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Category: Eurozone

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Merck Foundation marks World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025 by providing 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Reproductive care in 41 countries in Africa and Asia

    Source: APO – Report:

    • Merck Foundation has made history by training the first local Embryologists and Reproductive & Fertility Experts in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia,  Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Congo. Moreover, supported training for the staff of First Public IVF Centers in Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Niger, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
    • Merck Foundation launched “More Than a Mother Animation Film” that raises awareness about breaking infertility stigma, infertility prevention and male infertility, watch here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025’ together with African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign, by building and advancing fertility care capacity in Africa and Asia.

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than  a Mother” emphasized, “At Merck Foundation we mark World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day by building Fertility and Reproductive Care capacity and empowering infertile women by improving their access to information, change of mindset and quality & equitable fertility care across Africa & Asia as part of our “More than a Mother” campaign.

    I am very proud to share that we have provided till today 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Sexual & Reproductive care to young doctors from 41 countries in Africa and Asia to be the local Embryologists, Fertility & Reproductive care experts in their countries. Moreover, many of our Alumni were trained to be the first local experts in their countries where they never had even a single local embryologist or fertility specialist before our program such as; The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Congo , Mozambique and more.

    Together with African First Ladies, and other important partners, we are making history and reshaping the landscape of fertility & Reproductive care across Africa and beyond”, added Dr. Kelej.

    Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” is a powerful campaign that defines interventions to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention and Male Infertility.

    Merck Foundation has provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

    “To give an overview, out of our total 716 scholarships for Fertility and Reproductive care, we have provided more than 324 Scholarships for clinical and practical training to Fertility Specialists and Embryologists, and more than 392 Scholarships for PG Diploma and Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills and Family Medicine to doctors from 41 countries across Africa and Asia. We are proud of this achievement”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

    According to WHO data, more than 180 million couples in developing countries – that is 1 in every 4 couple, suffer from infertility. In many cultures in Africa, infertility is a huge stigma. Women are solely blamed for failing to conceive and the social stigma of childlessness, especially for women leads to isolation and stigmatization and results in discrimination and ostracism. This mostly also leads to divorce or physical or psychological violence. As a part of “More Than a  Mother” Campaign, Merck Foundation has launched many initiatives to break this stigma and create a culture shift.

    Merck Foundation has also been empowering childless and infertile women through their “Empowering Berna” initiative under their “More Than a Mother” movement. This initiative helps women who cannot be treated for infertility anymore by helping them get trained to establish small businesses so that they can be independent and rebuild their lives. Through ‘Empowering Berna’, the lives of many infertile women have been transformed in many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi, and many more.

    “It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child,” added Dr. Kelej.

    Moreover, Merck Foundation has trained more than 3700 media representatives from more than 35 countries to raise community awareness and break the stigma around infertility and infertile and childless women.

    Merck Foundation in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, has also launched ‘More Than Mother’ Children’s storybook to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from a young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and the resulted domestic violence in the future. The storybooks have been localized for each country and in three languages, English, French and Portuguese to better connect with the young readers. The book has also been adapted to an animation film.

    Watch More Than a Mother Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

    Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa, has many episodes dedicated to raise awareness about infertility and breaking infertility stigma.

    Watch the episodes here:

    Episode 3: https://apo-opa.co/44OQc3I

    Episode 5: https://apo-opa.co/4f6JZDz

    Episode 10: https://apo-opa.co/4lgc7Wx

    Merck Foundation has also released about 30 songs, many of these songs have been created with the aim to break the infertility stigma, as a part of their “More Than a Mother” campaign. Listen to some of the songs here:

    1. Watch, share & subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/46YM2aD
    2. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://apo-opa.co/3H5X2bP
    3. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Zambian Soul Singer Wezi: https://apo-opa.co/4f3DIIM
    4. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Sunita Daffeh from the Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/471MBAx

    Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here:

    https://apo-opa.co/4mai2wX

    “To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Filmmaking, and Musicians, students, and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year by sharing their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

    – on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    Addtional Images: 
    https://apo-opa.co/4f3DDEY

    Contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager 
    Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
    Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ
    Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l
    Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
    Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3GR2fEp

    About Merck Foundation:
    The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ), X (https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l).

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE – Appointment of the Bishop of Quelimane

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 25 July 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On July 25, 2025, the Holy Father appointed His Eminence Osório Cîtora Afonso, IMC, as Bishop of the Diocese of Quelimane (Mozambique), currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Maputo, simultaneously releasing him from the titular see of Puzia in Numidia.His Exc. Msgr. Osório Citora Afonso, IMC, was born on May 6, 1972, in Ribaue (Nampula, Mozambique). He attended the Christ the King Preparatory Seminary in Matola (Maputo) and studied Philosophy at the Saint Augustine Major Seminary in Matola and Theology at the Saint-Eugène de Mazenod Institute in Kinshasa. He made his solemn profession in 2001 at the Consolata Missions Institute in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and was ordained a priest on November 3, 2002. He has held the following positions and completed further studies: parish vicar and treasurer of St. Hilaire in Kinshasa (2002-2005); regional councilor for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2005-2006); a licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (2006-2010); studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2008-2009) and at the École Biblique et Archéologique Française in Jerusalem (2010-2011); member of the Council of the General House in Rome (2008-2010); local collaborator at the Apostolic Nunciature in Kinshasa (2011-2013); Formator and Treasurer of the Theological Seminary of Kinshasa (2011-2013); Superior of the Missionary Center of the Diocese of Vittorio Veneto (2014-2016); Superior of Casa Milaico in Treviso (2014-2016); Regional Councilor for Italy, Treviso (2016-2017); Formator at the International Theological Seminary of Bravetta, Rome (2016-2017); Official at the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches (2017-2023).On September 21, 2023, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Maputo, receiving episcopal ordination on January 28, 2024. He is currently Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 25/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two men prosecuted for dumping waste in village

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Two men prosecuted for dumping waste in village

    Muddy tracks led to nearby house where excavation work had taken place. Environment Agency prosecution resulted in fines and costs totalling £6,400.

    Farmer discovers dumped waste when looking to graze sheep on land.

    The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted two men for illegally dumping excavation waste at a site in West Haddon, Northamptonshire.

    At Leicester Magistrates Court on Wednesday 23 July 2025, Richard Allen, 59, of Capeleira, Obidos, in Portugal, was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £400 to the victims of the offence.

    He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £800.

    At a previous hearing, on Wednesday 25 June 2025, David Thomas George Warden, 50, of Welland Avenue, Gartree, Market Harborough, was fined £350 and ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £350.

    Both pleaded guilty to knowingly causing and depositing controlled waste between 24 and 30 April 2024, on land off Ryehills Lane, West Haddon, without the necessary environmental permit.

    Both also admitted to charges relating to failing to comply with waste transfer regulations.

    Farmer discovered dumped waste

    The court was told that officers from the Environment Agency were alerted by a farmer who discovered the dumped waste when looking to graze sheep on the land off Ryehills Lane.

    The farmer found that the field had been covered in numerous mounds of excavation waste making it unsuitable for grazing.

    Due to the wet weather, muddy tyre tracks leading away from the site led officers to a nearby house where excavation work had taken place.

    That property was owned by Richard Allen’s daughter and son-in-law who informed officers that Allen had gained planning permission to build a house in the grounds of their property.

    Allen informed the investigation that he had employed Warden’s company Sky CFG to carry out the building works. He also alleged he had gained permission, some three years previously, to dump the top soil on the Ryehills’ site.

    However, Allen was unable to name the person from whom he had obtained permission.

    The owners of the land confirmed there was no such agreement in place for anyone to deposit waste onto their field. In any event, regardless of whether permission had been granted, there was no environmental permit in place at the site to allow waste to be deposited there. 

    Both Allen and Warden said they had little knowledge of the environmental regulations despite having experience of waste disposal as part of their day-to-day businesses.

    The court was told that some remediation work had taken place at the site albeit most of the soil had been spread across the field and that the land was now fit to graze animals.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

    This case shows that operators in the waste sector should realise we will not tolerate illegal waste activities.

    We will take enforcement action to protect the environment, people and legitimate businesses. 

    Anyone with suspicions of waste crime can call our incident hotline, 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

    Background information

    Charges

    Richard Allen

    • Between 24 April 2023 and 30 April 2023, knowingly cause controlled waste namely excavation waste consisting of sand and soil to be deposited on land off Ryehills Lane, West Haddon when there was not in force an environmental permit authorising such a deposit contrary to section 33(1) (a) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended.

    • Between 1 August 2023 and 30 September 2023 failed to comply with the duty of care imposed by section 34(1)(c)(ii) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in that, being a person that is a waste broker of controlled waste, namely, a quantity of excavation waste consisting of sand and soil, did fail to take such measures as were reasonable in the circumstances to secure that, on transfer of the waste, that there was such a written description of the waste as to enable other persons to avoid any contravention of section 33 contrary to section 34(1)(c)(ii) and (6) Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    David Thomas George Warden

    • Between 24 April 2023 and 30 April 2023, did deposit controlled waste namely excavation waste consisting of sand and soil in or on land at Ryehills Lane, West Haddon when there was no environmental permit in force authorising such a deposit contrary to section 33 (1) (a) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended.

    • Between 24 April 2023 and 30 April 2023 failed to comply with the duty of care imposed by section 34(1)(c)(ii) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in that, being a person that produces controlled waste, namely, a quantity of excavation waste consisting of sand and soil, did fail to take such measures as were reasonable in the circumstances to secure that, on transfer of the waste, that there was such a written description of the waste as to enable other persons to avoid any contravention of section 33 contrary to section 34(1)(c)(ii) and (6) Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran, European countries resume nuclear talks in Istanbul

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TEHRAN, July 25 (Xinhua) — Nuclear talks between Iran and the European “troika” of Germany, France and Britain began in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Friday morning, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

    The Iranian delegation is headed by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi.

    Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told the official IRNA news agency that the talks would be an opportunity for the three European countries to correct their attitude toward Iran and test their approach to the country’s nuclear program.

    Speaking earlier at a weekly press conference, Baghaei said the talks would focus on lifting sanctions and issues related to Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program, noting that Iran would seriously present its demands at the upcoming meeting.

    Since September last year, Iran and the EU three have held six rounds of talks on a range of issues, including Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. The latest round took place in Istanbul in mid-May. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Plastic Greenpeace climbers abseil from Forth Bridge to block INEOS tanker in plastics protest An international team of Greenpeace activists has abseiled from Scotland’s Forth Road Bridge to block an INEOS tanker from delivering its cargo of fracked American gas to the Grangemouth petrochemical… by Graham Thompson July 25, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    An international team of Greenpeace activists has abseiled from Scotland’s Forth Road Bridge to block an INEOS tanker from delivering its cargo of fracked American gas to the Grangemouth petrochemical facility. 

    The Greenpeace protest is aimed at chemicals giant INEOS, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which is opposing efforts by UN Member States to secure a Global Plastics Treaty to curb plastic pollution [1]. INEOS is the UK’s biggest plastics manufacturer, producing 30-35 billion nurdles (pellets) daily at its Grangemouth plant – enough to make 60 million plastic bottles.

    The action comes less than a fortnight before governments meet in Geneva, Switzerland, for the sixth and final round of negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty (5-14 August). Greenpeace is calling for these talks to agree to a cut in global plastic production of at least 75% by 2040, and for the UN to exclude lobbyists from INEOS and other fossil fuels companies from the treaty negotiations. Plastics producers including INEOS have collectively sent hundreds of lobbyists to exert their influence at every stage of the talks so far. Lobbyists have used tactics such as intimidation and harassment, to block an agreement that includes caps on plastic production.

    The 10 climbers are confronting the giant INEOS tanker ‘INDEPENDENCE’. The vessel spent the last 10 days crossing the Atlantic carrying 27,500 cubic metres of ethane bound for Grangemouth where it will be used by INEOS in the production of virgin plastic.

    Amy Cameron, Programme Director at Greenpeace UK said:

    “Plastic pollution has reached a crisis point: it’s poisoning our land, seas, air, even our bodies. The Global Plastics Treaty offers us a once in a generation chance to tackle the problem for good, so it’s no surprise INEOS and its billionaire boss, Jim Ratcliffe, are doing everything they can to stop it.

    Ratcliffe tries to distract us with sports teams and sponsorships, but we’re not going to let him fill our planet with plastic, so he can fill his pockets with profit. Ratcliffe is trying to block a strong Global Plastics Treaty, so today we’re blocking him.”

    An international team of Greenpeace activists abseil from Scotland’s Forth Road Bridge to block an INEOS tanker from delivering its cargo of fracked American gas to the Grangemouth petrochemical facility. The Greenpeace protest is aimed at chemicals giant INEOS, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which is opposing efforts by UN Member States to secure a Global Plastics Treaty to curb plastic pollution. INEOS is the UK’s biggest plastics manufacturer, producing (pellets) daily at its Grangemouth plant – enough to make 60 million plastic bottles.© Luca Marino / Greenpeace

    The highly-trained Greenpeace climbers [2] abseiled from beneath the bridge’s service walkway, unfurling six giant ‘Plastics Treaty Now’ banners. They will remain suspended 25 metres above the main shipping lane of the River Forth [3], preventing the tanker from reaching port with its hazardous cargo. They are supported by a rescue crew on the bridge and a boat team in the river below. 

    The Greenpeace protest comes during Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland. Over the past three years, INEOS Energy has made investments exceeding $3bn in the US oil and gas sector, and the US petrochemicals industry is investing heavily in new chemical and plastics production projects. Like INEOS, US Fossil Fuel giants are attempting to weaken the Global Plastics Treaty to avoid caps on virgin plastic production. 

    ENDS

    Contact: 

    Greenpeace UK press office: press.uk@greenpeace.org / 020 7865 8255

    Greenpeace press officer on the ground at Forth Road Bridge: Kai Tabacek – 07984 127025

    Greenpeace spokespeople are available for interviews on the ground in Scotland and in London

    Please find all photos and videos of the protest HERE. Additional pictures and footage will be added as they become available.

    Notes to editors

    1. Speaking at the EFRA Parliamentary Committee on 8th July, on the UK Government’s priorities for the final plastics treaty negotiations, INEOS’s Technology Director, Peter Williams firmly opposed production caps because of potential “unintended consequences.”
    2. The international team of Greenpeace activists include climbers from: UK, Argentina, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands and Taiwan.
    3. The main span of the iconic Forth Road Bridge is a little over a kilometre long, around 50 metres above water level. The highly-trained Greenpeace climbers are spaced at intervals of around 20 metres in an attempt to block the INEOS tanker. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston Parks awarded coveted Green Flag awards

    Source: City of Preston

    Preston Parks awarded coveted Green Flag Awards as they are officially recognised as some of the country’s best parks

    Preston City Council is delighted to have retained the following Green Flag Awards for the city’s green spaces this year:

    • Ashton Park
    • Avenham and Miller Parks
    • Fishwick Recreation Ground and Local Nature Reserve
    • Haslam Park
    • Winckley Square

    Winckley Square has also retained its Green Heritage accreditation, supported by Historic England, and Haslam Park has retained the Green Flag Community Award courtesy of the Friends Group.

    The sites are some of the 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

    Missing from the list this year is Preston’s oldest park, Moor Park, which is currently undergoing its own transformation. An important project includes de-silting and extending the historic lake, as well as the reinstatement of the Serpentine Bridge, alongside wider park enhancements to the play area and football pavilion. We’re hoping Moor Park will make the list for Green Flags again once the project is complete.

    Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet member for environment and community safety, said:

    “The news that Preston’s parks and green spaces have once again met the standards required for the accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for our parks and green spaces so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy them.”

    Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, added:

    “Congratulations to everyone involved in Preston who have worked tirelessly to ensure the high standards required for these Green Flag Awards.

    “Quality parks and green spaces make the country a healthier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

    “Crucially, Preston is offering vital green spaces for communities in residents to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

    The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

    More information

    The Green Flag Award Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

    Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.  Awards are given on an annual basis, and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.  A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. Green Heritage Site Accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation. 

    Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. We set the standard for the management of parks and beaches, inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably. We run campaigns and programmes including the Great British Spring Clean, Eco-Schools, Love Parks Week (25th July – 3rd August 2025), Buy Nothing New Month, Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces, the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches and blue spaces, and the Green Key for sustainable tourism and hospitality.

    About Historic England

    We are Historic England, the public body that protects and brings life to the heritage that matters to us all, so it lives on and is loved for longer. From the extraordinary to the everyday, our historic places and spaces matter. From community centres to cathedrals, homes to high streets, markets to mills – there are special places we all choose to hold onto, the legacy we want to pass on and the stories we continue to tell. That’s why we work together with people across England to discover, protect and bring new life to our shared historic environment, providing advice, knowledge, support and services

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Applauds France’s Decision to Recognize Palestinian Statehood, Calls for Renewed Push Toward Peace

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    CHICAGO, IL – Today, Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) issued the following statement in response to France’s announcement that it will formally recognize a Palestinian state in September:  

    “I commend President Emmanuel Macron and the French government for their courageous and principled decision to recognize Palestinian statehood. This historic step reaffirms France’s commitment to justice, diplomacy, and a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  

    “A two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting in security and mutual recognition, remains the only viable path to lasting peace. France’s leadership moves the world closer to that reality. The United States and the international community must follow this example by supporting dialogue, de-escalation, and a negotiated settlement that upholds the rights and dignity of all people in the region.  

    “Now is the time for bold action. Let us seize this moment to advance peace, stability, and hope for future generations. We must break this cycle of violence and work towards a lasting peace and prosperity.  The work is not a singular act, but rather a commitment made to bring our world together. “

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Why is France recognising Palestinian statehood and who else has?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will recognise Palestinian statehood, drawing angry rebukes from Israel and the United States and opening the door for other major nations to potentially like Britain and Canada to perhaps follow suit.

    Below are some details about Macron’s announcement, driven by a rising global outcry over starvation and devastation in Gaza amid Israel’s war against Hamas militants, as well as other nations’ position on having Palestinian statehood recognised.

    WHAT DID MACRON SAY?

    Macron published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intention to press ahead with recognition and work to convince other partners to do the same. He said he would make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next month.

    France is now the first major Western country to shift its diplomatic stance on a Palestinian state, after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised one last year.

    WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT?

    The decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is mostly symbolic, with Israel occupying the territories where the Palestinians have long aimed to establish that state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital.

    But the move by France, which is home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, could fuel a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel.

    It also makes Israel appear more isolated on the international stage over the war in Gaza, which is suffering from a wave of hunger that the World Health Organization’s chief said this week amounts to man-made mass starvation.

    Israel says it is committed to allowing aid into Gaza but must control it to prevent it being diverted by militants. It says it has let enough food into Gaza during the war and blames Hamas for the suffering of Gaza’s 2.2 million people.

    WHY DID MACRON DO THIS?

    Macron had been leaning towards the move for months as part of a bid to keep the idea of a two-state solution alive, despite the pressure not to do so. He decided to do it ahead of a U.N. conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on the matter next week to try to sway other countries considering that step, or those that are wavering.

    WHAT IMPACT COULD IT HAVE ON FRENCH TIES WITH ISRAEL

    Ahead of Macron’s announcement, Israeli officials had spent months lobbying to prevent what some had called “a nuclear bomb” for bilateral relations.

    Sources familiar with the matter say Israel’s warnings to France had ranged from scaling back intelligence-sharing to complicating Paris’ regional initiatives – even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank.

    WHO COULD BE NEXT?

    France’s decision may put pressure on major countries like Britain, Germany, Australia, Canada and Japan to take the same path. In the immediate term, Malta and Belgium could be the next countries within the European Union to do so.

    A British cabinet minister said on Friday that Britain supports eventual recognition of a Palestinian state, but the immediate priority should be alleviating the suffering in Gaza and securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

    Germany said on Friday it was not planning to recognise Palestinian statehood in the short term, rather its priority waas to make “long-overdue progress” towards a two-state solution – Israel and a Palestinian state co-existing in peace.

    WHO ELSE HAS RECOGNISED PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD?

    Last year, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were prior to the 1967 Middle East war, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

    However, they also recognised that those borders may change in any eventual talks to reach a final settlement, and that their decisions did not diminish their belief in Israel’s fundamental right to exist in peace and security.

    About 144 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise Palestine as a state, including most of the global south as well as Russia, China and India. But only a handful of the 27 European Union members do so, mostly former Communist countries as well as Sweden and Cyprus.

    The U.N. General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to “non-member state” from “entity.”

    HOW DID THE UNITED STATES, ISRAEL, AND PALESTINIANS REACT?

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision by France, one of Israel’s closest allies and a G7 member, saying such a move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy”.

    Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described it as “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism”. He added that Israel would not allow the establishment of a “Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence”.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States “strongly rejects (Macron’s) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly.”

    “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace,” Rubio posted on X. “It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th” – a reference to Hamas’ 2023 cross-border attack on Israel that set off the Gaza war.

    Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority’s Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said Macron’s decision reflected “France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state”.

    The Palestine Liberation Organization recognised Israel’s right to exist in peace at the start of the U.S.-backed peace process in 1993 that set up the Palestinian Authority in what Palestinians hoped would be a stepping stone towards statehood.

    But Hamas and other Palestinian Islamist militants who have long dominated Gaza and frequently clash with Israeli forces in the West Bank reject recognition of Israel.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Development Minister sets out new United Kingdom (UK) approach to development at G20 meeting in South Africa

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    • Development Minister Baroness Chapman will reset the UK’s approach to international development at the G20 Development Meeting in South Africa today (Friday, 25 July).
    • Economic development underpins the UK’s new approach, as the Minister visits a South African food producer supported by the FCDO’s development arm BII.
    • The UK is supporting countries to transition from traditional aid to innovative financing for development, as the Minister visits a centre for survivors of gender-based violence funded by both the UK and the private sector.

    The UK is resetting its relationship with countries in the Global South and helping countries exit the need for aid, as Baroness Chapman attends the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in South Africa today (Friday 25 July 2025).

    This follows the publication of ODA allocations earlier this week (Tuesday 22 July 2025), which indicate how the UK is going to spend its aid budget for the next year.

    The UK will move from being a donor to a genuine partner and investor, ensuring every pound spent on aid delivers for the UK taxpayer and the people we support.

    Economic development underpins the UK’s new approach, to help countries grow fairer, more resilient economies and ultimately exit the need for aid, in support of the government’s Plan for Change.

    The Minister saw this in action yesterday (Thursday 24 July 2025) as she visited an Agristar farm which produces macadamia nuts in Mbombela, eastern South Africa. British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, is supporting Agristar to expand – supporting jobs and growth and helping to stock British supermarket shelves. 

    The Minister also visited a UK supported care centre for survivors of gender-based violence in Mbombela, alongside South African Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disability, Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga. The centre is supported by a multi-donor fund which has seen increased backing from South African and international private investors. The innovative funding approach has supported over 200 community-based organisations in South Africa working to prevent violence in schools and communities and provide response services for survivors of gender-based violence. This demonstrates the UK and South Africa’s shared commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    By mobilising private finance and empowering partners to take charge of their own development, the UK is moving away from a paternalistic approach to aid.

    Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman said:

    We want to help countries move beyond aid. In South Africa, I’ve seen the impact we can have with genuine partnerships, rather than paternalism. Our work is supporting jobs and generating global economic growth – and bringing high quality South African produce to UK shops. 

    At the G20 in South Africa, I have one simple message: the world has changed and so must we. The UK is taking a new approach to development, responding to the needs of our partners and delivering real impact and value for money for UK taxpayers.

    At the G20, the Minister is due to discuss the UK’s new approach to international development with counterparts from Egypt, India and Germany.

    The Agristar farm in Mbombela, which the Minister visited yesterday, has benefitted from UK investment as part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). BII support has enabled the macadamia nut producer to expand its operations across Africa, invest in measures to mitigate climate risks, and support nearly 400 jobs. BII is also supporting Agristar’s expansion into Malawi.

    BII, which aims to make a return on its investments, has so far supported 92 companies in South Africa and over 35,000 jobs.   

    Its success highlights how the UK’s investment in international development is driving green growth and jobs, boosting global prosperity and stability to help create the conditions to deliver the government’s Plan for Change at home.   

    The Minister will also announce today a new £2 million commitment to support local agribusiness projects by partnering with South African investment funds to drive more private finance for the farming sector.

    In G20 talks on tackling illicit financial flows, the Minister will highlight how money and assets siphoned away as part of criminal activity deprive lower-income countries of vital resources which could otherwise support growth and development. The Foreign Secretary is leading a campaign against illicit finance, mobilising the best UK expertise and international partnerships, so dirty money has nowhere to hide. This is also vital to deterring threats to the safety and security of Britain, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    – on behalf of United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: How bachata rose from Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns to become a global sensation

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Latin American and Latino Studies, Lehman College, CUNY

    Once viewed by elites with disdain, bachata has become popular worldwide. Erika Santelices/AFP via Getty Images

    What began as songs about heartbreak in the brothels and barrios of the Dominican Republic in the 1960s has become a worldwide sensation.

    Even the Bee Gees have gotten a bachata spin. Prince Royce’s bilingual take on the 1977 hit “How Deep Is Your Love” has topped the Latin music charts this summer and proves bachata is no longer chasing the mainstream but reimagining the pop canon.

    Bachata dance classes, parties and festivals have sprung up across the U.S. in recent years, everywhere from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, and Omaha, Nebraska, to Oklahoma City.

    It’s easy to find abroad as well. Upcoming bachata festivals are happening in cities in Austria, Egypt, Australia and China.

    Instructors teach a bachata class in Warsaw, Poland, in July 2025.
    Neil Milton/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    I’m a scholar of Dominican culture and the senior researcher for the History of Dominican Music in the U.S. project at the City University of New York’s Dominican Studies Institute. I see bachata as a revealing window into modern post-1960s Dominican history – and one that spotlights the emotional truths and everyday experiences of poor and Black Dominicans in particular.

    Music from the margins

    Bachata was born in the Dominican countryside and later developed in the shantytowns of Santo Domingo, the capital. In most Latin American dictionaries, the word “bachata” is loosely defined as “revelry” or “a spree.”

    The distinctive sound is formed from guitars, bongos, bass and the güira – a percussion instrument also used in merengue music – and accompanied by typically romantic or bittersweet lyrics.

    The music was long associated with the lower classes and Black Dominicans.

    The genre’s first recording came in 1962, just over a year after Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, a brutal dictator who ruled the island for 31 years, was assassinated. Trujillo’s death marked the beginning of a new cultural and political era in the Dominican Republic, although democratic hopes were soon shattered by a military coup, civil war and a second U.S. intervention following an earlier one between 1916-1924.

    Urban and middle-class Dominicans looked down on bachata as the music played in brothels and favored by poor, rural people who started to migrate to urban areas in large numbers in the 1960s. It was played almost exclusively on Radio Guarachita, a Santo Domingo station run by Radhamés Aracena, a key promoter of the genre.

    Amid a country reeling from political upheaval, bachata emerged as a soundtrack to working-class survival. The guitar-based rhythms were shaped by Cuban bolero and son and Mexican ranchera music, while the lyrics chronicled daily struggles, grief and marginalization.

    In most Latin American dictionaries, the word ‘bachata’ is loosely defined as ‘revelry’ or ‘a spree.’ This reflects its early development in informal social spaces where friends gathered to sing their hearts out, share drinks and escape daily hardships.
    CUNY Dominican Studies Institute Library, The Deborah Pacini Hernández Bachata Music Collection

    Bachata’s shifting language

    In the 1960s, bachata lyrics centered on heartache and were often directed at a romantic partner.

    “Understand me, you know I love only you. Don’t deny me the hope of kissing you again,” Rafael Encarnación sang in Spanish in his 1964 song “Muero Contigo,” or “I Die With You.”

    By the late 1970s and early 1980s, sexual innuendos were common, adding to the genre’s low standing among Dominican elites.

    “I gave you everything you ever wanted, but it was all useless because you went looking for another man,” Blas Durán sang in 1985. “I was left like the orange vendor – peeling so someone else could suck the fruit.”

    To reclaim respect for bachata, some artists, such as Luis Segura and Leonardo Paniagua, in the mid-1980s began calling their music música de amargue, or “music of romantic bitterness.”

    What began as a genre label gradually transformed into a sensibility. “Amargue” came to name a feeling marked by longing, loss and quiet introspection – akin to “feeling the blues” in the U.S.

    American blues similarly emerged from the hardships faced by Black Americans in the South and expressed themes of sorrow, resilience and reflection.

    By the 1990s, the stigma surrounding bachata began to fade, partly due to the international success of Dominican star Juan Luis Guerra and his album Bachata Rosa. The album sold more than 5 million copies worldwide by 1994, earned Guerra a Grammy Award for best tropical Latin album, and was certified platinum in the U.S.

    As acceptance of the genre grew, traditional bachateros in the Dominican Republic continued releasing bachata albums. However, Dominican pop, rock and other artists also began recording bachatas – such as 1990’s “Yo Quiero Andar” by Sonia Silvestre and 1998’s “Bufeo” by Luis “El Terror” Días.

    Aventura performs for a crowd in Madrid in 2024. It was the group’s first tour since their split in 2011.
    Ricardo Rubio/Europa Press via Getty Images

    Bachata goes mainstream

    Migration to the U.S. is a pivotal chapter in Dominican history after the 1960s. The U.S. Immigration Act of 1965 functioned as a de facto immigration policy and encouraged a large-scale exodus from the Dominican Republic.

    By the mid-1990s, a strong and vibrant Dominican diaspora was firmly established in New York City. The Bronx became the birthplace of Grupo Aventura, a group that revolutionized bachata by blending its traditional rhythms with urban genres such as hip-hop.

    “Obsesión,” released in 2002, was an international hit.

    Their music reflected the bicultural diaspora, often torn between nostalgia for their homeland and everyday challenges of urban American life. Against the backdrop of city life, bachata found a new voice that mirrored the immigrant experience. The genre shifted from a shared feeling of loss and longing to a celebration of cultural community.

    In 2002, the song “Obsesión” by Aventura and featuring Judy Santos topped music charts in France, Germany, Italy, the U.S. and elsewhere. The group Aventura and, later, lead singer Romeo Santos as a solo artist sold out Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium, respectively.

    As they rose in fame, Aventura became global ambassadors for Dominican culture and made bachata mainstream.

    Puerto Rican bachatero Toby Love performs during an event held by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on April 9, 2016, in New York City.
    Andrew Renneisen via Getty Images

    Global spin on bachata

    Bachata’s popularity has also spread to other countries in Latin America, and especially among working-class and Afro-descendant communities in Central America that see their own realities reflected in the music.

    At the same time, Dominican diasporic communities in countries such as Spain and Italy carried the genre with them, where it continued to evolve.

    In Spain, for example, bachata experienced a creative transformation. By the mid-2000s, bachata sensual had emerged as a dance style influenced by zouk and tango, emphasizing smooth, body-led movements and close partner connection.

    Around the same time, modern bachata also developed between Spain and New York City. This style is a departure from traditional bachata, which focuses on the box step and fast footwork, and incorporates more turns and other elements from salsa.

    In 2019 bachata was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which also lists Jamaican reggae and Mexican mariachi.

    Today, bachata’s influence is truly global. International conferences dedicated to the genre attract dancers, musicians and scholars from around the world. Puerto Rican, Colombian and other artists from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds continue to nurture and reinvent bachata.

    At the same time, more women, such as Andre Veloz, Judy Santos and Leslie Grace, are building careers as bachata performers and challenging a traditionally male-dominated genre.

    Natti Natasha performs at an album release party for ‘En Amargue,’ her 2025 album produced by bachata icon and former Aventura singer Romeo Santos.
    John Parra/WireImage via Getty Images

    Bachata holds a place not only on the world stage but in the hearts of Latino, Black, Asian and many other communities in the U.S. that recognize the genre’s power to tell stories of love, loss, migration and resilience.

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

    – ref. How bachata rose from Dominican Republic’s brothels and shantytowns to become a global sensation – https://theconversation.com/how-bachata-rose-from-dominican-republics-brothels-and-shantytowns-to-become-a-global-sensation-260886

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Phillips 66 Reports Second-Quarter Results

    Source: Phillips

    Reported second-quarter earnings of $877 million or $2.15 per share; adjusted earnings of $973 million or $2.38 per share; including $239 million of pre-tax accelerated depreciation on Los Angeles Refinery
    Operated at 98% capacity utilization in Refining with 86% clean product yield
    Completed Midstream acquisition of EPIC NGL, now renamed Coastal Bend
    Announced sale of 65% interest in our Germany and Austria retail marketing business
    Generated $845 million of net operating cash flow, $1.9 billion excluding working capital
    Returned $906 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) announced second-quarter earnings.
    “Phillips 66 delivered strong financial and operating results across our integrated value chain, reflecting the continued execution of our strategy. During the quarter, Refining ran at the highest utilization since 2018, achieved its lowest cost per barrel since 2021, strong market capture and record year-to-date clean product yield. Our results were made possible through disciplined execution and investment,” said Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO of Phillips 66.
    “We also continued our strong growth trajectory in Midstream, which generated approximately $1 billion of adjusted EBITDA following the acquisition of Coastal Bend. The Dos Picos II gas processing plant in the Midland Basin recently came online ahead of schedule and on budget. These assets further our stable earnings growth, enhance returns and increase shareholder value as we progress our wellhead-to-market strategy. Looking ahead, we are focused on organic Midstream growth as we advance toward our 2027 targets.”
    Financial Results Summary (in millions of dollars, except as indicated)

     

     

    2Q 2025

    1Q 2025

    Earnings

    $

    877

    487

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)1

     

    973

    (368)

    Adjusted EBITDA1

     

    2,501

    736

    Earnings (Loss) Per Share

     

     

    Earnings Per Share – Diluted

     

    2.15

    1.18

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Diluted1

     

    2.38

    (0.90)

    Cash Flow From Operations

     

    845

    187

    Cash Flow From Operations, Excluding Working Capital1

     

    1,920

    259

    Capital Expenditures & Investments

     

    587

    423

    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     

    2,220

    —

    Return of Capital to Shareholders

     

    906

    716

    Repurchases of common stock

     

    419

    247

    Dividends paid on common stock

     

    487

    469

    Cash and Cash Equivalents, including cash classified within Assets held for sale2

     

    1,144

    1,489

    Debt

     

    20,935

    18,803

    Debt-to-capital ratio

     

    42%

    40%

    Net debt-to-capital ratio1

     

    41%

    38%

    1 Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.

    2 Includes cash and cash equivalents of $92 million classified within Assets held for sale at June 30, 2025.

     

    Segment Financial and Operating Highlights (Millions of dollars, except as indicated)

     

     

    2Q 2025

    1Q 2025

    Change

    Earnings (Loss)1

    $

    877

    487

    390

    Midstream

     

    731

    751

    (20)

    Chemicals

     

    20

    113

    (93)

    Refining

     

    359

    (937)

    1,296

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    571

    1,282

    (711)

    Renewable Fuels

     

    (133)

    (185)

    52

    Corporate and Other

     

    (428)

    (376)

    (52)

    Income tax (expense) benefit

     

    (212)

    (122)

    (90)

    Noncontrolling interests

     

    (31)

    (39)

    8

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)1,2

    $

    973

    (368)

    1,341

    Midstream

     

    731

    683

    48

    Chemicals

     

    20

    113

    (93)

    Refining

     

    392

    (937)

    1,329

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    660

    265

    395

    Renewable Fuels

     

    (133)

    (185)

    52

    Corporate and Other

     

    (383)

    (355)

    (28)

    Income tax (expense) benefit

     

    (283)

    78

    (361)

    Noncontrolling interests

     

    (31)

    (30)

    (1)

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted EBITDA2

    $

    2,501

    736

    1,765

    Midstream

     

    972

    885

    87

    Chemicals

     

    148

    244

    (96)

    Refining

     

    867

    (452)

    1,319

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    718

    315

    403

    Renewable Fuels

     

    (110)

    (162)

    52

    Corporate and Other

     

    (94)

    (94)

    —

     

     

     

     

    Operating Highlights

     

     

     

    Pipeline Throughput – Y-Grade to Market (MB/D)3

     

    956

    704

    252

    Chemicals Global O&P Capacity Utilization

     

    92%

    100%

    (8%)

    Refining

     

     

     

    Turnaround Expense4

     

    53

    270

    (217)

    Realized Margin ($/BBL)2

     

    11.25

    6.81

    4.44

    Crude Capacity Utilization

     

    98%

    80%

    18%

    Clean Product Yield

     

    86%

    87%

    (1%)

    Renewable Fuels Produced (MB/D)

     

    40

    44

    (4)

    1 Segment reporting is pre-tax.

     

     

     

    2 Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.

    3 Represents volumes delivered to fractionation hubs, including Mont Belvieu, Sweeny and Conway. Includes 100% of DCP Midstream Class A Segment and Phillips 66’s direct interest in DCP Sand Hills Pipeline, LLC and DCP Southern Hills Pipeline, LLC.

    4 Excludes turnaround expense of all equity affiliates.

     

     

     

    Second-Quarter 2025 Financial Results
    Reported earnings were $877 million for the second quarter of 2025 versus $487 million in the first quarter of 2025. Second-quarter earnings included pre-tax special item adjustments of $(89) million in the Marketing and Specialties segment, $(45) million impacting Corporate and Other and $(33) million in the Refining segment. Adjusted earnings for the second quarter were $973 million versus an adjusted loss of $368 million in the first quarter.

    Midstream second-quarter 2025 adjusted pre-tax income increased compared with the first quarter mainly due to higher volumes, largely driven by the acquisition of Coastal Bend, partially offset by seasonal maintenance expense and property taxes.

    Chemicals adjusted pre-tax income decreased mainly due to lower margins driven by lower sales prices.

    Refining adjusted pre-tax results increased mainly due to higher realized margins resulting from improved market crack spreads, as well as higher volumes and lower costs.

    Marketing and Specialties adjusted pre-tax income increased primarily due to higher margins and volumes.

    Renewable Fuels pre-tax results improved primarily due to higher realized margins including inventory impacts, as well as increased credits.

    Corporate and Other adjusted pre-tax loss increased mainly due to higher net interest expense, partially offset by impacts from our investment in NOVONIX.

    As of June 30, 2025, the company had $1.1 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $3.7 billion of committed capacity available under credit facilities.
    Business Highlights and Strategic Priorities Progress

    Advanced NGL wellhead-to-market strategy by acquiring Coastal Bend and nearing completion of a related pipeline expansion project, expected to increase capacity from 175 MBD to 225 MBD

    Expanded natural gas gathering and processing capacity with the startup of Dos Picos II, a 220 MMCF/D plant in the Midland Basin

    Maintained disciplined operations in Refining and achieved $5.46 per barrel in Refining Adjusted Controllable Costs 1, excluding adjusted turnaround expense in the second quarter and $6.17 per barrel year-to-date

    Achieved a record year-to-date clean product yield of 87%, reflecting a 2% increase from the same period in 2024

    On track to cease operations at the Los Angeles Refinery, as well as complete the Germany and Austria transaction by year-end.

    1 Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.

    Investor Webcast
    Members of Phillips 66 executive management will host a webcast at noon ET to provide an update on the company’s strategic initiatives and discuss the company’s second-quarter performance. To access the webcast and view related presentation materials, go to phillips66.com/investors and click on “Events & Presentations.” For detailed supplemental information, go to phillips66.com/supplemental.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information—This news release includes the terms “adjusted earnings (loss),” “adjusted pre-tax income (loss),” “adjusted EBITDA,” “adjusted earnings (loss) per share,” “adjusted controllable cost,” “cash from operations, excluding working capital,” “net debt-to-capital ratio,” and “realized refining margin per barrel.” These are non-GAAP financial measures that are included to help facilitate comparisons of operating performance across periods, to help facilitate comparisons with other companies in our industry and to help facilitate determination of enterprise value. Where applicable, these measures exclude items that do not reflect the core operating results of our businesses in the current period or other adjustments to reflect how management analyzes results. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are included within this release.
    References in the release to earnings refer to net income attributable to Phillips 66.
    Basis of Presentation— Effective April 1, 2024, we changed the internal financial information reviewed by our chief executive officer to evaluate performance and allocate resources to our operating segments. This included changes in the composition of our operating segments, as well as measurement changes for certain activities between our operating segments. The primary effects of this realignment included establishment of a Renewable Fuels operating segment, which includes renewable fuels activities and assets historically reported in our Refining, Marketing and Specialties (M&S), and Midstream segments; change in method of allocating results for certain Gulf Coast distillate export activities from our M&S segment to our Refining segment; reclassification of certain crude oil and international clean products trading activities between our M&S segment and our Refining segment; and change in reporting of our investment in NOVONIX from our Midstream segment to Corporate and Other. Accordingly, prior period results have been recast for comparability.
    In the third quarter of 2024, we began presenting the line item “Capital expenditures and investments” on our consolidated statement of cash flows exclusive of acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Accordingly, prior period information has been reclassified for comparability.
    Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995—This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies relating to NGL, crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum or renewable fuels products pricing, regulation or taxation, including exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits, including those necessary for capital projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum products, renewable fuels, renewable feedstocks and natural gas prices, and refined product, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for our products; changes to government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for biofuels; liability resulting from pending or future litigation or other legal proceedings; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs or technical requirements for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities or transporting our products; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected technological or commercial difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products, including chemical products; the level and success of producers’ drilling plans and the amount and quality of production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; changes in the cost or availability of adequate and reliable transportation for our NGL, crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum and renewable fuels products; failure to complete definitive agreements and feasibility studies for, and to complete construction of, announced and future capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to our credit profile or illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets; damage to our facilities due to accidents, weather and climate events, civil unrest, insurrections, political events, terrorism or cyberattacks; domestic and international economic and political developments including armed hostilities, such as the war in Eastern Europe, instability in the financial services and banking sector, excess inflation, expropriation of assets and changes in fiscal policy, including interest rates; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and properties, plants and equipment and/or strategic decisions or other developments with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; substantial investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of existing or future environmental rules and regulations, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions and reduced consumer demand for refined petroleum products; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates) applicable to our business; political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of our joint ventures that we do not control; the potential impact of activist shareholder actions or tactics; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    2025

     

    2024

     

    2Q

    1Q

    Jun YTD

     

    2Q

    Jun YTD

    Midstream

    $

    731

     

    751

     

    1,482

     

     

    767

     

    1,321

     

    Chemicals

     

    20

     

    113

     

    133

     

     

    222

     

    427

     

    Refining

     

    359

     

    (937

    )

    (578

    )

     

    302

     

    518

     

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    571

     

    1,282

     

    1,853

     

     

    415

     

    781

     

    Renewable Fuels

     

    (133

    )

    (185

    )

    (318

    )

     

    (55

    )

    (110

    )

    Corporate and Other

     

    (428

    )

    (376

    )

    (804

    )

     

    (340

    )

    (662

    )

    Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

     

    1,120

     

    648

     

    1,768

     

     

    1,311

     

    2,275

     

    Less: Income tax expense (benefit)

     

    212

     

    122

     

    334

     

     

    291

     

    494

     

    Less: Noncontrolling interests

     

    31

     

    39

     

    70

     

     

    5

     

    18

     

    Phillips 66

    $

    877

     

    487

     

    1,364

     

     

    1,015

     

    1,763

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Adjusted Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    2025

     

    2024

     

    2Q

    1Q

    Jun YTD

     

    2Q

    Jun YTD

    Midstream

    $

    731

     

    683

     

    1,414

     

     

    753

     

    1,366

     

    Chemicals

     

    20

     

    113

     

    133

     

     

    222

     

    427

     

    Refining

     

    392

     

    (937

    )

    (545

    )

     

    302

     

    615

     

    Marketing and Specialties

     

    660

     

    265

     

    925

     

     

    415

     

    722

     

    Renewable Fuels

     

    (133

    )

    (185

    )

    (318

    )

     

    (55

    )

    (110

    )

    Corporate and Other

     

    (383

    )

    (355

    )

    (738

    )

     

    (340

    )

    (662

    )

    Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

     

    1,287

     

    (416

    )

    871

     

     

    1,297

     

    2,358

     

    Less: Income tax expense (benefit)

     

    283

     

    (78

    )

    205

     

     

    278

     

    504

     

    Less: Noncontrolling interests

     

    31

     

    30

     

    61

     

     

    35

     

    48

     

    Phillips 66

    $

    973

     

    (368

    )

    605

     

     

    984

     

    1,806

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2025

     

    2024

     

    2Q

    1Q

    Jun YTD

     

    2Q

    Jun YTD

    Reconciliation of Consolidated Earnings to Adjusted Earnings (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Consolidated Earnings

    $

    877

     

    487

     

    1,364

     

     

    1,015

     

    1,763

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Impairments

     

    —

     

    21

     

    21

     

     

    224

     

    387

     

    Net (gain) loss on asset dispositions1

     

    89

     

    (1,085

    )

    (996

    )

     

    (238

    )

    (238

    )

    Legal accrual

     

    33

     

    —

     

    33

     

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Legal settlement

     

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

     

    —

     

    (66

    )

    Professional advisory fees

     

    45

     

    —

     

    45

     

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Tax impact of adjustments2

     

    (40

    )

    200

     

    160

     

     

    13

     

    (10

    )

    Other tax impacts

     

    (31

    )

    —

     

    (31

    )

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Noncontrolling interests

     

    —

     

    9

     

    9

     

     

    (30

    )

    (30

    )

    Adjusted earnings (loss)

    $

    973

     

    (368

    )

    605

     

     

    984

     

    1,806

     

    Earnings per share of common stock (dollars)

    $

    2.15

     

    1.18

     

    3.32

     

     

    2.38

     

    4.10

     

    Adjusted earnings (loss) per share of common stock (dollars)

    $

    2.38

     

    (0.90

    )

    1.47

     

     

    2.31

     

    4.21

     

    Adjusted Weighted-Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding (thousands)

     

    407,934

     

    409,182

     

    409,012

     

     

    425,734

     

    429,003

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Reconciliation of Segment Pre-Tax Income (Loss) to Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Midstream Pre-Tax Income

    $

    731

     

    751

     

    1,482

     

     

    767

     

    1,321

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Impairments

     

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

     

    224

     

    283

     

    Net gain on asset dispositions1

     

    —

     

    (68

    )

    (68

    )

     

    (238

    )

    (238

    )

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    731

     

    683

     

    1,414

     

     

    753

     

    1,366

     

    Chemicals Pre-Tax Income

    $

    20

     

    113

     

    133

     

     

    222

     

    427

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    None

     

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    20

     

    113

     

    133

     

     

    222

     

    427

     

    Refining Pre-Tax Income (Loss)

    $

    359

     

    (937

    )

    (578

    )

     

    302

     

    518

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Impairments

     

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

     

    —

     

    104

     

    Legal settlement

     

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

     

    —

     

    (7

    )

    Legal accrual

     

    33

     

    —

     

    33

     

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Adjusted pre-tax income (loss)

    $

    392

     

    (937

    )

    (545

    )

     

    (302

    )

    (615

    )

    Marketing and Specialties Pre-Tax Income

    $

    571

     

    1,282

     

    1,853

     

     

    415

     

    781

     

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Net (gain) loss on asset dispositions1

     

    89

     

    (1,017

    )

    (928

    )

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Legal settlement

     

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

     

    —

     

    (59

    )

    Adjusted pre-tax income

    $

    660

     

    265

     

    925

     

     

    415

     

    722

     

    Renewable Fuels Pre-Tax Loss

    $

    (133

    )

    (185

    )

    (318

    )

     

    (55

    )

    (110

    )

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    None

     

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Adjusted pre-tax loss

    $

    (133

    )

    (185

    )

    (318

    )

     

    (55

    )

    (110

    )

    Corporate and Other Pre-Tax Loss

    $

    (428

    )

    (376

    )

    (804

    )

     

    (340

    )

    (662

    )

    Pre-tax adjustments:

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Impairments

     

    —

     

    21

     

    21

     

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Professional advisory fees

     

    45

     

    —

     

    45

     

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Adjusted pre-tax loss

    $

    (383

    )

    (355

    )

    (738

    )

     

    (340

    )

    (662

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1. Gain on disposition of our 49% non-operated equity interest in Coop Mineraloel AG in 1Q 2025. In connection with our pending disposition of our Germany and Austria retail marketing business, in the second quarter of 2025 we recognized a before-tax unrealized loss from foreign currency derivatives.

    2. We generally tax effect taxable U.S.-based special items using a combined federal and state annual statutory income tax rate of approximately 24%. Taxable special items attributable to foreign locations likewise generally use a local statutory income tax rate. Nontaxable events reflect zero income tax. These events include, but are not limited to, most goodwill impairments, transactions legislatively exempt from income tax, transactions related to entities for which we have made an assertion that the undistributed earnings are permanently reinvested, or transactions occurring in jurisdictions with a valuation allowance.

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2025

     

    2Q

    1Q

    Reconciliation of Consolidated Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Phillips 66

     

     

    Net Income

    $

    908

     

    526

     

    Plus:

     

     

    Income tax expense

     

    212

     

    122

     

    Net interest expense

     

    230

     

    187

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    816

     

    791

     

    Phillips 66 EBITDA

    $

    2,166

     

    1,626

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Impairments

     

    —

     

    21

     

    Net (gain) loss on asset dispositions

     

    89

     

    (1,085

    )

    Legal accrual

     

    33

     

    —

     

    Professional advisory fees

     

    45

     

    —

     

    Total Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax)

     

    167

     

    (1,064

    )

    Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

     

    2

     

    15

     

    Phillips 66 EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items and Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

    $

    2,335

     

    577

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    17

     

    18

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    15

     

    14

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    184

     

    187

     

    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests

     

    (50

    )

    (60

    )

    Phillips 66 Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    2,501

     

    736

     

     

     

     

    Reconciliation of Segment Income before Income Taxes to Adjusted EBITDA

     

     

    Midstream Income before income taxes

    $

    731

     

    751

     

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    260

     

    233

     

    Midstream EBITDA

    $

    991

     

    984

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Net gain on asset dispositions

     

    —

     

    (68

    )

    Midstream EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    991

     

    916

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    4

     

    3

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    3

     

    3

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    24

     

    23

     

    Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interests

     

    (50

    )

    (60

    )

    Midstream Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    972

     

    885

     

    Chemicals Income before income taxes

    $

    20

     

    113

     

    Plus:

     

     

    None

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Chemicals EBITDA

    $

    20

     

    113

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    None

    —

     

    —

     

    Chemicals EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    20

     

    113

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    13

     

    13

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    (1

    )

    (1

    )

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    116

     

    119

     

    Chemicals Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    148

     

    244

     

    Refining Income (loss) before income taxes

    $

    359

     

    (937

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    443

     

    456

     

    Refining EBITDA

    $

    802

     

    (481

    )

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Legal accrual

     

    33

     

    —

     

    Refining EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    835

     

    (481

    )

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    3

     

    2

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    29

     

    27

     

    Refining Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    867

     

    (452

    )

    Marketing and Specialties Income before income taxes

    $

    571

     

    1,282

     

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    33

     

    20

     

    Marketing and Specialties EBITDA

    $

    604

     

    1,302

     

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Net gain on asset disposition

     

    89

     

    (1,017

    )

    Marketing and Specialties EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    693

     

    285

     

    Other Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates income taxes

     

    —

     

    2

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates net interest

     

    10

     

    10

     

    Proportional share of selected equity affiliates depreciation and amortization

     

    15

     

    18

     

    Marketing and Specialties Adjusted EBITDA

    $

    718

     

    315

     

    Renewable Fuels Loss before income taxes

    $

    (133

    )

    (185

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    23

     

    23

     

    Renewable Fuels EBITDA

    $

    (110

    )

    (162

    )

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    None

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Renewable Fuels EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items

    $

    (110

    )

    (162

    )

    Corporate and Other Loss before income taxes

    $

    (428

    )

    (376

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Net interest expense

     

    230

     

    187

     

    Depreciation and amortization

     

    57

     

    59

     

    Corporate and Other EBITDA

    $

    (141

    )

    (130

    )

    Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

    Impairments

     

    —

     

    21

     

    Professional advisory fees

     

    45

     

    —

     

    Total Special Item Adjustments (pre-tax)

     

    45

     

    21

     

    Change in Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

     

    2

     

    15

     

    Corporate EBITDA, Adjusted for Special Items and Change in
    Fair Value of NOVONIX Investment

    $

    (94

    )

    (94

    )

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Millions of Dollars
    Except as Indicated

     

    June 30, 2025

    March 31, 2025

    Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

     

    Total Debt

    $

    20,935

     

    18,803

     

    Total Equity

     

    28,626

     

     

    28,353

     

    Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

    42

    %

     

    40

    %

    Cash and Cash Equivalents, including cash classified within Assets held for sale1

     

    1,144

     

     

    1,489

     

    Net Debt-to-Capital Ratio

     

    41

    %

     

    38

    %

    1. Includes cash and cash equivalents of $92 million classified within Assets held for sale at June 30, 2025.

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2025

     

    2Q

    1Q

    Reconciliation of Refining Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Realized Refining Margins

     

     

    Income (loss) before income taxes

    $

    359

     

    (937

    )

    Plus:

     

     

    Taxes other than income taxes

     

    94

     

    110

     

    Depreciation, amortization and impairments

     

    446

     

    457

     

    Selling, general and administrative expenses

     

    32

     

    46

     

    Operating expenses

     

    848

     

    1,074

     

    Equity in earnings of affiliates

     

    2

     

    105

     

    Other segment expense, net

     

    (47

    )

    (5

    )

    Proportional share of refining gross margins contributed by equity affiliates

     

    234

     

    141

     

    Special items:

     

     

    None

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Realized refining margins

    $

    1,968

     

    991

     

    Total processed inputs (thousands of barrels)

     

    152,005

     

    124,453

     

    Adjusted total processed inputs (thousands of barrels)*

     

    174,772

     

    145,559

     

    Income (loss) before income taxes (dollars per barrel)**

    $

    2.36

     

    (7.53

    )

    Realized refining margins (dollars per barrel)***

    $

    11.25

     

    6.81

     

    *Adjusted total processed inputs include our proportional share of processed inputs of an equity affiliate.

    **Income (loss) before income taxes divided by total processed inputs.

    ***Realized refining margins per barrel, as presented, are calculated using the underlying realized refining margin amounts, in dollars, divided by adjusted total processed inputs, in barrels. As such, recalculated per barrel amounts using the rounded margins and barrels presented may differ from the presented per barrel amounts.

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2025

     

    2Q

    1Q

    June YTD

    Reconciliation of Refining Operating and SG&A Expenses to Refining Adjusted Controllable Costs

     

     

     

    Turnaround expenses

    $

    53

     

    270

    323

     

    Other operating expenses

     

    795

     

    804

    1,599

     

    Total operating expenses

     

    848

     

    1,074

    1,922

     

    Selling, general and administrative expenses

     

    32

     

    46

    78

     

    Refining Controllable Costs

     

    880

     

    1,120

    2,000

     

    Plus:

     

     

     

    Proportional share of equity affiliate turnaround expenses1

     

    24

     

    27

    51

     

    Proportional share of equity affiliate other operating and SG&A expenses1

     

    161

     

    173

    334

     

    Total proportional share of equity affiliate operating and SG&A expenses1

     

    185

     

    200

    385

     

    Special item adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

     

    Legal accrual

     

    (33

    )

    —

    (33

    )

    Refining Adjusted Controllable Costs

     

    1,032

     

    1,320

    2,352

     

     

     

     

     

    Total processed inputs (MB)

     

    152,005

     

    124,453

    276,458

     

    Adjusted total processed inputs (MB)2

     

    174,772

     

    145,559

    320,331

     

     

     

     

     

    Refining turnaround expense ($/BBL)3

     

    0.35

     

    2.17

    1.17

     

    Refining controllable costs, excluding turnaround expense ($/BBL)3

     

    5.44

     

    6.83

    6.07

     

    Refining Controllable Costs per Barrel ($/BBL)3

     

    5.79

     

    9.00

    7.24

     

     

     

     

     

    Refining adjusted turnaround expense ($/BBL)4

     

    0.44

     

    2.04

    1.17

     

    Refining adjusted controllable costs, excluding adjusted turnaround expense ($/BBL)4

     

    5.46

     

    7.03

    6.17

     

    Refining Adjusted Controllable Costs ($/BBL)4

     

    5.90

     

    9.07

    7.34

     

     

     

     

     

    1. Represents proportional share of operating and SG&A of equity affiliates for our Refining segment that are reflected as a component of equity in earnings of affiliates on our consolidated statement of income.

    2. Adjusted total processed inputs include our proportional share of processed inputs of an equity affiliate.

    3. Denominator is total processed inputs.

    4. Denominator is adjusted total processed inputs.

     

    Millions of Dollars

     

    Except as Indicated

     

    2024

    2023

    2022

    2021

    Reconciliation of Refining Operating and SG&A Expenses to Refining Adjusted Controllable Costs

     

     

     

     

    Turnaround expenses

    $

    484

     

    538

     

    772

     

    497

     

    Other operating expenses

     

    3,243

     

    3,707

     

    3,958

     

    3,663

     

    Total operating expenses

     

    3,727

     

    4,245

     

    4,730

     

    4,160

     

    Selling, general and administrative expenses

     

    209

     

    169

     

    152

     

    131

     

    Refining Controllable Costs

     

    3,936

     

    4,414

     

    4,882

     

    4,291

     

    Plus:

     

     

     

     

    Proportional share of equity affiliate turnaround expenses1

     

    68

     

    93

     

    118

     

    118

     

    Proportional share of equity affiliate other operating and SG&A expenses1

     

    626

     

    641

     

    721

     

    619

     

    Total proportional share of equity affiliate operating and SG&A expenses1

     

    694

     

    734

     

    839

     

    737

     

    Special item adjustments (pre-tax):

     

     

     

     

    Hurricane-related (costs) recovery

     

    —

     

    —

     

    21

     

    (40

    )

    Winter-storm-related costs

     

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

    (17

    )

    Alliance shutdown-related costs

     

    —

     

    —

     

    (20

    )

    (32

    )

    Legal accrual

     

    (22

    )

    (30

    )

    —

     

    —

     

    Los Angeles Refinery cessation costs

     

    (44

    )

    —

     

    —

     

    —

     

    Refining Adjusted Controllable Costs

     

    4,564

     

    5,118

     

    5,722

     

    4,939

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Total processed inputs (MB)

     

    588,316

     

    607,958

     

    612,741

     

    638,145

     

    Adjusted total processed inputs (MB)2

     

    680,043

     

    685,435

     

    691,855

     

    715,780

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Refining turnaround expense ($/BBL)3

     

    0.82

     

    0.88

     

    1.26

     

    0.78

     

    Refining controllable costs, excluding turnaround expense ($/BBL)3

     

    5.87

     

    6.38

     

    6.71

     

    5.95

     

    Refining Controllable Costs per Barrel ($/BBL)3

     

    6.69

     

    7.26

     

    7.97

     

    6.72

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Refining adjusted turnaround expense ($/BBL)4

     

    0.81

     

    0.92

     

    1.29

     

    0.86

     

    Refining adjusted controllable costs, excluding adjusted turnaround expense ($/BBL)4

     

    5.90

     

    6.55

     

    6.98

     

    6.04

     

    Refining Adjusted Controllable Costs ($/BBL)4

     

    6.71

     

    7.47

     

    8.27

     

    6.90

     

     

     

     

     

     

    1. Represents proportional share of operating and SG&A of equity affiliates for our Refining segment that are reflected as a component of equity in earnings of affiliates on our consolidated statement of income.

    2. Adjusted total processed inputs include our proportional share of processed inputs of an equity affiliate.

    3. Denominator is total processed inputs.

    4. Denominator is adjusted total processed inputs.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Students win physics, maths medals

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Two teams of Hong Kong students achieved outstanding results in the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2025) and the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO 2025) by winning six gold medals, four silver and one bronze.

     

    The IPhO 2025, hosted by France, was held from July 18 to 24, with 415 students from 89 countries or regions taking part.

     

    The four gold medallists were Bill Fu from Inno Secondary School (Kowloon Tong), Edison Fu from Queen’s College, Lincoln Liu from Sha Tin College and Qiao Lok-hei from St Paul’s Co-educational College, while Garfield Leung from Evangel College took home silver.

     

    Meanwhile, the IMO 2025 was held in Australia from July 10 to 20. Among the 630 participating students from 110 countries or regions, the Hong Kong team won two gold medals, three silver medals and one bronze medal.

     

    Kwan Yung-ho from Diocesan Boys’ School and Lincoln Liu from Sha Tin College clinched the gold medal.

     

    The silver medal went to Chan Kwan-yu and Sze Long from St Paul’s Co-educational College and Jerry Xu from Victoria Shanghai Academy, while Chong Tsz-sing from Diocesan Boys’ School bagged a bronze medal.

     

    Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin congratulated the Hong Kong teams on their outstanding performance.

     

    Ms Choi said: “The impressive results achieved by the Hong Kong teams bear testament to the concerted efforts of the Government and various stakeholders in promoting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) and gifted education.”

     

    The Education Bureau will continue to strengthen the promotion of STEAM and gifted education in primary and secondary schools, and encourage the effective use of the school-based student talent pool to identify and nurture more students with talent, she added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel-OPT: UN conference must act to end Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid – Amnesty briefing

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty’s briefing urges action to pressure Israel to end its ongoing genocide in Gaza, lift the humanitarian blockade, and dismantle its unlawful occupation and apartheid system over Palestinians

    ‘With the very survival of Palestinians at stake, there’s no time to waste with false promises or platitudes’ – Agnès Callamard

    Amnesty International has called for next week’s high-level UN conference to discuss the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the two-state solution to focus squarely on the immediate and effective enforcement of international law – including governments’ obligations to prevent and punish genocide and apartheid, and to end Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory.

    In a new briefing, Amnesty outlines a series of recommendations for governments to take meaningful action and exert the necessary pressure on Israel to end its ongoing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, lift the inhumane humanitarian blockade and dismantle its unlawful occupation of the Palestinian territory and its system of apartheid imposed on all Palestinians whose rights it controls.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “If the ministers gathering in New York next week are truly committed to forging just, comprehensive and lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, the first priority must be to take concrete action to end Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and its unlawful military occupation of Palestinian territory, which has fuelled mass violations against Palestinians and enabled and entrenched Israel’s cruel system of apartheid.

    “The current catastrophic crisis created by Israel in Gaza is unbearable, and states must act with urgency and resolve. Statements, condemnation and limited government actions are failing to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.

    “Genuine and meaningful action by governments must begin, first and foremost, with the demand for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, as well as the lifting of Israel’s illegal blockade. Without these fundamental urgent steps, any process aimed at addressing the future of Palestinians lacks credibility. How such process be considered meaningful when Palestinians are being slaughtered, starved and forcibly displaced into ever-shrinking pockets of land on a daily basis?

    “Governments must be unequivocal: Israel is not above the law and accountability is a priority. They must seize the opportunity presented by this conference to end their active or tacit support for Israeli violations or their self-imposed inertia. The conference must lead to a clear commitment by all states to suspend all economic activity that contributes to or is directly linked to Israel’s illegal occupation, its system of apartheid or its genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

    “With the very survival of Palestinians at stake, there’s no time to waste with false promises or platitudes. As people continue to take to the streets to demand global action and as more and more states are recognising Israel’s genocide for what it is, an empty, performative exercise would not be just tone-deaf, it would be unconscionable.

    “For this conference to be anything more than a charade, governments must heed our calls. They must turn words into action that is firmly rooted in international law and protection of human rights.”

    Among the recommendations, Amnesty is urgently calling on governments to:

    • Demand an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, ensure full, unimpeded access to all areas of Gaza and firmly reject Israel’s military-controlled, non-neutral aid distribution model. A principled, UN-led humanitarian response must be immediately restored, and funding for impartial humanitarian organisations must be maintained and expanded.
    • End any trade or transfers that contribute to or are linked to the genocide, apartheid or the unlawful occupation. This includes in the first place banning all weapons and surveillance equipment transfers and any military assistance to Israel. States must end preferential trade agreements and cooperation deals with Israel, including the EU-Israel Trade Agreement.
    • Adopt targeted sanctions against those Israeli officials most implicated in international crimes and cooperate with the International Criminal Court, including by implementing its arrest warrants.
    • Commit to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the rehabilitation of its people while opposing any forced displacement of Palestinians within or outside of Gaza.
    • Establish mechanisms for reparations and rehabilitation of Palestinians, with Israel bearing the primary financial responsibility.

    Amnesty is also urgently calling on corporations and civil society:

    • Corporations must refuse any involvement in, or direct linkage to Israel’s unlawful actions and ensure that they are not contributing to serious human rights violations themselves.
    • Civil society and the public at large must continue mobilising and campaigning to demand that governments abide by their legal obligations under international law and denounce companies, banks and other economic actors that contribute to or are directly linked to Israel’s violations of international law, and demand that they stop.

    Co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will take place in New York from 28 to 29 July. Agnès Callamard and other Amnesty International spokespeople will be available for interviews.

    Amnesty’s Briefing and Recommendations: July 2025 High-Level Conference on the Question of Palestine and the Two-State Solution available here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland gets £66 million transport boost as part of record Spending Review settlement

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Scotland gets £66 million transport boost as part of record Spending Review settlement

    Today (25 July) the Chancellor will visit Paisley to announce £66 million of investment in Scottish transport.

    • Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces millions for West of Scotland transport links and extra funding to explore upgrades to the A75.
    • Investment follows the Industrial Strategy which boosted Advanced Manufacturing clusters and the Spending Review which delivered a record settlement for Scottish public services.
    • Funding is part of Government’s plan to invest in the economy right across the UK.

    The investment will help workers access jobs in high growth sectors supercharged by the government’s modern Industrial Strategy and Spending Review.

    The UK Government is boosting investment across Scotland through two investment zones and multiple industrial sites from the North East of Scotland Investment Zone to the Prestwick Aerospace Cluster.

    This £66 million will work alongside these investments to fund three Scottish transport schemes and create direct links between towns and economic hubs in the West of Scotland.  

    Renfrewshire Council will get £38.7 million to link Paisley town centre with Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. New walking, cycling, bus and car links will be built so local people can benefit from the growth of high value manufacturing in Renfrewshire. 

    Another £23.7 million will be given to North Ayrshire Council to upgrade the B714. This upgrade will see a much faster route between the Three Towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston to Glasgow, and cut traffic in Kilwinning. The Chancellor prioritised finding this cash during last month’s Spending Review, which also saw billions invested in Scotland’s growth sectors.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    We’re pledging billions to back Scottish jobs, industry and renewal – that’s why we’re investing in the major transport projects, including exploring upgrades to the A75, that local communities have been calling for.

    Whilst previous governments oversaw over a decade of decline of our transport infrastructure, we’re investing in Britain’s renewal. This £66 million investment is exactly what our Plan for Change is about, investing in what matters to you in the places that you live.

    Meanwhile, the Scottish Government will be given an extra £3.45 million to suggest upgrades to the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway.  The key road, which links the Cairnryan port serving Northern Ireland with the rest of the UK, is vital to UK connectivity and growing the economy. This new money comes on top of the up-to-£5 million announced at the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024. 

    As part of a wider investment strategy in Scotland the Spending Review saw around £200 million committed to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, subject to business cases, and £8.3 billion confirmed for Great British Energy, strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the UK’s clean energy revolution. 

    A multi-decade, multi-billion project to secure jobs at HM Naval Base Clyde was also kickstarted with an initial £250 million investment.

    Whilst in Scotland the Chancellor will also visit the Edinburgh Supercomputer, which will receive up to £750 million in UK Government funding, later on Friday. The funding, announced during the Chancellor’s Spending Review will ensure that Scotland becomes home to the UK’s most powerful Supercomputer, supporting Scottish research and development, and industry.

    The Spending Review delivered a record settlement for Scottish public services, with the Scottish Government’s largest settlement, in real terms, since devolution in 1998. Scottish Government’s settlement is growing in real terms between 2024-25 and 2028-29. This translates into an average of £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29.

    Scotland Secretary, Ian Murray, said:

    This £66 million investment in Scotland’s roads demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and driving economic growth in all parts of the UK as part of our Plan for Change. This investment will make a real difference to people’s daily lives and to the local economies of the South of Scotland, Ayrshire and Renfrewshire.

    New road links will connect Paisley town centre with Glasgow Airport and the new advanced manufacturing innovation district, to boost high value manufacturing in Renfrewshire. The upgrade to the B714 will speed up journeys between Glasgow and the three towns of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston, as well as cutting traffic in Kilwinning. And the A75 is strategically important just not within but beyond Scotland. Its upgrading is long overdue. I am pleased that the UK Government has stepped up to fund the delivery of the A75 feasibility study in full.

    This investment is yet another example of how the UK Government is building the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous future that benefits communities right across Scotland.

    More information

    • As strategic roads in Scotland are the Scottish Government’s responsibility, any future upgrades to the A75 will be funded from the Scottish Government’s block grant. 
    • The Ayrshire and Renfrewshire projects are part of a £378m UK-wide Levelling Up Fund cash boost, upgrading transport links across Britain, which will also be announced today.
    • Building work on the LUF projects will be able to start as final business cases are given the green light by the Department for Transport.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Narrative analysis: Case studies in heat resilience

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This narrative analysis highlights how twelve countries are confronting the realities of extreme heat through diverse governance models, partnerships, and innovations. The case studies span multiple regions and development contexts-Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, France, India, Senegal, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States-offering a cross-cutting view of what’s working, where gaps remain, and how national strategies are evolving in the face of escalating climate threats.

    Some of the common lessons from the case studies include:

    • Successful implementation of heat action plans requires active engagement and participation of local communities.
    • Addressing extreme heat requires coordinated involvement from sectors including health, urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management.
    • Robust early warning systems are essential for prompt and effective dissemination of heat alerts and advisories
    • Investing in heatresilient infrastructure, such as green spaces, cool roofs, and energy-efficient buildings, helps mitigate the impacts of extreme heat
    • Enhancing the capacity of healthcare systems to manage heat-related illnesses through training, resource allocation, and infrastructure improvements is critical for reducing heatrelated morbidity and mortality.

    Download

    Links last checked: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: An assessment of heat action plans: Global standards, good practices and partnerships

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This synthesis report identifies best practices and persistent challenges to provide a structured framework for improving heat resilience based on evaluations of heat action plans from six countries-Australia, Canada, France, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It advocates for an adaptable governance framework, proposing that national guidance related to HAPs incorporate adaptable core elements, such as standardized heat risk definitions, clear agency roles, multi-sector coordination, and early warning systems

    Key takeaways for future action

    • Harmonizing Short-Term Response with Long-Term Planning – While immediate interventions like cooling centres and health advisories effectively mitigate acute health risks, incorporating durable infrastructure and climate-resilient urban planning into HAPs will better prepare communities for evolving climate realities
    • Advancing Sectoral Integration for Comprehensive Heat Management – A multi-sectoral approach, encompassing health, urban infrastructure, emergency response, and social services, is essential for addressing heat impacts holistically.
    • Aligning National HAPs with International Standards – Global standards, such as WHO’s health guidelines, UNDRR’s resilience frameworks, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, provide valuable benchmarks for HAP design and evaluation.
    • Opportunities for Strategic Public-Private Engagement Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are instrumental in addressing specific needs within HAPs, from deploying cooling solutions to advancing predictive technologies for early warning systems.

    Download

    Links last checked: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: EIB and Banca Ifis provide €200 million in financing to back Italian pharmacies, with a focus on female entrepreneurs and cohesion

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The EIB has approved a new €100 million credit line to Banca Ifis to make it easier for Italian pharmacies to access finance.
    • Banca Ifis will match the EIB’s contribution with its own resources, bringing the total funding for businesses to €200 million.
    • At least €60 million will go to pharmacies managed by women. This operation brings the total investments supported by the EIB and Banca Ifis to €800 million since 2019.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banca Ifis have signed a €200 million agreement to back the development of pharmacies in Italy, with a particular focus on female entrepreneurs and cohesion. The signature was announced today by EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Banca Ifis Vice-President Rosalba Benedetto.

    “This agreement marks a further step towards a more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable economy. Backing small and medium companies strengthens a country’s business environment and becomes even more of a strategic imperative when access to finance means new opportunities for female entrepreneurs, promoting growth, innovation and social cohesion,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti.

    “This agreement confirms our support for Italian small and medium companies and our commitment to backing gender equality and female entrepreneurship. The pharmacies we are backing with sector specialist Banca Credifarma provide access to local primary care services and are a vital focal point for local communities. This agreement reinforces our years-long journey with an institution at the highest echelons of the European Union – the EIB – which has always put environmental, social and governance issues at the heart of its initiatives with the aim of accelerating the sustainable transition of our economy,” said Banca Ifis Vice-President Rosalba Benedetto.

    In concrete terms, the agreement states that EIB will provide Banca Ifis with €100 million by signing two contracts of €50 million each, opening a credit line with favourable interest rates. Banca Ifis will match the amount provided by the EIB, bringing the total funding offered to Italian pharmacies to €200 million. The loan will be granted by Banca Credifarma, a Banca Ifis-controlled financial institution specialised in supporting the needs of pharmacies.

    Of the €200 million total, at least 30% (over €60 million) will back female entrepreneurs in pharmacies meeting the following criteria: i) at least 51% owned by women; ii) managed by a woman; iii) implementing inclusive policies promoting female employment, exceeding the national sector average. A particular focus will be placed on pharmacies located in cohesion regions.

    The agreement signed today is the sixth between the EIB and Banca Ifis, with the two organisations providing over €800 million to Italian small and medium companies since 2019. This is also the EIB’s first credit line to focus solely on the Italian pharmacy sector.

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality. In the last five years, the EIB Group has provided more than €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy. All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. The EIB Group does not fund investments in fossil fuels. We are on track to deliver on our commitment to support €1 trillion in climate and environmental sustainability investment in the decade to 2030 as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Over half of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a healthier environment. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower.

    Banca Ifis

    Banca Ifis is an Italian challenger bank providing specialty finance services for the real economy. Founded in 1983, it is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange and has around 2 000 employees. Banca Ifis’ business model mainly focuses on three pillars: commercial and corporate banking services; acquisition and management of non-performing loan portfolios in the small tickets unsecured segment; and retail savings solutions with the Rendimax 20-year deposit account. Its 40-year presence on the market means that Banca Ifis can anticipate businesses’ needs, supporting them on a day-to-day basis with tailored financial solutions. Technological innovation research and ongoing digital transformation are enabling the bank to expand its range of products and services and to improve the quality and speed of service to businesses. It implements its sustainable business approach by seeking solutions promoting the environmental transition and inclusion.

    To this end, Banca Ifis created the Kaleidos social impact lab to help spread of a more equitable, inclusive and supportive culture. Created under the auspices of Chairman Ernesto Fürstenberg Fassio, the initiative is backed by a proprietary social impact measurement model enabling Banca Ifis to measure positive impact inside and outside the company. In 2025, the bank successfully acquired illimity Bank in a public takeover and exchange offer that launched a new development phase in which Banca Ifis aims to consolidate its leadership in the Italian specialty finance market.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The European Investment Bank is investing €20 million in Greek foodtech company STIQ to support innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable food delivery solutions.
    • The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will help STIQ scale up its technology platform, reduce food waste, and expand into new European markets.
    • The project promotes digital transformation and economic cohesion, by supporting a Greece-based start-up bringing cutting-edge innovation to the traditional food services sector.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing €20 million in STIQ, a fast-growing Greek foodtech company pioneering AI-powered cloud kitchen technology. The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will support the company’s R&D, digital innovation and international expansion, helping transform the future of food delivery in Europe through smarter, more sustainable and scalable operations.

    The investment is part of the EIB’s strategic focus on digital transformation, innovation and cohesion, and reflects its continued support for high-potential technology ventures in Southern and Eastern Europe. Structured as venture debt with quasi-equity features, the financing will enable STIQ to accelerate the development of its proprietary platform, deploy advanced AI features, and expand its operational footprint beyond Greece into new EU markets.

    EIB Vice-President Yiannis Tsakiris, said: “This investment reflects the EIB’s firm commitment to supporting innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship across Europe. STIQ is reshaping the food delivery model through technology, and we are proud to support a Greek company that is building scalable, sustainable solutions with European reach.”

    Strategic impact and EU policy alignment

    The EIB financing is backed by the InvestEU programme under the “Future Technologies” window and addresses key market gaps in access to growth capital for early-stage European tech companies. It reflects the EU’s broader commitment to:

    • Accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence and advanced digital services
    • Enhancing food system resilience through innovation and data
    • Reducing environmental impact in urban logistics and delivery networks

    ·        Supporting economic cohesion by investing in regions with high growth potential but limited access to venture financing.

    Scaling foodtech innovation from Greece to Europe

    Founded in Athens in 2022, STIQ has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the virtual restaurant (cloud kitchen) space. Its model integrates software, logistics and food operations into a single platform that allows multiple digital restaurant brands to be prepared and delivered efficiently from a network of culinary hubs.

    Key features of the platform include:

    • AI-powered demand forecasting, dynamic menu engineering and inventory optimisation
    • Smart routing and grouped order delivery, reducing CO₂ emissions and delivery time
    • Data-driven operations that enhance consistency, food safety, and customer satisfaction.

    With five live kitchen hubs in Athens, serving over 20 brands to a potential market of 3 million residents, STIQ currently employs 200 staff and plans to reach 30 hubs across Europe by 2029. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on food quality, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, including zero-waste targets and the adoption of electric delivery fleets.

    Konstantinos Davaris, Founder & CEO of STIQ said: “We are thrilled to welcome the European Investment Bank as a strategic partner in our mission to redefine fast-casual dining. At StiQ, we’re leading a new era of healthy eating by blending cutting-edge technology and AI with culinary excellence. Through our diverse portfolio of brands, including Protein Garden, Dinas, Healthy Concept, and more, we deliver

    delicious, nutritious, and affordable meals that make healthy dining accessible to everyone. With EIB’s support, we’re ready to scale our vision, fostering a more sustainable, health-conscious future for communities worldwide.”

    Background information

    EIB  

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

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

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.   

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

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

    About InvestEU

    The InvestEU programme brings together EU financial tools to support investment, innovation and job creation. Through an EU budget guarantee and cooperation with partners such as the EIB, it aims to mobilise more than €372 billion in investment during 2021–2027 across strategic sectors and regions.

    About STIQ

    STIQ is an AI-driven foodtech company operating a digital platform of cloud kitchens and virtual restaurant brands. Headquartered in Cyprus and founded in Athens, it combines technology, culinary expertise and logistics to deliver smarter, faster and more sustainable food services. The company has raised over €10 million to date and is now entering its European growth phase.

    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    ©EIB
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    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The European Investment Bank is investing €20 million in Greek foodtech company STIQ to support innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable food delivery solutions.
    • The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will help STIQ scale up its technology platform, reduce food waste, and expand into new European markets.
    • The project promotes digital transformation and economic cohesion, by supporting a Greece-based start-up bringing cutting-edge innovation to the traditional food services sector.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing €20 million in STIQ, a fast-growing Greek foodtech company pioneering AI-powered cloud kitchen technology. The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will support the company’s R&D, digital innovation and international expansion, helping transform the future of food delivery in Europe through smarter, more sustainable and scalable operations.

    The investment is part of the EIB’s strategic focus on digital transformation, innovation and cohesion, and reflects its continued support for high-potential technology ventures in Southern and Eastern Europe. Structured as venture debt with quasi-equity features, the financing will enable STIQ to accelerate the development of its proprietary platform, deploy advanced AI features, and expand its operational footprint beyond Greece into new EU markets.

    EIB Vice-President Yiannis Tsakiris, said: “This investment reflects the EIB’s firm commitment to supporting innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship across Europe. STIQ is reshaping the food delivery model through technology, and we are proud to support a Greek company that is building scalable, sustainable solutions with European reach.”

    Strategic impact and EU policy alignment

    The EIB financing is backed by the InvestEU programme under the “Future Technologies” window and addresses key market gaps in access to growth capital for early-stage European tech companies. It reflects the EU’s broader commitment to:

    • Accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence and advanced digital services
    • Enhancing food system resilience through innovation and data
    • Reducing environmental impact in urban logistics and delivery networks

    ·        Supporting economic cohesion by investing in regions with high growth potential but limited access to venture financing.

    Scaling foodtech innovation from Greece to Europe

    Founded in Athens in 2022, STIQ has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the virtual restaurant (cloud kitchen) space. Its model integrates software, logistics and food operations into a single platform that allows multiple digital restaurant brands to be prepared and delivered efficiently from a network of culinary hubs.

    Key features of the platform include:

    • AI-powered demand forecasting, dynamic menu engineering and inventory optimisation
    • Smart routing and grouped order delivery, reducing CO₂ emissions and delivery time
    • Data-driven operations that enhance consistency, food safety, and customer satisfaction.

    With five live kitchen hubs in Athens, serving over 20 brands to a potential market of 3 million residents, STIQ currently employs 200 staff and plans to reach 30 hubs across Europe by 2029. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on food quality, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, including zero-waste targets and the adoption of electric delivery fleets.

    Konstantinos Davaris, Founder & CEO of STIQ said: “We are thrilled to welcome the European Investment Bank as a strategic partner in our mission to redefine fast-casual dining. At StiQ, we’re leading a new era of healthy eating by blending cutting-edge technology and AI with culinary excellence. Through our diverse portfolio of brands, including Protein Garden, Dinas, Healthy Concept, and more, we deliver

    delicious, nutritious, and affordable meals that make healthy dining accessible to everyone. With EIB’s support, we’re ready to scale our vision, fostering a more sustainable, health-conscious future for communities worldwide.”

    Background information

    EIB  

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

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

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.   

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

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

    About InvestEU

    The InvestEU programme brings together EU financial tools to support investment, innovation and job creation. Through an EU budget guarantee and cooperation with partners such as the EIB, it aims to mobilise more than €372 billion in investment during 2021–2027 across strategic sectors and regions.

    About STIQ

    STIQ is an AI-driven foodtech company operating a digital platform of cloud kitchens and virtual restaurant brands. Headquartered in Cyprus and founded in Athens, it combines technology, culinary expertise and logistics to deliver smarter, faster and more sustainable food services. The company has raised over €10 million to date and is now entering its European growth phase.

    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    ©EIB
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    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Domestic violence and child protection in Greece – E-002933/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002933/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carolina Morace (The Left)

    An Italian resident in Greece has reported serious incidents of domestic violence by her former spouse, including documented beatings of their children, who are minors. Despite complaints, psychological reports and statements from children, the man has been acquitted, against a backdrop that suggests a biased approach to justice and that external pressure was applied .

    The Istanbul Convention, ratified by the EU and Greece, imposes clear prevention and victim protection measures. It is complemented by Directive (EU) 2024/1385, which lays down binding obligations on Member States with regard to the protection of victims, the recognition of the rights of child witnesses and victims of violence, along with effective and non-discriminatory judicial procedures.

    The case also raises doubts about observance of fundamental rights, including the protection of children and the prohibition of inhuman treatment, as enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of any similar cases, particularly in Greece?
    • 2.Does it take the view that Greece is in breach of its obligations under EU law, the Istanbul Convention and Directive (EU) 2024/1385?
    • 3.What instruments will it use to ensure that European children exposed to domestic violence are properly protected?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need to reinforce and extend cold treatments to all citrus fruit imports – E-003001/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-003001/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE)

    The cold treatment applied to certain citrus fruit imports from third countries is an essential tool that prevents pests from entering the Union and threatening EU production. However, this mandatory procedure currently only applies to products such as oranges and not to equally vulnerable citrus fruits such as mandarins and grapefruits. Excluding these fruits is a source of concern for EU producers, who warn that the practice could lead to phytosanitary risks and unfair competition, especially in production regions such as southern and eastern Spain. In recent months, over 70 % of interceptions of pests in imported citrus fruit from third countries was connected to mandarins and grapefruits.

    In light of these concerns:

    • 1.Will the Commission reinforce and extend the mandatory cold treatment procedure to all citrus fruit imports – including mandarins and grapefruits – to ensure effective phytosanitary protection?
    • 2.What control and monitoring mechanisms is the Commission applying to ensure that cold treatments are done on the product and not simply in the container?

    Submitted: 18.7.2025

    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: Greene signs €224 million financing deal with EIB and Santander to invest in non-recyclable waste recovery

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The financing will be used to build five innovative plants that will convert more than 200 000 tonnes of waste a year into raw materials for industry.
    • Approximately 50% of the financing will come from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the other 50% from Santander.
    • The project supports the circular economy, climate action and cohesion between regions.

    Greene Enterprise has signed a €224 million financing deal with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Santander to build five innovative industrial plants in Spain for the treatment of non-recyclable waste. Greene is a Spanish company offering an innovative technology solution for the treatment and recycling of industrial and urban solid waste, biomass and sludge, diverting it from incineration and landfill.

    Expected to be operational between 2026 and 2029, the plants will convert this waste into high-value industrial products through advanced pyrolysis technology. They will all concentrate on extracting value from the reject fraction – waste that would otherwise be sent to landfills or incinerated.

    The total treatment capacity of the five plants will exceed 200 000 tonnes a year. The waste will be converted into pyrolytic oil, char and other reusable materials for industry, supporting the circular economy and helping reduce CO2 emissions.

    The projects to be financed are located in Muel (Zaragoza), La Selva del Camp (Tarragona), San Cristóbal de Entreviñas (Zamora), Madridejos (Toledo) and As Somozas (A Coruña). The Valogreene CML Madridejos and Valogreene Recinor As Somozas plants are in the final phase of construction and are expected to be commissioned in 2026. Two of the plants have been designated as priority interest projects by the autonomous communities of Aragón and Galicia, underscoring their strategic nature.

    The construction and commissioning of the Valogreene plants will help boost the local economy and create jobs in the towns where they are located. Once operational, each plant is expected to create more than 20 direct jobs and more than 40 indirect jobs.

    The project supports the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and contributes to the EIB’s strategic priorities of climate action and cohesion between regions set out in its Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027.

    Photo legend: Valogreene Recinor As Somozas plant

    Background information

    EIB

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

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

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for citizens.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    Greene

    Greene Enterprise was founded in 2011 by four chemistry entrepreneurs from Elche, Alicante. Its shareholders include two major investment groups. Greene currently has more than 130 employees.

    The company provides the market with an innovative and efficient technology that addresses the need to manage and eliminate materials classified as waste, diverting them from landfill and incineration. This solution applies to various types of waste, notably industrial solid waste, urban solid waste, biomass and water treatment sludge.

    Our technology enables the efficient conversion of solid waste into high-quality raw materials. We use an integrated approach that combines advanced separation techniques and innovative chemical processes to extract reusable materials.

    The Valogreene solid waste material recovery plants developed by Greene target the currently non-recoverable reject fraction of waste and convert it into sustainable raw materials such as oils, calcium carbonate-rich materials, activated carbon, synthetic waxes and hydrogen. This is achieved through a sustainable and profitable thermosconversion process that aligns with circular economy principles and supports 2030 targets.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters and projects for media use are available here: https://www.greene.es/multimedia/

    Santander

    Banco Santander (SAN SM) is a leading commercial bank founded in 1857, headquartered in Spain. It is one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalisation. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform, providing services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. In the first quarter of 2025, Banco Santander had €1.4 trillion in total funds, 175 million customers, 7 900 branches and 207 000 employees.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – NATO pro-war propaganda menacing Europe’s security and sowing panic among people – E-002925/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002925/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE)

    On 9 July 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned of a coordinated attack by China and Russia against the West in the event of war, following a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Rutte has stated that the Western alliance assumes that: ‘If Xi Jinping would attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to his very junior partner in all of this, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin … telling him … ‘I need you to keep them busy in Europe’[1]. On 5 July 2025, Rutte told the New York Times that such a scenario was highly likely[2]. In view of the ever closer security ties between the EU and NATO, such statements paint a highly dangerous picture of escalation based not on sound analysis but rather on politically motivated speculation that is frightening the European public and further aggravating the foreign policy climate.

    • 1.Does the Commission share the assessment that Russia and China would launch a double military strike against the West in the event of war?
    • 2.How does the Commission assess the impact on the European public of security policy speculation such as that made by Rutte, particularly with regard to scaremongering and the risk of escalation?
    • 3.Does the Commission acknowledge that security and defence policy is primarily the responsibility of the Member States and that, for neutral states such as Austria, any political or institutional rapprochement with NATO structures would undermine their neutrality?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/nato-china-wird-laut-rutte-vor-angriff-auf-taiwan-russland-einschalten/100140614.html
    • [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/magazine/mark-rutte-interview.html
    Last updated: 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Concerns over Israeli online campaigns and enforcement of DSA obligations – E-002936/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002936/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Brando Benifei (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Catarina Martins (The Left), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Laura Ballarín Cereza (S&D), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Daniel Attard (S&D), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Kim Van Sparrentak (Verts/ALE), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (S&D), Lucia Yar (Renew), Udo Bullmann (S&D), Rima Hassan (The Left), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Nikos Pappas (The Left), Estrella Galán (The Left), Marta Temido (S&D), Michael McNamara (Renew)

    The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, an Italian citizen, has been targeted by coordinated smear campaigns and deceptive paid advertisements linked to the Israeli government[1][2]. This targeting of a European citizen engaged in vital human rights work undermines her safety, professional reputation and the EU’s duty to shield its citizens from harassment and disinformation online.

    Since October 2023, Israeli government-affiliated actors have conducted extensive digital advertisement campaigns targeting EU users on platforms such as Google, YouTube and X. The campaigns feature graphic war imagery and emotionally charged, sometimes misleading claims, and they often lack clear ‘political’ labelling. Reports indicate possible misuse of advertising accounts, microtargeting of EU citizens and missing entries in transparency databases, with some advertisements impersonating trusted entities such as the UNRWA.

    This pattern raises concerns about compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), particularly on advertisement transparency (Article 26), systemic risk mitigation (Articles 34 and 35) and crisis response (Article 36).

    • 1.How is the Commission investigating potential DSA breaches by very large online platforms related to transparency, targeting and circumvention of political advertisment rules by Israeli state actors?
    • 2.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure platforms address systemic risks, including disinformation, manipulative advertisement formats and exposure of minors to harmful content?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] The Guardian, article entitled ‘UN expert on Palestine targeted by coordinated smear campaign, investigation finds’, 13 March 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/13/un-expert-palestine-coordinated-smear-campaign-francesca-albanese.
    • [2] Fanpage.it article entitled ‘Il governo israeliano sta comprando annunci su Google per screditare Francesca Albanese: l’indagine di Fanpage.it’, 9 July 2025, https://www.fanpage.it/innovazione/tecnologia/il-governo-israeliano-sta-comprando-annunci-su-google-per-screditare-francesca-albanese-lindagine-di-fanpage-it/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Preparing Tomorrow’s Radiation Protection Professionals

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    As of 2025, the IAEA has trained close to 2,500 professionals from 137 countries through the PGEC. (Photo: L. Grindrod/IAEA)

    Dozens of participants have completed the latest IAEA post-graduate courses in radiation protection, enabling them to help safely expand the use of nuclear science and technology in 31 participating countries.

    The latest participants completed intensive, six-month Postgraduate Educational Courses in Radiation Protection and the Safety of Radiation Sources (PGEC) in either Greece or Ghana, designed to prepare them for work as radiation protection experts, regulators and nuclear safety professionals.

    “For close to 45 years, PGEC has continuously trained new generations of experts in Europe and Central Asia for work in the field of radiation protection,” explained Emina Alic, IAEA Programme Management Officer. “Today, former PGEC graduates are helping to shape the future of their country’s engagement with nuclear applications as national operators, regulators and policymakers.”

    “With the increased use of radiation sources in Africa, radiation safety has become one of the main priority areas of the IAEA’s regional technical cooperation programme for Africa,” explained IAEA Programme Management Officer Felix Omonya. “The IAEA has provided substantial support in the form of equipment and expert guidance, but in terms of training, the PGEC represents a cornerstone of our capacity building efforts.”

    Radioactive sources are manufactured in research reactors. As they decay through their lifetime, the radiation they emit can be used to diagnose or treat cancers, measure pollution or monitor industrial processes. When they reach the end of their life, the radioactive sources are interred safely in waste storage or disposal facilities. X ray machines on the other hand, generate radiation on demand, offering a predictable and reliable source of radiation that can be made safe as soon as its work is done.  

    The use of these radiation sources and technologies requires a comprehensive framework of national legislation and regulations and relies on the availability of sufficiently trained and motivated safety professionals. The IAEA’s PGEC responds to this need by helping to develop a cohort of radiation protection professionals through a combination of theoretical, classroom instruction and hands-on training.

    “While some regulatory frameworks are in place in my country, there is still a pressing need to update existing regulations in line with international standards,” explained Blinda Mutuzo of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board. “The PGEC covered many of the areas where we most need support and offered practical knowledge on regulatory frameworks, authorization and inspection processes, source management and more.”

    “The course helped me grow professionally by expanding my knowledge and confidence in radiation protection. It also allowed me to connect with experts and peers from other countries. These connections may lead to future collaborations in training, technical assistance or policy development,” said Mutuzo.

    “Emergency preparedness and the improvement of the established early warning system are among Lithuania’s priorities at the moment,” said Kornelija Dacytė, Chief Specialist of Lithuania’s Radiation Protection Centre. “Not only did PGEC respond to these national needs, I am now hoping to adjust my career trajectory to focus more on emergency preparedness and I hope to support decision-making through atmospheric dispersion modelling.” The IAEA supports countries to use atmospheric dispersion modelling to simulate the spread of air pollutants, including radioactive substances.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Preparing Tomorrow’s Radiation Protection Professionals

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    As of 2025, the IAEA has trained close to 2,500 professionals from 137 countries through the PGEC. (Photo: L. Grindrod/IAEA)

    Dozens of participants have completed the latest IAEA post-graduate courses in radiation protection, enabling them to help safely expand the use of nuclear science and technology in 31 participating countries.

    The latest participants completed intensive, six-month Postgraduate Educational Courses in Radiation Protection and the Safety of Radiation Sources (PGEC) in either Greece or Ghana, designed to prepare them for work as radiation protection experts, regulators and nuclear safety professionals.

    “For close to 45 years, PGEC has continuously trained new generations of experts in Europe and Central Asia for work in the field of radiation protection,” explained Emina Alic, IAEA Programme Management Officer. “Today, former PGEC graduates are helping to shape the future of their country’s engagement with nuclear applications as national operators, regulators and policymakers.”

    “With the increased use of radiation sources in Africa, radiation safety has become one of the main priority areas of the IAEA’s regional technical cooperation programme for Africa,” explained IAEA Programme Management Officer Felix Omonya. “The IAEA has provided substantial support in the form of equipment and expert guidance, but in terms of training, the PGEC represents a cornerstone of our capacity building efforts.”

    Radioactive sources are manufactured in research reactors. As they decay through their lifetime, the radiation they emit can be used to diagnose or treat cancers, measure pollution or monitor industrial processes. When they reach the end of their life, the radioactive sources are interred safely in waste storage or disposal facilities. X ray machines on the other hand, generate radiation on demand, offering a predictable and reliable source of radiation that can be made safe as soon as its work is done.  

    The use of these radiation sources and technologies requires a comprehensive framework of national legislation and regulations and relies on the availability of sufficiently trained and motivated safety professionals. The IAEA’s PGEC responds to this need by helping to develop a cohort of radiation protection professionals through a combination of theoretical, classroom instruction and hands-on training.

    “While some regulatory frameworks are in place in my country, there is still a pressing need to update existing regulations in line with international standards,” explained Blinda Mutuzo of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board. “The PGEC covered many of the areas where we most need support and offered practical knowledge on regulatory frameworks, authorization and inspection processes, source management and more.”

    “The course helped me grow professionally by expanding my knowledge and confidence in radiation protection. It also allowed me to connect with experts and peers from other countries. These connections may lead to future collaborations in training, technical assistance or policy development,” said Mutuzo.

    “Emergency preparedness and the improvement of the established early warning system are among Lithuania’s priorities at the moment,” said Kornelija Dacytė, Chief Specialist of Lithuania’s Radiation Protection Centre. “Not only did PGEC respond to these national needs, I am now hoping to adjust my career trajectory to focus more on emergency preparedness and I hope to support decision-making through atmospheric dispersion modelling.” The IAEA supports countries to use atmospheric dispersion modelling to simulate the spread of air pollutants, including radioactive substances.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 21st China-Russia-Mongolia Trade and Economic Fair Opens in Hailar

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — The 21st China-Russia-Mongolia Economic and Trade Fair opened in Hailar District, Hulunbuir City, north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Thursday. A commodity exhibition is also being held as part of the fair.

    This year’s event, with the theme “Jointly Building the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor to Share New Opportunities for Regional Cooperation,” will last for five days, according to local newspaper Neimenggu Ribao (Inner Mongolia Daily).

    This fair will serve as an incentive to further deepen pragmatic trade and economic cooperation between China, Mongolia and Russia, and assist the three neighboring countries in participating in the construction of the Belt and Road and the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor at a deeper level.

    The total area of the current exhibition event, which includes 8 pavilions, is about 7 thousand square meters, where there are 262 stands, including 200 Chinese, 12 Russian and 50 Mongolian.

    The fair features a wide range of products, including local products, tea from China, handmade cashmere, leather, wool felt products from Russia and Mongolia, as well as various specialty products from the UK, France, South Korea and other countries. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Preparing Tomorrow’s Radiation Protection Professionals

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Dozens of participants have completed the latest IAEA post-graduate courses in radiation protection, enabling them to help safely expand the use of nuclear science and technology in 31 participating countries.

    The latest participants completed intensive, six-month Postgraduate Educational Courses in Radiation Protection and the Safety of Radiation Sources (PGEC) in either Greece or Ghana, designed to prepare them for work as radiation protection experts, regulators and nuclear safety professionals.

    “For close to 45 years, PGEC has continuously trained new generations of experts in Europe and Central Asia for work in the field of radiation protection,” explained Emina Alic, IAEA Programme Management Officer. “Today, former PGEC graduates are helping to shape the future of their country’s engagement with nuclear applications as national operators, regulators and policymakers.”

    “With the increased use of radiation sources in Africa, radiation safety has become one of the main priority areas of the IAEA’s regional technical cooperation programme for Africa,” explained IAEA Programme Management Officer Felix Omonya. “The IAEA has provided substantial support in the form of equipment and expert guidance, but in terms of training, the PGEC represents a cornerstone of our capacity building efforts.”

    Radioactive sources are manufactured in research reactors. As they decay through their lifetime, the radiation they emit can be used to diagnose or treat cancers, measure pollution or monitor industrial processes. When they reach the end of their life, the radioactive sources are interred safely in waste storage or disposal facilities. X ray machines on the other hand, generate radiation on demand, offering a predictable and reliable source of radiation that can be made safe as soon as its work is done.  

    The use of these radiation sources and technologies requires a comprehensive framework of national legislation and regulations and relies on the availability of sufficiently trained and motivated safety professionals. The IAEA’s PGEC responds to this need by helping to develop a cohort of radiation protection professionals through a combination of theoretical, classroom instruction and hands-on training.

    “While some regulatory frameworks are in place in my country, there is still a pressing need to update existing regulations in line with international standards,” explained Blinda Mutuzo of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board. “The PGEC covered many of the areas where we most need support and offered practical knowledge on regulatory frameworks, authorization and inspection processes, source management and more.”

    “The course helped me grow professionally by expanding my knowledge and confidence in radiation protection. It also allowed me to connect with experts and peers from other countries. These connections may lead to future collaborations in training, technical assistance or policy development,” said Mutuzo.

    “Emergency preparedness and the improvement of the established early warning system are among Lithuania’s priorities at the moment,” said Kornelija Dacytė, Chief Specialist of Lithuania’s Radiation Protection Centre. “Not only did PGEC respond to these national needs, I am now hoping to adjust my career trajectory to focus more on emergency preparedness and I hope to support decision-making through atmospheric dispersion modelling.” The IAEA supports countries to use atmospheric dispersion modelling to simulate the spread of air pollutants, including radioactive substances.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Health chiefs issue measles warning to holidaymakers as cases rise globally

    Source: City of Leeds

    Parents travelling during school holidays are being advised to check children are protected against measles amid a global rise in cases. 

    With the start of the school holidays, parents and carers in Leeds are being urged to ensure their children have an up-to-date Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, as measles cases rise nationally and internationally.

    The uptake of routine childhood vaccinations has been decreasing over the last ten years, with similar trends observed in West Yorkshire.

    Health chiefs are concerned that low MMR vaccination rates could lead to further cases emerging, particularly given the high numbers of people mixing and travelling during the holidays.  

    Measles is a serious disease which can spread easily among unvaccinated people. Babies, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk.

    The disease can lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases, death. Symptoms typically begin with cold-like signs, such as a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and red, sore, watery eyes.

    A few days later, small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. This is followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

    Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, said: “As we enter the summer holidays, we want everyone to enjoy the season safely and in good health.

    “This year outbreaks have been seen in several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany and the World Health Organisation recently reported that Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the highest number of measles cases worldwide.

    “These are places where people may be going on holiday or travelling to visit family and friends.

    “Checking your family’s MMR vaccination status is a simple but important step in protecting your loved ones and the wider community.

    “If you’re unsure whether you or your child are fully vaccinated, please contact your GP to check your records and arrange vaccination, especially if you’re planning to travel over the summer break.”

    The MMR vaccine, which is usually given to children around their first birthday and again at 3 years 4 months offers the best protection against measles. Two doses provide long-lasting immunity.

    Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equalities, health and wellbeing, said:  “We want everyone to enjoy their holidays but checking your child is fully vaccinated against measles before you go will ensure you and your child are protected and safe.

    “It’s never too late to get the vaccine, even if you have missed a first, or second dose. A non-porcine version of the MMR vaccine is also available – however, you may need to request this from your GP practice ahead of vaccination.

    “If you think you or your child has measles, phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. To reduce the risk of spreading it to others, please avoid contact with other people. Call ahead first before attending any healthcare settings.”

    For more information on measles, and the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/. 

    Watch a video of Dr Naveed from the UKHSA providing measles travel advice.   

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: At UN High-Level Political Forum, UNECE calls for engagement of all enablers and partnerships to achieve SDGs

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    With just five years remaining to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world faces a deepening social crisis. Economic insecurity, widening inequalities, and declining social trust undermine progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and threaten the foundations of peaceful, inclusive societies.  

    Taking part in the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York (14 – 23 July), UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean outlined the tools, initiatives and partnerships from the UNECE region that can help develop efficient and inclusive policy solutions for some of the most pressing issues, including demographic pressure, education, employment, housing, and social care. This requires the full engagement of all of society and harnessing of several key enablers. 

    Enablers and partnerships to advance SDGs 

    To advance the 2030 Agenda, and identify efficient and inclusive policy solutions, UNECE engages key enablers and all relevant stakeholders: 

    These enablers and stakeholders play a strong role in co-creating and implementing standards and policies, guiding progress in many technology-driven areas, such as autonomous vehicles, the smart energy transition, cross-border connectivity, but also in environmental governance, namely transboundary water cooperation, noted the Executive Secretary at the HLPF regional session. 

    To unlock financing for the SDGs, UNECE prioritizes bringing together the public and private sectors through its PPP and Infrastructure Evaluation and Rating System (PIERS), a quality assurance tool that helps governments and stakeholders ensure that PPP and infrastructure projects are well designed and aligned with the SDGs and can therefore attract investors. They are crucial for building resilient infrastructure and maintaining public services. 

    Given the importance of local policies and action in advancing SDGs, UNECE’s Forum of Mayors promotes exchanges between cities and gives them a voice at the multilateral level.  

    Finally, with their valuable perspectives, civil society and youth play an important role in finding and devising policy solutions across many areas of UNECE work, which is why they are an important pillar of the UNECE Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.  

    Strengthening social inclusion and adequate housing 

    Despite considerable wealth and innovation, the UNECE region is witnessing deep and growing disparities: between urban and rural areas, generations, and different groups. Social protection systems facing significant demographic pressures, fiscal constraints, and new labour dynamics. This requires investing in inclusive education, training and re-skilling initiatives, especially for disadvantaged groups, such as youth, women and older people, noted the Executive Secretary at the UNDESA global policy dialogue “Accelerating Social Progress to Boost SDG Implementation.”  

    UNECE’s work in this area shows that investing in adequate care infrastructure is not only a social imperative but also economically beneficial as it empowers people to participate in society and the economy. The upcoming World Summit for Social Development in Doha offers an important opportunity to act on commitments from the recent 4th International Conference on Financing for Development and to align both public spending and private finance with inclusive objectives. 

    Access to adequate and affordable housing has emerged as an issue central to achieving social inclusion and the SDGs. Through its Committee on Housing, Urban Development and Land Management, as well as the Forum of Mayors, UNECE supports national and local governments to design and implement inclusive, energy-efficient and climate-responsive urban policies and help them transform housing into a pillar of social stability, the Executive Secretary stressed at the high-level dialogue on adequate housing, co-hosted by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and UN-Habitat. 

    The upcoming UNECE Forum of Mayors in October 2025 will feature a dedicated segment on adequate housing, with discussion feeding into a Ministerial Meeting on Housing Affordability and Sustainability on 8 October in Geneva. 

    Role of UNECE and other UN Regional Commissions  

    The UN Regional Commissions play a key role in convening, coordinating and driving innovative policy solutions. As the custodian of several global conventions, agreements and treaties with strong implications for multiple industries, UNECE plays a unique role in helping UN Member States to achieve social and economic wellbeing.  

    UNECE’s policy, standard-setting and capacity-building work across areas, such as energy, environment, trade, transport and many more, helps to boost predictability, investor confidence, as well as institutional, regulatory and policy conditions to facilitate bankable projects.      

    In that respect the UN80 initiative, which aims to strengthen efficiencies and coordination across the UN system, can unlock further benefits for member States, noted the Executive Secretary during her exchanges with representatives of Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Slovenia, United States, and Uzbekistan.  

    Photo credits: UN / UNECE

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