NewzIntel.com

Category: Eurozone

  • MIL-OSI China: 110,000th China-Europe freight train exits China

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

    HOHHOT, June 12 — The 110,000th China-Europe freight train exited China via northern Inner Mongolia’s Erenhot Port, the largest land port on the China-Mongolia border, on Thursday.

    The train, loaded with 55 containers of home appliances, worth nearly 20 million yuan (about 2.79 million U.S. dollars), departed Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province on Tuesday. The train’s departure marks a major milestone in the high-quality development of the China-Europe freight train service.

    The train is expected to reach its destination in Moscow, Russia, in about two weeks, according to the port.

    As the only port of entry and exit on the middle corridor of the China-Europe freight train service, Erenhot Port now operates 73 China-Europe freight train routes. It connects China with over 70 hub stations in more than 10 countries and regions, including Germany, Poland and Russia.

    The port has operated over 19,000 China-Europe freight trains since 2013. In the first five months of this year, the port handled 1,489 inbound and outbound China-Europe freight trains, transporting nearly 1.9 million tonnes, or 168,800 TEUs of goods, representing year-on-year growth of 5.3 percent, 8.2 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively.

    “With the regular operation of the China-Europe freight train service, the transportation time for our products to reach Europe has been shortened from 45 days to 15 days, and the logistics cost per tonne has been cut by approximately 600 yuan, laying a solid foundation for the development of the local agricultural product industry,” said Cui Xuesong, deputy manager of an international logistics park management committee located over 300 km from the port.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Turbo Energy Granted Patent for Innovative System Enabling Seamless Storage Integration and Expansion of Photovoltaic Installations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VALENCIA, Spain, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Turbo Energy S.A. (Nasdaq: TURB) (“Turbo Energy” or the “Company”), a global provider of leading-edge, AI-optimized solar energy storage technologies and solutions, today announced that it has been granted a new patent for its innovative system designed to integrate energy storage and expand photovoltaic generation in upstream installations. The patented system provides a unique method for enhancing energy efficiency and flexibility in self-consumption solar power systems—particularly those configured to prevent surplus energy from being injected into the electrical grid.

    The patent, (#iP202430282) issued by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office, covers Turbo Energy’s proprietary system and procedure that enable the addition of energy storage (retrofit) and/or new photovoltaic panels (repowering) to existing installations without requiring complex retrofitting or integration with legacy components. This breakthrough technology ensures that excess photovoltaic energy can be stored and utilized at times of reduced solar generation, significantly optimizing energy usage and minimizing reliance on the external power grid. 

    Unlike conventional systems that regulate or limit generation to prevent grid discharge, Turbo Energy’s patented solution introduces a novel “compensation value” concept. This maintains a predefined minimum grid consumption level, effectively bypassing the limitations of zero-injection configurations. As a result, the system maximizes surplus energy capture and storage during peak production hours and enables seamless scalability of solar infrastructure.

    “This patent represents a major leap forward in distributed energy innovation,” stated Mariano Soria, CEO of Turbo Energy. “Our novel solution empowers solar energy users to take full control of their energy production and storage capabilities, overcoming a critical technical barrier that has long restricted the growth and efficiency of self-consumption systems. We are very proud to continue leading through technological and engineering innovation, underpinned by our goal of powering a more sustainable and intelligent energy future for our customers across the globe.”

    The newly patented technology is already incorporated into Turbo Energy’s next generation of energy management solutions, marketed as SUNBOX Home for residential applications, SUNBOX Industry for commercial and industrial applications and SUNBOX Utility for utility-scale projects.

    About Turbo Energy, S.A.

    Founded in 2013, Turbo Energy is a globally recognized pioneer of proprietary solar energy storage technologies and solutions managed through Artificial Intelligence. Turbo Energy’s elegant all-in-one and scalable, modular energy storage systems empower residential, commercial and industrial users expanding across Europe, North America and South America to materially reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, helping to lower electricity costs, provide peak shaving and uninterruptible power supply and realize a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. A testament to the Company’s commitment to innovation and industry disruption, Turbo Energy’s introduction of its flagship SUNBOX represents one of the world’s first high performance, competitively priced, all-in-one home solar energy storage systems, which also incorporates patented EV charging capability and powerful AI processes to optimize solar energy management.  Turbo Energy is a proud subsidiary of publicly traded Umbrella Global Energy, S.A., a vertically integrated, global collective of solar energy-focused companies.  For more information, please visit www.turbo-e.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business of the Company, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, including the risks described in our registration statements and annual report under the heading “Risk Factors” as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Turbo Energy, S.A. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    For more information, please contact:
    At Turbo Energy, S.A.                                                         
    Dodi Handy, Director of Communications                 
    Phone: 407-960-4636                                                
    Email: dodihandy@turbo-e.com  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: AI literacy: What it is, what it isn’t, who needs it and why it’s hard to define

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel S. Schiff, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Purdue University

    AI literacy is a lot more than simply knowing how to prompt an AI chatbot. DNY59/E+ via Getty Images

    It is “the policy of the United States to promote AI literacy and proficiency among Americans,” reads an executive order President Donald Trump issued on April 23, 2025. The executive order, titled Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, signals that advancing AI literacy is now an official national priority.

    This raises a series of important questions: What exactly is AI literacy, who needs it, and how do you go about building it thoughtfully and responsibly?

    The implications of AI literacy, or lack thereof, are far-reaching. They extend beyond national ambitions to remain “a global leader in this technological revolution” or even prepare an “AI-skilled workforce,” as the executive order states. Without basic literacy, citizens and consumers are not well equipped to understand the algorithmic platforms and decisions that affect so many domains of their lives: government services, privacy, lending, health care, news recommendations and more. And the lack of AI literacy risks ceding important aspects of society’s future to a handful of multinational companies.

    How, then, can institutions help people understand and use – or resist – AI as individuals, workers, parents, innovators, job seekers, students, employers and citizens? We are a policy scientist and two educational researchers who study AI literacy, and we explore these issues in our research.

    What AI literacy is and isn’t

    At its foundation, AI literacy includes a mix of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are technical, social and ethical in nature. According to one prominent definition, AI literacy refers to “a set of competencies that enables individuals to critically evaluate AI technologies; communicate and collaborate effectively with AI; and use AI as a tool online, at home, and in the workplace.”

    AI literacy is not simply programming or the mechanics of neural networks, and it is certainly not just prompt engineering – that is, the act of carefully writing prompts for chatbots. Vibe coding, or using AI to write software code, might be fun and important, but restricting the definition of literacy to the newest trend or the latest need of employers won’t cover the bases in the long term. And while a single master definition may not be needed, or even desirable, too much variation makes it tricky to decide on organizational, educational or policy strategies.

    Who needs AI literacy? Everyone, including the employees and students using it, and the citizens grappling with its growing impacts. Every sector and sphere of society is now involved with AI, even if this isn’t always easy for people to see.

    Exactly how much literacy everyone needs and how to get there is a much tougher question. Are a few quick HR training sessions enough, or do we need to embed AI across K-12 curricula and deliver university micro credentials and hands-on workshops? There is much that researchers don’t know, which leads to the need to measure AI literacy and the effectiveness of different training approaches.

    Ethics is an important aspect of AI literacy.

    Measuring AI literacy

    While there is a growing and bipartisan consensus that AI literacy matters, there’s much less consensus on how to actually understand people’s AI literacy levels. Researchers have focused on different aspects, such as technical or ethical skills, or on different populations – for example, business managers and students – or even on subdomains like generative AI.

    A recent review study identified more than a dozen questionnaires designed to measure AI literacy, the vast majority of which rely on self-reported responses to questions and statements such as “I feel confident about using AI.” There’s also a lack of testing to see whether these questionnaires work well for people from different cultural backgrounds.

    Moreover, the rise of generative AI has exposed gaps and challenges: Is it possible to create a stable way to measure AI literacy when AI is itself so dynamic?

    In our research collaboration, we’ve tried to help address some of these problems. In particular, we’ve focused on creating objective knowledge assessments, such as multiple-choice surveys tested with thorough statistical analyses to ensure that they accurately measure AI literacy. We’ve so far tested a multiple-choice survey in the U.S., U.K. and Germany and found that it works consistently and fairly across these three countries.

    There’s a lot more work to do to create reliable and feasible testing approaches. But going forward, just asking people to self-report their AI literacy probably isn’t enough to understand where different groups of people are and what supports they need.

    Approaches to building AI literacy

    Governments, universities and industry are trying to advance AI literacy.

    Finland launched the Elements of AI series in 2018 with the hope of educating its general public on AI. Estonia’s AI Leap initiative partners with Anthropic and OpenAI to provide access to AI tools for tens of thousands of students and thousands of teachers. And China is now requiring at least eight hours of AI education annually as early as elementary school, which goes a step beyond the new U.S. executive order. On the university level, Purdue University and the University of Pennsylvania have launched new master’s in AI programs, targeting future AI leaders.

    Despite these efforts, these initiatives face an unclear and evolving understanding of AI literacy. They also face challenges to measuring effectiveness and minimal knowledge on what teaching approaches actually work. And there are long-standing issues with respect to equity − for example, reaching schools, communities, segments of the population and businesses that are stretched or under-resourced.

    Next moves on AI literacy

    Based on our research, experience as educators and collaboration with policymakers and technology companies, we think a few steps might be prudent.

    Building AI literacy starts with recognizing it’s not just about tech: People also need to grasp the social and ethical sides of the technology. To see whether we’re getting there, we researchers and educators should use clear, reliable tests that track progress for different age groups and communities. Universities and companies can try out new teaching ideas first, then share what works through an independent hub. Educators, meanwhile, need proper training and resources, not just additional curricula, to bring AI into the classroom. And because opportunity isn’t spread evenly, partnerships that reach under-resourced schools and neighborhoods are essential so everyone can benefit.

    Critically, achieving widespread AI literacy may be even harder than building digital and media literacy, so getting there will require serious investment – not cuts – to education and research.

    There is widespread consensus that AI literacy is important, whether to boost AI trust and adoption or to empower citizens to challenge AI or shape its future. As with AI itself, we believe it’s important to approach AI literacy carefully, avoiding hype or an overly technical focus. The right approach can prepare students to become “active and responsible participants in the workforce of the future” and empower Americans to “thrive in an increasingly digital society,” as the AI literacy executive order calls for.

    Funding from Google Research helped to support part of the authors’ research on AI literacy.

    Funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the funding code 16DHBKI051 helped to support part of the authors’ research on AI literacy.

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

    – ref. AI literacy: What it is, what it isn’t, who needs it and why it’s hard to define – https://theconversation.com/ai-literacy-what-it-is-what-it-isnt-who-needs-it-and-why-its-hard-to-define-256061

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NPT Safeguards Agreement with Iran: Quad statement on resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors, June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    NPT Safeguards Agreement with Iran: Quad statement on resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors, June 2025

    France, Germany, the UK and United States (the Quad) welcome adoption of the resolution on Iran’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board meeting

    Chair,

    On behalf of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, we welcome the Board’s adoption of this important resolution on Iran’s implementation of safeguards.  The Board’s collective action upholds the integrity of the IAEA safeguards system and the broader nuclear nonproliferation regime:  states will be held to account if they do not live up to their obligations.

    The action creates an opportunity Iran should seize.  Iran still has a chance to finally fulfill its obligations, in full candor, and answer the IAEA’s crucial, longstanding questions on undeclared nuclear material and activities.

    We sincerely hope that when the Board reports this matter to the United Nations Security Council, as required by the Statute, it can describe how Iran has changed its course and finally chosen the path of compliance.  We look forward to further reporting from the Director General in the months ahead, and we commend him and his team for their continued, professional, and impartial efforts to verify Iran’s implementation of its safeguards agreement.

    I thank you, Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • PM Modi, world leaders react after Air India plane with 242 on board crashes in Ahmedabad

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep shock over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, describing the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words.”

    “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” PM Modi said in a post on X on Thursday.

    An Air India plane headed to London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, airline and police officials said.

    The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was operating Flight AI-171 to Gatwick Airport when it went down shortly after departure. The aircraft was carrying 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew members, and 230 passengers.

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her heartfelt condolences following the crash of an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad Airport, which was carrying 242 people, including crew members.

    “Distressed on hearing about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My prayers are with all families and friends of those on board the flight,” said Sitharaman.

    Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said he was “deeply pained to learn about the plane crash in Ahmedabad.”

    “I convey my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We stand firmly with those grieving and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Om Shanti,” he posted.

    Offering his condolences, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the passengers and their families.

    “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer wrote on X.
    “I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he added.

    British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was deeply saddened by the news and that the UK was working with Indian authorities.

    “Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India,” Lammy said on X. “My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.”

    Speaking later in the British Parliament, Lammy said the UK had activated a crisis team in both India’s capital, New Delhi, and in London.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also extended his condolences.
    “Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief. We pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he said in a post on X.

    The Airports Authority of India (AAI) said an operational control room had been activated “to oversee and coordinate all necessary response measures.”

    It also shared emergency contact numbers for assistance and information: the Delhi control room can be reached at 011-24610843 and 9650391859, while the Ahmedabad control room can be contacted at 9978405304 and 079-23251900.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strengthening the Economic and Environmental Dimension: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Strengthening the Economic and Environmental Dimension: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Neil Holland stresses the importance of the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE as part of its comprehensive approach to security.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.  

    The Second Dimension is vital to the OSCE’s comprehensive security approach. It addresses some of the most pressing challenges to our shared security and prosperity, including climate change, biodiversity loss, serious and organised crime, illicit finance, and the growing issue of irregular migration. This is particularly important given the devastating economic and environmental impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine.  

    The OSCE is uniquely positioned to assist participating States in tackling these complex issues. To do so we need to fully leverage the tools at our disposal — especially those that support good governance by promoting transparency, combatting illicit finance, and reducing corruption. Our Foreign Secretary’s campaign on illicit finance is a key example of the UK’s efforts to combat corruption and strengthen national security. 

    The UK values the OSCE’s role in addressing security-related environmental concerns, such as water management, energy security, and the impacts of climate change. We are proud to support the OSCE project on strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in Central Asia. We acknowledge the particular vulnerabilities of Central Asian states to climate change and its consequences. To address these challenges, we are funding a regional programme to enhance resilience through regional water and energy cooperation for low-carbon, climate-resilient growth.  

    As Chair of the Security Committee, the UK is prioritising key areas that intersect with the Second Dimension – particularly the financial underpinnings of organised crime which we will deal with in July’s meeting. These crimes cause both direct and indirect harm to our citizens, eroding social cohesion, undermining democratic norms, exacerbating climate change, and impeding economic development. They contribute to instability and conflict and also disproportionately affect women and girls, which is one of the many reasons why the UK supports the OSCE’s emphasis on Women’s economic empowerment.  

    April’s Security Committee meeting focused on the security threats associated with irregular migration, recommending that the OSCE work together with other international organisations, including through field presences, to support States in countering the smuggling of migrants and other challenges. It is clear that the OSCE can and should be doing more on migrant smuggling. We will follow up on this in September when we mark the 20-year anniversary of the Border Security and Management Concept. Later this year, with our Slovenian colleagues, we will also host a joint session of the Security, and Environmental and Economic Committees on protecting critical infrastructure.  

    We will continue to support a strong and effective Second Dimension, including through the EEF cycle. As we approach the Helsinki discussions on organisational functionality a good place to start would be to fulfil the requirements set out by Ministers on holding mandated conferences according to the timetable laid out by them. 

    Thank you Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Nuveen Selects Molecule Software’s ETRM to Scale Renewable Trading Capabilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Molecule Software is today announcing that global investment leader Nuveen, a TIAA company, has selected Molecule’s future-ready ETRM software to accelerate its expanding renewable power trading operations.

    Nuveen, one of the world’s largest asset managers, manages a diverse power trading portfolio across large markets, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. As their renewable power business grows, an agile ETRM platform that can handle the increasing complexities of their portfolio has become a top priority.

    “We have ambitious goals to grow our portfolio,” said Jordi Francesch, MD, Head of Global Asset Management, Clean Energy at Nuveen. “As we scale up our portfolio of energy generation assets, we encounter technical challenges across the different geographies in which we operate and different market risks in those geographies.

    “Therefore, the need to have a state-of-the-art energy trading risk management system that allows for scalability, risk control, and best-in-class management features becomes business critical.”

    Molecule, which has been expanding its footprint in Europe with the addition of a new EU production environment, EU- and UK-based sales, implementation, and support staff, and a growing list of new customers (including Nuveen), was selected for its tech-forward capabilities, ease of use, agility, and ability to handle the complexities of Nuveen’s growing portfolio.

    “We really need to be quite efficient in terms of decision-making and deployment of our strategy,” said Francesch. “We knew that a bulky, complicated ETRM would not help us achieve that goal. Molecule provides a more agile solution that can scale with our business”

    ”We’re so pleased to be working with the fantastic team at Nuveen,” said Sameer Soleja, Founder and CEO at Molecule. “They’re using Molecule as a force multiplier – as an ETRM should be – and we look forward to partnering with them as their portfolio grows.”

    About Molecule
    Molecule is the ETRM built for the future of energy. Cloud-native with an intuitive, easy-to-use experience at its core, Molecule is the alternative to the convoluted systems of the past. With near real-time reporting, 30+ integrations, and headache-free implementations, Molecule gets your ETRM out of your way – because you have more valuable things to do with your time. Find out more at molecule.io.

    About Nuveen
    Nuveen, the investment manager of TIAA, offers a comprehensive range of outcome-focused investment solutions designed to secure the long-term financial goals of institutional and individual investors. Nuveen has $1.3 trillion in assets under management as of 31 December 2024 and operations in 27 countries. Its investment specialists offer deep expertise across a comprehensive range of traditional and alternative investments through a wide array of vehicles and customized strategies. For more information, please visit www.nuveen.com.

    Media Contact
    Kari Foster, VP of Marketing
    Molecule
    Phone: +1 832.464.4037
    Email: kari@molecule.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frontex Joins Forces with Spain to Keep Summer Travel Safe and Smooth

    Source: Frontex

    Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is working side by side with Policía Nacional in Spain this summer to support border checks at some of the busiest ports in the country.

    Every summer, thousands of people travel between Spain and Morocco, especially through Algeciras, Tarifa and Ceuta. With travel picking up, Frontex is sending more than 100 officers as part of Operation Minerva to help Policía Nacional manage the high number of passengers and vehicles.

    The goal? To make travel safer, faster and more secure for everyone.

    A year ago, Operation Minerva helped stop more than 100 kg of hashish and nearly 27 000 smuggled cigarettes from crossing the border. It’s a strong example of how working together helps tackle crime and keeps borders safe.

    “Spain knows its borders, and we bring backup when it counts. This isn’t just about sending officers. It’s about showing up when we’re needed. Strong borders start with strong cooperation,” said Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens.

    This partnership is part of Frontex’s wider effort to support countries across the EU while ensuring that border management respects people’s rights and upholds European values.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales ranked No.1 most attractive employer among engineering students in France in 2025

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales ranked No.1 most attractive employer among engineering students in France in 2025

    Thales has secured the top spot in the 2025 ranking of the most attractive employers for engineering students in France, in a survey conducted by the Universum research institute. The survey covered 23,376 students, including 11,556 from engineering schools. Thales also ranked 4th among IT students.

    Students notably praised the Group’s capacity for innovation and the wide range of career development opportunities it offers.
    ​As a global leader in high technology across Defence, Aerospace, Cybersecurity and Digital Identity, Thales provides the opportunity to work in critical environments involving artificial intelligence, quantum technologies or cloud computing. The company offers a very broad array of career paths, backed by a strong industrial and academic presence across 68 countries. For the past three years, Thales has also invested heavily in a global upskilling initiative called the “Learning Company” programme, delivered by 2,000 in-house trainers. It brings together 13 Domain Academies (Radar, Radio, Naval, Tubes, Pyrotechnics…) and 19 Functional Academies (Engineering, Industry, HR, Finance, Communications…).

    The preference expressed by young engineering students for Thales also reflects the Group’s efforts to reach out to younger generations. Last year, Thales engaged with over 150,000 young people through 600 events. In 2025, in France alone, the Group expects to welcome more than 3,000 interns and apprentices in higher education, with around 25% going on to secure permanent or fixed-term roles. Nearly 1,500 students in Year 10 and Year 11 will also be welcomed for short-term work experience across around 40 Thales sites in mainland France, helping to spark interest in science and technology careers.

    “Attracting engineers – and diverse talent more broadly – to Thales is essential to staying at the forefront of innovation. We firmly believe that mathematics and science are key to understanding the world around us and tackling society’s greatest challenges. Joining Thales means continuing to learn throughout your career and helping to address the major societal challenges we are working on through our activities.”
    ​    Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales

    Interested candidates can learn more and apply online at
    ​    https://careers.thalesgroup.com/global/en

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • 11 years of Modi govt: Digital finance drives unprecedented financial inclusion

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    During the 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, India has emerged as a global leader in digital finance and inclusion, harnessing technology to deliver accessible, efficient, and transparent financial services to every corner of the country. This digital transformation has played a pivotal role in bridging the urban-rural divide and reshaping India’s economic landscape.

    The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital transactions, with over 1,867.7 crore transactions worth ₹24.77 lakh crore recorded in April 2025 alone. Now used by nearly 460 million individuals and 65 million merchants, UPI has gone global, with its presence in more than seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, and France. According to ACI Worldwide’s 2024 report, India accounted for 49% of all global real-time transactions in 2023, underscoring its leadership in digital payments innovation.

    The Aadhaar-enabled e-KYC system has simplified access to banking and public services, with over 141.88 crore Aadhaar IDs issued as of April 2025. It has become a foundational pillar of India’s digital infrastructure, ensuring faster verification and enhanced transparency.

    Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT), backed by Aadhaar authentication, has streamlined welfare delivery. Over ₹44 lakh crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries’ accounts as of May 2025, eliminating middlemen and fake beneficiaries. This has saved the exchequer more than ₹3.48 lakh crore since 2015. The system has also removed over 5.87 crore ineligible ration card holders and 4.23 crore fake LPG connections, making welfare schemes more targeted.

    In the realm of e-commerce, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), launched in 2022, has expanded to over 616 cities, empowering small sellers and service providers. By January 2025, more than 7.64 lakh sellers had joined the platform, boosting MSME participation in the digital economy.

    Similarly, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), launched in 2016, has transformed public procurement. By January 2025, GeM had achieved a gross merchandise value (GMV) of ₹4.09 lakh crore in just 10 months of FY 2024–25, marking nearly 50% growth over the previous year. With over 1.6 lakh government buyers and 22.5 lakh sellers, GeM continues to enhance transparency and efficiency in government transactions.

    Together, these initiatives reflect a decade of digital empowerment under the Modi government, setting the foundation for a more inclusive, transparent, and resilient financial ecosystem.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency leads industry delegation to participate in Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in France

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency leads industry delegation to participate in Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in FranceIssued at HKT 16:40

    The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in France and joined forces with the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA) to set up the Hong Kong Pavilion themed “AI-assisted Animation Production” and organised a series of activities, with the aim of increasing overseas exposure of Hong Kong original animation works and creative teams, enhancing their reach in market development, and enabling them to explore collaboration opportunities.

    As the international animation film festival with a rich history and the largest scale of its kind, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival commands high respect from the global animation industry. Its film market, the Annecy International Animation Film Market, is a prominent annual business-oriented exhibition that takes place from June 10 to 13 (Annecy time). In the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion held on June 10, the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mrs Lowell Cho, expressed hope that through a series of activities during this promotion, the CCIDA and the industry join hands to promote Hong Kong animation works to the animation industry professionals and audiences from all over the world, hence enabling the original animation by Hong Kong to shine bright on the international stage and to strive for opportunities to strengthen ties with global industry counterparts. She also warmly congratulated the film “Another World”, funded by the Film Development Fund (FDF) and produced by an animation creative team from Hong Kong, for being selected for the non-competitive section of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 and that it will be screened at the “Midnight Specials” session on the evening of June 13 (Annecy time). “Another World” brings international recognition, which serves as a significant booster for the Hong Kong animation industry, showcasing the global appreciation for Hong Kong animation.

    The Hong Kong animation film “Another World” is directed by Tommy Ng, and produced and scripted by Polly Yeung. The production team attended the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in person to engage with audiences and industry counterparts. In 2019, the team participated in the sixth Animation Support Program, a project funded by the CCIDA through the CreateSmart Initiative (CSI), and was granted a subsidy to initiate the production of the short version of “Another World”, which won the Gold Award under the Small Animation Enterprises (Advanced Production) category. Subsequently, the team, with its proposal to develop “Another World” into a feature-length animation film, successfully applied for the Film Production Financing Scheme under the FDF and was granted the subsidy to bring the debut animation feature film directed by Ng into fruition, paving the way for the film’s global premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Yeung was also invited by the Hong Kong Film Development Council to participate in the 81st Venice International Film Festival in Italy and the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France to seek production investment, attend various producer matching activities, and exchange ideas with filmmakers from all over the world, increasing publicity for “Another World” and opening doors for overseas distribution of the film project.

    During the exhibition period, a series of networking and exchange activities were launched at the Hong Kong Pavilion, and six short original animated works created with AI assistance were also showcased, demonstrating to the international market the creativity and unique charisma of Hong Kong productions. The Hong Kong Partner Pitches was held on June 11, where the six Hong Kong companies selected under the 2nd Future Animation – AI-assisted Animation Production Support Scheme organised by the HKDEA and sponsored by the CCIDA, namely 924 Studio Limited, Astro Heart Limited, Free-D Workshop, ManyMany Creations Ltd, Morph Workshop and Stepc, conducted exchanges with elite animation companies from all over the world. They took the opportunity to broaden their horizons, enhance their promotion to overseas practitioners and investors, and pursue more collaboration possibilities.

    The Animation Support Program, a government-funded project under the CSI, is now in its 12th edition. It focuses on supporting local start-ups and small animation companies and cultivating local animation talent. Over the years, it has assisted more than 250 local animation companies and enabled them to produce more than 270 original animation works. As a scheme under the FDF with the longest history and well-received by the film industry, the Film Production Financing Scheme aims to provide government financing for film productions with small-to-medium production budgets. As of the end of May 2025, approved films have received more than 150 local and international film awards.

    Ends/Thursday, June 12, 2025
    Issued at HKT 16:40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SITI to visit France and Netherlands

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SITI to visit France and NetherlandsIssued at HKT 15:00

    The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, will depart for a visit to France and the Netherlands this evening (June 12) to strengthen Hong Kong’s ties and co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with France and the Netherlands.

    Professor Sun will attend Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, and deliver a keynote speech on “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” at a seminar and networking reception organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. VivaTech, being held from June 11 to 14, is Europe’s annual start-up and technology event that brings together start-ups, tech leaders, corporates and investors to drive I&T and business collaboration.

    During the visit, Professor Sun will also meet with leaders of the local I&T sector as well as technology enterprises and tour the I&T and advanced manufacturing enterprises there.

    Professor Sun will return to Hong Kong on June 18. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, will be the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.

    Ends/Thursday, June 12, 2025
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Eclipse Foundation Launches the S-CORE Project: The Automotive Industry’s First Open Source Core Stack for Software-Defined Vehicles

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRUSSELS, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Eclipse Foundation, one of the world’s largest open source software foundations, today announced the upcoming 0.5 release of the Safety Open Vehicle Core (S-CORE) project, the first open source core software stack specifically designed for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). Targeting embedded high-performance Electronic Control Units (ECUs), S-CORE represents a significant milestone in the automotive industry’s transition toward open, community-driven software platforms.

    With support from a growing group of major industry leaders, including BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, ETAS, QNX, Qorix, and Accenture, the S-CORE project is building an open source foundation that allows automakers and suppliers to accelerate the development of next-generation automotive software, while allowing them to concentrate on building their own differentiated features and applications.

    “Open collaboration is key to managing complexity in modern vehicle software architectures,” said Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation. “With S-CORE, we’re providing developers with a reliable, safety-grade runtime environment that allows the industry to focus on innovation while reducing duplication of effort. This project offers the entire sector a jumpstart in building the custom solutions that will define the future of mobility.”

    Often described as “middleware,” S-CORE sits between the operating system and application layer, delivering core, non-differentiating services that all software-defined vehicles require. By providing a common set of baseline functions, such as application orchestration, inter-process communication (IPC), logging, and data persistence, S-CORE aims to streamline development, lower costs, and accelerate time-to-market for companies building software-defined vehicles.

    The 0.5 release, targeted for availability in October 2025, will mark the project’s first public milestone, providing an initial set of functional building blocks for industry adoption and feedback. The reference platform for this release will run on QNX SDP 8.0, which is available for non-commercial prototyping and experimentation via the company’s recently launched QNX Everywhere program. Additional operating system support, including Linux, is planned for future releases.

    In parallel, the S-CORE development process, currently under audit by a certification agency, aims to define a methodology for producing open source software suitable for safety-critical automotive standards such as ISO 26262.

    As software increasingly defines vehicle functionality, S-CORE’s open approach helps address one of the automotive industry’s most pressing challenges: developing complex, high-performance vehicle software that is safe, cost-effective, and scalable, while still allowing room for innovation. By enabling automakers, suppliers, and technology companies to collaborate on shared core components, S-CORE allows development teams to focus their efforts on areas that create the most value, such as differentiated features, enhanced customer experiences, and brand-defining innovations.

    Join the Eclipse SDV Community
    The Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) Working Group is a global hub for open source collaboration in automotive software. Our diverse membership of automakers, suppliers, and technology leaders is driving real-world innovation that is shaping the future of mobility. We provide an inclusive platform where companies of all sizes can contribute on equal footing. Learn more about participation opportunities at sdv.eclipse.org/membership.

    For additional details on the S-CORE project and its upcoming release, visit Eclipse Safe Open Vehicle Core

    About Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle
    Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle (SDV), a working group within the Eclipse Foundation, supports the open source development of cutting-edge automotive technologies that power the programmable vehicles of the future where software defines features, functionality, and operations. With over 50 members, including leading automotive manufacturers, global cloud providers, technology innovators, and key supply chain partners, the initiative has strong industry backing. The working group’s mission is to provide a collaborative forum for developing and promoting open source solutions tailored to the global automotive industry. Adopting a “code first” approach, Eclipse SDV focuses on building the industry’s first open source software stacks and associated tools that will support the core functionalities of next-generation vehicles.

    About the Eclipse Foundation
    The Eclipse Foundation provides our global community of individuals and organisations with a business-friendly environment for open source software collaboration and innovation. We host the Eclipse IDE, Adoptium, Software Defined Vehicle, Jakarta EE, and over 420 open source projects, including runtimes, tools, specifications, and frameworks for cloud and edge applications, IoT, AI, automotive, systems engineering, open processor designs, and many others. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the Eclipse Foundation is an international non-profit association supported by over 300 members. To learn more, follow us on social media @EclipseFdn, LinkedIn, or visit eclipse.org.
    Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    Media contacts:
    Schwartz Public Relations (Germany)
    Julia Rauch/Marita Bäumer
    Sendlinger Straße 42A
    80331 Munich
    EclipseFoundation@schwartzpr.de
    +49 (89) 211 871 -70/ -62

    514 Media Ltd (France, Italy, Spain)
    Benoit Simoneau
    benoit@514-media.com
    M: +44 (0) 7891 920 370

    Nichols Communications (Global Press Contact)
    Jay Nichols
    jay@nicholscomm.com
    +1 408-772-1551

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Request for clarification concerning France’s possible interference in the 2025 Romanian presidential election – P-002053/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002053/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    Following the recent presidential election in Romania, the runner-up, nationalist candidate George Simion, publicly made accusations of foreign interference. He spoke of external influence, in particular from France, which affected the conduct and fairness of the ballot.

    These statements have been backed up in remarks made by Valérie Hayer, Chair of Parliament’s Renew Europe Group, who admitted to having organised meetings in France for the Romanian diaspora to encourage them to vote[1].

    Furthermore, according to Pavel Durov, founder of the platform Telegram, there has been pressure coming from Paris to censor certain conservative Romanian voices. If these accusations prove to be true, it would pose a serious problem with regard to the principles of non-interference and democratic equality between candidates in a Member State or EU candidate country.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission been informed of such actions by French politicians or institutions?
    • 2.Do such initiatives align with the principles of neutrality and non-interference promoted by the EU?
    • 3.Will it request official explanations from the French authorities or open an independent investigation to assess the impact of these incidences on the electoral process in Romania?

    Submitted: 21.5.2025

    • [1] https://x.com/franceinfo/status/1921096329398190324
    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need for sanctions and embargo on the sale of military equipment in response to Türkiye’s threats to invade Cyprus – E-001809/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU is fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the United Nations (UN) agreed framework, in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis. It remains crucial that Türkiye commits and actively contributes to such a peaceful settlement, including its external aspects.

    As per the conclusions of the Special European Council of 17-18 April 2024, the EU attaches particular importance to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation[1].

    As per latest Council conclusions on Enlargement, welcoming the recent steps taken by the UN Secretary-General towards a resumption of settlement talks, the EU remains ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal[2]. These messages are continuously communicated to Turkish authorities.

    The EU remains committed to continue cooperation in areas of common interest on the basis of an equal commitment on Türkiye’s side to advance on a path of cooperation and de-escalation.

    Concerning restrictive measures, under Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union[3], it is strictly the prerogative of the Council, through its Member States, to take, with unanimity, decisions to adopt, renew or lift sanctions regimes.

    The EU will continue to call on Türkiye to comply with its international obligations, and with the EU values, as a candidate country for EU accession.

    It should be recalled that accession negotiations with the country remain at a standstill since 2018, in line with the decision of the Council[4].

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf.
    • [2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:25_1.
    • [4] ‘35. The Council notes that Turkey has been moving further away from the European Union. Turkey’s accession negotiations have therefore effectively come to a standstill and no further chapters can be considered for opening or closing and no further work towards the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union is foreseen’, Brussels, 26 June 2018 (OR. en) 10555/1.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Türkiye’s violation of Cyprus’s sovereignty – E-001827/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU is fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the United Nations (UN) agreed framework, in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis.

    It remains crucial that Türkiye commits and actively contributes to such a peaceful settlement, including its external aspects. As per the conclusions of the Special European Council of 17-18 April 2024, the EU attaches particular importance to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation[1].

    As per the Council conclusions on Enlargement of 2024, welcoming the recent steps taken by the UN Secretary-General towards a resumption of settlement talks, the EU remains ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal[2]. These messages are continuously communicated to the Turkish authorities.

    Concerning restrictive measures, under Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union, it is strictly the prerogative of the Council of the EU, through its Member States, to take, with unanimity, decisions to adopt, renew or lift sanctions regimes.

    The EU will continue to call on Türkiye to comply with its international obligations, and with the EU values, as a candidate country for EU accession.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf.
    • [2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.
    Last updated: 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ‘I thought we’d arrived at a town rather than a hospital’

    Source: European Investment Bank

    From as early as 4 years old we knew that our daughter, Josephine, would most likely need an operation to correct her scoliosis. The thought of the procedure, which involves screwing metal rods into the vertebrae down most of the spine to straighten it out, filled us with terror. We did everything to avoid it — physical therapy twice a week, horse-riding, swimming, and even an innovative dynamic spine brace that was much more comfortable than the traditional hard braces.

    But after the pandemic disrupted travel to London for her regular brace adjustments, the scoliosis got worse and even the classic hard brace that went down to her hips did nothing. When it became clear that surgery was the only option to stop the S-shaped curve of her spine getting worse and compressing her organs, we set out to find the best orthopaedic surgeon. We met several excellent surgeons in Brussels before trying UZ Leuven, a university hospital about 30 kilometres east of Brussels in Flanders.

    With roots that trace back to 1160, UZ Leuven is one of the largest and oldest teaching hospitals in Europe. KU Leuven, the 600-year-old university to which it is attached, is the oldest in the low countries and considered the most prestigious in Belgium. Turning off the motorway and seeing the massive campus for the first time, I thought we’d arrived at a town rather than a hospital. Impressed by the doctor and the facilities, and relieved that the staff were happy to communicate in English and French, we chose to go ahead with the procedure.

    Some months later in 2024, when my daughter was recovering from her successful operation in the new paediatric wing, I remember looking around at the great facilities, which included a rooftop playground, and a well-appointed playroom with events for patients led by staff, and thinking, “I wonder if this place has had EIB funding? It looks like the sort of thing we’d do…”

    I didn’t know at the time that the Bank would soon sign a €230 million loan to help fund the hospital’s Health Sciences Campus 2.0 Masterplan. This gave me the chance to write about the plan and have many of my own questions answered about the whole hospital.

    Yes, the building that my daughter spent five days in had received EIB funding. The paediatric wing was financed in part with a €325 million loan from the Bank in 2008 under the first phase of the university hospital’s redevelopment. The new loan signed in 2025 is for the second phase of that vision.

    In his office. Dr Wim Tambeur, operations director at UZ Leuven, explained the hospital’s Health Sciences Master Plan. “About 20 years ago, we started to think about and redefine our vision of what a university hospital should be and how we envisioned our role,” he says.

    “We clearly said that a university hospital is quite unique in its setting because it creates innovation by R&D. We should invent better healthcare and better healthcare models, implement them in daily care, and teach the innovation to our students.”

    UZ Leuven is not just a hospital campus but a “city of innovation” integrating clinical care, research, and teaching, he said.

    This approach is reflected in many ways that we noticed during our stay. Our daughter’s doctor, for example, was also a professor at KU Leuven. “A lot of our medical staff are also appointed as professors at the university, so that already creates close interaction,” explained Dr Tambeur. “The real innovation is that our research is really focused on how we can improve clinical practice.”

    As a practical example, Dr Tambeur pointed to the nuclear medicine building on the campus, which will be expanded with funding from the new loan as one part of the plan. The centre develops specialised radioactive molecules for scans that help doctors in the hospital and scientists from the pharmaceutical industry with which they work to get a precise view of the targets where drugs are working in the body. Such molecules have very short lifespans so need to be produced on site to reduce transport times.

    Back at the paediatric wing where my daughter stayed was another great example of how the university hospital combines clinical research with innovation in patient care. The hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit has a unique design in which each baby gets its own quiet little room where parents and family can visit.  

    Typically, neonatal units, such as the one where my daughter spent five weeks after being born in Brussels, are like busy intensive care wards for adults with bright lights and machines constantly beeping. Access even for families is tightly controlled to limit crowding.

    “Neonatal care has improved dramatically in recent decades but has become a lot more intensive,” says Dr Tambeur. “The babies are so surrounded by technical equipment you can barely see them and all the noise and activity is very disturbing for them.”

    Dr Tambeur’s ward is designed in concentric circles, with a bay of individual rooms around a central staffing zone and an outer ring of rooms where brothers, sisters, grandparents and so can visit. “It allows for a lot of family involvement without disturbing the care processes,” he says. “And the monitors beep at the nurse’s station rather than the baby’s bed.”

    Health outcomes for the newborns seem to have improved and the neonatal care department is studying the long term effects of the new care process design, says Dr Tambeur.

    About one year on from the operation, Josephine, who is 15, is rid of her brace, her back is straight, her scar is discreet, and she’s four centimetres taller. We’ve been back to UZ Leuven several times and each time I feel proud to know that the European Investment Bank supports this kind of project.     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong headed to Europe

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart for a visit to France and the Netherlands this evening to strengthen Hong Kong’s ties and co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with the two countries.

    Prof Sun will attend Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, and deliver a keynote speech on “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” at a seminar and networking reception organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

    VivaTech, being held from June 11 to 14, is Europe’s annual startup and technology event that brings together startups, tech leaders, corporates and investors to drive I&T and business collaboration.

    During the visit, Prof Sun will also meet leaders of the local I&T sector as well as technology enterprises and tour the I&T and advanced manufacturing enterprises there.

    Prof Sun will return to Hong Kong on June 18. During his absence, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Shaping the EU Anti-Fraud landscape: OLAF’s Helsinki Conference gathers specialists from all Member States

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Press release no. 15/2025
    PDF version  

    More than 100 anti-fraud experts from across the European Union met this week in Finland for the 2025 Helsinki OLAF Conference aimed at defining the next chapter in EU anti-fraud action. Organised by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) on 11-12 June, the event brought together representatives from EU Member States’ Anti-Fraud Coordination Services as well as key EU bodies involved in protecting the Union’s financial interests.

    This year’s conference offered a unique platform to discuss policy and operational challenges in fighting fraud and irregularities affecting EU expenditure. Opening speeches were delivered by Ville Itälä, OLAF Director-General, and Riikka Purra, Finland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, highlighting the strategic importance of effective fraud prevention and detection.

    A particular highlight of the conference was a discussion on the future of the EU Anti-Fraud Architecture, led by OLAF Deputy Director-General Salla Saastamoinen. The panel brought together senior representatives from OLAF and other Commission services, Europol, and Eurojust to examine how the anti-fraud framework must evolve to tackle increasingly complex and cross-border threats. 

    Ville Itälä, OLAF Director-General, said: “We gather just before the Commission presents its proposals for the next multi-annual financial framework.  This conference is about building a shared vision for how we protect the EU’s financial interests in an increasingly complex environment. Fraud is evolving, and so must we. Cooperation should be the cornerstone of our response. OLAF plays a unique role at the intersection of policy, investigation and coordination, bringing together institutions and Member States to ensure that EU funds are protected and, if necessary, recovered to the Union budget.”

    The conference also featured panel discussions and interactive workshops covering a wide range of topics, from the protection of Cohesion Policy and Recovery and Resilience Facility funds, to the use of Artificial Intelligence in administrative investigations, and exploring the advent of increasingly performance-based EU funding instruments. It addressed emerging risks, such as money laundering linked to EU funding and conflicts of interest in fund management.

    By gathering operational and policy-level anti-fraud professionals in person, the 2025 OLAF Conference set out to prepare all EU actors for dealing with an evolving financial framework and new financial instruments being rolled out in a context of ever more complex digital and international fraud challenges.

    OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
    OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.    

    OLAF fulfils its mission by:
    •    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
    •    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
    •    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

    In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
    •    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
    •    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
    •    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

    Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

    For further details:

    Pierluigi CATERINO
    Spokesperson
    European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
    Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
    https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu

    LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    X: x.com/EUAntiFraud
    Bluesky: euantifraud.bsky.social

    If you’re a journalist and you wish to receive our press releases in your inbox, please leave us your contact data.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Largest amphibious exercise on Braunton Burrows since WW2

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Largest amphibious exercise on Braunton Burrows since WW2

    Exercise Catamaran brought together more than 3,000 personnel from several NATO allies to carry out training on the North Devon coast.

    Personnel from several NATO allies took part in the exercise. Copyright: MOD Crown Copyright.

    The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has enabled a major multi-national training exercise alongside NATO allies on Braunton Burrows Training Area, demonstrating its crucial role in supporting military capability.  

    Exercise Catamaran ran between 30 May and 7 June, bringing together military personnel from France, the UK, Brazil, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the US. Royal Marines from 40 and 47 Commando led British involvement in the exercise.  

    It is the largest amphibious exercise of this scale to have been conducted on the training area since it was used by US troops in 1943 to rehearse for the D-Day landings on Utah and Omaha beaches.  

    Ex Catamaran formed part of the wider French-led POLARIS 25 exercise, a month-long training exercise which sees more than 3,000 military personnel from allied nations working on warfighting skills together. The amphibious exercise involved more than 20 surface ships and 40 aircraft in the Atlantic and the Channel and included landing exercises taking place on the beach at Braunton Burrows. 

    Braunton Burrows Training Area is home to one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK and offers a unique place to train.  

    DIO’s Overseas and Training team played an important part in planning and facilitating the exercise. The Foreign Forces team acted as the liaison between the French exercise planners and the Ministry of Defence. They provided expert advice on how the training area could be best utilised to meet training objectives, ensuring that all partners were informed and engaged. 

    Alongside that, Braunton Burrows’ Deputy Training Safety Officer led safety briefings for military personnel, flexibly supported training requirements and ensured a safe place to train was maintained, carefully managing the balance between military training and public access on the area. This technical guidance proved crucial in developing realistic training scenarios that couldn’t be replicated elsewhere in the UK.  

    Braunton Burrows: Enabling Exercise Catamaran

    Brigadier Gavin Hatcher CBE, DIO’s Head of Overseas and Training Region, said:  

    As custodians of the Defence Training Estate, DIO proudly provides a safe and high-quality environment for our Armed Forces and allies to train. While we enable and support important military training year-round, the scale and complexity of Exercise Catamaran has really showcased the versatility and diversity of what we can facilitate.  

    My team has been working closely with the French military for some time to meticulously plan this phase of the exercise on Braunton Burrows Training Area. It has been great to see this collaboration brought to fruition this week with UK military personnel training alongside our allies as they prepare for potential deployments.

    Major Martyn Heenan, Royal Marines, said:  

    Braunton Burrows and the amphibious training it allows is so important as it is one of the most complex operations you can carry out and there’s very few places you can do it. It allows the allied nations involved in this exercise to get onto the same space in a challenging area and work together, which is very difficult to do anywhere else in the world.  

    It’s been a long planning process but DIO have been there all the way through, be it the Foreign Forces team, the Training Safety Officers or the regional commanders, they have really helped with the planning and delivering everything to make this a success.

    Braunton Burrows has to remain accessible to the public at all times, and the site’s Deputy Training Safety Officer conducts careful planning and continuous monitoring alongside colleagues from our industry partner, Landmarc, to ensure military activities can go ahead safely without endangering personnel or members of the public.  

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden launches its XMC Ethernet switch card, a cybersecure and sovereign solution for critical environments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden launches its XMC Ethernet switch card, a cybersecure and sovereign solution for critical environments

    Paris, France – June 12, 2025 – Eviden, the Atos Group product brand leading in advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI today announces the availability of a cybersecure and sovereign Ethernet switching solution, the XMC1Ethernet switch card, specifically designed for mission-critical environments. This innovative solution uses a protocol break of communications to achieve the security and independence of critical communication systems.

    Designed and manufactured in France, this XMC-format Ethernet switch card is a sovereign alternative to market offerings. It is produced at Eviden’s Aix-en-Provence site in France by teams with expertise in mission-critical systems. It complements Eviden’s range of MLS Gateway solutions, which are multi-level security gateways designed for two-way communications between networks of different classifications.

    Eviden’s new XMC Ethernet switch card is designed to protect data effectively. It incorporates powerful protection mechanisms that filter information, detect issues, and report anomalies to ensure secure and reliable transmission.

    Coupled with the CPU card2 of a critical system, Eviden’s XMC Ethernet switch card is configurable, allowing systems to evolve. It offers the ability to partition data between open and secure environments that require a break in protocol for security and confidentiality reasons.

    The card can be integrated on the mezzanine level with third-party embedded computers (air-land, naval or land-based) as well as with Eviden’s multi-level gateway solutions (MLS Gateway).

    Designed for the highest levels of criticality, Eviden’s XMC Ethernet switch card supports multiple protocols3 and is compatible with the AFDX standard4, enabling seamless integration into existing avionics systems. It is also DO-254 DAL A certifiable5 and developed in accordance with standards that support certification to the CC EAL 4+ level6. It incorporates technology from Cetrac.io, a specialist in hardware switching technologies and a partner of Eviden.

    Bernard Payer, Head of Mission-Critical Systems at Eviden, Atos Group, said: “Eviden’s XMC Ethernet switch card is a fusion of technologies designed to guarantee the security and compartmentalization of critical information flows without reliance on foreign technologies or operators. Our next-generation Ethernet switching solution provides operators in mission-critical environments with a sovereign solution in their hands, reflecting the know-how of our teams. I am particularly proud to announce the availability of this solution.”

    Eviden’s XMC Ethernet switch card will be presented at SIAE, June 16-22, booth Avantix S3, GIFAS pavilion, hall 2B C140.

    ***

    About Eviden

    Eviden is the Atos Group brand for hardware and software products with c. € 1 billion in revenue, operating in 36 countries and comprising four business units: advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI. As a next-generation technology leader, Eviden offers a unique combination of hardware and software technologies for businesses, public sector and defense organizations and research institutions, helping them to create value out of their data. Bringing together 4,200 world-class talents and holding more than 2,100 patents, Eviden provides a strong portfolio of innovative and eco-efficient solutions in AI, computing, security, data and applications.

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Isabelle Grangé | isabelle.grange@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

    1 XMC: Mezzanine Card switch. A mezzanine board is a secondary electronic board (or daughter board) that, when connected to a main board (or motherboard), allows the addition of specific features to a computer or embedded system, without changing the basic architecture.
    2 CPU: Central Processing Unit
    3 UDP, TCP, ICMP, ARP, IP
    4 AFDX : Avionics Full Duplex switched Ethernet
    5 DO 254 DAL A: the highest criticality level according to the DAL (Design Assurance Level) which categorizes software according to the potential impact of its failures on the safety of aeronautical systems.
    6 CC EAL 4+: Common Criteria Level 4 evaluation system “methodically designed, tested and verified.”

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Enters Final Presale Phase With $3.8M Raised Ahead of July Launch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTC-S sets sights on 2025 wealth creation with dual-consensus architecture, 100K+ TPS, and smart staking rewards With under eight weeks left before its public launch, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) has crossed a major milestone in its presale: over $3.8 million raised and more than 11,000 early adopters onboarded. Priced at $7 in its current phase and scheduled to launch at $20, BTC-S is quickly positioning itself as one of the most anticipated blockchain projects of 2025.

    More than just another token, Bitcoin Solaris introduces a next-generation blockchain infrastructure built to scale, incentivize participation, and power real utility. The network is designed around a hybrid consensus model—combining SHA-256 Proof-of-Work (PoW) with Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS)—to deliver both robust security and speed.

    We’re creating a high-throughput, inclusive ecosystem where users can earn rewards based on real contribution, not just capital.” said a core developer from the Bitcoin Solaris team.

    Key Features Now Live or In Development:

    • Block Times: 15 seconds for fast confirmations
    • Transactions Per Second: Capable of 100,000+
    • Validator Rotation: Every 24 hours to maximize decentralization
    • Energy Use: 99.95% lower than traditional PoW networks
    • Accessibility: Full support for web, desktop, and mobile wallets

    Momentum Is Building—And the Numbers Prove It

    Bitcoin Solaris is now in Phase 7 of its presale, and the pace is accelerating:

    • Over $3.8 million raised
    • More than 11,000 users joined
    • Current price: $7, next phase: $8, launch: $20
    • Less than 8 weeks left until full allocation closes

    Investors aren’t just responding to price action—they’re reacting to the fundamentals. In a detailed breakdown, 2Bit Crypto highlighted the technical edge and performance roadmap that’s turning heads across the space.

    Early Bitcoin Changed Lives—BTC-S Is the Second Chance

    How Bitcoin Solaris Will Make People Rich

    BTC-S isn’t just for holding—it’s for building wealth through participation.

    • 40% of rewards go to miners on the Base Layer
    • 25% to validators on the Solaris Layer
    • 20% to stakers
    • 10% reserved for development
    • 5% supports the community

    Rewards scale with your contribution—factoring in time held, task complexity, and even device capability. The more value you provide, the more the network gives back. It’s built to distribute—not concentrate—wealth.

    A Glimpse Into the Road Ahead

    Bitcoin Solaris isn’t just a plan—it’s executing on a timeline that’s already underway.

    After launching its token and whitepaper in Q2 2025, the project moved quickly into community building and core protocol development. By early 2026, the testnet will go live, validator tools will be deployed, and bridge integration with Solana will be finalized.

    The full mainnet rollout is scheduled for Q3 2026, accompanied by exchange listings, governance tools, and major enterprise partnerships. Following that, DApp expansion, a decentralized exchange, and institutional adoption will take center stage heading into 2027 and beyond.

    This roadmap isn’t years away—it’s happening now.

    Audited, Battle-Tested, and Ready for Growth

    All BTC-S smart contracts have been fully audited and passed inspection. You can verify the full audit reports via Cyberscope and Freshcoins. Built in Rust and optimized for scale, these contracts support everything from DeFi and synthetic assets to NFTs, tokenized systems, and cross-chain functionality.

    Community conversations are already heating up on Telegram and X, where early adopters are lining up for what could be the most significant wealth-building crypto in years.

    The Window Is Narrow. The Potential Is Massive.

    Bitcoin’s early millionaires were defined by timing. Now, Bitcoin Solaris offers a similar setup—only this time with faster tech, greater utility, and a presale window that’s still open. If history really does rhyme, 2025 could be remembered as the year BTC-S redefined what it means to be early in crypto.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
     Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
     X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact

    Xander Levine

    press@bitcoinsolaris.com

    Press Kit: Available upon request

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34571973-5a21-4812-b4ad-84423a1e5a7a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c145344-816a-4bc0-9cb8-cc986471c66b

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0858913e-4cca-4d85-9d6c-ad4f83d3e182

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aa8c62a5-c0a1-4e28-a5cb-d85540ecd6ef

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NPT Safeguards Agreement with Iran: Resolution to the IAEA Board of Governors, June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    NPT Safeguards Agreement with Iran: Resolution to the IAEA Board of Governors, June 2025

    France, Germany, the UK and United States (the Quad) delivered a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board meeting introducing a resolution on Iran’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement.

    Thank you, Chair.

    On behalf of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, we express our sincere gratitude to Director General Grossi and to his team for their patient and exhaustive efforts to verify Iran’s implementation of its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement required under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and to clarify the critical safeguards issues that have been outstanding for more than six years. Unfortunately, as a result of Iran’s long-time failure to cooperate in resolving these issues, the Agency is not able to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.

    Since 2019, Iran has had every opportunity to provide the required, technically credible explanations in response to the IAEA’s questions, which relate to Iran’s core legal obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Regrettably, though, Iran has again refused to engage constructively with the IAEA to provide such explanations, despite multiple requests by the Board to do so since 2020.

    Now, at this Board’s request, Director General Grossi has produced a comprehensive and updated assessment of the possible presence or use of undeclared nuclear material in connection with past and present outstanding issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program, addressing the Agency’s ability to verify Iran’s implementation of its safeguards obligations.

    The Director General’s report speaks for itself in describing the full extent of the outstanding safeguards issues in Iran, their connection with Iran’s past nuclear activities, and Iran’s extensive record of obstruction, concealment, deception, and obfuscation in its approach to the work of the IAEA and the implementation of its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

    The report makes clear that:

    Iran has refused to declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran.

    Until the early 2000s, those locations and possibly others formed part of Iran’s undeclared structured nuclear program.

    Iran retained, at Turquzabad, up until 2018, unknown nuclear material and/or heavily contaminated equipment and other assets arising from various locations, the whereabouts of which remain unknown to the Agency.

    These locations, as well as several others, were sanitized through various means, including the wholesale demolition of buildings, at key times in the IAEA’s investigation and despite direct requests by the Agency to preserve them.

    In addition, the Director General’s report underscores that:

    Iran is the only country that is not meeting its obligations related to the implementation of the modified Code 3.1, which it accepted in 2003, even as Iran talks openly about constructing new nuclear facilities. As the Agency has recalled multiple times, the modified Code 3.1 is a legal obligation for Iran under the Subsidiary Arrangements to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Iran cannot unilaterally modify or suspend implementation of these Subsidiary Arrangements.

    Iran is the only State in the world without nuclear weapons that is producing and accumulating uranium enriched to 60%, which has potential proliferation implications.

    There have been repeated statements by former high-level officials in Iran related to Iran having the capability to manufacture nuclear weapons, which continue to provide concerns.

    The report’s overall assessment is alarming: as a result of Iran’s failure to cooperate with the IAEA, the Director General cannot rule out that nuclear material remains unaccounted for and outside of safeguards in Iran today and he cannot provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. These serious findings should give all of us pause.

    Chair,

    Given the issues reported by the Director General and Iran’s ongoing failure to cooperate with the IAEA, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and United States are bringing forward a resolution for the Board’s consideration finding Iran in noncompliance with its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Our resolution contains the following main points:

    First, it expresses continued, strong support for the Agency’s professional and impartial efforts in carrying out its mandate to verify the implementation of Iran’s safeguards obligations.

    Second, it deeply regrets that Iran has failed to co-operate fully with the Agency, as required by its safeguards agreement.

    Third, it finds Iran in non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement with the Agency in the context of Article XII.C of the Agency’s Statute.

    Fourth, it also finds that the Director General’s inability to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, consistent with Article III.B.4 of the Agency’s Statute.

    Fifth, it calls upon Iran to urgently remedy its non-compliance with its Safeguards Agreement by taking all steps deemed necessary by the Agency and the Board, and reaffirms its decision that Iran must urgently act to ensure verification of the non-diversion of nuclear material and abide by its legal obligation to implement modified Code 3.1.

    Chair,

    The resolution defers the timing and content of the report that the Board is required to take pursuant to the IAEA Statute. We hope that Iran takes this final opportunity to provide full and immediate cooperation with the IAEA so that the Director General can report that these matters have been clarified and resolved, and so that the Board can swiftly consider action to find that Iran’s non-compliance has been remedied.

    We do not take this step lightly. The Board of Governors has given Iran every opportunity over the past six years to resolve questions related to undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran. We firmly believe that all IAEA Member States must work together to uphold the integrity of the IAEA safeguards system and the broader nuclear nonproliferation regime, and this shared responsibility includes holding states accountable to their obligations under their NPT-required safeguards agreements. Simply put: the facts are clear, the legal basis is ironclad, and the action is long overdue. That is why we strongly urge all Board members to support this important resolution.

    We understand there are questions about how this resolution may impact separate, ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran. The IAEA Statute is clear on the Board’s authority to act and find non-compliance when a state is not complying with its obligations under its safeguards agreement. Iran’s legally binding obligation to implement its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement cannot be subject to separate political considerations. This resolution will not undermine diplomatic efforts with Iran – it will only strengthen them. It underscores the importance of Iran’s full cooperation with the IAEA, and its full implementation of its legal safeguards obligations, as the necessary foundation for any enduring agreement that addresses international concerns related to Iran’s nuclear activities. The Director General’s comprehensive report echoes this essential point.

    We also regret that Iran, instead of providing the full cooperation required by its safeguards agreement, has continued to threaten escalation and confrontation. However, let us be clear: this resolution is not an act of escalation by the Board; it is an acknowledgement of the legal and factual reality of Iran’s noncompliance with its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement after many years of concerted effort by the Director General and the Secretariat to resolve fundamental questions related to undeclared nuclear materials and activities in Iran. It is not the Board that is forcing this step on Iran, but Iran who is forcing this step on the Board.

    Chair,

    The Board cannot be intimidated into inaction by Iran’s threats. A failure to act would only embolden Iran’s continued non-cooperation and escalation. Iran has an opportunity it can and should seize – an opportunity to cooperate meaningfully with the IAEA to finally answer the serious and longstanding questions raised by the Director General.

    With these thoughts, we encourage all members of this Board to join us today in upholding the nonproliferation regime.

    Thank you, Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oceans 28 states have signed the Global Ocean Treaty into law while the UK is failing to get onboard The European Commission and six EU countries, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia, have today submitted their ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations headquarters. Despite… by Alexandra Sedgwick May 28, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    The European Commission and six EU countries, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia, have today submitted their ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty at the United Nations headquarters. Despite repeated promises to sign the Treaty into UK law, the UK government is failing to get onboard. 

    Greenpeace is warning that, while the progress from other European countries is welcome, it is nowhere near enough to ensure the treaty enters into force in 2025, and in time to meet the goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 – agreed by all governments in 2022[1]. 

    The UK was among the first countries to sign the Global Ocean Treaty on 20 September 2023, indicating its intention to pass the Treaty into UK law. The current Labour government has repeatedly said it intends to ratify the Treaty, but has so far failed to introduce the necessary primary legislation to do so or to commit to a timeline. This has prompted calls from the International Development Committee and environmental groups to begin the legislative process urgently. Responsibility for this process lies with Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

    Chris Thorne, Greenpeace UK senior ocean campaigner, said:

    “David Lammy wants the UK to be a leader on climate and nature, so he can’t afford to miss the boat on signing the Global Ocean Treaty into UK law. The Treaty can help to protect a third of our blue planet from threats like industrial fishing. As international action on ocean protection accelerates, the UK risks turning up empty handed at a key UN conference next month. Lammy must stop failing the ocean which all life on Earth depends on, prioritise ocean protection and urgently secure parliamentary time for the UK to join other European countries in signing the Treaty into law. We hear legislation has been drafted and is ready to go, it just needs pushing over the line.”

    The Global Ocean Treaty requires ratification by 60 states to enter into force. Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia have joined the 22 other states that have already deposited their ratification at the UN, making a total of 28 so far, nearly half of the 60 required. Governments had aimed to ratify the Treaty by June’s UN Ocean Conference to ensure that it enters into force quickly enough to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030. This Treaty is the only legal tool which can deliver this target on the high seas[2].

    Lukas Meus, Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe ocean campaigner, said:
    “It gives us hope to see such a large group of European countries ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty, but it’s still not enough. Governments had targeted the UN Ocean Conference as their deadline to ratify the Treaty, but even with this group of countries, that target is set to be missed. More countries must ratify the Treaty at the UN Ocean Conference, and should also confirm their support for a global moratorium on deep sea mining. Only then could we call this conference a success.”

    The UN Ocean Conference is the first high-level meeting after a deep sea mining company submitted the first-ever application to mine the deep sea to the US Government, bypassing the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep sea mining can start in the international seabed[3].

    With this new looming threat of exploitation, countries must make it clear that deep sea mining must not be allowed to start in 2025 and actively work towards securing a moratorium at the upcoming meeting of the International Seabed Authority in July, just weeks after the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC). 

    Greenpeace UK is calling on the UK government to:

    • Prioritise ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty by making time in the parliamentary schedule ahead of UNOC
    • Speak out in favour of a global moratorium on deep sea mining and use diplomatic influence to build support for this and the multilateral system
    • Implement a full ban on all forms of destructive fishing, including bottom trawling, in all UK marine protected areas
    • Work with the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda and other nations to champion one of the world’s first high seas sanctuaries in the Sargasso Sea. This stunning ecosystem supports a plethora of iconic wildlife including humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles

    Ends

    Contact

    Alexandra Sedgwick, Greenpeace UK press officer, alexandra.sedgwick@greenpeace.org, 07739 963 301

    Notes to editors

    [1] Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal and Slovenia have joined Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Cuba, Maldives, Singapore, Bangladesh, Barbados, Timor Leste, Panama, St. Lucia, Spain, France, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Republic of Korea and Costa Rica.

    [2] In 2022, during the UN Biodiversity COP15, states agreed on a target of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030, a figure supported by scientists for several years. 2.7% of the global ocean is currently fully or highly protected from human activities, and the figure is just 0.9% for areas of the high seas, which are beyond national jurisdiction. Greenpeace calculates that at the current rate of protection, the 30% target will not be reached until 2107.

    [3] In a media statement, the European Commission has said that it “deeply regrets” the US president’s Executive Order that “circumvents” the negotiations in the ISA, and that “it is crucial to recall that its provisions reflect customary international law and are thus binding on all states irrespective of whether they have acceded to the Convention or not.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace Indonesia calls for stronger civil collaborations as government ratifies Global Ocean Treaty

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nice/Jakarta, June 11, 2025 – Greenpeace Indonesia welcomes the Indonesian government decision to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty, also known as Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The decision was announced by Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono in Nice, France, on June 10, during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) [1].

    Moving forward, Greenpeace Indonesia urges the government to strengthen its leadership to increasingly mainstream a human rights-based approach in all protection and management efforts for the sustainable future of the ocean, both within and outside the national territory, in line win line with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

    Greenpeace Indonesia also encourages the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant institutions to be more proactive in ensuring Indonesia’s readiness for the implementation–especially once the Global Ocean Treaty will be in force within 120 days after at least 60 countries have ratified it.

    Afdillah, Greenpeace Indonesia Ocean Campaign Team Lead:

    “This is a momentum to ensure that the 5 Priority Blue Economy Programs initiated by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries are implemented effectively by ensuring meaningful multi-stakeholder participation, transparency, stronggenuine sustainability and fairness.”

    Arifsyah Nasution, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Ocean Campaigner and Global Lead for Beyond Seafood Campaign:

    “Congratulations to Indonesia for becoming the 50th country globally and the 4th in the Southeast Asia region, after Singapore, Timor Leste and Vietnam, to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty. We really look forward to welcoming more countries in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region to follow suit.”

    “Aside from the BBNJ, a number of civil society elements and labor movements have also been urging the government to immediately ratify ILO Convention 188 on Work in Fishing [3]. Ratification of C-188 is urgent so that decent working conditions and the rights of Indonesian fishing crews, both those working on Indonesian-flagged fishing vessels and on foreign-flagged fishing vessels outside the Indonesian fisheries management area, can be increasingly protected. This is also a form of commitment and effort to implement effective and progressive policies, a real manifestation of Indonesia’s exemplary diplomacy in the international arena.”

    Notes for Editors:

    [1] Indonesia’s Declaration at UNOC3 on June 10, 2025, by the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries

    Contact Person:

    Vela Andapita, Global Communications Coordinator for Beyond Seafood Campaign at Greenpeace Southeast Asia, +62-817-5759-449, [email protected]

    Afdillah, Greenpeace Indonesia Ocean Campaign Team Lead, +62-811-4704-730, [email protected]

    Arifsyah Nasution, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Ocean Campaigner and Global Lead for Beyond Seafood Campaign, +62-811-400-350, [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “Nice Declaration” for an ambitious plastics treaty: the wake up call the world needs

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nice, France – Over 90 member states at the United Nations Ocean Conference today announced their support to the ministerial declaration “The Nice wake up call for an ambitious plastics treaty” which includes a call for the adoption of a global target to reduce the production and consumption of plastic. 

    In response, Graham Forbes, Greenpeace Head of Delegation to the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and Global Plastics Campaign Lead at Greenpeace USA, said: “The Nice Declaration, signed by an overwhelming majority of countries, is the wake-up call the world needs. Governments are finally saying the quiet part out loud: we cannot end plastic pollution without cutting plastic production. Full stop.

    “The Nice Declaration tackles the root cause of the crisis, which is the ever-growing, reckless production of plastics driven by fossil fuel giants. The message to industry lobbyists is loud and clear: the health of our children is more important than your bottom line.”

    “We welcome the call for a legally binding global cap on plastic production, and real rules to phase out the most toxic plastic products and chemicals. For too long, treaty talks have been stuck in circular conversations while plastic pollution chokes our oceans, poisons our bodies, and fuels the climate crisis.

    “But this statement only matters if countries back it up with action this August in Geneva at INC-5.2. That means no voluntary nonsense, no loopholes, and no surrender to fossil fuel and petrochemical interests. We need a treaty with teeth—one that slashes plastic production, holds polluters accountable, and protects people on the frontlines.”

    ENDS

    Notes:

    A statement, signed by 234 civil society organisations, was also released in support of the Nice declaration. 

    Contact:

    Angelica Carballo Pago, Global Plastics Campaign Media Lead, Greenpeace USA, [email protected] , +63 917 1124492

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: France spent €90,000 to discredit the impact of Pacific nuclear testing – Greenpeace response

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Paris, France – New documents obtained by investigative outlet Disclose suggests that France spent €90,000 to discredit research into the impacts of its nuclear testing in the Pacific. In response: 

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said:

    “This act by France is not just a denial of truth — it is an insult to generations who continue to live with the radioactive legacy of these experiments. From the scarred atolls of the Marshall Islands to the irradiated lands of Maohi Nui (French Polynesia), our people carry the enduring fallout of nuclear colonialism – cancers, displacement, environmental devastation, deaths, and loss of generations. Instead of reckoning with its past, France chooses to fund distraction over accountability, image over integrity. This is not the act of a nation seeking justice — it is the act of a nation running from it. The Pacific does not forget and our people will not be silenced. No amount of money can erase the truth written into our Pacific families’ bodies, our lands, and our histories.”

    Pauline Boyer, energy campaigner and nuclear expert at Greenpeace France said: 

    “This is a shamelessly ramped up disinformation campaign by the CEA [France’s Atomic Energy Commission]. Nuclear proponents continue to defend the law of silence at all costs when it comes to the victims of civilian and military nuclear industries. It’s high time the CEA, as well as the French government, acknowledged the facts with transparency and honesty: they deliberately chose to expose populations and their land to radioactive fallout and contamination from French nuclear bomb explosions. Underestimating the number of victims and the extent of the devastating impact on the health of civilian and military populations, in order to reduce the number of compensation claims and minimize this dark chapter in history, is utterly indecent. All the more that France’s choice of the Pacific islands for these nuclear explosions clearly follows a colonialist logic”.

    Last month, a new study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IEER) and commissioned by Greenpeace Germany, revealed that US nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands from 1946-1958 had impacted all atolls, but only three of the 24 atolls, all northern and inhabited at the time of radioactive fallout, received medical cancer screening.

    In July, Greenpeace and the Rainbow Warrior will mark the 40 year anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior I by the French secret service, who were attempting to halt Greenpeace’s campaign against nuclear testing in French Polynesia (Maohi Nui) at the time.  

    ENDS

    A collection of archival images of the Rainbow Warrior bombing can be found in the Greenpeace Media Library. Other archival images of Greenpeace protests against French nuclear testing can also be found in the Library.

    Contacts:

    Mary Chevallier, energy and nuclear comms, Greenpeace France, +33(0)614739229, [email protected]

    Shuk-Wah Chung, Communications Lead – Marshall Islands project, Greenpeace International, (+852) 5420 4186, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: O2 Czech Republic deploys Nokia 5G Standalone Core to deliver advanced network services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    O2 Czech Republic deploys Nokia 5G Standalone Core to deliver advanced network services

    • Nokia 5G Standalone Core to drive greater services and reliability for O2 Czech Republic subscribers, in addition to new revenue streams for the operator.
    • O2 Czech Republic is the first operator in the country to deploy 5G SA.

    12 June 2025
    Espoo, Finland – O2 Czech Republic has deployed Nokia 5G Standalone (SA) Core software in a move that will enable the country’s biggest operator to offer advanced 5G services, like slicing, that deliver a better customer experience. O2 Czech Republic is the first operator in the country to deploy 5G SA. The rollout strengthens O2 Czech Republic’s network with greater reliability, security, energy efficiency for better mobile battery life, and near zero-touch automation for managing workloads.

    “Deploying Nokia 5G SA Core closely aligns with and bolsters O2 Czech Republic’s cloud-first strategy and delivers more secure communications to our customers. This rollout allows us to deliver new 5G services faster, with even lower latency, and without vendor lock-in for our data and analytics, producing an optimized network with a host of operational efficiencies,” said Jakub Votava, Network Director, O2 Czech Republic.  

    Nokia’s cloud-native 5G Core portfolio, including its Packet Core solution, allows O2 Czech Republic to provide new network services in multi-cloud environments, while doing so quickly, securely, and at scale.

    “Reflecting Nokia’s commitment to driving innovation and supporting the digital transformation of its customers and partners, this deployment enables O2 Czech Republic’s Core Network infrastructure and applications to be fully cloud-native, and provides a more advanced, secure, and reliable network experience for its subscribers,” said Erez Sverdlov, Vice President, Cloud and Network Services Market Leader for Europe, Nokia.

    The deployment reflects the ongoing market momentum of Nokia’s Core business. At the end of Q1 2025, Nokia again led the world in 5G SA Core deployments with 52 operators in live 5G Standalone service and the most 5G Standalone Core CSP customers, with 125 in total.  

    The Nokia Core Network portfolio is fully cloud-native across the board, which makes it much easier for operators to run their full 4G/5G Core in cloud-native network functions.

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises, and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Greenpeace activists aboard Rainbow Warrior disrupt Pacific industrial fishing operation

    By Emma Page

    Greenpeace activists on board the Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior disrupted an industrial longlining fishing operation in the South Pacific, seizing almost 20 km of fishing gear and freeing nine sharks — including an endangered mako — near Australia and New Zealand.

    Crew retrieved the entire longline and more than 210 baited hooks from a European Union-flagged industrial fishing vessel, including an endangered longfin mako shark, eight near-threatened blue sharks and four swordfish.

    The crew also documented the vessel catching endangered sharks during its longlining operation.

    The at-sea action followed new Greenpeace Australia Pacific analysis exposing the extent of shark catch from industrial longlining in parts of the Pacific Ocean.

    Latest fisheries data showed that almost 70 percent of EU vessels’ catch was blue shark in 2023 alone.

    The operation came ahead of this week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where world leaders are discussing ocean protection and the Global Ocean Treaty.

    On board the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace Australia Pacific campaigner Georgia Whitaker said: “These longliners are industrial killing machines. Greenpeace Australia Pacific took peaceful and direct action to disrupt this attack on marine life.

    “We saved important species that would otherwise have been killed or left to die on hooks.

    “The scale of industrial fishing — still legal on the high seas — is astronomical. These vessels claim to be targeting swordfish or tuna, but we witnessed shark after shark being hauled up by these industrial fleets, including three endangered sharks in just half an hour.


    Rainbow Warrior crew disrupt longline fishing in the Pacific.  Video: Greenpeace

    “Greenpeace is calling on world leaders at the UN Ocean Conference to protect 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030 from this wanton destruction.”

    Stingray caught as bycatch is hauled onboard the Lu Rong Yuan Lu 212 longliner vessel in the Tasman Sea.

    The Rainbow Warrior is in the South Pacific ocean to expose longline fishing and call on governments to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and create a network of protected areas in the high seas.

    A Greenpeace activist frees a blue shark caught on a longline in the Pacific . . . the blue shark is currently listed as “Near Threatened” globally by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Image: Greenpeace Pacific

    Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling on the New Zealand government to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty and help create global ocean sanctuaries, including in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand.

    New Zealand signed the agreement in 2023.

    More than two-thirds of sharks worldwide are endangered, and a third of those are at risk of extinction from overfishing.

    Over the last three weeks, the Rainbow Warrior has been documenting longlining vessels and practices off Australia’s east coast, including from Spain and China.

    Emma Page is Greenpeace Aotearoa’s communications lead, oceans and fisheries. Republished with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Africa Programme co-hosts security and natural resources conference in Slovenia

    Source: Chatham House –

    Africa Programme co-hosts security and natural resources conference in Slovenia
    News release
    jon.wallace

    The event explored how to ensure positive, secure resource governance in Africa. 

    Chatham House partnered with the government of Slovenia, the European Union, and the Bled strategic forum to co-host an Africa Day conference on security and natural resource governance on 30 May in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The conference highlighted Slovenia’s prioritization of climate security during its tenure on the UN Security Council and explored how to ensure good, secure resource governance on the continent of Africa. 

    Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign and Security Affairs of Slovenia HE Tanja Fajon highlighted the importance of institutions and partnerships for resource governance, saying:

    ‘Peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable growth, and it is vital to support efforts that strengthen institutions, promote governance and enhance regional cooperation. Only by working together in partnership can we build a safer and more stable future. Slovenia supports and will continue to support emerging partnerships with African countries.’

    During the event a high-level panel discussed how to improve regional collaboration to enable equitable sharing of resources, stop criminal networks whose activities undermine good resource governance, and ensure continuing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

    DRC Minister Delegate for International Cooperation and the Francophonie, Bestine Kazadi Ditabala, said: 

    ‘A priority for the DRC is to enhance the performance of artisanal mining, given the sector’s importance for our local communities. We want to reinforce the capacities of artisanal miners to further develop small-scale mining, and improve their technical capacities.’

    ‘Our goal is the promotion of the DRC as a stable and reliable investment destination for external investors. This includes the stabilization of the fiscal regime, guarantees for investors, protection against expropriation, the traceability of minerals, better governance and the continued fight against corruption’.

    The conference also explored the relationship between natural resource governance and human rights. 

    Reflecting on Slovenia’s constitutional enshrinement of the right to clean water, Chatham House Associate Fellow Sheila Khama noted that, for Africa, ‘the intersection between mineral resources and non-renewable resources is fundamental. It is the gap between sustainability or the lack of it. Mining requires a lot of water, but we need to make sure that does not detract from citizens’ rights to access this resource’. 

    Senior Research Fellow Christopher Vandome said:

    ‘Slovenia’s prioritization of water management and climate security, coupled with the extent of engineering expertise, offer significant opportunities for collaboration with African countries, and can make important contributions to EU discussions on responsible sourcing in Africa.’

    The Africa Programme would like to thank its partners and all those who attended for their help delivering this valuable event.

     

    MIL OSI NGO –