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Category: Eurozone

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New plans to supercharge UK cyber sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New plans to supercharge UK cyber sector

    The UK’s growing cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a new Cyber Growth Action Plan, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    • New Cyber Growth Action Plan to boost jobs and innovation, growing the UK’s £13.2 billion cyber sector. 
    • Up to £16 million in new funding to turn cutting edge innovation into new business, and boost cyber startups 
    • Cyber experts from defence and big tech set to advise government on public sector cybersecurity, amid growing threats.

    The UK’s growing and cutting edge cyber security sector will be boosted by millions in new investment and a roadmap for growth, as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The government has today [Wednesday 18 June] set out the Cyber Growth Action Plan that will chart a course for the UK’s thriving cyber industry, including the technologies, processes, and services designed to protect digital systems, to continue to grow – with the sector already generating £13.2 billion in annual revenue and supporting over 67,000 jobs in 2024.   

    Led by independent experts at University of Bristol and Imperial College London’s Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance, the Plan will examine the strengths of the UK’s cyber sector and provide a roadmap for its future growth. This will culminate with a set of recommendations later this summer for government to plot out what steps can be taken to deliver maximum impact. 

    On top of this, up to £16 million in new investment has been announced in 2 cyber sector programmes to kickstart growth. Up to £10 million in additional funding will be invested in the CyberASAP programme over the next 4 years, which will support the UK’s cutting edge academic cyber sector to turn their research into commercial companies. The programme has already supported the creation of 34 spin-out companies which have raised over £43 million in investment. The new funding aims to generate a further 25 spin-outs by 2030 and attract £30 million in additional investment. 

    To build on the work of the government’s current cyber accelerator Cyber Runway, up to £6 million will be also allocated to support cyber startups and SMEs – helping firms scale, access new markets through trade missions, and strengthen the UK’s wider cyber ecosystem. By backing researchers and entrepreneurs, these programmes will ensure the UK remains a global leader in cyber innovation and growth. This investment will unlock more jobs, support innovation, and bolster Britain’s cyber security. 

    Cyber Security Minister Feryal Clark said:  

    Cyber security is essential to our economic strength and national resilience. Today’s announcement is backed by investment showing we’re serious about making the UK a global leader in cyber innovation and protection.

    Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing the sector to create high-quality jobs through the Cyber Growth Action Plan and ensuring our public services are built on secure foundations with the expert support of the Government Cyber Advisory Board.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said:

    Today’s investment will help to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses up and down the country, and the new research will support our mission to grow the economy.  

    Recent cyber attacks show just how important it is we foster the development of the sector – delivering the double dividend of high paying jobs as well as strengthening the country’s cyber security.

    The Growth Action Plan is due to report later this summer and will feed into the forthcoming National Cyber Strategy, ensuring the UK remains resilient and competitive in an increasingly interconnected world. This is central to the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs and securing long-term economic resilience.  

    The review is set to cover the supply and demand of cyber goods and services such as protective monitoring and encryption, to understand opportunities for growth. The research will aim to spot new trends and potential areas to capitalise on – as well as explore emerging technologies including AI and Quantum, and identify opportunities to strengthen Britain’s competitive edge. This will in turn protect our digital economy and the new growth which is fundamental to the government’s Plan for Change.  

    Simon Shiu, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Bristol and leading the project, said:  

    The UK Cyber Sector is successful and growing, but so too are the challenges as demonstrated by recent events which have affected businesses and consumers. Based on input from all parts of the Cyber Sector, this project will make independent recommendations to accelerate growth in Cyber, but also to increase cyber-resilience in the other sectors critical to UK security, industry, and prosperity.

    Professor Nigel Brandon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial, said:  

    The Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance (CSEP) at Imperial is uniquely placed to work with the University of Bristol on this important work in a rapidly growing and key sector for the UK economy. This work is aligned with our ambition to help drive economic growth by boosting the UK’s innovation capacity, productivity and competitiveness.

    Senior cybersecurity experts from defence, big tech companies, AI labs, academia and more are also advising the government on public sector cybersecurity. Cyber leaders from BAE Systems, Santander, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google DeepMind will form the new iteration of the Government Cyber Advisory Board, which will play a key role in supporting the government’s goal to strengthen the public sector’s cyber resilience. This aligns with the government Cyber Security Strategy and underpins the delivery of secure digital services across government. 

    The cyber sector will be a key focus of the upcoming Industrial Strategy – becoming a central pillar of the government’s Plan for Change to kick-start growth and put more money in people’s pockets across the UK. Cyber security has become a central part of the government’s plans to secure the economy and drive growth across the country as part of its Plan for Change.   

    Earlier this year, the Technology Secretary set out his ambition for the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill which includes proposals to protect the UK’s supply chains, critical national services, and IT service providers and suppliers and is expected to be introduced to Parliament later this year.   

    As part of the new measures, hospitals and energy suppliers are set to boost their cyber defences, protecting public services and safeguarding growth.

    Notes to editors

    You can find the Terms of Reference for the growth review here.

    The new board members of the Government Cyber Advisory Board include:  

    • Daniel Cuthbert (co-chair), Global Head of Cyber Security Research, Santander   
    • Bella Powell (co-chair), Government Cyber Director, Government Digital Service  
    • Daniel Card, Cyber Security Consultant 
    • Cate Pye, Global Partner Lead for Digital Trust and Cyber Security, PA Consulting   
    • Heather Bedson, Head of Information Security, BPP 
    • Jeff Moss, President of DEF CON Communications Inc 
    • Jen Ellis, Cyber Security Consultant
    • Asif Matadar, CEO and Founder, cyberwargames.ai 
    • Dr Simon Parkinson, Professor of Cyber Security, University of Huddersfield 
    • Julia Spain, Partner, Ashurst Risk Advisory
    • Nicole Fowler, Chief Information Security Officer, Bank of Ireland UK 
    • Thomas Harvey, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Santander UK   
    • Richard Palk, Managing Director Security, Accenture UK
    • Sam Kirby-French, Group CISO, BAE Systems 
    • Phil Legg, Professor in Cyber Security, University of the West of England
    • Mark Evans, Principal Security Strategist, Amazon Web Services
    • Sarah Armstrong-Smith, Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft
    • Ian Thompson, Senior Government Cyber Advisor, Middle East and North Africa, Google 
    • Eleanor Sim, Director Security Strategy and Architecture, Chief Security Architect, Bupa   
    • Euan Birch, Head of Cyber Security Operations, SP Energy Networks 
    • Vijay Bolina, Chief Information Security Officer, Head of Cybersecurity Research, DeepMind  

    Daniel Cuthbert (industry co-chair):

    It is an honour to co-chair the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board (GCAB). Our strength comes from the close partnership between public and private sector experts, drawing on a wide range of experience to help protect the UK. As cyber threats continue to evolve, strong cyber security is essential to safeguarding our economy, protecting public services, and supporting everyday life. The diversity of expertise on the board plays a vital role in ensuring the UK remains resilient, innovative and secure.

    Ian Thompson:

    The Government Cyber Advisory Board plays a vital role in bringing together expertise from across government and a wide set of industry sectors. This cross-sector collaboration not only accelerates the sharing of best practices and experience but also ensures balanced perspectives and mutual learning — something I’m personally finding invaluable.

    Sarah Armstrong-Smith:

    From laggards to leaders – in an era where cyber-attacks are coming thick and fast, GCAB has the opportunity to take a commanding role, setting the right path and principles for how the UK should respond to this systemic threat. This requires a whole-of-society approach to build collective resilience that inspires confidence in times of uncertainty.

    Cate Pye:

    I’m delighted to be part of the GCAB, it is a really pivotal part of making sure that the whole of the UK contribute to our cyber security as this becomes increasingly essential to the way we live and work.  It is also an exemplar of how government and industry can work as one team to really change the way both government and the private sector pragmatically address cyber challenges together, building trust and competency in both.

    Asif Matadar:

    It has been an absolute honour to serve as an inaugural member of the Government Cyber Advisory Board. This initiative has already delivered concrete improvements in how government organisations anticipate and mitigate cyber threats, embedding best practice across government. I am therefore delighted that my term has been extended for a further year, during which I will continue to apply my expertise in incident response, cyber skills development and emerging technologies to support the UK government’s mission of building a world‑class, resilient cyber estate by 2030.

    Euan Birch:

    GCAB reflects the best of trusted public-private partnerships, embedding strategic collaboration and shared responsibility at the heart of government. As a member, I value the opportunity to support government in its mission to strengthen the UK’s resilience to cyber attacks and help secure its position as a global leader.

    Heather Bedson:

    Being part of the GCAB is an opportunity to drive change and improve the Government’s cyber resilience by using expertise from a wide range of industries. I enjoy being part of the GCAB, as it’s an opportunity to share my experiences while collaborating with colleagues across the sector who I might not have otherwise met.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Diego case results in indictment of alleged members of major Guatemalan drug trafficking organization

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury indictment was unsealed June 13 in San Diego alleging that 13 Guatemalan nationals are part of a Guatemala-based cocaine trafficking organization operating out of La Mesilla and Democracia, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, which is on the Guatemala-Mexico border. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    The indictment was returned on May 31, 2019. Among the individuals charged are Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde,” and his son, Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”

    On June 13, special agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego received information that Calderon-Carrillo, the lead defendant in the indictment, had been killed during a June 8 shootout with Mexican authorities. U.S. agents continue to obtain information confirming the details of Calderon-Carrillo’s death. Video of the incident was posted on various news outlets and on social media showing Mexican law enforcement in a shootout with members of a drug trafficking organization.

    In January 2023, one of Calderon-Carrillo’s sons, Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon,” who is charged in the same indictment, was arrested in Paris, France. Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon was extradited to the United States from France in March 2024 and pleaded guilty in February to international cocaine distribution conspiracy charges.

    As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that since at least 2017, up to and including May 31, 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Guatemala and elsewhere, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.

    Calderon-Calderon admitted that he participated in the distribution of large quantities of cocaine in Guatemala on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. From Huehuetenango, the cocaine was transported to co-conspirators operating near the Guatemala-Mexico border, into Mexico, and ultimately smuggled into the United States. As part of his plea agreement, Calderon-Calderon admitted that the conspiracy involved at least 550 kilograms of cocaine. On May 30, Calderon-Calderon was sentenced to 87 months in prison.

    The remaining defendants charged in the indictment are fugitives.

    Defendants

    • Baldemar Calderon-Carrillo, aka “Don Valde”, 67, Guatemala
    • Amado Calderon-Calderon, aka “Don Juan”, 46, Guatemala
    • Walfre Donaldo Calderon-Calderon, aka “El Teniente Jr.”, 43, Guatemala
    • Ceidner Ivan Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Chene”, 35, Guatemala
    • Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon, aka “Panon”, 45, Guatemala
    • Boris Brandon Calderon-Villatoro, aka “Leon”, 31, Guatemala
    • Fredy Estuardo Villatoro-Calderon, aka “Nalo”, 31, Guatemala
    • Juan Carlos Escobedo-Herrera, aka “Ducati”, 34, Guatemala
    • Marvin Waldemar Mendez-Aldana, aka “Don Pelado”, 44, Guatemala
    • German Zaldana-Lima, aka “Gorgo”, 50, Guatemala
    • Arnoldo Bexsael Morales-Aguilar, aka “Bex”, 57, Guatemala
    • Ranferi Godinez-Vasquez, aka “Chilo”, 31, Guatemala
    • Maximo Morales-Godinez, aka “Max”, 37, Guatemala

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mokhtari.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and French authorities provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Edgar Yovani Calderon-Calderon.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Statement of the Co-Chairs of the United Nations High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Riyadh – 18 June 2025

    Statement of the Co-Chairs of the United Nations High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution — France and Saudi Arabia — and of the Co-Chairs of its Working Groups – Qatar, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Norway, Senegal, Spain, Türkiye, United Kingdom, the European Union, and the League of Arab States:

    We express our deep concern over the recent developments and continued escalation in the region, which has regrettably necessitated the decision to suspend the United Nations High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. These events are a stark reminder of the fragility of the current situation and the urgent need to restore calm, uphold international norms, and reinvigorate diplomacy.

    In light of these circumstances, we reaffirm our full commitment to the objectives of the Conference and to continuing its work without interruption. The Roundtables, to be convened shortly, will proceed as an integral part of the Conference process. Building on the contributions of the Working Groups, they will serve to consolidate clear and coordinated commitments and reaffirm the collective resolve to implement the two-State solution.

    The Co-Chairs will announce the convening of the high-level segment at the soonest possible opportunity, in line with their commitment to continuing the work and objectives of the Conference.

    Now more than ever, the situation compels us to double our efforts to call for upholding international law, respecting the sovereignty of states, and advancing peace, liberty, and dignity for all peoples of the region. We remain resolute in our shared determination to support all efforts to bring an end to the war in Gaza, achieve a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question through the implementation of the two-State solution, and ensure stability and security for all countries in the region.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    17 Giugno 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met today with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in the margins of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. The meeting focused on the UN80 initiative to reform the United Nations system and enhance its efficiency, as well as on Italy’s role within the Organisation, with particular reference to the UNIFIL mission and Italy’s co-presidency, together with Ethiopia, of the next Food Systems Summit to be held in Addis Ababa on 28-29 July.

    President Meloni also shared with the Secretary-General the need to continue working to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, to stop the fighting and allow humanitarian aid to enter the Strip.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How high can US debt go before it triggers a financial crisis?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Hartigan, Lecturer in Economics, University of Sydney

    rarrarorro/Shutterstock

    The tax cuts bill currently being debated by the US Senate will add another US$3 trillion (A$4.6 trillion) to US debt. President Donald Trump calls it the “big, beautiful bill”; his erstwhile policy adviser Elon Musk called it a “disgusting abomination”.

    Foreign investors have already been rattled by Trump’s upending of the global trade system. The eruption of war in the Middle East would usually lead to “flight to safety” buying of the US dollar, but the dollar has barely budged. That suggests US assets are not seen as the safe haven they used to be.

    Greg Combet, chair of Australia’s own sovereign wealth fund, the Future Fund, outlined many of the new risks arising from US policies in a speech on Tuesday.

    As investors turn cautious on the US, at some point the surging US debt pile will become unsustainable. That could risk a financial crisis. But at what point does that happen?

    The public sector holds a range of debt

    When talking about the sustainability of US government debt, we have to distinguish between total debt and public debt.

    Public debt is owed to individuals, companies, foreign governments and investors. This accounts for about 80% of total US debt. The remainder is intra-governmental debt held by government agencies and the Federal Reserve.

    Public debt is a more correct measure of US government debt. And it is much less than the headline total government debt amount that is frequently quoted, which is running at US$36 trillion or 121% of GDP.

    Are there limits to government debt?

    Governments are not like households. They can feasibly roll over debt indefinitely and don’t technically need to repay it, unlike a personal credit card. And countries such as the US that issue debt in their own currency can’t technically default unless they choose to.

    Debt also serves a useful role. It is the main way a government funds infrastructure projects. It is an important channel for monetary policy, because the US Federal Reserve sets the benchmark interest rate that affects borrowing costs across the economy. And because the US government issues bonds, known as Treasuries, to finance the debt, this is an important asset for investors.

    There is probably some limit to the amount of debt the US government can issue. But we don’t really know what this amount is, and we won’t know until we get there. Additionally, the US’s reserve currency status, due to the US dollar’s dominant role in international finance, gives the US government more leeway than other governments.

    Interest costs are surging

    What is important is the government’s ability to service its debt – that is, to pay the interest cost. This depends on two components: growth in economic activity, and the interest rate on government debt.

    If economic growth on average is higher than the interest rate, then the government’s effective interest cost is negative and it could sustainably carry its existing debt burden.

    The interest cost of US government debt has surged recently following a series of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes in 2022 and 2023 to quell inflation.

    The US government is now spending more on interest payments than on defence – about US$882 billion annually. This will soon start crowding out spending in other areas, unless taxes are raised or further spending cuts made.

    Recent policy decisions not helping

    The turmoil caused by Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and heightened uncertainty about future government policy are expected to weaken US economic growth and raise inflation. This, coupled with the recent credit downgrade of US government debt by ratings agency Moody’s, is likely to put upward pressure on US interest rates, further increasing the servicing cost of US government debt.

    Moody’s cited concerns about the growth of US federal debt. This comes as the US House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, which seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts indefinitely while slashing social spending. This has caused some to question the sustainability of the US government’s fiscal position.

    The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will add a further US$3 trillion to government debt over the ten years to 2034, increasing debt to 124% of GDP. And this would increase to US$4.5 trillion over ten years and take debt to 128% of GDP if some tax initiatives were made permanent.

    Also troubling is Section 899 of the bill, known as the “revenge tax”. This controversial provision raises the tax payable by foreign investors and could further deter foreign investment, potentially making US government debt even less attractive.

    A compromised Federal Reserve is the next risk

    The passing of the tax and spending bill is unlikely to cause a financial crisis in the US. But the US could be entering into a period of “fiscal dominance”, which is just as concerning.

    In this situation, the independence of the Federal Reserve might be compromised if it is pressured to support the US government’s fiscal position. It would do this by keeping interest rates lower than otherwise, or buying government debt to support the government instead of targeting inflation. Trump has already been putting pressure on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, demanding he cut rates immediately.

    This could lead to much higher inflation in the US, as occurred in Germany in the 1920s, and more recently in Argentina and Turkey.

    Luke Hartigan receives funding from the Australian Research Council (DP230100959)

    – ref. How high can US debt go before it triggers a financial crisis? – https://theconversation.com/how-high-can-us-debt-go-before-it-triggers-a-financial-crisis-258812

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Would a corporate tax cut boost productivity in Australia? So far, the evidence is unclear

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Isaac Gross, Lecturer in Economics, Monash University

    The Conversation, CC BY-NC

    The first term of the Albanese government was defined by its fight against inflation, but the second looks like it will be defined by a need to kick start Australia’s sluggish productivity growth.

    Productivity is essentially the art of earning more while working less and is critical for driving our standard of living higher.

    The Productivity Commission, tasked with figuring out how to get Australia’s sluggish productivity back on track, is pushing hard for corporate tax cuts as a key part of their plan for building a “dynamic and resilient economy”.

    The idea? Lower taxes will attract more foreign investment, get businesses spending again and eventually boost workers’ productivity.

    Commission chair, Danielle Wood, said last week while the commission wanted to create more investment opportunities, it was aware this would hit the budget bottom line:

    So we’re looking at ways to spur investment while finding other ways we might be able to pick up revenue in the system.

    The general company tax rate is currently 30% for large firms, and there’s a reduced rate of 25% for smaller companies with an overall turnover of less than A$50 million.

    What the textbooks and other countries tell us

    The Productivity Commission’s theory makes sense: if you make capital cheaper and you should get more of it flowing in.

    A larger stock of capital means there is more to invest in Australian workers. This should make us more productive and help boost workers’ wages. And looking overseas, the evidence mostly backs this up.

    A meta-analysis of 25 studies covering the US, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland,
    Denmark, Portugal and Finland found every percentage point you slice off the corporate tax rate brings in about 3.3% more foreign direct investment.

    Other research shows multinational companies really do move their operations to places with lower tax rates. This explains why we’re seeing this race to the bottom across Europe and North America, with countries constantly trying to undercut each other.

    Research on location decisions shows how multinationals reshuffle their operations based on effective average tax rates.

    Even within the United States, a US study found increases in corporate tax rates lead to big reductions in employment and wage income. However, corporate tax cuts can boost economic activity – though typically only if they are implemented during recessions.

    Australia’s limited track record

    Here in Australia we don’t have much local evidence to go on, and what we do have is pretty puzzling.

    This matters because Australia’s corporate tax system has some unique features that may make overseas evidence less relevant. We have dividend imputation (franking credits), different treatment of capital gains, access to immediate reimbursement for some small business expenses and complex capitalisation rules that limit debt deductions for multinationals.

    The Federal Government is focussed on improving productivity. In this five-part series, we’ve asked leading experts what that means for the economy, what’s holding us back and their best ideas for reform.

    A study by a group of Australian National University economists looked at how the tax system affects business investment. They examined the [2015 and 2016 corporate tax cuts] for small businesses using data on business investment from the Australian Bureau of Statistics combined with tax data from the Australian Tax Office.

    The findings were mixed. After the 2015 cut, firms already investing in buildings and equipment spent more — that is, the policy boosted investment only at the intensive margin.

    By contrast, there was no evidence it enticed firms that had not been investing to start doing so. The follow-up cut in 2016 had even less bite. Its estimated effect on investment was so small it is statistically indistinguishable from zero.

    It remains unclear why the previous corporate tax reductions largely failed to produce a measurable increase in investment. Perhaps the tax cut itself was simply too modest. Or the available data was too volatile to capture its effects.

    But it runs contrary to what economic theory tells us to expect. This should give us pause for thought.

    The big questions nobody can answer yet

    For politicians thinking about another round of corporate tax cuts, this creates an uncomfortable situation. We’ve got solid evidence from overseas it works, but only one weak data point from Australia, plus a lot of head-scratching about why the second cut didn’t move the dial.

    Fortunately, the Productivity Commission has the in-house expertise to further investigate this question.

    Before we make further cuts to the company tax rate, we should have an in-depth study of these two tax cuts replicating and extending the previous work to see what effect – if any – they had on investment, employment, productivity and Australian living standards.

    Until we can solve these puzzles, Australia’s debate over corporate tax rates will keep spinning its wheels. Much like our national productivity itself.

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

    – ref. Would a corporate tax cut boost productivity in Australia? So far, the evidence is unclear – https://theconversation.com/would-a-corporate-tax-cut-boost-productivity-in-australia-so-far-the-evidence-is-unclear-258575

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Protecting the Northern Sea Route from Conflict and Overexploitation

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Press conference by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic (excerpts)¹ (Nuuk, June 15, 2025)

    (Check against delivery)

    (…)

    GREENLAND

    THE PRESIDENT – Mr Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, let me first thank the Greenlandese authorities for their warm welcome. And let me thank you, Madam Prime Minister, for having organized this trip a few weeks after the State visit of your king and your queen to France. (…)

    In the current situation, Greenland has been put back at the centre of geopolitical challenges, and the Arctic’s peaceful, scientific calling is today under threat. Due to its strategic positioning within the Arctic region and its natural resources, the Kingdom of Denmark’s autonomous territory has become a coveted space and the focus of predatory ambitions. (…) I want to begin by sending a message of Europe’s solidarity and France’s support for Denmark, Greenland and the people of Greenland; a message of respect for your sovereignty and respect for your choices – choices on security, economic and social development and the sustainable management of natural resources; a message of support for your territorial integrity and for the inviolability of your borders, which are not negotiable.

    Together with its European Union partners, France will continue to uphold its principles according to the United Nations Charter. (…) In a few words, everybody thinks – in France, in the European Union – that Greenland is not to be sold, not to be taken. We had very fruitful exchanges with Mr Prime Minister and Madam Prime Minister about strategic issues in the Arctic, and obviously security and the posture of our great challengers, Russia and China, the increasing cooperation between these two powers in the region and elsewhere, and the fact that we want to clearly stand with you in order to face these challenges. And France is ready to increase its cooperation with the seven allies of the Arctic, especially in the framework of the Arctic Council and in the framework of the NB8, the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. And clearly NATO is a place where this coordination and interoperability is seriously organized. (…)

    I reminded your authorities that France is ready to do more with you in terms of security, the economy and education and to help develop concrete projects on the ground, be it hydroelectric power or other projects. I also told the two prime ministers of our proposal to open a consulate general here in Nuuk. (…) A few minutes ago we saw very clearly together the direct impact of climate change here as well. And let me tell you that, facing these challenges, we are ready as well to do much more together. The new maritime route in the new northern sea routes should be preserved, and the region should be preserved, as well, from any type of conflictuality and any type of over-exploitations by other powers. (…)

    Ten years after the Paris Agreement, we see here very clearly that we have to follow up our efforts and to do much more again, together. (…) France is indeed ready to strengthen its scientific and academic cooperation, particularly with regard to studying the long-term impact of global warming in the Arctic. (…)

    Finally, the European Union has also had a presence in Greenland for a long time. Europe is ready to support Greenland’s economic and social development, whether it concerns decarbonized energy, infrastructure, education, sustainable fisheries or critical raw materials. That’s the purpose of the strategic partnership signed in 2023 between the European Union and Greenland, which should enable us to develop sustainable value chains in the strategic raw materials sector; we’d now like to speed up the implementation of this project. (…)

    The situation in Greenland is clearly a wake-up call for all the Europeans. And let me tell you very directly that you are not alone. And when a strategic message is sent to you, I want just for you to know that it’s clearly perceived by the Europeans as targeting a European land. And this flag you have here is our common flag. And we know our common values, and we know our long-standing choices. And this is why it’s very important for French people and all the European people to convey very clearly this message of solidarity and the fact that we stand with you now, for today and for tomorrow. (…)

    Long live Greenland! Long live Denmark! Long live the friendship between Denmark and France, and long live Europe! (…)

    How will this visit to Greenland affect your conversation with Donald Trump at the G7?

    THE PRESIDENT – Look, I informed him about this trip, and I think it makes clear that the Europeans are ready to face the challenges we are and we have here, meaning climate change, economic development and strategic challenges, but at the same time it provides a message that we are ready, all of us, to take our responsibilities in a respectful and cooperative way. (…) And I’m optimistic, because I think there is a way forward in order to clearly build a better future in cooperation and not in provocation or confrontation. (…)

    G7/UKRAINE/MIDDLE EAST

    We were talking a moment ago about the G7, which gets under way in a few hours, in the middle of a war, in the middle of a conflict between Israel and Iran. What do you think the G7 countries can do? Donald Trump has said he’s open to President Putin mediating. What do you think?

    THE PRESIDENT – (…) We must talk about the two major conflicts, the Middle East and Ukraine. And for me, the G7 must aim to bring everyone back together, and therefore, for Ukraine, secure as soon as possible a ceasefire that allows a robust, lasting peace to be built. So I think it’s a question of whether President Trump is prepared to put forward much tougher sanctions against Russia if it refuses to respond to the proposal he made several months ago now and which President Zelenskyy responded to in March. So this is one of the points we’ll be discussing a few days before the NATO summit. And for me, that forum is also the one in which we Europeans must re-engage with the Americans and our other Canadian and Japanese allies, whose great steadfastness and great solidarity regarding the Ukraine conflict I want to highlight here.

    On the Middle East, I believe we’re all united on one position. No one wants to see Iran acquire nuclear weapons, but everyone would like the discussions and negotiations to resume. And here too, the United States of America has a genuine ability to get everyone back round the table, given that, along with the Europeans, it’s an important protagonist in any nuclear agreement, and above all, Israel’s dependence on American weapons and ammunition gives the US an ability to negotiate. I don’t believe that Russia, which is today engaged in a high-intensity conflict and has decided not to adhere to the United Nations Charter for several years now, can be a mediator in any way. I think it’s our collective responsibility to try and re-engage as soon as possible and, first of all, prevent any escalation and get all the protagonists back around the negotiating table. (…)

    ISRAEL/IRAN/GAZA

    On Friday you emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself; you even said that France was prepared to contribute to Israel’s defence. Can you tell us if France has helped Israel in any kind of way since Friday, and if it intends to do so in the coming days? And aren’t you afraid that by backing these Israeli strikes in Iran, France is helping to encourage a scenario similar to what we’ve experienced in Gaza, i.e. a very bloody escalation?

    THE PRESIDENT – I very clearly said on Friday that France was worried about nuclear proliferation, about the IAEA’s report and Iran’s ongoing nuclear activities, and that Iran constitutes a very clear, existential threat for Israel, given what the Iranian regime is saying every day, but [also] a threat for the whole region and even us, because Iran’s activity programme, its ballistic programme and its nuclear programme are threats. But that doesn’t mean I’ve backed anything, and I also said very clearly that France didn’t take part in the operations conducted on 13 June or the following days. And I repeated that France’s position was clear and consistent.

    We believe that these issues – i.e. ballistic and nuclear proliferation – must be resolved around a negotiating table in an international framework and must then lead to monitoring ensured by the relevant international agencies. So we’re calling for all parties involved to return to discussions as soon as possible and for no escalation to be carried out. We haven’t contributed to any defensive operation since then, because haven’t been asked to, and I was able to give my opinion and talk to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Iran’s President Pezeshkian yesterday, and President Trump, and convey exactly the same messages, i.e. urge a resumption of discussions as swiftly as possible on the nuclear and ballistic issue, call for all strikes to be stopped as soon as possible, wherever they come from, and resolve the issue of collective security as soon as possible.

    Finally, I repeated on both Friday and Saturday to all the protagonists how what is happening today, and is obviously worrying us all a great deal in the region, mustn’t make us forget the situation in Gaza. The ceasefire is an imperative. The humanitarian situation is unacceptable. So we’ve absolutely got to secure a ceasefire, get all the hostages released and resume humanitarian aid in Gaza. (…)./.

    ¹M. Macron spoke in French and English.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Protecting the Northern Sea Route from Conflict and Overexploitation

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Press conference by M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic (excerpts)¹ (Nuuk, June 15, 2025)

    (Check against delivery)

    (…)

    GREENLAND

    THE PRESIDENT – Mr Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, let me first thank the Greenlandese authorities for their warm welcome. And let me thank you, Madam Prime Minister, for having organized this trip a few weeks after the State visit of your king and your queen to France. (…)

    In the current situation, Greenland has been put back at the centre of geopolitical challenges, and the Arctic’s peaceful, scientific calling is today under threat. Due to its strategic positioning within the Arctic region and its natural resources, the Kingdom of Denmark’s autonomous territory has become a coveted space and the focus of predatory ambitions. (…) I want to begin by sending a message of Europe’s solidarity and France’s support for Denmark, Greenland and the people of Greenland; a message of respect for your sovereignty and respect for your choices – choices on security, economic and social development and the sustainable management of natural resources; a message of support for your territorial integrity and for the inviolability of your borders, which are not negotiable.

    Together with its European Union partners, France will continue to uphold its principles according to the United Nations Charter. (…) In a few words, everybody thinks – in France, in the European Union – that Greenland is not to be sold, not to be taken. We had very fruitful exchanges with Mr Prime Minister and Madam Prime Minister about strategic issues in the Arctic, and obviously security and the posture of our great challengers, Russia and China, the increasing cooperation between these two powers in the region and elsewhere, and the fact that we want to clearly stand with you in order to face these challenges. And France is ready to increase its cooperation with the seven allies of the Arctic, especially in the framework of the Arctic Council and in the framework of the NB8, the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. And clearly NATO is a place where this coordination and interoperability is seriously organized. (…)

    I reminded your authorities that France is ready to do more with you in terms of security, the economy and education and to help develop concrete projects on the ground, be it hydroelectric power or other projects. I also told the two prime ministers of our proposal to open a consulate general here in Nuuk. (…) A few minutes ago we saw very clearly together the direct impact of climate change here as well. And let me tell you that, facing these challenges, we are ready as well to do much more together. The new maritime route in the new northern sea routes should be preserved, and the region should be preserved, as well, from any type of conflictuality and any type of over-exploitations by other powers. (…)

    Ten years after the Paris Agreement, we see here very clearly that we have to follow up our efforts and to do much more again, together. (…) France is indeed ready to strengthen its scientific and academic cooperation, particularly with regard to studying the long-term impact of global warming in the Arctic. (…)

    Finally, the European Union has also had a presence in Greenland for a long time. Europe is ready to support Greenland’s economic and social development, whether it concerns decarbonized energy, infrastructure, education, sustainable fisheries or critical raw materials. That’s the purpose of the strategic partnership signed in 2023 between the European Union and Greenland, which should enable us to develop sustainable value chains in the strategic raw materials sector; we’d now like to speed up the implementation of this project. (…)

    The situation in Greenland is clearly a wake-up call for all the Europeans. And let me tell you very directly that you are not alone. And when a strategic message is sent to you, I want just for you to know that it’s clearly perceived by the Europeans as targeting a European land. And this flag you have here is our common flag. And we know our common values, and we know our long-standing choices. And this is why it’s very important for French people and all the European people to convey very clearly this message of solidarity and the fact that we stand with you now, for today and for tomorrow. (…)

    Long live Greenland! Long live Denmark! Long live the friendship between Denmark and France, and long live Europe! (…)

    How will this visit to Greenland affect your conversation with Donald Trump at the G7?

    THE PRESIDENT – Look, I informed him about this trip, and I think it makes clear that the Europeans are ready to face the challenges we are and we have here, meaning climate change, economic development and strategic challenges, but at the same time it provides a message that we are ready, all of us, to take our responsibilities in a respectful and cooperative way. (…) And I’m optimistic, because I think there is a way forward in order to clearly build a better future in cooperation and not in provocation or confrontation. (…)

    G7/UKRAINE/MIDDLE EAST

    We were talking a moment ago about the G7, which gets under way in a few hours, in the middle of a war, in the middle of a conflict between Israel and Iran. What do you think the G7 countries can do? Donald Trump has said he’s open to President Putin mediating. What do you think?

    THE PRESIDENT – (…) We must talk about the two major conflicts, the Middle East and Ukraine. And for me, the G7 must aim to bring everyone back together, and therefore, for Ukraine, secure as soon as possible a ceasefire that allows a robust, lasting peace to be built. So I think it’s a question of whether President Trump is prepared to put forward much tougher sanctions against Russia if it refuses to respond to the proposal he made several months ago now and which President Zelenskyy responded to in March. So this is one of the points we’ll be discussing a few days before the NATO summit. And for me, that forum is also the one in which we Europeans must re-engage with the Americans and our other Canadian and Japanese allies, whose great steadfastness and great solidarity regarding the Ukraine conflict I want to highlight here.

    On the Middle East, I believe we’re all united on one position. No one wants to see Iran acquire nuclear weapons, but everyone would like the discussions and negotiations to resume. And here too, the United States of America has a genuine ability to get everyone back round the table, given that, along with the Europeans, it’s an important protagonist in any nuclear agreement, and above all, Israel’s dependence on American weapons and ammunition gives the US an ability to negotiate. I don’t believe that Russia, which is today engaged in a high-intensity conflict and has decided not to adhere to the United Nations Charter for several years now, can be a mediator in any way. I think it’s our collective responsibility to try and re-engage as soon as possible and, first of all, prevent any escalation and get all the protagonists back around the negotiating table. (…)

    ISRAEL/IRAN/GAZA

    On Friday you emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself; you even said that France was prepared to contribute to Israel’s defence. Can you tell us if France has helped Israel in any kind of way since Friday, and if it intends to do so in the coming days? And aren’t you afraid that by backing these Israeli strikes in Iran, France is helping to encourage a scenario similar to what we’ve experienced in Gaza, i.e. a very bloody escalation?

    THE PRESIDENT – I very clearly said on Friday that France was worried about nuclear proliferation, about the IAEA’s report and Iran’s ongoing nuclear activities, and that Iran constitutes a very clear, existential threat for Israel, given what the Iranian regime is saying every day, but [also] a threat for the whole region and even us, because Iran’s activity programme, its ballistic programme and its nuclear programme are threats. But that doesn’t mean I’ve backed anything, and I also said very clearly that France didn’t take part in the operations conducted on 13 June or the following days. And I repeated that France’s position was clear and consistent.

    We believe that these issues – i.e. ballistic and nuclear proliferation – must be resolved around a negotiating table in an international framework and must then lead to monitoring ensured by the relevant international agencies. So we’re calling for all parties involved to return to discussions as soon as possible and for no escalation to be carried out. We haven’t contributed to any defensive operation since then, because haven’t been asked to, and I was able to give my opinion and talk to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Iran’s President Pezeshkian yesterday, and President Trump, and convey exactly the same messages, i.e. urge a resumption of discussions as swiftly as possible on the nuclear and ballistic issue, call for all strikes to be stopped as soon as possible, wherever they come from, and resolve the issue of collective security as soon as possible.

    Finally, I repeated on both Friday and Saturday to all the protagonists how what is happening today, and is obviously worrying us all a great deal in the region, mustn’t make us forget the situation in Gaza. The ceasefire is an imperative. The humanitarian situation is unacceptable. So we’ve absolutely got to secure a ceasefire, get all the hostages released and resume humanitarian aid in Gaza. (…)./.

    ¹M. Macron spoke in French and English.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General attends G7 Summit, welcomes Canada’s commitment to defence spending

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, participated in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday (17 June 2025). The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.

    Speaking alongside Prime Minister Carney, Mr Rutte welcomed Canada’s decision to meet NATO’s defence investment target this year. “The fact that you decided to bring Canada to the 2% spending when it comes to NATO this year is really fantastic,” he said. He noted that, together with Portugal’s recent announcement to reach 2% of GDP this year, all NATO Allies will meet the benchmark in 2025. “That is really great news,” the Secretary General said.

    In addition to discussions with G7 leaders, Secretary General Rutte held a number of bilateral meetings ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, including with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General attends G7 Summit, welcomes Canada’s commitment to defence spending

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, participated in the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Tuesday (17 June 2025). The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.

    Speaking alongside Prime Minister Carney, Mr Rutte welcomed Canada’s decision to meet NATO’s defence investment target this year. “The fact that you decided to bring Canada to the 2% spending when it comes to NATO this year is really fantastic,” he said. He noted that, together with Portugal’s recent announcement to reach 2% of GDP this year, all NATO Allies will meet the benchmark in 2025. “That is really great news,” the Secretary General said.

    In addition to discussions with G7 leaders, Secretary General Rutte held a number of bilateral meetings ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, including with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CAISSE FRANCAISE DE FINANCEMENT LOCAL EMTN 2025-10

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 17 June 2025

    Capitalised terms used herein shall have the meaning specified for such terms in the Caisse Française de Financement Local base prospectus to the €75,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme dated 10 June 2025 (the “Base Prospectus”).

    Caisse Française de Financement Local has decided to issue on 19 June 2025 – Euro 10,000,000 Floating Rate Obligations Foncières due 19 June 2035.  

    The Base Prospectus dated 10 June 2025 approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers is available on the website of the Issuer (https://sfil.fr/caffil-notre-filiale/), at the registered office of the Issuer: 112-114, avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris, France, and at the office of the Paying Agent indicated in the Base Prospectus.

    The Final Terms relating to the issue will be available on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (www.bourse.lu), at the office of the Issuer and at the office of the Paying Agent.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CAISSE FRANCAISE DE FINANCEMENT LOCAL EMTN 2025-10

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 17 June 2025

    Capitalised terms used herein shall have the meaning specified for such terms in the Caisse Française de Financement Local base prospectus to the €75,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme dated 10 June 2025 (the “Base Prospectus”).

    Caisse Française de Financement Local has decided to issue on 19 June 2025 – Euro 10,000,000 Floating Rate Obligations Foncières due 19 June 2035.  

    The Base Prospectus dated 10 June 2025 approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers is available on the website of the Issuer (https://sfil.fr/caffil-notre-filiale/), at the registered office of the Issuer: 112-114, avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris, France, and at the office of the Paying Agent indicated in the Base Prospectus.

    The Final Terms relating to the issue will be available on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (www.bourse.lu), at the office of the Issuer and at the office of the Paying Agent.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Leaders of the G7, recognize that critical minerals are the building blocks of digital and energy secure economies of the future. We remain committed to transparency, diversification, security, sustainable mining practices, trustworthiness and reliability as essential principles for resilient critical minerals supply chains, and acknowledge the importance of traceability, trade, and decent work in contributing to our economic prosperity and that of our partners.

    We have shared national and economic security interests, which depend on access to resilient critical minerals supply chains governed by market principles. We recognize that non-market policies and practices in the critical minerals sector threaten our ability to acquire many critical minerals, including the rare earth elements needed for magnets, that are vital for industrial production. Recognizing this threat to our economies, as well as various other risks to the resilience of our critical minerals supply chains, we will work together and with partners beyond the G7 to swiftly protect our economic and national security. This will include anticipating critical minerals shortages, coordinating responses to deliberate market disruption, and diversifying and onshoring, where possible, mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling.

    We are launching a G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, building on the Five-Point Plan for Critical Minerals Security established during Japan’s G7 Presidency in 2023 and advanced by Italy in 2024. The Action Plan will focus on diversifying the responsible production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments in critical mineral projects and local value creation, and promoting innovation.

    We are committed to action in the following areas:

    Building standards-based markets 

    We recognize that critical minerals markets should reflect the real costs of responsible extraction, processing, and trade of critical minerals, while ensuring labour standards, local consultation, anti-bribery and corruption measures and addressing negative externalities, including pollution and land degradation.

    We will develop a roadmap to promote standards-based markets for critical minerals, in collaboration with industry, international organizations, resource producing nations, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, unions, and civil society. The roadmap will establish a set of criteria that constitute a minimum threshold for standards-based markets, strengthening traceability as a necessary measure. As part of these efforts, we will evaluate potential market impacts.

    We task relevant ministers to produce this roadmap, setting out milestones to be met in fulfilling this commitment, before the end of the year. 

    Mobilizing capital and investing in partnerships 

    We recognize the need to work together to increase investment in responsible critical minerals projects within the G7 and around the world. Immediate and scaled investment is required to secure future supply chains and ensure promising mining and processing projects overcome barriers such as delays in permitting and approvals processes, market manipulation, and price volatility. 

    Critical minerals are an opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships and drive economic development, innovation and shared prosperity. We will continue to work with emerging market and developing country partners to develop quality infrastructure, such as economic corridors. We will address investment barriers and support policy and regulatory reforms that improve the investment climate of our partners and empower entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries, including through the G20 Compact with Africa. Our approach will support local economic growth, build community trust, and reduce investment risks, creating the necessary conditions to attract responsible private capital. 

    We will continue to support the development of responsible critical minerals projects through direct partnerships with each other and by promoting private sector investment. We encourage our export credit agencies and development finance institutions (DFIs) to identify more opportunities for collaboration. We also welcome the work of the G7 DFIs to enhance coordination on critical minerals projects as an important step.

    To build on this momentum, we encourage multilateral development banks, as well as private sector lenders, to make further capital available for investment in standards-based critical minerals projects, including through innovative financing. We also encourage them to leverage existing financing mechanisms to de-risk projects, maximize and mobilize private capital, and increase the resilience and security of global critical minerals supply chains. 

    We are committed to deepening our cooperation with mineral-rich emerging market and developing country partners. We will help build their capacity; foster local value creation; create opportunities for all; promote responsible mining practices; combat gender-based violence in the mining industry; support the improvement of artisanal mining; and diversify global critical minerals value chains. 

    In this spirit, to promote responsible mining-related activities in emerging mining nations, we welcome the G7 Finance Ministers commitment to strengthen the World Bank-led Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement (RISE) Partnership. Interested G7 members will also support initiatives such as the Minerals Security Partnership and its MSP Forum, and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development.

    Recalling our commitment to promote debt sustainability and transparency, we acknowledge the challenges faced by developing countries with mounting debt levels, including to finance infrastructure. We will promote debt sustainability through transparent and fair development finance, and we will support countries facing debt challenges including near-term liquidity challenges. We call on all international providers of finance to do the same. This includes working within the G20 to improve the implementation of the Common Framework.

    Promoting innovation

    We have rich public and private innovation ecosystems with untapped potential to address strategic technology and processing gaps essential to bringing critical minerals to market. 

    We will intensify our collaboration to fill targeted innovation gaps in critical minerals research and development, with a focus on processing, licensing, recycling, substitution and redesign, and circular economy. We will work with partner organizations to showcase new technologies and production processes.

    We look forward to the upcoming Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals, to be chaired by the United States in Chicago, in September 2025, in order to advance this work. 

    We welcome the endorsement of the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan by the Leaders of Australia, India, and the Republic of Korea. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defence Secretary RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2025 speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Defence Secretary RUSI Land Warfare Conference 2025 speech

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP addressed the RUSI Land Warfare Conference on 17 June 2025

    David, thank you very much. Thank you all for inviting me here.

    Under your leadership, this institution RUSI really has gone from strength to strength in your last five years despite your first two years as Chair being that very tough period for us all during Covid.

    So David let me thank you this afternoon, to Rachel and the hugely impressive team here at RUSI, not just for this conference, for hosting us for these two days but also for serving as not just simply a long-standing critical friend to government – yes long standing but much needed critic of the government.

    And really in the way that the world changing the way as it is and defence is changing in the way that it is – I think we need this institution’s expert independent voice to be heard more loudly now than ever.

    So thank you for the work that you have done and thank you all of you involved in RUSI.

    At the outset now perhaps I can take the opportunity to say a few words on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

    Because this is a dangerous moment for the entire region. And we as a government have been consistent, clear and strong.

    We have always supported Israel’s right to security and we have had grave concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.

    And I repeat the call on all sides to show restraint this afternoon.

    Because a diplomatic resolution rather than military action is the only route to lasting stability in the region.

    And in terms of our UK operational response, the military assets including the additional Typhoon jets announced by the Prime Minister have begun arriving – the first wave have already arrived and the rest will follow in coming days.

    And I have ensured that force protection is now at its highest level.

    So this operational response is to protect our personnel, it is to reassure our partners and it is to reinforce the urgent need for de-escalation.

    Returning to today, to your programme – I remember last year’s Land Warfare Conference – I think it was one of if not the first public speech I gave after having the privilege of taking up this job. And it came just a week after the Prime Minister kicked off the Strategic Defence Review.

    And I told you in this room actually back then that it would be a Review that would be done with the Army, and not to the Army.

    And I hope with General Walker giving the SDR what he called his “unequivocal support and commitment” this morning – you’re confidence that we met that promise.

    And some of you in the room here, you were part of dozens of submissions that we had from serving personnel, for which we are really grateful.

    And not just the submissions including formal discussions with senior Army officers but actually I hope you see in the SDR the proposals in the core submissions from the Army have been accepted in the review by the reviewers almost in full.

    And this is an SDR that will transform our Army – transform it to meet the challenges and threats in the decades ahead.

    And it will do so by combining the future technology of drones and AI with the heavy metal of our tanks and artillery to the deter threats we may face.

    Many of you have been around for long enough to have seen previous reviews. Many of you have been around for long enough probably to be thinking – well great promises but we’ve seen so many of these reviews put on shelves and gather dust next to the previous reviews that came before.

    The point that I stress today is that for me and everyone in defence, the ten months of hard work to get to the point where we have launched the SDR is just the start not the end of the work that is needed.

    So our adversaries aren’t hanging around and nor are we.

    And have a plan now in government to make Britain safer, secure at home and strong abroad.

    2.6 per cent of GDP on defence in 2027 as the Chancellor confirmed last week in the Spending Review. This gives us the means to implement the SDR.

    And the SDR is a review, a defence review – the first for a generation – which aims to build out rather than hollow out our armed forces.

    A review that is backed by an ambition to hit 3 per cent of GDP spending in the next parliament. And a review that is matched and underwritten by the prospect of a decade of rising defence investment.

    It will bring big changes to our armed forces.

    You discussed it this afternoon with that top level distinguished panel – the SDR will see an integrated force – greater than the sum of its parts – but that does not mean a lessening the importance of the Army.

    The SDR made promises of an Army that is larger in size and greater in lethality.

    And today, I’ll speak about how I’ll play a role as Defence Secretary alongside General Roly to deliver on those pledges.

    Let me start with what matters most to me and that’s our people.

    To maintain advantage, every Army must evolve with the times. Technologies emerge. Tactics advance but the one thing that stays constant is the need for talent.

    Ultimately, it is people who win, it’s the people who prevail, it’s the people who win wars.

    The British Army has in its ranks some of the finest soldiers the world over.

    But for too long, our Army has been asked to do more with less.

    And like most things in life, building up is actually harder than cutting down.

    But we are acting already to stem the losses that we’ve seen long term in recent years, and while reversing that long-term decline can’t be done overnight – that will take time – but I want the number of full-time soldiers to rise to at least 76,000 into the next parliament.

    And let me set out some of the elements of how we will do that.  

    First, I really don’t recognise the claims that you often hear in the media and from the commentators that somehow the next generation don’t want to fight for their country.

    In the last decade, one million young people applied to join the military. They are the very lifeblood of the Army.

    Every day, young men and women stepping forward in search of the opportunity, the sense of purpose and pride, in search of something greater than they have in their lives at present.

    And yet of that million, more than 3 in 4 simply gave up in large part because of long delays in the process.

    They gave up before they were even recruited or rejected.

    So in response, we’ve set new targets, we’ve scrapped old policies and red tape and we’re starting to turn those numbers around.

    And my pledge to you is that the Army will have the pipeline of people it needs to defend our nation and our nation’s interests.

    And just as we’ll encourage more people to join, we’ll persuade more people to stay. And we’ll do that by renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and the families who support them as they serve.

    Better pay, better housing, better conditions, better kit.

    The thing that really has troubled me most in the last month was the Continuous Attitude Survey that found that only 1 in 4 service personnel believe that they’re valued by society.

    That has plummeted over the last 12 years. The best way to prove to those people, to our personnel that the nation cares is not just what we say but it’s what we do.

    And that’s why it was important to me that last year we were able to award our service personnel the biggest pay increase for over 20 years. It was important to me that we could follow it up this year with another above inflation pay award.  

    Homes with mould, damp and leaks are a betrayal of their service and we’re starting to put that right.

    We’ve bought back now 36,000 military family homes from a private funds into public control. We’ve pledged an extra £1.5 billion to put into military family homes in this Parliament as part of £7 billion investment that will go into military accommodation in the next few years.

    We’re introducing a new Consumer Charter – the basics that any of us would expect from any home that we occupy, any home that we rent – we’re doing that for our forces families.

    We’re extending Wraparound Childcare to those deployed overseas just to help make family life a little easier.

    We’ve legislated in Parliament for a new independent voice – the Armed Forces Commissioner that will help improve service life and I’m happy to say that from last week applications for that post are now open.

    Me, the ministerial team, General Roly, we all share a determination to make life better for members of our armed forces and the families that support them.

    And in doing so, we will – for the first time in a generation – grow the British Army.

    Warfighting and the welfare of our forces are not in conflict or competition. They go hand in hand.

    We cannot have our soldiers worried about a broken boiler or how they’ll make ends meet if we want the Army’s organising principle to be – as General Roly said – “warfighting at scale”.

    And in a more dangerous world, this is a shift we simply have to make.

    Before I go further, I want to note that at least 15 people were killed and more than 100 injured last night in Kyiv, a grim reminder that whatever else is happening in the world, Putin’s war still rages on eastern flank of Europe.

    Ukrainians are continuing to fight with huge courage – civilians and military alike and I just say to you that the UK and the UK Government’s commitment to those Ukrainians remains as steadfast as it has been from the start and we will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.

    We will stand with them and we will work with them and for the purposes of this conference we will also learn from them.

    Because the revolutionary technology in Ukraine – helped by the UK – has been the drone.

    So lethal in force, they’re now killing more people than artillery – the first time Offensive Support has been overtaken since World War One.

    So systemic to strategy and tactics as the invention of the machine gun or to the heavy armour specialists in the audience – the tank.

    So effective in targeting, that the Russian military has swapped armour for motorbikes to evade detection.

    And so maximum in impact that we saw a little over 100 drones destroy or damaged more than 50 of Putin’s strategic bombers in Operation Spider Web.

    This is why the SDR calls for that tenfold increase in the Army’s lethality. Credit must go to Roly for his foresight and his ambition in setting that out.

    He set the ambition. He set the vision. And I’m backing that as Defence Secretary with the funding to deliver it.

    So today I’m announcing and confirming that we from this year will be investing more than £100 million in new, initial funding to develop land drone swarms.

    Our Autonomous Collaborative Platforms will fly alongside the Apache attack helicopters and enhance the Army’s ability to strike, survive and win on the battlefield.

    You’ve seen the vision in the SDR, you’ve heard the plan from Roly earlier – this will be a game-changer. It will be applying the lessons from Ukraine in a world-leading way, it will be putting the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO.

    Alongside our ability to move forward with greater combat mass, we’re investing in AI and drones to strike further and faster through Project ASGARD.

    In well under a year, we’ve developed and procured these recce-strike systems that allow our soldiers to connect the sensor to the shooter in record beating time.

    These are systems already tested. These are systems that in part are already in Estonia. These are systems that we plan to deploy in 2027 as part of NATO’s Steadfast Defender Exercise.

    The lessons from ASGARD will inform our new integrated Digital Targeting Web as recommended in the SDR. The SDR has challenged us to develop this over the next two years. And so in order to meet that challenge, I’ve also made the commitment that we will back that by £1 billion of new investment.

    Finally, this isn’t just about the world-leading programmes that I’ve mentioned, but it’s also about embedding drones into our training, in our psyche and in our culture.

    And by doubling spending to £4 billion on uncrewed systems in this Parliament through the SDR and by establishing a new Drone Centre we’ll accelerate the use of uncrewed air systems across all of our services.

    The Army will train thousands of operators on First Person View, Surveillance and Dropper drones.

    This summer, the Army will begin the rollout of 3,000 strike drones followed by a further rollout of over 1,000 surveillance drones.

    And we will equip every Section with a drone.

    And together, this work marks a crucial shift in our deterrence. It sends a clear signal to anyone seeking to do us or our allies harm and sets the pathway to an Army that can indeed be ten times more lethal.

    Let me draw if I may to an end by saying that the British Army has always been a force feared by our adversaries and respected by allies.

    And in this new era of threat, we will be asking more of our soldiers. And it is only right our soldiers expect more of their government.

    In return, they’ll be members of an Army with better pay, with better housing, with better kit. They’ll be members of an Army greater in lethality, greater in size.

    An Army that makes Britain safer – secure at home and strong abroad.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Canadian PM Mark Carney welcomes PM Narendra Modi for G7 summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday welcomed by his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney as the Indian leader arrived for the G7 Outreach Summit.

    Confirming the meeting between Carney and PM Modi at the G7 Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on social media platform X said: “Building bridges for global progress and cooperation. PM @MarkJCarney of Canada welcomed PM @narendramodi at the #G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.”

    Earlier, PM Modi met with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa separately on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

    These interactions came just weeks after India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-oOcupied Kashmir, following the Pahalgam terror attacks on April 22.

    The MEA said, “At the Summit, the Prime Minister will exchange views with leaders of G-7 countries, other invited outreach countries and Heads of International Organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary on Monday morning to attend the G7 Summit at Kananaskis, his first visit to Canada in a decade.

    He is set to discuss various topics of development, such as energy security, technology and innovation with world leaders.

    PM Modi said he will discuss important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South.

    The Kananaskis gathering on June 16 to 17 is the Prime Minister’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

    Canadian PM Carney had extended an invite to PM Modi in an attempt to rebuild ties after India-Canada relations nosedived following former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations on the killing of a Khalistani terrorist.

    In the last few months, the security officials of India and Canada resumed contact and both sides were looking at the possibility of appointing new High Commissioners.

    During his nearly 24-hour stay in Canada, Prime Minister Modi will not only attend the Outreach Session of the Summit but also hold several significant bilateral meetings with various world leaders before leaving for Zagreb early Wednesday, India time.

    The three-nation visit, PM Modi had stated while leaving New Delhi, is also to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    “Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” PM Modi posted on his X handle after arriving in Canada.

    The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies — France, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada and the European Union.

    At the Summit, PM Modi will be interacting with G7 leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.

    (With IANS inputs)

  • Canadian PM Mark Carney welcomes PM Narendra Modi for G7 summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday welcomed by his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney as the Indian leader arrived for the G7 Outreach Summit.

    Confirming the meeting between Carney and PM Modi at the G7 Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on social media platform X said: “Building bridges for global progress and cooperation. PM @MarkJCarney of Canada welcomed PM @narendramodi at the #G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.”

    Earlier, PM Modi met with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa separately on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

    These interactions came just weeks after India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-oOcupied Kashmir, following the Pahalgam terror attacks on April 22.

    The MEA said, “At the Summit, the Prime Minister will exchange views with leaders of G-7 countries, other invited outreach countries and Heads of International Organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary on Monday morning to attend the G7 Summit at Kananaskis, his first visit to Canada in a decade.

    He is set to discuss various topics of development, such as energy security, technology and innovation with world leaders.

    PM Modi said he will discuss important global issues and emphasise the priorities of the Global South.

    The Kananaskis gathering on June 16 to 17 is the Prime Minister’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.

    Canadian PM Carney had extended an invite to PM Modi in an attempt to rebuild ties after India-Canada relations nosedived following former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations on the killing of a Khalistani terrorist.

    In the last few months, the security officials of India and Canada resumed contact and both sides were looking at the possibility of appointing new High Commissioners.

    During his nearly 24-hour stay in Canada, Prime Minister Modi will not only attend the Outreach Session of the Summit but also hold several significant bilateral meetings with various world leaders before leaving for Zagreb early Wednesday, India time.

    The three-nation visit, PM Modi had stated while leaving New Delhi, is also to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

    “Landed in Calgary, Canada, to take part in the G7 Summit. Will be meeting various leaders at the Summit and sharing my thoughts on important global issues. Will also be emphasising the priorities of the Global South,” PM Modi posted on his X handle after arriving in Canada.

    The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies — France, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada and the European Union.

    At the Summit, PM Modi will be interacting with G7 leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.

    (With IANS inputs)

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, German Aerospace Center to Expand Artemis Campaign Cooperation

    Source: NASA

    While attending the Paris Air Show June 16, NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro signed an agreement with DLR (German Aerospace Center, or Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) to continue a partnership in space medicine research. This renewed collaboration builds on previous radiation mitigation efforts for human spaceflight. As NASA advances the Trump-Vance Administration’s goals for exploration on the Moon and Mars, minimizing exposure to space radiation is one of the key areas the agency is working to protect crew on long duration missions.
    With this agreement, DLR will leverage its human spaceflight expertise and provide new radiation sensors aboard the Orion spacecraft during NASA’s Artemis II mission, building on previous work in this area during the Artemis I mission. Scheduled for launch no later than April 2026, Artemis II will mark the first test flight with crew under Artemis.
    “In keeping with the historic agreements NASA has made with international partners as a part of Artemis, I am pleased to sign a new NASA-DLR joint agreement today, to enable radiation research aboard Artemis II,” said acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro. “The German Aerospace Center has been a valuable partner in Artemis, having previously worked with NASA to test technology critical to our understanding of radiation on humans aboard an Orion spacecraft on Artemis I and providing a CubeSat as part of Artemis II. Following a productive meeting between President Trump and German Chancellor Merz earlier this month, I am excited to build upon our great partnership with Germany.”
    During the Artemis II mission’s planned 10-day journey around the Moon and back, four of DLR’s newly developed M-42 extended (M-42 EXT) radiation detectors will be on board, contributing vital data to support astronaut safety. This next-generation device represents a new phase of research as NASA and DLR continue working together to safeguard human health in space.
    Under the leadership of President Trump, America’s Artemis campaign has reignited NASA’s ambition, sparking international cooperation and cutting-edge innovation. The continued partnership with DLR and the deployment of their advanced M-42 EXT radiation detectors aboard Artemis II exemplifies how the Trump-Vance Administration is leading a Golden Era of Exploration and Innovation that puts American astronauts on the path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
    “To develop effective protective measures against the impact of space radiation on the human body, comprehensive and coherent radiation measurements in open space are essential,” says Anke Pagels-Kerp, divisional board member for space at DLR. “At the end of 2022, Artemis I carried 12,000 passive and 16 active detectors inside the Helga and Zohar mannequins, which flew aboard the Orion spacecraft as part of DLR’s MARE project. These provided a valuable dataset – the first continuous radiation measurements ever recorded beyond low Earth orbit. We are now excited to take the next step together with NASA and send our upgraded radiation detectors around the Moon on the Artemis II mission.”
    Through the Artemis campaign, the agency will establish a long-term presence on the Moon for scientific exploration with our commercial and international partners, learn how to live and work away from home, and prepare for future human exploration of Mars.
    For more information about Artemis, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/artemis
    -end-
    Bethany Stevens / Rachel KraftHeadquarters202-358-1600bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gv / rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Spanish National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export U.S. Military-Grade Radios to Russian Government End Users

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Bence Horvath, 47, a Spanish national living in the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with conspiring to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian end users without a license.

    Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully export goods to Russia. U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30.

    According to court documents, beginning at least around January 2023, Horvath and others initiated discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company about procuring and exporting to Russia U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and related accessories. Over the next several months, Horvath continued his efforts to secure those items, which he intended to transship to Russia via a freight forwarder in Latvia.

    As part of the conspiracy, Horvath purchased 200 of the military-grade radios and intended to export them to Russia. But he was not successful, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained the shipment, preventing the radios from falling into the hands of prohibited Russian end users.

    Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales and Turgis Gaillard are developing a 100% French airborne surveillance solution based on the AAROK MALE drone and the AirMaster S radar

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales and Turgis Gaillard are developing a 100% French airborne surveillance solution based on the AAROK MALE drone and the AirMaster S radar

    • Thales and Turgis Gaillard teaming up to offer a fully French MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone solution for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
    • Thales will supply the AirMaster S radar, a multirole AESA1radar with proven operational performance on the French Navy’s Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft, and Turgis Gaillard will supply the AAROK MALE drone. 
    • Thales once again demonstrates its ability to equip drones with a latest-generation, combat-proven radar, entirely developed in France.
    • This collaboration paves the way for the integration of other Thales sensors on the AAROK drone.
    © Alexandre LIGHT EX MACHINA / Thales” id=”image-8f5cd0cc-842a-4d1f-a6ea-beca66d757a8″ data-id=”8f5cd0cc-842a-4d1f-a6ea-beca66d757a8″ data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/8f5cd0cc-842a-4d1f-a6ea-beca66d757a8/-/inline/no/PAS25_Events_MOU-Turgis-Gaillard_LXM_2025-06-17_093917.jpg” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/8f5cd0cc-842a-4d1f-a6ea-beca66d757a8/-/format/auto/” alt=”© Alexandre LIGHT EX MACHINA / Thales”/>
    © Alexandre LIGHT EX MACHINA / Thales

    The AAROK drone designed by Turgis Gaillard, unveiled at the 2023 Paris Air Show, is the first MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone to be entirely developed in France. It is designed for ISR missions in high-intensity conflicts and to conduct maritime surveillance operations.

    To meet these specific mission requirements, Thales’s AirMaster S radar was selected for its exceptional operational capabilities, which have already been proven in combat conditions, both in export markets and in France, most notably on France’s ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft. The radar was also chosen for its compatibility for integration on MALE drones.

    “Thales is delighted to be able to offer forces a 100% French solution based on the AAROK drone, designed for high-intensity operations and incorporating our AI-enhanced radar system,” said Philippe Duhamel, Executive Vice-President, Defence Mission Systems, Thales.

    “This collaboration with Thales reflects our shared objective of providing a 100% French MALE drone solution to meet the exacting requirements of high-intensity conflicts. The choice of the AirMaster S radar expands the operational capabilities of the AAROK drone and marks a major step forward in the strategic autonomy of our industry.” Fanny Turgis and Patrick Gaillard, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, Turgis Gaillard.

    1Active Electronically Scanned Array

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries.

    In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    About Turgis Gaillard

    Founded in 2011, Turgis Gaillard is a French company specialising in the design and production of aerospace and defence systems, industrial maintenance and through-life support for vehicles. The company has 400 employees and generates annual revenues of €75 million.

    Thales Media Library – Live photos from the show

    Paris Air Show | Thales Group

    Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace | Thales Group

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales and Boreal team up to produce long-range loitering munitions

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales and Boreal team up
    to produce long-range loitering munitions

    • Thales has reached an agreement with Boreal, a subsidiary of the the multidisciplinary aerospace and defence Group MISTRAL, specialising in UAV technologies and known in particular for its high-performance long-range Boreal Aerial Vehicle.
    • The cooperation will further strengthen France’s defence industrial and technological base through the development of a comprehensive range of sovereign French long-range loitering munitions offering a unique combination of performance, availability and dependability.
    • Based on mature platform and payload technologies, this innovative solution will be available from 2026.
    © Alexandre LIGHT EX MACHINA / Thales

    This long-range loitering munition (MTO-LP1) will meet the operational requirements of France and other NATO forces. With range capabilities of several hundred kilometres, which technically could be extended even further, the system is designed for easy deployment by two operators in less than 30 minutes. Up to 10 munitions could be launched simultaneously for coordinated operations. This versatile solution can be easily adapted for any use case. The payload offers a high level of safety and security and is platform-agnostic, which reduces transport, storage and other logistical requirements, particularly in the theatre of operations.

    The munition is optimised for target engagements at long range. The incremental development roadmap for the MTO-LP includes an initial operational capability in 2026 with annual production of 1,000 warheads, followed by advanced developments in 2027 to incorporate counter-vulnerability functions, enhanced mission profiles and a varied range of effectors for long-range military strikes. Initial flight tests are scheduled for the summer of 2025.

    The cooperation between Thales and Boreal will strengthen France’s defence industrial and technological base by supporting the ramp-up of industrial operations by Boreal, a medium-sized enterprise, and will offer additional partnership opportunities in Belgium.

    “Thales is excited about this collaboration with Boreal, a pioneer in drone technology whose UAVs are widely recognised for their long endurance capabilities. By combining the agility of Boreal with our industrial capacity, we plan to develop a high-performance solution that meets real operational needs and will be available from 2026,” said Eric Normant, Vice President, Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Thales.

    1 MTO-LP: Munition Télé-Opérée – Longue Portée

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

    Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    About Boreal

    Boreal SAS, a leading specialist in long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), designs and operates robust, field-proven Unmanned Aerial Systems carrying payloads tailored to specific operational requirements. These systems are in service in many different sectors, in particular for surveillance, reconnaissance and military support missions.

    Boreal’s expertise is part of a broader ecosystem including sister companies M3 Systems France and M3 Systems Belgium, which are recognised for their know-how in positioning solutions for critical environments. This unique ecosystem underpins the potential for technological innovation of the family-owned MISTRAL Group, a multi-disciplinary player in the aerospace and defence sector.

    ​Thales Media Library – Live photos from the show

    Paris Air Show | Thales Group

    Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace | Thales Group

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The case of Ahmadreza Jalali – B10-0286/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Sebastiaan Stöteler, Marieke Ehlers, António Tânger Corrêa, Nikola Bartůšek, Pierre‑Romain Thionnet, Gerolf Annemans, Hermann Tertsch
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0286/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0286/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0286/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the case of Ahmadreza Jalali

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to previous resolutions on Iran,

    –  having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

    1. whereas Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian lecturer and researcher at the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels (VUB) Belgium and Universita degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale in Italy, was arrested on 25 April 2016 in Tehran while attending academic workshops on disaster medicine in Tehran, Iran; whereas Ahmadreza Djalali was accused for spying for Israel and after a mock trial, was sentenced to death; whereas Ahmadreza Djalali has been arbitrarily detained in the notorious Evin prison and pressured into false confessions under torture;
    2. whereas his situation has been described as inhumane; whereas he suffered a heart attack in May 2025, leading to increased international calls for his release given that his health has sharply deteriorated and described as life-threatening; 
    3. whereas the human rights situation in Iran is increasingly deteriorating, and experts have pointed to a well-documented pattern of unlawful and arbitrary detentions in Iran of dual and foreign nationals or residents, including citizens of EU Member States; whereas European-Iranian dual nationals continue to be arrested, receive unfair trials, are placed in solitary confinement and sentenced on the basis of false and vague espionage charges; whereas Iran routinely uses hostage diplomacy as a foreign policy tool, including in the cases of European citizens, notably Dr Ahmedreza Djalali;
    4. whereas Iranian courts, particularly revolutionary courts, regularly fail to provide fair trials and accept confessions obtained under torture as evidence in court; whereas the authorities also routinely restrict detainees’ access to legal counsel, particularly during the investigation period; whereas the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is included in the US sanctions list for their involvement in grave human rights violations;
       
    1. Calls on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release Ahmadreza Djalali;
    2. Strongly condemns Iran’s policy of hostage diplomacy; expresses grave concern about Ahmadreza Djalali’s situation and firmly calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure that his rights are protected at all times, including access to adequate medical care and full access to his family and lawyers of his own choice;
    3. Reminds the Iranian authorities of their obligation to treat Ahmadreza Djalali in line with human rights standards and that they are ultimately responsible for providing humane conditions of detention and healthcare; 
    4. Strongly condemns the ongoing deterioration of human rights in Iran and condemns the Iranian regime’s use of the death penalty as a means of political repression;
    5. Reiterates its call on the Council to expand the EU sanctions list to all those responsible for human rights violations in Iran;
    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the relevant parties.

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran – B10-0280/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Jonas Sjöstedt
    on behalf of The Left Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0280/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0280/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0280/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  Case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

     

     

    1. whereas Ahmadreza Jalali a Swedish-Iranian academic and professor at the VUB University in Belgium, was arrested in April 2016 while visiting Iran to attend academic workshops; whereas he was charged with espionage, convicted and sentenced to death; whereas according to UN independent experts the sentence was based on a confession that was extracted under torture and following a trial that allegedly failed to meet international standards; whereas Jalali’s health situation has further deteriorated and resulted in a heart attack in May;

     

    1. whereas in recent years, Iran has arrested dozens of Western nationals, many with dual-citizenship, on charges related to espionage and security;

     

    1. whereas the Iranian authorities have intensified their use of the death penalty; whereas in 2024 executions have increased, with 901 persons executed and at least 578 so far in 2025;

     

     

     

    1. Strongly condemns the increase of executions in Iran; reiterates its strong opposition to the use of the death penalty worldwide and urges to introduce a moratorium as a first step towards the abolition of capital punishment;
    2. Calls on the Iranian authorities to promptly revoke the death sentence against Ahmadreza Jalali, and to review his case as well as those of other death row inmates; requests his release on humanitarian grounds; demands to investigate Jalali´s allegations of torture and denial of fair trial rights and to ensure immediate and adequate medical assistance to him;
    3. Calls on the Iranian authorities to respect the fundamental right of the defendants to access a lawyer of their choice and the right to a fair trial and due process, to grant suspects access to their families, consular visits, as well as full access to medical treatment and health care services in accordance with Iran’s international obligations;
    4. Strongly condemns the use of torture and other ill-treatment and urges Iranian authorities to put an end to the use of torture in places of detention; stresses that any alleged information obtained as a result of torture and ill-treatment should never be admitted as evidence in a judicial proceeding;
    5. Condemns the practice of detaining and prosecuting dual nationals and using them as hostage to achieve foreign affairs aims;
    6. Reiterates its call on Iran to provide the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and the UN Fact-Finding Mission with full, unimpeded access to the country;
    7. Calls on Member States to facilitate visas, asylum and emergency grants for those who need to flee Iran;
    8. Stresses that further isolating Iran at global level can have detrimental consequences, such as strengthening hardliners of the regimen, further degrading women’s right as well as contributing to nuclear proliferation;
    9. Strongly condemns the violent actions taken by the State of Israel against Iran on the night of 13 June, which were in violation of the UN Charter and international law;
    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Iranian authorities.

     

     

     

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0290/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Tomas Tobé, Miriam Lexmann, Andrey Kovatchev, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dariusz Joński, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Davor Ivo Stier, Luděk Niedermayer, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Liudas Mažylis, Inese Vaidere, Rasa Juknevičienė
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0290/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0290/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0290/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    1. whereas since 2024, Georgia has faced a dangerous acceleration of democratic backsliding, marked by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s systematic persecution of political opponents and aggressive crackdowns on civil society and independent media;

     

    1. whereas the adoption of draconian legislation – such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act, amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, Code of Administrative Offences, Law on Grants – constitutes a deliberate authoritarian strategy to silence critical voices and mirror Russian-style governance;

     

    1. whereas the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 were deeply flawed and marked by grave irregularities,

     

    1. whereas, on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced the decision to not pursue EU accession negotiations until 2028 and refuse EU budgetary support, kicking off street protests that have persisted to this day;

     

    1. whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, a respected journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, two independent online publications, was arrested during pro-European protests on 12 January 2025 and now faces four to seven years in prison for a provoked incident involving a police officer;

     

    1. whereas in Amaglobeli’s case, authorities ignored procedural safeguards, imposed pre-trial detention without a clear legal basis, and assigned a presiding judge lacking qualifications in criminal law;

     

    1. whereas Lithuania has imposed personal sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for human rights violations, including police officers that gave false testimonies against Mzia Amaglobeli in court;

     

    1. Strongly condemns the Georgian Dream regime’s systemic assault on democratic institutions, political opposition, independent media, civil society, and judicial independence;

     

    1. Denounces the politically motivated arrest and prosecution of Mzia Amaglobeli and demands her immediate and unconditional release, along with the withdrawal of all charges connected to her journalistic and civic activities;

     

    1. Expresses concern over the increasing use of arbitrary detentions, fines, smear campaigns, legal harassment, and police violence against journalists, which constitute serious breaches of fundamental rights;

     

    1. Denounces the alleged violent abduction of UNM Chair Tina Bokuchava’s husband and the reported threats to the safety of her children; calls for an immediate and effective investigation to address these acts and prevent a climate of impunity; 
    2. Denounces the sentencing of 21-year-old activist Mate Devidze to four years and six months in prison and demands his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, NIka Melia and Nika Gvaramia;

     

    1. Reiterates its calls for the immediate repeal of all repressive legislation, the restoration of democratic norms, and the full protection of media freedom and civil liberties;

     

    1. Reiterates its call on the EU Member States to impose coordinated bilateral sanctions against the Georgian Dream regime and its enablers, including those responsible for politically-motivated arrest, detention, and trial of Mzia Amaglobeli;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran – B10-0300/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Adam Bielan, Reinis Pozņaks, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Mariusz Kamiński, Alexandr Vondra, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Cristian Terheş, Diego Solier, Nora Junco García, Michał Dworczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Marion Maréchal
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0300/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran

     

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    —  having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran,

    —  having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian lecturer and researcher at the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels (VUB) Belgium and Universita degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale in Italy, was arrested in April 2016 after he visited Iran to attend workshops on disaster medicine and sentenced to death in October 2017 on false charges of espionage, after being severely pressured into false confessions under torture;

     

    1. whereas Djalali has been detained in the Evin prison since 2016 in violation of international law; whereas his health situation has further deteriorated and resulted in a heart attack last month; whereas his case remains under an active death sentence, with no execution date set, and execution threats continue to loom amid political back-and-forth;

     

    1. whereas Iranian courts, and particularly revolutionary courts, regularly fall short of providing fair trials and use confessions obtained under torture as evidence in court; whereas authorities also restrict detainees’ access to legal counsel, particularly during the investigation period;

     

    1. whereas European-Iranian dual nationals continue to be arrested, receive unfair trials, are placed in solitary confinement and sentenced based on false and vague espionage charges;

     

    1. whereas Iran uses arbitrary detentions of dual and foreign nationals or residents as bargaining tools to put pressure on foreign Governments and in prisoner exchanges;

     

     

    1. Calls on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release Ahmadreza Djalali and all others imprisoned on false charges or for solely exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly and human rights activities;

     

    1. Expresses grave concern about the situation of Ahmadreza Djalali and all others unlawfully imprisoned in Iran; firmly calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure that the rights of prisoners are protected at all times, including access to proper medical care, family visits, and chosen legal representation; 

     

    1. Condemns Iran’s hostage diplomacy; calls on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release all detained EU and dual EU nationals; urges the EU and its Member States to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter hostage diplomacy, including with a dedicated task force on Iran to better assist detainees’ families and effectively prevent further hostage-taking;

     

    1. Firmly denounces the Iranian authorities’ weaponization of the death penalty as a tool of intimidation against the population, aimed at silencing dissent and disproportionately targeting women, political opponents, and persecuted ethnic and religious groups;

     

    1. Is deeply concerned by the increasing and systematic repression of ethnic and religious minorities, women and dissidents in Iran – that face arbitrary arrest and detention, unfair trials and lengthy imprisonment – through laws and regulations that severely restrict their freedoms and rights;

     

    1. Reiterates its call on the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, noting that the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court’s ruling on the 2022 Bochum synagogue attack provides the necessary legal grounds;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Parliament and Government of Iran.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Greece’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of play – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Greece was among the first four EU Member States to submit its national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) in April 2021. Since then, Greece has modified its plan in December 2023, adding a REPowerEU chapter and expanding its loan programme, and in July and December 2024, introducing smaller targeted revisions. The plan now envisages investment and reforms worth €35.9 billion, to be implemented up to 2026; €18.2 billion will be financed from non-repayable financial support (grants), while the loans amount to €17.7 billion. Corresponding to 4.8 % of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the plan represents 19.6 % of Greece’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 (the RRF being 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). This is the fifth largest national allocation and the highest amount as a share of national GDP across the EU. The five-pillar Greek plan addresses the country’s specific challenges, and also contributes to EU priorities such as the green transition and digital transformation, allocating 38.2 % and 21.6 % to the respective targets. Greece has so far received €21.3 billion (59.3 % of its total allocation) in the form of pre-financing (€4 billion), and five payments each for grants and loans. Another four disbursements for grants and loans are envisaged up to 2026 on fulfilment of the agreed milestones and targets, of which Greece has achieved 35 %. The 2025 country report notes that implementation is underway, but increased efforts are needed to complete all measures by 31 August 2026. The European Parliament, which supported an EU recovery instrument from the start of the pandemic, is involved through a regular, structured dialogue with the European Commission and the Council, and is competent to scrutinise RRF implementation. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fourth edition. The authors would like to thank Amalia Fumagalli, trainee in the Next Generation EU Monitoring Service, for her research assistance. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – France’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of play – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    France’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) is a subpart of ‘France Relance’, a larger recovery strategy France adopted in 2020, worth €100 billion in total (4.1 % of France’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019). The NRRP had an initial value of €40.9 billion (total costs), while the plan as amended in 2023 is worth €41.9 billion. Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), at the core of the Next Generation EU (NGEU) instrument, France’s RRF grant allocation decreased from €39.4 billion to €37.5 billion, following the June 2022 update. In April 2023, France submitted a request to amend its NRRP – partly in order to take into account the decrease in the EU’s financial contribution, but also to add a new REPowerEU chapter, which comes with an additional grant allocation of €2.3 billion. France also asked to transfer a portion of its share of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to its plan (€504 million). The EU contribution to the French amended plan totals €40.3 billion in grants, with the rest to be covered by national means. France has not requested loans. The RRF resources allocated to France represent 5.3 % of the entire RRF resources for the EU, and 1.6 % of the country’s GDP in 2019 (the RRF representing 5.2 % of EU-27 GDP in 2019). Measures under the plan are to be completed by August 2026. France is the most advanced Member State in terms of progress in NRRP implementation: so far, it has received €34.1 billion (85 % of funds) and has fulfilled 82 % of the milestones and targets. The European Parliament, which was a major advocate of the creation of a common EU recovery instrument, participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on its implementation and scrutinises the European Commission’s work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Sixth edition. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU potentially reestablishing relations with Russia – P-002380/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002380/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fernand Kartheiser (NI), Thomas Geisel (NI), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Erik Kaliňák (NI), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Volker Schnurrbusch (ESN), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN)

    Following a recent meeting with President von der Leyen, Slovenian President Pirc Musar told the press that the EU is ‘working’ on reengaging with the Russian Federation.

    • 1.What kind of relations does the Commission hope to have with Russia in future?
    • 2.Has it already reengaged with Russia, or is it hoping to in the near future?
    • 3.Why does it want to reengage, and what priority themes would it like to address with Russia?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Luxembourg: EIB backs Artec 3D’s cutting-edge RDI in 3D scanning technologies

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Luxembourg-based 3D scanning developer lands EIB venture debt financing to advance its RDI in next-generation scanning technologies
    • EIB funding supports Artec 3D’s investments taking place in its research facilities in both Luxembourg and Portugal.
    • The financing marks the EIB’s first venture debt operation in Luxembourg backed under the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative.

    The European Investment Bank and Luxembourg-based 3D scanning developer Artec 3D enter into a long-term partnership with €15 million committed to R&D support over the first three years. The EIB’s venture debt will enable Artec 3D to advance its next-generation 3D scanning technologies and algorithms for processing 3D data, thus supporting critical European technology and innovation. The investments that Artec 3D will pursue into new product and software development activities will also feature the use of AI. The R&D will take place primarily in Luxembourg and partially in Portugal. The EIB financing is supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme.

    The EIB’s financing agreement was ceremonially signed at the Luxembourg Nexus technology exhibition in the presence of H.E. Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, as well as Anne Calteux, Head of the European Commission’s representation to Luxembourg.

    “Companies like Artec 3D showcase Luxembourg as a powerhouse of European innovation.” said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot. “Innovative companies like Artec 3D can get the financing they need to scale-up right here in Europe. The EIB offers funding for critical technology to remain within the EU. That is why initiatives like InvestEU, and our new TechEU programme, are so important. We are happy to put our venture debt behind Artec 3D, to ensure that this advanced technology can grow in Europe.”

    Artec 3D’s innovations are already driving digital transformation across various infrastructures, including energy, transportation, aerospace, healthcare, cultural heritage, education, and defence worldwide. Its in-house developed technologies include advanced 3D scanning equipment as well as the software needed to create digital twins of real-life objects. A key differentiating factor is that Artec 3D scanners are portable, versatile, and integrate seamlessly with its proprietary data processing software. This combination allows users to turn objects of all shapes, sizes, and complexity into high-resolution 3D models, while significantly reducing the time and effort required.

    “Cooperation with the European Investment Bank is, first and foremost, a recognition of Artec 3D’s role as a leader in interdisciplinary R&D, both in AI and computer vision on the high-tech map of Europe,” said Artec 3D CEO and Co-founder Art Yukhin. “For 18 years, our expert team has been developing breakthrough 3D technologies that set new standards in 3D scanning and digital twin capture. With the EIB’s support, we are scaling our R&D and accelerating the development of next-generation, industry-ready solutions that strengthen Europe’s technological leadership in the global arena.”

    “The European Investment Bank’s support for Artec 3D’s innovative work through the InvestEU programme is great news for Luxembourg and Europe. Promoting European excellence in 3D-scanning technologies and strengthening the EU’s technological leadership is very important at a time when the EU is striving to close the innovation gap. This support will directly empower the company to drive innovation and job creation in Luxembourg and across the Union. We look forward to the positive impact of their research and development activities.” added Anne Calteux, Head of the EC representation in Luxembourg.

    On a technical level, the financing will support the development of Artec 3D’s short-range, high-precision 3D scanners and advanced 3D software, enabling fast and accurate data capture for a variety of applications. The Company was the first to introduce “target free” scanning with handheld scanners, making data capture much faster and simpler than with traditional scanners that rely on fixed equipment and reference markers. Artec 3D scanning is designed to meet the varying needs of end users in many applications ranging from jewellery customization to industrial manufacturing. It can also help to preserve cultural heritage, allowing for in-depth study without risking damage to fragile artifacts.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank 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, contribute to peace and security, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality. The Group’s AAA rating allows it to borrow at favourable conditions on the global markets, benefiting its clients within the European Union and beyond. The Group has the highest ESG standards and a tier one capital ratio of 32%.

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable economy. It helps generate additional investments in line with EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal, the digital transition and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient, and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. This guarantee increases their risk-bearing capacity, thus mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    Luxembourg-based Artec 3D designs and manufactures high-precision 3D scanners and smart 3D software for fast and accurate data capture. This allows customers to quickly, easily create a 3D model of any real-life object, then reverse engineer, inspect, or reproduce that item on-demand. Artec 3D’s products and services can be used in many industries, such as in Engineering, Medicine, Design, Metrology, CGI, Heritage preservation, security technology, and more.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Rule of law in the EU: press conference with Parliament’s rapporteur (Wednesday 15:00 CEST)

    Source: European Parliament

    Following the vote in plenary, Parliament’s rapporteur Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D, Portugal), will answer questions on ongoing and new concerns about the state of European values.

    The report, endorsed in the Committee on Civil Liberties in May 2025, offers an assessment of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report, as well as recent developments across the member states.

    When: Wednesday 18 June, 15:00 – 15:30 CEST

    Where: European Parliament in Strasburg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N-1/201) and online, with interpretation to and from English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and Polish.

    How: Accredited journalists can join the press conference in person. Those wishing to actively participate and ask questions remotely can do so via Interactio. The press conference will be streamed live and become available on demand on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.

    Using Interactio to ask questions

    Interactio is only supported on iPad (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser).

    When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields.

    For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for interventions with video.

    Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press conference to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary.

    When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service messages.

    For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spanish National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export U.S. Military-Grade Radios to Russian Government End Users

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Bence Horvath, 47, a Spanish national living in the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with conspiring to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian end users without a license.

    Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully export goods to Russia. U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30.

    According to court documents, beginning at least around January 2023, Horvath and others initiated discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company about procuring and exporting to Russia U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and related accessories. Over the next several months, Horvath continued his efforts to secure those items, which he intended to transship to Russia via a freight forwarder in Latvia.

    As part of the conspiracy, Horvath purchased 200 of the military-grade radios and intended to export them to Russia. But he was not successful, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained the shipment, preventing the radios from falling into the hands of prohibited Russian end users.

    Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –