NewzIntel.com

Category: Eurozone

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNESCO and VELUX FOUNDATION Launch Global Initiative to Boost Climate Resilience in Marine Protected Areas

    Source: United Nations

    Nice, France – Thursday, 13 June 2025 – As global leaders gather in Nice for the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), UNESCO is proud to unveil a bold new initiative to strengthen the resilience of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the face of accelerating climate change.

    MPAs are the cornerstone of ocean conservation, protecting biodiversity, supporting coastal and indigenous communities, and managing the sustainable use of vital ecosystems. With over 18,000 MPAs established worldwide, how these areas plan for, and adapt, to climate change will be central to the future health of our ocean.

    Launched jointly by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the World Heritage Centre, and generously funded by the VELUX FOUNDATION, this new project will develop urgently needed guidance for assessing climate vulnerability and help MPAs define priorities for adaptation and resilience.

    The initiative will deliver a standardized, open-access climate vulnerability assessment tool – available in English and French – designed for global use across the MPA network. The project supports the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including the goal of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.

    “Sustainable ocean planning must be grounded in the best available science. This project is a powerful example of how we can accelerate the uptake of science in decision-making. A thriving ocean is essential for the future of our planet —and that starts with equipping marine protected areas to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.”

    UNESCO marine World Heritage sites are uniquely positioned to pioneer new approaches in ocean conservation. The initiative will pilot in two such sites, the Banc d’Arguin National Park in Mauritania and Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland, Denmark. Insights from these locations will guide broader application across MPAs worldwide, advancing more resilient and science-informed ocean management.

    “UNESCO marine World Heritage sites are flagships of ocean conservation. This initiative will strengthen their resilience to climate change by integrating science, traditional knowledge, and the engagement of local communities”

    By connecting local communities, scientists, and conservation leaders, the initiative aims to transform how MPAs plan for the future—turning knowledge into action and building a more resilient ocean for generations to come.

    “Coastal areas face urgent climate adaptation challenges and restoring the ocean’s balance is essential for ecosystems to withstand climate change. This project expects to provide innovative tools and guidance to support action across all marine protected areas, not just UNESCO sites.” 

    This global initiative represents a critical investment in the future of our ocean. By equipping MPAs with practical tools, scientific insight, and local engagement, it lays the groundwork for a more sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient approach to ocean conservation—benefiting both people and planet.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 13 June 2025 Departmental update Spain strengthens global health leadership with increased support to WHO

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the World Health Organization (WHO) today signed a new agreement and contribution of €5.25 million to support key WHO initiatives on universal health coverage, environmental health and emergency medical response.

    “Spain has long been a strong and steadfast partner to WHO and global health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We thank Spain for its increased flexible funding of our work, in doing so helping WHO be stronger and more independent and allowing us to deliver the services that countries and communities need from us.”

    This year, Spain’s commitment to global health entered a new chapter as it returned to the WHO Executive Board for the 2025–2028 term, nearly two decades since its last membership. This renewed engagement is supported by the country’s new Global Health Strategy, launched on 27 May 2025.

    This is underscored by today’s signing of a new agreement between Spain, and WHO and a growing collaboration between both partners. At the heart of this effort is the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), under the leadership of Mr Antón Leis; AECID has significantly stepped up flexible and strategic funding for WHO activities.

    AECID’s €5.25 million contribution to WHO is part of a broader €60 million pledge announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in November 2024. Spain’s multi-year commitment also includes support for critical health programmes in countries such as Jordan, Mali, and Sudan, and global initiatives like polio eradication, patient safety, and the elimination of cervical cancer.

    Looking forward, Spain will host the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville, 30 June–3 July 2025, where it aims to elevate health financing as a core development priority. A high-level special event – co-sponsored by WHO and featuring leaders from global health, finance, and academia – will call for bold action through the “Health financing for a safe and sustainable economy: towards Seville health financing agenda for action.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UNOC3: “Fine words must now translate into action”, Greenpeace comment

    Source: Greenpeace

    Nice, France, The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) concluded yesterday with significant progress made towards the ratification of the High Seas Treaty and a strong statement on a new plastics treaty signed by 95 governments. Once ratified, the Treaty will be the only legal tool that can create protected areas in international waters, making it fundamental to protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. To date 50 countries, plus the European Union, have now ratified the Treaty. 
    New Zealand has signed but is yet to ratify.
    Deep sea mining rose up the agenda in the conference debates, demonstrating the urgency of opposing this industry. The expectation from civil society and a large group of states, including both co-hosts of UNOC, was that governments would make progress towards stopping deep sea mining in Nice.
    UN Secretary General Guterres said the deep sea should not become the wild west. French President Macron said a deep sea mining moratorium is an international necessity. Four new countries pledged their support for a moratorium at UNOC bringing the total to 37. Attention now turns to what actions governments will take in July to stop this industry from starting.
    Megan Randles, Greenpeace Head of Delegation regarding the High Seas Treaty and progress towards stopping deep sea mining said: “High Seas Treaty ratification is within touching distance, but the progress made here in Nice feels hollow as this UN Ocean Conference

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace USA Slams U.S. Seabed Mining Plans off American Samoa

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Victor Pickering, a Greenpeace International activist from Fiji displays a banner reading “Our Pacific Is Not Yours To Destroy” in front of the Maersk Launcher, a ship chartered by DeepGreen, one of the companies spearheading the drive to mine the barely understood deep sea ecosystem. The Rainbow Warrior is in the Clarion Clipperton Zone in the Pacific to bear witness to the deep sea mining industry. Part of the ongoing ‘Protect the Oceans’ campaign.
    © Marten van Dijl / Greenpeace

    Washington, D.C. (June 13, 2025) — In response to the Department of the Interior’s announcement yesterday of the publication of a Request for Information and Interest to explore the potential for seabed mineral leasing offshore American Samoa, Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA’s Deep Sea Mining Campaign Lead, said: “Greenpeace USA is deeply disappointed that the Department of Interior is considering seabed mineral leasing near American Samoa — a U.S.territory that has placed a moratorium on the industry in its waters. This move disregards the sovereignty and voices of Pacific communities and opens the door to an industry that threatens their environment, culture, and livelihoods. 

    “The Pacific is not a sacrifice zone. Its people should not be forced to host a destructive industry they’ve clearly rejected. We urge the American public to stand in solidarity with those communities and send a resounding message during the public comment period: the deep sea is not for sale.” 

    This announcement follows President Trump’s executive order advancing deep sea mining in both U.S. and international waters — a move widely condemned by environmental organizations, Pacific Indigenous leaders, and other nations, including France, China, and the European Commission. Deep sea mining company, Impossible Metals, submitted a request to commence a leasing process for the exploration and potential mining of critical minerals in the deep sea off the coast of American Samoa in April. 

    Deep sea mining poses irreversible threats to biodiversity, imperils fragile ecosystems, and could have unforeseen impacts on the ocean’s carbon cycle, potentially impacting the climate crisis.

    Despite U.S. backpedaling, momentum for ocean protection continues to grow. As of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, which concluded today in Nice, 37 countries have now publicly supported a moratorium on deep sea mining. There has also been significant progress toward ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty, a key agreement towards the goal of protecting at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 — a critical threshold scientists say is needed to restore marine health and safeguard biodiversity.

    To meet this target, protection must extend across both national and international waters. Countries must not only ratify the Global Ocean Treaty, but also take bold domestic action to ban unsustainable extractive industries, such as deep sea mining, and ensure that local and Indigenous communities are at the center of marine conservation planning and decision-making processes.

    Contact: Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA, [email protected]  

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Burke welcomes findings that four in five businesses rank sustainability as an important day-to-day issue

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    14th June 2025

    Strong demand by businesses for energy efficiency grants in 2025

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke today  welcomed new research which shows four in five businesses (83%) believe sustainability is important to them on a day-to-day basis. The finding is part of a survey of over 300 SMEs carried out on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment by Amárach Research to identify what factors motivate small and micro businesses to become more sustainable.

    The research shows that not only do a large majority of SMEs think sustainability is important, many have already taken steps to become so. Almost two in three (63%) of the businesses surveyed had addressed their waste, two in five their water usage (41%), and nearly half (49%) had taken steps to address energy efficiency.

    Minister Burke said it was particularly encouraging to see the number of companies which had already taken action to become more sustainable:

    “There is money available from the Government to help businesses to cut their costs and become more sustainable. I’d urge any small or micro enterprise to contact either their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and talk to them about the grants available which can make them more sustainable and competitive. 

    “The LEO’s Energy Efficiency Grant will cover three quarters of the cost of items such as new energy efficient equipment, smart control or heat recovery systems. So far this year alone 296 small businesses have availed of grants worth €2.45 million in total. Last year 289 businesses received grants worth €2.28m.

    “The SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrades Scheme meanwhile funds energy efficient and renewable measures in commercial buildings and since its launch in November 2024, 102 applications have been approved totalling €2.39m in grant funding”, said Minister Burke.

    Just over one in three of the organisations surveyed had a written sustainability strategy in place. That figure rises for medium (48%) and large (73%) sized organisations and falls to just one in four (24%) for micro and small firms.

    Minister of State for Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy Alan Dillon said the Government had supports in place to help SMEs put a plan in place:

    “The SEAI, the LEOs and Enterprise Ireland (EI) offer grants to businesses to get advice on how to identify and act on energy-saving opportunities. This is really worthwhile doing as it gives SMEs a starting point and a plan.

    “I was also really pleased to see the high level of awareness about the Circular Economy (75%) in this survey, which is a core part of making Irish businesses more sustainable. Companies that embrace circularity by considering the full life cycle of their products can cut costs and will gain a competitive edge in both EU and global markets. To learn more, I strongly encourage business to investigate two state-funded supports – MODOS from the LEO network, which is now taking registrations for circular economy training in the autumn and Circuléire, which delivers wrap-around support for sustainable manufacturing.”

    The research findings are published on enterprise.gov.ie, and more information on the supports available to businesses is available from the National Enterprise Hub.

    Notes To Editor

    This research was undertaken in November 2024. 

    https://mywaste.ie/dispose-waste/in-your-workplace/modos-circular-economy-training/

    ENDS

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tech giants join government to kick off plans to boost British worker AI skills

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Tech giants join government to kick off plans to boost British worker AI skills

    Leading tech firms have partnered with government to deliver AI skills training to 7.5 million UK workers.

    • Leading tech firms join talks with ambitions to train 7.5 million UK workers in essential AI skills.
    • Amazon, BT, Google, IBM, Microsoft and Sage among companies called together for discussions, as government-industry partnership agree programme of work.
    • Boosting AI skills for a fifth of UK workers is poised to unlock further growth and high-paid jobs, accelerating delivery of the government’s Plan for Change. 

    A fifth of the UK workforce will be supported with the AI skills they need to thrive in their jobs, breaking down barriers to opportunity and unlocking economic growth.

    That’s the message Technology Secretary Peter Kyle delivered this week (Friday 13 June) as he brought together leading tech firms for a first round of focused talks. 

    Peter Kyle met the likes of Amazon, Barclays, BT, Google, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Sage, and Salesforce, as a new government-industry partnership unveiled by the Prime Minister during London Tech Week formally kicked off its work.

    The talks focused on how industry and government can work together to deliver on this joint ambition, including identifying future skills needs and making training more accessible. During the meeting, the group worked towards agreeing terms of reference and a schedule of regular meetings helping to track its progress.  

    Science, Innovation, and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

    Artificial Intelligence is the new economic frontier, and we want to get Brits ready for jobs of the future so we can spark the growth powering our Plan for Change.

    If we want to realise AI’s incredible potential though, we need to make sure people of all ages and from all parts of the UK have the skills they need for jobs both in and with the technology – especially given we expect around 10 million workers to be using AI in their day-to-day role by 2035. 

    Within days of announcing that we’re partnering with some of the world’s biggest tech leaders to help us do exactly that, we’re getting them around the table – representing a vote of confidence not only in Britain’s workers, but in the potential we offer as a global AI powerhouse.

    Companies who have signed up to this partnership will all bring a different area of expertise to its work. Microsoft have already committed to upskilling 1 million workers in AI by the end of the year, while firms including SAS and Sage will provide high-quality AI training resources for workers, boosting their confidence in using and adopting the technology. IBM are also set to tap into the power of its IBM SkillsBuild training programmes to roll out targeted training modules for workers, arming them with the tools they need to confidently adopt and use AI. 

    In the 12 months since the government took office, the UK has attracted more than £44 billion in AI investment, with 13,250 jobs being created since the Prime Minister launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan in January. 

    With a growing number of firms looking to Britain to support their AI ambitions, the collective focus of leading companies and Ministers will now work to equip people across the country with the skills they need to thrive in the age of AI.  

    Industry reaction

    Alison Kay, Vice President and Managing Director, UK and Ireland at AWS, said:

    Democratising access to digital skills training will be key to helping the UK unlock the full potential of AI, boost productivity, and support the transformation of the UK’s digital economy.

    That’s why at Amazon, we’re proud to support the UK government to achieve its goal to train 7.5 million people in AI skills through initiatives like this, and through programmes such as AWS Educate, AWS Skill Builder, and the Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance, which are free for learners.

    Working together, we’ll help ensure the benefits of AI are accessible to everyone, and build a pipeline of talent across all nations and regions that can seize the AI opportunity today and in the future.

    Craig Bright, Group Chief Information Officer and Deputy Group Co-Chief Operating Officer, Barclays, said:

    Partnering to deliver AI education at a national scale reflects our commitment to inclusive innovation -equipping communities with the skills and understanding needed to thrive in the future.

    Allison Kirkby, Chief Executive of BT Group, said:

    Harnessing AI and the digital infrastructure underpinning it are the growth opportunity of the decade. BT is investing record levels in the networks that enable the AI economy, and we know how important it is that everyone benefits. That’s why we’re so proud to support government’s AI upskilling partnership.

    As we equip our people to work with AI-driven tools, we look forward to partnering with government and other businesses to help the wider workforce too.

    Google EMEA President, Debbie Weinstein, said: 

    Our AI Works report uncovered the most effective ways to accelerate nationwide AI adoption and upskilling.

    We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work alongside the government and wider industry to apply these learnings, enable more people to reap AI’s benefits, and unlock a £400 billion economic boost that will benefit the country for generations to come.

    Leon Butler, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland, said:

    AI is helping to transform every industry – opening opportunities to innovate and unlock new forms of value. Creating a workforce that understands digital technologies will be crucial to boost AI adoption and so realise its huge benefits for business and society.

    IBM is proud to support the government’s efforts to train more of the UK workforce in AI.

    Leigh Thomas, Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), at Intuit:

    AI is a growth enabler for the UK economy, levelling the playing field for smaller businesses, by giving them the opportunity to access the sort of technology solutions that larger businesses already enjoy.

    Businesses embracing AI are 13 times more likely to report increased revenue. This initiative to upskill 7.5 million workers on AI by 2030 will help to improve prosperity for all, and we look forward to accelerating knowledge, understanding and adoption by those that need it most.

    Steve Hare, CEO, Sage, said: 

    This initiative is exactly what the UK needs – skills-focused and future-looking. At Sage, we see every day how small businesses want to embrace AI but are held back by a lack of confidence and know-how.

    By working together across government, industry, and education, we can give people the tools they need to unlock AI’s full potential and drive real productivity across the economy.

    Zahra Bahrololoumi CBE, CEO of Salesforce UK and Ireland said: 

    Ensuring the UK workforce has the skills to work effectively with AI is crucial for driving economic growth. At Salesforce, we are committed to equipping our teams and communities with essential AI skills.

    We welcome the government’s goal to train 7.5 million UK workers in AI by 2030. Having opened our first AI centre in 2024, this week we strengthened our vote of confidence in the UK by awarding $2.35 million to organisations dedicated to digital and AI literacy.

    Together with government, these investments will enhance productivity, boost prosperity, and ensure that humans and AI thrive together in the new era of work.

    Glyn Townsend, Education and Academic relationships lead for SAS EMEA, said:

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping work faster than any previous technology, and doing so across an unprecedented 5 distinct generations active in the UK labour market.

    The UK already ranks third in the global AI league – we must therefore equip every worker, from apprentices to octogenarians, with the ability to seize the opportunities this revolution creates and leverage new innovative technologies from our world-leading universities and entrepreneurs.

    By backing this programme, we will ensure equitable access to the skills that drive both meaningful careers and sustainable economic growth.

    Notes to editors

    The full list of companies who are part of the government-industry partnership is: 

    • Accenture 
    • Amazon 
    • Barclays 
    • BT 
    • Google 
    • IBM 
    • Intuit 
    • Microsoft 
    • Sage 
    • SAS 
    • Salesforce

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The King’s Birthday Honours 2025 – Police, Fire and Ambulance

    Source: Scottish Government

    Recipients of blue light service medals in Scotland.

    King’s Police Medal 

    Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Police Scotland 

    King’s Fire Service Medal 

    Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

    Watch Commander John Aitchison, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

    King’s Ambulance Service Medal 

    Scottish Ambulance Service Corporate Risk Manager, Sarah Stevenson, Scottish Ambulance Service 


    KING’S POLICE MEDAL     

    Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Police Scotland 

    Former Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie joined Strathclyde Police in 1991 and retired in April 2025 after 33 years’ police service. He was an experienced Major Events Commander, Strategic Firearms Commander, and Public Order Gold Commander. He was instrumental in the roll-out of naloxone to all frontline police officers, making Police Scotland the first force globally to implement a nationwide roll-out of the opioid reversing medication. Under his leadership, a national naloxone co-ordination unit was established, prior to national rollout. During his time at Police Scotland, 13,216 operational officers completed the training, more than 10,500 frontline officers were equipped with naloxone while on duty and officers administered naloxone to over 630 individual incidents involving suspected opioid overdoses.

    In 2021, ACC Ritchie was instrumental in the creation, development and delivery of Police Scotland’s International Academy and the wider international strategy for Police Scotland. He has represented and showcased Police Scotland globally, hosting visits to the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Germany, and Columbia. In 2023, he led a Scottish delegation to the Global Law Enforcement & Public Health Association Conference in Sweden where he outlined Scotland’s public health approach to addressing underlying inequalities. That same year, ACC Ritchie was appointed Executive Lead for Operational Support, a broad area of responsibility ranging from road policing to the planning and preparation for events and counter terrorism incidents. He was responsible for major events planning in Scotland and was involved in the COP-26 conference held in Glasgow, Operation Unicorn, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the Interpol General Assembly, which saw senior policing officials from across the world descend on Glasgow to discuss international cooperation.  ACC Ritchie also led on Royalty and VIP Protection in Scotland, ensuring Police Scotland worked closely with the Metropolitan Police in relation to the security of protected persons.  

    KING’S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL 

    Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

    Volunteer Leader Ralston is an On Call Firefighter recognised for his work at Salen Community Fire Station on the Isle of Mull, and across East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute. The on-call firefighter joined the Salen Volunteer Unit as a Firefighter in 1988. He has helped design and deliver initiatives aimed at improving how the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service identify, recruit, and retain On Call Firefighters. Volunteer Leader Ralston also helps drive forward programmes aimed at educating and informing the community, such as CPR awareness, and delivers engagement sessions to Tobermory High School. 

    He has organised and raised over £8000 for different causes and charities including The Fire Fighters Charity, Cancer Research UK, Stroke Foundation, the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow and, in July this year, will tackle a 62-mile event for Cancer Research UK. During the pandemic, he facilitated test and protect at Craignure Community Fire Station, taking time out with his main employment to assist the community. He has been at the forefront of all fundraising efforts undertaken by Salen Community Fire station and regularly supports Tobermory Fire Station with their annual open day including donations supporting the Firefighters Charity and other deserving local charities and projects. 

    Watch Commander John Aitchison, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 

    Watch Commander John Aitchison has been a member of the Fire and Rescue Service in Scotland for over 21 years – initially joining Grampian Fire Brigade – where he was first posted to Altens Fire Station, Aberdeen. He was promoted to Crew Commander in 2006, where he served at Aberdeen’s Central Fire Station. It was while working here in 2007 that he became a member of Operation Florian, a charity that organises fundraising for international humanitarian aid. In 2008, as part of the project, Watch Commander Aitchison led a convoy of donated fire engines from Aberdeen to Macedonia. On their arrival, the watch commander and his team provided two weeks of training to local fire crews with the donated equipment. He would go on to complete the trip a further two times – returning to provide further training and equipment. 

    In 2011, Watch Commander Aitchison joined the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue as a Crew Leader and Sector Medic, and is on standby to attend national and international emergencies. As a member of this team, he was sent to help the response to the Nepal Earthquake in 2015 and the earthquake in Türkiye in 2023. His work in this area led to difficulties with his mental wellbeing. Determined to not let this define him, he went on to co-found Talk Group 20 Aberdeen – a peer support group for firefighters which aims to safeguard mental wellbeing. He also co-founded the organisation, Fire Aid Nepal, a project which aims to support, and future prepare the Nepalese community following the devastating quake 10-years-ago. In 2023, he played an integral role in forming the first ever fire and rescue service for the Mount Everest region and, in 2024, received a Pride of Scotland Award for his work in Nepal which has also attracted letters of thanks from King Charles III. He was promoted to Watch Commander in 2020, where he is currently a national urban search and rescue instructor. 

    KING’S AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL  

    SAS Corporate Risk Manager, Sarah Stevenson, Scottish Ambulance Service 

    As Corporate Risk Manager for the Scottish Ambulance Service, Ms Stevenson has worked tirelessly to embed robust and effective risk management arrangements across the organisation, embedding this at local and board levels. 

    She also recently led a significant project to replace a 20-year-old IT risk management system to record risk and adverse events. This two-year project has resulted in substantial improvements for all staff, including easier reporting access and annual recurring savings of more than £13000.  

    Ms Stevenson personally led the training and awareness programme for the new system, leading staff engagement sessions and developing video tutorials and other tools to assist staff and improve accountability and responsibility. The system – which went live in March this year – has received positive feedback from Scottish Ambulance Service staff.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces First International Trade Mission

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 13, 2025

    Jefferson City — From June 16 – 20, Governor Mike Kehoe and a Missouri delegation will travel to Paris, France, for the Governor’s first international trade mission. The trade mission will include meetings with businesses that already have a presence in Missouri, as well as promoting Missouri to companies without a location in the state to encourage future investment.

    Consistent with Governor Kehoe’s economic development priorities, the goal of the trade mission is to build relationships with key international figures and businesses to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for partnership and trade. Governor Kehoe will meet with various government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion.

    “We’re looking forward to promoting the Show-Me State as the ideal place to invest during our first international trade mission,” Governor Kehoe said. “Missouri’s economic strengths have already attracted major investments from leading companies located across the globe. We look forward to strengthening existing business relationships while encouraging opportunities for further growth.”

    Governor Kehoe will meet with leaders of companies that already have locations in Missouri, including Boeing, Leonardo DRS, and Schneider Electric, among others. A meeting will also be held with the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF), France’s largest employer federation. Governor Kehoe will also attend the Paris Air Show, the largest trade event in the aerospace industry, and visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial to honor Missouri’s fallen World War II veterans.

    France Highlights

    France is a key trade partner for Missouri, with $266 million in Missouri-made exports in 2024. Among the goods exported, basic chemicals, navigational/medical control instruments, and electrical equipment and components were among those in highest demand. France is the 13th largest export destination for Missouri goods, and more than 40 French companies are currently operating in Missouri.

    During Governor Kehoe’s absence, Lieutenant Governor Wasinger will serve as Acting Governor, allowing him to exercise certain gubernatorial powers with written consent of the Governor.

    The trade mission is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization.

    For updates on the trade mission, follow Governor Mike Kehoe on Facebook and @GovMikeKehoe on X.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni calls Government meeting and speaks with international leaders on Israel-Iran crisis

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    After calling a government meeting on the crisis in the Middle East, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, spoke over the telephone today with the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, with the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, and with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. 

    Later in the day, President Meloni spoke with a number of leaders in the region – the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud; His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan;  the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq Al Said; and, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – discussing how to work together to support a diplomatic solution.

    To all partners, President Meloni expressed Italy’s readiness to take any action that may facilitate such an outcome, as it has already done by hosting two rounds of negotiations between Iran and the United States.

    President Meloni also had a conversation today with the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. During the call, President Meloni agreed on the need to ensure Iran cannot, under any circumstances, become equipped with nuclear weapons, while also expressing the hope that the efforts being made by the United States to reach an agreement can still be successful. Lastly, President Meloni once again stressed the urgent need to ensure access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population in Gaza.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    The Military division of The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025

    A number of military personnel have been granted state honours in the King’s Birthday Honours list for their work in the Armed Forces.

    Royal Navy Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Companions

    • Rear Admiral Steven MCCARTHY
    • Rear Admiral Robert George PEDRE

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Commanders

    • Commodore Paul Edward DUNN, OBE
    • Commodore Philip Gordon GAME
    • Commodore Timothy Cooper GREEN, ADC

    As Officers

    • Commander Jon James BROWETT
    • Commander Christopher Charles EVANS
    • Lieutenant Colonel Paul Stanley FITZPATRICK
    • Captain Pollyanna HATCHARD
    • Lieutenant Colonel Liam Michael METCALFE
    • Captain Eugene Peter MORGAN, RD, Royal Naval Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Nicholas POUNDS

    As Members

    • Lieutenant Commander William George BARKER
    • Major Lewis BODYCOTE
    • Chief Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician (Avionics) Rhys DYAS
    • Commander Daniel GLOVER
    • Warrant Officer 1 Information Operations Robert GOVIER, Royal Naval Reserve
    • Warrant Officer 1 Air Engineering Technician (Mechanical) Michael HART
    • Commander Carla Lisa HIGGINS
    • Warrant Officer 1 Warfare Specialist (Underwater Warfare) Robin MCCOLL
    • Lieutenant Commander Hugo Christopher MITCHELL-HEGGS
    • Surgeon Commander Matthew Alec OSBORNE
    • Major  Lee Andrew STEWART
    • Commander James TIBBITTS
    • Chief Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician (Mechanical) Robert Lee WARNETT
    • Chief Petty Officer Warfare Specialist (Abovewater Warfare Weapons) Michael WATSON

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Warrant Officer 1 Logistician (Supply Chain) Samantha MARTIN, VR, Royal Naval Reserve

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Michael John BARKER
    • Lieutenant Commander Matthew Peter JOHNSON

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    King’s Gallantry Medal

    • Leading Logistician (Catering Services) Dave Neala LA CROIX
    • Petty Officer (Diver) Craig Antony MADDOCK

    King’s Commendation for Bravery

    • Petty Officer (Diver) Paul Anthony Damian CARTWRIGHT

    Army Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Companion

    • Major General Zachary Raymond STENNING, OBE

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Knight Commander

    • Lieutenant General Charles Seymour COLLINS, DSO, OBE

    As Commanders

    • Colonel Nicholas Owen FITZGERALD, MBE, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Iain Edward GIBB, KHS
    • Colonel Graham John SEFTON
    • Brigadier Alexander James SMITH

    As Officers

    • Colonel Patrick Andrew ALLEN
    • Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Timothy ANDERSON, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
    • Major Paul Christopher CARNEY, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Lieutenant Colonel Joanne Patrice D’ARCY, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Colonel Stephen Weatherley DAVIES, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Jon Young ELFORD, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel James Robert GREEN, Grenadier Guards
    • Lieutenant Colonel Glenis Jane Helena MALONEY, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Andrew Wyville NELSON, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Colonel Richard David NEWLAND
    • Lieutenant Colonel Steven Carnell PENGILLY, The Rifles
    • Lieutenant Colonel Frank Stanley REEVES, MBE, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

    As Members

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Mehmet Alan ASIR, VR, The Parachute Regiment, Army Reserve
    • Major Timothy Richard BARKER, Royal Tank Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Kenneth BINGHAM, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Major Stephen Barry BROWN, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Staff Sergeant Gordon Alexander BRUCE, Royal Army Physical Training Corps
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stephen John CANDLIN, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
    • Major William Edward COOK, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Major Christopher Michael Roy DANBY, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
    • Major Neil Alan Richard DONAGHY, Royal Corps of Signals
    • Captain Michael Wayne EYNON, VR, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve
    • Major Alexander James FARRALL, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Tracy Anne FREER, VR, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch), Army Reserve
    • Major Douglas James GRAHAM, The Queen’s Royal Hussars
    • Major William Peter HODGSON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
    • Captain Thomas William HULME, General Service Corps, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Adam JOHNSTON, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Stephen Alan JONES, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Lieutenant Colonel Bharat Sunil KARA, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Major David James LOVE, Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police)
    • Lieutenant Colonel James David LYON, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Major Jonathan Matthew MARSAY, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Donald Scott Cameron McGREGOR, Royal Army Physical Training Corps, Army Reserve
    • Sergeant Christopher John MORGAN, The Welsh Guards, Army Reserve
    • Major Amelia Anne MORRISSEY, Adjutant General’s Corps (Army Legal Services Branch)
    • Major Martin James MURPHY, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Staff Sergeant Emmanuel OPPONG, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Lieutenant John William PICKERING, Army Cadet Force
    • Major Andrew Victor POULTON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
    • Major James William REANEY, The Rifles
    • Major Marcus Alexander Rokeby ROBERTS, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Army Reserve
    • Captain Richard Michael St John SHEEHAN, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Colin Peter James Giblin SINCLAIR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Lieutenant Colonel Katherine Frances BADHAM-THORNHILL, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
    • Major Luke William TURRELL, JP, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Major Tom Paterson WATSON, Royal Regiment of Artillery
    • Major William WELSH, Army Cadet Force
    • Corporal Ceiron Alexander WILLIAMS, The Parachute Regiment
    • Lieutenant Colonel Stephen WILSON, The Queen’ Royal Hussars
    • Major Paul William YOUNG, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

    Royal Red Cross

    As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Ashley Grant COULL, Royal Army Medical Service

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Vere EBDON, VR, The Royal Welsh, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Alexander John Grindlay FORBES, TD, VR, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 2 James Charles McMILLEN, VR, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve
    • Colonel Andrew James Gerard RYAN, TD, VR, Army Reserve
    • Warrant Officer Class 1 Nathan John TOMS, VR, Corps of Royal Engineers, Army Reserve

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Major Brent Stephen William CARTER, Royal Army Medical Service
    • Corporal Connor-James Derek DAVIDSON, The Royal Regiment of Scotland
    • Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Cameron LONG, QGM, The Royal Logistic Corps
    • Major Jonathan Grant STUDWELL, MBE, Intelligence Corps
    • Major Paul Robert WOOSTER, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    King’s Commendation for Bravery

    • Lance Corporal Charley Dean DRAPER, Corps of Royal Engineers
    • Lance Corporal Rhys Jamie PETERSEN, Corps of Royal Engineers

    Royal Air Force Awards

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most honourable order of the Bath

    As Knight Commander

    • Air Marshal John Jackson STRINGER, CBE

    As Companions

    • Air Vice-Marshal Mark William James CHAPPELL
    • Air Vice-Marshal Alastair Peter Thomas SMITH

    Promotions in and appointments to the military division of the most excellent order of the British Empire

    As Commanders

    • Group Captain Andrew BURTON
    • Air Commodore Ian James SHARROCKS, OBE

    As Officers

    • Group Captain Andrew Phillip BARON
    • Group Captain Paul BARONI
    • Group Captain Hannah Mary BISHOP
    • Group Captain Rachel Louise DIXON
    • Wing Commander Gemma Ann LONSDALE
    • Wing Commander Timothy Charles PAGE
    • Wing Commander Ankur Narendra PANDYA

    As Members

    • Corporal Emile-Josiah BANGURA
    • Squadron Leader Charles Benjamin Marr EMMERSON
    • Warrant Officer Craig HAMILTON
    • Sergeant Gareth Lloyd JONES
    • Flying Officer David Colin McCRAE
    • Flight Lieutenant Raj Kiran MEHTA
    • Flight Lieutenant Marcus William NORMAN
    • Squadron Leader Joseph Robert RUSHTON
    • Squadron Leader Thomas Anthony SMITH
    • Squadron Leader Mark David SUGDEN
    • Squadron Leader David James TAUDEVIN
    • Squadron Leader James Kevin WILYMAN

    Royal Red Cross

    As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

    • Flight Sergeant Stephanie Louise ROBERTS

    King’s Volunteer Reserves Medal

    • Sergeant Darren James TYLER

    Distinguished Flying Cross

    • Flight Lieutenant Jason Aaron CHADWICK

    King’s Commendation for Valuable Service

    • Flight Sergeant Jonathan Paul GRAHAM
    • Squadron Leader Garry Ross MCKAY
    • Wing Commander Ieuan Donald Eddy ROBINSON
    • Squadron Leader Benjamin Robert Michael TRIPP

    Non-Operational Gallantry

    Air Force Cross

    • Squadron Leader Jonathan Mark Gerald HAWKINS
    • Flight Lieutenant Stephen Benjamin WATSON

    King’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air

    • Flight Lieutenant Michael Martin Tenison HOWELL

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK urges all parties to show restraint and reduce tensions: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    The UK urges all parties to show restraint and reduce tensions: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the emergency UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

    President, the Security Council meets today at a dangerous moment.

    We are deeply concerned by Israel’s strikes on sites in Iran, as well as the Iranian military action we’ve already seen in response. 

    There is a clear risk that this crisis escalates, with serious implications for peace and security across the region and beyond. 

    This is in no-one’s interests. 

    Colleagues, our first priority must be to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

    We urge all parties to urgently step back, show restraint and reduce tensions. 

    The UK did not participate in this action. 

    And let me say clearly and unequivocally that Russia’s claims that the British sovereign bases on the island of Cyprus were in any way involved is nonsense. 

    It is deeply irresponsible at moments like this for Russia to be spreading disinformation.

    We firmly support any diplomatic efforts to return to stability.

    Today, we have spoken to Israel at the highest levels, and our Foreign Secretary has also spoken to Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi.

    We have urged both sides to show restraint and de-escalate tensions.  

    We continue to engage partners across the region to ensure we are collectively doing our utmost to push for a peaceful outcome.

    The UK, in partnership with the E3, has always championed a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear escalation, which has no credible civilian justification. 

    We will not be deterred from this. 

    As my Prime Minister said today, we have long held concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme as documented by the IAEA. Israel also needs to protect its people and security. 

    It is therefore in the interests of all actors to stop military confrontation and pursue a negotiated solution. 

    President, this is time for a strong, united position from members of this Council. 

    We must take urgent action to de-escalate and provide an opportunity for a return to diplomacy.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni chairs video conference meeting on military escalation in the Middle East

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, chaired a video conference meeting earlier today to assess the consequences of the military escalation in the Middle East. The meeting was also attended by Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the Council of Ministers Matteo Salvini, Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti, Undersecretaries of State Alfredo Mantovano and Giovanbattista Fazzolari, and the heads of Italy’s intelligence services. 

    During the meeting, the IAEA reports finding Iran in violation of its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons were noted with concern.

    In this context, full support was reaffirmed for the negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme, as shown by the two rounds of negotiations held in Rome, and it was stressed that a diplomatic solution must remain the top priority. 

    The Italian Government will continue to work with all partners to support a de-escalation and to best ensure the safety of Italian citizens and military personnel in the region.

    Constant coordination is to be carried out to ensure continuous monitoring of the situation, allowing for the necessary measures to be adopted at any time.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Finland commits EUR 2.5 million to new phase of EIF support for sustainable trade in LDCs

    Source: World Trade Organization

    In May, the EIF Steering Committee endorsed a recommendation by the EIF Taskforce for a third phase of the initiative, to run up to 2031 in support of the UN Doha Programme of Action for LDCs.

    Designed to provide catalytic and transformative support to LDCs, the EIF’s Phase Three will also be presented at a high-level side event on 30 June co-organized by Finland, Djibouti and the EIF Executive Secretariat as part of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, Spain.

    H.E. Mr Ville Tavio, Finland`s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, said: “Finland sees the next phase of the EIF as an investment in the potential of the world’s least-developed countries to harness trade for sustainable growth. As preparations for Phase Three advance, we hope this contribution will help generate momentum and encourage continued international support for this important initiative — by old and new donors. We look forward to co-hosting discussions in Seville that will help shape a more inclusive and resilient global trading system.”

    WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the announcement, saying: “Finland`s early support for Phase Three of the EIF comes at a critical juncture for trade, aid, and development. LDCs need stable and predictable support to strengthen their trade capacities and navigate today`s uncertainties and opportunities. Finland’s leadership will help lay the foundation for an even more impactful phase of EIF work. We deeply value Finland`s continued commitment to inclusive development through trade and encourage other partners to join this initiative.”

    EIF Executive Director Ratnakar Adhikari said: “Finland’s generous and timely pledge of EUR 2.5 million marks an important step toward launching the next phase of the EIF. This contribution reflects Finland’s continued engagement with the EIF and underscores the kind of partnership that has been central to the programme’s success. It strengthens our ability to deliver targeted support as we move into Phase Three.”

    Since its inception, the EIF has been the only global Aid for Trade programme exclusively dedicated to helping least-developed countries use trade as a tool for economic transformation. Phase Three will build on the previous phases, continuing efforts to support LDCs in their integration into the global trading system.

    More information on the EIF is available here.

    Share

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The WTO welcomes students to 23rd John H. Jackson Moot Court Finals

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition is a simulated hearing under the rules of the WTO dispute settlement system involving exchanges of written submissions and adversarial hearings before panelists on international trade law issues. The competition is organized by the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA). The WTO has been a technical supporter of the competition since its inception in 2002.

    This year, 65 student teams from 35 WTO members competed in the Regional Rounds, including South and West Asia, East Asia and Oceania, Africa, the Americas (North, South, and the Caribbean), and Europe. Nineteen teams competed in the South and West Asia Round, 12 teams were represented in the East Asia and Oceania Round, 11 teams participated in the African Round, eight teams competed in the All-American Round, and 18 teams took part in the two European Regional Rounds. From these 65 teams, 24 qualified for the Final Oral Round, representing a wide global participation from 15 WTO members: Belgium, Canada, China, Colombia, Germany, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, the United Kingdom, and the United States.  

    DDG Ellard opened the Final Oral Round and welcomed the students to the WTO on 10 June. In her opening remarks, DDG Ellard emphasized the importance of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition to capacity building by training students in international trade law, legal writing, and oral advocacy skills. DDG Ellard noted that her own experience participating in moot court as a law student showed her “the immense value of the experience you have embarked on in the development of knowledge, skills, and life-long friendships and connections.” DDG Ellard noted that Jackson Moot alumni can be found working in governments, academia, think tanks, law firms, and the WTO Secretariat.

    DDG Ellard congratulated Mr Marios Tokas of the Geneva Graduate Institute and Mr Panagiotis Kyriakou of the law firm Archipel, authors of this year’s moot problem. She noted that the topic of the case the students have been debating “demonstrates our challenge in addressing modern day problems — such as digital transfer of data, protection of consumer privacy, and regulation of competition (or anti-trust).” She drew the students’ attention to the ongoing work in the WTO on digital technologies and trade and e-commerce-related issues. “These efforts underscore the vision that even as trade evolves the rules-based approach with the WTO at its centre must continue to be the way forward with the economic rule of law,” she said.

    Noting that the international trade community supports the competition, DDG Ellard thanked all the sponsors and WTO staff members who contributed to the organization of the competition and wished teams the best of luck.

    The students also had the opportunity to meet DG Okonjo-Iweala on 13 June and heard from her how much the WTO looks forward to welcoming the students each year not only to the competition, but to the community of international trade law.

    During this week, teams are competing against each other before panels of WTO law experts. The grand final of the competition will take place on Saturday, 14 June, and will be livestreamed here.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Solomon concludes a successful visit to VivaTech 2025 in Paris

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Canada’s participation as Country of the Year is a testament to the strength of its AI ecosystem

    June 13, 2025 – Paris, France

    Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, concluded a successful visit to Paris, France, where he met with key industry and political leaders to advance Canada’s growth agenda.

    Minister Solomon led the Canadian delegation for the opening of the 9th edition of VivaTech. He welcomed President Emmanuel Macron to the Canada Pavilion on the first day of the conference and showcased some of Canada’s leading innovators to the French delegation. At President Macron’s invitation, Minister Solomon later participated in a working dinner with French business leaders at the Élysée Palace. 

    Minister Solomon participated in Montréal-based company Hypertec’s announcement of a $5 billion initiative to build one of Europe’s largest sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure networks, with over 2 gigawatts of data centre capacity and nearly 100,000 NVIDIA graphics processing units planned in France, Italy, Portugal and the U.K. This initiative demonstrates Canadian leadership on the world stage and will translate to a $250 million investment by the company in Quebec to build next-generation server facilities and create over 100 specialized jobs in AI-related fields.

    Over the course of his visit, Minister Solomon held bilateral discussions with Clara Chappaz, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies from France; Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism from Luxembourg; and His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of the Economy from the United Arab Emirates. Their discussions reflected Canada’s commitment to develop collaborative research and development initiatives, to facilitate and accelerate the commercialization of Canadian products and services, and to build additional compute infrastructure in Canada.

    In focused discussions with political and business leaders, including with Jay Puri, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Field Operations at NVIDIA, Minister Solomon advanced key Canadian AI and digital priorities, including scaling our companies and ecosystems, unlocking productivity through technology adoption, fueling trust in a digital economy, and pursuing Canadian digital sovereign capabilities.

    As the Country of the Year, Canada greatly expanded its footprint at VivaTech with a Canada Pavilion of 500 square metres and a business delegation of over 230 Canadian companies. This showcase highlighted the innovation of Canadian companies and the maturity of Canada’s AI ecosystem and reinforced its reputation as a world leader in AI. The 2025 Canadian presence and business delegation was spearheaded by Scale AI, one of Canada’s global innovation clusters.

    The Canada Pavilion offered a nexus for Canadian companies to feature their technology and success and to pursue the trade diversification Canada needs for its products and companies. The world was introduced to Canadian innovators like Airudi, CGI, Cohere, Farpoint Technologies, IVADO Labs, Mappedin, Pontosense, Trusting Pixels, Videns and Vooban.

    As AI continues to shape our world in new and unexpected ways, the Government of Canada seeks to harness AI’s opportunities, mitigate its risks and foster trust. With strategic government investments and support for responsible AI adoption, Canada will grow its AI ecosystem and enhance productivity across the country.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Travel ban on patriotic activists as a flagrant breach of the law – criminalisation of people advocating for remigration – E-002246/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002246/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mary Khan (ESN)

    On 15 May 2025, German police at Munich airport blocked patriotic activists from flying to Italy to attend the Remigration Summit in Milan. Those concerned were not subject to criminal charges, and the justification given – citing a supposed threat to Germany’s image – is without foundation. This arbitrary restriction of the right to free movement enshrined in Article 21 TFEU has echoes of Stasi tactics and undermines trust in the basic principles of the rule of law.

    As with the labelling of the AfD as ‘extreme right’ – a label that infringes fundamental rights – here too, political beliefs are being used as grounds for state repression: young people campaigning peacefully for orderly migration are being treated like criminals – greeted with machine guns, detained for hours and terrorised. The mere suspicion of participation in a legal, anti-migration event in another EU Member State was sufficient to ride roughshod over fundamental rights. At a time when migrants are illegally crossing borders every day without consequence, a crackdown is being waged against anti-government patriots.

    • 1.What steps is the Commission taking to prevent the right to free movement enshrined in Article 21 TFEU from being curbed on political grounds?
    • 2.What does it make of the German authorities acting with no basis in criminal law to block EU citizens from travelling?
    • 3.Is it considering opening an investigation to determine whether the actions of the German authorities infringed fundamental rights?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Authorisation of available treatments for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) – E-002247/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002247/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Martin Hojsík (Renew), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE), Günther Sidl (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Flavio Tosi (PPE), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE)

    Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a highly lethal viral disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus, affecting up to 2 % of cats, with over 95 % mortality in symptomatic cases. To date, no veterinary treatment has been officially authorised, despite the demonstrated efficacy of GS-441524, a derivative of Remdesivir.

    This therapy has been approved in the United Kingdom and was temporarily authorised by the EU in Cyprus during a 2023 outbreak. However, within the EU, it remains restricted to human use only. This leads to a dangerous black market, exposing animals to health risks, lack of quality control and unaffordable costs.

    European veterinary associations and animal welfare associations are calling for veterinarians to be granted legal access to this life-saving treatment.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of this issue and does it intend to take any action, including steps to counter the black market that has developed?
    • 2.Given the deadlock in the Member States, does it consider that a centralised European authorisation procedure for veterinary use of this medicine could help overcome the current situation and ensure safe and legal treatment options for cats?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Greece on course for desertification – need for a special environmental protection scheme – E-002251/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002251/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Zacharia (NI)

    Following successive waves of catastrophic fires, uncontrolled industrial renewable energy installation, the commercialisation of land and the lack of meaningful restoration, nature in Greece is being driven to collapse. Greek forests, flora and fauna are at risk of complete desertification. The region of Attica has lost 37 % of its forests over the last eight years, while Euboea, the Peloponnese, Rhodes and Western Greece are facing similar decline. As a Mediterranean country in the front line of the climate crisis, Greece sees its environmental value shrinking dramatically, without an institutional or national protection plan.

    Can the Commission therefore say:

    • 1.Does it intend to recognise Greece as a Member State of high environmental vulnerability under Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 on nature restoration?
    • 2.Will it invite the Greek Government to draw up a national map of areas of full environmental protection, with an explicit ban on commercial exploitation reducing the level of green coverage?
    • 3.What financial support is available for targeted reforestation with resistant, endemic species?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Violations of Article 48 of the Istanbul Convention and European legislation on the protection of victims due to criminal mediation – E-001429/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Article 48 of the Istanbul Convention requires Parties to prohibit mandatory alternative dispute resolution processes. In the referred GREVIO Baseline evaluation Report, GREVIO notes that criminal mediation is not mandatory in criminal justice procedures in Greece[1].

    Pursuant to Article 12 of the Victims’ Rights Directive[2] (VRD), in Member States where restorative justice services are provided, safeguards shall be in place to ensure the victim is not further victimised and the participation of the victim shall be voluntary.

    Other factors such as power imbalances should also be taken into consideration in conducting a restorative justice process. The Commission has analysed whether Member States have completely transposed into national legislation all normative provisions of the VRD.

    In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission continues to monitor the correct enforcement of these provisions in all Member States, including in Greece, and will take appropriate action, if necessary.

    In the referred GREVIO Baseline evaluation Report, GREVIO also recommend that all relevant actors in the criminal justice sector receive training on the gendered dynamics of domestic violence.

    In this regard, Article 36 of the directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence Directive[3] requires Member States to provide general and specialist training and information for professionals meeting victims of violence against women and domestic violence.

    Member States, including Greece, will need to implement this directive by June 2027. During this period, the Commission will hold implementation workshops to steer the timely and complete transposition of the directive.

    • [1] GREVIO Baseline Evaluation Report,, p. 57, para 242-248.
    • [2] Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA. OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57.
    • [3] Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ of 24.5.202, L p. 1.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Reference price in the cotton aid scheme – E-001631/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In claim year 2023, Greek cotton producers received EUR 734 per hectare (plus top up when the producers are members of an inter-branch organisation, where applicable) based upon the reference values fixed in the Strategic Plan Regulation[1].

    The Commission is closely monitoring the current situation, but a legal change to increase the reference amount and the earmarked budget is not planned.

    Member States can also use other instruments including state aid, to design their sectoral support strategy. The available tools range from Basic Income Support for Sustainability (e.g. regionally differentiated for agronomic reasons to further improve all farmers’ viability in the region concerned) to improve the farmers’ viability, to investments to improve their competitiveness and resilience to eco-schemes to support sustainability of cotton production. Some of these investments could also be supported by Greece’s financial instrument.

    Additional relevant tools can be risk management (e.g. insurances), sectoral interventions that also can support producer groups or agri-environment-climate measures.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 435, 6.12.2021, p. 1.).
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Greece’s failure to apply the directives on a common system for VAT rates as low as zero on essential items such as food, medicines, pharmaceuticals, clothing and housing – P-001904/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission attaches great importance to the timely and correct transposition of EU law.

    Greece has not transposed the provisions of: (i)  Council Directive (EU) 2020/285 of 18 February 2020[1] which exempts small enterprises from value-added tax (VAT), alleviates their VAT compliance obligations and makes it easier to trade within the internal market, and (ii) Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of 5 April 2022[2] which allows for a wider use of reduced rates, including the use of zero rates for essential products such as food, pharmaceuticals and products intended for medical use . Both directives had to be transposed into national law by 31 December 2024.

    Therefore, the Commission opened infringement procedures[3] against Greece by sending letters of formal notice on 31 January 2025. Greece had to respond, complete its transposition and notify the measures to the Commission by 31 March 2025.

    Greece did not reply to the letters of formal notice or notify transposition measures for the directives. The Commission is currently envisaging the next step in the infringement procedures.

    • [1] Council Directive (EU) 2020/285 of 18 February 2020 amending Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax as regards the special scheme for small enterprises.
    • [2] Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of 5 April 2022 amending Directives 2006/112/EC and 2020/285 as regards rates of value added tax.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/inf_25_273.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – A cloud to call our own! – E-001198/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission aims to support an enhanced availability and uptake of European cloud solutions across the EU through the upcoming Cloud and Artificial intelligence Development Act[1].

    The main objective is to at least triple the EU’s overall data centre capacity within the next five to seven years[2] and ensure that highly critical use cases in the EU are served by highly secure EU-based cloud capacity[3].

    The Act will be complemented by a single EU-wide cloud policy for public administrations and public procurement[4].

    Moreover, the Commission has approved the ongoing implementation of the Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services[5].

    Also, through the co-financing under the Digital Europe Programme, the Commission also supports the deployment of an EU marketplace for federated cloud services[6] to facilitate the provision and the procurement of cloud services across the EU by EU cloud service providers[7].

    The Commission’s adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework[8] is based on the key safeguards included in Executive Order 14086 (EO 14086) adopted by the President of the United States[9].

    In particular, EO 14086 introduced safeguards to ensure that the collection and use of personal data of Europeans by United States intelligence agencies is limited to what is necessary and proportionate in pursuit of defined national security objectives.

    Moreover, EO 14086 established the Data Protection Review Court, providing EU citizens with a redress mechanism with binding investigatory and remedial powers.

    EO 14086 continues to be in place, providing key safeguards to data transferred from the EU[10], and addressing all the points raised by the Court of Justice in its Schrems II judgment[11].

    • [1] Mission letter from the President of the European Commission to the Executive Vice-President-designate for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3b537594-9264-4249-a912-5b102b7b49a3_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20VIRKKUNEN.pdf.
    • [2] This will be achieved by streamlining the permitting procedures and improving access to suitable sites, energy and funding for data centres that meet ambitious resource efficiency requirements. This is an important opportunity for European data centre operators and cloud service providers will have an important role to play in meeting this objective.
    • [3] Such highly critical uses cares in the EU are characterised by high sovereignty and operational autonomy requirements.
    • [4] The aim will be to assist the Act’s implementation in the public sector, guide public authorities in their cloud procurement decisions and empower them to leverage their purchasing power more strategically.
    • [5] IPCEI CIS/8ra Europe’s Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services — 8ra: https://www.8ra.com/ Seven Member States will provide up to EUR 1.2 billion in public funding, expected to unlock an additional EUR 1.4 billion.
    • [6]  Project DOME DOME Mark etplace: https://dome-marketplace.eu/dashboard.
    • [7]  Such providers offer highly trustworthy, curated cloud services that serve the interests of crucial sectors dealing with sensitive data, such as the public sector.
    • [8]  Commission Implementing Decision EU 2023/1795 of 10 July 2023 pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the adequate level of protection of personal data under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (notified under document C(2023)4745) (Text with EEA relevance) C/2023/4745 OJ L 231, 20.9.2023, p. 118-229 https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
    • [9]  Executive Order 14086 on ‘Enhancing Safeguards for United States Signals Intelligence Activities’.
    • [10]  Its requirements and safeguards have also been recently assessed in the Commission’s report of 9 October 2024 to the European Parliament and the Council on the first periodic review of the functioning of the adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework COM(2024) 451 final: https://commission.europa.eu/document/25695177-8073-4ce3-bf81-eb816dc6b468_en.
    • [11]  C-311/18, Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland Limited and Maximillian Schrems (‘Schrems II’), 16 July 2020, ECLI:EU:C:2020:559.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Funding and prioritising of the Rail Baltica project – E-000924/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission considers the Rail Baltica project one of the flagship projects on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) because it would finally allow to connect the Baltic states to the single European railway area. This is crucial for the regions’ economic growth, cohesion and now more than ever, its security and defence. For the Commission, Rail Baltica is the most urgent transport infrastructure project in the Baltic States to be implemented.

    2. In the Baltic states, the Rail Baltica project is managed by RB Rail joint venture and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania authorities. The Baltic states cooperate closely, including through the RB Rail, to ensure the success of Rail Baltica. The project partners monitor the costs and expected benefits. They are also responsible for the respective railway market and ensuring that rail traffic can start as soon as the line is operational. The Commission follows the project implementation and has always encouraged the organisations involved in the implementation to use the most cost-efficient solutions. There are frequent audits, and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency and the European Coordinator for the North Sea Baltic corridor monitor the project.

    3. The c o-legislators identified the infrastructure priorities of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) until 2050 in TEN-T Regulation[1] to ensure consistency and predictability. They identified Rail Baltica as a major cross-border missing link[2]. The applicable regulation also considers financial constraints and the fiscal rules of the EU to safeguard the financial stability and resilience of Member States apply.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401679.
    • [2] Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Regulation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1153/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Aromatic and medicinal plants from Greek producers – E-001584/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), through the Strategic Plans Regulation[1], includes a range of tools that allow farmers and Member States to develop production (including of aromatic and medicinal plants) ensuring the viability and competitiveness of farms.

    In the Greek CAP Strategic Plan (CSP)[2], a Basic Income Support with a total amount of EUR 4 274 574 890.is paid to all eligible farmers.

    The unit amount, per eligible hectare in the agricultural area of arable crops, is set to EUR 215. An increased support for small/medium farms and young farmers with bigger income support needs with a total amount of EUR 913 297 896 is also programmed under the CSP.

    Farmers may participate on a voluntary basis in the eco-schemes relevant to medicinal and aromatic plants with different support rates (e.g. organic farming: EUR 1 295/hectare/year, use of resistant and adapted species and varieties: EUR 824/hectare/year).

    Furthermore, under the rural development interventions, investment support is available to modernize or improve production, aiming to improve economic efficiency, and competitiveness of agricultural holdings to quickly adapt to market needs and to increase their market orientation.

    In addition, support is programmed for investments in the processing/marketing and/or development of several agricultural products, including medicinal and aromatic plants, aiming to produce quality products, increasing their added value, as well as helping to enter new markets.

    Finally, the CSP provides support for interventions for producer organisations (EUR 31 million), quality schemes (EUR 41 million), training (EUR 108 million) and advisory services to farmers (EUR 63 million).

    • [1]  Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 (OJ L 435, 6.12.2021, p. 1).
    • [2] CAP strategic plan of Greece: https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap-2023-2027/sskap-egkrisi-tropopoiiseis/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – French intelligence services allegedly call on Telegram to censor conservative voices in Romania – E-002218/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002218/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging platform, has stated publicly that in spring 2025 Nicolas Lerner, the head of France’s foreign intelligence service (DGSE), asked him to suppress conservative Romanian voices on Telegram in the run-up to the presidential elections in Romania[1]. Durov maintains that he rejected the request. The French authorities have firmly rejected the allegations and described them as unfounded.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of any attempts by the French authorities or intelligence services to influence content on platforms such as Telegram in connection with the presidential elections in Romania, and how does the Commission assess such allegations with regard to upholding fundamental rights in the EU, in particular the freedom of speech and the freedom of information?
    • 2.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that Member States do not exert undue influence on digital platforms, especially in the context of elections in other Member States?
    • 3.Is the Commission planning to look into these allegations and, if necessary, take action to protect the integrity of elections and the independence of digital communication platforms in the EU?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    • [1] https://t.me/durov/232
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funding of the Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte through intermediary organisations – E-002215/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002215/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    The Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte (GFF – Society for Civil Rights) is a German non-governmental organization that engages in strategic legal action on fundamental rights issues within Germany and takes clear political positions – among other things, it is working to have the AfD banned as a political party. According to its own information, the GFF receives funding from various foundations, including the European AI & Society Fund. The GFF also received financial backing from the Digital Freedom Fund, which supports strategic lawsuits in the area of digital rights in Europe and receives project funding from the EU’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme.

    • 1.Have EU funds been channelled – directly or indirectly – to the GFF, in particular through support structures such as the European AI & Society Fund or the Digital Freedom Fund?
    • 2.If so, how does the Commission ensure that this funding is in line with the EU’s political neutrality, in particular where funded organisations influence the political discourse in a Member State through their activities?
    • 3.Does the Commission consider it appropriate that EU funds are used to support organisations that engage in legal action relating to national political disputes and what safeguards are in place to prevent possible political interference in Member States?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Self-sufficiency in plasma: a European necessity – E-002294/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002294/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Hilde Vautmans (Renew)

    The availability of human plasma is essential for the treatment of thousands of European patients suffering from rare or chronic diseases. At present, however, the EU is highly dependent on plasma imports from countries outside Europe, notably the United States. This dependence poses a strategic risk, especially in light of increasing global demand and geopolitical uncertainties. During the COVID-19 crisis, this vulnerability became painfully visible when patients in Europe faced shortages.

    Some Member States, including Belgium and Denmark, have already demonstrated that a model based on voluntary, unpaid donations is not only effective and scalable, but also ethical, safe and crisis resistant. This model offers a viable alternative to commercial systems and deserves recognition and support from Europe.

    • 1.Does the Commission recognise that human plasma is a strategic resource for public health in the EU?
    • 2.What steps is the Commission taking to develop a coordinated European strategy to ensure plasma self-sufficiency?
    • 3.How will the Commission actively support the model of voluntary, unpaid plasma donations within this strategic framework?

    Submitted: 6.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Authorisation and regulation of trade in brown bear meat in Slovakia and its impact on the conservation of the species – E-002224/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002224/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    The Slovak Government has recently announced that restaurants will be authorised to serve meat from brown bears culled under a law that is legally questionable. The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is a threatened species in Europe and is strictly protected. Before the meat is put on the market, companies will have to obtain a certificate of derogation attesting to the ‘legality’ of the cull and the safety of the meat. The decision has led to concerns about its impact on the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of this species.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s official position on the authorisation to sell meat from brown bears, which are protected in the EU, and Slovakia’s criteria for granting certificates of derogation for this trade?
    • 2.What mechanisms and controls are in place at EU level for the marketing of meat from a species that is strictly protected by the Habitats Directive?
    • 3.What are the Commission’s recommendations for managing the brown bear population where it poses a threat to humans, taking into account non-lethal alternatives and protection of the bears’ natural habitat?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compliance with the rule of law in Spain amid the wave of legal proceedings regarding corruption – E-002213/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002213/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    There are an increasing number of legal proceedings involving those closest to the Prime Minister of Spain: his wife, his brother, the organisational secretary of the ruling party, and several former high-ranking government officials are all implicated in alleged cases of corruption, influence peddling, misappropriation of public funds and irregularities related to public procurement.

    The most egregious examples include:

    – the charges brought against the Prosecutor General of Spain for politically-motivated leaks of confidential information;

    – the initiation of legal proceedings against the Prime Minister’s brother for misconduct and influence peddling;

    – suspected circumvention of the law to obtain special immunity for regional leaders facing charges;

    – the involvement of former ministerial officials in allegedly rigged public contracts;

    – and the possible use of institutional influence to favour those associated with the ruling party who are close to Sánchez.

    The principles of the rule of law, the separation of powers and accountability are under threat.

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to include an explicit warning in its Rule of Law Report about these signs of structural corruption connected to the Spanish Government, as well as a warning about possible political interference in the legal proceedings currently under way?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Influencers hail Nvidia-Mistral partnership as game-change for European tech, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Influencers hail Nvidia-Mistral partnership as game-change for European tech, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    NVIDIA Corp (NVIDIA) has announced a significant partnership with French startup Mistral AI to build “Mistral Compute,” a powerful new AI cloud infrastructure. While influencers have universally praised the scale of the initiative, which will deploy tens of thousands of GPUs, influencers see it as a monumental win for both European AI sovereignty and the US-led open-source movement, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Smitarani Tripathy, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Influencers lauded the partnership for creating an integrated AI stack that will massively increase AI compute capacity. However, a clear divergence emerged in their analysis. Some framed the deal as a game-changer for European tech, emphasizing the creation of a ‘Sovereign AI infrastructure.’ Also, a few others saw it as a ‘massive win for America,’ suggesting that open models running on US chips could become the global template.”

    Below are a few popular influencers opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Ray Wang, Technologist:

    “1) One of the key partnerships announced is between Nvidia and French startup Mistral, which will build an “AI cloud” that will deploy 18,000 Nvidia Grace Blackwell chips. This will allow businesses to develop and use AI through Mistral’s models, Nvidia said. 2) In Germany, Nvidia said it is building what it has dubbed as an “industrial cloud” that will feature 10,000 GPUs and will be specifically designed to provide services for European manufacturers.”

    1. Paul Murphy, Partner at Lightspeed:

    “Our @lightspeedvp  portfolio company @MistralAI ‘s next big move – Mistral Compute 18,000 NVIDIA Grace Blackwell chips, 10x increase in EU AI compute capacity over 2 years. Sovereign AI infrastructure, game changing for European tech! ”

    1. Beth Kindig, Lead Tech Analyst at I/O Fund :

    “Mistral and Nvidia $NVDA are partnering to create Mistral Compute, offering customers a private and integrated AI stack spanning GPUs, orchestration, APIs, products and services, with “tens of thousands” of GPUs available..”

    1. Anjney Midha, General Partner @ a16z:

    “”Today we’re announcing we’re going to build an AI cloud together with @MistralAI”  Jensen @nvidia GTC today unveiling Mistral Compute This is a massive win for America and for open source Open models on US chips wil be the template for AI infrastructure buildouts globally.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –