EIB guidance for new scientific campus
    Bulgarian city Burgas to get EIB guidance for new scientific campus
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tackling fuel poverty in privately rented homes

    Source: Scottish Government

    Proposals for minimum standards of energy efficiency

    Private rented homes could be subject to a Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) from 2028 to support efforts to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change.

    Under proposals published today, regulations would be brought forward under existing powers requiring privately rented properties, as far as possible, to reach the reformed EPC Heat Retention Rating (HRR) band C from 2028 for new tenancies and by 2033 for all privately rented homes.

    In 2022 there were 300,000 privately rented properties in Scotland. The regulations would prohibit the letting of properties which fall below the minimum standard of energy efficiency, until the landlord has made any relevant energy efficiency improvements.

    The current system of Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) is due to be revised and updated from 2026 with a new set of ratings to give clearer information on the fabric energy efficiency of a property; the emissions, efficiency and running costs of its heating system; and the cost of energy to run the home.

    Alasdair Allan, Acting Minister for Climate Action said:

    “It is vital that we find the right balance to both reach net zero by 2045 and reduce fuel poverty. Improving energy efficiency is one of the levers available to the Scottish Government that enables this dual progress.

    “The lowest rates of fuel poverty are associated with higher energy efficiency standards. A majority of privately rented properties are already at a good standard of energy efficiency, based on the current EPC regime, but others still need improvement to bring them closer to reaching a good level.

    “These proposals will improve those homes, reduce energy costs for tenants and support the transition to clean heating – which we will be further strengthening through the Heat in Buildings Bill that we have committed to bring forward later this year. Installing better insulation and other energy efficiency measures will also benefit people’s health, by reducing the risk of cold and dampness-related conditions.

    “The Scottish Government continues to offer a wide range of support to people and organisations looking to move to clean heating or improve energy efficiency, including to private landlords.”

    Exemptions are proposed to provide protection to landlords in situations where they are prevented from obtaining third party consent or permissions to carry out work; and where undertaking work could have a negative impact on the fabric or structure of the property.

    Previous proposals to regulate energy efficiency for the private rented sector were put forward in 2020 but withdrawn as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Background

    Also published today are proposals for a Heat and Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment, which could support consumers by providing further evidence, beyond the EPC system, of which energy efficiency or clean heating system measures are technically suitable for their home or building, and which may not be. This optional assessment would support in particular those in buildings which are more complex to decarbonise such as tenements, traditional and protected buildings.

    Consultation on Draft Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations

    Heat & Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA) – Scoping Consultation

    Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan Scheme

    Warmer Homes Scotland

    Energy efficiency: Area Based Schemes

    Withdrawn regulations: The Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2020

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 50 arrested and 4 tonnes of cocaine seized in major hit against drug trafficking in Spain

    Source: Europol

    Results of the operation:48 suspects arrested3.8 tonnes of cocaine seized29 house searches in Fuerteventura (2), Gran Canaria (13) and Lanzarote (14)69 vehicles seized (19 boats and speedboats)6 properties seizedEUR 100 000 in cash seizedEuropol played a key role in the investigation by providing crucial analytical and financial support that contributed to the success of the operation. On the action day,…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York leaders welcome government plans to extend free school meals

    Source: City of York

    City of York Council leaders are highlighting the positive impact of the city’s free school meals pilots, following the government’s announcement [5 June] that it will extend free school meals.

    It will extend free school meals to children in households receiving Universal Credit from September 2026.

    In York, free school meal pilots are running at three primary schools as part of a citywide initiative, providing pupils with a free school meal even if they’re not eligible under the national scheme. 

    Over 46,000 free breakfasts or lunches have been given to children in the three primary schools piloting the initiative – Westfield Primary Community School, Burton Green Primary School and Fishergate Primary School – since it launched in January 2024.

    The campaign is part of the council’s wider commitment both to address affordability challenges and to ensure that  good health and wellbeing is prioritised as early as possible in residents’ lives – part of the council’s four year plan – One City for all. 
    The pilots have been made possible thanks to funding from the council and donations to the York Community Fund’s York Hungry Minds Appeal.

    York Hungry Minds was set up in a bid to address disadvantage and the impact of the cost of living crisis, responding to national evidence suggesting that providing children with healthy, nourishing food can make a significant difference to school attendance, concentration and learning and their physical and mental wellbeing.

    Initial research carried out by researchers from the Universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield into the impact of the York free school meal pilots last autumn showed that pupils taking part showed improved attendance and punctuality compared to their peers. 

    Schools also saw evidence of improved behaviour because children were feeling less hungry, with staff noting improvements in the pupils’ focus and energy levels after receiving a free breakfast [at Burton Green]. 

    Staff and parents at Burton Green Primary School and Westfield Primary Community School highlighted how the Universal Free School Meal pilot had helped ease financial pressures, as part of the evaluation work. They also raised the food insecurity families’ face and the importance of the meals in directly alleviating pressure.

    Tina Clarke, headteacher at Fishergate Primary School, explained the impact the free school meals pilot has had at her school:

    “The breakfast club at Fishergate has made a huge difference to the children who attend.

    “We have seen a positive impact on levels of attendance and punctuality – to be honest we have been surprised by how much of an impact it has had. It has also made a big difference to how the children start the school day – they come into their class settled, happy and ready to learn.”

    Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

    “When I have spoken to parents, carers and school leaders about the impact of our free school meals pilot, they highlighted improvements in school attendance and children’s behaviour.

    “A good education is critical to helping children fulfil their potential and live happy and healthy lives, and all the national and local evidence shows that providing a regular, nutritious meal really can have a significant impact on their learning. 

    “I’m pleased that the government has again shown its commitment to expanding eligibility for free school meals and I hope that this announcement will enable even more children and young people in York to get a free school lunch.”

    More details on the research findings into the impact of York’s free school meal pilots are available at https://www.york.gov.uk/free-school-meals/york-hungry-minds

    You can find out more about how to make donations to support York’s free school meals pilots at Two Ridings Community Foundation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Edinburgh 900 exhibition reveals the hidden lives of the first ‘Edinburghers’

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Visitors to St Giles’ Cathedral will come face-to-face with those of the first ‘Edinburghers’ in a new exhibition as part of Edinburgh 900 celebrations.

    Opening to the public on Friday 6 June, Edinburgh’s First Burghers: Revealing the Lives and Hidden Faces of Edinburgh’s Medieval Citizens, delves into the fascinating work carried out by experts from the Francis Crick Institute (London), University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee and the City of Edinburgh Council.

    Marking the joint 900th anniversaries of both Edinburgh and St Giles’ Cathedral, this extraordinary exhibition presents the results of new scientific research into the medieval citizens buried within the grounds of the Cathedral. Originally excavated in 1981, these remains have undergone new detailed analysis using advanced methods including ancient DNA sequencing, isotopic analysis, radiocarbon dating, and forensic facial reconstruction.

    This collaborative project offers a compelling look at the lives, diets, health, origins, and identities of Edinburgh’s earliest residents.

    The exhibition will feature:

    • Facial reconstructions of five individuals by Maria Maclennan, projected throughout the Cathedral using immersive lighting designs by artist Mettje Hunneman.
    • A specially commissioned short documentary by Cinetopia, featuring interviews with the research team and members of the Cathedral community.
    • A focus on three key burial groups – individuals from the birth of the burgh and foundation of the Cathedral in the 12th century, two 15th-century male pilgrims and eight women buried inside the Chapel of Our Lady between the 15th and 16th centuries.

    Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said:

    This exhibition invites visitors to travel back through nine centuries of Edinburgh’s history, to meet the earliest people who called this city home. Thanks to scientific research and creative collaboration, we are able to share new insights into their lives, origins, health, and identities and, to actually see their faces once again.

    Edinburgh 900 is a year-long celebration of our city’s rich history, culture, and bright future. This exhibition brings the faces of our very first residents to life for our audiences of today. My thanks to our partners, scientists, artists, and all those whose contributions have brought this exhibition to life.

    City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist John Lawson added:

    This has been a fascinating project that brings together new archaeological science and the creative arts to tell the story of Edinburgh’s first residents in an imaginative and exciting way.

    Visitors to the exhibition will come face-to-face with the first inhabitants of the city, ordinary individuals who lived through extraordinary chapters of history. While we are accustomed to the tales of the famous and powerful, this project shifts the spotlight to the everyday citizens, telling their stories in the very place they once walked, worshipped, and were laid to rest.

    To honour their lives in such a meaningful location has been a rare and powerful opportunity. It’s been an immensely rewarding partnership to be part of, and I’m grateful to the church, talented specialists and the artists whose hard work and dedication have have helped to tell these stories.

    Sarah Phemister, Head of Heritage and Culture, St Giles’ Cathedral, said:

    This exhibition is a celebration of the remarkable talent, collaboration, and creativity of the scientists and artists who have breathed life into the faces of the past. Their work connects us across centuries, reminding us that St Giles’ has always been a place where history, innovation, and human stories have met at the very heart of Edinburgh.

    Free and open to the public from 6 June to 30 November 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the Cathedral’s medieval past in a new way—bringing faces and stories from Edinburgh’s early history to life.

    Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer School of Design, Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) The University of Edinburgh, said:

    It has been an enormous privilege to contribute to such a fascinating and interdisciplinary project, which adopted a truly interdisciplinary approach requiring collaboration on the part of many. Each craniofacial approximation involved the marriage of archaeological evidence together with myriad scientific analyses undertaken by the research team, to help inform final facial appearance: forensic anthropology, radiocarbon dating, isotopic signature, DNA profiling, and forensic-artistic techniques.

    Craniofacial Approximation is a hybrid sci-art practice dedicated to restoring the face of an unknown individual from their skeletal remains. In archaeological contexts, as is seen here in St. Giles’ Cathedral, the practice is often an important means of restoring visibility, identity, and humanity to those long lost or forgotten, and/or in promoting education and encouraging public engagement with historical figures of interest from the past.

    For each reconstruction, I produced both a more ‘neutral’ face (depicting how the individual may present in contemporary day Edinburgh), in addition to a ‘historical’ face, depicting the individual dressed in clothing/artefacts typical of the time in which they lived.

    Dr Tobias Houlton, Lecturer in Craniofacial Identification and Forensic Imaging at University of Dundee, said:

    This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council Archaeology Service (CECAS) and the University of Dundee.

    While this particular project has been a year in the making, it builds on many years of collaboration and graduate involvement from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID). It provides a unique opportunity for CAHID graduates to further develop their expertise in facial identification while contributing to meaningful research in partnership with CECAS. The exhibition showcases the powerful synergy between science and art in restoring the faces of Edinburgh’s earliest citizens and enriching our understanding of the city’s medieval past.

    This project has been made possible with support from Historic Environment Scotland, and all partner organisations.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Town Planning Board visits Hangzhou and Shanghai (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Town Planning Board visits Hangzhou and Shanghai  
    To gain insights into successful experiences in urban-rural integration, the delegation visited Xiaogucheng Village in Jingshan Town, where the delegation learned the pivotal role of enterprises in rural revitalisation. By creating distinctive village houses and streetscapes, promoting an agricultural and tea culture, and converting some village homes into home-stay lodgings linked with surrounding attractions, the Village has been transformed into a new agri-cultural tourism destination. The delegation also visited the Xixi National Wetland Park, the first national wetland park in China, where the members observed its ecological protection projects, which presented a sustainable development model worthy of reference for Hong Kong. 
    The delegation then proceeded to visit Shanghai. Representatives of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Planning and Natural Resources introduced to the delegation the history, current status and future prospects of Shanghai’s urban planning, particularly Shanghai’s development strategy to solidify its status as a leading financial and commercial hub, while also shifting focus to develop its I&T and manufacturing/industrial sector in recent years. The delegation visited the century-old Zhang Yuan to learn more about its revitalisation through acquisition and preservation of structures without demolition, and relocation of occupants by the local government, with a view to effectively preserve the traditional cultural landscape of Shanghai.
     
    The delegation also visited the GrandneoBay Sci-tech Innovation Park of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) where members learned how the research and development (R&D) platform facilitating the integration of industry, academia and research, as well as the local Government’s leading role in initiating innovation from 0 to 1, passing on to enterprises to drive scalability from 1 to 100. The key focus is to leverage the SJTU’s applied R&D achievements and combine the effort of the Government and the support of enterprises to provide capital assistance for the SJTU’s research talent to launch start-ups, transforming scientific achievements into marketable products and driving industrialisation. Finally, the delegation visited the assembly manufacturing centre of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to learn about COMAC’s outstanding achievements and contributions in the manufacturing of large civil aircraft and the advancement of the aviation industry, particularly the advanced automated manufacturing processes and comprehensive monitoring systems, which impressed the delegation.Issued at HKT 17:55

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2 sites granted to URA

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today announced that the Chief Executive-in-Council approved granting a site at Bailey Street, Hung Hom, and a site in Tseung Kwan O Area 137 to the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) by private treaty at a nominal premium of $1,000.

    The grants aims to provide additional financial support to the URA to enhance its cashflow, so that it can continue to take forward its commenced redevelopment projects in an orderly manner.

    The two sites to be rezoned for residential use will be granted for 50 years from the date of execution through statutory town planning procedures in due course.

    Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said the URA has been adopting a district-based approach in planning and taking forward redevelopment projects over the past years to avoid “pencil” block development, inject holistic planning into urban redevelopment, and enhance liveability.

    Meanwhile, redevelopment projects of larger scale involve huge acquisition costs. Coupled with the sluggish property market in recent years, the URA’s projects have been subject to the buy-high-sell-low situation, ie acquiring properties at the market peak but tendering at low price or even a failed tender, thus affecting its cashflow.

    Ms Linn noted that granting land at nominal land premium has long been one of the major government support measures for the URA.

    For example, the Government will grant urban renewal sites to the URA at nil land premium, as well as, in recent years, Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) sites in the vicinity of individual urban redevelopment projects to increase the overall development potential.

    Granting the two sites to the URA is along the same direction that helps fulfil its urban renewal mission.

    Ms Linn added that the granting of the two sites to the URA could also benefit the community.

    Specifically, the Bailey Street Site can create synergy with the URA’s cluster of redevelopment projects in the Kowloon City area.

    As for the Tseung Kwan O Site, the original housing development of which has been deferred due to reprioritisation of the Housing Authority’s projects, granting the site would optimise the use of the land resources in a timely manner.

    The Bailey Street Site, with a net site area of 7,610 sq m, was reserved for school development. Upon review, the Education Bureau considered that this site can be released for other uses. Granting the Bailey Street Site could result in optimised land use and enhanced planning gains for the area by accommodating G/IC facilities to meet the district shortfall. The proposed total gross floor area will be about 68,490 sq m.

    The Tseung Kwan O Site has a net site area of about 9.15 hectares. The proposed total gross floor area is about 713,700 sq m. While the residential site concerned was reserved for public housing development, having considered the reprioritisation of the Housing Authority’s projects and with sufficient land supply for public housing over the next 10 years. Furthermore, there are still about 42 ha of land reserved for housing development in Tseung Kwan O Area 137.

    Click here for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rooftop solar for new builds to save people money

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Rooftop solar for new builds to save people money

    New homeowners stand to benefit from rooftop solar and cheaper bills, with the Future Homes Standard being published this Autumn.

    • Families will have lower energy bills in new homes as part of the Plan for Change, as government confirms new build homes will have solar panels by default
    • Proposed changes in the Future Homes Standard, being published in Autumn, will ensure new homes will be modern and energy efficient, cutting bills and boosting the nation’s energy security with clean, homegrown power

    Working people stand to save hundreds of pounds off their energy bills as the government confirms new build homes will have solar panels by default, unleashing a rooftop revolution. 

    Ministers are publishing the Future Homes Standard this autumn and have confirmed today (Friday 6 June) that solar panels will be included, leading to installation on the vast majority of new build homes. 

    Illustrating the benefits of solar panels, a typical existing UK home could save around £530 a year from installing rooftop solar, based on the current energy price cap. 

    This means today’s new proposals could significantly cut energy bills for the recipients of new build homes, tackling the cost of living for aspirational young families and new house buyers. 

    Under proposed changes, new homes will also have low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps and high levels of energy efficiency, cutting people’s energy bills and boosting the nation’s energy security with clean, homegrown power, in line with the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. 

    To deliver these aims, the proposed Future Homes Standard would see building regulations amended to explicitly promote solar for the first time, subject to practical limits with flexibility in place for new homes surrounded by trees or with lots of shade overhead.   

    From switching on the kettle to cooking dinner and doing the weekly wash, families will now be able to seize the benefits of powering their lives with clean, renewable energy from the very first day in their new home, with cheaper energy bills that put more money back in their pockets.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    Solar panels can save people hundreds of pounds off their energy bills, so it is just common sense for new homes to have them fitted as standard. 

    So many people just don’t understand why this doesn’t already happen. With our plans, it will. 

    Today marks a monumental step in unleashing this rooftop revolution as part of our Plan for Change, and means new homeowners will get lower bills with clean home-grown power.

    Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:      

    As part of the government’s Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes, we are maximising the use of renewable energy to cut people’s bills and power their homes. 

    The Future Homes Standard will ensure new homes are modern and efficient with low-carbon heating, while our common-sense planning changes will now make it easier and cheaper for people to use heat pumps and switch to EVs so they can play their part in bolstering our nation’s energy security.

    After legislation came into force last week, more homeowners will now be able to install a heat pump within one metre of their property’s boundary without having to submit a planning application, unlocking even more savings and cutting unnecessary paperwork for working people.  

    With figures from Octopus showing that 34% of those who order a heat pump are discouraged or drop out for reasons attributed to the need to submit a planning application, this change will help families who may have less space outside their home make the upgrade to clean power.  

    The first quarter of 2025 saw a record number of applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, up 73% from the same quarter in 2024. 

    The scheme provides households with up to £7,500 off the cost of a heat pump, which can save families around £100 a year by using a smart tariff effectively.

    Chris Hewett, Chief Executive, Solar Energy UK, said: 

    The solar industry is very glad to hear that almost all new homes will be fitted with solar power from under the Future Homes Standard. Making solar panels a functional requirement of the Building Regulations will cut energy bills, lower carbon emissions, help drive polluting natural gas off the grid and improve our nation’s energy security, too.

    Aadil Qureshi, Co-Founder and CEO, Heat Geek, said: 

    Installing a heat pump, particularly alongside solar panels is an amazing way for homeowners to save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills and create a more comfortable home. The simplification of planning rules will help millions of homeowners, particularly in normal family homes in towns and cities, take advantage of this technology.

    Charles Wood, Deputy Director of Policy (Systems) at Energy UK, said: 

    The addition of rooftop solar to the Future Homes Standard is welcome and necessary in ensuring that homes built today are fit for the future. Building homes to the right standards now will deliver immediate benefits of warmer, more comfortable, and more cost-efficient homes, preventing the need to retrofit these properties later at higher costs to the customer.

    This change, alongside wider reforms to planning processes and network connections, will reduce bills for people in new build properties while also giving the industry confidence to invest in increased manufacturing and installer training as demand increases, creating jobs and bringing down technology costs for everyone.

    Ensuring our future energy security relies on producing more British power, the electrification of our economy and cutting waste. The energy sector continues to deliver energy efficiency improvements and install low-carbon heating, generation, and transport technologies for households and businesses across the country.

    Chris O’Shea CEO of Centrica, said: 

    The age of solar is well and truly upon us, with millions of households up and down the country already benefiting from generating their own free electricity from the sun. Our research shows that customers can shrink their energy bills by 90% when they combine solar and battery with the right energy tariff, and this announcement means even more households can soak up the savings—and the sunshine—by generating their own clean, free electricity. And with the Future Home Standard expected in the Autumn, momentum is building behind Great Britain’s rooftop revolution.

    Ed Lockhart, Chief Executive, Future Homes Hub, said: 

    The Future Homes Standard represents a major opportunity to build a generation of higher performing new homes. Moving to all electric homes, with photovoltaics, a better fabric system, better ventilation and smart technologies to optimise the way new homes use energy means that new homes will not only be better for the planet but also more comfortable, healthier to live in and cheaper to run for customers.

    The Future Homes Hub is ready to support this mission, bringing homebuilders, social housing providers, suppliers, financial institutions and other experts together to work with government departments to find the best solutions to secure the benefits of the Future Homes Standard whilst accelerating housing delivery, crucially helping smaller developers to get the right support at the right time.

    Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, said:  

    People deserve lower energy bills, and adding solar panels to a house as it’s built is an incredibly effective way to slash costs from day one.

    With the right smart tech and storage added to the mix, some households won’t have to pay a penny for energy.

    We’re delighted to see the Future Homes Standard enable house builders to now build the homes of the future.

    Matthew Hart, Director of Residential New Build at E.ON Next, said: 

    Ensuring that every new home comes equipped with solar panels is a vital step forward for the UK. Our vision at E.ON has always been to make clean, affordable energy the standard, not the exception, and this move will empower homeowners to take control of their energy use and keep bills low from day one. It’s exactly the kind of bold, practical action we need to build a more secure, low-carbon future for everyone.

    Mark Wakeford, National Chairman, National Federation of Builders, said: 

    Solar panels on new homes make sense because they lower bills and progress the clean energy revolution we so desperately need. Credit must also be given for recent announcements on grid investment and connection reforms, as these were important challenges to recognise and solve for a rooftop revolution to happen in practice.

    Charlotte Lee, CEO, Heat Pump Association, said: 

    The HPA welcomes clarity on the publication timeline for the Future Homes Standard and confirmation that all new homes will be required to have low-carbon heating, such as heat pumps. Coupled with solar PV, highly efficient heat pump installations will result in low consumer energy bills and increase the UK’s energy security. This announcement provides a clear signal to the heat pump sector to scale up delivery in terms of workforce and manufacturing to meet the anticipated growth in the market and demonstrates the government’s commitment to decarbonise buildings.

    Garry Felgate, Chief Executive of The MCS Foundation, said:  

    These plans by the government are a huge boost to the UK renewables sector, to our efforts to meet net zero, and in reducing energy costs for households.   

    This announcement clearly shows that clean energy in the UK is the future. Maximising renewable energy technologies can benefit households by reducing bills as well as enhancing our national energy security.

    Trevor Hutchings, Chief Executive of the Renewable Energy Association (REA) said: 

    The growth of solar power has been one of the UK’s biggest renewable energy success stories, demonstrating without a doubt that we don’t have to choose between lowering our emissions and lowering household energy bills. 

    Today’s announcement – which the REA has long campaigned for – takes this one step further – not only enabling thousands of future homeowners to experience the benefits of affordable and clean power, but supercharging growth in the British renewable energy industry and driving forward our energy transition.

    Notes to editors

    Future Homes Standard 

    The changes outlined today will maximise the use of solar energy through the Future Homes Standard.   

    In 2023, the previous government proposed that new build homes would either need solar panel coverage equivalent to 40% of the building’s floor area or none at all. 

    This approach would have allowed for too many exemptions and no solar being installed on these developments.  

    The government is intending to bring forward rigorous proposals, that if developers cannot meet 40% coverage, they would still be required to install a reasonable amount of solar coverage. 

    Under this proposal, it would be a functional requirement of the Building Regulations that new homes, with rare exceptions, are built with renewable electricity generation. In the vast majority of cases, we expect this would be solar panels.    

    We are working with industry to set the technical detail ahead of publishing the final Future Homes Standard this Autumn.     

    The Future Homes Standard will also see homes built with low carbon heating such as heat pumps and heat networks.    

    Solar 

    The £530 a year saving is based on government’s published Home Energy Assessment tool, which allows the user to produce an estimate of the bill savings they could expect from solar given the characteristics of their home. 

    The figure is the potential savings for a home and is included to illustrate the benefits of solar panels. An estimate of the bill savings for a Future Homes Standard home will be included in the final impact assessment published in Autumn.   

    The figures are based on a typical 3.5 kW south-facing installation using the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) methodology. 

    The costs and savings individuals experience will be affected by factors such as how often they heat their home, the precise technical details of their installations, and future energy prices.  

    The savings displayed are based on the April 2025 price cap. As energy prices change, so will the estimates of savings. 

    Domestic heat pumps 

    The changes to permitted development rights, which came into force on Thursday 29 May in England, cover: 

    • removing the 1m boundary rule, enabling air source heat pumps to be installed within 1m of the property boundary
    • increasing the size limit of the heat pump for dwellinghouses from 0.6m3 to 1.5m3
    • doubling the number of heat pumps permitted per detached dwellinghouse, from 1 to 2
    • allowing for air source heat pumps that can be used for cooling as well as heating – facilitating the role out of air-to-air models – and providing consumers more choice

    Modern heat pumps are generally perceived as quiet and typically no louder than a fridge. When installed under a permitted development right, they must also comply with a noise assessment methodology which includes an upper noise limit assessed at the nearest neighbouring habitable room window or door, as part of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Planning Standard.

    There were a total of 11,256 applications to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme between January and March 2025, which was up 73% from the first quarter of 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 826,000 families boost finances with childcare savings

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    826,000 families boost finances with childcare savings

    Working families encouraged to sign up to Tax-Free Childcare to save up to £2,000 a year per child on their childcare bills.

    • Almost 826,000 UK families shared £632.2 million in government top-ups towards their childcare bills with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year
    • Working families urged to sign up now to give their summer plans a financial boost
    • Supporting the government’s mission to grow the economy and deliver on the Plan for Change

    Nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year. The money helps families pay for their childcare, as part of the government’s Plan for Change to put more money in people’s pockets.

    HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now and give their summer plans a financial boost.

    Latest figures from HMRC show in March 2025, 579,560 families in the UK used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills, an increase of 81,770 families compared to the previous March.

    Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child.

    Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that’s nursery for younger children, or for older children – wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead.

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: 

    Summer can be an expensive time if you have children. Whatever you’re planning, Tax-Free Childcare can give your plans a welcome financial boost. Go to GOV.UK to start saving today.

    For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every 3 months towards paying for their childcare costs.

    Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it’s needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time.   

    Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they:   

    • have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on 1 September after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they receive up to £4,000 a year until 1 September after their 16th birthday   
    • the parent and their partner (if they have one) earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average   
    • each earn no more than £100,000 per annum   
    • do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers    

    Visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and register for Tax-Free Childcare.

    Tax-Free Childcare can be used alongside the free childcare hours subject to eligibility.

    Further Information

    Latest Tax-Free Childcare statistics with data available up until March 2025 were released 28 May.

    More information about Tax-Free Childcare and how to register.

    Each eligible child requires their own Tax-Free Childcare account. If families have more than one eligible child, they will need to register an account for each child. The government top-up is then applied to deposits made for each child, not household.

    Account holders must confirm their details are up to date every 3 months to continue receiving the government top-up.

    Childcare providers can also sign up for a childcare provider account via GOV.UK to receive payments from parents and carers via the scheme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Raising funds to fix cladding issues

    Source: Scottish Government

    Building Safety Levy Bill published.

    Additional funding could be unlocked to fix building safety issues through new legislation published in the Scottish Parliament. 

    If passed, the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill will see a tax charged on the construction of certain new residential properties, in line with equivalent legislation in England. 

    The Bill seeks to raise around £30 million per year to help fund work to fix residential buildings with unsafe cladding which have no linked developer.

    Latest estimates indicate that the Scottish Government’s Cladding Remediation Programme could cost £1.7 billion over a 15-year period. 

    Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said:  

    “The Scottish Government is committed to doing what is right and necessary to address the challenge of fixing buildings affected by unsafe cladding.

    “That includes putting the appropriate funding arrangements in place to ensure that the associated costs of cladding remediation do not fall directly onto affected homeowners.

    “I know that developers share our determination to keep people safe and this levy will ensure they make a fair contribution to these costs, just as they will be doing in England.

    “I also welcome the continued cooperation of developers who have accepted responsibility for the assessments and any required mitigation and remediation of their buildings.”

    Background 

    The UK Government agreed in principle to devolve the powers needed for a Scottish Building Safety Levy last year. Powers secured to introduce building safety levy – gov.scot (www.gov.scot) 

    The legislation – which is proposed to come into effect in April 2027 – includes provisions to exempt certain types of development, including social and affordable housing. Details of tax rates will be set out in regulations if MSPs approve the Bill, consistent with the arrangements for other devolved taxes. 

    The Bill sets out a provision for a regular review period for the levy, which will be an opportunity to consider the revenue target in light of the prevailing housing market and wider economic conditions, as well as the emerging position on the scale and profile of spending on our cladding remediation work.  

    Estimated costs for the Scottish Government’s cladding remediation programme have also been published: Cladding remediation: capital spend forecasting – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Bundesbank’s forecast for Germany: Economic recovery slowly getting started | US tariffs initially weigh on economic growth; fiscal policy provides impetus from 2026

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    The recovery of the German economy is being delayed by uncertainty surrounding international trade policy. Only gradually will economic activity be boosted by fiscal measures. The German economy will continue to tread water in the current year. The new US tariffs and uncertainty about future US policy are dampening economic growth for the time being, said Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel, presenting the Bundesbank’s new Forecast for Germany. This has hit German industry at a time when it had begun to stabilise after a long period of weakness. However, the sharp rise in government defence and infrastructure expenditure is likely to cause a marked surge in demand and an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) from 2026 onwards. Moreover, according to the new forecast, inflationary pressures in Germany are continuing to ease. The Forecast for Germany thus also provides good news for consumers and the economy, Mr Nagel said.
    Calendar-adjusted GDP is expected to stagnate in 2025. However, the Bundesbank’s experts expect stronger growth rates of 0.7 % and 1.2 % for 2026 and 2027. Compared with the December Forecast for Germany, the growth outlook is thus revised downwards for 2025 and upwards for 2027. According to the Bundesbank’s experts, the outlook is clouded in the short term by the protectionist trade policy of the United States and the associated uncertainty. Overall, exports will decline significantly in 2025 and increase only slightly next year. Reduced momentum in industrial production due to tariffs will contribute to a slowdown in the labour market and weigh on wage growth. From 2026 onwards, the expansionary fiscal policy and the lessened growth-dampening impact of US economic policy will lead to a marked recovery for the German economy.
    Following the easing of the debt brake, fiscal policymakers are financing a substantial portion of spending, particularly on defence and government infrastructure, via loans. Government consumption and, above all, government investment will therefore rise steeply from 2026 onwards. We expect the additional government spending on defence and infrastructure to significantly increase GDP growth by the end of 2027, said Bundesbank President Nagel.
    Although the government deficit ratio is likely to decline further this year, it will then rise sharply to just over 4 % by 2027. The significant increase is largely attributable to the fiscal package, which includes not only higher spending on defence and government infrastructure, but also tax cuts, increased subsidies and transfers to enterprises and households. The Maastricht debt ratio will rise to around 66 % by 2027. It had already reached 62.5 % at the end of 2024. Germany’s public finances can cope with a temporary increase in the deficit and debt ratios, Mr Nagel said.
    The rise in inflation as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) will slow to 2.2 % as an annual average in 2025. Inflation is then likely to decline temporarily to 1.5 % in 2026 due to energy prices, before rising again to 1.9 % in 2027. The core rate (excluding energy and food) will fall to 2.6 % this year and thus remain markedly higher. It will then fall to 1.9 % in 2026. From 2026 onwards, the core rate will settle at around 2 %,” Bundesbank President Nagel said. The reasons for this decline are the decreasing price pressures from labour costs and the initially still weak demand. We’re also seeing the delayed effect of the Eurosystem’s tight monetary policy up to 2024.
     
    Projection June 2025

    Year-on-year percentage change

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    Real GDP, calendar adjusted

    − 0.2

    0.0

    0.7

    1.2

    Real GDP, unadjusted

    − 0.2

    − 0.1

    1.0

    1.3

    Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices

    2.5

    2.2

    1.5

    1.9

    Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices excluding energy and food

    3.2

    2.6

    1.9

    2.0

    Source: Federal Statistical Office (data as at 21 May 2025). Annual figures for 2025 to 2027 are Bundesbank forecasts.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Organised drug trafficker has sentence increased

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Organised drug trafficker has sentence increased

    A member of an organised crime operation that trafficked cocaine across the Southwest has had his sentence increased, after the Solicitor General intervened.

    Stephen Wills, 36, from Bridford, Exeter, has had his sentence increased by five years under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, following an intervention by the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP.

    The court heard that between 2019 and 2020, Wills was part of two organised crime groups that trafficked tens of thousands of pounds-worth of cocaine across the country.

    The group delivered drugs from a foreign crime group operating in London to drug dealers around Exeter.

    Wills played a significant role operating from the rented farmhouse where he lived with his family, using the outbuildings to store and package cocaine and to harvest and produce cannabis.

    Police discovered this when the offender was stopped in his vehicle and arrested on 1 May 2020.

    A subsequent investigation of the property found several firearms, ammunition and more than a quarter kilogram of cocaine, with a wholesale value of over £46,000.

    The court also heard that Wills had 33 previous convictions, including for firearm offences. Wills was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition for five years in 2018. In 2021, he was convicted for three offences relating to possession of an air rifle and ammunition

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    This offender was part of two organised crime gangs which trafficked significant quantities of drugs across the country.

    We know that the impact of organised crime on our communities is devastating and I welcome the Court’s decision to increase Wills’ sentence following my intervention.” 

    On 13 March 2025, Stephen Wills was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment at Exeter Crown Court after he was sentenced for conspiracy to supply and possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and possession of a prohibited firearm.

    On 5 June 2025, Wills’ sentence was increased from nine years to 14 years after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Republic of Lithuania: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 6, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC – June 6, 2025: Lithuania has proved resilient to multiple shocks in recent years. However, new challenges are emerging—including further increases in defense expenditure adding to the existing long-term spending pressures—while long-standing structural issues still require attention. Lithuania needs to reignite its reform momentum to boost productivity while addressing these challenges. A comprehensive strategy is needed to preserve fiscal space through revenue mobilization, enhanced spending efficiency, and limiting further spending pressures by strengthening the multi-pillar pension system. Structural reforms should focus on facilitating investments and accelerating the adoption of new technologies to boost productivity growth, supplemented by labor market policies, including reducing skills mismatches. Financial sector policies should continue to safeguard financial stability and integrity.

    Recent Developments, Outlook, and Risks

    The economy grew strongly in 2024. Growth accelerated to 2.7 percent—well above peers—driven by private consumption supported by significant real income gains. The recovery was broad-based across sectors, including manufacturing and high value-added services, despite sluggish productivity growth. While inflation remained low for the most part of the year, it has risen since late 2024, driven by higher energy prices and excise duties.

    While fiscal performance exceeded expectations, the deficit widened, and the debt ratio is increasing. The deficit almost doubled from 0.7 percent of GDP in 2023 to 1.3 percent of GDP in 2024, reflecting increased public wages and pensions. Higher revenues supported by robust aggregate wage growth and lower-than-anticipated expenditure, mainly from the accrual correction in defense spending, prevented the deficit from increasing further. However, pre-payments for additional orders of defense equipment and the continued buildup of the general government cash buffer contributed to an increase in the debt-to-GDP ratio from 37.3 percent in 2023 to 38.2 percent in 2024, for the first time since 2020.

    The banking sector remains financially sound, with high capitalization, ample liquidity buffers, and low non-performing loan (NPL) ratios. Banks continue to be highly profitable, although profitability eased in 2024 compared to the record high levels seen in the previous year, against lower interest rates driven by ECB monetary policy easing.

    There are signs of gradual financial expansion. Reflecting decreasing lending rates and recovering credit demand, loan growth to both non-financial corporations and households recovered in 2024 and early 2025, and credit-to-GDP ratios have increased moderately. House price growth stabilized in 2024, down from the 2022 peak. Nevertheless, house prices are likely not significantly above levels justified by fundamentals, given the recent robust demand while housing supply is increasing, and affordability has improved.

    The economy is expected to grow at 2.8 percent in 2025 while inflation will increase to 3.1 percent. Growth will be supported by private consumption and rising investment related to EU funds. External demand will remain subdued reflecting uncertainty regarding trade policies, despite the positive outlook of information and communication technologies (ICT) and professional activities. Increased excise duties and persistently high wage growth will keep headline and core inflation above pre-pandemic averages in the coming years. The labor market will tighten reflecting negative labor force dynamics affected by the normalization of migration flows.

    Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. As a small open economy, Lithuania is exposed to high uncertainty around trade policies and geopolitical risks. A severe downturn in its main trade partners would worsen the external performance and domestic activity. In the medium term, weaker demographics pose risks to labor supply which could add pressures on wages and competitiveness if productivity growth fails to accelerate. In the absence of sufficient measures, the fiscal position is subject to considerable medium-term risk with higher defense spending needs adding to the already high existing long-term pressures.

    Fiscal Policy

    A moderately less expansionary fiscal stance than currently expected would be helpful in 2025, and the strategy should shift to preserving fiscal space. The deficit is projected to rise to 2.8 percent of GDP in 2025, due to significant increases in pension spending and higher public sector wages. However, with a small and decreasing negative output gap under staff projections and considering mounting spending pressures in the medium term, going forward, a moderately tighter fiscal stance to reduce deficits and stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio would be appropriate. With a view to safeguarding fiscal buffers and minimize the need for larger adjustments in later years, any unused spending or revenue overperformance this year should be saved to limit the deficit increase.

    A stronger fiscal adjustment will be required if defense spending rises notably from current levels. The envisaged increase in defense spending to 5-6 percent of GDP in 2026-30 from the current level of 3 percent would raise financing needs significantly. In the absence of additional fiscal measures, debt could reach 60 percent of GDP by 2030. The proposed tax policy changes to accommodate these spending needs are welcome, but the revenue yield is estimated to be modest. Greater efforts will therefore be needed to maintain debt dynamics on a sustainable path in the medium term to preserve fiscal space to absorb possible future shocks. An average annual adjustment of about 0.5 percentage points of GDP in the general government balance over 2026-30, with the majority of additional defense spending financed by front-loaded increases in tax revenues, would help stabilize debt at around 50 percent of GDP by 2030.

    Financing options for additional defense spending should be anchored by revenue mobilization. While temporary measures and productivity-enhancing capital expenditure could be deficit-financed, a sizable part of the additional defense spending is likely to be permanent, warranting higher revenues or lower spending in other areas. The tax policy change proposal appropriately targets a mix of taxes, but there is further scope to raise additional revenues while improving the system, including increasing progressivity and efficiency. This could include raising revenues through making the personal income tax (PIT) system more progressive and streamlining the tax schedules to prevent higher marginal tax rates for lower income earners, limiting exemptions in corporate income taxes (CIT) and property taxes, and reducing the value added tax (VAT) compliance gap while improving VAT efficiency.

    Revenue mobilization should be complemented by spending measures. Fiscal savings could be generated by improving spending efficiency, including in healthcare and education. Hospital network rationalization could enhance the quality of service while reducing costs. The teacher-student ratio is relatively high for secondary education and there is room to rationalize the school network while improving quality.

    Strengthening the multi-pillar pension system will limit some of the additional spending pressures in the medium-term. The current pension system implies significant increases in public pension expenditure over the next two decades, driven by adverse demographics, while replacement ratios will remain low. The Pillar II reform proposal under discussion, entailing participation to become voluntary and increased options to opt out and suspend participation, is likely to further reduce the replacement rate. These changes could have a material impact on the entire pension system and the public finances. Staff urges the authorities to allow sufficient time to carefully consider all potential ramifications, including through further thorough analysis of the social and fiscal sustainability of the broader pension system.

    Financial Sector Policies

    Financial sector policies should continue to focus on safeguarding financial stability. Bank profitability is expected to moderate further but to remain high in 2025. Financial conditions are likely to ease in 2025 due to declining ECB policy rates and increased competition in financial sector, such as from the increasing footprint of fintech companies. Solvency and liquidity stress tests conducted by the Bank of Lithuania suggest that banks can withstand adverse macroeconomic scenarios and unexpected liquidity shocks. While some smaller banks require enhancing capitalization and closer oversight, all in all, financial stability risks arising from the banking system are broadly contained. With an increased frequency of cyberattacks on banks in recent years, cyber resilience should continue to be strengthened, including the full implementation of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) regulation.

    The current macroprudential stance is broadly appropriate, but continued vigilance is warranted. Financial cycles including residential real estate and private sector credit so far have exhibited no major signs of overheating, but the sustained pace of expansion requires close monitoring and readiness to act in case early signs of an excessive financial expansion emerge. Despite the low exposure of banks, the commercial real estate market continues to require attention as risks of price corrections remain due to the persistent imbalance between supply and demand. In the event of a significant adverse financial shock with the potential to trigger widespread losses in the banking sector, the relaxation of capital-based measures would be appropriate to minimize credit supply disruptions and support lending to the economy.

    The AML/CFT framework has been strengthened significantly, but continued effective implementation is essential. The third national risk assessment identified virtual asset service providers (VASPs), and electronic money institutions (EMI), and payment institutions (PI) as posing significant ML/TF risks. The authorities should continue AML/CFT efforts to mitigate cross-border risks, including Bank of Lithuania’s oversight and market controls for newly licensed VASPs under MiCAR regime, supervision of payment service institutions, and AML/CFT measures for CENTROlink members.

    Structural Reforms

    Lithuania faces structural headwinds limiting productivity and long-term growth. The recent recovery has been largely driven by higher labor accumulation enabled by temporary net migration, while the contributions from capital and total factor productivity (TFP) growth remained smaller than those observed during earlier periods of faster income convergence. Given expected population declines in the coming years, structural reforms to facilitate greater capital deepening and higher productivity growth are essential.

    Higher investment is needed to support potential growth. Low capital intensity remains a key barrier to productivity growth and the transition towards a higher value-added oriented economy. Development of risk capital, co-financing and mechanisms for risk sharing tailored to enhance the flow of credit to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), targeted credit guarantee schemes and integrating digital solutions can help alleviate constraints related to the lack of access to finance experienced by some firms. In this context, the expanded role of the state-owned institution ILTE—previously INVEGA—can play a role, complementing the private banking sector in supporting investment in areas such as high value-added sectors, innovation, energy efficiency, and strategic infrastructures. To consolidate the institution’s role as a national development bank, it is essential to ensure effective monitoring and transparency of ILTE operations. More fundamentally, deepening the EU’s single market—combined with stronger incentives to develop domestic capital markets—would help support access to finance of corporates and further productive investments in the country.

    Inefficiencies in the education system contribute significantly to the persistent skills mismatches in Lithuania’s labor market. As one of the countries with the highest skills mismatches in Europe, Lithuania faces ongoing challenges despite measures including the government’ active labor market policies and their evaluation and the smart specialization multi-year program aimed at enhancing workforce skills. Critical shortages persist in essential sectors, including nursing, engineering, and scientific fields, highlighting the urgent need for strategic reforms in education and training to better align with market demands.

    Ensuring effective integration of migrants into the labor market is crucial to sustain the labor force. Recent immigrants have been successfully absorbed into the Lithuanian labor market and legislative amendments have enabled easier migration for high-skilled workers despite the reduction of the non-EU workers quota in 2025. Policies should focus on integrating migrants in the most productivity-enhancing way possible while facilitating the participation of foreign professionals in those sectors with the largest shortages.

    Further investment in digitalization and AI preparedness has the potential to boost productivity growth. Lithuania has invested significantly in digitalizing its economy in recent years, becoming one of the main fintech hubs in Europe. However, despite progress in digitalization and in AI preparedness, its digital infrastructure remains close to the EU average. To unlock possibly substantial productivity gains, policies should aim to facilitate technological diffusion, job transition and AI adoption among firms, while introducing measures to mitigate associated risks in terms of possible job replacements and inequality deepening. In this respect, the recent initiatives included in the START plan aimed at promoting digitalization and the deployment of AI both in the private sector and in public administration will support these efforts.

    Energy security has been reinforced in the last years. The Baltic countries joined the European electricity grid in 2025, completely disconnecting from the Russian electricity system. Moreover, Lithuania has diversified its energy sources and import dependency has been lowered through the intensification of domestic electricity production from renewable sources in the recent years. Still, being susceptible to risks associated with climate change, Lithuania needs to accelerate the green transition, particularly for adaptation. In this respect, future investment in new technologies and defense initiatives should not thwart efforts to reduce economy-wide emissions, such as the recently adopted policies in the context of the updated National Energy and Climate Action Plan (NECP) for the period 2021–2030.

    The IMF team is grateful for the warm hospitality of the Lithuanian authorities and would like to thank all its interlocutors in government, the Bank of Lithuania, the European Central Bank, the private sector, unions, and business associations for constructive and fruitful discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/06/mcs662025-lithuania-staff-concluding-statement-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s new satellite industry city takes shape with ground station project approved

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

    China’s new satellite industry city takes shape with ground station project approved

    A new satellite industry city is taking shape in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, following the approval of a commercial satellite ground station project in Meishan, which is working to become a new powerhouse of the industry in China.

    The newly approved project, the largest of its kind in Sichuan, marked a critical step in advancing the region’s aerospace ecosystem and promoting the country’s development of commercial satellite networks as well, Yang Zhenyu, deputy general manager of the Huantian Wisdom Technology Co., Ltd., owner of the new infrastructure, told Xinhua on Friday.

    “It is expected to complete the last piece of Meishan’s aerospace industry layout, making the city one of the few places in China with comprehensive capabilities in satellite research and development, monitoring and control, application, and data transmission,” he said.

    The ground station, covering 872 square meters near a local reservoir, will feature a 12-meter-diameter antenna and auxiliary facilities.

    Its construction is scheduled to commence in mid-June, with an anticipated completion date in the third quarter of this year, followed by official operations by year-end, said Yang.

    “This infrastructure is pivotal for satellite operations,” he said.

    It aims to address data transmission bottlenecks by enabling autonomous tracking, telemetry, and command for the Huantian Constellation satellites, a major commercial satellite constellation in China for agricultural monitoring, ecological protection and smart city construction, ending the area’s reliance on leased external stations, he explained.

    Once operational, the ground station will significantly enhance the satellite’s data transmission and reception capabilities and stability, he said.

    MEISHAN’S PLAN

    In the past three decades, China’s space industry has rapidly advanced, marked by the launch of landmark space missions such as Shenzhou and Chang’e. As a result, numerous cities known for their related industries have popped up across the country.

    In the realm of satellite technology, regions beyond traditional strongholds like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an are now making significant strides in this sector, particularly in commercial satellites. Cities such as Meishan have emerged as new hubs for the satellite industry.

    Yang noted that once established, the ground station can not only reduce data usage costs for local enterprises but also attract supporting projects from upstream and downstream sectors. This will help to further expand the “satellite plus” industrial cluster in Meishan, which is just about 70 kilometers away from the provincial capital of Chengdu.

    The city now hosts a satellite industrial park, a satellite monitoring and control center and 10 high-resolution optical satellites under Huantian Constellation’s phase 1.

    Meishan unveiled its satellite industry development plan (2024-2030) last year, outlining a strategic roadmap to build a globally competitive satellite industry cluster by 2030, targeting an industrial scale exceeding 10 billion yuan (about 1.39 billion U.S. dollars).

    Leveraging the Huantian Constellation project as its cornerstone, the city will drive integrated development across satellite applications, operations, manufacturing, and experimental launch capabilities.

    Key tasks include diversifying satellite applications, enhancing ground system capabilities, developing satellite assembly integration, and exploring innovative aerospace information technologies, according to the plan.

    VISION OF THE CONSTELLATION

    Launched in 2022, the Huantian Constellation orbits 535 km above Earth, capturing over 1 TB daily data, equivalent to 200,000 HD images, and covering 70 million square kilometers globally with a 120-minute revisit capability, according to Yang.

    Leveraging its “sky-air-ground” service framework, the company has driven breakthroughs in farmland monitoring, ecological protection, and disaster prevention. In 2024, it reported revenue of 430 million yuan and profits of 36 million yuan, surging 30 percent and 20 percent year-on-year, respectively, he said.

    Last year, as the leader of the satellite industrial park in west China, Huantian Wisdom led the establishment of a commercial satellite alliance. This allowed for the integration of 148 satellites nationwide, expediting the development of the industrial cluster and uniting the satellite industry with the low-altitude economy.

    “We plan to launch 10 more satellites this year,” Yang said.

    Looking ahead, the satellite constellation plans to expand to 30 to 50 satellites in phase 2, further enhancing data acquisition and global revisit efficiency, said Yang, adding that their long-term goals include integrating 6G, AI, and space-ground fusion tech to build smart commercial platforms and advance low-altitude economy applications.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Four years after a 15% global minimum tax deal, the world remains divided on how to implement it – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mend Mariwany, Producer, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    Dilok Klaisataporn/Shutterstock

    In October 2021, 136 countries agreed to establish new tax rules requiring large multinational companies to pay at least 15% in corporate tax. Nearly four years later, this ambitious agreement is finally being implemented around the world, but its success faces big challenges.

    The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) tax framework aims to end the so-called race to the bottom, where corporations pit countries against each other to pay less tax and shift profits to jurisdictions with lower tax rates.

    In the second part of The 15% solution from The Conversation Weekly podcast, we examine progress towards implementing the global tax deal.

    The OECD’s two-pillar system fundamentally changes how multinationals are taxed. Pillar One determines where companies pay taxes. Pillar Two establishes how much they must pay: a minimum of 15% for any multinational with yearly revenues above US$850 million. The innovative aspect of the system is that it is self-enforcing. If a company pays less than 15% in any country, other nations where it operates can charge a supplementary tax to meet that minimum.

    However, implementation faces significant obstacles. So far around 140 countries have signed up. President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the negotiations in February 2025. China supports the framework in theory but is slow to fully implement it. And some low- and middle-income countries have also not signed up, citing technical complexity or bias toward higher-income countries.

    Martin Hearson, a research fellow at the Institute of Development Studies in the UK, explains that for countries with fewer legal and administrative resources, even good rules can be counterproductive due to their complexity. This has led some countries to look for alternatives, including a new UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, for which negotiations began in February 2025.

    Despite these challenges, the OECD expects that approximately 80% of profits previously taxed at low rates will now be appropriately taxed.

    Listen to part two of The 15% solution on The Conversation Weekly podcast. Part one is available here.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Mend Mariwany. Gemma Ware is the executive producer. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    Newsclips in this episode from DW News, Arirang News, and Bloomberg.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available on Apple Podcasts.

    Martin Hearson’s research has been supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Gates Foundation, the Intergovernmental Group of 24, the World Bank, the UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs, and ActionAid International.

    – ref. Four years after a 15% global minimum tax deal, the world remains divided on how to implement it – podcast – https://theconversation.com/four-years-after-a-15-global-minimum-tax-deal-the-world-remains-divided-on-how-to-implement-it-podcast-257695

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joséphine Lechartre, Winner of the Prestigious Gabriel A. Almond Research Award

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    My work focuses on the long-term legacies of wars on political participation in post-conflict societies. During civil wars, it is not uncommon to see the emergence of alternative forms of social orders at the local level, under the control of armed actors such as paramilitaries, rebel groups, state counterinsurgent forces, and others.

    These actors often impose new norms of civilian behaviour, organisation, and seek to instil new political ideologies in the populations under their control. Although we now understand well how these orders emerge and function across the globe, we still lack an understanding of how they reshape the organisation and political subjectivities of civilians. These new social relations and political subjectivities regularly endure well beyond the end of the conflict, with important implications for state-society relations, peacebuilding, and political representation post-conflict. 

    Through a rigorous comparison of Mayan indigenous communities who survived the civil war (1960-1996) and the Mayan genocide (1980-1983) in Northern Guatemala along the Mexican border, I compare how the control of state forces, rebel actors, and humanitarian actors in refugee camps in Mexico ushered in the emergence of alternative forms of social orders during the war. Using in-depth interviews with survivors, extensive archive evidence, and an original household survey embedded in nine months of ethnographic fieldwork, I show that these social orders durably shaped the forms of organisation and the political thinking of local civilian populations.

    I find that, after the war, these legacies endured to shape patterns of indigenous engagement in protests and electoral politics, but also their capacity to resist the encroachment of organised crime and dispossession by agribusiness. These differences have fundamental implications for survivor access to representation, public goods and services, and the continuity of indigenous self-determination in Norther Guatemala. 

    While I focused on Guatemala, these findings have important implications for other war-ridden countries, and my book project will include a comparative study of Colombia’s internal conflict, while future projects will incorporate cases from other world regions. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Underwood Announces $26 Million for Local Priorities Selected for Community Project Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)

    JOLIET – Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced the projects in the 14th District selected to be submitted for consideration for Community Project Funding in FY2026. 

    If funded, the projects below will have extraordinary benefits for our community: ensuring access to safe and reliable drinking water, strengthening rural access to health care, preventing workplace exploitation, helping residents get jobs, providing vulnerable populations access to necessities like emergency shelter and food, and supporting parent-students by providing affordable childcare options in northern Illinois. 

    “Making sure that our community’s needs are reflected in federal funding has always been a top priority of mine in Washington,” said Underwood. “Our families will feel the enormous impact of these 15 projects every day. We’re making sure our drinking water is clean and safe across northern Illinois; strengthening access to quality health care in rural communities, providing parents affordable childcare options, and so much more. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring these federal dollars home.”

    FY25 projects that were selected by Members of Congress last year were not included in the funding bill passed earlier this year, and nearly all FY25 projects in the 14th District are being resubmitted for FY26.

    Community Project Funding is an initiative that allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent, coupled with strict transparency and ethics requirements. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Underwood has certified that she and her immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects selected. Underwood’s certification forms for the projects listed are available here, listed in alphabetical order.

    Below are descriptions of the projects submitted for consideration, in alphabetical order by project sponsor:

    Project Title: Bentley Road Pathway Connection

    Project Sponsor: Plainfield Park District

    Amount Requested: $1,300,000

    Address of Sponsor: 23729 W. Ottawa St., Plainfield, IL 60544

    Project Description and Justification: This funding would be used to develop 4 uninterrupted miles along the DuPage River into a pathway connecting parks, recreation areas, and small businesses in Will County.  The pathway will serve as a vital link between existing multi-use trails at Riverside Parkway, Sunset Park, and Hammel Woods along the DuPage River corridor. 

    Project Title: Center for Parenting Students 

    Project Sponsor: Waubonsee Community College

    Amount Requested: $600,000

    Address of Sponsor: Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

    Project Description and Justification: This funding would support the creation of a new Center for Parenting Students’ at Waubonsee Community College. The center will provide crucial support for student parents, helping them balance their academic pursuits with childcare. 

    The Center will offer a welcoming environment with designated family-friendly consultation and meeting rooms. Additionally, lactation suites, changing rooms, and a dedicated feeding space will cater to the specific needs of parenting students. The Center will provide essential support services, access to books, toys, and tablets for children while their parents work on group projects or utilize computers and printers for academic work. 

    Project Title: City of Lockport Environmental Infrastructure Program 

    Project Sponsor: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District 

    Amount Requested: $1,368,950

    Address of Sponsor: 231 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604 

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding would be used for an environmental infrastructure project that will improve wastewater and stormwater management in the City of Lockport, Illinois. 

    Local infrastructure needs addressed by this project include the Bruce Road & SOS Children Village Utility Improvement Project, as the project includes the installation of a new lift station to serve the SOS Children Village.

    Project Title: Clean Water Project in Oglesby, IL

    Project Sponsor: City of Oglesby

    Amount Requested: $1,020,800

    Address of Sponsor: 110 East Walnut Street, Oglesby, IL 61348

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will help replace 2,100 feet of water main lines currently impacted by lead and/or asbestos-cement within the City of Oglesby. The pipes pose significant risks to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and generate long-term cost savings for the community of Ogelsby.

    Project Title: Education for Parents Project

    Project Sponsor: Northern Illinois University 

    Amount Requested: $1,000,000

    Address of Sponsor: 1425 W Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL 60115

    Priority Project and Justification: This funding will be used to remodel and convert property at Northern Illinois University into a significantly larger child care center. The project will help the university hire new personnel and cover essential upgrades to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children; including roof, drainage, window, and flooring repairs, classroom painting, and a learning space renovation.  

    Project Title: Expanding Hope and Reducing Hunger in La Salle, IL

    Project Sponsor: Illinois Valley Food Pantry

    Amount Requested: $750,000

    Address of Sponsor: 122 Wright Street, LaSalle, IL 61354

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will help the food pantry expand their refrigeration and storage capacity, allowing them to serve more families in our community. Currently serving around 500 families monthly, the pantry is at capacity.  

    Project Title: Grand Prairie Water Commission Infrastructure Construction for Northern Illinois

    Project Sponsor: City of Joliet

    Amount Requested: $5,000,000

    Address of Sponsor: 150 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will build 7.5 miles of underground water transmission main to deliver finished drinking water from the Chicago Department of Water Management to communities in the southwest suburbs. 

    The City of Joliet is part of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, a group of six communities that will utilize Lake Michigan as an alternative water source. 

    Project Title: Law Enforcement Collaboration to Prevent Workplace Crime in Will County, IL

    Project Sponsor: Joliet Township 

    Amount Requested: $339,346 

    Address of Sponsor: 1220 Richards St., Suite A, Joliet, IL 60435

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will be used by Joliet Township  to hire one attorney and two project staff dedicated to collaborating with local organizations and law enforcement to address workplace exploitation across Will County and the surrounding area. The project will connect victims of workplace abuse and violence to victim services in northern Illinois communities.

    Project Title: Lead-Free Water Project in Aurora, IL

    Project Sponsor: City of Aurora

    Amount Requested: $3,500,000

    Address of Sponsor: 44 E. Downer Place, City of Aurora, IL 60507

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will be used to remove and replace all remaining lead water service lines within the City of Aurora, providing safe, potable water for the community. An estimated 120 lead service lines for homes, impacting nearly 400 residents, are expected to be replaced. The pipes pose significant risks to the public and their replacement will ensure clean drinking water, protect public health and safety, and generate long-term cost savings for the community.   

    Project Title: Lockport Township Emergency Shelter  

    Project Sponsor: Lockport Township 

    Amount Requested: $2,235,015

    Address of Sponsor: 1463 Farrell Road, Lockport, Illinois, 60441

    This funding will be used to support and protect the local economy in Fairmont, Lockport, and the surrounding communities in Will County by converting space within an existing building in Lockport, Illinois into a permanent emergency shelter and regional hub for first responder safety training. Specifically, this project would fund renovations that would enable the shelter to have a full-service generator, weather-resistant roof, reinforced windows and doors, modern HVAC, emergency radios, cot beds, and ADA-compliant accommodation for up to 205 evacuees and personnel.

    Project Title: Reducing Recidivism and Supporting Reentry in Will County, IL

    Project Sponsor: Will County Workforce Services Division—LWIA—10 

    Amount Requested: $600,000

    Address of Sponsor: 2400 Glenwood Ave, Joliet, IL 60435 

    Project Purpose and Justification: This project will provide work training services to justice impacted individuals, increasing public safety and reducing the recidivism rate in Will County, IL. The program will offer participants the option to participate in work-based training or education, or to receive work-based training that leads to full-time employment. Through this program, formerly incarcerated individuals will obtain skills that will help them find and secure meaningful employment.  

    Project Title: Securing A Sustainable Water Source in Oswego, IL

    Project Sponsor: Village of Oswego

    Amount Requested: $2,640,000

    Address of Sponsor: 100 Parkers Mill, Oswego, IL 60543

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will support the construction of the three receiving stations, which are integral to the success of the Lake Michigan Water Source Project. The receiving stations will allow Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville to store and prepare more water from Lake Michigan. Each City requires one receiving station to prepare and store safe water, and to establish a proper connection with the lake.

    The communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville will join the DuPage Water Commission, a group of 30 communities that utilize Lake Michigan as an alternative water source. 

    Project Title: Senior Outreach and Care Project

    Project Sponsor: White Oak Library District

    Amount Requested: $3,250,000

    Address of Sponsor: 201 W. Normantown Rd., Romeoville, IL 60446

    Project Description and Justification: This funding will be used for the construction of a new building for the Outreach Services Department at the Crest Hill Branch Library, allowing the library to reach more people in Will County. The funding will be used to construct a new building, hire two additional staff members to support the new location’s expanded services, and purchase three computer workstations and essential technology like chargers and keyboards.

    Additionally, the funding will allow the library to purchase a Bookmobile to continue outreach efforts outside the library’s physical location as well as additional books for circulation.

    Project Title: Shab-eh-nay Tribal Administration Buildings

    Project Sponsor: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

    Amount Requested: $1,360,914

    Address of Sponsor: 16281 Q Road Mayetta, Kansas 66509

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will support the construction of governmental office space for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and their neighbors. The new building will allow the Nation to have a designated facility to conduct its government business, deepen their connections with the community, and provide services to residents.  

    Project Title: Strengthening Rural Healthcare for Farmers and Families in Mendota, IL 

    Project Sponsor: Community Health Partnership of Illinois

    Amount Requested: $1,250,000

    Address of Sponsor: 205 West Randolph Street, Suite 1340, Chicago, IL 60606

    Project Purpose and Justification: This funding will expand the Mendota Health Center, transforming the 10,666-square-foot warehouse into an expanded space for medical, dental, and behavioral health services. 

    The proposed health center will house 25 employees and serve over 6,000 individuals needing accessible, quality primary care services. The Mendota Health Center is a lifeline for the community, providing quality health care in Mendota and surrounding areas.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man due in court following crash, Pongakawa

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A man will be appearing in court next week in relation to the death of a man following a crash in Pongakawa.

    The single-vehicle crash happened around 8:45pm on Tuesday 3 June on Maniatutu Road.

    It was not reported to Police at the time, and the driver and the passengers of the vehicle made their own way home to their addresses in the area.

    Around 4:30am on 4 June, the driver of the vehicle and flatmate of one of the passengers in the car located the passenger deceased at their home.

    Police have made further enquiries and have today charged a 40-year-old man with dangerous driving causing death.

    He is due in Tauranga District Court on 12 June.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government’s new law sees unfair bonuses banned for six water companies with immediate effect

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government’s new law sees unfair bonuses banned for six water companies with immediate effect

    Government bans unfair bonuses for water companies that don’t meet high standards

    • Unfair bonuses now banned for water companies that don’t meet high standards.  

    • Water bosses awarded themselves over £112 million in bonuses and incentive payments in the last decade.  

    • Strengthened enforcement is just one part of the Government’s strategy to reform the water sector and attract investment as part of its Plan for Change.  

    Unfair bonuses have been banned for senior executives at six water companies, as new measures in the Water (Special Measures) Act come into force today (Friday, 6th June).  

    The government is clear that transformative change across the water sector is needed to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas, and modernise the sector for decades to come.  

    Under new rules, companies are not permitted to pay bonuses to water bosses that oversee poor environmental and customer outcomes. This delivers on a key manifesto commitment and has been backdated to apply to any bonuses relating to the financial year from April last year.  

    This applies to Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water, Wessex Water, United Utilities, and Southern Water, where bosses are not permitted to receive bonuses with immediate effect.  

    Water companies have awarded over £112 million in bonuses and incentives over the last decade. Last year alone, £7.6 million in bonuses were paid to water bosses in England. 

    It’s crucial that companies attract the best talent to deliver essential upgrades to the water system. Companies that do meet Ofwat’s standards will still be eligible to pay executives bonuses – a powerful incentive for them to deliver immediate environmental improvements, better customer outcomes, and improve financial resilience.  

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:      

    Water company bosses, like anyone else, should only get bonuses if they’ve performed well, certainly not if they’ve failed to tackle water pollution.  

    Undeserved bonuses will now be banned as part of the Government’s plan to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good. 

    Promise made, promise delivered. 

    Today’s ban holds water bosses to account and ensures they can no longer cash in while their companies pollute rivers, neglect customers, or mismanage finances.  

    Strengthened enforcement is just one part of the government’s strategy to reform the water sector, which also includes working with the companies and their investors to make the water industry one of growth and opportunity, attracting investment and ensuring its stable financial footing for years to come. 

    The government is determined to reform the sector in a way that continues to attract high quality, long-term investors to rebuild our water infrastructure. Following the publication of the Independent Water Commission’s interim report, Ministers will look at proposals carefully, and outline further action in due course. 

    While it is for water companies to set their own remuneration, new standards published by Ofwat that come into force today mean bonuses will not be permitted be handed out in specific cases when a water company:   

    • Fails to meet core environmental standards and presides over serious pollution offences 

    • Fails to meet basic financial resilience standards (e.g. meet minimum credit rating requirements)    

    • Fails to meet core consumer standards (e.g. failure to operate and maintain sewage networks)   

    • Is convicted of a criminal offence (e.g. criminal convictions for serious environmental failings including illegal spills)   

    Under new rules published by Ofwat today, any company failing to meet key standards will automatically lose the right to award bonuses. If a company pays a bonus while banned, Ofwat has the powers under the Water (Special Measures) Act to direct the company to claw back the money. Any company that does not comply with Ofwat’s directions will face enforcement action. 

    To further protect customers and clean up our waterways, the government has secured a record £104 billion of private investment – the largest ever since privatisation to cut sewage discharges by nearly half over the next five years. This money will now be ringfenced for new pipes and treatment works, not shareholder payouts.  

    Notes to editors  

    • The table below outlines companies’ compliance on current information. 

    • It is up to individual water companies to determine appropriate financial rewards. Ofwat will consider action required once water companies publish their remuneration decisions in their annual reports for the 2024-25 financial year.

    ANNEX A: Companies affected by the ban:

    Water company Consumer standards Environment standards Financial resilience Criminal offence Subject to ban? Details of criteria
    Anglian Water Fail – 1 incident CEO bonus banned* Cat.1 data in Annex C
    Northumbrian Water Company can pay bonuses
    Severn Trent Company can pay bonuses
    Southern Water Fail – 1 incident CEO and CFO bonus banned Cat.1 data in Annex C
    South West Water Company can pay bonuses
    Thames Water Fail – 7 incidents Fail – April 2024 CEO and CFO bonus banned Thames Water Utilities Limited (‘Thames Water’) – undertakings under Section 19 – Ofwat
    United Utilities Fail – 1 incident CEO & CFO bonus banned Cat.1 data in Annex C
    Wessex Water Fail – 1 Conviction CFO bonus banned** Wessex Water fined £500,000 for sewage killing thousands of fish – GOV.UK
    Yorkshire Water Fail – S94 Breach Fail – 1 incident CEO & CFO bonus banned Yorkshire Water to pay £40m enforcement package following Ofwat wastewater investigation – Ofwat

    *Anglian Water’s CFO is not subject to the ban because they were not in post for the Cat.1 incident. Their CEO was in post during the Cat.1 incident and therefore faces a ban.   

    **Wessex Water’s CEO is not subject to the ban because they were not in post for the criminal offence that triggers the ban.

    ANNEX B: Total CEO/CFO bonuses paid by water companies in England (in thousands)

    Water company 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Total
    Anglian Water 1,482 1,798 1,569 3,429 3,234 713 2,222 1,152 1,291 95 16,984
    United Utilities 3,227 2,942 2,284 2,247 2,733 2,733 3,138 2,763 2,377 1,366 25,810
    Northumbrian Water 597 484 595 479 384 269 259 214 311 315 3,907
    Southern Water 757* 427 187 756 645 815 842 669 – 312 5,410
    Severn Trent Water 3,367 2,294 2,978 1,788 2,201 2,674 2,777 4,471 3,413 3,309 29,271
    South West Water 556 832 640 259 521 984 1,230 755 362 470 6,609
    Thames Water 2,432 609 203 807 448 937 538 794 – 770 7,538
    Wessex Water 236 353 482 552 485 – 640 651 459 387 4,246
    Yorkshire Water 2,305 1,288 1,588 631 1,547 1,666 1,568 1,122 571 616 12,902
    Total 14,959 11,027 10,526 10,948 12,197 10,791 13,213 12,591 8,784 7,639 112,676

    *Long Term Incentive Plan value for Southern Water is a four-year figure, from 2011-15. Since there was no annual breakdown for 2014/15, the LTIP value has been divided by 4.

    ANNEX C: Category 1 incidents

    Water company Number of Category 1 incidents Date Location
    Anglian Water 1 September 2024 Peterborough
    Southern Water 1 August 2024 New Forest District
    Thames Water 7 January 2024 Three Rivers District
    January 2024 Chiltern District
    February 2024 Slough
    April 2024 Enfield London Borough
    April 2024 Sevenoaks District
    November 2024 Reigate and Banstead District
    December 2024 Runnymede District
    Yorkshire Water 1 December 2024 Kirklees District
    United Utilities 1 December 2024 Bolton

    Quotes

    Ali Plummer, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: 

    Bonuses should reflect excellence, not routine negligence and widespread environmental degradation. Our rivers and wildlife continue to suffer because companies have repeatedly prioritised profit over public health and nature protection. Removing bonuses if high standards aren’t met, is a welcome first step from Ofwat. 

    This must be backed up with strong resources for environmental regulators to ensure this is enforced.

    Ben Seal, Head of Access & Environment, Paddle UK, said:

    When something so precious as our nations water is on the line, public outrage at water executives pocketing big bonuses for failing to prevent pollution, is entirely justified.  

    It is positive to see the steps taken through the new Water Special Measures Act beginning to take effect. Let’s hope that blocking the payment of these bonuses is just another means of helping focus minds on driving up environmental performance, rather than prioritising profit. 

    Mark Lloyd, CEO, The Rivers Trust, said:

    The fact that water company bosses will no longer be rewarded for poor environmental performance is a significant moment in rebuilding public trust. It’s great to see the environment being valued as it should be, and that the personal responsibility of water industry leaders in looking after the environment is being recognised. 

    The measures announced today tackle the most serious pollution incidents, but we still need to be aware that the vast majority of pollution comes from smaller, more insidious events which, in combination, can cause far greater harm to our rivers.

    Ali Morse, Water Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts, said:  

    This is a change that’s important to billpayers. Customers don’t think it’s right that senior staff are rewarded whilst our rivers and seas bear the brunt of poor water sector performance. No one is under any illusions that this alone will significantly ease pressure on household bills, or make good the harms caused to the environment already; it’s more a point of principle – that even a single incident can result in a bonus ban –  and, along with other recent changes, sends a strong signal to the industry that it must do more to prioritise the health of the environment upon which its business relies.

    Deborah Meaden, Businesswoman, entrepreneur and Dragons Den Investor, said:

    This is a very welcome step as part of the battle to better protect our waters and waterways. Bonuses should rightly be focused on constantly improving water quality in our seas and rivers, not just to stop the damage but actually repair and restore.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The ecological environment in Xizang remained stable in 2024

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    LHASA, June 6 (Xinhua) — The ecological condition of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region has remained stable overall and continued to improve, and it still ranks among the regions with the best ecological environment quality in the world, according to an official report released by the Xizang Autonomous Region’s Ecology and Environment Administration on Thursday.

    According to the report, the air and water quality in Xizang was consistently good in 2024. Six national-level environmental monitoring stations were established in the region.

    There are 97 nature reserves in Xizang, covering a total area of 434,000 square kilometers, home to 246 species of wild animals under state protection. Notably, more than 80 percent of the world’s population of Tibetan antelope, wild yaks, and black-necked cranes spend the winter in Xizang.

    Luo Kaituo, an official from the aforementioned department, said that in 2024, Xizang’s forest area increased by 1.06 million mu (about 70,667 hectares). -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Committee Corridor, Episode 4 out now 🎧

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The UK faces a dual crisis: not enough homes, and a climate emergency. Can we fix both?

    On Committee Corridor Episode 4, our host Toby Perkins, sits down with Kate Henderson from the National Federation of Housing, Joe Powell MP, and Lord Moylan to discuss the UK’s urgent housing crisis and climate commitments.

    Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D-92jsutzA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African countries are bad at issuing bonds, so debt costs more than it should: what needs to change

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

    Over the past two decades, African countries have increasingly turned to international capital markets to meet their development financing needs. For example, Kenya and Benin raised a combined US$2.5 billion through bond issuances during the first half of 2025. Proceeds were used to repay maturing bonds. This means new bonds, with unfavourable terms, are being issued to pay previous lenders.

    Yet African bonds are substantially mispriced, resulting in excessively high yields that are not justified by fundamentals – based on economic, fiscal and institutional strengths. Mispricing occurs when a country has high economic growth, stable institutions that support government policy implementation, rule of law and accountability, yet its bonds trade at higher yields than those of its peers. In other words, there will be every reason for investors to trust that the country will repay what it owes, but they still expect a higher return. This is happening because of lack of information and biases perpetuated by global entities that are facilitating bond sells in Africa.

    Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal have strong growth (5% to 6.5%), yet they face high yields on their bonds (7.8% to 8.2%) compared to Namibia and Morocco with approximately 3% growth and bond interest of 6%.

    This mispricing imposes a heavy debt servicing burden on already constrained public budgets.

    At the same time African countries face a puzzling paradox: while they’re paying more for the debt they’re raising, the demand for these bonds is much higher (oversubscribed). All bond issuances in Africa are subscribed by as much as over five times. This has only been common in Africa. It is puzzling why governments are not leveraging on the high demand to bargain for lower interest rates.

    In my view, based on my bond pricing modelling expertise, I believe that mispricing of Eurobonds in Africa – debt instruments issued by a country in a currency different from its own – is not a market anomaly. It shows internal capacity failures in African countries, structural market biases and insufficient understanding of the complex mechanics of global debt markets.

    Oversubscription of Eurobonds should be a source of power for African governments, not a missed opportunity. African countries can move from being price takers to price negotiators. They should be able to reduce debt costs, freeing up resources for development.

    But to get there African countries need to address the power imbalance in the markets.

    Governments need to invest in bond pricing expertise to increase their negotiating power.

    The false success signal of oversubscription

    There are several reasons why African bonds remain mispriced at a higher interest despite the oversubscriptions.

    Firstly, a lack of technical expertise in primary bond issuance in the debt management offices of the majority of African governments. Very few on the continent have intelligence systems for gathering information on financial markets and formal investor relations programmes. Neither do they have in-house quantitative analysts or pricing specialists capable of engaging investment banks on an equal footing during roadshows and negotiations.

    The debt management offices are unable to engage confidently and critically with financial intermediaries to challenge assumptions, simulate pricing scenarios and conduct their own comparative market analysis.

    After initial public offers, most governments don’t engage with holders of their bonds on the secondary market. Nor do they monitor bond post-issuance performance. The lack of interest in the secondary market has created a feedback loop where poor market intelligence has contributed to high coupons on new issuances.

    Secondly, advanced economies engage investors regularly through briefings, roadshows and timely reports. Communication by African governments is often ad hoc and usually limited to the period around a new bond issuance.

    This prevents investors from forming informed, long-term views. It leads to a default risk premium in pricing.

    Thirdly, debt issuance by African governments is often politically driven rather than strategically timed. Often this leads to rushed or ill-prepared entries.

    Sometimes it’s done when the cost of debt is rising globally, close to election cycles, or because governments are facing a financial crunch caused by falling reserves.

    Read more: African governments have developed a taste for Eurobonds: why it’s dangerous

    Fourth, African sovereigns often approach the Eurobond market with weak negotiating power. They are heavily reliant on a small pool of western investment banks as technical advisors to manage the bond issuance. These banks tend to be more inclined towards their own global investment client networks. Their incentives are not aligned with achieving the lowest possible yield for the issuers.

    African issuers often accept the initial price guidance from advisors and agree to high yields even in oversubscribed situations. Even when demand could support a lower yield, African issuers fail to negotiate pricing downwards. Issuing syndicates have no incentive to push for optimal pricing for the issuer as they receive transaction-based fees.

    Read more: African countries aren’t borrowing too much: they’re paying too much for debt

    The role of bond issuing syndicates is a major factor in the mispricing. In bond issuance, a syndicate is a group of financial institutions that structures the bond, price and market (also known bookbuilding), underwrite the unsold portion of the bond, sell the bond to their investors, and ensure compliance and documentation. These syndicates set coupon rates higher than necessary as a conservative hedge against perceived investor scepticism.

    African governments have become passive participants rather than active price-setters. African-based bond syndicates are systematically bypassed despite growing regional capacity and distribution networks. Bond issues are also allocated to offshore buyers, sidelining local institutional investors.

    Breaking the cycle of mispricing

    To correct the systemic Eurobond mispricing and reduce debt servicing costs, African countries must undertake reforms.

    First, governments should invest in debt management capacity.

    Second, they must actively monitor secondary market trading to identify opportunities such as bond buybacks and exchanges that could improve the debt profile. Real-time analytics on bond trading performance should inform future issuance terms and investor communication strategies.

    Third, governments must build institutional routines for submitting data, and proactively engage investors and rating agencies. This will challenge and influence risk assumptions. Investors need consistent assurances, especially on the ability to easily exit positions.

    Fourth, African countries need to maintain and monitor up-to-date benchmarks from peers with comparable pricing data. Without accurate comparisons, it is difficult to know whether the proposed bond pricing by syndicates is fair and accurate. They must stop solely relying on what investment banks recommends.

    Lastly, African governments should involve at least one African-based syndicate member, prioritise allocation to African institutional investors and promote regional arrangements with international banks to ensure knowledge transfer and equitable participation.

    – African countries are bad at issuing bonds, so debt costs more than it should: what needs to change
    – https://theconversation.com/african-countries-are-bad-at-issuing-bonds-so-debt-costs-more-than-it-should-what-needs-to-change-257128

    MIL OSI Africa –