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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine: it’s clear right now there are no serious plans for peace

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    When it comes to the sincerity, or otherwise, of Vladimir Putin’s apparent willingness to talk peace with Ukraine, the Russian leader has given us plenty of hints. He may insist he wants to see a deal done and an end to the killing. But his insistence that any agreement would have to address the “root causes” of the war is a clear indication that he hasn’t rowed back from his original maximalist war aims. To whit: no Nato membership, a Kremlin-friendly government in Kyiv, ownership of Crimea and control – preferably annexation – of the four provinces of Ukraine presently under Russian occupation.

    Meanwhile his great ally Dmitry Medvedev continues to insist that there are at present no Ukrainian officials who legitimately qualify as partners for negotiation. The Russian national security council secretary claims that Ukraine is a “failed state” whose leaders’ lack of legitimacy, meanwhile, raise “serious questions” about who Russia can conclude any agreement with.

    So when Donald Trump said this week after a two-hour chat with Putin that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately start negotiations” toward a ceasefire, it’s not clear who he thought the Russian president was planning to talk to if, as Putin and his cronies insist, Zelensky and his team are not legitimate. And, from what he had to say about his recent phone call with Putin, it appears that Trump has his eyes more on the sorts of deals that might be done with Russia once this is all cleared up.

    As he posted on his Truth Social platform after talking with Putin: “Russia wants to do largescale [sic] TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic ‘bloodbath’ is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED.”

    Accordingly, he has backed away from his previous willingness to join Europe in imposing fresh sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile Russia continues to hammer Ukraine both on the battlefield and via ever larger drone and missiles attacks against its civilian population.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    The real clue to Trump’s attitude, writes Stefan Wolff, is the order of phone calls on Monday. Before settling down to talk with Putin, the US president put in a call to the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Reporting back on the call, Zelensky said he had urged Trump that he mustn’t make any decisions about Ukraine “without us”. Having subsequently spoken at length with Putin, Trump emerged saying in his Truth Social post that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” towards a ceasefire and an end to the war.

    The state of the conflict in Ukraine, May 21 2025.
    Institute for the Study of War

    But Wolff, professor of international security at the University of Birmingham who has written regularly here about the conflict, believes that the fact that Trump added the conditions for peace “will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be” suggests he is indeed planning to abandon his peacemaking ambitions. The whole deal was taking far longer than the 24 hours he boasted of during the election campaign last year.

    Where this leaves Europe is unclear, writes Wolff. If it can no longer rely on Washington as a security partner (and the signs aren’t good), then this will require a substantial rethink. Indeed there are signs, with the UK’s recent agreement over security and defence, that minds are increasingly focused on a more self-reliant future. In turn, this has implications for US security. If Europe is compelled to rethink its security relationship with the US it could cut both ways as Washington pivots to face an increasingly aggressive China.



    Read more:
    After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine

    Of course, it should have been clear to all concerned not to take Putin at face value over his apparent willingness to talk peace with Zelensky when he failed to turn up to talks in Istanbul at the end of last week. As Natasha Lindstaedt writes here, none of the main players attended the talks, despite plans for Putin, Zelensky and Trump to all meet face-to-face.

    Lindstaedt, an expert in international relations at the University of Essex, describes what for all the world seemed like a bizarre game of bluff – certainly as far as Putin and Trump are concerned. All three leaders had promised to be there, but in the end they all sent intermediaries with the result that nothing of any consequence was agreed. Trump’s aides insisted that if Putin attended he would be there. Then the US president said the reason that Putin hadn’t turned up was because he knew Trump wasn’t going to be there.

    “It’s certainly hard to take peace talks seriously when there is an awkward back-and-forth just about who is going to attend,” Lindstaedt concludes. “And while Trump thinks peace is only possible through bilateral meetings between himself and Putin, it’s clear he can’t even influence Putin to show up to peace talks that the Russian president himself suggested.”



    Read more:
    Putin is testing how far he can push Trump by not turning up for Istanbul talks

    Pie in the sky?

    The US president, meanwhile, has announced plans for an ambitious missile defence system to be called “Golden Dome”. It’s a next-generation system, says Trump, “capable even of intercepting missiles launched from the other side of the world, or launched from space”.

    The plan, for which US$25 billion (£18.6 billion) has been set aside in the US president’s “one big beautiful bill”, presently before the US Congress, calls for a network of surveillance satellites complemented by a separate fleet of offensive satellites that would shoot down offensive missiles soon after lift-off. Trump has estimated this will cost US$175 billion and will be completed by the end of his current four-year term. But other estimates are that it will be much more expensive and take far longer to complete.

    “There has never been anything like this”, the US president said. And indeed there hasn’t, writes Matthew Powell, an expert in air power from the University of Portsmouth. In fact, Powell is deeply sceptical that the technology to enable such an ambitious defence system exists at present. He points to Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, which became known by critics, with their tongues in their cheeks, as “Star Wars”, which never really got any further than the drawing board.

    It did, however, have the effect of signalling to the Kremlin and the Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, that the sky would be the limit in terms of US willingness to push the boundaries of defence spending. Powell believes it significantly changed the calculations when it came to the feasibility of continuing the nuclear arms race and may have been responsible for the end of the cold war.



    Read more:
    Golden Dome: what Trump should learn from Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ missile defence system plan

    Incidentally, the US president’s funding bill scraped through the House of Representatives with 215 votes for and 214 against. In addition to setting aside funds for Golden Dome, the bill, which in its current form adds trillions of dollars to the US debt, has been described by Democrat critics as a “tax scam”. A statement from Democrat leaders said: “This fight is just beginning, and House Democrats will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the GOP Tax Scam is buried deep in the ground, never to rise again.”

    But how much stomach do the Democrats have for the fight? They’ve had a pretty terrible few months since the election. Their approval rating in March was at 29%, the worst since polling began in 1992. Fernando Pizarro, a lecturer in journalism at City St Georges, University of London, who has several Emmys under his belt for his work on US politics, has cast his eye over some of the leading Democrats who he thinks will spearhead the opposition to the Republicans over the next few years and identifies a few players who could vie for the presidential nomination in 2028.



    Read more:
    The top Democrats leading the fight against Trump’s agenda

    Gaza: situation increasingly desperate

    Meanwhile, after 11 weeks of Israeli blockade of aid to the people of Gaza, limited deliveries have now recommenced in the face of pressure from both the US and increasingly outspoken interventions from the likes of the UK, France and Canada.

    But despite reports that up to 100 trucks are now being allowed into the Gaza Strip, human rights agencies and aid organisations have said that there is a desperate threat of widespread starvation unless the amount of food, fuel and medicine getting through increases exponentially. And fast.

    There is talk of a US-administered programme, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which could be up and running by the end of May and could accelerate the delivery of vital supplies to the civilian population while ensuring it does not does not get into the hands of militants or black marketeers.

    But this scheme has its critics, write Sarah Schiffling and Liz Breen, experts in humanitarian logistics and health service operations at Hanken School of Economics and the University of Bradford respectively. They point to a number of flaws, including the plan to concentrate the secure distribution points in southern and central Gaza, forcing large numbers of people to travel considerable distances for supplies.

    The GHF plan also calls for aid distribution to be coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces, which humanitarian organisations says is a “humanitarian cover for a military strategy of control and dispossession”.

    Schiffling and Breen point out that humanitarian organisations have 160,000 pallets of supplies and almost 9,000 aid trucks ready to be dispatched across the border “as soon as Israel allows it”. Whether Israel will allow it is, of course, another question entirely.



    Read more:
    Israel allows a ‘limited’ amount of aid back into Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is desperate

    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. Ukraine: it’s clear right now there are no serious plans for peace – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-its-clear-right-now-there-are-no-serious-plans-for-peace-257388

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Western Cape Govt welcomes additional funding allocated to provinces for health, education

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Western Cape Government (WCG) has welcomed the additional funding allocated to provinces for education and health services in the Budget presented by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana on Wednesday.

    Godongwana announced that the provincial education sector’s baseline budget over the 2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) will be R1.04 trillion, with an additional R9.5 billion allocated over the medium-term. 

    This funding aims to retain teachers in classrooms and hire more staff.

    In addition, R10 billion has been included in the baseline to maintain expanded access to early education, as announced in last month’s budget. 

    This adjustment will increase the Early Childhood Development (ECD) subsidy from R17 per child per day to R24. 

    According to the Minister, this extra funding will also support increased access to ECD for an additional 700 000 children up to the age of five.

    Meanwhile, the provincial health sector budget has been projected to be R845 billion over the medium-term.

    This budget will be increased by R20.8 billion over three years to hire 800 post-community service doctors and to cover essential goods and services, as well as to reduce accrued liabilities. 

    The Minister noted that this increase will help address pressure on the personnel budget in the health sector.

    The WCG has recognised the challenging fiscal environment in which this budget has been formulated.

    “However, provincial government budgets remain under intense pressure, and we note that provincial fiscal frameworks have not been further cut to protect critical services.” 

    Western Cape Premier Alan Winde acknowledged that the 2025 budget process has been difficult and contentious, but said they were relieved that the key compromises have been made and that citizens will be spared from the value-added tax (VAT) hike. 

    Meanwhile, the Western Cape MEC for Finance, Deidré Baartman, said the provincial government aims to table its new budget in the first week of June 2025. 

    “We also urge all municipalities in the province to table and adopt their budgets by the end of June, in line with legislative timelines, and to ensure that service delivery continues to reach our communities uninterrupted,” said Baartman. 

    The Premier said the additional allocations for health and education will only come into effect in the adjustment budget later this year. 

    “The main budget provides provinces with a clearer understanding of how we will manage the significant fiscal challenges over the current financial year,” Winde said. 

    The Premier said the province’s population grew by nearly 20% between 2015 and 2024 – a 19.6% increase over this period. 

    Over the next decade, the Western Cape is expected to grow by another two million people. 

    “We welcome those who are making the Western Cape their home and want to contribute to our success, but we must find ways to simultaneously build our services to meet their needs and the funding to support this.

    “The majority of provincial budget funding comes from national government – thus, not increasing provincial envelopes in real terms has a direct impact on service delivery, such as health, education, and social development,” Winde said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Gauteng Premier Lesufi updates on key provincial programmes

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Law enforcement in Gauteng has arrested at least 150 suspects identified as alleged “major contributors” to crime in the province.

    This according to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi who briefed the media on Thursday.

    Earlier this year in his State of the Province Address, Lesufi identified crime as an apex priority to resolve with some 450 individuals identified as perpetrators.

    “[Our] commitment to tracking and apprehending those responsible for major crimes has yielded significant results. Recently, two key kingpins involved in cash in transit crimes in Gauteng were arrested and fatally wounded during police operations. 

    “To date, we have apprehended over 150 of the nearly 450 criminals identified as major contributors to crime in the province. The number of kidnappings, cash is transit heists has decreased. Sadly, reported cases of gender-based violence and femicide are not decreasing as we expect them to,” he said.

    Gauteng municipal law enforcement agencies, police and private security have signed an agreement which will see these agencies work together beyond municipal boundaries.

    “We now work together. We had a major operation in the Vaal last month. Next month, we are going to Ekurhuleni where we will exercise the joint operation…and try to identify those that are responsible for criminal activity and creating chaos in our province. The long-term plan is to invade the Johannesburg CBD,” he said.

    Road Maintenance and Infrastructure

    Lesufi revealed that in an effort to deal with potholes in the province, the provincial government has partnered with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to map potholes in the province.

    “According to the latest report from CSIR, our province has 5400km of road infrastructure, comprising 5000km of tarred roads and 1800km of gravel roads. Currently, only 35% of this network is in good condition,” he said.

    The Premier added that some R1.5 billion has been allocated for immediate road repairs and maintenance.

    “Additionally, by the end of 2025, we will take over the coordination of road maintenance programs currently managed by provinces and municipalities to ensure more efficient service delivery. 

    “We wish to apologise to all motorists who are subjected to driving in roads that are full of potholes, we do have a plan and the budget to address this challenge,” he said.

    Local municipalities will now also handle the maintenance of provincial streetlights to “expedite repairs”.

    “We have already finalised an agency agreement with the Johannesburg Municipality, and negotiations with Tshwane Municipality are at an advanced stage. 

    “Furthermore, an estimated R350 million is required to clear the backlog of traffic signal repairs across the province,” he said. 

    The Presidential Johannesburg Working Group (PJWG) – aimed at resolving the challenges facing the city – is also at work.

    “The [PJWG]…has resumed its work. So far, we have successfully reclaimed 12 illegally occupied buildings through court interventions,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Online Child Sex Abuse Material

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in reintroducing the STOP CSAM Act. The bipartisan bill would crack down on child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by promoting transparency in the tech industry, while empowering victims to seek justice against culpable platforms.
    “Too many precious young lives have been lost and destroyed by online sexual exploitation and abuse. Tech companies that turn a blind eye to online child sex abuse are complicit in the harm that follows,” Grassley said. “The bipartisan STOP CSAM Act would hold Big Tech accountable and secure much needed justice for victims and their families.”
    “Every day that Congress fails to protect kids online is another day that online predators can victimize children and steal their innocence—and social media companies are totally complicit,” Hawley said. “To stop them, Congress must give parents and victims the right to sue these companies, and my bipartisan legislation would empower them to do just that.”
    “In the real world, child safety is a top priority. But in the virtual world, criminals and bullies don’t need to pick a lock or wait outside the playground to cause harm. They can harass, intimidate, addict, or sexually exploit our kids without leaving home,” Durbin said. “Big Tech has woefully failed to police itself, and the American people are demanding that Congress intervene. We made significant headway last year to address Big Tech’s failure to protect our kids online and it’s time to build on that progress. I’m glad to partner with Senator Hawley to reintroduce our bill supporting victims of child sexual exploitation and increasing accountability for tech companies.”
    Grassley, Hawley and Durbin are joined by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).
    Read the full bill text HERE.
    Background:
    Earlier this Congress, Grassley chaired a Judiciary Committee hearing to examine children’s safety online, including current protections and legal gaps. 
    Last Congress, the STOP CSAM Act was reported out of the Judiciary Committee with unanimous bipartisan support, but was eventually blocked by Democrats on the Senate floor.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Announces Hold On The Nomination Of The U.S. Attorney For The Southern District Of Florida

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    May 22, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today announced that he is holding the nomination of Jason Reding Quiñones to be a United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, as well as leaving open the possibility of holds on future U.S. Attorney nominees.

    During last week’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, Durbin noted that because of then-Senator J.D. Vance holding U.S. Attorney nominations during the Biden Administration, there is now a new precedent for roll call votes on the Floor for confirming U.S. Attorney nominees. For decades, the Senate confirmed U.S. Attorneys by voice vote or unanimous consent after they had been considered in the Judiciary Committee. That precedent changed during the Biden Administration when a Senate Republican refused to allow the Senate to confirm nearly a dozen Justice Department nominees by voice vote—the typical practice. During the first Trump Administration, all 85 of President Trump’s U.S. Attorney nominees moved through the Judiciary Committee and were confirmed by the Senate by unanimous consent.

    “I appreciate Chairman Grassley’s previous statements that he will continue to honor the blue slip, as I did for my four years as Chair. Blue slips are critical to ensuring that district court judges, U.S. Attorneys, and U.S. Marshals have the support of their home state Senators.

    “However, because of then-Senator J.D. Vance holding U.S. Attorney nominations during the Biden Administration, there is now a new precedent for roll call votes on the Floor for confirming U.S. Attorney nominees. As I’ve said time and time again—there cannot be one set of rules for Republicans and another set for Democrats.

    “Because of the precedent set by then-Senator Vance, I am holding the nomination of Jason Reding Quiñones to be a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida to ensure the appropriate Floor time is spent considering his nomination, which I may continue to do for other U.S. Attorney nominees who are reported to the Floor in the future.”

    During last week’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, Durbin also called on the White House to work in good faith with Senators from both sides of the aisle to find U.S. Attorney candidates who will have home state support. Durbin cautioned that while this has been the case for filling some vacancies, not all Democratic Senators have been afforded the same opportunity to consult with the Trump White House.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: DeGette Statement Opposing Passage of the Republican Big, Bogus Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after House Republicans passed a bill that would kick millions of Americans off their health care and impose a massive cut in nutritional assistance, all to pay for their billionaire tax cuts.

    “After shady back-room deals, hearings in the dark of night, bullying from the president, and hyper partisanship, House Republicans have forced through Trump’s ‘One, Big Bogus Bill’ that will kick over 13 million Americans off their health care to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. They are kicking hard-working Americans to the side so they can pad the pockets of people like Elon Musk.

    “This bill was hastily put together following hidden negotiations, overnight markups, and the last-minute release of bill text so the American people couldn’t learn what is in the bill.

    “This bill will take health care away from seniors, children, disabled Americans, and veterans, including 26,760 Denverites. It takes food stamps and nutrition assistance away from millions of families. It defunds Planned Parenthood and takes away basic health care coverage for over 1 million Americans. This monstrosity of a bill is so skewed towards the wealthiest Americans that more than 66% of the benefits would go to the top 20 percent of households by income, and people making less than $51,000 a year will actually see their taxes go up.

    “This bill makes life harder for the American people while enriching the top earners in our country. I voted against this terrible legislation, and I will continue to fight against this extreme and cruel agenda.” 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Buildings Department refuses application for registration renewal for contractor

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said today (May 22) that the Buildings Department (BD) has refused the application for registration renewal of Aggressive Construction Company Limited (ACCL).

         As a registered general building contractor (RGBC), the registration of ACCL expired in April 2023. It was involved in three serious incidents, including a fatal incident in 2022 involving the collapse of a tower crane at a construction site at Anderson Road, a fatal incident in July 2020 involving the electrocution of a worker at a construction site at Wang Chin Street, and a fatal incident in October 2023 involving a worker falling from height at a construction site at To Wah Road. These incidents resulted in a total of five deaths. The BD referred the renewal application to the Contractors Registration Committee (CRC) for interview and assessment in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance (BO). The CRC is established under the BO and its key members are nominated by the relevant building professional registration boards and the industry. After several rounds of interviews, the CRC was not satisfied that the authorised signatories of ACCL were competent and capable in site supervision and safety management to act on behalf of ACCL for the purpose of the BO, and was not satisfied that the contractor had proper site safety management. After careful consideration of CRC’s recommendation, the BD has decided to refuse ACCL’s application for registration renewal. The BD issued today a letter to ACCL, notifying that it will be removed from the register of general building contractors on June 20, and that it will not be allowed to carry out any building works under the BO from that date onwards.

         The BD has also requested ACCL to inform the authorised persons (APs) of the building sites of the relevant private development projects under its charge in accordance with the law, including submitting to the APs a notice of cessation of appointment, certifying that the building works carried out are in accordance with the provisions of the BO and its regulations, and giving a clear account of the scope of the completed building works. At the same time, the BD also issued a letter to inform the APs responsible for the relevant building sites that the application for renewal of registration of ACCL has been refused, reminding the APs that they should make arrangements for the remaining works as soon as possible, including proposing to the owner of the project the appointment of another registered contractor to follow up the outstanding building works and ensuring that the building works of the project have been carried out in compliance with the provisions of the BO and its regulations. A copy of the letter has been copied to the relevant project owners. It is believed that the relevant owners will expeditiously and properly handle and hand over the outstanding works with the original contractor and appoint another suitable registered contractor to continue with the relevant works as soon as possible.

         ACCL is currently the main contractor for six development projects, three of which are public housing projects (including the public housing development at Tuen Mun Area 29 West, the public housing development at Tung Chung Area 100, and the underground link of Pak Tin Estate redevelopment Phase 10), one is a public works project for the construction of a new Chai Wan Government Complex, one is a subsidised sale housing project on Anderson Road by the Hong Kong Housing Society, and the remaining one is a student and staff dormitory project of the University of Hong Kong on Pok Fu Lam Road. With ACCL being removed from the register of general building contractors, it will no longer be allowed to carry out five of the residential and hostel projects mentioned above according to the law or contract terms. As for the public works project of Chai Wan Government Complex, although it is neither bound by the BO or relevant contract terms to employ a contractor from the register of general building contractors for this project, in view of the slow progress over the past months and the fact that the performance of the contractor is far below contract requirements, the relevant works department will terminate the contract as soon as possible in accordance with the contractual mechanism. The Housing Authority and the relevant works department will follow up with ACCL as soon as possible to arrange for a new contractor to take over the project sites within two months of ACCL leaving the site, so as to complete the remaining works and to minimise the impact on the projects.

         In order to minimise the impact to current workers and subcontractors, the Government encourages new contractors for the projects concerned to take priority in engaging current workers and subcontractors. In addition, special consultation counters have been set up at ten Regional Offices of the Labour Relations Division of the Labour Department (LD) to provide appropriate assistance to affected workers. If affected workers need assistance or have enquiries in respect of matters of employment or employees’ rights, they may call the Construction Industry Recruitment Centre (Tel: 3428 3303) or the Labour Relations Division (Tel: 2927 6080) of the LD during office hours. 

         During the processing of the registration renewal application, relevant departments and parties have strengthened efforts to ensure site safety at ACCL’s construction sites. Apart from proactively doubling surprise inspections to private construction sites, the BD has also required project owners and ACCL to implement additional measures to enhance site supervision. As for public construction sites, the responsible parties have also strengthened site supervision. From now until ACCL’s removal from the register, these enhanced measures will continue to be in place if construction activities are still taking place at the construction sites.

         Ms Linn emphasised, “We understand that the decision to refuse the registration renewal may have an impact on the works in progress, but the BD, as the regulatory authority, is required to process registration renewal applications rigorously and professionally in accordance with the BO, which clearly stipulates the factors to be taken into account by the BD. These factors are mainly for assessing whether the registered contractor continues to have the competence, experience, qualifications and suitable appointed persons to act on its behalf in discharging statutory obligations in respect of building works under construction, including building safety. We need to ensure that the system for renewing the registration of registered contractors can play an effective gatekeeping role in maintaining the professional standard of the industry, separating the wheat from the chaff and sending a clear message to the industry and the community, so that the construction industry can continue to develop healthily.”

         She supplemented, “Refusing the application for renewal of registration of ACCL is only one of the series of follow-up actions taken by the Government following construction site fatal incidents. In 2023, the BD and the LD instigated prosecutions against ACCL and related individuals under their respective ordinances regarding the collapse of a tower crane on Anderson Road. The case will be heard in January 2026. The involved authorised signatory of ACCL was also charged with manslaughter in 2024, which will be heard in July 2025. As for the other two serious incidents, ACCL and related individuals were convicted and fined under labour ordinances for the 2020 incident, while the 2023 incident will be heard in July 2025.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ECN Capital Announces Annual Meeting Voting Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN) (“ECN Capital” or the “Corporation”) confirmed today that the eight nominees listed in its management information circular (the “Circular”) dated April 22, 2025 were elected as directors at today’s annual meeting of the holders of common shares (“Common Shares”) and mandatory convertible preferred shares, Series E (“Series E Shares”) of ECN Capital (the “Meeting”). There were 210,980,127 Common Shares and 27,450,000 Series E Shares represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting (representing approximately 77.19% of the votes attached to the outstanding shares of ECN Capital). The holders of Common Shares and Series E Shares voted together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote at the Meeting. The voting results for the Meeting held earlier today by virtual meeting are set out below.

    At the Meeting, the following eight individuals nominated to serve as directors of ECN Capital’s board of directors (the “Board”) were elected by ballot. Proxies and votes received at the Meeting were as follows:

        For Withheld  
      William Lovatt 99.97% 0.03%  
      Steven Hudson 99.97% 0.03%  
      Paul Stoyan 99.97% 0.03%  
      David Morris 99.97% 0.03%  
      Carol E. Goldman 99.98% 0.02%  
      Karen Martin 99.94% 0.06%  
      Tawn Kelley 98.02% 1.98%  
      Tarun Mehta 99.97% 0.03%  

    At the Meeting, the following resolutions as set out in the Circular were passed as ordinary resolutions of ECN Capital’s shareholders by ballot. Proxies and votes received at the Meeting were as follows:

      Resolutions For Withheld  
      Re-appointment of Auditors 99.87% 0.13%  
        For Against  
      Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote 99.31% 0.69%  
      Option Plan Resolution (as defined in the Circular) 86.58% 13.42%  
      DSU Plan Resolution (as defined in the Circular) 86.82% 13.18%  
      Unit Plan Resolution (as defined in the Circular) 86.82% 13.18%  

    The results of these matters considered at the Meeting are reported in the Report of Voting Results as filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) on May 22, 2025.

    Tarun Mehta Elected to ECN Capital’s Board

    ECN Capital is pleased to welcome Tarun Mehta to the Board following his election at the Meeting. Mr. Mehta is a former senior executive officer of Truist Financial Corporation (“Truist”) and worked closely with ECN Capital in connection with our ownership in and subsequent sale of Service Finance Company (“Service Finance”). ECN Capital sold Service Finance to Truist in December 2021 for approximately US$2 billion and distributed substantially all of the after-tax proceeds to shareholders of the Corporation in the form of a special distribution of C$7.50 per share.

    Mr. Mehta was most recently the Head of Strategy, Transformation & Corporate Development of Truist, one of the top 10 largest banks in the United States, with businesses in retail banking, corporate and investment banking, commercial banking and wealth management. Mr. Mehta has extensive experience in investment banking, assisting financial institutions with debt and equity capital raises, asset-backed security transactions and mergers & acquisitions. Mr. Mehta also has a strong background in corporate strategy and enterprise transformation, with experience developing and implementing the long-term enterprise strategic plan for Truist. He was a member of the Operating Council of Truist. Mr. Mehta will be appointed Chair of the Credit & Risk Committee, replacing David Morris.

    About ECN Capital Corp.

    With managed assets of US$6.9 billion, ECN Capital is a leading provider of business services to North American based banks, credit unions, life insurance companies, pension funds and institutional investors (collectively, our “Partners”). ECN Capital originates, manages and advises on credit assets on behalf of its Partners, specifically consumer (manufactured housing and recreational vehicle and marine) loans and commercial (inventory finance and rental) loans. Our Partners are seeking high quality assets to match with their deposits, term insurance or other liabilities. These services are offered through two operating segments: (i) Manufactured Housing Finance, and (ii) Recreational Vehicles and Marine Finance.

    Contact

    Katherine Moradiellos
    561-631-8739
    kmoradiellos@ecncapitalcorp.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Keeping Americans Safe

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    “National security is at the core of our national interest. The most important thing the federal government does is keep America safe. Without safety you can’t have prosperity.” — Secretary of State Marco Rubio in testimony to the House Committee on Appropriations on May 21, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/StateDept
    Substack: https://statedept.substack.com

    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSTATEBPA/signup/32562

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnAPISkyt7A

    MIL OSI Video –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio meets with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio meets with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares at the Department of State, on May 22, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/StateDept
    Substack: https://statedept.substack.com

    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSTATEBPA/signup/32562

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFm3ay0W-DA

    MIL OSI Video –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding for redevelopment of Borrodale School on Isle of Skye.

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Scottish Government have awarded The Highland Council £450k from the Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme for a project to renovate Borrodale School and School House.

    The project aims to develop an innovative solution to the renovation which will provide much needed affordable housing, but which also supports the local community, businesses and minimises the carbon footprint both during construction and in use.

    Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “This is exactly the type of project the Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme should be supporting. The renovation of this derelict school and school house will create 5 or 6 fuel efficient user-friendly housing unit, in an area where affordable housing is very limited.”

    The Council will the administer the funding and the project will be delivered by the Communities Housing Trust Communities Housing Scotland (CHT) working with The Glendale Trust.

    The project will be a case study to demonstrate how derelict buildings can be refurbished cost effectively, provide significant benefits to the community and much needed housing.

    While undertaking the renovation, under existing building regulations, each stage will be analysed to determine improvements that could make renovations a more attractive and cost-effective option.

    Councillor Gowans added: “Improvements identified could include changes to regulations and planning status, project efficiencies, energy management, waste management and reduction in environmental impact.

    “I wish everyone involved all the very best as they move forward with this exciting transformation project.”

    22 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterbury Man Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Violent Carjacking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL McCANN-ORTIZ, also known as “Bando,” 24, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 95 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent carjacking.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of June 18, 2023, two all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”) were stolen from a Waterbury residence.  After the theft, McCann-Ortiz and others mistakenly identified an individual (“Victim 1”) who they incorrectly believed was involved in the theft.  Later that night, Victim 1’s friend, (“Victim 2”), picked up Victim 1 from work and drove him home.  As they arrived at Victim 1’s residence, three vehicles followed them and surrounded the victims.  McCann-Ortiz and his associates, one of whom carried an assault-style rifle, exited the vehicles and approached the victims.  McCann-Ortiz and his associates demanded the return of the stolen ATVs, threatened to harm both victims, and physically assaulted them.

    Specifically, McCann-Ortiz repeatedly threatened to kill the victims, and punched and kicked one victim, causing serious bodily injury.

    McCann-Ortiz and his associates then stole Victim 2’s vehicle, which was owned by Victim 2’s relative, and other items and cash belonging to the victims.  McCann-Ortiz and his associates continued to harass the victims in the following days.

    McCann-Ortiz has been detained since his arrest on unrelated state charges on July 10, 2023.  On February 27, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury.

    This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Waterbury Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan J. Guevremont and David T. Huang.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Missouri Delegation Urge White House to Issue Federal Disaster Declaration For Late April Storms

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) led members of the Missouri Delegation—including Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and U.S. House Members Ann Wagner, Robert Onder, Mark Alford, Jason Smith, Sam Graves, and Eric Burlison—in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Kehoe’s request for a federal disaster declaration following the severe storms and tornadoes in Missouri on April 29, 2025.

    The Governor made this request on May 19, which, if approved, would unlock federal funds and assistance to restore public infrastructure. 

    “This declaration is vital to providing the resources, technical support, and federal assistance necessary for these communities to repair public infrastructure, address recovery needs, and begin rebuilding after this devastating weather event,” the lawmakers wrote.

    We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of this request. Missourians are resilient and committed to rebuilding, and federal assistance will be a crucial part of helping them move forward,” the delegation concluded.

    Separately, Senator Hawley has been working to unlock federal aid for the more recent tornados in Eastern Missouri and sent a letter today urging approval of a special emergency designation to provide federal reimbursement for first responder activities.

    Read the full letter here or below.

    May 21, 2025

    The Honorable Donald J. Trump
    President of the United States
    The White House
    1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
    Washington, DC 20500

    Dear President Trump, 

    We write in strong support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major presidential disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, for public assistance in six Missouri counties affected by severe storms and tornadoes on April 29, 2025. This declaration is vital to providing the resources, technical support, and federal assistance necessary for these communities to repair public infrastructure, address recovery needs, and begin rebuilding after this devastating weather event.

    On May 19, 2025, Governor Kehoe formally requested a major disaster declaration following widespread damage caused by a cluster of severe storms and eight confirmed tornadoes that hit Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, and Washington counties. Joint assessments conducted by FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials estimate more than $16.5 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure, including damage to a public elementary school, transportation facilities, utility distribution lines, and roads.

    A major presidential disaster declaration would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including the repair and replacement of roads, bridges, schools, and other public infrastructure. Prompt federal support is essential to help these communities recover from the storms’ aftermath and resume essential services for their residents.

    We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of this request. Missourians are resilient and committed to rebuilding, and federal assistance will be a crucial part of helping them move forward. Along with our fellow Missourians, we appreciate your immediate attention to this request and stand ready to assist.
                                        
    Sincerely,

    Josh Hawley
    United States Senator

    Eric S. Schmitt                          
    United States Senator              

    Eric Burlison                                                                           
    United States Representative                    

    Sam Graves                             
    United States Representative  

    Jason Smith                                                                            
    United States Representative                  

    Ann Wagner                               
    United States Representative    

    Robert Onder                                                                          
    United States Representative              

    Mark Alford                                   
    United States Representative

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Employment and Social Affairs Committee to discuss just transition in Ruhr area

    Source: European Parliament

    An Employment and Social Affairs Committee delegation is travelling to Germany’s Ruhr area to visit chemical and steel plants and educational facilities.

    Five MEPs from Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee will be in the Ruhr area from 26 to 28 May 2025 to meet with business leaders, trade union representatives and the state government. The delegation will be led by Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE). The other four members of the delegation are:

    Interested journalists can accompany the delegation or join the concluding press briefing on 27 May.

    On Monday 26 May, MEPs will visit the Chemical Park Marl, one of the largest chemical industry centres in Europe. They will also visit thyssenkrupp Duisburg, an international industrial and technology group.

    On Tuesday 27 May, the parliamentarians will meet workers and trade union representatives for a discussion at the Quaz-Ruhr Qualification Centre in Bochum. The delegation will also stop at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), where they will visit the Worldfactory Start-up-Center and Makerspace, both central RUB hubs for start-ups and technology transfer.

    In the afternoon, the MEPs will visit DASA − Germany’s largest exhibition on the world of work, where they will have a debate with the North Rhine-Westphalia State Minister for Labour, Health, and Social Affairs, Karl-Josef Laumann.

    Press briefing

    On Tuesday 27 May, at around 17:30, there will be a press briefing with Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE), the head of the delegation, and State Minister Karl-Josef Laumann at DASA, Working World Exhibit.

    For any media questions, or to register for the press briefing, you are kindly advised to get in touch with Parliament’s press officer in Germany, Thilo Kunzemann (email: thilo.kunzemann@europarl.europa.eu; phone: +49 171 388 4775).

    Background

    Historically, the Ruhr area is well-known across Europe for its production of coal, iron, and steel. Production reached peak levels in the 1950s, when the sector accounted for about 70% of the Ruhr’s total workforce. With decarbonisation, jobs in the sector have since decreased drastically, and the region has shifted from an industry-based economy to one based on services and knowledge. The region is often seen as a successful example of the just transition, having transformed into a major “green hub”.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Evaluation and future of the European Platform on Combating Homelessness – E-001367/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Platform on Combatting Homelessness was launched by the Lisbon Declaration in 2021 as a framework of cooperation, knowledge building and mutual learning, coordinated and facilitated by the Commission.

    In the context of the Platform, the Commission supports various ongoing projects and activities in the area of homelessness which strengthen the evidence base on the extent and nature of homelessness, provide concrete policy guidance to policy-makers[1] and enhance capabilities at national and local level.

    The work programme of the Platform, adopted in February 2022, guided its activities for the period 2022-2024[2]. A new work programme is planned to be discussed by its members in view of its adoption in June 2025.

    During the next phase, the Platform is meant to continue supporting national, regional and local authorities to develop integrated, housing-led strategies, monitor their actual impact and optimize the use of funding sources, as the European Social Fund Plus, to implement sustainable solutions.

    Also, the Platform’s work in relation to the scope, the drivers and effective policy responses should contribute to the preparation of future EU initiatives related to homelessness such as the new Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and the European Affordable Housing Plan.

    Since its launch the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness has evolved into an impactful initiative, illustrated by the adoption of national strategies in several Member States.

    The Commission remains fully committed to further strengthening its added value and thus reinforce concerted responses at all levels to effectively address the most extreme manifestation of poverty and social exclusion.

    • [1] The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Policy Toolkit on homelessness, launched in December 2024 provides guidance for policy-makers to prevent people from becoming homeless, support people who are experiencing homelessness, and provide sustainable pathways out of homelessness. Accessible here https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-toolkit-to-combat-homelessness_0fec780e-en.html.
    • [2] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4c863f95-cf93-4581-8b36-33259f9e8663_en?filename=UDW%20TRW1_ex_summary.pdf.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Monitoring of EPOCH platform activities – E-001470/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since its launch, the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness has evolved into an impactful initiative. It supports, among other things, Member States in designing or reviewing national homelessness strategies based on a person-centred, housing-led and integrated approach.

    The first work programme of the Platform for the period 2022-2024[1] had three work strands: data and analysis, mutual learning and access to finance.

    The activities supported by the Commission include[2]: a pilot project on a European Homelessness Count; two projects with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development on a policy toolkit and on monitoring and evaluation; a number of mutual learning events; the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness Practice project to promote knowledge and capacity building; and four social innovation projects on different aspects of homelessness.

    Finally, a working group co-chaired with the Council of Europe Development Bank aims at mapping funding options and at developing projects to combat homelessness.

    A new work programme, building on the ongoing activities, is currently being drafted with the input of Platform members. The Platform’s work is also expected to feed into the preparation of the forthcoming EU flagship social initiatives, namely the new Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and the European Affordable Housing Plan.

    • [1] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4c863f95-cf93-4581-8b36-33259f9e8663_en?filename=UDW%20TRW1_ex_summary.pdf.
    • [2] For a full overview of the activities and of the national strategies, see the website of the Platform: https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-social-inclusion/addressing-poverty-and-supporting-social-inclusion/homelessness_en.
    Last updated: 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The detrimental impact of housing market regulation on supply and prices – E-001072/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is carrying out a consultation during 2025 on the issues related to affordable housing raised by the Honourable Member, and following that, will put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP). This Plan will assess the specificities of the rental market, too.

    The Commission will also analyse and — if necessary — make further proposals related to short-term accommodation rentals and/or make proposals to address the use of the current housing stock.

    In addition, the Commission will conduct an analysis of the impact of housing speculation and its economic consequences, as well as propose follow-up actions where needed.

    At the same time, the Commission notes that housing — in line with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality — is mainly a responsibility of Member States, regions and local authorities and in developing the EAHP, the Commission will respect these principles.

    While the Commission does not at this stage plan to produce a report on the impact of national regulations on housing availability in the Member States, the Commission seeks solutions where value can be added at EU level and aims at facilitating the sharing of best practices among stakeholders.

    The Commission notes that it is important to attract private investments to housing. The Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) group have recently laid the foundations for a new pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing[1].

    The Commission will continue to work with EIB, national promotional banks, international financial institutions and other stakeholders to support local and national efforts.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_671.
    Last updated: 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Securing the EU’s external borders in the context of new migration flows – E-000996/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission recognises the challenges faced by Member States at EU external borders in managing migration flows. The Commission will continue to provide financial assistance through the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (BMVI) established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1148[1], and operational support via the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), as set out in Regulation (EU) 2019/1896[2].

    The Commission adopted a decision to provide an additional EUR 3 billion to support Member States with the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and to host refugees from Ukraine[3].

    Frontex’s deployment of personnel and equipment to vulnerable regions will be enhanced, subject to the available budget as well as Member State agreement and cooperation.

    The Commission is committed to strengthening Frontex’s capacity. Plans to increase logistical, financial, and operational support are under review, with a focus on ensuring adequate resources for border management. The Commission will work closely with Member States to assess needs and allocate resources effectively.

    Well-managed integration of migrants is part of the Pact on Asylum and Migration[4] and is important for its success. In the framework of the action plan on integration and inclusion[5], the Commission provides financial support to Member States on migrants’ integration under EU funds, such as Asylum Migration and Integration Funds[6] and the European Social Fund+[7], and promotes exchanges of good practices.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, p. 48-93, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1148/oj.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624, OJ L 295, 14.11.2019, p. 1-131, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1896/oj.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1176.
    • [4] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_en.
    • [5] Action plan on integration and inclusion 2021-2027 | European Website on Integration, https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/legal-migration-resettlement-and-integration/integration/action-plan-integration-and-inclusion_en.
    • [6] Regulation (EU) 2021/1147 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, p. 1-47, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1147/oj.
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 21-59, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1057/oj.
    Last updated: 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – HOUS mission to Barcelona, 26-28 May 2025 – Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

    Source: European Parliament

    Flag of Spain © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    Housing Committee to discuss housing needs in Barcelona A delegation from the Committee on Housing is travelling to Barcelona to meet local, regional and national governments, economic and social actors and education and research institutions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: From grey to green: Derby City Centre gets a makeover

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Centre has undergone a transformative green makeover thanks to funding from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

    New planters have been installed around the city centre, giving a fresh and vibrant feel to the area.

    Many of the new planters have seating incorporated, which has been designed to be accessible to all visitors. Whether stopping for a quick rest or enjoying the sunshine, people can now experience Derby in a whole new way.

    Alongside the new planters, residents will already be familiar with the living roof bus shelters, which continue to be installed around the city. On top of being more visually appealing, these shelters also provide food sources and habitats for a wide variety of pollinating insects.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, said:

    This project marks a real step forward in making Derby a greener, more climate-conscious city. By adding trees, plants, and accessible seating, we’re turning grey spaces into greener, more welcoming areas.

    Over the last year I have been holding several events with schools across the city as part of the Derby Promise. Their voices have been clear; make our city greener. I hope that they like the new greening of our city.

    These changes not only improve the look and feel of our streets, but also support biodiversity, help tackle air pollution and create a more resilient urban environment for the future.”

    These new planters have been installed by Whitehouse on behalf of Derby City Council.

    In 2020, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council secured £161m from the Transforming Cities Fund to invest in local transport infrastructure that will improve sustainable transport options, support growth, and encourage more low carbon journeys.

    As part of this wider vision, Derby’s city centre streets have been reimagined to provide improved access for road users and pedestrians, improve traffic flow, and reduce emissions. This includes new segregated cycle lanes, wider pavements, and improved traffic signals.

    The greenery and seating has been strategically placed where Transforming Cities infrastructure works were completed. These enhancements are not just aesthetic, but are helping to revive Derby’s city centre by creating a more pleasant environment that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and encourages sustainable travel choices.

    The new planters and seating areas are the latest in our plans to make Derby a greener city. Six new pocket parks have recently been installed around Derby, providing an accessible, safe space for citizens to take a break.

    The Transforming Cities Fund works support actions in the Council’s Climate Change Action Plan to increase active and sustainable travel, increase biodiversity which in turn improves health and wellbeing whilst supporting the local economy.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Eternal Deposits”: Development of Endowments in Russia Discussed at Polytechnic University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University hosted the Eternal Deposits Assembly and the Endowment EXPO exhibition, organized by the National Endowment Association with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

    The plenary session was opened by the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies of SPbPU Maxim Pasholikov.

    “The topic of endowments is in demand now, in recent years we have seen its rebirth, and the issues that the National Endowment Association raises, initiating various sessions and events, certainly influence the development and promotion of endowments,” Maxim Aleksandrovich noted in his welcoming speech. “These issues are related to motivational co-financing, and to the attraction of state corporations, and to the involvement of society as a whole in charity. I think many of you will agree that there is romance in the topic of endowments, because we are talking about eternal capital, about the fact that the result may appear not in a year or two, but in fifty or a hundred years, and our descendants will receive it. That is why our business seems so romantic and especially valuable to me.”

    Svetlana Lavrova, Chairperson of the Board of the National Endowment Association, agreed that there is a certain romanticism in the fact that an endowment, on the one hand, is important for the financial market, and on the other hand, it supports the non-profit sector, ensuring its sustainability and independence.

    “The financial sector is interested in finances, and the beneficiaries of all this are simply people,” Svetlana Nikolaevna explained. “The development of endowments balances the interests of business and society.”

    Director of NAE Alexey Anisin presented statistics on the endowment industry for 2024 and the dynamics of its development since 2011. Targeted capital is created to support universities, schools, sports associations, and cultural institutions. Today, there are already 407 of them, 360 are registered, and the volume of funds in endowments, according to management companies, amounted to 155.5 billion rubles.

    Alexey Anisin noted that this year the number of Assembly participants and partners has increased significantly: We held the First Assembly “Eternal Deposits” in 2023. Last year we decided to make exhibition “Endowment EXPO”. We invited not only endowment funds, but also management companies, universities, schools, museums. We realized that those people who, especially in the regions, are engaged in this topic, lack a community, communication, because if in Moscow, in St. Petersburg there are many endowments, there is a certain professional circle where people communicate, then in the regions it is much more difficult. The industry itself is not yet sufficiently represented in the media field. An important function of such an exhibition is to tell the widest possible circle of people, including donors, about the endowment.

    The plenary session was also attended by the co-founder and president of the Rybakov Foundation Ekaterina Rybakova, the general director of the Potanin Foundation Oksana Oracheva, the director of the Federal Center for Cultural Heritage Our Norilsk, and a member of the board of the National Association of Ecologists Anna Makukha.

    On the first day of the assembly, discussions were held on the tracks “Basics and Reviews”, “Consultations and Special Events” and “Special Sessions”, where participants discussed issues of investing and developing endowments in various fields.

    Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies at SPbPU, gave a presentation at the “University Endowment Review” track. He shared his experience of attracting funds to the Polytechnic’s endowment funds (there are currently six of them), and then the audience exchanged examples and ideas for filling their endowments. Maxim Pasholikov separately said that since this year, the monitoring system of the Ministry of Education and Science’s “Priority-2030” program has included an indicator of the effectiveness of attracting funds to endowment funds, so the universities participating in the program have an additional incentive to develop alumni communities, partnerships and other mechanisms for increasing endowment funds.

    At the end of the first day of the Assembly, the winners and prize winners of the Eternal Contribution Prize were awarded. The ceremony was hosted by Associate Professor of the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science of the Humanitarian Institute of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, winner of the competition and recipient of the Eternal Contribution-2022 Prize Artem Klinitsky.

    In 2025, the special prize of the organizing committee of the award was received by a team of authors, which included Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of the Higher School of International Relations and the Higher School of Social Sciences of the Humanities Institute of SPbPU Ilya Sidorchuk, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of St. Petersburg State University Evgeny Rostovtsev and a student of the Humanities Institute of the Polytechnic University Svetlana Danilova.

    The study by the co-authors is dedicated to the Society for Assistance to Students of the Imperial St. Petersburg University and the importance of endowment capital in its activities.

    “The society was founded in 1873 and up until the revolution it successfully coped with its tasks,” said Ilya Viktorovich. “We came to the conclusion that there were many ways to support the society and raise funds, for example, membership fees, charity concerts. But, as practice has shown, the most effective was the use of perpetual deposits. It was thanks to them that it became possible to implement such projects as the construction of a sanatorium in Yevpatoria and the organization of a student canteen, which fed many needy young people for free.”

    “As they said today on one of the tracks, time goes by, but many students are still forced to look for money for clothing, food, housing, education, especially in the humanities, where there are fewer and fewer budget places every year,” added Svetlana Danilova. “That is why our work is relevant, and this historical experience can be useful.”

    Photo archive

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Final terms for bonds to be listed 23rd May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S                        22nd May 2025
                                            Announcement no. 44/2025

    Final terms for bonds to be listed 23rdMay 2025

    On 23rd May 2025, Jyske Realkredit A/S will be listing new Covered Bonds (SDO). Final terms for the bonds are attached to this announcement.

    The full prospectus for the Bonds consist of the attached final terms and the previously disclosed ”Base Prospectus for the issue of Covered Bonds (SDO), Mortgage bonds (“RO”) and Mortgage Bonds (RO) and bonds issued pursuant to Section 15 of the Danish Mortgage-Credit Loans and Mortgage-Credit Bonds etc. Act (Section 15 Bonds).”, dated June 28th, 2024.

    Jyske Realkredit’s base prospectus is available on Jyske Realkredit’s home page jyskerealkredit.com

    Yours sincerely,
    Jyske Realkredit A/S

    www.jyskerealkredit.com

    Please observe that the Danish version of this announcement prevails.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Analysis Uncovers Surprising Truth: Inflation-Adjusted Debt Growth Much Smaller Over the Last Five Years

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As consumers grapple with rising costs and high interest rates, recent studies have revealed an increased reliance on credit products to help make ends meet. Despite the seemingly rapid growth in balances, a new analysis by TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) uncovers a more complex reality.

    According to TransUnion’s newly released Q1 2025 Credit Industry Insights Report (CIIR) total consumer balances have steadily increased over recent years. Total balances in nominal dollar terms (before adjusting for inflation) across all consumer credit products rose from $14.1 trillion in Q1 2020 to $18.0 trillion in Q1 2025, approximately 28%. The cumulative Consumer Price Index increase over that same time period, as measured by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, was nearly 24%. When adjusted for inflation, total balance growth in real dollar terms is more modest, amounting to $0.5 trillion over the five-year period, an increase of closer to 3%.

    The analysis also revealed that inflation-adjusted balances for consumers actually declined in real dollar terms across the majority of credit risk tiers from 2020 to 2025. This decrease was most pronounced in the prime risk tier, which saw a 14% drop in balances after adjusting for inflation. In contrast, super prime consumers experienced an 18% growth in balances over the same period. Much of the increase for super prime borrowers was attributed to higher mortgage balances. The only other risk tier to see an inflation-adjusted increase over the period was subprime at 1.9%.

    “Our latest analysis reveals a picture of credit usage that goes beyond simply an increase in total balances,” said Jason Laky, executive vice president and head of financial services at TransUnion. “When we account for the recent period of higher inflation, the rise in balances suggests that consumers in most risk tiers are not over-extended. In fact, many consumers experienced significant income gains since 2019, which have enabled most borrowers to effectively manage their debt levels.”

    Total Inflation-Adjusted Balances Across All Accounts Have Declined Across The Majority of Risk Tiers Since 2019
      % nominal dollar change 2020 to 2025 % real dollar change for 2020 to 2025 –
    inflation adjusted
    Super prime 46.5% 18.2%
    Prime plus 9.4% -11.7%
    Prime 7.2% -13.5%
    Near prime 11.6% -9.9%
    Subprime 26.2% 1.9%


    Source: TransUnion U.S. Consumer Credit Database

    “These findings challenge the idea that consumers are simply accumulating credit card debt. Instead, they highlight how balances reflect the current economic reality,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. “It’s understandable that only subprime consumers have experienced an inflation-adjusted increase in real credit card average balances, as this demographic has likely felt the impact of higher costs most acutely. But for other risk tiers of borrowers, their card balance growth has been less than the rate of inflation, indicating that many consumers may have further borrowing capacity.”

    To learn more about the latest consumer credit trends, register for the Q1 2025 Quarterly Credit Industry Insights Report webinar. Read on for more specific insights about credit cards, personal loans, auto loans and mortgages.

    Serious consumer-level credit card delinquencies decline YoY for second consecutive quarter

    Q1 2025 CIIR Credit Card Summary

    The first quarter of 2025 reflected credit card trends indicating a return to equilibrium, similar to those observed towards the end of 2024. Notably, consumer-level delinquencies of 90+ days past due decreased for the second consecutive quarter, dropping by 12 basis points year-over-year (YoY) to 2.43%. This marks the first consecutive quarters of YoY delinquency decline since 2020, during the height of the pandemic. In Q4 2024, total originations volume experienced a slight YoY increase of 0.1%. Although modest, this represents the first YoY growth in six quarters. Subprime originations saw a YoY growth of 2.9% in Q4 2024, the first in eight quarters, while super prime originations grew by 5.3% for the second consecutive quarter. Despite the uptick in originations, credit line amounts on new cards continue to trend downward. The average credit line on new accounts decreased slightly by 0.3% YoY in Q4 2024, with growth in super prime lines offsetting smaller lines in prime and below.

    Instant Analysis

    “We continue to observe signs that serious delinquencies may have peaked, with consumers managing their credit card usage more effectively. The year-over-year decline in 90+ days past due delinquencies, along with slower balance growth and stable utilization rates, indicates emerging market stability. We anticipate further declines in serious delinquencies in the coming quarters, primarily due to lenders’ intentional management of credit lines and cardholder risk profiles.”

    – Paul Siegfried, senior vice president and credit card business leader at TransUnion

    Q1 2025 Credit Card Trends

    Credit Card Lending Metric
    (Bankcard)    		 Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2023 Q1 2022

    Number of Credit Cards
    (Bankcards)    		 563.0 million 543.1 million 523.2 million 490.0 million
    Borrower-Level Delinquency
    Rate (90+ DPD)    		 2.43% 2.55% 2.26% 1.62%
    Total Credit Card Balances $1.07 Trillion $1.02 Trillion $917 billion $769 billion

    Average Debt Per Borrower    		 $6,371 $6,218 $5,733 $5,026
    Number of Consumers
    Carrying a Balance    		 172.0 million 169.0 million 165.3 million 158.9 million
    Prior Quarter Originations* 19.4 million 19.3 million 20.6 million 21.2 million
    Average New Account Credit
    Lines*    		 $5,612 $5,628 $5,421 $4,634


    *Note: Originations are viewed one quarter in arrears to account for reporting lag.
    Click here for a Q1 2025 credit card industry infographic. For more credit card industry information, click here for episodes of Extra Credit: A Card and Banking Podcast by TransUnion.

    Shift to less risky borrowers drives decline in unsecured personal loan delinquency in Q1 2025

    Q1 2025 CIIR Unsecured Personal Loan Summary

    In Q4 2024, unsecured personal loan originations hit a new high of 6.3 million, a 26% increase over Q4 2023, driven by all risk tiers, especially super prime, with 29% growth YoY. This led to a 17% YoY growth in total new account balances to $34 billion. Total balances for Q1 2025 only grew for above prime tiers, reaching $253 billion, a 3% increase over the prior year. A record 24.6 million consumers had balances, a 5% increase YoY, but average balances per consumer only grew for above prime tiers. Lenders expanded their borrower base but maintained cautious exposure, leading to a 7% decrease in average new account balances for Q4 2024, the fifth consecutive quarter of decline. Subprime delinquencies fell to 14.0% in Q1 2025 from 15.6% last year, while other risk tiers saw increases. The overall borrower-level delinquency rate declined to 3.49% in Q1 2025 from 3.75% last year, thanks to a balanced lending mix.

    Instant Analysis

    “The unsecured personal loan market has not only rebounded but also expanded, setting new records in loan volumes and balances. Growth is evident across all credit risk tiers, with super prime borrowers leading in year-over-year growth in the most recent quarter. Lenders appear to be limiting loan amounts for individual consumers, even as the aggregate borrower-level delinquency rate continues to decline. Increased competition and demand in the lowest risk credit tiers, along with advances in risk management practices, are now resulting in lower delinquency rates. These factors should support sustained growth, even in a challenging macroeconomic environment.“

    – Josh Turnbull, senior vice president and consumer lending business leader at TransUnion

    Q1 2025 Unsecured Personal Loan Trends
    Personal Loan Metric Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2023 Q1 2022
    Total Balances $253 billion $245 billion $225 billion $178 billion
    Number of Unsecured
    Personal Loans    		 29.8 million 28.1 million 26.9 million 23.9 million
    Number of Consumers with
    Unsecured Personal Loans    		 24.6 million 23.5 million 22.4 million 20.4 million
    Borrower-Level Delinquency
    Rate (60+ DPD)    		 3.49% 3.75% 3.91% 3.25%
    Average Debt Per Borrower $11,631 $11,829 $11,281 $9,896
    Average Account Balance $8,496 $8,737 $8,356 $7,448
    Prior Quarter Originations* 6.3 million 5.0 million 5.2 million 5.7 million


    *Note: Originations are viewed one quarter in arrears to account for reporting lag.
    Click here for additional unsecured personal loan industry metrics. Click here for a Q1 2025 unsecured personal loan industry infographic.

    Mortgage originations see YoY growth as delinquencies tick up

    Q1 2025 CIIR Mortgage Loan Summary

    Another sign that the previously sluggish mortgage originations market is beginning to rebound is that mortgage originations saw a YoY increase of 30.2% in Q4 2024, reaching 1.2 million, with 78% of those being purchase originations. The 15.4% YoY growth in purchase originations marks its first annual increase since Q2 2021. Origination volumes remain low compared to historical norms. Home equity originations rose 11% YoY, marking the third consecutive quarter of YoY increases. Meanwhile, 60+ days past due (DPD) account-level delinquencies ticked up YoY in Q1 2025 for the 12th consecutive quarter, reaching 1.44%. This represents a growth of 21 basis points YoY in Q1 2025, though the rate remains relatively low compared to historical levels. As home prices continue to climb, the average amount of new mortgage loans has followed suit, increasing by nearly $40,000 YoY to $366,443 in Q4 2024.

    Instant Analysis

    “Due to the anticipated impacts of announced tariffs on near-term inflation, mortgage rates are expected to remain elevated above 6% in the next quarter. Without a significant decrease in mortgage rates, origination activity for both purchases and refinances is likely to remain subdued. Although the upward trend in mortgage delinquencies continues, the levels remain below long-term averages, and far below historical highs during the Great Financial Crisis, but still warrant close monitoring.”

    – Satyan Merchant, senior vice president, automotive and mortgage business leader at TransUnion

    Q1 2025 Mortgage Trends
    Mortgage Lending
    Metric    		 Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2023 Q1 2022
    Number of Mortgage
    Loans

    53.6 million

    53.2 million

    52.9 million

    51.5 million
    Consumer-Level
    Delinquency Rate
    (60+ DPD)    		 1.36% 1.14% 0.90% 0.80%
    Prior Quarter
    Originations*    		 1.2 million 0.9 million 1.0 million 2.9 million
    Average Loan
    Amounts
    of New Mortgage
    Loans*    		 $366,443 $327,102 $327,050 $315,661
    Average Balance per
    Consumer    		 $266,843 $260,745 $253,514 $241,203
    Total Balances of All
    Mortgage Loans    		 $12.5 trillion $12.1 trillion $11.8 trillion $10.9 trillion


    * O    riginations are viewed one quarter in arrears to account for reporting lag.
    Click here for additional mortgage industry metrics. Click here for a Q1 2025 mortgage industry infographic.

    Auto originations trend up ahead of tariffs

    Q1 2025 CIIR Auto Loan Summary

    Auto loan originations in Q4 2024 reached 6.2 million, representing an 8% YoY growth. This growth was observed across all risk tiers, with super prime leading at 15.7% YoY growth. The increase was largely driven by Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in late 2024, rising inventories, and the return of incentives. New vehicles made up 47% of those financed in Q4 2024, as compared to 53% used, the highest Q4 share for new vehicles since pre-pandemic times. Leasing share continued to approach pre-pandemic levels, rising to 26% in Q1 2025. The 60+ DPD delinquency rate increased by 5 basis points YoY in Q1 2025 to 1.38%. This rate exceeds the peak delinquency rate of 1.33% observed in Q1 2009, although the rate of growth has recently slowed. Overall, new vehicle loan vintages continue to show consistent performance compared to pre-pandemic periods (2018/2019). However, when broken down by risk tiers, recent new vehicle vintages have elevated delinquency levels, particularly for prime and below tiers.

    Instant Analysis

    “There have been positive signs of recovery and momentum across all tiers, not just super prime. The return of incentives has provided a tailwind to vehicle sales and financing. Nevertheless, some of this progress may reverse if the recently announced trade policies are implemented long-term, as they could further impact affordability. Despite this, we expect Q1 2025 originations to increase, as many consumers likely tried to secure a new vehicle before the tariffs were implemented.”

    – Satyan Merchant, senior vice president, automotive and mortgage business leader at TransUnion

    Q1 2025 Auto Loan Trends

    Auto Lending Metric    		 Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Q1 2023 Q1 2022

    Total Auto Loan Accounts    		 80.0 million 80.1 million 80.1 million 80.5 million

    Prior Quarter Originations    1    		 6.2 million 5.8 million 5.8 million 6.5 million
    Average Monthly Payment
    NEW    2    		 $759 $746 $741 $657
    Average Monthly Payment
    USED    2    		 $526 $521 $521 $509
    Average Balance per
    Consumer    		 $24,413 $24,035 $23,214 $21,606
    Average Amount Financed on
    New Auto Loans    2    		 $42,877 $41,222 $41,539 $40,184
    Average Amount Financed on
    Used Auto Loans    2    		 $26,494 $25,655 $26,260 $27,995
    Consumer-Level Delinquency
    Rate (60+ DPD)    		 1.56% 1.50% 1.34% 1.09%


    1    Note: Originations are viewed one quarter in arrears to account for reporting lag.
    2Data from S&P Global Mobility AutoCreditInsight, Q1 2025 data only for January and February.
    Click here for additional auto industry metrics. Click here for a Q1 2025 auto industry infographic.

    For more information about the report, please register for the Q1 2025 Credit Industry Insight Report webinar.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)

    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.

    http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
      TransUnion
    E-mail dblumberg@transunion.com
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Fusion Fuel Announces Over $2.7 Million in New Contracts and Substantial Utility Growth through Al Shola Gas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ireland, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN – Fusion Fuel Green PLC (Nasdaq: HTOO) (“Fusion Fuel” or the “Company”), a leading provider of full-service energy engineering, advisory, and utility solutions, today announced that its majority-owned operating subsidiary, Al Shola Al Modea Gas Distribution LLC (“Al Shola Gas”), has secured an estimated $2.7 million in new engineering contracts since the beginning of March 2025, and, since the beginning of January 2025, has added more than 1,800 residential service contracts and two commercial service contracts to its portfolio for estimated recurring revenue of more than $0.9 million. The Company also provided an update on Al Shola Gas’ bulk LPG supply.

    Overview of New Contracts – Engineering Projects

    Since March 2025, Al Shola Gas has signed contracts for design, supply, installation, maintenance, and operations with an estimated total value of approximately $2.7 million.

    “The award of these market-leading contracts exemplifies Al Shola Gas’s capability to undertake and execute the industry’s most exemplary and demanding projects. We continue to expand our operations as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) benefits from increased migration and construction sector growth,” added Al Shola Gas, Managing Director, Sanjeeb Safir.

    Overview of New Contracts – Residential Utilities

    Since the commencement of the current year, Al Shola Gas has signed contracts for the supply and maintenance of LPG utility solutions for over 1,800 new apartments situated in 16 buildings throughout Dubai, UAE. The anticipated annual recurring revenue generated from the new contracts is projected to be approximately $0.9 million. Consequently, with the incorporation of these new contracts, the current billings for utility solutions rendered by Al Shola Gas will increase to encompass over 12,000 customers.

    Overview of New Contracts – Commercial Utilities

    Furthermore, since the beginning of 2025, Al Shola Gas has signed commercial LPG supply and maintenance contracts for two food and beverage facilities in Dubai. With the addition of these properties, Al Shola Gas now manages monthly billing for over 170 food and beverage outlets.

    Overview of Bulk LPG Supply

    Bulk LPG supplied by Al Shola Gas to its current customers has consistently exceeded 600 MT monthly. Bulk LPG supply has been organically growing at a rate of 10 to 20 MT per month. With new bobtail trucks purchased and expected to join the Al Shola Gas fleet in the coming months, the company expects to reach 800 MT per month in bulk LPG supply by the end of the year.

    “Al Shola Gas continues to deliver impressive operational results and commercial traction,” said John-Paul Backwell, CEO of Fusion Fuel. “These new contracts reflect the market’s trust in our capabilities and contribute meaningful value to our long-term revenue base through project and recurring utility income.”

    About Fusion Fuel Green PLC

    Fusion Fuel Green PLC (NASDAQ: HTOO) is an emerging leader in the energy services sector, offering a comprehensive suite of energy supply, distribution, and engineering and advisory solutions through its Al Shola Gas and BrightHy brands. Al Shola Gas provides full-service industrial gas solutions, including the design, supply, and maintenance of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems, as well as the transport and distribution of LPG to a broad range of customers across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. BrightHy, the Company’s newly launched hydrogen solutions platform, delivers innovative engineering and advisory services enabling decarbonization across hard-to-abate industries.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target”, “may”, “intend”, “predict”, “should”, “would”, “predict”, “potential”, “seem”, “future”, “outlook” or other similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions) that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Fusion Fuel has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations, are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, those set forth in Fusion Fuel’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2025, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements.

    Wire Service Contact:
    IBN
    Austin, Texas
    www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
    512.354.7000 Office
    Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Jabra launches Engage AI Complete, the human-focused AI software for call centers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Engage AI Complete is a new premium tier of its Engage AI software for call centers – uniquely analyzing not only what is said, but also how it is said, in real time, while also removing background noise.
    • Engage AI Complete integrates generative AI and speech-to-text capabilities to deliver real-time assistance, personalized coaching, actionable insights and automated quality assurance (QA) to help drive more satisfied customers, more motivated agents, more efficient calls – and genuine human connections.

    LOWELL, Mass., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jabra, the world’s leading professional audio brand, today announced Jabra Engage AI Complete – a new premium tier of its call center software, Engage AI. The new offering adds real-time speech-to-text transcription and generative AI to elevate agent performance and enhance every customer interaction.

    With Engage AI Complete, call center agents receive live coaching and automated call summaries, while supervisors gain real-time insights, sentiment analysis and powerful analytics tools – all designed to drive better conversations and stronger customer outcomes.

    Evolving the customer experience
    Modern call centers often operate across several physical locations, with agents working from shared offices or noisy home environments. Multi-tasking is constant – solving customer issues while managing systems, tools and admin work. Engage AI Complete is designed for this reality.

    The platform uses AI to transcribe conversations live, enabling agents to focus on the caller rather than note-taking. It also analyzes not only what’s said but also how it’s said, helping agents adjust their tone in real time. Additionally, the platform uses AI to cut through background noise to ensure clearer conversations, powered by Jabra’s ClearSpeech technology.

    The result is fewer distractions, faster resolutions and more meaningful conversations – while reducing cognitive load for agents and enabling supervisors to support teams at scale.

    One platform with real-time voice intelligence for deeper human connections
    Jabra launched Engage AI in 2022 to bring real-time tone monitoring and feedback to agents. In 2024, ClearSpeech was introduced, removing background noise from the customer’s end to improve clarity and reduce cognitive loads on agents.

    Jabra is the only solution that delivers tone AI, speech-to-text, generative AI and noise cancellation, all in the same package.

    Backed by over 20 years of research and millions of conversations analyzed, Engage AI is built on a foundation of data, insights and privacy-first design. Calls are securely processed, with instant feedback delivered directly to the agent — helping them adjust in the moment and improve with every interaction.

    This enables agents to focus fully on the customer, making each conversation more effective. Supervisors can boost team performance with immediate coaching insights, while leaders can use real-time data to address shared customer concerns and make improvements. As a result, call centers benefit from higher customer satisfaction, lower agent turnover and more efficient operations overall.

    “Our goal is simple: give every agent the ability to own their tone, elevate every conversation and make the most of every call,” said Andreas Orebo Wenzel, VP of Engage AI at Jabra. “With Engage AI Complete, we’ve brought together years of voice research and generative AI innovation to address the core needs of the call center. Engage AI Complete increases operational efficiency and improves both agent experience and customer satisfaction, allowing companies to get more from every call.”

    New features that will be available in Engage AI Complete:

    • AI Call Summaries – Automatically transcribes and summarizes calls to reduce post-call admin.
    • Auto Call Reason Detection – Detects the reason for the call to help teams identify patterns and improve processes.
    • Auto Topic Tagging – Tags key topics discussed during the call to track trends and streamline coaching.
    • Customer Sentiment – Gives an instant, high-level view of how each call went with a simple sentiment score based on the words used during the call.
    • Insights & Analytics Dashboard – Overview of conversations to help leaders improve coaching and quality.

    Whether paired with a Jabra headset for an optimized experience or used with any professional headset, Engage AI Complete is easy to deploy and scale.

    Jabra Engage AI Complete will be available globally in June 2025. MSRP: $50 per user per month. The original version, now called Engage AI Core, remains available at $25 per user per month.

    Jabra will be showcasing its Engage AI Complete solution at Customer Contact Week 2025 in Las Vegas, June 9-12 (Booth 838), where Jabra has been recognized as an ‘Up & Coming solution provider’ by CMP in the Auto QA/QM category.   

    Learn more at: www.jabra.com/engageai

    PR Contact  
    Hayley Minardi
    hminardi@jabra.com

    About Jabra 
    Jabra is a world leading brand in audio, video, and collaboration solutions – engineered to empower businesses. Proudly part of the GN Group, we are committed to bringing people closer to one another and to what is important to them. GN’s R&D team utilizes innovative hardware, software, and AI-enabled technologies and expertise across hearing, enterprise, and gaming product groups. This engineering excellence allows Jabra to create integrated and customer-centric tools for call centers, offices, and collaboration to help professionals work more productively from anywhere. www.jabra.com

    Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). GN’s solutions are sold in 100 countries across the world. Visit our homepage GN.com. 

    © 2025 GN Group. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Group. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners (design and specifications are subject to change without notice).

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45d11514-f6e7-4cd3-8422-bd2299f4d840

    The MIL Network –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FMQs: Polluters must pay to prevent climate breakdown

    Source: Scottish Greens

    22 May 2025 Climate

    Climate breakdown already costs households in Scotland over £3,000 a year on average.

    More in Climate

    Climate inaction will cost Scottish households and the economy unless big polluters are made to pay, says Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater MSP at First Minister’s Questions.

    Research by Global Witness has revealed that the costs of climate breakdown in the UK amount to an estimated £3,000 per household over the course of 2025.

    The cost of wildfires, flooding, crop losses, and more, means higher bills for households, such as insurance and everyday essentials, warns Tax Justice UK.

    Scottish Greens have long called for a windfall tax on the fossil fuel sector to pay for a Just Transition for North East workers, and to fund urgent climate action.

    In the Holyrood chamber, Ms Slater asked the First Minister:

    “Your Government has spent the last year ripping up policies designed to tackle the climate emergency. And I know the First Minister knows that delaying action on climate, actually costs a lot more in the long run.

    “Analysis from Global Witness shows that climate damage is already costing Scottish households £3,000 every year, on average, while multinational fossil fuel giants are still raking in billions of pounds of profit.

    “Unless polluters pay, communities will be worse off and the super rich will keep getting richer.

    “So that we can invest more now, not only to save money later, but to create green jobs and opportunities that we know will benefit Scotland, will the First Minister support policies to tax polluters?”

    Responding to Ms Slater, the First Minister did not set out any clear examples of climate action or attempts to make polluters pay his government would take.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaLota Brokers SALT Deal

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    Delivers Full Relief to 92% of Constituents
    Quadruples Deduction Cap for Long Island Families

    Washington, D.C. — Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) announced a significant win for Long Island taxpayers following successful negotiations to quadruple the cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. The change, included in the House-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill, now heads to the Senate and awaits the President’s signature. If enacted, the measure would provide long-overdue relief—saving many Suffolk County families as much as $8,000 on their 2026 federal tax returns.

    The deal raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000, with both thresholds indexed to grow by about 1% annually—reaching roughly $44,000 and $552,000 by year ten. A household earning $333,000 and paying $20,000 in property taxes would now be fully covered under the new cap. The provision is valued at $344 billion over ten years.

    LaLota secured the breakthrough after resisting heavy internal party pressure and rejecting a weaker proposal that would have capped deductions at $30,000 for households earning under $400,000—with no indexing and a reset to $10,000 after a decade. That rejected proposal, worth $225 billion, might have covered a household earning $250,000 with $15,000 in property taxes—but it would have fallen far short for many Long Islanders.

    “This was a years-long battle, and I’m proud my colleagues finally came around to a plan that fixes the unfair $10,000 cap from 2017,” said LaLota. “Raising it to $40,000 means 92% of the families I represent will finally be made whole. For too long, Suffolk County’s middle class has been punished by double taxation. That ends now.”

    According to the Tax Foundation, median property taxes in Nassau and Suffolk Counties far exceed $10,000, meaning most homeowners have long been penalized under the current $10,000 cap. Only 16.3% of NY-01 taxpayers currently claim a SALT deduction—evidence of just how narrow and inequitable the benefit has been.

    “Securing this deal took months of pressure, standing firm, and refusing to settle,” LaLota added. “I meant what I said: No SALT, no deal—for real. That wasn’t a slogan—it was a promise to Suffolk County families. And today, we delivered.”

    LaLota also highlighted his consistent opposition to tax packages that failed to fix the SALT deduction.

    “In 2021 and 2022, Democrats controlled Washington and broke their promise to fix SALT. In 2024, when the Smith/Wyden tax plan ignored it again, I voted no. And when a $30,000 cap was floated, I pushed back. That wasn’t a compromise—it was an insult.”

    LaLota credited Speaker Mike Johnson and Chairwoman Elise Stefanik for working with him to deliver meaningful reform.

    “This is a major win for Long Island—but we’re not done yet. I’ll keep fighting until this provision is signed into law and middle-class families get the relief they deserve. I didn’t come to Washington to play politics—I came to fight for Suffolk County. And I’m just getting started.”

    Background:

    Timeline of LaLota Actions

    January 25, 2023 – First SALT Caucus Meeting

    February 8, 2023 – First SALT press conference

    April 10, 2023 – LaLota cosponsors SALT Deductibility Act

    April 14, 2023 – SALT press conference in Franklin Square, NY

    May 10, 2023 – LaLota introduces SALT Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act

    May 10, 2023 – LaLota cosponsors SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act

    May 17, 2023 – Meeting w/ RSC Chairman Kevin Hern re SALT

    May 18, 2023 – Meeting w/ Rep. Mario Diaz Balart re SALT

    May 24, 2023 – Meeting w/ Rep. Gottheimer re SALT

    May 24, 2023 – First meeting w/ House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith

    May 30, 2023 – LaLota introduces amendment to Fiscal Responsibility Act to address unfair SALT deduction cap

    June 6, 2023 – Meeting w/ Senator Gillibrand re SALT

    June 14, 2023 – Meeting w/ Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Chairman Smith re SALT

    June 22, 2023 – Meeting w/ SALT Caucus

    July 12, 2023 – Meeting w/ Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer re SALT

    July 27, 2023 – Meeting w/ House Budget Committee re SALT

    January 31, 2024 – LaLota introduces SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act alongside Rep. Mike Lawler

    January 31, 2024 – LaLota votes against Wyden-Smith tax bill due to lack of SALT fix

    January 31, 2024 – LaLota forces vote on SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act

    February 14, 2024 – House Democrats block vote on SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act

    April 10, 2024 – LaLota highlights unfair SALT deduction cap at Small Business Committee hearing

    May 14, 2024 – LaLota House floor speech on House Democrats blocking SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act

    June 7, 2024 – Meeting w/ SALT Caucus

    August 12, 2024 – Publishes Op-Ed entitled, “Relief for New York: Increasing the SALT Deduction to Protect Our Communities”

    September 24, 2024 – Meeting w/ Ways and Means Committee Working Families Tax Team re SALT

    December 12, 2024 – LaLota rejects idea of raising SALT deduction cap to $20,000

    January 7, 2025 – Meeting w/ SALT Caucus

    January 8, 2025 – Meeting w/ Ways and Means Committee Working Families Tax Team re SALT

    January 11, 2025 – Meeting w/ President Trump at Mar-a-Lago re SALT

    January 14, 2025 – LaLota publishes Op-Ed entitled, “Fighting for Long Island’s Future”

    January 14, 2025 – Meeting w/ SALT Caucus

    January 23, 2025 – LaLota testifies in front of Ways and Means Committee re unfair SALT deduction cap

    January 24, 2025 – LaLota House floor speech on unfair SALT deduction cap

    January 30, 2025 – SALT press conference in Smithtown, NY

    February 26, 2025 – LaLota votes for House Budget Resolution & vows to get SALT fix done

    February 27, 2025 – LaLota meets w/ President Trump in Oval Office and talks SALT fix

    March 1, 2025 – LaLota reiterates his promise to vote against reconciliation bill if it doesn’t include meaningful increase to SALT deduction cap

    March 3, 2025 – LaLota publishes Op-Ed entitled, “A Responsible Budget That Puts Long Island First”

    April 6, 2025 – Phone Call w/ Speaker Johnson re Budget Resolution and SALT

    April 7, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

    April 29, 2025 – Meeting w/ White House Legislative Affairs re SALT

    April 30, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

    May 6, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

    May 8, 2025 – Joint Statement from SALTy Five re Ways and Means proposed SALT language

    May 8, 2025 – SALTy Five reject Ways and Means offer on proposed SALT fix

    May 12, 2025 – Conference Call w/ Speaker Johnson and Chairman Smith

    May 13, 2025 – Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

    May 15, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

    May 19, 2025 – Phone Call w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

    May 19, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

    May 20, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

    May 20, 2025 – Joint Statement from SALTy Five re President Trump’s comments during House Republican Conference Meeting

    New York currently holds the unenviable position of having the highest effective tax burden in the nation, a direct consequence of the ballooning state budget under single-party Democratic rule since 2018. The current New York State budget, growing at a rate double that of inflation, surpasses Florida’s despite New York’s smaller population. The repercussions are stark: New York leads the country in residents relocating to more economically-prudent states like Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

    This fiscal mismanagement by New York Democrats has resulted in an excessive dependence on the federal State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. This deduction permits taxpayers to offset their federal taxable income with the amount paid in state and local taxes. However, the 2017 tax reform, spearheaded by President Trump, capped these deductions at $10,000, intensifying the tax burden for New Yorkers. This cap underscores the urgent need for fiscal reform in the state to alleviate the pressures on its taxpayers.

    In 2022, despite their initial pledge of “No SALT, no deal,” House Democrats did not follow through before the final vote on the Inflation Reduction Act. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress as well as the White House. Nevertheless, they did not address the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, missing a crucial opportunity to fulfill their promises to alleviate the tax burdens on their constituents. This inaction occurred even as they held the legislative power to potentially make significant changes to the policy.

    Since being sworn into office in January 2023, LaLota has been explicitly clear on his support for restoring the SALT deduction. LaLota joined the bipartisan SALT Caucus and, in March 2023, introduced the SALT Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act to effectively bring the deduction to pre-2017 levels for the overwhelming majority of taxpayers while at the same time reducing the federal deficit by raising and extending the SALT deduction cap to $60,000 for single filers and $120,000 for joint filers beginning in 2023 and lasting until December 31, 2032.

    In January 2024, LaLota voted against the Wyden-Smith tax bill because it failed to include an increase on the cap to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. In February 2024, LaLota introduced the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act to the floor of the House. Unfortunately, 18 Republicans, together with every single House Democrat, blocked further consideration, debate, and a final vote on the measure. The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act would remove the marriage penalty and raise the SALT deduction cap to $20,000 for joint filers and cap adjusted gross income at $500,000.

    In January 2025, LaLota met with President Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago to address critical issues impacting Long Island, including the SALT cap, and continue the conversation on available options for a reconciliation tax package. During that meeting, President Trump renewed his campaign pledge to ‘fix’ the SALT cap and support LaLota’s constituents who suffer under the nation’s most burdensome state and local taxes, a direct result from ineffective and incompetent Democratic governance in New York.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillor Paul De Kort re-elected Leader of St Albans City and District Council

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date: 22 May 2025

    Councillor Paul De Kort has been re-elected Leader of St Albans City and District Council.

    He was voted to the role for the second year in succession at the annual meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday 21 May.

    Cllr De Kort will chair the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee which has responsibility for the budget and other financial issues.

    He will also chair the Planning Policy and Climate Committee, which is overseeing the progress of the Local Plan.

    Cllr De Kort represents Harpenden East ward and has been a Councillor since 2021. He has previously held several key committee positions including Vice Chair of Resources and Chair of Audit.

    He said after the meeting confirmed his appointment:

    I am delighted to have been voted Leader again by my fellow Councillors. 

    During the coming year, we will continue our work on behalf of our residents to make St Albans District an even better place to live and work.

    Over the past 12 months, we have completed the construction of Jubilee Square, a landmark development in a sustainable location in the heart of the City. It has provided 30 new social rent homes for people on our housing register and it will also considerably increase footfall in the centre once the commercial space is occupied.

    In the year ahead, we are on track to get our Local Plan adopted, a blueprint for the sustainable growth of St Albans District over the next 16 years.

    This will allow for 15,000 much-needed new homes as well as £750 million of new infrastructure including new schools, better public transport, locations for 15,000 jobs, green spaces and health facilities.

    We will also remain committed to tackling the climate emergency, promoting inclusive communities and ensuring that our leisure facilities remain at a very high level. We have achieved all this despite the challenging financial climate.

    The Council meeting also agreed to the appointment of six other Lead Councillors who will each have a wide range of responsibilities. They are:

    Councillor Helen Campbell: Deputy Leader, Chair of the Public Realm Committee and Lead for car parking, parks and leisure.

    Councillor Terrie Smith: Vice-Chair of the Public Realm Committee and Lead for heritage, waste and recycling.

    Councillor Simon Johns: Chair of the Housing and Inclusion Committee and Lead for housing services and homelessness.

    Councillor Sarwar Shamsher: Vice-Chair of the Housing and Inclusion Committee and Lead for equality, inclusion and community safety.

    Councillor Giles Fry: Vice-Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee and Lead for resources.

    Councillor Jacqui Taylor: Vice-Chair of the Planning Policy and Climate Committee and Lead for sustainability, climate and housing delivery.

    Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report of the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje: UK statement, May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Report of the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje: UK statement, May 2025

    The UK underlines appreciation for the work and added value of the OSCE Mission to Skopje over the last 12 months, particularly in supporting government reforms.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Firstly, I would like to welcome back Ambassador Wahl to the Permanent Council. Thank you for the work of your team over the last year, and for your comprehensive and engaging report this morning.

    The United Kingdom highly appreciates the work and added value of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, and the Mission’s support to government reforms.

    The United Kingdom and North Macedonia have developed a strong and supportive bilateral partnership since we established diplomatic relations over 30 years ago. I am delighted that our Prime Minister met with Prime Minister Mickoski during the European Political Community summit last week and announced the new strategic partnership between our two countries. This deepens our mutual commitment to work together on issues of trade and investment, foreign policy, tackling organised crime, infrastructure cooperation and migration.

    The UK welcomes the findings of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission that the parliamentary and presidential elections held in North Macedonia last year were competitive and fundamental freedoms were respected, though we note the concerns highlighted over insufficient regulation of the process. We encourage the Government of North Macedonia to continue engagement towards addressing the remaining recommendations in the ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report ahead of municipal elections later this year.

    The UK positively notes the OSCE Mission’s achievements over the past 12 months, set out clearly in your Report. We particularly welcome your continued engagement to promote social cohesion and community rights, and your support on criminal justice reform – including work in the last 12 months on judicial independence, promotion of fair trial standards and strengthening cooperation with civil society.  

    The UK is also pleased to note the Mission’s continued commitment to gender equality – particularly your support for women’s political participation, and your engagement with parliament on the adoption of a new Gender Action Plan for 2025-2027.

    Mr Chair, it is vital for the work of all OSCE field operations that participating States agree a Unified Budget for 2025 and beyond. As highlighted in the Report, the continued non-agreement of budgets and the resulting forced subsistence on monthly allotments make it very challenging for field missions to deliver across their mandates and adjust to changing priorities. We urge all participating States to engage constructively with upcoming proposals to resolve the impasse over budgets.    

    Thank you, Ambassador Wahl. Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: JOINT DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF THE GOP TAX SCAM

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar released the following statement:

    Today, every single House Democrat voted to stop the largest cuts to Medicaid and food assistance in American history. The GOP Tax Scam rips healthcare and food assistance away from millions of people in order to provide tax cuts to the wealthy, the well-off and the well-connected. 

    House Republicans promised to lower costs. Instead, Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill will mean millions of families will pay higher premiums, copays and deductibles. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down and communities will suffer. It will take food out of the mouths of children, seniors and veterans at a time when too many families are already struggling to live paycheck to paycheck.

    The GOP Tax Scam is deeply unpopular, which is why Republicans made every effort to advance it during the dead of night. For more than 28 hours, beginning with Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern, Democrats forced Republicans to debate this toxic legislation before the American people. This fight is just beginning, and House Democrats will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the GOP Tax Scam is buried deep in the ground, never to rise again.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 27, 2025
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