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

    Source: Mayor of London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

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

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

    In light of the above:

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

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Florida is fronting the $450M cost of Alligator Alcatraz – a legal scholar explains what we still don’t know about the detainees

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Schlakman, Senior Program Director, The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Florida State University

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis leads a tour of the new Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility for President Donald Trump and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Andrew Cabellero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    The state of Florida has opened a migrant detention center in the Everglades. Its official name is Alligator Alcatraz, a reference to the former maximum security federal penitentiary in San Francisco Bay.

    While touring Alligator Alcatraz on July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump said, “This facility will house some of the menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet.” But new reporting from the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times reveals that of more than 700 detainees, only a third have criminal convictions.

    To find out more about the state of Florida’s involvement in immigration enforcement and who can be detained at Alligator Alcatraz, The Conversation spoke with Mark Schlakman. Schlakman is a lawyer and senior program director for The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. He also served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, working as a liaison of sorts with the federal government during the mid-1990s when tens of thousands of Haitians and Cubans fled their island nations on makeshift boats, hoping to reach safe haven in Florida.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the migrants being detained in facilities like Alligator Alcatraz as “murderers and rapists and traffickers and drug dealers.” Do we know if the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have been convicted of these sorts of crimes?

    The Times/Herald published a list of 747 current detainees as of Sunday, July 13, 2025. Their reporters found that about a third of the detainees have criminal convictions, including attempted murder, illegal reentry to the U.S., which is a federal crime, and traffic violations. Apparently hundreds more have charges pending, though neither the federal nor state government have made public what those charges are.

    There are also more than 250 detainees with no criminal history, just immigration violations.

    Is it a crime for someone to be in the U.S. without legal status? In other words, is an immigration violation a crime?

    No, not necessarily. It’s well established as a matter of law that physical presence in the U.S. without proper authorization is a civil violation, not a criminal offense.

    However, if the federal government previously deported someone, they can be subject to federal criminal prosecution if they attempt to return without permission. That appears to be the case with some of the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz.

    What usually happens if a noncitizen commits a crime in the U.S.?

    Normally, if a foreign national is accused of committing a crime, they are prosecuted in a state court just like anyone else. If found guilty and sentenced to incarceration, they complete their sentence in a state prison. Once they’ve served their time, state officials can hand them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. They are subject to deportation, but a federal immigration judge can hear any grounds for relief.

    DHS has clarified that it “has not implemented, authorized, directed or funded” Alligator Alcatraz, but rather the state of Florida is providing startup funds and running this facility. What is Florida’s interest in this? Are these mostly migrants who have been scooped up by ICE in Florida?

    It’s still unclear where most of these detainees were apprehended. But based on a list of six detainees released by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office, it is clear that at least some were apprehended outside of Florida, and others simply may have been transferred to Alligator Alcatraz from federal custody elsewhere.

    This calls to mind the time in 2022 when Gov. Ron DeSantis flew approximately 50 migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts at Florida taxpayer expense. Those migrants also had no discernible presence in Florida.

    To establish Alligator Alcatraz, DeSantis leveraged an immigration emergency declaration, which has been ongoing since Jan. 6, 2023. A state of emergency allows a governor to exercise extraordinary executive authority. This is how he avoided requirements such as environmental impact analysis in the Everglades and concerns expressed by tribal governance surrounding that area.

    For now, the governor’s declaration remains unchallenged by the Florida Legislature. Environmental advocates have filed a lawsuit over Alligator Alcatraz, and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a decision by a federal judge temporarily barring Florida from enforcing its new immigration laws, which DeSantis had championed. But no court has yet intervened to contest this prolonged state of emergency.

    This presents a stark contrast to Gov. Lawton Chiles’ declaration of an immigration emergency during the mid-1990s. At that time, tens of thousands of Cubans and Haitians attempted to reach Florida shores in virtually anything that would float. Chiles’ actions as governor were informed by his experience as a U.S. senator during the Mariel boatlift in 1980, when 125,000 Cubans made landfall in Florida over the course of just six months.

    Chiles sued the Clinton administration for failing to adequately enforce U.S. immigration law. But Chiles also entered into unprecedented agreements with the federal government, such as the 1996 Florida Immigration Initiative with U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno. His intent was to protect Florida taxpayers while enhancing federal enforcement capacity, without dehumanizing people fleeing desperate circumstances.

    During my tenure on Chiles’ staff, the governor generally opposed state legislation involving immigration. In the U.S.’s federalist system of government, immigration falls under the purview of the federal government, not the states. Chiles’ primary concern was that Floridians wouldn’t be saddled with what ought to be federal costs and responsibilities.

    Chiles was open to state and local officials supporting federal immigration enforcement. But he was mindful this required finesse to avoid undermining community policing, public health priorities and the economic health of key Florida businesses and industries. To this day, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s position reflects Chiles’ concerns about such cooperation with the federal government.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis outlines his plans for Alligator Alcatraz to the media on July 1, 2025.
    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    Now, in 2025, DeSantis has taken a decidedly different tack by using Florida taxpayer dollars to establish Alligator Alcatraz. The state of Florida has fronted the US$450 million to pay for this facility. DeSantis reportedly intends to seek reimbursement from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. Ultimately, congressional action may be necessary to obtain reimbursement. Florida is essentially lending the federal government half a billion dollars and providing other assistance to help support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.

    Florida is also establishing another migrant detention facility at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Jacksonville. A third apparently is being contemplated for the Panhandle.

    ICE claims that the ultimate decision of whom to detain at these facilities belongs to the state of Florida, through the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Members of Congress who visited Alligator Alcatraz earlier this week have disputed ICE’s claim that Florida is in charge.

    You advised Florida Division of Emergency Management leadership directly for several years during the administrations of Gov. Charlie Crist and Gov. Rick Scott. Does running a detention facility like Alligator Alcatraz fall within its typical mission?

    The division is tasked with preparing for and responding to both natural and human-caused disasters. In Florida, that generally means hurricanes. While the division may engage to facilitate shelter, I don’t recall any policies or procedures contemplating anything even remotely similar to Alligator Alcatraz.

    DeSantis could conceivably argue that this is consistent with a 287(g) agreement authorizing state and local support for federal immigration enforcement. But such agreements typically require federal supervision of state and local activities, not the other way around.

    Mark Schlakman served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and as a consultant to Emilio Gonzalez at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during his tenure as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director during the George W. Bush administration.

    – ref. Florida is fronting the $450M cost of Alligator Alcatraz – a legal scholar explains what we still don’t know about the detainees – https://theconversation.com/florida-is-fronting-the-450m-cost-of-alligator-alcatraz-a-legal-scholar-explains-what-we-still-dont-know-about-the-detainees-260665

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU accession negotiations with Albania – P-000165/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In its 2024 Albania report[1], the Commission positively noted the continued implementation of justice reform and the vetting, leading to significant improvements in the functioning of the judiciary, including strengthening its independence.

    The Commission also recommended that Albania ensures further improvements in accountability, quality and efficiency, addressing identified shortcomings[2].

    EURALIUS[3], was an EU funded project with over EUR 20 million allocated for the period 2005-2022, implemented by consortia involving authorities from several Member States, that played an important role in supporting the roll out and implementation of justice reform.

    The Commission has taken note of the decision of the Albanian government to impose a ban on TikTok, following concerns over risks to users’ well-being.

    As a candidate country, Albania is expected to progressively align its legislation with the EU digital acquis. The introduction of a temporary ban is a sovereign decision by Albania.

    The Commission will continue to assist Albania in its EU alignment to ensure that any measure is compatible with EU acquis and European standards.

    EU enlargement is a merit-based process. Based on the revised enlargement methodology[4], negotiations on Cluster 1: Fundamentals are opened first and closed last.

    Related progress, including on the functioning of the judiciary, public administration reform, fight against corruption and organised crime, determine the overall pace of negotiations.

    On 11 October 2024, the EU adopted its Common Position for negotiations on this cluster[5], based on the progress made, which sets out benchmarks Albania has to meet in these areas.

    • [1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/albania-report-2024_en.
    • [2] Id., p. 5.
    • [3] https://www.euralius.eu/index.php/en/about-us2.
    • [4] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-02/enlargement-methodology_en.pdf.
    • [5] EU Common Position on Cluster 1: Fundamentals Albania: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/AD-18-2024-INIT/en/pdf.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘No kids’ ideology, European population decline and an increasing reliance on immigration: is this the civilisational strategy we have adopted? – E-002762/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002762/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Catherine Griset (PfE), Virginie Joron (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Thierry Mariani (PfE), Irmhild Boßdorf (ESN), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR)

    Europe’s demographic winter poses fundamental questions for the future of our societies, on both the economic and civilisational fronts. The Draghi report predicts an annual decline of almost two million people of working age between now and 2040, which European politicians want to offset with immigration.

    At the same time, some campaigns that have been supported or shared promote ‘childfree’ or ‘no kids’ lifestyles, touting them as emancipating, or even morally superior.

    While freedom of choice in family life is of course guaranteed in the EU, it is legitimate to question the potential contradictions between such cultural representations and several Member States’ population targets.

    • 1.Can the Commission specify which birthrate and parenthood initiatives and projects it funds and indicate whether follow-up is carried out to prevent antinatalist lifestyles being implicitly promoted in the cultural and educational content it supports?
    • 2.Does it recognise that the changing demographics cannot be solved by immigration alone?
    • 3.Does it intend to promote, in the spirit of European cultural sovereignty, a policy to boost birth rates that focuses on the family and passing on values and heritage from one generation to the next?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Turkish law that allows the killing of roaming dogs and cats – E-001682/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The welfare and management of stray dogs are not regulated at EU level.

    The Commission provides financial support to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for the implementation of the platform on animal welfare for Europe[1] and its fourth action plan (2024-2026), which aims to improve animal welfare, through priority topics, including stray dog population control.

    Türkiye, as a member of WOAH and of the platform, participates in training and capacity-building activities related to dog population management, all of which are supported by the Commission. The goal of the platform is to help member countries progressively comply with WOAH standards on animal welfare.

    The Commission also supports WOAH’s work to adopt and revise the existing standards, such as those related to dog population management.

    As a WOAH member, Türkiye should implement international animal welfare standards, including those on stray dog population management[2].

    • [1] https://rr-europe.woah.org/en/Projects/animal-welfare-platform-europe/.
    • [2] i.e. Chapter 7.7: Dog population management of WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Unilateral termination of cooperation with Israeli universities – E-002761/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002761/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

    Recently, reports surfaced in the media that Dutch universities are terminating cooperation with universities in Israel, often on the grounds of ‘defence aspects’. Much of this cooperation takes place under the umbrella of Horizon Europe and is partly funded by this EU programme. Israel has a legitimate association agreement with the EU. That being so, I should like to ask:

    • 1.The decision to end participation in a consortium funded by Horizon Europe can be taken only on the basis of Article 32(2) of the model grant agreement, and the partner(s) should be heard. A decision is then taken on the basis of the consortium agreement. Can the Commission confirm that unilateral termination of a consortium by Dutch universities is not in line with Horizon Europe requirements?
    • 2.Can the Commission confirm that university research in the field of defence is allowed within the context of Horizon Europe, in accordance with Article 22(1) of the relevant regulation: ‘Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment and including legal entities from non-associated third countries or international organisations, may participate in actions under the Programme, provided that the conditions laid down in this Regulation have been met together with any conditions laid down in the work programme or call for proposals’?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possible softening of EU digital rules as part of an agreement with the USA – P-002815/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002815/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE), Mary Khan (ESN)

    According to an exclusive report in the Wall Street Journal on 20 June 2025, the United States and the European Union are apparently on the verge of an agreement on several points of discord[1]. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) are likely to soften the very EU digital laws that the Commission recently praised as the cornerstones of the digital decade[2]. The German Handelsblatt also reports that a joint committee has been set up to give US tech companies a say in the application of market rules in future[3]. In particular, the abolition or at least substantial mitigation of the DSA, which is misused as an ideologically motivated censorship tool to suppress unwelcome opinions in the digital space under the guise of the fight against disinformation, is long overdue. If US President Trump were to succeed in rolling back this attack on freedom of expression which the DSA represents, he would also be successfully defending free speech in Europe, which is the Achilles’ heel of any genuine democracy.

    • 1.Has the Commission negotiated with the US Government to abolish or water down the DMA or DSA?
    • 2.Is the Commission planning to set up a joint committee to give US tech companies a say in the application of market rules?
    • 3.What specific DSA provisions are up for discussion and what reductions in staff numbers does the Commission anticipate as a result of a possible reduction in regulatory intervention?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/u-s-eu-near-deal-on-non-tariff-trade-irritants-455c42f1
    • [2] https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000275377/eu-kommission-will-trump-besaenftigen-und-setzt-die-digitalregeln-aus
    • [3] https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/handelsstreit-eu-will-es-us-tech-konzernen-ploetzlich-leichter-machen/100137164.html
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Exemptions to the ban on the destruction of unsold consumer products – E-002831/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002831/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE)

    Under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the destruction of unsold consumer products is recognised as an environmental problem, and the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear is prohibited. To ensure the measure is proportionate, the regulation allows for exemptions where products cannot be reused and must be recycled or treated as waste. These exemptions are to be defined by the Commission in a delegated regulation.

    However, the Commission’s draft delegated regulation, currently under consultation[1], proposes broad exemptions – including products deemed unsellable due to intellectual property rights issues, such as branding that cannot be removed, or licensing agreements that restrict resale after a certain period. Additional exemptions proposed by the Commission include products deemed unrepairable or rejected by social enterprises after donation attempts.

    These provisions risk creating a back door for companies to continue destroying functional goods.

    • 1.Why is the Commission proposing such broad exemptions to a rule intended to prevent unnecessary waste?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure that companies do not misuse these exemptions to continue business-as-usual practices and perpetuate the status quo of overproduction and waste, contrary to the objectives of the ESPR?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14591-Sustainable-products-exemptions-to-prohibiting-the-destruction-of-unsold-apparel-and-footwear_en.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Severe earthquake response capacity – E-002828/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002828/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mihai Tudose (S&D)

    The EU’s stockpiling and medical countermeasures preparedness strategies, adopted to strengthen the Union’s crisis response capacity along with health security, are to be welcomed – despite the incomprehensible delay in this.

    What specific measures is the Commission considering, as part of these strategies, to strengthen the crisis response force for deployment in the event of severe earthquakes in EU countries?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Potential fraud in the biofuel feedstock supply chain – E-002771/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002771/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nicolás González Casares (S&D)

    The Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) lays down the criteria for ensuring that biofuels are sustainable. However, recent press reports have indicated potential fraud through false feedstock declarations (Part A and Part B of Annex IX). Although both REDII and ReFuelEU Aviation include anti-fraud measures, including limiting the amount of feedstock listed in Part B of Annex IX that can be counted, such practices undermine the EU’s climate goals, distort the market, generate unfair competition, and can have negative environmental and social repercussions. Bearing in mind that the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council discussed this issue at its meeting of 16 June 2025, and in the light of the risks involved, I would ask the Commission:

    • 1.Can it provide details of the additional measures it intends to take to improve the traceability and effective control of these feedstocks?
    • 2.Does it plan to revise Regulation (EU) 2022/996 to strengthen the existing voluntary certification schemes?
    • 3.Has it considered the negative impact the recent proposals to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements could have on the data declared in these value chains?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

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

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – EP delegation will participate in the UN High Level Political Forum on SDGs – 21-07-2025 – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    A strong European Parliament delegation of 10 MEPs from the Development (DEVE) and Environment (ENVI) Committees will travel to New York from 21 to 23 July to participate in the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).

    The delegation will meet with high-level representatives from the United Nations, international organisations, national parliaments, youth networks, civil society, and other key stakeholders to discuss progress on the SDGs – with a particular focus on health, gender equality, decent work, ocean protection, and global partnerships.

    Members will take part in official proceedings, present the European Parliament’s SDG resolution at side events and in bilateral meetings. The Parliament will also host a dedicated event titled “Parliaments as Drivers of SDG 17: Strengthening Democratic Partnerships for Sustainable Development.List of participants:

    1. Ingeborg Ter Laak EPP Co-Chair
    2. Robert Biedroń S&D Co-Chair
    3. András Kulja EPP
    4. Lukas Mandl EPP
    5. Leire Pajín Iraola S&D
    6. Tiago Moreira De Sa PfE
    7. Aurelijus Veryga ECR
    8. Michele Picaro ECR
    9. Andreas Glück Renew
    10. Nikolas Farantouris The Left

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – European funds supporting illicit exploitation or trading of natural resources by Rwanda – P-001270/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    A project funded by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is under implementation.

    It aims to promote modernisation of the mining sector in Rwanda and specifically supports technical and vocational education training, skills training , improvement of safe working conditions based on international standards, and digitalisation of mining sector services.

    The project was approved under the multiannual indicative programme for Rwanda, for 2021-2023. Project activities do not involve direct mining investments, nor the extraction, transformation or processing of minerals.

    The project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) with the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) and the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College in Kigali, as the two main local partners.

    The project is co-financed with BMZ and implemented by GIZ, with whom the Commission has signed a Delegation Agreement. The EU funds under this project are administered directly by GIZ, applying standard regulations in terms of justification of expenses. GIZ is a pillar assessed Member State organisation and project implementation is subject to GIZ contractual rules and internal controls

    This means that it is GIZ and not the Commission, who has signed a contract with RMB according to their own pillar-assessed rules. Oversight is also ensured through the Project Steering Committee including the EU Delegation, which provides strategic guidance and oversight.

    On 17 March 2025, the EU adopted restrictive measures against, among others, sanctions on the current RMB’s chief executive officer[1]. RMB as an institution has not been sanctioned.

    The Commission has requested that GIZ as the implementing partner put in place all possible measures to ensure that the RMB’s chief executive officer does not benefit directly or indirectly, from any support provided to the RMB as an institution.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/17/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-eu-lists-further-nine-individuals-and-one-entity/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – German security service classifying AfD as ‘right-wing extremist’ in violation of EU fundamental rights – E-002110/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is fully committed to upholding democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in the Member States and is monitoring developments at national level, including through the annual Rule of Law Reports[1].

    The Commission, however, does not have a general power to examine how an individual case relating to the functioning of a national political party is addressed by a Member State. It is for national competent authorities and courts to ensure compliance with relevant national and EU law.

    Under the EU Treaties, Member States also remain responsible for safeguarding their national security. Their intelligence services collect and analyse information on threats related to national security in accordance with national law.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/annual-rule-law-cycle_en.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Snail, Inc. Announces Intent to Explore Proprietary USD-Backed Stablecoin

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CULVER CITY, Calif., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, announced its intention to explore pursuing a strategic digital asset initiative that includes the evaluation and feasibility for introduction of its own proprietary stablecoin. This initiative would be subject to a range of factors, including but not limited to, regulatory approvals, market conditions, technical feasibility, cybersecurity safeguards, financial controls, and internal governance. The Company believes that exploring stablecoin infrastructure may position it as an early mover within the digital entertainment industry. While no decisions have been made to integrate such technology into the Company’s corporate strategy, it continues to evaluate and explore opportunities as part of its broader innovation roadmap.

    Recognizing the growing potential of crypto-based transactions in the digital entertainment and gaming industry, the Company is currently assessing the feasibility of developing and exploring its stablecoin with multiple external use cases, with no current timeline or commitment.

    To support this initiative, Snail Games has retained Dr. George Cao, an external consultant. Dr. Cao earned his PhD degree in Computer Science from the University of Chicago and is the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of AscendEX, a full-stack cryptocurrency financial platform that offers simple solutions for investing, trading, and earning to global users. In addition, the Company also retained seasoned legal advisors, including a nationally recognized law firm ranked by Chambers FinTech Legal USA as a leading firm serving cryptocurrency and blockchain clients.

    “This stablecoin exploration is a natural evolution of our innovation-led strategy and will support a broader effort to evaluate how blockchain-based technologies could be aligned with the Company’s long-term goal to be at the forefront of digital transformation in the entertainment space,” said Snail, Inc. co-CEO Hai Shi. “To support this initiative, we’ve engaged a nationally recognized law firm and a seasoned strategic advisor to support and guide the successful exploration of this opportunity. We are evaluating potential future phase hiring needs for professionals with specialized experience in blockchain, stablecoins, and digital asset strategy. While our focus continues to remain on gaming across our ARK franchise, indie titles, and other up-and-coming genres, this investigation into the crypto space and evaluation of the feasibility of launching our own stablecoin would mark a key step in advancing our vision of driving innovation across digital entertainment. We’re excited to share continued updates as we reach meaningful milestones in our evaluation.”

    About Snail, Inc.
    Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. For more information, please visit: https://snail.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and in our public filings with the SEC and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) the evaluation and feasibility for introduction of Snail’s own proprietary stablecoin and any future implementation, which will depend on multiple factors, including regulatory considerations, technical readiness, risk assessments and strategic alignment with Snail’s core business, (ii) Snail as a pioneer among public companies within the digital entertainment industry to integrate stablecoin infrastructure directly into its corporate strategy, (iii) Snail showcasing its ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and innovation across its global portfolio, (iv) Snail’s long-term investment in the next generation of gamers and creators, and (v) Gen Alpha projected to become the most digitally fluent and commercially influential generation to date. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Disclaimer:

    This press release does not constitute an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy any digital asset or security. The Company has not committed to a specific launch timeline or use case deployment. Any future implementation will depend on multiple factors, including regulatory considerations, technical readiness, risk assessments and strategic alignment with Snail’s core business. Snail may determine at any time to abandon its current intent to explore the issuance of A proprietary US dollar-backed stablecoin.

    Investor Contact:
    John Yi and Steven Shinmachi
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860 
    SNAL@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential discrimination of traders on Amazon Marketplace – E-002348/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regarding the Honourable Members’ first question on Amazon’s 2022 antitrust commitments, the Monitoring Trustee appointed in accordance with the Commitments Decision[1] has been evaluating Amazon’s compliance and provides bi-annual reports to the Commission.

    The Commission has been carefully assessing both the Monitoring Trustee’s reports and Amazon’s compliance and is continuously engaging with both to ensure Amazon’s effective compliance with the commitments.

    In parallel, and as announced on 25 March 2024, the Commission has been taking steps to assess Amazon’s compliance with Article 6(5) of Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 (Digital Markets Act — DMA)[2] and continues to look into potential self-preferencing practices by Amazon on the Amazon Marketplace.

    Regarding the Honourable Members’ second question on Amazon’s automated pricing systems, the Commission is aware of the Federal Trade Commission’s and Bundeskartellamt’s investigations into Amazon’s pricing behaviour.

    The Commission is assessing Amazon’s compliance with Article 5(3) DMA and is closely coordinating with the Bundeskartellamt on the investigation into Amazon’s pricing practices.

    Regarding the Honourable Members’ third question on Amazon’s compliance report, the Commission shares the view that transparent and complete compliance reports are fundamental to ensuring that all relevant stakeholders can scrutinise DMA compliance.

    The Commission is engaging with Amazon to make sure that these reports are as informative and detailed as possible.

    • [1] Commission Decision of 20 December 2022 relating to a proceeding under Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement, Cases AT.40462 — Amazon Marketplace and AT.40703 — Amazon Buy Box, C(2022) 9442 final.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2022 on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector and amending Directives (EU) 2019/1937 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Digital Markets Act), OJ L 265, 12.10.2022, p. 1-66.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arapahoe Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    Kendall Joseph Moss III, 35, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by 15 years of supervised release for abusive sexual contact with a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on July 10.

    Moss was convicted by a federal jury on March 20, after a four-day trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, an investigation began in connection with a minor witness’s disclosure to a student advocate and school resource officer at her elementary school of sexual abuse by the defendant in 2021. Dr. Gail S. Goodman, PH.D., a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, testified at trial on the dynamics of child sexual abuse, including that victims often delay disclosing the sexual abuse or make piecemeal disclosures of the abuse over time. The victim was interviewed twice over two years and provided more details of the sexual abuse in her second interview. The defendant made statements to law enforcement indicating the victim was not lying in her allegations against him. The jury’s verdict found the defendant guilty of touching the minor victim in her genital area over her clothing with the intent of sexual gratification.

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Case No. 24-CR-00165

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dropout of White Supremacist Gang Sentenced for Drug and Firearms Trafficking

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A key figure in a Sinaloa Cartel-linked drug and firearms trafficking ring tied to white supremacist gangs was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and illegal firearms in Albuquerque.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, an 18-month FBI investigation initiated in 2021 targeted a drug trafficking and firearms conspiracy linked to the Sinaloa Cartel and racially motivated violent extremist groups in Albuquerque, New Mexico. James Casady Cangro, 45, a former member of the Soldiers of Aryan Culture prison gang, was previously identified as a key figure in the white supremacist network before dropping out of the gang. The investigation revealed Cangro’s involvement in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl sourced from Arizona, as well as illegal firearms possession and trafficking.

    Cangro selfie displaying tattoos

    In September 2021, a search of Cangro’s residence in southeast Albuquerque by U.S. Probation Officers uncovered a ballistic vest, methamphetamine pipes, anabolic steroids and handcuffs. Cell phone evidence further corroborated his drug and firearms activities. In April 2022, the FBI executed multiple search warrants, seizing over 35,000 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, nine firearms, and other contraband, though Cangro evaded an initial warrant by relocating. Surveillance later tracked him to northeast Albuquerque, where he continued to offer firearms and fentanyl for sale.

    On April 19, 2022, Cangro was arrested in California, where corrections officials discovered 45 fentanyl pills and methamphetamine in his possession during a strip search. A subsequent search of his Albuquerque residence uncovered 11 firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, additional drugs, and a ballistic vest. Cangro was subsequently charged with and pled guilty to two counts of possession of body armor by a violent felon, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, two counts of possession of unregistered firearms, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

    Upon his release from prison, Cangro will be subject to five years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Mysliwiec prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Tuberville Legislation to Protect American Fishermen from Cartels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    Alabama lands 34 percent of all recreationally caught Red Snapper in the Gulf
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to target cartel members who are illegally catching and smuggling red snapper and tuna imports into the country.
    “This is great news for our hardworking fishermen who have worked overtime to compete with Mexican cartels flooding our markets with illegal red snapper,” said Senator Tuberville. “It’s also a win for every American because it cuts off the cash flow to cartels, which have been terrorizing our communities. I’ll continue standing up for our fishermen and fighting to preserve the outdoor activities Alabamians enjoy.”
    The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper or tuna imported into the United States. Snapper poaching continues to be an issue across the Gulf of America, as Mexican fishermen illegally catch red snapper, smuggle it into their country, and then rip off American consumers by selling our fish back to us. 
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.
    BACKGROUND:
    Mexican fishermen cross the maritime border between Texas and Mexico on small boats called “lanchas” to illegally catch red snapper in U.S. waters and return to Mexico. The fish are sold in Mexico or mixed in with legally-caught red snapper then exported back into the United States across land borders. Red snapper is one of the most well-managed and profitable fish in the Gulf of America, but illegal fishing by Mexican lanchas puts law-abiding U.S. fishermen and seafood producers at a competitive disadvantage. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities violate both national and international fishing regulations.
    Cartels engaged in drug smuggling and human trafficking also engage in the profitable illegal fishing of red snapper. The same fishing boats and fishermen who catch red snapper also smuggle drugs and humans for the cartels, and these profits support the organization.
    Technology exists to chemically test and find the geographic origin of many foods, but not for red snapper or tuna. With the help of machine learning, NIST scientists are currently able to chemically determine the geographic origin of foods, including strawberries, apples, cherries, ginseng, ginkgo, beef, honey, and rice. Using those same methodologies, these scientists believe it would be possible to determine the geographic origin of red snapper, allowing law enforcement to have a better understanding of the networks that support illegal fishing.
    The Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act would develop a field test kit the Coast Guard could use to accurately ascertain whether fish were caught in Mexico or U.S. waters, thus allowing federal and state law enforcement officers to identify the origin of the fish and confiscate illegally caught red snapper or tuna before it is imported back into the U.S. It would also reduce the financial incentives for the crime, since the fish could no longer be sold back into the United States. If successful, this method could be expanded to identify other IUU fish.
    MORE:
    Tuberville Takes Aim At Cartels Engaged in Illegal Red Snapper Fishing
    Tuberville Voices Concerns About New Federal Red Snapper Limits
    Tuberville, Colleagues Advocate for Management Flexibility to Preserve Red Snapper Season
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville, Britt Call for an End to Biden Labor Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) in sending a letter to President Trump requesting his Administration rescind the Biden Administration’s final rule mandating Project Labor Agreements for federal construction projects.

    “The nation’s builders union and nonunion alike deserve a level playing field where the American taxpayer gets the best value for their dollar and our workforce is free from unjust mandates. We respectfully request that you reverse this Biden administration policy and restore the long-established government neutrality in federal and federally assisted contracting,” wrote the Senators.

    On December 22, 2023, the Biden Administration published in the Federal Register the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council’s final rule, Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects. This applies to large-scale federal construction projects valued at $35 million and severely inhibits merit-based competition and cost taxpayers billions of dollars annually.

    Sens. Tuberville and Britt were joined by Sens. Jim Banks (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Rand Paul (R-KY), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN) in signing the letter. 

    Read full text of the letter here. 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Portfolio Update – PEL 79 License Extension

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI, OTCQX: SEUSF) (“Sintana” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide the following update regarding Petroleum Exploration License 79 (“PEL 79”) which governs blocks 2815 and 2915 located in Namibia’s Orange Basin.

    The joint venture partners of PEL 79 which include the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Pty) Ltd. (“NAMCOR”) and Giraffe Energy Investments (Pty) Ltd. (“Giraffe”), an entity in which Sintana maintains a 49% ownership interest, have been notified by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy for the Republic of Namibia that a 12-month extension to the second renewal exploration period has been granted extending the current license period to July 2026.

    Giraffe is the owner of a 33% interest in PEL 79 and Namcor is the operator with a 67% interest. PEL 79 sits inboard of licenses operated by BW Energy, Rhino Resources and Shell.

    PEL 79 is attractively situated to deliver significant value through an existing prospect inventory underpinned by over 4,760 km of 2D seismic, 1,137 km2 of 3D seismic and 1 well with gas shows intersecting the Kudu source rock.

    Additionally, PEL 79 sits adjacent to an emerging microregional dynamic focused on oil-weighted prospectivity.

    • Rhino Resources, operator of PEL 85 which sits directly outboard to the west of PEL 79, has drilled two wells including the Capricornus-1X discovery well which returned a flow test in excess of 11,000 barrels per day of light oil with limited associated gas from a 38-metre net oil-bearing reservoir. Additional drilling activity is expected to commence in Q3 initially targeting the Volans prospect, with up to two optional wells that could include appraisals.
    • BW Energy has acquired 4,600 square kilometers of new 3D seismic over PEL 3, located directly west of PEL 79, and has moved to initiate an exploration and appraisal campaign including drilling the Kharas well located northwest of Kudu during H2 2025.

    “We appreciate the leadership by our joint venture partner NAMCOR to secure the extension for PEL 79. Extending our exposure during a period of significant offset activity positions us to fully realize the significant geologic, commercial, and strategic value of PEL 79.” said Robert Bose, Chairman of Giraffe and Chief Executive Officer of Sintana. “The potential for high impact progress on PEL 79 adds to the prospect for significant developments across our Namibian offshore portfolio. We expect material progress on all our licenses over the coming quarters.” he added.

    ABOUT SINTANA ENERGY:

    The Company is currently engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities on five large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia, and in Colombia’s Magdalena Basin.

    On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc., “A. Robert Bose”
    Chief Executive Officer

    For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintana’s projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Company’s website at www.sintanaenergy.com

    Corporate Contacts:   Investor Relations Advisor:
    Robert Bose Sean J. Austin Jonathan Paterson
    Chief Executive Officer Vice-President Founder & Managing Partner
    212-201-4125 713-825-9591 Harbor Access
        475-477-9401

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to potential future farmout agreements on PEL 83 and/or PEL 87, and proposed future exploration and development activities on PEL 83 and/or PEL 90 and neighbouring properties, statements as to the future prospectivity of KON-16, the closing of the proposed transaction with Corcel as presently proposed or at all, the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, as well as the prospective nature of the Company’s property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration and development activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Company’s public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law.

    NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8eb17490-3cee-45b5-8ff6-7e6c4d831c6b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Cruz, Babin Bill to Make Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Renaming Permanent Passes House

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statements after their Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near Houston, Texas, to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Refuge, passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk:

    “Twelve-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray’s life was stolen from her by murderers who were wrongfully let into the country by the Biden-Harris administration, and we owe it to her and her family to ensure her legacy is never forgotten,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I am glad the House of Representatives passed my legislation to make President Trump’s renaming of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Jocelyn’s honor permanent, and I look forward to the President signing it into law.”

    “Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally murdered by illegal aliens, an unspeakable crime which should have been prevented,” said Sen. Cruz. “We have a duty to honor her memory, and to bear witness alongside her family. I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this which codifies President Trump’s order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge as the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.”

    “Today’s vote is a step toward ensuring Jocelyn Nungaray is never forgotten,” said Rep. Babin. “This refuge will forever honor her bright spirit, her love for animals, and the beautiful life she should have been able to live. It also stands as a solemn reminder of the devastating cost of an open border — and our responsibility to prevent this kind of tragedy from ever happening again.”

    Background:

    On June 17, 2024, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally murdered in Houston, Texas. Two illegal aliens who were allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang have been charged with her murder. Jocelyn loved animals and, given the close proximity of her hometown of Houston, it is fitting that the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge be renamed in her honor.

    Located along the Texas Gulf Coast, the 39,000-acre refuge is a sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and plays a vital role in coastal conservation, public recreation, and environmental education. Now, it will also stand as a solemn tribute to Jocelyn’s memory and a symbol of the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting American communities. On March 4, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14229 to officially change the name from Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. On March 7, 2025, the refuge was officially renamed after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s implementation order was signed. This legislation would ensure that this renaming cannot be overturned by a future administration by codifying the refuge’s new name into law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Touts Wins for Texans in One Big Beautiful Bill, Now Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) highlighted the wins for Texans included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, now law, such as preventing the largest tax hike in American history and bending the debt curve through work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, and slammed Democrats for voting against his amendment that would have penalized states that give Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “This legislation prevents hardworking taxpayers from facing the largest tax hike in American history.”

    “We also provided additional benefits to working parents by making sure that their Child Tax Credit wasn’t cut in half, and of course, the President promised no tax on tips and no tax on overtime for millions of middle-class families.” 

    “While this bill was not perfect – and certainly no piece of legislation ever is – it did make important reforms that will help us bend the curve of our debt trajectory.” 

    “We implemented work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents to receive means-tested programs, like Medicaid.”

     “I offered an amendment to the Big, Beautiful Bill that… would have penalized states from giving Medicaid benefits to illegal immigrants who were charged or convicted of serious crimes like murder, human trafficking, child abuse, or child pornography. 43 Democrats voted against that.” 

    “The Big, Beautiful Bill made good on his promise, and my promise, and the promise of many of us to take steps to secure our southern border and to protect and to support once again law enforcement rather than to make it impossible for them to do their job.” 

    “The Big, Beautiful Bill includes provisions to reimburse states like Texas for their efforts to do the federal government’s job, the one the federal government simply refused to do under the Biden-Harris administration.” 

    “During the last four years, Texas – because of our 1,200-mile common border with Mexico – has particularly suffered under President Biden and DHS Secretary Mayorkas’ reckless, open-border policies.”

    “This legislation is an important step in correcting the previous administration’s costly, and in some cases, deadly errors.” 

    “I was disheartened, disappointed, but not surprised frankly that our Democratic colleagues voted to block the bill, preferring instead I assume – since they offered no viable alternative – to foist that large tax increase on the American people, which would have amounted to a $2.6 trillion tax hike on households earning less than $400,000 a year.”

    “I’m glad they did not prevail, and I’m sure those taxpayers agree.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shiprock Man Charged with Assault and Kidnapping on Navajo Nation

    Source: US FBI

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been charged in federal court for allegedly carrying out a series of violent assaults and a kidnapping that resulted in serious injuries to the victim.

    According to court documents, on or about June 30, 2025, Darrin Begay, 33, allegedly assaulted the victim at a residence in within the exterior boundaries of Navajo Nation in New Mexico. The assault included punching, kicking, and strangulation, resulting in visible injuries to the victim’s face, neck, and arms.

    On or about July 2, 2025, Begay allegedly returned to the victim’s home, threatened to harm the victim’s family members, and forced the victim into a vehicle. Begay then drove the victim away from her residence. He reportedly assaulted the victim again before pushing her out of the vehicle and leaving her on the roadside.

    Begay is charged with assault on an intimate partner by strangling, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, and kidnapping. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Begay faces up to life in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –