NewzIntel.com

Category: Eurozone

  • India welcomes African Union to CDRI, reaffirms support for WHO initiatives

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has reiterated its steadfast commitment to global disaster risk reduction and public health cooperation at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025, currently underway in Geneva.
     
    On the occasion of World Environment Day, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P. K. Mishra, represented India at the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group Roundtable held on the sidelines of the GPDRR. Addressing the forum, Dr. Mishra underlined the G20’s critical role in fostering collective resilience and integrating economic capacities with development goals to address global disaster challenges.
     
    “Disaster risk reduction must be at the core of our global development strategy. The G20, with its economic and policy influence, can play a transformational role in promoting resilience through international cooperation,” Dr. Mishra said during the roundtable discussion.
     
    In the presence of AU Commissioner Mr. Moses Vilakati and a co-chair representative from France. The development marks another chapter in strengthening Global South collaboration, following the AU’s historic inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.
     
    “India strongly believes in expanding global partnerships to secure a resilient and sustainable future. The AU joining the CDRI reinforces our shared vision of infrastructure that is safe, inclusive and future-ready,” Dr. Mishra said.
     
    On the sidelines of GPDRR, Dr. Mishra also held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). The two leaders discussed India’s expanding engagement with WHO on global public health and traditional medicine.
     
    Dr. Mishra conveyed India’s full support for the Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in December 2025.
     
    “India is committed to advancing traditional medicine as a vital pillar of public health. We look forward to welcoming global leaders and practitioners at the Traditional Medicine Summit later this year,” he added.
     
    He also reaffirmed India’s support for the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which continues to play a key role in integrating traditional practices with modern healthcare systems.

  • Uzbekistan savour sweet taste of success after sealing World Cup spot

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze lauded the efforts of his players after the Central Asian country qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

    The White Wolves claimed their spot at the expanded 48-team 2026 finals on Thursday with a 0-0 draw in the United Arab Emirates, which guaranteed Kapadze’s side a top-two finish in Group A, alongside already-qualified Iran.

    Uzbekistan have tried and failed to qualify seven times since their independence after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, suffering heartbreak in the final stage of continental qualifiers for Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014.

    A genuine force in Asia since their 1994 Asian Games triumph, the Uzbekistan FA has invested heavily in youth development in the attempt to take the final step onto the world stage.

    Kapadze has reaped the dividends with a young generation of players, including Manchester City’s 21-year-old centre back Abdukodir Khusanov at his disposal.

    “We have achieved an important result after a long and difficult journey. A lot of work was done for this result, I sincerely congratulate our people,” Kapadze told Uzbekistan’s online publication Zamin.

    “This is not only our victory, but the victory of our entire people. Our players showed determination in every match, worked with all their might, and we achieved the result … “

    Kapadze, who played 119 times for Uzbekistan and led the under-23 team at last year’s Olympic Games, was appointed coach after Srecko Katanec left because of illness in January.

    “Before the game, (everyone) expressed their confidence in our team’s victory and expected a good result from us,” he said.

    “This confidence also became a great responsibility and pressure for us. But we managed to overcome this pressure and complete the task.”

    Kapadze was mobbed by his players in his post-match press conference and received a congratulatory telephone call from Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

    “In a fierce competition against the strongest teams in Asia, you demonstrated true character, unbreakable will, and professionalism,” Mirziyoyev said.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI: Dassault Systèmes: Doubling EPS by 2029, 3D UNIV+RSES creating new growth opportunities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY — June 6, 2025

    Dassault Systèmes: Doubling EPS by 2029,
    3D UNIV+RSES creating new growth opportunities

    Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) hosts its 2025 Capital Markets Day at its headquarters in Vélizy-Villacoublay, France, today, June 6, 2025. The event, dedicated to financial analysts and investors, features a series of presentations by the Company’s executive management. It highlights how 3D UNIV+RSES mark a fundamental shift, providing the next generation of virtual-plus-real (V+R) environment. This unlocks the full potential for clients to leverage Gen AI, creating new possibilities and reaching meaningful productivity gains while protecting their IP. Dassault Systèmes elevates the value creation with 3D UNIV+RSES and demonstrates the reasons to believe across Industrial innovation, Mainstream and Life Sciences.

    Together, these drivers form a coherent and powerful roadmap, positioning the Company to fully capitalize on significant mid to long-term opportunities. Dassault Systèmes updates its mid-term financial ambition to double non-IFRS diluted EPS by 2029. This allows the adoption of 3D UNIV+RSES to deliver its full potential.

    Commencing at 12:45 PM London time / 7:45 AM New York time / 1:45 PM Paris time, the event will be webcast live and recorded. Both the live sessions and replays can be accessed via Dassault Systèmes’ investor website: https://investor.3ds.com/. The on-demand webcast of the event will be available from June 9, 2025.

    Pascal Daloz, Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Executive Officer, commented:

    “At today’s Capital Markets Day, we unveil the most strategic evolution in Dassault Systèmes’ history. AI for industry becomes our compass, while our next-generation value proposition – 3D UNIV+RSES – defines the next growth cycle of our company.

    We are entering a new era: the Generative Economy, where value creation lies at the intersection of the Virtual and the Real – V+R. It is in this hybrid space that tomorrow takes shape and our mission is to empower our customers to imagine, to create and to operate in this hybrid world.

    From life-saving therapies to next-generation mobility and resilient, sustainable infrastructure, 3D UNIV+RSES are not just transforming how industry functions – it is redefining what is possible. We are delivering the virtual twin of everything for everyone, infused with trusted AI, to reinvent products, enterprises and business models through the convergence of the Virtual and the Real.
    Our 3DEXPERIENCE platform now becomes the engine of the Generative Economy, enabling creation, management and amplification of knowledge, know-how and intellectual property – the new currency of progress.

    With 3D UNIV+RSES, we are not simply envisioning the future of industry – we are building it, unlocking new performances, new possibilities and magic experiences. A future where AI is not artificial but augmented, scientific, trustable and deeply human.”

    Rouven Bergmann, Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Financial Officer, commented:

    [diluted EPS (‘EPS’) on a non-IFRS basis]

    “We are building a company for the long term – one that delivers durable, high-quality growth powered by a loyal and expanding client base. Our ambition is clear: to double our earnings per share, and to keep doing so.

    The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is a strategic advantage. In the era of AI, it accelerates knowledge creation, unifies collaboration through a single source of truth, and unleashes the full potential of human talent. With the launch of 3D UNIV+RSES, we are unlocking a new phase of cloud adoption and customer engagement.

    As a result, we are extending our financial horizon to double EPS by 2029. This shift reflects three key factors: a gradual acceleration in top-line growth, the scale-up of 3D UNIV+RSES, and continued strategic capital allocation, including targeted M&A.

    Every move we make is guided by a single principle: creating long-term, sustainable value for our clients, our shareholders and our people, contributing to our EPS and cash generation. We are aligned and positioned to capture the full value of this opportunity.”

    Investor Relations Events

    • Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: July 24, 2025
    • Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: October 23, 2025
    • Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: February 11, 2026
    • First Quarter 2026 Earnings Release: April 23, 2026

    Forward-looking Information

    Statements herein that are not historical facts but express expectations or objectives for the future, including but not limited to statements regarding the Group’s non-IFRS financial performance objectives are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on Dassault Systèmes management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or performances may differ materially from those in such statements due to a range of factors.
    The Group’s actual results or performance may be materially negatively affected by numerous risks and uncertainties, as described in the “Risk Factors” section 1.9 of the 2024 Universal Registration Document (‘Document d’enregistrement universel’) filed with the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) on March 18, 2025, available on the Group’s website www.3ds.com.
    In particular, please refer to the risk factor “Uncertain Global Environment” in section 1.9.1.1 of the 2024 Universal Registration Document set out below for ease of reference:

    “In light of the uncertainties regarding economic, business, social, health and geopolitical conditions at the global level, Dassault Systèmes’ revenue, net earnings and cash flows may grow more slowly, whether on an annual or quarterly basis, mainly due to the following factors:

    • the deployment of Dassault Systèmes’ solutions may represent a large portion of a customer’s investments in software technology. Decisions to make such an investment are impacted by the economic environment in which the customers operate. Uncertain global geopolitical, economic and health conditions and the lack of visibility or the lack of financial resources may cause some customers, e.g. within the automotive, aerospace, energy or natural resources industries, to reduce, postpone or cancel their investments, or to reduce or not renew ongoing paid maintenance for their installed base, which impact larger customers’ revenue with their respective sub-contractors;
    • the political, economic and monetary situation in certain geographic regions where Dassault Systèmes operates could become more volatile and negatively affect Dassault Systèmes’ business, and in particular its revenue, for example, due to stricter export compliance rules or the introduction of new customs barriers or controls on the exchange of goods and services;
    • continued pressure or volatility on raw materials and energy prices could also slow down Dassault Systèmes’ diversification efforts in new industries;
    • uncertainties regarding the extent and duration of costs inflation could adversely affect the financial position of Dassault Systèmes; and
    • the sales cycle of the Dassault Systèmes’ products – already relatively long due to the strategic nature of such investments for customers – could further lengthen.

    The occurrence of crises – health and political crises in particular – could have consequences both for the health and safety of Dassault Systèmes’ employees and for the Company. It could also adversely impact the financial situation or financing and supply capabilities of Dassault Systèmes’ existing and potential customers, commercial and technology partners, some of whom may be forced to temporarily close sites or to cease operations. A deteriorating economic environment could generate increased price pressure and affect the collection of receivables, which would negatively affect Dassault Systèmes’ revenue, financial performance and market position.

    Dassault Systèmes makes every effort to take into consideration this uncertain outlook. Dassault Systèmes’ business results, however, may not develop as anticipated. Furthermore, due to factors affecting sales of Dassault Systèmes’ products and services, there may be a substantial time lag between an improvement in global economic and business conditions and an upswing in the Company’s business results.

    Non-IFRS Financial Information

    Readers are cautioned that the supplemental non-IFRS financial information presented in this press release is subject to inherent limitations. It is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for IFRS measurements. The supplemental non-IFRS financial information should be read only in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. Furthermore, the Group’s supplemental non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled “non-IFRS” measures used by other companies. Specific limitations for individual non-IFRS measures are set forth in the Company’s 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on March 18, 2025.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION

    Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com

    ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES
    Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. Since 1981, the company has pioneered virtual worlds to improve real life for consumers, patients and citizens.
    With Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 370 000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, can collaborate, imagine and create sustainable innovations that drive meaningful impact.
    For more information, visit www.3ds.com

    Dassault Systèmes Investor Relations Team                        FTI Consulting
    Beatrix Martinez: +33 1 61 62 40 73                                Arnaud de Cheffontaines: +33 1 47 03 69
                                                                    Jamie Ricketts : +44 20 3727 1600
    investors@3ds.com

    Dassault Systèmes Press Contacts
    Corporate / France        Arnaud MALHERBE        
    arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com        
    +33 (0)1 61 62 87 73

    © Dassault Systèmes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Use of any Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries trademarks is subject to their express written approval.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • Spain beat France 5-4 in thriller to reach Nations League final

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France on Thursday to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal.

    The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semi-final at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes.

    Spain’s 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri clipped a sublime fourth into the net less than a minute later.

    The goals continued to flow as France striker Kylian Mbappe also slotted home from the penalty spot near the hour mark before Yamal added Spain’s fifth after 67 minutes to cap an exhilarating individual performance.

    France then mounted an extraordinary comeback as a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki, Dani Vivian’s own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani finish caused Spain some late jitters but they held on to book a clash with their Portuguese rivals on Sunday.

    “I always say it to my mother, I try to give it all,” Yamal told Teledeporte. “It is what motivates me to play football, why I wake up in the mornings.

    “France have world class players. The scoreline after 60 minutes was very big, but they have players who make you suffer.

    “We (Spain and Portugal) are two very good teams with world-class players. The best will win. I hope to bring the cup to Spain.”

    Spain have been nearly imperious under coach Luis de la Fuente, losing just once in over two years, a run that helped them take home the European Championship title last year with victory over England in the final.

    Key to De la Fuente’s system is his lively wide men Nico Williams and Yamal, and after Mbappe had wasted a golden early chance in Stuttgart and Theo Hernandez crashed an effort against the crossbar, Williams’ emphatic finish edged Spain in front.

    Another fine, flowing move three minutes later resulted in Merino slotting home the second having been picked out by a pinpoint Mikel Oyarzabal pass. It was only the second time France had conceded twice inside the opening half hour of a match during coach Didier Deschamps’ 13-year tenure.

    France continued to create openings but could not make their moments count, with their profligacy proving costly as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award, Yamal, fired in from the penalty spot after the teenager had been fouled.

    Yamal, who already has over 100 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions before he has even turned 18, was equally calm for his second, after Pedro’s fine fourth and Mbappe’s penalty, poking the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

    The strike from Olympique Lyonnais’ Cherki deserved to be more meaningful, before Vivian’s intervention gave Spanish supporters some cause for concern.

    Substitute Kolo Muani’s goal made extra time look a possibility, but it was too little, too late.

    The striker, however, ensured the enthralling semi-final became the first-ever Nations League match to feature nine goals. It was also the first time France had conceded five times in a match since 1969.

    “We had some bursts of play we haven’t had for a long time,” France skipper Mbappe said. “But in just 10 minutes of the first half, we conceded two goals — and the same thing happened in the second half.

    “We weren’t consistent throughout the 90 minutes, but we did improve. When you don’t win, there are always negative points that come out. But it’s not all negative.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Portugal’s new government sworn in

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

    Luis Montenegro addresses an inauguration ceremony of the new government in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Luis Montenegro, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and head of the Democratic Alliance (AD), was officially sworn in as Portugal’s new prime minister on Thursday. The 16 ministers of the new cabinet also took their oaths of office.

    At the inauguration ceremony, Montenegro pledged to “continue serving the country,” vowed to “declare war on bureaucracy,” and committed to advancing state reforms, maintaining political stability, and boosting social productivity. He also emphasized the government’s intention to engage with the opposition and promote dialogue and cooperation.

    President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said the election result reflected increased political confidence in Montenegro, but stressed that the public had not granted the government “absolute trust.” He noted that the influence of traditional parties is waning while new political forces are emerging — a shift that, although arriving late in Portugal, has not bypassed the country.

    Compared to the previous administration, the vast majority of key ministers have retained their posts. The number of ministries has been reduced from 17 to 16, with the Ministry of Economy merged with the Ministry of Territorial Cohesion, and the Ministry of Culture combined with the former Ministry of Youth and Modernization to form the new Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

    The most notable change is the creation of a new Ministry for State Reform. Goncalo Matias has been appointed as both minister adjunct to the prime minister and minister for state reform.

    At the PSD’s national council meeting last week, Montenegro described the “modernization of public administration” as the “cornerstone” of the next government’s policy agenda.

    The new cabinet was sworn in just 18 days after the election, marking the fastest cabinet formation under President Rebelo de Sousa.

    The parliament will debate and vote on the new government’s program on June 17 and 18. According to the Portuguese Constitution, the government can only fully assume its duties after the program is approved by the Assembly of the Republic. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sabalenka ends Swiatek’s reign in thriller, Gauff eases into final

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

    World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka ended champion Iga Swiatek’s dream of lifting her fifth Roland Garros title with a 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-0 win in their semifinal clash on Thursday.

    Sabalenka was behind at 1-5 in her head-to-head record with Swiatek entering the match but exhibited the dominant form that made her the current world No. 1.

    It took Sabalenka two hours and 19 minutes to snap Pole Swiatek’s 26-match winning streak at the event.

    Aryna Sabalenka returns a shot during the women’s singles semifinal between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Iga Swiatek of Poland at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

    “I’m super happy with the win today and beating Iga at Roland Garros,” said the Belarusian. “It’s just something unbelievable and something I’m super proud of, and yeah, just happy to get through this difficult match.”

    The 27-year-old will next face world No. 2 Coco Gauff in the final – the first final showdown in a decade between the top two ranked players for the French Open title.

    Gauff breezed past French wild card Lois Boisson in the second semifinal 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the final for a second time.

    The 2022 finalist will bid for her second Grand Slam title, having won the US Open in 2023 over Sabalenka over three sets.

    “My first final here I was super nervous, and I kind of wrote myself off before the match even happened,” said Gauff. “Obviously here I have a lot more confidence just from playing a Grand Slam final before and doing well in one. Yeah, I think going into Saturday I’ll just give it my best shot and try to be as calm and relaxed as possible.”

    US Open champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori became the first Italian pair since 1958 to win the French Open mixed doubles, beating Americans Taylor Townsend and Evan King 6-4, 6-2.

    In the women’s wheelchair quarterfinals, China’s Li Xiaohui brushed aside Ksenia Chasteau of France 6-2, 6-1 before she combined with compatriot Wang Ziying to defeat France’s Pauline Deroulede and Aniek Van Koot of the Netherlands 4-6, 7-5, 10-5 to advance into the women’s wheelchair doubles final.

    Friday’s main focus will be on the two men’s semifinals, where defending champion Carlos Alcaraz takes on Lorenzo Musetti on Chatrier, followed by Novak Djokovic against Jannik Sinner. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Defections are fairly common in Australian politics. But history shows they are rarely a good career move

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University

    For many years now, Australian political scientists have pointed out that that established partisan allegiance is in decline. In 1967, 36% of Coalition supporters and 32% of Labor voters reported lifetime voting for their side. At the 2022 election, the Australian Election Study found the figures to be 16% and 12%.

    These changes help to explain the rising support for independents and minor parties at federal elections; they now take about a third of the primary vote.

    So much for voters. What about for politicians? Of course, there have always been plenty of parliamentarians who had an earlier stint as a member of some other party before landing in the one that sent them into parliament. Brendan Nelson was in the Labor Party before he was Liberal. John Gorton was Country Party before he was Liberal. Adam Bandt was Labor before he was Green. And so on. We are all entitled to change our minds, even if switching political parties was once closer to changing football teams – a habit that immediately arouses suspicion in a sports-loving nation.

    Senator Dorinda Cox’s switch from the Greens to the Labor Party was apparently a homecoming, according to Cox. She was once a Labor Party member, she said. Last week, she was criticising the party over its approval of Woodside’s Northwest Shelf gas project. This week, she finds Labor’s values aligned with her own.

    Of course, her defection has been accompanied by a steady leaking of little details of her Greens career, such as an excoriation of the Labor Party, in her application to run for the Greens, when she said the ALP patronised “women and people of colour” and cared more about its donors than members.

    That’s politics, but it’s a democratic deficit that senators elected as part of a Senate team, in a system that has facilitated above-the-line voting since 1984, can sit for years afterwards in the parliament as a member of another party.

    But good luck in getting up a constitutional change, via referendum, to change that.

    Still, it is easy to understand how such nimbleness breeds cynicism about political parties. Another perspective might be that the fluidity of allegiance out in the electorate has come to inhabit the political class itself.

    All the same, defections from one party to another are quite rare these days in federal politics, at least after one is sitting in parliament. But defections from a party to sit as an independent are not and some, such as Bob Katter, have managed to build successful political careers outside the parties.

    One who did not was was Julia Banks, the Liberal member for Chisholm, who announced she would not be seeking re-election and then left the party for the crossbench in the wake of Scott Morrison’s ascension to the leadership in 2018. Banks complained of bullying and intimidation within the Liberal Party and the wider parliament, and wrote a book on her experiences. She subsequently failed to gain election as an independent in another seat.

    There were several defectors in the last parliament. A House of Representatives crossbench that began at 16 had reached 19 by the end, with the defections of two Liberals (Russell Broadbent and Ian Goodenough, both after losing preselection) and one National, Andrew Gee, the latter over his party’s opposition to the Voice. Only Gee has lived politically to tell the tale, winning Calare as an Independent, as Peter Andren did before him.

    Defections from minor and microparties are especially common, based as they often are on a high-profile leader and lacking traditions of party discipline or solid structures of organisational governance. Jacqui Lambie began as a Palmer United Party senator. Tammy Tyrrell began as a Jacqui Lambie Network senator.

    The biggest “defection” in modern Australian politics was that of Cheryl Kernot from the Australian Democrats to the Labor Party in 1997. It is easy, over a quarter of a century on, and with the Australian Democrats no longer in the Australian parliament, to underestimate what a big deal this was at the time.

    Kernot was a rock star of a politician, leader of the Australian Democrats, and a national celebrity. But there are significant differences with Cox beyond Kernot’s greater eminence. She resigned her Senate seat immediately and would win the marginal Brisbane seat of Dickson in the following year’s election. Then, in 2001, she would lose it to a young and ambitious former policeman named Peter Dutton.

    The experience was ultimately an unhappy one for Kernot: she believed that having recruited her into the ranks, the Labor Party – and its leader, Kim Beazley, did not know how to make the best use of her. She was also on the receiving end of some relentlessly negative and sometimes intrusive media coverage. And by her own admission, she made mistakes. The story of her career’s unravelling is not straightforward. The role that gender played in it remains contentious.

    Perhaps Kernot’s experience would alone be sufficient to prompt second thoughts in anyone seeking to jump ship. There are, of course, older prohibitions. In the Labor Party, a defector was known as a “rat”. Billy Hughes, the prime minister whose effort to introduce conscription in the first world war split the party, is the most famous of them.

    “Rat” is not a word much heard these days, but it was thrown around a bit when Senator Fatima Payman defected in 2024, and applied more seriously in 1996 to Labor Senator Mal Colston when he resigned from the Labor Party in exchange for the deputy presidency of the Senate.

    The best historical example of a defection being good for your career is that of Joe Lyons, who ratted on Labor in 1931 to lead a new party called the United Australia Party, a switch engineered by a small group of influential businessmen.
    The circumstances – the Great Depression, real fear of civil violence, and the disintegration of a federal Labor government – were highly unusual.

    More commonly, defection is a bad career move. Most of the Labor politicians who went over to the breakaway anti-communist Democratic Labor Party (DLP) in the mid-1950s found themselves out of parliament and looking for a new job. Stan Keon, one of those flying high ahead of the split, even occasionally mentioned – unrealistically – as a possible future prime minister, would run a Melbourne wine shop. Others, such as Vince Gair, Queensland Labor premier, lived to fight another day as a DLP senator (and ambassador to Ireland).

    Cox has three years left of her senate term. After that, she will be at the mercy of the Labor Party. Labor won three Senate seats at the 2022 half-Senate election in Western Australia and perhaps it could do so again. On that occasion, in a surprise victory, the third place went to the young up-and-coming union organiser, Fatima Payman.

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

    – ref. Defections are fairly common in Australian politics. But history shows they are rarely a good career move – https://theconversation.com/defections-are-fairly-common-in-australian-politics-but-history-shows-they-are-rarely-a-good-career-move-258177

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: FIFA announces draw for U17 Women’s World Cup

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

    The draw for the ninth FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup was announced Wednesday, with the 2025 edition set to feature 24 teams for the first time.

    The tournament will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from October 17 to November 8.

    It will also mark the first time the global event is held in Africa, with the draw ceremony staged at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Rabat.

    Host Morocco will compete in Group A alongside Brazil, Costa Rica and Italy. Defending champion Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has been drawn into Group B with Cameroon, Mexico and the Netherlands.

    China is in Group C with Ecuador, Norway and the United States. Group D includes Canada, France, Nigeria and Samoa.

    Group E features Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, South Korea and Spain, while Japan, New Zealand, Paraguay and Zambia make up Group F.

    The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Poland edge China, Belgium dominate Thailand in VNL

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

    China suffered its first loss at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Beijing leg on Thursday, falling to Poland 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-19, 25-21) in a tightly contested match at the National Indoor Stadium.

    Poland opposite Magdalena Stysiak and outside hitter Martyna Czyrnianska each scored 20 points to fire their team to victory. Captain and middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk added 17, while fellow middle blocker Aleksandra Gryka had 12.

    Magdalena Stysiak (L) of Poland spikes the ball during the Pool 3 match between China and Poland at the Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, June 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)

    After dropping a closely fought opening set, China responded with a spirited performance in the second, making lineup adjustments and gaining momentum through effective blocking and fast-paced attacks. Outside hitters Tang Xin and Wu Mengjie played key roles as the team leveled the scores at one set apiece.

    Zhuang Yushan scored a team-high 17 points, Wu earned 13 points, while Tang contributed 12 points overall, including seven in the second set alone.

    “At the beginning, I felt I performed even better than I did in training,” said Tang, 21. “But later on, I got a bit too excited and started to lose focus. Poland adjusted quickly, especially in the third set – their blockers began targeting me more directly, and I had trouble adapting.”

    The third set saw both teams battling point-for-point early on, but Poland pulled ahead midway with solid defense and consistent execution, eventually taking it 25-19. In the fourth, China made a strong start, racing into a 3-0 lead, but Poland quickly turned the tide with a 14-10 advantage and maintained a narrow lead down the stretch. Despite China’s late push to save a match point, Poland closed out the set 25-21 to seal their second straight win in Beijing.

    “We’re very happy with this win. Coming into the match, we knew it would be difficult, even though we only had a few recent matches to study this ‘new’ Chinese team. Still, we could tell that their players have incredible quality. The younger players may lack experience, but they’ve already shown great technique, talent, and character,” said Poland head coach Stefano Lavarini.

    Lavarini noted that the second set slipped away due to a drop in serving quality and missed opportunities in attack, especially against single blocks. However, he added that in the third set, his team regained its rhythm by stabilizing service and playing with more consistency.

    “We tried to get back to the level we had in the first set. In the fourth set, China changed many players, so we made some tactical adjustments as well – especially in how we adapted to their different middle blockers and attackers,” the 46-year-old Italian explained.

    With the result, Poland improve to 2-0 in the current leg, while China drops to 1-1. Both teams will have a rest day on Friday before returning to action over the weekend.

    Earlier in the day, Belgium earned its first win of the Beijing leg with a 3-1 victory over Thailand (25-22, 25-23, 24-26, 25-22).

    Belgium captain Britt Herbots led the scorers with 31 points, while opposite Pauline Martin added 19. Middle blocker Nathalie Lemmens contributed 14 points, including five blocks, as Belgium’s offensive trio proved decisive.

    “It was a very tough and long match from every perspective,” said Herbots. “Thailand has a unique style of play. There were a lot of fast combinations and long rallies – very tiring on defense. But I’m really happy we got the win. Everyone fulfilled their role, and that’s really important for a team.”

    Belgium will next play against France on Friday, while Thailand will face Türkiye. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Sector – Strengthening UK energy security with new gas sales agreement – Equinor

    Source: Equinor

    05 JUNE 2025 – Equinor and Centrica sign long-term gas sales agreement of 55 TWh of natural gas per year (around 5 billion cubic meters – bcm) for a period of 10 years starting 1 October 2025 at terms reflecting market prices. The total contract value would be around £20 billion assuming current prices.

    “I am very pleased to strengthen the energy partnership with the UK and our longstanding partner and customer Centrica. This agreement will continue to support the UK’s energy security with reliable gas supplies from the Norwegian continental shelf. The flexibility that natural gas offers will play a key role in enabling further development of renewable power and decarbonisation in the UK”, says Equinor’s president and CEO Anders Opedal.

    For nearly 50 years, Equinor and partners have developed the Norwegian Continental Shelf to be the largest and most reliable provider of energy to Europe. Britain currently imports nearly 2/3 of its gas requirements from Norway, with Equinor being the major supplier. The annual volumes under this agreement will cover nearly 10% [1] of total annual UK gas demand which makes the agreement among the largest in Equinor bilateral portfolio.

    “The UK and the North Sea is a core area in our long-term ambitions to remain a supplier of reliable energy and to help decarbonise societies and industries. The new gas sales agreement with Centrica will be a key element in this. Energy security and decarbonisation must go hand in hand, and I am proud that Equinor is actively delivering both”, says Equinor’s UK Country Manager Alex Grant.

    Beyond investments in the UK’s oil and gas production, Equinor already operates three offshore wind farms at Sheringham Shoal, Dudgeon and Hywind Scotland, the world’s first floating offshore wind farm. Dogger Bank is under development and will be the world’s largest offshore windfarm once completed. Together with partners Equinor is also developing the UK’s first CO2 transport and storage project and a gas power plant with CO2 capture.

    Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica, commented: “Equinor is a valued partner, and this landmark agreement underscores the vital role that natural gas plays as a transition fuel as we navigate towards a low carbon energy future. The enduring partnership between Centrica and Equinor exemplifies the strong and strategic relationship between the UK and Norway and I’m immensely proud that we’ve agreed this deal.

    “Over the last few years, we’ve seen first-hand how important energy security is. Today’s deal not only ensures the UK’s energy security has improved but also paves the way for a burgeoning hydrogen market. The deal represents a significant investment in the UK’s future, showing that Centrica will make bold investments that drive forward the energy transition while delivering value for our shareholders. We will continue to focus on further improving energy security by working with the UK Government to ensure the right levels of gas storage are in place to complement this landmark gas importation agreement.”

    [1] Total UK demand in 2024 at 55.8 bcm

    About Centrica

    Centrica is an international energy and services company, founded on a 200-year heritage of serving customers in homes and businesses. The company supply energy and services to over 10 million residential and business customers, mainly in the UK and Ireland, through brands such as British Gas, Bord Gáis Energy and Centrica Business Solutions. Centrica has a role at every step of the energy transition. When it comes to energy, Centrica make it, store it, move it, sell it and mend it. The company’s strategy is driven by the purpose of energising a greener, fairer future.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace activists disrupt industrial fishing operation ahead of UN Ocean Conference

    Source: Greenpeace

    PACIFIC OCEAN, Friday, 6 June 2025 – Greenpeace activists have disrupted an industrial longlining fishing operation in the South Pacific Ocean, seizing almost 20 kilometers of fishing gear and freeing nine sharks, including an endangered mako, near Australia and New Zealand.
    With an expert team on a small boat releasing more than a dozen animals, crew aboard Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior retrieved the entire longline and more than 210 baited hooks from a EU-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 follows 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% of EU vessels’ catch was blue shark in 2023 alone. It comes ahead of next week’s UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where world leaders will discuss ocean protection and the Global Ocean Treaty.
    Georgia Whitaker, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, 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. Greenpeace is calling on world leaders at the UN Ocean Conference to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 from this wanton destruction.”
    GreenpeaceAotearoa 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.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu meets with Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 5, 2025 – Paris, France – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) held on June 3 and 4, 2025, in Paris, France.

    Minister Sidhu and Commissioner Šefčovič discussed the importance of supporting the rules-based trading system, as well as continuing to collaborate, including among G7 members, in support of an open, stable and predictable trade environment. They also discussed ways to expand Canada-EU trade, including through the implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

    The EU market, comprising 27 member states, is Canada’s second-largest global trading partner for goods and services after the United States. Strengthening trade ties with the EU is key to ensuring Canadian businesses and industries have access to diverse markets and partners and supporting economic growth and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

    Related products

    Associated links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu champions rules-based trade with Canada’s Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and World Trade Organization partners

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 5, 2025 – Paris, France – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, this week concluded his participation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) and World Trade Organization (WTO) mini-ministerial meeting, in Paris, France.

    At the OECD MCM, Minister Sidhu reaffirmed Canada’s support for the rules-based global trading system and its underpinning values. These include reinforcing the open, stable markets that ensure predictability amidst economic uncertainty, responsibly developing artificial intelligence and standing up for Ukraine. Canada served as vice-chair of the OECD MCM alongside Australia and Lithuania, under the chairship of Costa Rica.

    At the meeting, Canada and the Philippines formally took on the role of the 2025 to 2028 co-chairs of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP), a program that was created to address economic and development challenges in Southeast Asia. Minister Sidhu announced that Canada will contribute $2 million to support SEARP’s activities, which align with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.

    At the WTO mini-ministerial meeting, Minister Sidhu advocated for deep and meaningful reforms of the WTO to ensure its rules are modernized and continue to support a rules-based global trading system. Canada also called for a pragmatic approach to the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference that considers current economic challenges.

    While in Paris, the Minister also hosted a business round table with Canadian companies active in the French market. As Canada seeks to strengthen its collaboration with reliable trading partners, the Minister heard the business representatives’ first-hand perspectives on the opportunities for Canadian businesses in France. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Discusses The 4th Financing for Development Conference—Contribution of the IMF to the International Financing for Development Agenda

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 5, 2025

    Washington, DC: On June 3, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussed the staff paper on the contribution of the IMF to the international financing for development agenda, prepared in view of the 4th Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) to be held in Sevilla, Spain from June 30 to July 3, 2025. The paper outlines the challenging context for development, updates staff’s assessment on the achievability of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and proposes actions to accelerate development progress.

    The series of shocks since 2020 has added to longstanding structural challenges, with low-income and fragile countries affected the most. Debt vulnerabilities deserve attention, particularly for low-income countries. While debt appears sustainable for most countries, many are facing high interest costs and elevated refinancing needs that constrain their ability to finance critical spending necessary to progress on their development path. Against this background, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 appears increasingly unlikely.

    Accelerating development progress will require a major collective effort, including advancing a strong domestic reform agenda, providing adequate international support to complement and facilitate domestic reforms, and proactively addressing debt vulnerabilities. Importantly, while developing countries share many characteristics, increasing heterogeneity across countries calls for appropriate differentiation in countries’ policy and reform agenda, as well as in the support from the international community.

    The IMF has a strong role to play in supporting countries maintain or restore macroeconomic and financial stability, which is a key condition to enable sustainable growth and development. Through its surveillance, capacity development, and financial support to countries faced with balance of payment needs, the IMF helps countries advance this agenda, including through continuous adjustments in its policies to ensure they remain fit for purpose and aligned with evolving needs of the membership. It also plays a leading role on debt and the global debt architecture, through its monitoring of debt vulnerabilities and debt sustainability assessments and further enhancing its work to tackle debt challenges and improve debt restructuring processes, including through the Common Framework and progress at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable. In all these activities, the IMF collaborates closely with partners, particularly the World Bank.

    Executive Board Assessment[1]

    Executive Directors welcomed the opportunity to discuss the contribution of the IMF to the international financing for development agenda, as well as the review of recent experiences in the IMF’s collaboration with the World Bank, ahead of the 4th Financing for Development Conference. Directors concurred with staff’s analysis of the challenging context for development, as the series of shocks since 2020 has added to longstanding structural challenges weighing on economic and social progress in developing countries, with low‑income and fragile countries affected the most.

    Directors agreed that debt vulnerabilities deserve specific attention, in particular for low‑income countries. They noted that, while debt appears sustainable for most countries under baseline assumptions, uncertainties and risks to the baseline have increased significantly. In addition, many countries face high interest costs and elevated refinancing needs that constrain their ability to finance critical spending necessary to progress on their development path.

    Directors noted with regret that achieving the sustainable developments goals (SDGs) by 2030 appears increasingly unlikely, as it would require financing that exceeds credible assumptions and surpasses what countries could absorb without creating additional macroeconomic imbalances.

    Directors agreed that accelerating development progress requires a major collective effort comprising strong domestic reforms, significant international support, and proactively addressing debt vulnerabilities. They noted that, while developing countries share many characteristics, increasing heterogeneity across countries calls for appropriate differentiation in countries’ policy and reform agenda, as well as in the support from the international community.

    Directors emphasized the importance of advancing a strong domestic reform agenda to maintain or promote a stable and sound macroeconomic and financial environment and boost private‑sector led growth and job creation. This includes increasing the efficiency of public spending and optimizing the use of available resources, mobilizing domestic resources, strengthening debt management, and improving governance. These reforms are also key to increase resilience against external shocks.

    Directors also agreed that international support, through well‑coordinated and sequenced capacity development (CD), and additional public and private financing, will be critical to complement and facilitate domestic reforms. They underlined the importance of proactively addressing debt challenges and supported the proposed approach to: (i) improve further debt restructuring processes to ensure countries with unsustainable debt have access to timely and sufficiently deep debt relief, building on progress already made in particular under the Common Framework and through the work at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR); and (ii) accelerate the implementation of the “3‑pillar approach” to help countries with sustainable debt and a robust reform agenda, where productive spending is crowded out by high debt service. They welcomed the recent publication of the GSDR “Restructuring Playbook” and supported further strengthening the IMF’s contribution to help address debt vulnerabilities, consistent with its role and policies and respecting its duty of neutrality. They also underlined the importance of further enhancing debt transparency and the accuracy of debt data.

    Directors agreed that, while the IMF is not a development institution, it has a strong role to play to help member countries maintain or restore macroeconomic and financial stability, which is a key condition to enable sustainable growth and development. They underlined the importance of IMF surveillance, CD, and financial support to members faced with balance of payment needs, to achieve this objective, and looked forward to the upcoming comprehensive surveillance review and review of program design and conditionality. Directors highlighted the recent reforms to ensure that the lending framework remains fit for purpose, including the finalization in October 2024 of the review of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) facilities and financing and the review of the Charges and the Surcharge Policy, and the significant expansion of CD delivery over time, with a strong emphasis on supporting low‑income countries and fragile and conflict‑affected states. In this context, some Directors saw room to further scale up the IMF’s concessional facilities and CD support. Some others cautioned against placing greater emphasis in IMF‑supported programs on development spending needs and higher financing volumes. Directors supported the continued active role of the IMF on debt issues and its sustained engagement in international efforts to address debt vulnerabilities. Some Directors noted that a greater emphasis in the paper on the IMF’s existing work on climate would have better illustrated that the Fund is already actively contributing to help address these challenges, in line with its mandate. A few Directors also highlighted the macro‑critical nature of inequality and its impact on long‑term stability and development, and supported a deeper analytical and operational engagement on these fronts within the Fund’s existing mandate.

    Directors underlined the importance of IMF collaboration with partners, in particular the World Bank and relevant UN agencies, building on comparative advantages and consistent with each institution’s mandate. They welcomed the review of recent experiences in the IMF’s collaboration with the World Bank and underscored the critical importance of maintaining or further deepening this efficient collaboration, leveraging the respective expertise of both institutions for an optimal division of work and avoiding duplication.

    Directors underscored the importance of clear communication to promote a better public understanding of the institution’s unique role, mandate, and activities in fostering macroeconomic and financial stability, which is a prerequisite for sustainable growth and development.

    [1] An explanation of any qualifiers used in summing up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/05/pr25184-imf-discusses-4th-financing-dev-conference-contribution-imf-intl-financing-for-dev-agenda

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Anand to travel to United Kingdom and France

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 5, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be in London, United Kingdom, and Paris, France, from June 6 to 7, 2025, for bilateral visits.

    In London, Minister Anand will meet with David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom. They will discuss ways to reinforce the close Canada-United Kingdom relationship, including by strengthening security and defence collaboration and expanding economic cooperation.

    There, Minister Anand will also meet with Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to discuss strengthening the Commonwealth through strategic reforms and focusing on its key strengths, such as advancing democracy and human rights. Minister Anand will also attend a meeting of G7 heads of mission and a round-table discussion with business leaders on defence and economic growth.

    Minister Anand will then travel to Paris, where she will meet with Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. They will discuss Canada and France’s continued collaboration on shared priorities, including defence and security, the promotion of democratic values, the two countries’ consecutive G7 presidencies and the promotion of the French language.

    Throughout the trip, Minister Anand will reiterate Canada’s commitment to growing its already close ties with the United Kingdom and France as key transatlantic allies and reliable trading partners.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Say Cheese, Partner

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    Across Texas, ranches and dairy farms are churning out products with rich taste and character in every bite. National Dairy Month is the perfect time for Texans to explore the many delicious contributions of this industry to the Lone Star State.

    Dairy is playing an increasingly important role in Texas agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture places Texas among the top five dairy-producing states in the country, with almost 300 dairies spread across the state. According to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, dairy production in Texas continues to grow and is valued at billions of dollars—that’s a lot of cheddar.

    The number of dairy cows in Texas has also grown over the past two years, even as the rest of the country has seen a decline. Texas now has an in-curd-ible 675,000 dairy cows chewing their cud in our state.  

    One of the nation’s most consumed dairy products is cheese, which has been in existence for centuries. While its exact origins remain unknown, most experts believe it was discovered accidentally—when milk was stored in vessels made from the stomachs of animals. An enzyme called rennet caused the milk to curdle and preserve itself. Over time, the art of cheesemaking spread across the globe and became part of many cultures, pun intended.

    Here in Texas, many cheesemakers use milk produced straight from their own herds. While dairy cows provide most of the milk, goats, sheep, and even water buffaloes also lend a hoof in creating the wide variety of cheeses made here.

    One of Texas’ most celebrated cheesemakers is Paula Lambert, who founded Dallas’ Mozzarella Company in 1982. Starting with fresh mozzarella, her company now produces more than 30 cheeses, most developed by Paula herself. She lived in Italy before returning to Texas in 1973. Opening a cheese factory in Deep Ellum near Downtown Dallas was her way of bringing the flavors she loved in Italy back home. As she says, “I had loved fresh mozzarella when I lived in Italy, and back home no one had even heard of an insalata caprese—a mozzarella and tomato salad—and I thought they oughta know about it.”

    Paula is considered a pioneer in American artisanal cheese. She has written cookbooks, and received honors such as the American Cheese Society Lifetime Achievement Award and the Grande Dame title from Les Dames d’Escoffier International. Some might say she is a “big cheese” in cheese!

    In Dublin, Texas, the Veldhuizen family runs a farmstead cheese operation less than 90 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Stuart Veldhuizen, along with four generations of his family, produces more than 60 wheels of cheese each week. Their cheeses age in a stone cave built by the family, maturing anywhere from two months to two years. Made from milk sourced from their own herd of cows and flock of sheep, their cheeses are crafted entirely on-site at the farm creamery. Together, they’ve made their dream of farmstead cheesemaking come true.

    Makers across Texas pour their heart into every wheel and wedge, delivering a taste that’s unmistakably Texan—and there’s a Texas cheese for everyone that’ll hit the spot.

    Behind every glass of milk, wedge of cheese, or scoop of ice cream, there’s a Texas story showing a dairy culture bursting with flavor and hard work in the Lone Star State. This National Dairy Month, celebrate with something local and pay homage (or in this case, fromage) to the farmers, ranchers, and producers shaping the future of Texas dairy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tiffany Demands PSC to Prioritize Baseload Power Sources, Ensure Affordable Energy for Wisconsinites

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) sent a letter to Summer Strand, Chair of the Public Service Commission (PSC), calling for Wisconsin to lead the way in affordable energy production. Specifically, the letter asks the PSC not to prematurely close coal-fired plants and ensure reliable baseload power to make our state more competitive. 

    In the letter, Tiffany writes, “If Wisconsin is going to maintain its role as a world-class manufacturing state, we must keep all of our current power plants online and bring new generation online for the future. This is particularly critical as we enter a new era of artificial intelligence and data centers, which require a steady supply of reliable, and low-cost energy, such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear power generation.”

    “As you evaluate the future of Wisconsin’s grid, I urge you to resist pressure to close any coal-fired plants prematurely. As you know, shuttering these facilities presents risks – which helps explain why we’ve already seen planned closures of existing coal plants delayed, such as Columbia Energy Center. In short, coal fired plants are a backbone of baseload power, and cannot simply be replaced with intermittent generation provided by wind and solar,” Tiffany added.

    “As the Trump administration removes barriers to growth and opportunity, the choice is ours. Will our state keep up with the growing demand for energy, or will we play second fiddle to other states? Will we move to shore up our state’s industrial prowess and prepare for the family-wage jobs of the future by tapping into Made in America energy, or will we allow the radical “climate” lobby to make Wisconsinites poorer while enriching the “green energy” crony capitalists who finance them? We must make sure we are in a position to win and continue to grow, otherwise we run the risk of becoming California; or even worse, Spain or Portugal,” Tiffany concluded.

    You may read the full letter here.  

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the White House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    “It’s an honor to have you. We have a great mandate from the people, and part of our mandate is we’re gonna have a great relationship with [Germany]. Thank you very much for being here.” –President Donald J. Trump

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLAJEScGArE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chagos Deal Sparks Parliamentary Backlash

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MP Jim Allister:

    “The hand over the Chagos Islands is a shameful and exorbitantly expensive sell out of sovereignty.

    “The UK historically owns the Chagos Islands. Hence its large and strategically important military base there. Yet, under this deal the government is surrendering sovereignty to Mauritius and then leasing back for 99 years its own base! The amount of money is eye-watering, running to well over £20B.

    “There is much unease in Parliament about this deal. Yet, the only way there can even be a debate before the deal is implemented is by way of a ‘prayer of opposition’. This is what I have been involved in securing this week. I drafted such a motion and then secured joint submission of the ‘prayer’ under the lead signatures of Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage and myself.

    “Several dozen other MPs have now signed the motion with a view to trying to force the government to concede a debate. This is the work now in progress.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Data confirms Protocol damage to GB to NI Trade

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Commenting on the latest data from the Office for National Statistics TUV leader Jim Allister KC MP said:

    “The statistics published by the Office for National Statistics today are damning. They confirm that the Protocol, rebranded as the Windsor Framework, is driving down trade from Great Britain into Northern Ireland.

    “The figures speak for themselves. In 2020, before the imposition of the Protocol, 20.1% of GB manufacturing firms sold to Northern Ireland. Now that figure has collapsed to just 12.9%. In the retail and wholesale sector, the drop is just as stark—from 17.5% down to 12.4%. And across all business sizes and sectors, the share of GB firms trading with NI has fallen by around a third.

    “Behind those numbers are real consequences: fewer choices for consumers in Northern Ireland, higher costs for local businesses, and Northern Ireland’s economy being nudged ever closer to the orbit of the Republic of Ireland. That is not accidental — it is the direct consequence of the framework.

    “The figures also reveal something else: businesses are not just ceasing trade with Northern Ireland; even those who continue are scaling back. For example, in the retail sector, 14.2% of GB firms report declining sales to Northern Ireland, with only a tiny 1.5% seeing an increase. And 11.4% have stopped trading with Northern Ireland altogether.

    “Small and medium-sized enterprises — the backbone of the UK economy — are being disproportionately hit. The extra bureaucracy, costs, and delays caused by the Irish Sea border are discouraging trade.

    “When asked directly, GB and NI firms identified the Protocol/Windsor Framework as a major challenge to intra-UK trade. In manufacturing, 24.1% of businesses reported it as a problem. Across all sectors, almost one in every nine businesses pointed to the Framework as a barrier to doing business within their own country.

    “So much for the promise of unfettered access.

    “This new data from the UK’s own official statistics body corroborates previous findings from NISRA, which showed that while NI imports from GB rose 24% between 2020 and 2023, imports from the Republic of Ireland soared by 51%. That speaks to nothing less than a fundamental reorientation of Northern Ireland’s trade, away from our most important market and towards Dublin.“

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Five countries elected to serve on UN Security Council

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia were elected on Tuesday to serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, with two-year terms beginning in January 2026.

    They will serve through the end of 2027 on the UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

    They will join the five non-permanent members elected last year – Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia – who will serve through 2026. The incoming members will succeed Algeria, Guyana, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia, whose terms end in December 2025.

    The Security Council has 15 members: five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – who hold veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for staggered two-year terms.

    Elections are held annually by secret ballot, with seats allocated by regional group. Candidates must secure a two-thirds majority in the 193-member General Assembly to be elected.

    Vote tally

    A total of 188 Member States participated in the election, which required only one round of balloting.

    In the African and Asia-Pacific group, Bahrain received 186 votes, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) garnered 183 votes, and Liberia received 181 votes, with one country abstaining.

    In the Eastern European group, Latvia received 178 votes while 10 countries abstained.

    In the Latin America and the Caribbean group, Colombia received 180 votes, with eight countries abstaining.

    Debut for Latvia

    Latvia will take a seat on the Council for the first time in its history.

    With the exception of Latvia, all the elected countries have previously served: Colombia seven times, the DRC twice, and Bahrain and Liberia once each.

    Regional groups

    The non-permanent seats on the Security Council are distributed according to four regional groupings: Africa and Asia; Eastern Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean; and the Western European and other States group.

    This year’s election filled five seats: two allocated to Africa, one to Asia-Pacific, one to Eastern Europe, and one to Latin America and the Caribbean.

    By Vibhu Mishra

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Labubus, Sonny Angels and Smiskis: Are blind toy boxes just child’s play or something more concerning?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Eugene Y. Chan, Associate Professor of Marketing, Toronto Metropolitan University

    Collectible figurines on display at Pop Mart in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, on April 29, 2025. (Shutterstock)

    If you’ve seen videos of people tearing into tiny toy packages online, or noticed teens obsessing over pastel-coloured figurines at the mall, you’ve probably encountered the global craze for blind box toys.

    These small collectibles — usually figures of cartoonish characters — are sold in sealed packaging that hides which specific item is inside. You might get the one you want, or you might not. That uncertainty is part of the thrill.

    Unlike traditional toys, these figures are marketed as collectibles. Many are part of themed series, with some designs labelled as “rare” or “secret,” appearing in as few as one in every 144 boxes. This sense of exclusivity fuels repeat purchases and has spawned a resale market where rare figures can command hundreds of dollars.

    Popular among children and adults alike, blind box toys have grown into a billion-dollar industry. One of the more popular brands is Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company founded in 2010 known for its collectible designer toys sold in mystery packs.

    Gen Z consumers, in particular, have embraced blind box toys both as a nostalgic pastime and as a form of legitimate collecting. The proliferation of unboxing videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where creators open dozens of blind boxes on camera, has added to their appeal.

    For many fans, these toys offer more than just cuteness: they also provide suspense, surprise and a rush of dopamine with every box opened. But how did this niche product become a global obsession?

    From Tokyo streets to western malls

    The origins of blind box toys trace back to East Asia. Capsule toy vending machines called gashapon originated in Japan in the 1960s. By the 1980s, they had become a cultural fixture. These machines dispense small toys in opaque plastic balls, with customers never quite sure which item they’ll receive.

    In the early 2010s, Chinese companies like Pop Mart adapted the gashapon model for the mainstream retail space. Instead of vending machines, they began selling artist-designed vinyl toys in blind boxes at dedicated boutiques.

    A tourist uses a gashapon machine in Osaka, Japan, in 2024. Gashapon machines are similar to the coin-operated toy vending machines seen outside grocery stores and other retailers in North America.
    (Shutterstock)

    Pop Mart’s success helped transform the blind box into a mainstream commercial phenomenon. Characters like Molly, Skullpanda and Dimoo became instant hits, combining Japanese kawaii esthetics with western pop art sensibilities.

    Pop Mart figures have since developed a cult-like following. Many consumers treat the toys as affordable art objects, displayed in cabinets, on purses or traded online.

    Today, blind box retail stores have expanded globally from Asia to Europe and North America. In October 2024, Pop Mart opened its first store in the Midwestern United States, located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile at The Shops at North Bridge. The store offers exclusive products and taps into the growing demand for collectibles among American consumers.

    The psychology behind the mystery

    What makes blind box toys so hard to resist?

    Their success relies on a psychological principle known as variable-ratio reinforcement — the same reward pattern that makes slot machines so addictive.

    You never know exactly when you’ll score the item you’re after, but the possibility that the next box might contain it keeps people coming back. This unpredictability keeps people engaged, especially when the potential reward is framed as rare or valuable.

    Cconsumer psychology research also suggests that anticipation plays a major role. Studies show that dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, spikes not just when we get what we want, but when we anticipate it. The sealed packaging, the suspense of unwrapping and the hope for a rare figure all heighten this effect.

    Sonny Angels on display in a store in Shenzhen, China, in March 2019.
    (Shutterstock)

    For younger collectors, the excitement of “the chase” can foster compulsive buying habits. This effect is amplified by the social influence of watching unboxings online or seeing friends complete their sets, and it becomes a powerful loop.

    Even when buyers don’t get the figure they want, the sunk cost fallacy — the feeling that they’ve already invested too much time or money to walk away — keeps them buying more.

    The hidden costs of blind boxes

    As blind box toys surge in popularity, they have drawn criticism from consumer advocates, psychologists and environmentalists alike.

    Some worry that blind boxes normalize gambling-like behaviours, especially among children. The randomness, excitement and promise of rare rewards closely mirror the mechanisms behind loot boxes in video games — another product that has sparked global concern over youth exposure to gambling psychology.

    Several countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, have regulated loot boxes under gambling laws. Blind boxes, though currently unregulated, may be next in line for scrutiny.



    Read more:
    Blind bags: how toy makers are making a fortune with child gambling

    There are also environmental concerns. Many blind box toys come in excessive packaging — plastic wraps, foil bags, cardboard boxes — most of which is discarded immediately. The collectibles themselves are often made of non-recyclable plastics, raising questions about sustainability in an era of rising consumer awareness over waste.

    Even among adult fans, some critics question whether blind boxes are designed less to bring joy and more to trigger compulsive consumption. The joy of collecting, they argue, is increasingly overshadowed by the mechanics of engineered desire.

    What should we make of the blind box boom?

    Blind box toys are not inherently harmful, and for many, they’re a source of fun, nostalgia and self-expression. They also offer an accessible way for consumers to engage with designer art in a collectible, miniature form, as many of them are created by individual artists.

    But blind box toys also raise deeper questions about how modern marketing leverages psychological triggers associated with gambling, especially when it comes to children.

    As these toys continue to gain traction in the West, it’s worth asking more critical questions, like: are we buying into mystery or are we being sold obsession and compulsion?

    The blind box trend reflects broader shifts in how products are marketed, how value is perceived and how consumer behaviour is shaped in a digital, attention-driven economy. Understanding the forces at play may be the first step toward more informed — and perhaps more mindful — collecting.

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

    – ref. Labubus, Sonny Angels and Smiskis: Are blind toy boxes just child’s play or something more concerning? – https://theconversation.com/labubus-sonny-angels-and-smiskis-are-blind-toy-boxes-just-childs-play-or-something-more-concerning-257611

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – PETI Fact-finding visit to Spain 26-28 May 2025 on labour rights of police officers in the EU – 05-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Petition No. 1407/2023, submitted by David Gutierrez Prieto on behalf of the Confederacion Espanola de Policia (CEP), led the PETI Committee to organise a fact-finding visit to Spain, in the towns of Algeciras and Barbate. The petition raises concerns about the fundamental and labour rights of police officers in Spain and in the EU and calls for police work to be recognised as a risk profession across Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Balanced development clause for islands and mountain areas – E-002132/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002132/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    The European Union’s borders encompass 4 381 376 square kilometres, from the Aegean to Finland, Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus, with 65 992 kilometres of coastline. Islands are Europe’s natural borders. Covering an enormous area, they need immediate and balanced development as they tackle the effects of climate change, the demographic and housing crisis and illegal migration with limited access to new technologies and means of transport. Decisions must be coordinated and targeted. This makes it essential that we act immediately with the regions to ensure the balanced development of islands and mountainous areas, given that needs are very high.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Will there be a mandatory provision for islands and mountain areas in the next Multiannual Financial Framework?
    • 2.Will it act effectively to ensure that mountainous and island regions have adequate funding for goods and services?
    • 3.By means of which financial instruments is it helping to strengthen the economic activities of these regions?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye-gate – E-002081/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002081/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    The EU’s blatant disregard for Türkiye’s violations of international law and the country’s attacks on international peace remains inexplicable for all nations bordering Türkiye. Unfortunately, the methods employed by Türkiye – including by Diyanet, TİKA , TRT and Turkish banks within the EU – for ‘influencing’ EU policies need to be investigated.

    Türkiye has been accused on numerous occasions of attempts to exert influence by means of illegal funding and political corruption at international level. In the US, the most recent and blatant example involved the Mayor of New York, Eric Adams. There has been a federal investigation into whether his election campaign in 2021 was illegally financed through persons with ties to the Turkish Government, with the digital devices of his associates also being seized. Furthermore, Michael Flynn, the former national security advisor to the US President, admitted that he had accepted payments to represent Turkish interests, which he had failed to declare as he advocated the extradition of Fethullah Gülen.

    Türkiye has tried to exert influence through the unfair and illegal lobbying of diaspora organisations in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

    Can the Commission therefore answer the following:

    • 1.Does it consider that the above cases establish a framework of suspicious Turkish conduct at international level, or does it believe that the country has only attempted to influence the US and not the EU, for whatever reason?
    • 2.What steps has it taken and what steps is it planning to take to detect Turkish corruption in the Commission and its bodies and agencies?

    Submitted: 22.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group takes part in International Social Housing Festival in Dublin

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    This week, a delegation from the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group attended the International Social Housing Festival in Dublin to highlight our support for the housing sector.

    The EIB Group’s director for housing, Tanguy Desrousseaux, took part in a fireside chat alongside two housing providers in Ireland, the Housing Finance Association (HFA) and the Approved Housing Bodies (AHB).

    The fireside chat focused on the partnership between the HFA and EIB, which has been instrumental in scaling up housing delivery in Ireland, and delved into opportunities for new agreements between the two institutions. Over the past eight years, the EIB has lent €750 million to the HFA, enabling the construction of over 5 000 affordable homes and the energy-efficient renovation of 550 homes.

    The EIB Group’s managerial advisor for housing, Gerry Muscat, spoke at panels on “Ensuring Sustainability and Affordability – Challenges and Opportunities for the European Affordable Housing Plan.” and “Financing Affordable Housing in the EU – Opportunities and Challenges in the new European Context.” Meanwhile, Andrea Colantonio, a senior economist, represented the EIB Group in a jury at the European Responsible Housing Awards ceremony and participated in a panel event titled “Guiding Europe Home – The compass for a New Housing Paradigm.”

    The conference follows a number of EIB Group housing events confirming its commitment to supporting the housing sector across Europe.

    In July 2024, the EIB Group’s  newly established Housing Task Force organised a kick-off event in Luxembourg featuring around 300 public and private stakeholders to discuss scaling up financial support for affordable and sustainable housing throughout the EU. The event was followed by technical meetings in Brussels and Milan in the autumn with stakeholders to help shape a pan-European investment platform alongside the Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: World Oceans Day, Palestine, Ukraine & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (5 June 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Trip Announcement/Secretary-General
    World Oceans Day
    Secretary-General/Fallen Staff
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Ukraine
    Syria/Security Council
    International Days

    TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT/SECRETARY-GENERAL
    On Sunday, June 8, the Secretary-General will arrive in Nice, in France, to take part in the third UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
    On Monday, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks during the conference’s opening session. He will recall the progress achieved since the last Ocean Conference in Lisbon and call for investments to fully realize the sustainable development goal number 14, which is, as you know, life below water.
    The Secretary-General will also use this opportunity to urge all countries to ratify the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), and also to call on member states to agree this year on an ambitious and legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
    The BBNJ will enter into force 120 days after its 60th ratification, and to facilitate this process, our colleagues at the department of Legal Affairs are organizing a Treaty event during the Ocean conference. At that event, all Member States who have not yet done so will be able to formally deposit their ratification.
    While in Nice, the Secretary-General will have bilateral meetings with both co-hosts of the conference, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, as well as President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, of Costa Rica. He will also have a number of bilateral meetings with other delegation leaders and members of the civil society who will be at the conference.
    On Tuesday morning, the Secretary-General will conclude his programme in Nice with a press encounter, which will be shown live on UN WebTV.

    WORLD OCEANS DAY
    A day ahead of the UN Ocean Conference, the UN will mark World Oceans Day. In his message, the Secretary-General calls for the protection of marine biodiversity, the rejection of practices that inflict irreversible damage, and he calls for the delivery on the promises of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement. &nbs

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/FALLEN STAFF
    This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the annual memorial service for UN staff who have lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, and he paid tribute to the 168 men and women who lost their lives in 2024.
    He told journalists this morning that the past year has been especially devastating in Gaza, with 126 of our colleagues killed there — 125 of those were serving with UNRWA.
    Mr. Guterres said that the sacrifice of all 168 of our fallen colleagues everywhere is a tragedy, adding that it is also a reminder of the responsibility carried by every United Nations staff member, every single day.
    He said that as we mourn those lost, we must also recognize the living — the thousands of UN personnel who serve around the world today, carrying out the missions entrusted to them by the countries that make up these United Nations.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=05%20June%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80xGuK-Ku8Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Opening of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference | United Nations (Nice, France)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility

    – Cultural Event
    – Opening segment
    – Beginning of the general debate

    The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025.

    The overarching theme of the Conference is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. The Conference aims to support further and urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify further ways and means to support the implementation of SDG 14. It will build on existing instruments to form successful partnerships towards the swift conclusion and effective implementation of ongoing processes that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.

    The Conference will involve all relevant stakeholders, bringing together Governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to, as well as actions taken towards, the implementation of Goal 14. 

    The Conference will build on the previous UN Ocean Conferences, hosted by Sweden and Fiji in 2017 in New York and by Portugal and Kenya in 2022 in Lisbon.

    2025 UN Ocean Conference website: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025

    —

    Watch the opening of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in other languages (AR, CH, EN, FR, RU, SP) on the UN Web TV website: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1kj0sjklh

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWcCtCy8gDM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Director General in Syria to Strengthen Cooperation in Safeguards, Cancer Care and Food Security

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi meets with the President of Syria, Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Damascus on 4 June 2025. (Photo: D. Candano/IAEA)

    The IAEA Director General has been in Syria this week to clarify remaining safeguards issues and support the country’s use of nuclear science and technology in the areas of human health, particularly cancer care and food and agriculture.

    Mr Grossi met President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in Damascus on 4 June and recognised “his courage in cooperating with full transparency to close a chapter of Syria’s past that diverted resources necessary for development.”

    Mr Grossi added: “With a new government committed to engaging with the international community, we have an opportunity to resolve outstanding issues.”

    “Immediate and unrestricted access” to sites relevant for inspections was granted by President Al-Sharaa, and the Director General confirmed that IAEA teams conducted verification activities during his visit.

    In his meeting with the Syrian President, Mr Grossi also announced a comprehensive programme to support the country with medical equipment and training for hospitals, as well as help in agriculture and water management. They also explored the possibility of nuclear power in Syria.

    During his visit, Mr Grossi also met Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani with whom he signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in the areas of food security and cancer control. The IAEA will support Syria with medical equipment and hospital training, as well as with assistance in food and agriculture to enhance food safety and security.

    Advancing Cancer Care

    Each year, more than 1400 women in Syria are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. For many, access to a specialized form of internal radiotherapy called brachytherapy could significantly improve chances of survival.

    To help these women receive the treatment they need, the IAEA, through its Rays of Hope Initiative, is working with local medical teams to build Syria’s first fully equipped brachytherapy suite at Al-Biruni Hospital in Damascus. This life-saving facility is being made possible with the financial support of the government of Italy.

    “We are supporting the reconstruction of Syria’s radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and radiology services,” said Mr Grossi. “We’re providing equipment like CT scanners, brachytherapy machines for women’s cancers, and other tools not currently available in the country, and we will train personnel on the ground to use them.”

    Atoms4Food

    Through cooperation on Atoms4Food, the IAEA and Syria will work together to strengthen food security for the country’s population using nuclear and isotopic applications to improve agricultural practices.

    “Food security is, of course, of great importance to Syria, and the IAEA is well positioned to assist,” said Mr Grossi. “Nuclear techniques can make a big difference in areas like crop development, water management, insect sterilization, or pest control. We do this around the world, and now we’re opening a new chapter for Syria and its people.”

    Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building

    Earlier this year, an IAEA expert mission travelled to Syria and carried out assessments on the status of Syria’s Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) to provide recommendations to the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS) to enhance radiation safety in the country. 

    National radiotherapy services were also evaluated, and technical input delivered to strengthen clinical practices. Experts from the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme also held a series of technical training sessions and practical workshops on advanced radiotherapy techniques in Damascus.  

    The IAEA will continue to support capacity building through the clinical training of local radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiotherapy technologists while the brachytherapy machine is on its way to Al-Biruni Hospital.

    The IAEA has been delivering support to Syria including  medical equipment  such as portable and mobile X ray machines, non-destructive testing devices and portable ultrasound units following the devastating earthquake in February 2023. 

    The mission of Mr Grossi to Syria this week was made possible with logistical support from the Government of Italy.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bringing together Gaelic and Irish stakeholders to empower communities Leading voices in Gaelic from Ireland and Scotland will come together in Aberdeen to examine key challenges and opportunities facing Gaelic and Irish-speaking communities today.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Leading voices in Gaelic from Ireland and Scotland will come together in Aberdeen to examine key challenges and opportunities facing Gaelic and Irish-speaking communities today.
    The landmark symposium ‘Ceangal / Connect’ jointly hosted by the Consulate General of Ireland, the Research Institute for Irish and Scottish Studies (University of Aberdeen), and Údarás na Gaeltachta, will gather policymakers, academics, cultural leaders, and civil society organisations to consider lessons that can be learned in language revival.
    The event, to be held at the University of Aberdeen from June 9-10, will explore Scotland and Ireland’s experiences with Gaelic and Irish and look at how shared strategies and solidarity can strengthen the languages.
    The cultural and economic importance of the languages will be in the spotlight with representatives from state and economic agencies in Scotland and Ireland and speakers from businesses and social enterprises in Scotland taking to the podium.
    Jerry O’Donovan, the Consul General of Ireland, will attend the event to support cross-country collaboration. He said that “Gaelic and Irish speaking communities across the island of Ireland and Scotland share many similar geographical, economic, social and cultural challenges. Identifying common opportunities and examples of best practice can provide common solutions to the benefit of all and we are delighted to see such a broad range of stakeholders gathering in one location from both sides of the Irish Sea. The University of Aberdeen, which has a long tradition of both supporting the Gaelic language and bringing together a diverse range of perspectives, is an ideal host for this important event.”
    The symposium will explore a number of key themes including the synergies around social and economic development and rural language communities; how national language strategies impact community use; how culture and broadcasting initiatives support language revitalisation and the importance of dispersed and city-based speaker communities.
    Professor Michael Brown, Director of the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies, said: “Gaelic connects generations in both Scotland and Ireland in a way that continues to teach us the value of community, identity, and mutual understanding.
    ‘This symposium will provide a platform to share knowledge and understanding, helping us to protect and promote Gaelic and Irish across our countries’.
    It reflects growing cooperation between Irish and Scottish institutions to strengthen and sustain Gaelic and Irish.”
    Professor Michelle MacLeod, Chair in Gaelic and Head of School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, added: “We know that language is much more than the spoken word, it is about shared heritage, a sense of belonging, community and a driver for future opportunity. Learning from each other makes a valuable contribution to the resilience and revival of our languages and we are delighted to be able to bring together so many leading voices from both Ireland and Scotland.”
    The symposium will be followed by a reception hosted by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen to provide a further opportunity for networking and discussion.
    A’ toirt còmhla luchd-ùidh Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge gus coimhearsnachdan a neartachadh
    Thig prìomh ghuthan ann an Gàidhlig à Èirinn agus Alba còmhla ann an Obar Dheathain gus prìomh dhùbhlain agus cothroman a tha mu choinneimh coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge an-diugh a sgrùdadh.
    Cruinnichidh a’ cho-labhairt chudromach ‘Ceangal / Connect’ air a chumail le Consalachd Coitcheann na h-Èireann, Institiùd Rannsachaidh airson Èolas Èireannach agus Albannach (Oilthigh Obar Dheathain), agus Údarás na Gaeltachta, luchd-poileasaidh, acadaimigich, stiùirichean cultarail, agus buidhnean comann catharra gus beachdachadh air leasanan a ghabhas ionnsachadh ann an ath-bheothachadh cànain.
    Bheir an tachartas, a thèid a chumail aig Oilthigh Obar Dheathain bho 9-10 Ògmhios, sùil air suidheachaidhean Gàidhlig na h-Alba agus na h-Èireann agus mar a dh’fhaodas ro-innleachdan co-roinnte agus dlùth-phàirteachas na cànanan a neartachadh.
    Bidh cudromachd chultarail agus eaconamach nan cànanan ann an aire le riochdairean bho bhuidhnean stàite agus eaconamach ann an Alba agus Èirinn agus luchd-labhairt bho ghnìomhachasan agus iomairtean sòisealta ann an Alba a’ bruidhinn aig a’ cho-labhairt.
    Bidh Jerry O’Donovan, Consal Coitcheann na h-Èireann, an làthair aig an tachartas gus taic a thoirt do cho-obrachadh thar-dùthcha. Thuirt e gu bheil “coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge air feadh eilean na h-Èireann agus Alba a’ coinneachadh mòran dhùbhlain cruinn-eòlasach, eaconamach, sòisealta agus cultarail coltach. Faodaidh comharrachadh chothroman cumanta agus eisimpleirean de dheagh chleachdadh fuasglaidhean cumanta a thoirt seachad a tha buannachdail do na h-uile agus tha sinn air leth toilichte a bhith a’ faicinn raon cho farsaing de luchd-ùidh a’ tighinn còmhla ann an aon àite bho gach taobh de Shruth na Maoile. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain, aig a bheil traidisean fada de bhith a’ toirt taic don Ghàidhlig agus a’ toirt còmhla raon farsaing de sheallaidhean, na àite air leth freagarrach airson an tachartais chudromaich seo.”
    Bidh a’ cho-labhairt a’ sgrùdadh grunn chuspairean cudromach a’ gabhail a-steach sinergidhean timcheall air leasachadh sòisealta agus eaconamach agus coimhearsnachdan cànain dùthchail; mar a tha ro-innleachdan cànain nàiseanta a’ toirt buaidh air cleachdadh coimhearsnachd; mar a tha iomairtean cultarail agus craolaidh a’ toirt taic do ath-bheothachadh cànain agus cudromachd coimhearsnachdan luchd-labhairt sgapte gus stèidhichte sa Bhaile-mhòr.
    Thuirt an t-Àrd Ollamh Mìcheal Brown, Stiùiriche Institiùd Rannsachaidh airson Eòlas Èireannach agus Albannach: “Tha Gàidhlig a’ ceangal ghinealaichean ann an Alba agus Èirinn ann an dòigh a tha a’ leantainn oirnn a’ teagasg dhuinn luach coimhearsnachd, dearbh-aithne, agus tuigse dha chèile.
    “Bheir a’ cho-labhairt seo àrd-ùrlar airson eòlas agus tuigse a cho-roinn, a’ cuideachadh le bhith a’ dìon agus a’ brosnachadh Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge air feadh ar dùthchannan.”
    Tha e a’ nochdadh co-obrachadh a tha a’ sìor fhàs eadar institiudan Gaeilge agus Albannach gus Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge a neartachadh agus a chumail suas.”
    Thuirt an t-Àrd-Ollamh Michelle NicLeòid, Ceannard Sgoil nan Cànan, Litreachas, Ceòl agus Cultar Lèirsinneach: “Tha fios againn gu bheil cànan mòran a bharrachd na facal labhairteach, tha e mu dheidhinn dualchas co-roinnte, faireachdainn de bhuinteanas, coimhearsnachd agus dràibhear airson cothrom san àm ri teachd. Tha ionnsachadh bho chèile a’ cuir rud luachmhor ri seasmhachd agus ath-bheothachadh ar cànanan agus tha sinn air leth toilichte a bhith comasach air uimhir de phrìomh ghuthan a thoirt còmhla à Èirinn agus Alba.”
    Bidh cuirm ann às dèidh na co-labhairt air a chumail le Àrd-Phrobhaist Obar Dheathain gus cothrom a bharrachd a thoirt airson lìonrachadh agus deasbad.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –