Category: Eurozone

MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s military parade: A ‘big big celebration’ or an authoritarian ritual?

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Irene Gammel, Professor & Director, Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre and Gallery, Toronto Metropolitan University

U.S. Army soldiers march along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. during U.S. President Donald Trump’s Inaugural Parade in January 2017. (Kalie Jones)

Born on June 14, 1946, United States President Donald Trump turns 79 in 2025 — the same day that the U.S. Army, founded in 1775, marks its 250th anniversary. To mark the anniversary, Trump proclaimed that “we’re gonna have a big, big celebration.”

Plans drawn up by the army call for 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven military bands and thousands of civilians. The parade will also reportedly include 34 horses, two mules and a dog.

Dismissed by many as a costly vanity project by some, the parade invites a deeper question: what kind of political work does a birthday celebration like this actually do?

Far from trivial or benign, Trump’s spectacle draws on a long history of authoritarian leaders who use ritualized celebrations to bind personal power to national identity. The most notorious example, Adolf Hitler, turned his birthdays into massive national events with military parades, mass rallies and highly estheticized scenes of domestic cheer.

These displays blurred dominance and intimacy, fatherliness and force — an approach revived today in the digital era, where curated imagery and social media entangle leadership with affective spectacle.

Fascist birthday culture

I was born and raised in Germany. I’m acutely aware that Hitler’s birthday still casts a shadow and that such dates continue to carry political weight, with the rituals involved doing long-term political work.

During the Third Reich, the Führer’s birthday — modeLled on the Kaiser’s — became a mass propaganda event, blending public spectacle with personal attachment.

As German philosopher Theodor Adorno noted, fascist rituals portrayed the authoritarian leader as both a “superman” and an ordinary, flawed “average person.” This duality encouraged intimate identification and awe, much like the dynamic between a patriarchal father and child.

Trump echoes this dynamic through a mix of paternal posturing, hypermasculine bluster and expansive nationalism. Whereas Hitler relied on the latest photograph and film technology, today’s spectacles are amplified by digital media’s participatory culture.

German leader Adolf Hitler reviewing a military parade held in celebration of his 47th birthday on April 20, 1936.
(German Federal Archives), CC BY

Neo-Nazi groups across North America and Europe still mark Hitler’s birthday with cakes, cookies, memes and tweets; often disarmingly “cute” images overlaid with disturbing swastikas and jokes. In his 2017 paper, sociologist Christian Fuchs shows that the most retweeted neo-Nazi post in his study was “Wake and bake #HitlersBirthday #420,” blending cannabis culture with fascist nostalgia to deflect horror through humour.

The blurred boundaries between the national and the personal feed meme culture, where, as communications scholar Limor Shifman writes, “small units of culture” spread through imitation, often cloaked in play.

Amid mounting pressure on various institutions in the U.S. — universities, courts and public discourse — the military/birthday parade is an extravaganza that fuses esthetics and propaganda to cement authority, suppress dissent and consolidate power.

Power aesthetics of military pageantry

By combining a military display with a personal celebration, Trump’s birthday parade stages a grand spectacle of power. Key here is the presence of thousands of soldiers in military uniform, which creates a “persona and a powerful collective presence,” as fashion scholar Jennifer Craik writes.

Uniforms signal discipline and belonging, but also intimidate and threaten. Fashion writer Colin McDowell calls the uniform a “spectacle” steeped in associations with power and eroticism, a garment long linked to theatricality and role-playing.

Nowhere was this more explicit than under European fascism and colonialism. Uniforms were engineered to seduce, often fetishized: streamlined silhouettes, tight jackets and black leather boots. As Craik notes, such imagery was not incidental; it was the visual grammar of domination. As sociologist Klaus Theweleit observes, fascist power had to be seen, desired and even fantasized.

Trump’s parade is a show of force. Its sheer scale — bands, vehicles, helicopters — performs strength and legitimacy, marking who belongs and who does not. But the birthday celebration also turns attention back to the man himself, reminding us that authoritarianism is not only about intimidation but also about the persona of the autocrat.

Parades staged for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday.

Authoritarian scripts, then and now

Autocratic regimes work hard to fashion the leader into a man of the people: familiar, relatable and someone to be admired. Think of Hitler in his motorcade, hands outstretched toward the crowd.

My father, just 10 years old, was part of that spectacle at one of these parades on a mandatory school trip, lined up along the street. Yet as the motorcade neared, he was shoved aside in the crush. What stayed with him wasn’t Hitler — he never saw him — but the fanatical woman who pushed him to get closer.

The point was the crowd itself, kept at a fever pitch with ever-new spectacles like Hitler’s 50th birthday on April 20, 1939, declared a national holiday. German Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels staged it as what historian Ian Kershaw called “an astonishing extravaganza of the Führer cult;” a visual and military spectacle widely broadcast.

One gift, a model of the FW 200 Condor, later became Hitler’s official plane. Trump’s new luxury Air Force One, “a gift” from Qatar, is also part of his visual narrative. The symbolism is eerie: once again, the personal cloaks itself in national power.

The cult of MAGA

In the end, Trump’s militarized birthday parade solicits not just admiration but political allegiance. Like past authoritarian rituals, it manipulates affect through military pageantry to elevate the leader as both a symbol and supreme commander.

The spectacle demands emotional submission with the goal being identification with the leader. It exchanges democratic freedom for a vision of unity under a single figure. However wrapped in humour or patriotic kitsch, Trump’s parade rehearses an authoritarian script with disturbingly familiar cues.

What appears as celebration is, in fact, a rehearsal. It signals a dangerous shift toward personal glorification and a political culture where pageantry replaces participation and adoration displaces dissent.

As history warns, that is when democracy begins to give way.

Irene Gammel receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

– ref. Trump’s military parade: A ‘big big celebration’ or an authoritarian ritual? – https://theconversation.com/trumps-military-parade-a-big-big-celebration-or-an-authoritarian-ritual-257536

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 30, 2025
Sinner crushes Gasquet at Roland Garros to end Frenchman’s career

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

World number one Jannik Sinner sent Frenchman Richard Gasquet into retirement with a 6-3 6-0 6-4 hammering in the battle of generations at the French Open on Thursday to ease into the third round.

It was the second time in as many years in Paris that the 23-year-old beat local hero Gasquet, who said he would end his career that started over two decades ago and yielded 16 tour-level singles titles after his home Grand Slam.

With his team watching on in matching white T-shirts that read “Merci Richard” the 38-year-old soaked up his ovation and video messages from peers including Novak Djokovic and the recently retired Rafa Nadal on the big screen.

“I’d like to thank Jannik for his kindness and the player that he is and I know he’ll have a great career.” Gasquet said.

“I have great memories with all of you. You all supported me in defeat and victory … I began playing in a club in the south and travelled and played across France. So I remember all the tournaments I played in, not just Roland Garros.

“We always had a welcome here that was extraordinary. I’d like to thank the federation. Tennis finishes for me today.”

Gasquet, who made his French Open debut in 2002 when top seed Sinner was still in a crib, drew huge roars from the Court Philippe Chatrier crowd when he unleashed his single-handed backhand on the Italian early in the match.

Fans were slightly more subdued when Sinner raced ahead 4-1 and won the opening set, before they were almost silenced when he dished out a bagel in the next set to leave Gasquet with a mountain to climb.

Sinner faced more resistance in the first eight games of the next set as Gasquet mounted an unlikely comeback attempt, but he broke for a 5-4 lead and promptly closed out the match, before paying tribute to his opponent.

“We have a good relationship off the court. We’re different generations, but it’s your moment,” Sinner said.

“Congrats to your family, your team. Without great people around each player, it’s impossible to make such an incredible career. You played in such an incredible era of tennis and everyone will recognise you, even after your retirement.”

Victory ensured U.S. and Australian Open champion Sinner became the first man born in 1990 or later to record 16 straight wins at Grand Slams. He will next play Czech Jiri Lehecka.

(Reuters)

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Attorney General’s 2025 RUSI Annual Security Lecture

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Attorney General’s 2025 RUSI Annual Security Lecture

On 29 May 2025, the Attorney General Lord Hermer KC delivered the RUSI Annual Security Lecture, reinforcing the government’s commitment to international law.

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

In December of last year, in his Mansion House speech, the Prime Minister recalled the internationalist mindset of the Atlee government of 1945 – that it was only by maintaining our strength abroad that we would be able to succeed at home. The Prime Minister described Atlee’s approach as hard-headed and patriotic – and made plain that the same values would govern our approach to foreign policy.

Building on that theme the following month, in his Locarno Speech, the Foreign Secretary labelled this distinctive approach to foreign and security policy – as Progressive Realism, which he said required:

“Taking the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. Advancing progressive ends by realist means.”

And I would like to take this opportunity today to set out the legal underpinning for Progressive Realism, which I will argue combines both a pragmatic approach to the UK’s national interests with a principled commitment to a rules-based international order.

I am going to start by setting out some of the complexities and challenges of the world that we face, then to address – in order to dismiss – the critique of those I will describe as legal romantic idealists on the one hand, and proponents of what I will call pseudo-realism on the other, before arguing that British leadership to strengthen and reform the international rules-based system is both the right thing to do and the only truly realistic choice.

Before I turn to this, let me first thank Lord Parker for his introduction. Andrew spent his career keeping Britain safe from all manner of threats during a challenging period, before moving on to the Royal Household. So his experience on these security issues has few parallels, and his ability to keep secrets will have been tested in very different ways.

Let me also thank our hosts. It is a real privilege to receive this invitation to deliver the prestigious RUSI Annual Security Lecture. RUSI has held a place of real importance in our public debate for over 200 years. Sitting in government, it is an obvious place to look for expertise, for advice but also for challenge.

No one in this government is under any illusion of the scale of the threats to global security we presently face. The most devastating war in Europe since 1945, the war in Gaza getting ever more bloody and bleak by the day, trade through the Red Sea effectively halted by Houthi attacks, the killing fields of Sudan – we also face profound threats within our own borders from an increasingly assertive axis of hostile states, engaging in espionage, targeting of critical infrastructure and threatening of UK based dissidents; as well as criminal gangs exploiting the most vulnerable by fuelling irregular migration.

As this audience will know better than most, the list of threats goes on. And although some of these threats we have witnessed before, their complexity and unpredictability are unparalleled because they are fuelled synergistically by factors such as how the transformation, of information and disinformation is shared across the globe through social media and increasingly AI – and because we face these threats at this moment in which many are seeking to undermine the multilateral frameworks that have kept us safe since 1945.

The challenges we face are truly enormous and as the Foreign Secretary observed in his Locarno speech the world order had irreversibly changed. The Foreign Secretary said:

“… we have to accept that there is no going back. We must stop the 1990s clouding our vision. The post-Cold War peace is well and truly over. This is a changed strategic environment. … Europe’s future security is on a knife edge.”

Allow me to explain how our policy of Progressive Realism meets this moment. And the role the law, and the international rules-based order plays in our approach. Because our approach is a rejection of the siren song, that can sadly, now be heard in the Palace of Westminster, and in some spectrums of the media, that Britain abandons the constraints of international law in favour of raw power.

This is not a new song.

The claim that international law is fine as far as it goes, but can be put aside when conditions change, is a claim that was made in the early 1930s by ‘realist’ jurists in Germany most notably Carl Schmitt, whose central thesis was in essence the claim that state power is all that counts, not law. Because of the experience of what followed in 1933, far-sighted individuals rebuilt and transformed the institutions of international law, as well as internal constitutional law.

Now part of our pragmatic approach to foreign affairs is to learn from experience – to analyse without preconception or dogma what has been shown to protect British interests in the world and what has not. Schmitt’s so-called realism has for eighty years been refuted by the fact that these institutions, post 45 institutions, have provided the basis until now for Western and other states, wildly varied in nature, to interact with each other under conditions of peace and stability, all the while pursuing their own strategic interests. Raw, wild power, on its own, in so many different calculi, has rarely been picked as a modus operandi because it was not, is not, a realistic way to advance national interests.

Now drawing on historical experience, it is important to stress the role of Britain in the rebuilding of the post war consensus, in the development of international law and multinational institutions – all a rejection of the discredited Schmitt-ian conception of power. Our role then, in Yalta, in San Francisco, in Bretton Woods and beyond helps explain why so many look to us for a leadership role now. There is a temptation among its critics to see international law as something inflicted upon us by others, as something undemocratic and somehow “foreign”. Such assertions frankly smear great the British historic success in providing the international leadership that has established and shaped so much of the rules-based international order. That order was built in the twentieth century on the ideas forged by great British international lawyers, notably Sir Hersch Lauterpacht, the Cambridge Professor of International Law and Britain’s judge on the International Court of Justice. We should not forget that it was a Conservative politician, David Maxwell Fyffe, who was one of the principal drafters of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Let me return to today, where like many public debates in our age of social media, this important, nuanced and complicated discussion about the import of international law is becoming increasingly polarised between what I have described as romantic idealists and pseudo-realists.

Romantic idealists say that international law, conceived as the reign of moral principle, provides a complete answer to any question. To these idealistic champions, British foreign policy is simple. Follow moral principle wherever it takes us. We should always lambast our closest allies regardless of whether or not it is constructive to the politics that we pursue. We should always call out our partners, with different types of governments, regardless of whether the criticism works or whether quiet diplomacy might more effectively produce results. We should always talk to hostile regimes nicely because that will result in them being nicer to us. Such an approach is dangerously naïve – it takes the world as it wants it to be, not as it is. Positioning ourselves as the pious priest, confining ourselves to the comfort of self-righteous declaration, would confine us to irrelevance in global affairs because it focuses myopically on ‘means’ not ‘ends’ – in a manner that ultimately benefits no one.

At the other end of the spectrum, pseudo-realists demand that in these volatile times we must abandon our longstanding commitment to international law and to moral principle.

They say that we are witnessing the unravelling of the post-war international legal order and that the interests of each nation-state must again be superior to any international norms. They are essentially arguing a return to Bismarckian notions of realpolitik. Bismarck said, in 1862:

The great questions of the day will not be decided by speeches and the resolutions of majorities, but by ‘Blut und Eisen’ (blood and iron).

These pseudo-realists advocate for the UK flexing its muscles to make sure it has a seat at the table in the rooms of the powerful where new rules and norms will be forged in the furnace of raw power, rules which may well apply not to all, but only to states in alliances in permanent conflict with other alliances which have chosen to be bound by different rules. There will no longer be a rules-based international order, but rather the war of one against all that Thomas Hobbes famously portrayed as the international state of nature.

[Redacted political content]

What I hope to do is to start to depolarise this debate by setting out the legal underpinning for the principled pragmatism that guides this Government’s foreign and security policy of Progressive Realism. My argument is that we should reject both the pseudo “realpolitik” and the romantic idealists’ view of international law. Their temptingly simple narratives not only misunderstand our history, not only misunderstand international law, it is also reckless and dangerous, and will make us less prosperous, less safe and less secure in a troubled world.

Let me give you four reasons why:

First, we need to be clear that a selective, or ‘pick and mix’ approach to international law by the United Kingdom will lead to its disintegration.   The cherry picking advocated by the pseudo-realists is fundamentally at odds with the nature of international law as law. The international rules- order soon breaks down when States claim that they can breach international law because it is in their national interests. That is the present argument advanced by Russia.

The argument [Redacted political content] that the UK can breach its international obligations when it is in the national interest to do so, is a radical departure from the UK’s constitutional tradition, which has long been that ministers are under a duty to comply with international law.

This isn’t Conservatism, this is radicalism, which stands completely at odds with that proud constitutional history in this country. I agree with the views consistently expressed by my, mostly Conservative, predecessors in this role. Dominic Grieve, for example, told the House of Lords Constitution Committee in 2022:

“The duty to observe international law is enshrined in our unwritten constitution because it is Her Majesty’s intention that her servants should observe the binding agreements that her previous servants have entered into—unless, of course, you want to resile from an international treaty.”

And in this country, I believe that the vast majority of people believe that if you make a promise you should keep it – if you enter a contract you should comply with it. Our decency and reliability are our hallmarks as a nation. To similar effect, we also understand that if you sign a contract then you cannot unilaterally choose to comply with some terms but not others – the deal falls through, and no one would trust you enough to secure advantageous terms in the future.

Second, in this dangerous world it is instructive to ask yourself this if the international law framework fails, if our multilateral institutions fall, then Cui Bono? Who benefits? The answer is obvious – it is our enemies who succeed. It is obvious that Russia and other malign state-actors see the undermining of the legal based framework as a core objective. Putin does not simply apply a Schmitt-ian approach to the rule of law within the boundaries of Russia and its proxies, he recognises the huge strategic advantage that would flow in undermining the post 1945 international law framework. It’s why he invokes exceptionalism to justify his crime of aggression, it is why he devotes so many of his resources to undermining democracies and to seeking to fuel divisions within them.

This is why the approach of both romantic idealists and pseudo-realists are not simply wholly naïve but dangerous. There is nothing ‘realistic’ at all about the latter’s views and that is why I label them ‘pseudo-realists’. Their analysis is the precise opposite of realistic – it is deeply unworldly, fit for a university debating chamber perhaps but not the world in which our enemies recognise the strategic benefits of the disintegration of the international rules-based framework and where the stakes for western democracies could not be higher. Let me be crystal clear – I do not for one moment question the good faith let alone patriotism of the pseudo-realists but their arguments if ever adopted would provide succour to Putin.

Third, international law is a key vehicle by which states can both pursue their strategic interests and at the same time give effect to the norms and values that they hold dear. States can amplify and project their hard power, for example, by entering into legally binding treaties creating powerful military alliances with other states, such as NATO, or beneficial intelligence sharing alliances such as the Five Eyes. At the same time, states can also use international law to protect certain values they hold dear; security of our borders, human rights, equality and the rule of law. There is no inherent contradiction between international law and determined pursuit of national strategic objectives. The school of pseudo- realpolitik critique is wilfully blind to the extent to which international law is itself already a framework for principled, pragmatic, pursuit of national interests.

Let me put to bed the notion that international law is somehow an affront to state sovereignty. To the contrary, international law is founded on the idea of state sovereignty. And without international law, there would be no state sovereignty, only the emptiness of that word in a world where hunks could be ripped off borders and every dispute be settled by the force of the strong.

When a state chooses to enter into an international treaty, and it is a choice, that does not involve any surrender of national sovereignty to malevolent international actors or make the state a vassal of international organisations – it is a conscious decision that a state makes in their own interest.

International treaties always recognise that States might disagree about their interpretation. This is why we have dispute mechanisms. This is why states can leave the treaties they have signed and agreed on. But the integrity and force of the system requires that once a party, to an agreement, they abide by its rules — they don’t pick and mix.

Fourth argument is this, our international obligations are not onerous but manifestly in this country’s national interests. This is at the heart of progressive realism. In addition to safeguarding our national interests, as the tectonic plates of the international order shift dramatically, we as a government are seizing the opportunity to provide global leadership, combining hard-headed British pragmatism with our equally strong and hard-earned global reputation for a commitment to international law. We know from experience that we can best achieve our own goals only within a framework of international law that makes the same possible for others.

We have real life experience as a nation in experimenting with pseudo-realism.

[Redacted political content]

By contrast with the inconsistent, flamboyant and on occasion inflammatory rhetoric, this Government is clear that the national interest is served by the restoration of our reputation not simply as a nation that respects its international law obligation but as a leader in the rules-based international order. Our return as a good faith actor has been greeted with warmth across the globe – I have seen it myself in meetings in Kyiv, in discussions with European partners and the halls of the United Nations. What we can feel is a palpable relief that we are stepping up.

Last week, at the press conference marking the historic agreement between the UK and the EU, the Prime Minister said this:

“Britain is back on the world stage … facing out to the world once again in the great tradition of this nation. Building the relationships we choose, with the partners we choose, and closing deals in the national interest.”

The agreement with the EU includes a significant new trade deal with our closest trading partner – it will make a real difference to our economy and the standards of living of our citizens. It is only the recent such trade deal.

There is also the US Economic Prosperity Deal, with the world’s biggest economy and most powerful democracy, and our closest ally.

There is the Free Trade Agreement with India, the world’s largest democracy and our Commonwealth partner which will inject billions of pounds into the economy.

The first ever Economic 2+2 with Japan, a new economic partnership with the world’s fourth largest economy a strong ally of this country in the Pacific.

In is not ‘despite’ of our commitment to international law that trade deals are being signed within months where the previous government failed over years – rather it is ‘because’ we are now once again a trusted partner. Our word is once again our bond – not a phrase that could be uttered in good faith by the pseudo-realists. These successes, secured in international agreements, will be felt in the most concrete of ways of the people of this country – in tens of thousands of new jobs, in the raising of living standards and more money in people’s pockets. This economic benefit is a direct consequence of our return as a trusted partner in the rules-based order.

Beyond trade, we have led efforts to ensure Europe steps up to meet the security challenges flowing from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. This means supporting Ukrainian efforts to defend itself, readying Europe to step up for any ceasefire or peace and continue to strengthen efforts to deliver a measure of accountability for those responsible for the atrocities involved in Russia’s actions.

More broadly across the European continent, we have concluded a significant new Defence and Security Partnership which substantially strengthens this country’s security. It will upgrade our cooperation on areas ranging from defence industry, mobility of military material and personnel, maritime security and space security. It sets the framework for closer defence industrial collaboration, including potential participation in the EU’s proposed €150bn Security Action for Europe instrument. This on top of the Global Combat Air Programme treaty ratified in December 2024, delivering a next generation combat aircraft for 2035, to keep us ahead of new and evolving threats for decades to come and creating thousands of new jobs, right across this land.

Our good faith adherence to international law brings together other vital interests. We have strengthened partnerships on border security with our nearest neighbours and built their confidence that we can be trusted to be fair and honest in our dealings and bringing to a decisive end what the Prime Minister has described as “gimmicks” which were proving a barrier to effective collaboration. It is no accident that the previous Government who played so fast and loose with our reputation as a leader in international law, were unable to reach any agreements that effectively addressed unregulated migration – yet within months of office the Home Secretary has reached ground breaking deals with France in respect of patrols of their own waterways to stop boats crossing the channel; Germany has agreed to amend its own domestic laws to stop the transport of boats and parts – agreements which are essential components of attempts to clamp down on the criminal enterprise of boat crossings –which would have been inconceivable, inconceivable, whilst the UK was posturing over support for the ECHR and international law more generally.

So, allow me if you will, to channel Reg, the leader of the People’s Front of Judea in Life of Brian and ask rhetorically what has international law ever done for us? Well, the answer is that it has helped give us peace, security and prosperity.
And it will continue to do so – this is just the start – together with other initiatives which the Foreign Secretary and others in the Government are working on right now, they will bring tangible benefits to the people of our country. They are the early fruits of the UK’s clear signal to the international community that it can once again be treated as a trusted international partner. A country which will keep its word when it enters into international agreements. A country that stands up for principle and takes a broad perspective on compliance with the law, recognising of course occasional frustrations in the moment but huge benefits in the longer-term.

We are not Progressive Realists because we qualify our realism. We are Progressive Realists because we combine both a commitment to progressive ends with a realistic understanding of how those ends can be achieved in the world as it is. Because a commitment to international law is both the right thing to do and the realistic, rational, cool-headed thing to do. We are Progressive Realists because painstakingly upholding and strengthening the rules that enshrine respect for human dignity, accountability for breaches of international humanitarian law, fair rules permitting free trade, protections of our environment and defence pacts that protect our nation— is not restraining ourselves but pursuing our national interest. And the only truly realistic choice we can make. And it is truly a patriotic one.

We are Progressive Realists because we do not shy away from a belief in the importance of value-based multilateralism as a fundamental force for good in the world – and we recognise the power those ideals both hold and bring us.

The late Kofi Annan once said:

Our enemy now is indifference, the belief that there are many worlds, and that the only one we need to care about is our own.

We will not be indifferent. The promotion of, and compliance with, these progressive values underpinning international law and the multilateral institutions that have grown up to support them over the past 80 years is a source of immense national pride – it is a great British value to say that we want to make the world a better, safer and more prosperous place. There is no contradiction between approaching the world with a hard head but also a warm heart. This is Progressive Realism.

Now, before I conclude, allow me to say something about how international law adapts to the changing challenges we face and the role of nations in shaping it.

As progressive realists we recognise that international law cannot stand still and rest on its laurels. It must be critiqued and where necessary reformed and improved. Nothing I have said here is intended to shield international rules or treaties from evidence-based criticism or proposals to reform. Nor do I argue for one moment that the international law system covers every problem.

As we look to deal with fresh challenges and changes, we must not stagnate in our approach to international rules and customary norms. We must look to apply and adapt existing obligations to address new situations or technological advances. And we must be ready to reform where necessary.

We need to recognise that international law is incomplete. It was not intended, as I said to cover every situation or development. Some areas were deliberately left unregulated or only covered at a high degree of general principle. The legal space has not eliminated the political space. They continue to co-exist, and law, including international law, regulate how they interact.

States agreeing to treaties some time ago did not give an open-ended licence for international rules to be ever more expansively interpreted or for institutions to adopt a position of blindness or indifference to public sentiment in their member states. International rules and institutions should not, without state consent, bend existing rules and obligations to make decisions or trade-offs that are far more effectively and legitimately dealt with through political and diplomatic means. Equally though, states and governments must not use international laws and institutions as a convenient scapegoat to evade taking hard decisions or advocating for reform.

Again, the tincture for any such ills that the system suffers in this way is I suggest a strong dose of balanced British pragmatism and principle. As we have shown time and again as a nation, one from a position of respect and compliance, we have proven that reform is possible and institutions can be reformed. The UK has provided the international leadership for the renewed focus on subsidiarity in the European Convention on Human Rights – reminding both states and the international institutions that the primary responsibility for upholding human rights rests on national authorities, and that the role of the Court is a supervisory one which only need be invoked when the national system for protecting those rights has failed. That focus on subsidiarity, properly understood as a duty on states to implement, revives the importance of political discussion and debate about human rights which is so vital to preserving their democratic legitimacy. International law cannot and must not replace politics.

That’s why Progressive Realism, internationally, is above all the assembling of the necessary coalitions to tackle our current challenges; challenges that appear from AI, climate change and trade, to conflict resolution in places like Ukraine. Because none of these problems can be addressed from the sidelines, where the romantic idealists might relegate us. And all can only be addressed by agreeing and complying with negotiated deals which are then made binding in legal texts – the very power of which the pseudo-realists seek to undermine.

Negotiations, driven by politics and diplomacy, and then knitted together in law, are the answer. You cannot have one without the other, at least not in a way that provides sufficient certainty or sustainability.

Allow me if you will, to end with a personal recollection. In September of last year, I travelled to Ukraine. As part of my visit, I travelled to the outskirts of Kyiv, first to Babyn Yar to pause at the memorial to the thousands of Jews who were murdered there over two bloody days by the Einsatzegruppe in 1941 and then onwards to the town of Bucha, which in the early days of the current conflict marked the furthest point of Russian advance. Many of you will have been there. Some 40 mins or so from central Kyiv, Bucha is a picturesque town with dachas dotted in the forests. I was taken to the gleaming white St Andrew’s Orthodox Church where I was met by the local priest Father Andiry Halavin. He took me first to a plot of grass behind the church where he and others buried over two hundred residents in a mass grave and then next to it a memorial wall with the names of over 500 civilians, murdered in cold blood by the Russian forces – the names on the wall of entire families murdered, of children, of the elderly. I sat afterwards in the church, quietly with Father Andiry and asked him how as a man of faith he made sense of the intense inhumanity that he had witnessed. In some ways it was an unfair question to ask but his response blew me away – it only makes sense, he said, if you believe in justice, that these crimes have shown the world the inhumanity and illogicality of war, and that those who committed the crimes will be held to account. Father Andiry was not referring to divine justice but to justice under law, including under international law and the return to the stability and sanity that it provides – having witnessed the bloody anarchy of its absence.

That experience is a small reflection of why this Government’s approach to the grave challenges of our time is not to shrink away from our international responsibilities but through progressive realism to work to uphold the international rules-based order in our vital national interests and to contribute thereby to making this world a safer and more prosperous place now and for future generations. The true realist sees no other choice.

Thank you very much.

Updates to this page

Published 29 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Cabinet welcomes reset of SA-US Relations

Source: South Africa News Agency

Cabinet has welcomed the reset of strategic relationships between South Africa (SA) and the United States (US) during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s working visit to the United States of America.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the SA and US teams will finalise the details of the trade deal between the two countries.

“It is safe to emphasise that the objectives that SA had set for the trip have been met. Cabinet looks forward to the continued participation of the US administration in the G20, including the possible attendance of President Trump to the G20 Leaders’ Summit,” the Minister said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a working visit to Washington DC in the United States last week Wednesday. The meeting at the Oval House was attended by senior US and South African officials.

READ I SA and US have ‘everything to gain’ from closer relations

The South African delegation consisted of several Cabinet Ministers, notable business figures, and prominent South Africans.

President Ramaphosa was flanked by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister Ntshavheni, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.

In addition, the President was accompanied by Johann Rupert, the Founder of Richemont and Chairman of Remgro. Vice President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Adrian Gore and President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Zingiswa Losi also formed part of the delegation.

South African pro golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen were also in attendance.

President Trump was flanked by several key officials including Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Special Government Employee Elon Musk, and Dr Massad Boulos, who serves as a Senior Advisor for Africa as well as on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs.

South Africa – France Relations

Cabinet has also welcomed the working visit by Deputy President Paul Mashatile aimed at strengthening relations between South Africa and France.

READ I Deputy President concludes working visit to France

The Deputy President and the SA delegation also attended the SA-France Investment Conference with a view to improving investments by French Companies into South Africa and vice versa and also establishing partnerships between South African and French companies in joint investments through the African Continental Free Trade Area. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: President of Uzbekistan and Prime Minister of Italy held talks in Samarkand

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

Tashkent, May 29 (Xinhua) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni held talks in the city of Samarkand, the Uzbek president’s press service reported on Thursday.

“The negotiations between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgio Meloni took place in the Congress Center of the city of Samarkand in a tête-à-tête format and with the participation of official delegations,” the statement said.

It is noted that issues of further development of bilateral strategic partnership relations and expansion of multifaceted cooperation were discussed.

“Trade turnover has grown almost threefold in recent years, including due to the expansion of the range of mutual deliveries. The number of joint ventures and projects has doubled. Mutually beneficial cooperation has been established with leading Italian companies in the sectors of metallurgy, electrical engineering, agriculture, livestock farming, tourism and other areas,” the report states.

The parties spoke in favor of continuing active political exchanges.

“Active interaction with the institutions of the European Union will be continued, taking into account the fruitful summit in Samarkand in April this year. The importance of holding the Central Asia-Italy summit with a focus on practical results was emphasized,” the press service added. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis: Court Rejection of Trump Tariff Tax is A Win for Americans

Source: US State of Colorado

DENVER – Today, a court struck down President Trump’s tariffs that raised the cost for Americans on everyday goods. Colorado helped lead a lawsuit against this tariff tax. Governor Polis has been outspoken about the negative impacts these tariffs have on the American people and applauded the court for their decision today.

“This is great news for our economy and every American family. I am grateful that this court decision striking down many tariffs checks the sweeping presidential power that the President has attempted to impose on the American people and businesses. The President’s tariff tax on groceries and everyday items is bad for hardworking people, our economy and business certainty. Unfortunately, President Trump has already caused a lot of damage with his tariff tax and the uncertainty they’ve caused for business and our economy, effectively freezing investment, but I am thrilled with the court’s decision and encourage the President to strengthen trade with our allies and decreases taxes and barriers for imports and exports,” said Governor Polis.

In addition to raising prices, reports show that tariffs lead to increases in fraud and crime.

In 2024, Colorado exported a record $10.5 billion of goods to the world and imported $16.8 B in goods. Colorado’s top export partners are Mexico ($1.7B), Canada ($1.6B), China ($0.8B) South Korea ($0.6B), and Malaysia ($0.6 B), accounting for half of all Colorado exports in 2024. Top export commodities include meat (17%); nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (15%); electric machinery (13%); optic, photo, medical or surgical instruments (11%); and aircraft, spacecraft, and related parts (5%). In 2022, exports from Colorado supported an estimated 40 thousand jobs.

Colorado in 2024 exported $500 million in aerospace, spacecraft, and related parts, accounting for roughly 4.8% of all Colorado exports. The European Union, Brazil, France, Canada and Mexico were the top five export destinations, accounting for 63% of Colorado’s aerospace exports. In 2024, Colorado imported $1 billion of aerospace, spacecraft and related parts, accounting for roughly 6.2% of all Colorado imports. Switzerland, the EU, Germany, Canada, and France were the top five import sources, accounting for over 90% of Colorado’s aerospace imports.

An estimated 820,200 jobs in Colorado are supported by international trade, representing 20.8% of all jobs in the state. Colorado’s top import partners are Canada ($5.4 B), China ($1.8 B), Mexico ($1.1 B), Switzerland ($0.9 B) and Germany ($0.9 B), accounting for 60% of imports in 2024. Top import commodities include oil, mineral fuel (20%); electric machinery (14%); nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery (11%); optic, photo, medical or surgical instruments (8%); and aircraft, spacecraft and related parts (6%).

In addition to the commodities traded, Colorado also trades services and runs a services trade surplus. In 2022, Colorado exported $16 B in services, supporting 97,260 jobs. Top services export markets were Canada ($1.3 B), the United Kingdom ($0.9 B), Mexico ($0.9 B), and China ($0.6 B). As a bloc, the EU was the top services export market with $3.8 B in services exports supporting over 18,900 jobs.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Hosts World’s First Major Gathering of Nuclear Community Leaders

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General, with mayors attending the International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes 2025 held at the Agency headquarters in Vienna, Austria. (Photo D.Calma/IAEA)

The IAEA hosted the world’s first major gathering of communities with nuclear facilities, with scores of mayors and other local representatives from around the globe, including indigenous peoples, sharing their experiences and insights.

“As some have said, and I think rightly so, all politics are local, and everything is local,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi addressed the participants of the first International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes.

“Nuclear energy is a job creating activity. It is an activity that brings highly skilled workers. It is an activity that creates and nurtures professions with its incredible diversity.

“Nuclear, from the perspective of a community, a human community, is a lifetime engagement. It is a longstanding commitment and engagement that lasts for generations and shapes the lives of all those who are living there,” he added.

Hosting a nuclear facility, whether a nuclear power plant, uranium mine or related site, is a major endeavour involving significant local community participation. Project success requires transparent communication, a two-way dialogue centring local perspectives to address concerns, maximize benefits and enable long-term sustainability. Participants agree that for enduring results and host community satisfaction, meaningful conversations that consider the full spectrum of opinions should begin at an early stage and be held on a regular basis.

Throughout the event, host community leaders from across the globe highlighted the benefits of hosting a nuclear facility while also addressing challenges. They pointed to incentives such as job creation, funding for infrastructure and support for regional development as reasons why hosting nuclear facilities has been a boon for their communities. A joint statement, thus far endorsed by 69 nuclear community leaders from 26 countries, was released during the event and remains open for additional endorsements. It emphasizes the essential role played by host communities in enabling the sustainable development and operation of nuclear technologies. The statement also underscores a commitment to “working with our citizens, policymakers, national governments and industry leaders to responsibly shape together a sustainable and inclusive future, acknowledging the vital role that nuclear energy plays in powering our lives, communities and countries.”

The weeklong stakeholder engagement conference, a first-of-kind event in IAEA history which concludes on 30 May, features panel sessions, flash talks and side events on numerous topics relevant to stakeholder engagement and communication for nuclear power programmes. The plenary session livestream can be viewed here. Livestreams of all conference sessions are available on the IAEA Conferences and Meetings mobile application.

“This week’s historic gathering of nuclear host communities is just the beginning of what I am sure it will be a very successful future for this new dimension of the nuclear family, which is the family of the communities – mayors, cities, towns – all over the world that are hosting nuclear facilities,” said Mr Grossi.

MIL Security OSI –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Freshia Air Purifier Reviews: Don’t Buy Till You’ve Read This Unbiased Report!
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Helmond, Netherlands, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you struggling with poor indoor air quality that leaves you feeling stuffy and uncomfortable? Looking for an affordable and effective way to purify the air in your home or office? Then you are at the right place. Freshia Air Purifier is an air purifier and ionizer that cleans your home’s air by removing air particles and pollutants. But there is more!

Due to yearnings of our readers for in-depth and honest Freshia Air Purifier Reviews in the United States, Australia, UK and Canada, we completely took out time to research and analyze this piece of information on Freshia Air Purifier which our team put together after hours and hours of indepth research and data findings and analysis.

Indoor air quality has become an increasingly important topic as more people recognize the impact that pollutants, allergens, and airborne toxins have on health and well-being. With rising concerns about allergies, respiratory issues, and the effects of pollution trapped inside modern homes, many consumers are turning to air purifiers as a solution to improve their living environments. However, with so many brands and models available, choosing the right purifier can be overwhelming.

Freshia Air Purifier is an air purifier that has gained significant attention for its advanced filtration system and affordable pricing. However, does this product deliver on this promise? To provide a clear and unbiased evaluation, we have taken the time to review this air purifier.

Additionally, we carefully analyzed a wide range of consumer reviews and expert opinions. We aim to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the purifier’s capabilities, including filtration efficiency, noise levels, energy consumption, and ease of use. Kindly read on to learn if the Freshia Air Purifier is worth your money.

What Is Freshia Air Purifier? (Freshia Air Purifier Reviews)

Freshia Air Purifier is a powerful, all-in-one air purification solution designed to transform your indoor environment by eliminating pollutants, harmful bacteria, and viruses from the air you breathe. Freshia Air Purifier is a revolutionary portable air purifying device that instantly clears the air in your environment, thereby making it fresher and healthier to breathe.

Freshia air purifier targets particles of various sizes, from visible dust and pet dander to microscopic allergens and mold spores, preventing them from perching and proliferating on surfaces. Many reviews confirm that Freshia Air Purifier doubles as an ionizer that is engineered for maximum efficiency. It combines high-performance filtration with ionizing technology to ensure your home or workspace remains fresh, clean, and safe every day.

Freshia Air Purifier features a three-stage filtration system that delivers comprehensive air purification. First, the Mechanical Filter traps larger airborne particles such as dust, pet hair, and debris. This initial layer not only improves overall air quality but also protects and extends the lifespan of the subsequent filters.

Next, the True HEPA Filter captures up to 99.7% of microscopic particles, including pollen, mold spores, and fine dust. This is especially effective for allergy and asthma patients. Finally, the Activated Carbon Filter neutralizes lingering odors from pets, cooking, or smoke while absorbing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic fumes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Beyond its filtration capabilities, the built-in ionizer releases negative ions that bond with airborne particles, causing them to become too heavy to remain airborne. This process enhances air purification, targeting even those pollutants that filters alone might miss.

All Freshia Air Purifier Reviews affirmed that this air purifier is quite innovative and built with simplicity and portability in mind. Freshia Air Purifier does just what its brand name suggests, which is to clean the air we breathe of any harmful particles and pollutants. Freshia Air Purifier does not consume much watts of electricity, which is a good one, because it will help you keep down your energy bills.

Unlike many premium air purifiers on the market that come with a hefty price tag, Freshia Air Purifier offers top-tier performance at a price point that’s accessible to all households. Freshia’s sleek, modern design fits seamlessly into any room, and its quiet operation ensures it works efficiently without disrupting your daily life.

Finally, Freshia Air Purifier is a safe, non-chemical, portable air purification solution that leverages negative ionization to actively clean air, delivering a healthier living space and relief from allergy symptoms and odors. Freshia Air Purifier is unequivocally designed for hassle-free use, requiring no regular maintenance or replacement of parts making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a cleaner and healthier living environment without the need for costly upkeep or chemical-laden air fresheners.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR FRESHIA AIR PURIFIER FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

What Are The Features of the Freshia Air Purifier? (Freshia Air Purifier Reviews)

The Freshia Air Purifier is a thoughtfully engineered solution for improving indoor air quality with convenience and power. Packed with practical features, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine while ensuring that every breath you take is fresh and clean. Here’s a closer look at the key features that make the Freshia Air Purifier a top-tier choice:
- Three-Stage Filtration System: At the core of the Freshia Air Purifier is its three-stage filtration system, which ensures a thorough cleansing of indoor air. The first layer, the Mechanical Filter, captures large particles such as dust, pet hair, and lint, preventing them from clogging the inner layers. Next, the True HEPA Filter removes up to 99.7% of microscopic pollutants, including pollen, mold spores, and fine dust. Lastly, the Carbon-Rich Activated Charcoal Filter effectively eliminates odors, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leaving your space smelling fresh and free from harmful chemicals.
- Adjustable Airflow Speeds: Freshia offers adjustable airflow settings, giving users complete control over the purification process. Whether you need a low-speed setting for night use or a high-speed blast to clean the air quickly after cooking or cleaning, the customizable airflow allows for flexible and efficient operation.
- Lightweight & Portable Design: Weighing only a few pounds, Freshia is designed with portability in mind. Its compact size and sleek silhouette make it easy to move from room to room, allowing you to purify any space, from your bedroom to your office, with minimal effort. It’s perfect for on-the-go use or for those who value a clutter-free environment.
- 360-Degree Air Intake: Unlike traditional purifiers that pull in air from one side, the Freshia Air Purifier features a 360-degree air intake system. This means it draws in air from all directions, purifying more efficiently and evenly throughout the room. It ensures no corner is left untouched, delivering consistent performance no matter where it’s placed.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Noise won’t disrupt your peace with Freshia’s whisper-quiet technology. Operating at near-silent levels, it’s perfect for use while sleeping, working, or relaxing. The low noise output makes it ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and offices, ensuring you breathe clean air without any distraction.
- Carbon-Rich Activated Charcoal Filter: Freshia’s carbon filter goes beyond standard odor elimination. It’s made with carbon-rich activated charcoal, which has a high adsorption capacity. This allows it to trap more odors, chemicals, and gases than regular filters, ensuring a more thorough and long-lasting clean.
- Built-in 1500mA Internal Rechargeable Battery: One of Freshia’s most convenient features is its built-in 1500mA battery, offering up to 7 hours of use on a single charge. This makes it perfect for portable use; take it to your workspace, car, or even outdoors without worrying about cords or outlets. It’s ideal for travel or situations where flexibility and mobility are key.
Does Freshia Air Purifier Actually Work? (Freshia Air Purifier Reviews)

Freshia Air Purifier works with advanced True HEPA™ and Charcoal filtration technology to effectively capture and eliminate 99.7% of airborne pollutants. This includes allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and bacteria that commonly trigger hay fever, asthma, and respiratory issues.

As air is drawn in through its 360-degree intake system, it passes through a multi-layered filtration process that traps particles of all sizes. The True HEPA™ filter removes microscopic impurities, while the activated charcoal filter neutralizes odors, smoke, and harmful chemicals, creating a noticeably fresher and healthier environment.

Overall, Freshia purifiers generally receive glowing positive reviews for their effectiveness in improving air quality and their aesthetically pleasing design. Many Australian users praise the Freshia air purifier’s ability to remove dust and odors, making the air feel cleaner and fresher. The quiet operation and compact size are also appreciated, with some users even forgetting the Freshia air purifier is running.

Why Should You Buy Freshia Air Purifiers In Australia and New Zealand?

If you’re looking for a practical and affordable way to improve the air quality in your home, the Freshia Air Purifier is a fantastic choice. With its advanced filtration system, including True HEPA™ and pure carbon filters, Freshia Air Purifier actively removes harmful particles from the air, helping to reduce allergy symptoms, asthma triggers, and even lingering odors. It’s a simple, effective, and affordable way to take control of your indoor environment and protect your health.

The regular use of Freshia Air Purifier has also helped many individuals who suffer from allergies to experience a marked difference. Freshia Air Purifier is intended for continuous use but can work intermittently in places that are not in constant use. For instance, you could run the unit in your home office when you’re working and then move it to your bedroom while you are sleeping.

Freshia air purifier reviews on customers complaints revealed that this air purifier is the modern solution to pure, clean air at home that helps invigorate your health and keep up a fresh and inviting home. The efficacy of Freshia air purifier technology has been proven in numerous user tests which have achieved significant airborne particle reduction in a variety of Room sizes and conditions.

Its powerful yet quiet motor continuously circulates air across the room, ensuring that clean air reaches every corner. Whether it’s a bedroom, kitchen, living room, or office, Freshia adapts to your environment and delivers consistent performance. Designed to offer real relief for individuals suffering from allergies and congestion, Freshia helps transform your home into a sanctuary of clean, breathable air. Order now and take the first step toward a new era of cleaner, healthier living.

Lastly, Its durability, affordability, portability and ergonomically constructed makes it the ideal air purifier for anyone looking for the best approach to acquire a purer air free of odor, airborne particles, dust, filth and debris. Freshia is a revolutionary air purifier that redefines the standards of home air quality by improving both the air you breathe and your overall well-being.

Let’s Review the Unbeatable Benefits of Freshia Air Purifiers? (Freshia Air Purifier Reviews)

According to consumer reports, the Freshia Air Purifier has proven to be more than just an appliance. It has helped thousands of homeowners commit to cleaner air and a healthier lifestyle. Designed with cutting-edge features and user-centric design, it delivers a wide range of benefits that make it an ideal choice for homes, offices, and personal spaces. Below are the top benefits that set the Freshia Air Purifier apart:
- Eliminates 99.7% of Air Pollutants: With its powerful True HEPA filter, the Freshia Air Purifier captures up to 99.7% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even bacteria and viruses. This high level of filtration ensures you and your loved ones breathe the cleanest air possible, reducing exposure to allergens and pollutants that can impact your health.
- Easy to Use – Plug and Play Simplicity: Freshia is designed for effortless operation. There are no complicated settings or confusing instructions. Simply place it anywhere, charge it, and press the power button. Its intuitive controls make it user-friendly, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Clean air is just one button away.
- Hassle-Free Maintenance: Maintenance is straightforward with Freshia thanks to its filter change indicator. This smart feature alerts you when it’s time to replace the filter, removing all guesswork and ensuring optimal performance.
- Effective Against Pet Dander, Odors, and Mold Spores: Whether you have pets, cook frequently, or live in a humid area, Freshia tackles common indoor pollutants like pet dander, lingering cooking odors, and even mold spores. Its comprehensive filtration and ionization systems effectively reduce these irritants, helping you maintain a cleaner and healthier home environment.
- Improves Quality of Sleep: Clean air leads to better sleep quality. By reducing allergens, odors, and airborne irritants, Freshia helps you sleep more comfortably through the night. Its whisper-quiet operation means it won’t disturb your rest, making it ideal for bedrooms and nurseries.
- Low Energy Consumption: Freshia is energy-efficient, using minimal electricity even when operating for extended periods. This means you can enjoy purified air all day and night without worrying about high energy bills. It’s an eco-friendly solution that supports both your health and your wallet.
- Ideal for Individuals With Allergies: For those with allergies or respiratory conditions, Freshia offers significant relief. By capturing allergens and reducing airborne irritants it helps minimize symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and congestion. It’s a must-have during allergy season or in households with pets and dust-prone environments.
- Improves Overall Family Health: Many households have reported improved well-being and hygiene since they started using Freshia Air Purifier. It uses a three-stage filtration system for maximum effectiveness. Get full coverage in any room you put it in with powerful circulation with a simple press of a button.
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee: Still unsure? Freshia comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, giving you peace of mind with your purchase. Try it risk-free in your own space, and if it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can return it, no questions asked.
CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR FRESHIA AIR PURIFIER FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

Let’s Reveal How Freshia Air Purifier Is Superior To Similar Air Purifiers (Freshia Air Purifier Reviews)

All reviewers revealed that Freshia Air Purifier proves to be a standout product in the market by combining premium-level performance with an affordable price tag. Unlike many budget purifiers that cut corners on filtration, Freshia features True HEPA filtration, capable of capturing 99.7% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

From dust and pollen to mold spores and pet dander, Freshia effectively removes the most common irritants that trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Paired with its pure carbon filtration, it also eliminates household odors, smoke, and harmful chemicals, something most low-end models struggle to do well.

Another key advantage of Freshia Air Purifier over regular solutions is its quiet operation and customizable features. While many air purifiers sacrifice noise levels for power, Freshia is engineered for whisper-quiet operation, allowing it to run continuously without disturbing your sleep, study, or relaxation.

Many Freshia Air Purifier Reviews in Australia mentioned it also features adjustable airflow speeds, giving users the flexibility to control purification intensity based on the room size or air quality conditions. Whether you need a gentle breeze for bedtime or a high-speed clean after cooking, Freshia adapts to your lifestyle with ease.

Freshia is built with low energy consumption in mind, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. Many competing models draw unnecessary power, inflating electricity bills over time. Freshia, on the other hand, offers powerful performance without wasting energy, making it ideal for 24/7 use in homes and offices.

In all, Freshia Air Purifier prides itself on providing a sturdy, multi-functional, and low-maintenance solution at a remarkably more accessible price point than many effective conventional air purifiers. Its compact and portable design adds convenience, allowing users to benefit from cleaner air in multiple locations.

The combination of effective particle removal, odor elimination, mold prevention, convenience, affordability, and the absence of recurring filter costs makes Freshia Air Purifier a compelling and often superior alternative for individuals seeking to improve their indoor air quality and find a lasting solution to allergies and pollutants. With Freshia Air Purifier, you don’t have to choose between performance, comfort, and cost, you get it all in one smart, stylish device.

How Do You Use the Freshia Air Purifier? (Freshia Air Purifier Reviews)

Setting up your Freshia Air Purifier is quick and easy. Just follow these 3 simple steps:
- Unbox and Fully Charge the Unit: Remove the Freshia Air Purifier from its packaging and fully charge it. This unit has a 1500mA internal battery that lasts for up to 7 hours on a single charge. You can operate it corded or cordless.
- Position Where You Want It: Place it on a flat, stable surface in the room where you want to improve air quality. Ideally, position it in an open area with good airflow, away from walls or furniture that could block the 360-degree air intake.
- Power On and Breathe Easy: Press the power button to turn it on. The purifier will begin filtering the air immediately. Use the control panel to adjust airflow speed if needed. That’s it, Freshia starts working right away to purify your space!
Is the Freshia Air Purifier Any Good? (Freshia Air Purifier Reviews)

The Freshia Air Purifier is worth it. It’s one of the most feature-packed True HEPA™ air purifiers available today, combining advanced filtration technology with convenience and user-friendly design. Whether you’re dealing with mold spores, dust, allergens, pollen, bacteria, or viruses, Freshia provides a clean and safe environment for your family and pets.

Its filtration system works rapidly to eliminate pet dander, lingering odors, and mold spores, leaving your home refreshed and breathable, just like a crisp morning breeze. If you or a loved one suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, Freshia’s 99.7% purification power offers reliable protection and daily relief.

Beyond performance, Freshia shines in comfort and usability. The activated carbon filtration ensures you sleep soundly, free from nighttime irritants like dust and chemical fumes. It’s whisper-quiet and perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or offices. With its intuitive plug-and-play interface, anyone can use it; no complex settings or setups required.

Plus, it’s built for modern living: low energy consumption means no surprise spikes in your power bill, and its lightweight, portable design lets you use it anywhere, at home or on the go. Thanks to its 15,000mAh rechargeable battery, you get up to 7 hours of wireless purification wherever you are. Freshia isn’t just good, it’s a smart, all-in-one solution for anyone serious about clean, healthy air.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR FRESHIA AIR PURIFIER FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

Is Freshia Air Purifier Legit or Scam (Freshia Air Purifier Australia Reviews)

Based on verified USA and Australian consumer reports, Freshia Air Purifier is rated safe, top tier, legit and with an excellent 4.98 ratings making it one of the most preferred and reliable Air Purifying devices available in the USA and Australia.

Both customers and reviewers revealed Fresher Air Purifier is totally legit, garnering over 99.3% remarkable recommendation rate, ensuring its widespread popularity and satisfaction among users. Many honest Freshia Australian customer reviews, Freshia Air Purifier is 100% legitimate air purifier and reliable for ultimate performance.

Freshia Air Purifier ticks all the boxes and is backed by numerous positive user reviews and testimonials. It has been thoroughly tested and verified to ensure it meets the highest quality and performance standards. The Freshia company’s commitment to customer satisfaction further solidifies its credibility

Who Needs Freshia Air Purifiers? (Freshia Air Purifier Reviews)

The Freshia Air Purifier is ideal for anyone who wants to breathe cleaner, healthier air, especially those who suffer from allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities. People living in urban areas with high pollution levels, homes with pets, or those prone to dust and mold exposure will find significant relief with Freshia’s powerful True HEPA™ and activated carbon filtration system. It helps reduce airborne allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, while also eliminating odors and harmful chemicals, making it a great choice for families, pet owners, and individuals looking to improve their overall indoor air quality.

Beyond these groups of people, Freshia Air Purifier benefits busy professionals, students, and anyone who spends long hours indoors, whether at home or in the office. Its quiet operation and adjustable airflow speeds create a comfortable environment for better focus and restful sleep.

Additionally, its portability and long-lasting battery make it perfect for travelers or those who want clean air on the go. Essentially, anyone seeking a convenient, effective, and affordable way to protect their health and well-being from invisible airborne threats can benefit from adding a Freshia Air Purifier to their daily life.

Pros – Freshia Air Purifier Reviews

● Removes 99.7% of airborne pollutants effectively.
● Features advanced True HEPA™ filtration technology.
● Activated carbon filter eliminates odors and harmful chemicals.
● Offers adjustable airflow speeds for personalized comfort.
● Operates quietly, perfect for bedrooms and offices.
● Lightweight and portable for easy room-to-room use.
● 360-degree air intake purifies all room corners.
● Energy-efficient, saves on electricity bills.
● Simple one-button operation for ease of use.
● Built-in battery lasts up to 7 hours wirelessly.
● The filter change indicator makes maintenance hassle-free.
● Ideal for individuals with allergies and pet owners.

CONS (Freshia Air Purifier Review)

● Not available in any physical store near you.
● Supply is highly limited this season due to high demand.
● The ongoing 50% special discount might end anytime soon.

Where Can I Buy The Original Freshia Air Purifier? (Freshia Air Purifier Review)

You can buy the original Freshia Air Purifier exclusively on the official website. This ensures you receive a genuine product backed by the manufacturer’s quality standards. Purchasing directly from the official site guarantees access to exclusive offers, including a generous 50% discount that makes it even more affordable. Additionally, every order comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try Freshia risk-free and return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

Buying from the official website also means you get 24/7 customer support to help with any questions or concerns. This reliable service ensures a smooth purchasing experience and ongoing assistance for maintenance or troubleshooting. Avoid counterfeit or subpar versions by sticking to the trusted source, the Freshia Air Purifier official website is the safest and smartest place to invest in cleaner, healthier air for your home.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR FRESHIA AIR PURIFIER FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

Freshia Air Purifier Pricing & Limited-Time Offer (Freshia Air Purifier Review)

● Buy 1x Freshia Air Purifier = $159.95. Orig: $319.90.
● Buy 2 x Freshia Air Purifier = $149.95/per unit. Orig: $639.80.
● Buy 3 x Freshia Air Purifier = $124.95/per unit. Orig: $959.70.
● Buy 4 x Freshia Air Purifier = $114.95/per unit. Orig: $1279.60.

Freshia Air Purifier Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (Freshia Air Purifier Review)

Is the Freshia Air Purifier suitable for those with allergies?

Absolutely. Freshia Air Purifier is designed to reduce allergens in the air, providing relief for individuals with allergies. Freshia traps common impurities to combat hay fever, asthma, dust allergies, congestion, and more.

Do I need batteries to operate the Freshia Air Purifier?

No, this unit has a 1500mA internal battery that lasts for up to 7 hours on a single charge. You can operate it corded or cordless.

How often should I change the filter?

It is recommended to change the filter once every 3-4 months.

Q: In what type of rooms can I use it?
A: It works better in average-size rooms from 200 to 350 square feet.

Can I buy a Freshia Air Purifier in-store?

To make this product as affordable as possible, the company decided to distribute it only via its online store.

Freshia Air Purifier Reviews Consumer Reports and Customer Complaints

“I’ve tried many purifiers over the years, but none of them were good enough for me. Freshia Air Purifier made the difference! Air is much cleaner than before, and finally, I can breathe better!” —Robert B. | Verified Buyer.

“Once you realize how bad the air quality is in your home, you’ll run to buy a purifier. Luckily for me, I found Freshia Air Purifier! The air quality now is impeccable! I recommend it to everyone!”— Kayla C. | Verified Buyer.

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Attachment
- Freshia Air Purifier
The MIL Network –
May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Fifth man arrested following fatal stabbing in Southwark

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A fifth man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal stabbing in Walworth on Monday, 14 April.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on the evening of Monday, 19 May near Barcelona, Spain, on suspicion of the murder of Giovanny Rendon Bedoya.

He remains in custody ahead of the court process to extradite him from Spain to the UK.

On 14 April at 21:16hrs police were called to Hillingdon Street, SE17 following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attended with London Ambulance Service paramedics who treated 21-year-old Giovanny for stab injuries.

Sadly, despite their best efforts, he died at the scene.

Giovanny’s next-of-kin continue to receive support and updates from specialist officers.

MIL Security OSI –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Nato faces a make-or-break decision about how to protect Europe and its future in next few weeks

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amelia Hadfield, Head of Department of Politics, University of Surrey

Nato is facing a pivotal moment in its history.

Ahead of its June 24-25 summit in The Hague, Nato is weighing up whether it can truly continue to count on US support (and membership), whether it will become a European-only organisation, or whether it has a future at all. This suggests a massive shift for the intergovernmental organisation that sits at the heart of defence and security for Europe, and beyond.

The past year has changed everything. Trump’s anti-Nato rhetoric has become increasingly vociferous and disrespectful, undermining both the organisation itself, and the other 31 Nato member countries, which include Germany, France, Canada, Turkey, the UK, Sweden and Norway. Add to this the Trump administration’s embrace of international isolationism, and the potential, consequential loss of clear US backing for the alliance, all of which highlight the organisation’s historical dependence on the US.

This is what makes the June 2025 summit so critical. It is a make-or-break opportunity to unveil a plan for Nato’s wholesale transformation, or an event conclusively marking its obsolescence. The plan itself is simple: build – or rebuild – Nato as a possible Europe-only endeavour.

Read more:
Why it matters for European security if an American no longer commands Nato troops – by a former Trident submarine commander

If this plan becomes reality, historians of European security and defence may spot earlier parallels for Nato with the original Western European Union (WEU). The WEU was the European defence security structure established in 1954 under the Paris Accords, which helped to redefine relations with West Germany.

Ultimately subsumed into both Nato and EU governance structures, the WEU’s prime goal at the time was to bolster the European content of the Atlantic alliance.

US never wanted Europe to lead

There is a deep irony in Trump’s bluster about Nato states paying more towards their defence. The US has, for decades, been sanguine at best, and hostile at worst on almost every form of European defence autonomy, from basic ops-based endeavours established by the EU to more ambitious strategies. Instead, the US has insisted almost exclusively on increased defence spending by other Nato members, improved interoperability between the various national forces, but all “in furtherance of a US-dominated alliance”, rather than a more authentically US-European approach to safeguarding both European and American interests according to Max Bergman, a former senior adviser to the US state department.

What is the future of Nato?

If the US is now reducing its involvement in Nato, or abdicating entirely, the only option for Nato is to reduce its dependence on the US, and in doing so, to focus more on Europe. A clear mandate is needed, to ensure that being US-less does not render Nato itself useless. Without a mandate, opportunistic space would quickly open up for an aggressive Russia.

Trump made clear early in his first administration that he was no fan of Nato, and argued that its funding structure should no longer overburden the US. In his second administration, Trump has been even clearer, has variously threatened to pull US troops from Nato joint exercises, reduce US security commitments to Nato as a whole, remove some or all of the 80,000 US troops on permanent rotation in Europe and vastly reduce the US’s contribution to Nato’s central budget of US$5 billion (£3.6 billion).

These threats are now repeated routinely by US defence secretary Pete Hegseth and others in the Trump administration. This has profoundly rattled Nato as an institution and its individual member states.

As Nato’s own records show, from 2023 onward, there have been major increases in European defence spending. But the opportunity to keep spending commitments high, as well as overhaul the organisation to meet Ukraine’s demands and defence opportunities for the EU as a whole – which could have been nailed onto Nato’s 75th anniversary summit in 2024 – did not materialise.

There are pros and cons of a new Europe-focused approach for Nato, and these will work themselves out in the final five-to-ten-year plan which is being prepared ahead of the June summit.

For some, building a European defence mission within Nato is an opportunity to plot a new and more sustainable course for Nato, rather than trying to shore up an expanding US-shaped hole. Spending increases that reduce Nato’s perceived helplessness, or reliance on the US, may also be a benefit.

For others, the removal of US command and control, hardware, software, intelligence and much more from Nato is a futile endeavour that will leave the organisation in pieces at best, and present Russia with a golden opportunity for continued eastern aggression at worst.

The signals from Washington remain confusing. Trump’s suggestion of a sudden and total US withdrawal from European defence was tempered in April by US secretary of state Marco Rubio’s suggestion that Trump remained supportive of Nato but also demanding expanded spending commitments (these demands vary from 2.5% to 5% of GDP), and for other members to take on far greater responsibility for developing Nato’s capabilities.

An emerging European coalition

Many members now support the emerging “coalition of the willing”, led by France and Britain, to underwrite a force and secure a post-conflict deal for Ukraine. In figuring out the current provision of military force, including logistics and intelligence capacities in addition to air, land and sea forces, Nato members are aiming to remove the US’s presence and fill the vacuum with European assets over a decade.

The task is colossal, and not without risks. Nato does not want an overnight abdication of the US, as it currently relies far too heavily upon US capabilities, such as long-range precision missiles, and crucially, heavy-lift aircraft which are vital in shifting armoured forces around the continent rapidly. Nato also wants a clear plan, which new member Finland has emphasised as crucial, to prevent an abrupt and disjointed transition that Russia could exploit.

A new vision must be set out by the end of June in order to deal sensibly with ongoing defence spending commitments, reworked governance structures, and possible planned responses to the war in Ukraine.

Scrapping Nato is unnecessary and lays Europe – and the US, if the White House could but see far enough ahead – open to innumerable threats and consequences. Even without the US, Nato provides a valuable structure for security cooperation in Europe. Strengthening European capabilities within Nato, rather than creating an entirely new defence structure, makes sense.

Amelia Hadfield 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. Nato faces a make-or-break decision about how to protect Europe and its future in next few weeks – https://theconversation.com/nato-faces-a-make-or-break-decision-about-how-to-protect-europe-and-its-future-in-next-few-weeks-256348

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Law Library Publishes New Report on Regulation of IVF and Related Issues

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

The staff of the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress has recently completed a comparative report, Regulation of IVF and Related Issues. The report examines the rules regarding embryos created through artificial reproductive technology techniques, such as those involving in vitro fertilization (IVF), in the following countries: France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

VITRO by Flickr user Tman. May 21, 2021. Used under NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic Deed CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Among issues addressed by the report are the legal limits on the number of embryos that can be created or transferred in a treatment cycle and the actions that can be taken with respect to the embryos created, apart from transfer to a person’s uterus as part of that cycle. Such actions include preimplantation genetic testing, sex selection for nonmedical purposes, cryopreservation and storage, donation to another person or couple, disposal or destruction, and allowing the embryos to be used for research purposes. The report further addresses countries’ requirements for facilities where IVF procedures are conducted, registries of procedures and donors, funding of procedures, and the existence of restrictions in access to IVF procedures for certain groups of patients and couples.

The report consists of a comparative summary, individual country surveys, and a table providing information on the legal treatment of embryos created through IVF.

We invite you to review the information provided in our report here.

This report is an addition to the Law Library’s Legal Reports (Publications of the Law Library of Congress) collection, which includes over 4,000 historical and contemporary legal reports covering a variety of jurisdictions, researched and written by foreign law specialists with expertise in each area. A search for legal reports on human reproduction identifies a number of relevant entries.

To receive alerts when new reports are published, you can subscribe to email updates and the RSS feed for Law Library Reports (click the “subscribe” button on the Law Library’s website).

The Law Library also publishes articles related to assisted reproduction in the Global Legal Monitor.

And finally, a search of our blog, In Custodia Legis, using the term “embryo” may lead you to posts on a variety of related topics.

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Establishment of the Risk, Nomination and Remuneration Committees of Bigbank
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The Supervisory Board of Bigbank AS decided to establish three new committees: the Risk Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination committee.
- The Risk Committee comprises three members of the Supervisory Board: Sven Raba, Vahur Voll and Jaan Liitmäe.
- The Remuneration Committee consists of three members of the Supervisory Board: Alari Aho, Juhani Jaeger and Jaan Liitmäe.
- The Nomination Committee is composed of three members of the Supervisory Board: Alari Aho, Juhani Jaeger and Sven Raba.
Committee meetings are convened as necessary. The chairman of each committee is elected form among its members. Committee members are remunerated in accordance with the shareholders’ resolution dated 29.05.2025.

In addition to the established committees, the Bank’s Audit Committee will continue its work.

Bigbank AS (www.bigbank.eu), with over 30 years of operating history, is a commercial bank owned by Estonian capital. As of 30 April 2025, the bank’s total assets amounted to 2.9 billion euros, with equity of 274 million euros. Operating in nine countries, the bank serves more than 170,000 active customers and employs over 550 people. The credit rating agency Moody’s has assigned Bigbank a long-term bank deposit rating of Ba1, along with a baseline credit assessment (BCA) and an adjusted BCA of Ba2.

Martin Länts
Chairman of the Management Board
E-mail: martin.lants@bigbank.ee
www.bigbank.eu

The MIL Network –
May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Joint statement of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team on the first report covering Democratic People’s Republic of Korea-Russia military cooperation

Source: Government of Canada News

May 29, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, the governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and United States issued the following statement:

“We, the participating states of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), released today its first report. This multilateral mechanism was established in October 2024 to monitor and report on the implementation of United Nations sanctions measures on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The report is available on the official MSMT website (https://msmt.info).

“The report, which focuses primarily on unlawful DPRK-Russia military cooperation including arms transfers and Russia’s training of DPRK troops, consolidates information provided by MSMT participating states on violations and evasions of sanction measures stipulated in relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). The report also contains information provided by open-source intelligence organizations.

“This report is a product of our efforts to address the monitoring gap arising from the disbandment of the UN Security Council’s 1718 Committee Panel of Experts in April 2024, which was caused by Russia’s veto in March 2024. The report will assist with the full implementation of UN sanctions by the international community. The opportunity for dialogue to reestablish the Panel of Experts as a central element of the UN sanctions framework remains open, provided the panel is restored to the full form it had prior to disbandment.

“With the release of the first MSMT report, we underscore once again our shared determination to fully implement relevant UNSCRs. We urge the DPRK to engage in meaningful diplomacy, and call on all states to join global efforts to maintain international peace and security in the face of ongoing threats from the DPRK and those that facilitate its illicit activities in contravention of relevant UNSCRs.

“We will continue our efforts to monitor the implementation of UNSCRs on the DPRK and raise awareness of ongoing attempts to violate and evade UN sanctions.”

Associated links

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-05-28
President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan. Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world. The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations. Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman”>Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman
On the afternoon of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Chair of the Natural Resources Committee of the United States House of Representatives Bruce Westerman. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. The president said that Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from and together build non-red supply chains with the US, expressing hope that economic and trade relations grow even closer and that both work together to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange views with members of the US House Committee on Natural Resources today. Chair Westerman, the leader of this delegation, is an old friend of Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a very warm welcome to the delegation. I also want to thank you all for your long-term close attention to Taiwan-related affairs and your strong support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the US enjoy close ties and share ideals and values. There is an excellent foundation for cooperation between us, particularly in such areas as energy, the economy and trade, agriculture and fisheries, environmental protection, and sustainable development. In recent years, Taiwan-US ties have grown closer and closer. The US has become Taiwan’s largest destination for overseas investment, accounting for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment. Taiwan is also the seventh largest trading partner of the US and its seventh largest export market for agricultural products. The SelectUSA Investment Summit held in Washington, DC earlier this month was the largest in its history. Taiwan’s delegation, representing 138 enterprises, was once again the biggest delegation attending the event. This shows that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. Looking ahead, with the global landscape changing rapidly, Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from the US, including energy resources such as natural gas and petroleum, as well as agricultural products, industrial products, and even military procurement. This will not only help balance our bilateral trade, but also strengthen development for Taiwan in energy autonomy, resilience, the economy, and trade. Taiwan and the US are also well-matched in such areas as high tech and manufacturing. As the US pursues reindustrialization and aims to become a global hub for AI, Taiwan is willing to take part and play an even more important role. We will strengthen Taiwan-US industrial cooperation and together build non-red supply chains. In addition to bringing our economic and trade relations even closer, this will also allow Taiwanese industries to remain rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence, helping bolster the US, and marketing worldwide. As for military exchanges, we are grateful to the US government for continuing its military sales to Taiwan and backing our efforts to upgrade our self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will continue to work with the US to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. In closing, I thank our guests once again for making the long journey here, not only offering warm friendship, but also demonstrating the staunch bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress. Chair Westerman then delivered remarks, saying that it is an honor for him and his colleagues to be in Taiwan to talk about the strong relationship between the US and Taiwan and how that relationship can continue to grow in the future. The chair pointed out that natural resources are foundational to any kind of economic development, whether it is energy, which is key to manufacturing, or whether it is mining, which provides rare earth elements and all the minerals and metals needed for manufacturing. He said that as for natural resources including fish, wildlife, or timber, all are foundational to any society, but this is especially so for agriculture, noting that the US produces a lot of food and fodder and is always looking for more friends to share that with. Chair Westerman indicated that they are excited about opportunities to work with Taiwan, adding that Taiwan’s investments in the US have been greatly appreciated. He said they also are excited about the talks with the Trump administration and the future going forward on how we can have a stronger trade relationship, a stronger bilateral relationship, and how we can work with each other to help both economies grow and prosper. Chair Westerman concluded his remarks by expressing thanks for the opportunity to visit, saying that they treasure Taiwan’s friendship and our long-term relationship, and are very excited to be able to discuss in more detail how our two countries can work together. The delegation also included US House Natural Resources Committee Representatives Sarah Elfreth, Harriet Hageman, Celeste Maloy, and Nick Begich. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets and hosts luncheon for delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam
On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam and her husband, and hosted a luncheon for the delegation at noon. In remarks, President Lai noted that this is the governor’s first trip to Taiwan, fully demonstrating the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. The president said that Guam, being the closest United States territory to Taiwan, is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. He stated that aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas to further advance industrial development for both sides. He said that, as we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working together to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Governor Leon Guerrero and her delegation. Last year, I transited through Guam en route for visits to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific. The enthusiastic reception I received from the government, legislature, people, and members of our overseas community in Guam was very touching and left me with a deep impression. During the morning tea reception hosted by Governor Leon Guerrero, we joined in singing our respective national anthems, as well as the Fanohge CHamoru. I also received at the Guam Legislature a copy of a Taiwan-friendly resolution it passed on behalf of the people of Taiwan. And I still remember to this day the striking scenery of the governor’s house and the warm reception I received there. It is therefore a great pleasure to meet with all of you today here at the Presidential Office. This is Governor Leon Guerrero’s first trip to Taiwan. Your visit fully demonstrates the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. As we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working with you to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Taiwan and Guam are like family. We share the Austronesian spirit and culture. Our wide-ranging and mutually-beneficial collaboration is very fruitful. And now, we are facing the challenges of climate change, public health and medicine, and regional security together. The world is rapidly changing and tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise. But if we combine our strengths, come together as one, and enhance cooperation, we can maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Last Tuesday, I delivered an address on my first anniversary of taking office. I mentioned that for many years, Taiwan, the US, and our democratic partners have actively engaged in exchange and cooperation. Taking a market-oriented approach, we will promote an economic path of staying firmly rooted in Taiwan and expanding the global presence of our enterprises while strengthening ties with the US. Guam is the closest US territory to Taiwan. It is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. Last month, we were pleased to see United Airlines officially launch direct flights between Taipei and Guam. I believe this will benefit tourism and economic and trade exchanges for both sides. In the area of health care, many hospitals in Taiwan already offer referral services to patients from Guam. Both Governor Leon Guerrero and I have backgrounds in medicine. It is my hope that Taiwan and Guam can continue to work hand in hand to create even more positive outcomes from cooperation in public health and medical services. During the governor’s visit, aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas. There is potential for more exchanges in aquaculture, food processing, hydroculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and recycling. This will further advance industrial development in Taiwan and Guam. In closing, I thank Governor Leon Guerrero and all our distinguished guests for backing Taiwan. I wish you all a smooth and successful visit. Governor Leon Guerrero then delivered remarks, saying that she is very happy to come to Taiwan. She said that after learning during President Lai’s visit to Guam last year that he is a medical doctor, she felt more relaxed because healthcare colleagues are one in their endeavor to help enhance the health and well-being of people. She then expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the invitation to Taiwan. Governor Leon Guerrero said that as they learn more about opportunities for collaboration with Taiwan, they are humbled by the hospitality they have experienced. In both of our islands, she said, hospitality is more than just a custom – it forms a part of our identities. She noted that despite being nearly 2,000 miles apart, we are connected by the Pacific Ocean and common roots, and our ancestors both value family, community, and tradition. That is why being here today, she said, she feels a strong sense of familiarity, like reconnecting with old friends. The governor remarked that Taiwan has evolved so quickly in all areas of essential life, sustenance, economy, and prosperity, adding that Taiwan’s resources in such areas as health, education, data, AI, advanced technology, aquaculture, agriculture, and commerce enhance our economic stability. She stated her belief that in collaboration and support, and working with each other, we can gain prosperity, maintain freedom and democracy, and live in peace. Governor Leon Guerrero stated that their delegation is here to see how they can partner with Taiwan to help raise the quality of life for both our peoples, mentioning that one special concern of theirs is tourism. Tourism, she said, is the most influential engine and driver for the economy and quality of life in Guam, but they cannot have a vibrant economy and tourism without air connectivity. She added that they are prepared to help in any way to provide incentives and low-cost fees so that they can get more airlines from Taiwan to establish permanent flight schedules to Guam, so as to drive development in Guam’s tourism industry. Governor Leon Guerrero then proceeded to introduce each of the members of her delegation before remarking that while they have been very busy on this visit they are always reminded of the freedom and democracy that the people must protect. She said she looks forward to a great, strong relationship between Taiwan and Guam in cooperation on social and economic issues, in culture, marketing, tourism, and freedom and democracy. Among those in attendance were First Gentleman Jeffrey A. Cook, Chief of Staff Jon Junior Calvo, Director of the Department of Administration Edward Birn, General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau Regine Biscoe Lee, Deputy Executive Manager of the Guam International Airport Authority Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Board of Directors Chairman of the Guam International Airport Authority Brian J. Bamba, Deputy General Manager of the Guam Economic Development Authority Carlos Bordallo, Director of Landscape Management Systems Guam Bob Salas, Chairperson of the Guam Chamber of Commerce Tae Oh, President of the University of Guam Anita Borja Enriquez, and Director of the Guam Taiwan Office Felix Yen (嚴樹芬). After the meeting, President Lai, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a luncheon for Governor Leon Guerrero, her husband, and the delegation.

Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets delegation from European Parliament
On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the European Parliament. In remarks, President Lai thanked the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and voice support for Taiwan. The president expressed hope for an even closer relationship and diversified cooperation between Taiwan and the European Union. The president said that Taiwan and the EU can work together in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy to create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and contribute to global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our guests to the Presidential Office. After being elected last year, MEPs Reinis Pozņaks and Beatrice Timgren are making their first visits to Taiwan, demonstrating support for Taiwan through concrete action. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome and appreciation. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Just last month, the European Parliament adopted resolutions with regard to annual reports on the implementation of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy. These resolutions reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast commitment to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The European Parliament also condemned China for continuing to take provocative military actions against Taiwan and emphasized that Taiwan is a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. It called on the EU and its member states to continue working closely with Taiwan to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties. Once again, I thank the European Parliament for voicing support for Taiwan. Just as MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren are visiting Taiwan to strengthen Taiwan-EU exchanges, our Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) also led a delegation to Europe last year, marking the first in-person dialogue between high-ranking economic and trade officials of Taiwan and the EU. Moving ahead, we look forward to bringing Taiwan-EU ties even closer and to diversifying our cooperation. The EU is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment. Both sides are highly complementary in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy. Through our joint efforts, we can create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and further contribute to global prosperity and development. Looking ahead, I hope that MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren will continue to make the case in the European Parliament for the signing of a Taiwan-EU economic partnership agreement. This would not only yield mutually beneficial development, but also consolidate economic security and boost international competitiveness for both sides. In closing, I am sure that you will gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan through this visit. Please feel welcome to come back as often as possible as we continue to elevate Taiwan-EU ties. MEP Pozņaks then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor to be here and thanking everybody involved in arranging this trip that allows them the opportunity to better know Taiwan. He added that it is definitely not the last time they will be here, as Taiwan is a very beautiful country. MEP Pozņaks mentioned that he comes from Latvia, and despite their being on the other side of the world, they know how the Taiwanese people feel, because they also have a big neighbor who is claiming that Latvia belongs to them. Unfortunately, he said, there is already war in Europe, but he is confident that their situation is similar to Taiwan’s, adding that they have a neighbor who uses disinformation attacks. MEP Pozņaks said that we live in very challenging times, and that our choices will define the future of the world, asking whether it will be a world where the rule of law prevails or where physical power and aggression succeeds. Coming from a small country, he said he clearly understands that for them there is no other possibility; they must protect the world where the rule of law prevails. That is why now, he emphasized, it is very crucial for all democracies around the world to stick together to protect our freedoms, values, and democracy. MEP Timgren then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for meeting with them and saying it is a big honor. Noting that they arrived here two days ago and that while she really loves Taiwan, its food, and the good weather, she stated that the reason they are here is because of the values that we share, our good relationships, and solidarity with other democratic countries in the world, which is important for them in Europe and in Sweden. MEP Timgren, referring to MEP Pozņaks’s earlier remarks, said that they face a big threat from Russia that is discernible even in the European Parliament. Actually, she pointed out, there is a war inside Europe that shows us how important it is that we support one another. She said that the Russian people thought it would be easy to take over Ukraine, but it was not, because all European countries stepped up and provided weapons and support. And that is why, MEP Timgren said, it is important that democratic countries maintain good relationships and let China and Russia see that we have good relationships, because a part of defense is solidarity. In closing, she expressed her gratitude for having the honor to be here in this beautiful country.

Details
2025-05-20
President Lai hosts state banquet for President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Republic of Palau
On the evening of May 20, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office in honor of President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife. In remarks, President Lai said that he looks forward to working closely with President Whipps to promote tourism exchanges and sports cooperation so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to host this banquet tonight at the Presidential Office for President Whipps, First Lady Valerie Whipps, and the esteemed members of their delegation. Welcome to Taiwan. During my trips to Palau in 2022 and last year, President and First Lady Whipps received me with great hospitality. Wearing my island shirt, I enjoyed a very friendly reception from the people of Palau. It felt warm and friendly, just like being welcomed back home. The first time I visited Palau, President Whipps and I piloted a boat to the Milky Way lagoon. We both tried volcanic mud facial masks. We also fished together and enjoyed the breeze as we walked on the beach. Last year, on my second visit to Palau, I was honored to be invited to address the National Congress. I also observed the results of the close bilateral cooperation between our two nations. Due to its world-famous ocean scenery, Palau is sometimes referred to as “God’s aquarium.” And it is even possible to snorkel with sharks. It leaves a deep impression. Nothing compares to seeing Palau firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan and Palau launched a travel bubble that created a safe means of travel. Now, with the pandemic behind us, I hope that even more Taiwanese can tour Palau and gain a greater understanding of our diplomatic ally. In addition to tourism exchanges, I mentioned on my visit to Palau last year that I hoped Taiwan and Palau could promote sports cooperation by providing training away from home. Next month, Palau will be holding the Pacific Mini Games. And right now, Palau’s national baseball and table tennis teams are holding training sessions here in Taiwan. We will do our utmost to support Palau’s national players and we hope they stand out and achieve outstanding results in the events. I look forward to working closely with President Whipps so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. Thank you! Mesulang! President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is truly an honor to be here once again one year after President Lai’s inauguration. Mentioning that this is his first state visit after being reelected to a second term, he said that it is important to be here among friends, and that we are more than friends, we are family. He thanked President Lai for the generous words and, most importantly, Taiwan’s enduring support. He remarked that our relationship continues to get stronger in each passing year. President Whipps said that President Lai’s diplomacy initiative, leadership, and vision deeply resonate with them. Diplomacy must be rooted in our shared values, he said, and an unwavering support for our allies and a commitment to a sustainable, inclusive development are all deeply appreciated by their people. President Whipps emphasized that, as we look into the future and the challenges that we face, from security to climate change, it is so important that we are united. He added that it is important for the world, and especially important for them in Palau, that they stand up for Taiwan, so that Taiwan can participate on international fora that address climate change, security, and health, because they know the world is better when Taiwan has a seat at the table. Mentioning that Palau will host the Pacific Islands Forum next year, President Whipps said that Palau remains committed to working closely with Taiwan to ensure a successful event, and that they will continue to speak up for Taiwan’s indispensable contributions as we stand together against any efforts to silence or isolate democratic partners. President Whipps said that our nations have navigated challenges and emerged stronger, bound by a partnership that is built on trust, respect, and hope for a better world. Whether it is in clean energy, education, smart medicine, or tourism, our shared journey is just beginning, he said, and we are stronger together. Also in attendance at the banquet were Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.

Details
2025-05-20
President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Spring Update of QuarkXPress 2025 Provides New Generative AI Power, Ground-Breaking Typography Workflows and an Improved User Experience

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quark Software, the global provider of content automation, intelligence and design software, today announced its latest v21.1 Spring update of QuarkXPress 2025. The world’s most powerful page layout and digital publishing software accelerates project execution through support for typography workflows using Font Libraries, deeper Markdown integration, and an improved Story Editor user experience to bring writers in closer to the final design.

“This release is all about making QuarkXPress more flexible, innovative, and accessible for creative professionals,” said Ewa Gorka, Product Manager, QuarkXPress. “We’re expanding what our AI can do, making it available to even more users, including those with active maintenance plans. With features like editable tone of voice and open-ended prompt editing, we’re putting 100% control in the user’s hands.”

Ewa continued: “Additionally, the simple yet powerful Font Libraries tool offers a much cleaner way to manage large font collections, with no need for external font management apps. Plus, with foundational support for new font formats like COLRv1, we’re showing our commitment to keeping pace with evolving design standards.”

“To top it off, we’ve made meaningful accessibility and user experience improvements that make QuarkXPress more intuitive and personal than ever. Everything in 21.1 is designed to increase productivity and help people focus on creativity.”

New features and capabilities available in QuarkXPress 2025 include:

Tone of Voice & Edit with a Prompt – Pick from formal or informal tone of voice options and simplify text. Plus, designers can use natural language prompts to adjust or create their own AI-generated text.

Font Libraries – Map and manage fonts faster than ever with the ground-breaking Font Libraries tool, reducing the need for external font management apps.

COLRv1 – Enhance creative workflows with COLRv1 fonts featuring solid color support in layout and PDF and the ability to render with full fidelity in digital output.

Story Editor – New visual customization options improve accessibility and comfort. Enabling copywriters to personalize the font, size, line spacing, and toggle text styles, making long editing sessions easier and content more readable.

Additional Resources

About Quark Software, Inc.
Quark knows content. The company revolutionized desktop publishing and today provides content design, automation and intelligence software for end-to-end content lifecycle management. Customers worldwide rely on Quark to modernize their content ecosystems so they can create complex print and digital layouts, automate omnichannel publishing of mission-critical documents, and analyze production and engagement insights for the greatest return on their content investments. Quark is backed by Parallax Capital Partners and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland and India. Quark. Brilliant content that works. For more information, visit www.quark.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

For more information, press only:
Emerson Welch
VP Global Marketing, Quark
ewelch@quark.com

The MIL Network –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: New prices for natural gas transmission services have been approved
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AB Amber Grid, legal entity code: 303090867. Address: Laisvės ave. 10, LT-04215 Vilnius, Lithuania.

On 29 May 2025, the National Energy Regulatory Council approved Amber Grid natural gas transmission services tariffs that will come into effect from 1 January 2026.

In 2026, the average price of transmission services for the needs of Lithuanian consumers will amount to 1.52 EUR/MWh and will decrease by 5% compared to this year. In 2025 the average tariff of transmission services for the needs of Lithuanian consumers is 1.60 Eur/MWh.

New prices for natural gas transmission services will be published on Amber Grid website https://www.ambergrid.lt/en/for-clients/services/tariffs-and-prices/637

More information:
Laura Šebekienė, Head of Communications of Amber Grid,
+370 699 61 246, l.sebekiene@ambergrid.lt

Attachment
- NERC approved gas transmission prices for 2026
The MIL Network –
May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Correction: New prices for natural gas transmission services have been approved
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AB Amber Grid, legal entity code: 303090867. Address: Laisvės ave. 10, LT-04215 Vilnius, Lithuania.

On 29 May 2025, the National Energy Regulatory Council approved Amber Grid natural gas transmission services tariffs that will come into effect from 1 January 2026.

In 2026, the average price of transmission services for the needs of Lithuanian consumers will amount to 1.52 EUR/MWh and will decrease by 5% compared to this year. In 2025 the average tariff of transmission services for the needs of Lithuanian consumers is 1.60 Eur/MWh.

New prices for natural gas transmission services will be published on Amber Grid website https://www.ambergrid.lt/en/for-clients/services/tariffs-and-prices/637

More information:
Laura Šebekienė, Head of Communications of Amber Grid,
+370 699 61 246, l.sebekiene@ambergrid.lt

Attachment
- NERC approved gas transmission prices for 2026
The MIL Network –
May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 May 2025 Departmental update Road safety takes centre stage at world’s leading transport forum

Source: World Health Organisation

Transport ministers from 69 countries adopted a landmark road safety policy recommendation for governments and agreed to pilot a new road safety assessment framework for business at the International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit in Leipzig, Germany, on 22 May 2025.

Nearly 1.2 million people are killed on the world’s roads each year, and road crashes are the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5–29 years worldwide.

Produced with WHO support, the Policy recommendation on comprehensive road safety policy urges governments to adopt evidence-based, safety-focused, well-coordinated and inclusive road safety approaches that best fit each location and to focus on where the most lives can be saved.

“This is great news. It could enlighten the way transport policies are implemented. We received support and contributions from NGOs and the World Health Organization that were really relevant,” said Juan Carlos Muñoz, Chilean Minister of Transport and President of the ITF.

The road safety policy guide, along with new guidance on artificial intelligence (AI) in transport, is the first policy recommendation made by the ITF – the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers – in three years. The theme of the summit was “transport resilience to global shocks”.

“There are extremely important links between resilient transport systems and strengthening health and safety. Resilient transport should first and foremost be safe and healthy,” said Dr Nhan Tran, Head of Safety and Mobility at WHO, during a ministerial session at the summit.

Business matters

The private sector has a huge and crucial role in ensuring safe and sustainable mobility and a ministerial session at the summit focused on working with business for resilient transport.

“The private sector brings innovation, agility and in-depth operational expertise. Our challenge is to institutionalize these [public-private] partnerships,” said Mr Muñoz in his opening remarks to the session.

WHO and the ITF launched a new Global road safety assessment framework for corporate action and reporting to support businesses in integrating robust road safety practices into their operations and value chains in support of global efforts to reduce road deaths and injuries.

“Around one third of all road deaths occur among corporate value chains and we are delighted to support the new road safety assessment framework for business. It is an important platform to track corporate performance against global standards and best practices for road safety,” said Dr Tran.

The framework builds on existing international instruments to identify best practices, extends safety management to workforce commuting and contractual relations with suppliers and distributors, and will ensure international reporting standards are applied.

Companies that adopt the framework can expect to cut the leading cause of workplace injuries, with reduced disruption, improved employee well-being, and an enhanced corporate reputation.

The development of the framework began on a request from transport ministers from over 60 countries in May 2024. They are now working with business to pilot and refine the framework.

Moving forward

The ITF summit marked a key opportunity to advance commitments made at the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety that was held in Marrakech, Morocco, in February 2025.

WHO and the Government of Morocco hosted a ministerial session on implementing the resulting Marrakech Road Safety Declaration, including monitoring and reporting on progress, engaging all relevant actors, and creating incentives and regulations for private sector action.

“We are working with key regional bodies to design a robust follow-up mechanism for Africa. Our goal is to organize regional meetings that serve as checkpoints for progress and platforms for coordination, knowledge-sharing and policy alignment,” said Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The WHO African Region accounts for nearly one-fifth of all global road deaths despite being home to just 15% of the world’s population and 3% of registered vehicles. Road deaths are rising in the region.

“We must invest in institutional capacity, building strong, well-resourced road safety agencies and ensuring inter-ministerial coordination. Morocco hopes to reinforce a shared continental commitment and to drive tangible improvements in road safety across Africa,” said Mr Kayouh.

Mr Kayouh highlighted financing, upholding vehicle safety standards and improving efforts to collect, share and use data for policymaking as urgent priorities to boost progress in Africa.

“The ITF summit is a powerful platform to advance road safety. But for us to truly deliver, we must elevate safety to the same level as climate, access and efficiency. Sustainable transport must, above all, be safe transport,” said Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Op-Ed: UN Peacekeeping is both a lifesaving tool and a smart investment

Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

U.N. Peacekeeping has a legacy of success, from Namibia to today’s volatile hotspots. But to remain effective, it needs investment and adaptation.

By Jean-Pierre Lacroix

This March, some 35 years after the United Nations closed a landmark chapter in peacekeeping, Namibia inaugurated President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first democratically elected woman head of state.

In 1989, despite rising global instability and a liquidity crisis at the U.N., member states came together to launch the United Nations Transition Assistance Group, or UNTAG — a multidimensional peacekeeping mission that helped usher in Namibia’s independence.

UNTAG didn’t just monitor a ceasefire in Namibia. It helped organize and secure the country’s first free and fair elections, protected civilians, verified troop withdrawals, and supported democratic transition across a vast and remote territory. It pioneered approaches that are now cornerstones of modern peacekeeping, from U.N. policing and human rights monitoring to electoral support and a robust public information campaign.

Today, the United Nations Peacekeeping stands at a critical juncture. The global landscape is dangerous and complex. Crises erupt quickly and spread faster, magnified by international political polarization, transnational crime, terrorism, a rising sense of impunity, and the weakening of international law.

The globally recognized U.N. Peacekeeping blue helmets enjoy broad international support. Now more than ever, peacekeepers remain on the front lines — holding ground, protecting civilians, and creating the space necessary for diplomacy to work. But faced with increasing instability and mounting financial pressure, peacekeeping’s effectiveness depends on investment in its future.

Blue helmets on the front lines

The work of our U.N. peacekeepers — men and women serving far from their homes to help others live in peace — is demanding and complex, but it is also dangerous. Since January 2024, we have suffered 78 fatalities. Many more have been injured. Their sacrifice, and the service of more than 68,000 military, police, and civilian personnel deployed under the U.N. flag — including uniformed peacekeepers from 119 countries — represents a tangible commitment to peace and security.

Across 11 missions, big and small, peacekeepers operate in some of the world’s most volatile contexts. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our peacekeeping mission MONUSCO is helping to shield civilians from violence while supporting dialogue and disarmament.

In Lebanon, UNIFIL remains a stabilizing presence along the Blue Line amid ongoing exchanges of fire. In South Sudan, UNMISS is working to prevent a relapse into civil war by enhancing security and promoting dialogue and negotiation at the local and national levels. In the Central African Republic, MINUSCA continues to protect the vulnerable all over the country and is supporting preparations for the country’s first local elections in decades. And in Cyprus, peacekeepers serving with UNFICYP continue to reduce tensions and maintain a buffer strip to promote security and build confidence between communities.

Many of these missions face challenges that reflect deeper complexities, with confusing or impractical mandates, ambiguous political support at local and international levels, a lack of a clearly defined end-state, and a widening gap between expectations and resources.

Investing in peacekeeping

2025 is a pivotal year. As we mark the U.N.’s 80th anniversary, Germany — a stalwart peacekeeping partner of long standing — hosted a U.N. Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin earlier this month. Ministers of defense and foreign affairs from around the world united in pledging their unequivocal and tangible support for and to our blue helmets. More than half of the 130 member state delegations present made concrete pledges to make missions stronger, safer, and more effective.

They discussed the future of peace missions and ways to reform the instrument to ensure our operations remain adaptable, innovative, cost-effective, and resilient. As it did in Namibia in the early 90s, U.N. Peacekeeping has always adapted to and achieved results in ever-changing contexts. Going forward, we will need to build on this momentum to ensure peacekeeping is streamlined, economical, and fit for purpose.

And on this point, it is important to stress that peacekeeping is not only a lifesaving tool — it is a smart investment. It delivers value for money, reduces violence, and helps forge a durable peace. From Cambodia to Timor-Leste and El Salvador to Liberia, U.N. Peacekeeping has supported transitions from war to peace at a minuscule fraction of what military activities have cost worldwide. These achievements are not historical footnotes: they are the building blocks of regional stability.

And U.N. Peacekeeping must and will continue to evolve. Missions may be deployed jointly with or in support of regional partners, such as the African Union. They may be smaller, more technologically leveraged, and more specialized. But their core purpose will remain to support political solutions, protect the vulnerable, and pave the way for a sustainable peace.

If the past tells us anything, it is that peacekeeping can deliver when we invest in it and stay the course. Peacekeeping’s record is measured not only by what happens but by what doesn’t — violence that was averted, escalation that was prevented, space that was created for politics to work.

We ignore this hard-won truth at our peril — U.N. mission closures in Mali, Sudan, and Haiti, and the rise of violence in all of these countries, are cases in point. To avoid this trap, we must maintain readiness and the capabilities to deploy rapidly, if and when asked.

Thirty-five years ago, the world came together to launch UNTAG, a ground-breaking peace mission that helped Namibia chart its own course as an independent country. Today, that same spirit of unity, innovation, and determination is needed once again. If we fall short now, we risk undermining decades of progress and undermining the hopes of millions who depend on peacekeeping to help protect their future.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Avoid getting caught out by scams
Source: Northern Ireland Direct

Date published: 29 May 2025

Beware being caught out by fraudsters and scammers. There are steps you can take to be wiser about scams and report anything you suspect is a scam.

Scams

Scams target people of all ages and backgrounds, and are becoming more and more sophisticated.

People are commonly targeted by email, phone and online.

You can find out more, including a list of recent scams, in the following section:

Report a scam

Many people who are scammed feel they are to blame to falling for it, but it’s not their fault.

Reporting scams is vitally important, as:
- it helps catch fraudsters
- it can help to alert others and prevent them from falling victim
If you have – or know someone who has – been a victim of a scam or fraud, no matter how small, you should report it to:

or

Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

More useful links
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Intermex Named Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park and the Official International Remittance Partner of the LA Galaxy
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LOS ANGELES and MIAMI, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The reigning 2024 MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy and their home stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park (DHSP), have launched a new partnership with International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (Intermex), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean. The multiyear agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, makes Intermex the Official International Remittance Partner of the LA Galaxy and a Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park, a premium and category-exclusive designation. The partnership marks the first time the team, the venue, and AEG have partnered with a brand in the international remittance category. This also represents Intermex’s first official partnership in sports—making it a first-of-its-kind collaboration.

“Our partnership with the LA Galaxy and Dignity Health Sports Park is about showing up for the people who have always been at the center of this sport,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Product, Marketing & Digital Officer at Intermex. “For so many Latino families, fútbol isn’t just entertainment, it’s a part of who we are. This collaboration allows us to celebrate that connection in a meaningful way, both on and off the field.”

Founded in 1994, around the same time as the LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer, Intermex and soccer have grown in parallel, earning trust among Latino communities in the U.S. and abroad. Headquartered in Miami, Intermex enables digital money transfers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe to more than 60 countries, with a strong focus on Latin America. The company offers a multi-channel delivery experience via its app, website, retail locations, as well as WhatsApp. Known for its human-first customer service, including Spanish-first support for underbanked and immigrant communities, Intermex has become a trusted provider for millions of Latino families.

With Los Angeles being one of Intermex’s most strategically important U.S. markets, the LA Galaxy presents a timely and culturally significant opportunity to deepen its ties with a region where soccer is thriving. Across the United States, especially in Southern California, soccer has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports, driven in large part by Latino communities where the game has long served as a source of cultural pride and generational connection. More than five million Latinos call Los Angeles home, and across California, nearly 70% of MLS viewership comes from Latino fans—making the region a powerful intersection of culture, sport, and community. The agreement also extends through two of the most significant global sporting events set to take place in Los Angeles: the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, offering unmatched exposure and relevance during pivotal moments for the sport.

“We are excited to welcome Intermex to the Galaxy family,” said LA Galaxy President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Braun. “This is a values-driven brand that understands the importance of language, culture, and legacy. Together, we’re building something that resonates on and off the pitch.”

As a Founding Partner of Dignity Health Sports Park, Intermex will enjoy premium brand visibility throughout the venue and will be fully integrated into the fan journey—from driveway to pitch. This includes prominent freeway marquee signage, scoreboard integrations, concourse placements, plaza wall signage, and various digital menu boards across the property.

“Intermex is a brand that truly understands the people we serve,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of Dignity Health Sports Park. “Their partnership reinforces our shared commitment to elevating the guest experience while creating lasting impact across our community.”

As part of the agreement, Intermex also becomes the Presenting Partner of the LA Galaxy Soccer Center – a 73,000-square-foot facility in Torrance, California dedicated to futsal and recreational sports. Intermex’s partnership will support year-round youth and adult programming at the center, helping preserve a vital hub for thousands of local families and athletes of all ages.

“Intermex is setting a new standard for what culturally relevant, community-rooted partnerships in sports can look like and achieve,” said Rashid Dadashi, Senior Director, AEG Global Partnerships. “Soccer is central to the lives of their customers and our fans, and our collaboration provides an opportunity to engage authentically and consistently in one of their highest-priority markets. They’re a brand that leads with purpose and understands the power of showing up where it matters most.”

Further amplifying the cultural impact of the partnership, Intermex will be the Title Night Partner of the 2025 Mexican Heritage Night, taking place on September 20 against FC Cincinnati – one of the club’s most highly anticipated cultural theme nights of the season. Additionally, Intermex will engage fans as the Presenting Partner of “Cobi Club” – an original content series from the LA Galaxy that explores football chatter with current trends and popular culture, giving every fan – fanatics and casuals fans alike – something to enjoy.

With nearly 30 years of trusted service and deep roots in Latino communities across the globe, Intermex’s entry into sports sponsorship marks a new chapter in its mission to empower, connect, and uplift the people who drive its business – one built on trust, cultural alignment, and the beautiful game.

ABOUT INTERMEX
Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to enable consumers to send money from the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Lear more at www.intermexonline.com.

ABOUT LA GALAXY
The LA Galaxy are Major League Soccer’s most successful club. Based in Carson, Calif. at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy have won the MLS Cup a record six times (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2024), the MLS Supporters’ Shield four times (1998, 2002, 2010, 2011) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup twice (2001, 2005), and one Concacaf Champions Cup (2000) since their inception in 1996. Under the direction of LA Galaxy President of Business Operations and Chief Operating Officer Tom Braun on the business operations side and LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz on the soccer operations side, the Galaxy are the premier club in MLS, with stars like Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Javier Hernandez, Cobi Jones, Riqui Puig and Marco Reus representing LA over the team’s 29 years in MLS. For more information on the LA Galaxy, visit www.lagalaxy.com.

ABOUT DIGNITY HEALTH SPORTS PARK
Dignity Health Sports Park is southern California’s home of world-class competition and training facilities for amateur, Olympic, collegiate and professional athletes. Managed by AEG, the $150 million, privately financed facility was developed by AEG on a 125-acre site on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in Carson, California. Dignity Health Sports Park features an 8,000-seat tennis stadium, a 27,000-seat stadium for soccer, football and other athletic competitions and outdoor concerts; a 2,000-seat facility for track & field and a 2,450-seat indoor Velodrome – the VELO Sports Center – for track cycling. Dignity Health Sports Park is home to Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, the six-time MLS Cup Champions. Dignity Health Sports Park is also home of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) High Performance Training Center and the national team training headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Additionally, Dignity Health Sports Park is home to Galaxy Park, a newly imagined complex on the campus of the facility that features five 5v5 soccer fields, three futsal courts, eight Pickleball courts, four Padel courts, and is home to a number of other recreational activities. For additional information, please visit http://www.dignityhealthsportspark.com.

ABOUT AEG
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. The company operates in the following business segments:
- Music through AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including the production and promotion of global and regional concert tours, an extensive portfolio of clubs, theaters and other music venues, concerts and special events and world-renowned festivals such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival;
- Venues and Real Estate, which develops, owns and operates world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like Crypto.com Arena and L.A. LIVE, Uber Platz in Berlin and The O2 in London;
- Sports, as the world’s largest operator of high-profile sporting events and sports franchises including the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and Eisbären Berlin;
- Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating, and other strategic partnerships;
- And Ticketing, which, through its AXS.com ticketing platform, provides more than 400 clients worldwide with ticketing services that cover the gamut of entertainments, including sporting events, arena tours, music clubs festival, rodeos and family events.
Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 90 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS
LA Galaxy
Jamie Alvarez
jaalvarez@lagalaxy.com

AEG Global Partnerships
Shannon Donnelly
Shannon.donnelly@beckmedia.com

Investor Relations:
Alex Sadowski
Investor Relations Coordinator
ir@intermexusa.com
305-671-8000

The MIL Network –
May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Power Saver Pro Reviews: Does Power Saver Pro X Really Work for Your Home?
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York City, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Introduction: Why You Need a Power Saver

Electricity rates have climbed steadily in recent years and show no sign of slowing. Retail prices rose by more than the rate of inflation from 2022 through early 2025, and forecasts indicate continued increases into 2026. During peak summer months, Americans faced record-high bills—averaging $784 for the period, up over 6% from 2024 and marking the highest levels in 12 years.

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Beyond higher tariffs, unstable or “dirty” electricity can drive up consumption and accelerate wear on appliances. Fluctuations, spikes and harmonic noise force motors and electronic controls to draw excess current, inflating your meter readings and shortening equipment lifespan. A dedicated device that stabilizes voltage and filters out electromagnetic interference can restore cleaner power flow, curb wasted energy, and deliver significant savings over time.

What Is Power Saver Pro X?

Power Saver Pro X is a plug-in device that uses patented Electricity Stabilizing Technology (E.S.T.) and a magnetic filter to smooth out irregular current and eliminate “dirty” EMF noise. Designed in Germany and inspired by Tesla’s principles of efficient power flow, the compact unit installs in seconds—simply plug it into a standard North American (110 V) outlet near your breaker panel. Once operational, its green LED confirms active filtering.

Inside, advanced capacitors compensate for reactive power surges while harmonic absorbers buffer sudden voltage spikes, creating a steadier supply to every appliance on the circuit. Over a stabilization period of 3–8 weeks, homes typically see 30–50% reductions on monthly bills. Alongside cost savings, Power Saver Pro X extends appliance life and mitigates EMF exposure, making it a low-maintenance solution for homeowners, renters, and small businesses seeking energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

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The Science Behind It: Electricity Stabilizing Technology (E.S.T.)

At its core, Power Saver Pro X employs patented Electricity Stabilizing Technology (E.S.T.) to “straighten” irregular voltage and eliminate harmful harmonic noise on your home’s wiring. Inside the device, high-grade capacitors instantly compensate for reactive power surges, while a magnetic filter absorbs and neutralizes spikes and electromagnetic interference (EMF) that would otherwise force motors and electronics to draw excess current. Over time, this cleaner, smoother power flow reduces energy waste and eases stress on your appliances.

Key Features & Benefits
- Whole-Home Stabilization: One plug-in unit can condition power for an entire circuit, smoothing voltage to every appliance on that line.
- EMF Noise Reduction: The patent-pending magnetic filter removes high-frequency pollution (4–150 kHz) from your wiring, cutting household EMF exposure.
- Surge & Spike Protection: Advanced reactive power compensation and harmonic absorption buffer sudden voltage swings, safeguarding sensitive electronics.
- Significant Bill Reductions: Users report monthly savings ranging from 30% up to 50% on their electric bills after full stabilization (3–8 weeks).
- Extended Appliance Life: By reducing current stress and heat, the device helps prolong the lifespan of HVAC systems, refrigerators, washers, and more.
- Plug-and-Play Installation: No wiring or professional electrician needed—just plug into any standard 110 V outlet near your breaker panel.
- Safety & Compliance: UL approved and RoHS compliant for guaranteed electrical safety.
Step-by-Step Installation & Operation
1. Select an Outlet Near the Breaker Panel
  For optimal results, choose an outlet on the same circuit as your main breaker. In larger homes, consider multiple units—one near the breaker and another at the far end of the house.
2. Plug In & Verify Operation
  Insert Power Saver Pro X into the outlet. The green LED will illuminate when the device is filtering and stabilizing power.
3. Allow for Full Stabilization
  Over the next 3–8 weeks, the device will progressively filter out dirty electricity and harmonics. Expect to see gradual meter-reading reductions throughout this period.
4. Monitor Your Usage
  Track your monthly bills to verify savings. Many households report noticeable drops within the first month, with peak benefits by week eight.
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How It Works?
Power Saver Pro X leverages patented Electricity Stabilizing Technology (E.S.T.) and a magnetic filtering system to deliver cleaner, more efficient power throughout your home. At its core, the device straightens out unstable voltage, buffering against harmful spikes and smoothing fluctuations to create a constant, even current flow. This process reduces the amount of wasted energy that would otherwise be lost as heat or noise in your wiring.
Inside the compact unit, high-grade capacitors act instantly to absorb and dissipate sudden surges, protecting sensitive electronics and motors from stress-related damage. Simultaneously, a patent-pending magnetic filter removes high-frequency “dirty” EMF components—those invisible pulses and harmonic waves that force appliances to draw extra power and accelerate wear. By filtering out frequencies between approximately 4 kHz and 150 kHz, Power Saver Pro X cuts down on electromagnetic interference and keeps your circuits running at peak efficiency.
Getting started is straightforward:
1. Plug In Near Your Breaker Panel. For best results, place the unit on a circuit that feeds your main breaker. In larger homes, deploy additional devices on separate breakers to cover multiple zones.
2. Verify Operation. A green LED light confirms active stabilization; once illuminated, the device begins filtering in real time.
3. Filter & Stabilize. Over the first 3–8 weeks, Power Saver Pro X progressively removes dirty electricity while smoothing voltage swings. During this period, most users observe gradual meter-reading reductions as the system reaches full performance.
By combining reactive power compensation with harmonic absorption and EMF filtration, Power Saver Pro X works silently in the background to lower your monthly electric bills, protect appliances, and create a more stable power environment for every device on your home’s circuits.

Pricing, Bundles & Special Offers

Power Saver Pro X is available only at its official website and in graduated bundles, with deeper discounts on multi-unit orders:
- 1× Unit: Save 50% — $49.99 (was $99.98)
- 2× Units (Recommended): Save 55% — $99.98 (was $222.18)
- 3× Units: Save 60% — $119.97 (was $299.93)
- 4× Units: Save 65% — $139.96 (was $399.89)
- 5× Units: Save 70% — $149.95 (was $499.83)
All orders qualify for free U.S. shipping. Many homeowners see peak ROI when placing units at both ends of a 1,500–3,000 sq ft home.

Money-Back Guarantee & Warranty

Your purchase is protected by a 90-day Money-Back Guarantee: if you don’t see measurable savings within three months, return the device in its original packaging for a full refund (minus shipping & handling).

Disclaimer: Prices & return policy are subject to change. Always check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing before purchasing. A 10% restocking fee may be made on all goods returned, as well as reconditioning charge if required, as determined by Production Products, Inc. Any goods returned without our permission may be refused.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will Power Saver Pro X work in my state?
Yes—it’s certified for use in all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.

How many units do I need?
One unit per 1,500 sq ft is recommended. For larger homes, spacing units at opposite ends maximizes coverage.

Is it safe to leave plugged in?
Absolutely. It’s UL approved and RoHS compliant; continual use only enhances filtration.

Can I use it with solar power?
The device is safe on solar systems but may yield variable results. The 90-day guarantee covers any dissatisfaction.

Does it work on 220 V systems?
Not yet. It currently supports 110 V North American circuits; a 220 V version is slated for release within 6–12 months.

Where should I place it?
Plug one unit near your breaker panel; additional units belong at distant circuit endpoints for optimal filtering.

Can environmental factors affect performance?
Yes—older wiring, extreme humidity, or ungrounded outlets can reduce E.S.T. efficiency. Ensure your home’s electrical system is up to code and outlets are properly grounded. In areas with frequent surges (e.g., thunderstorms), consider adding whole-home surge protection for optimal results

The LED isn’t lighting—what do I check?
Ensure Power Saver Pro X is fully seated in a live outlet on the same circuit as your breaker panel. Try plugging it into another nearby receptacle. If the green LED still fails to illuminate, test the outlet with another device to confirm power. For persistent issues, contact support

I’ve seen no savings after 8 weeks—now what?
First, verify placement: one unit per 1,500 sq ft, ideally at opposite ends of your home. If you’re below that threshold, add a second unit to cover multiple circuits. Next, perform a breaker test: switch off the breaker feeding the outlet with Power Saver Pro X for one full billing cycle. If your bill rises significantly, the device was working; switch it back on for continued savings. If not, reach out for a refund—your 90-day guarantee covers unsatisfied customers

How do I verify voltage stabilization?
Use a digital multimeter to measure RMS voltage before and after installation over several weeks. Look for reduced peak-to-peak voltage swings. Advanced users can log readings with a power quality analyzer to track harmonic distortion levels between 4 kHz–150 kHz.

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Pros & Cons

Pros:
- True whole-home stabilization with patented E.S.T.
- Tangible savings of 30–50% on electric bills
- EMF noise reduction for healthier indoor environments
- Plug-and-play; no electrician required
- Strong 90-day refund and 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Only compatible with 110 V North American systems
- Requires up to 8 weeks for full savings impact
- Optimal performance may need multiple units in larger homes
Real-World Performance & Case Studies

Independent field tests and consumer trials demonstrate substantial year-one savings:
- Household #1 (Midwest family of four): Achieved over $3,000 in annual savings on a $3,500 baseline bill—an 86% reduction—without altering any usage habits.
- Households #2 & #3 (Urban and suburban homes): Each saw nearly $1,000 back in the first year, translating to 25–30% lower bills simply by plugging in the device.
- Technician Field Reports: Independent electricians measured 30–50% lower reactive draw on circuits protected by Power Saver Pro X, confirming its claimed efficiency gains.
These case studies underscore how a modest investment in E.S.T. technology can deliver outsized returns on your electric bill.

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Customer Reviews & Testimonials

“I installed Power Saver Pro X in my Chicago townhouse and saw a 40% drop in my first electric bill—saved $120 in month one!”
— Maria Delgado, Chicago, IL

“After three months, our family of five in Austin recouped the full cost. Now it’s just pure savings every billing cycle.”
— Thomas Nguyen, Austin, TX

“This little device paid for itself within two billing cycles. My AC and fridge seem to run more smoothly, too.”
— Jenna Patel, Orlando, FL

“I was skeptical, but Power Saver Pro X really works. We knocked $95 off our first bill and our UPS man was shocked!”
— Carlos Rivera, Phoenix, AZ

“Plug-and-play was literally true. No electrician needed, and our bills dropped nearly 30% within two months.”
— Linda Brooks, Seattle, WA

These testimonials reflect across-the-board savings of 30–50% after the full stabilization period.

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Who Should Consider Power Saver Pro X?
- Homeowners and renters facing high electricity costs
- Small-business owners with energy-heavy equipment
- Anyone running HVAC, refrigeration, pool pumps, or workshop tools
- Consumers seeking EMF reduction alongside cost savings
- Users who prefer a non-invasive, maintenance-free solution
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
- Centralize Placement: Install near your breaker panel for best flow.
- Multi-Unit Strategy: For homes over 3,000 sq ft, space units at opposite ends.
- Combine Technologies: Pair with time-of-use billing and smart thermostats.
- Track Usage: Compare monthly bills and meter readings to quantify improvements.
- Maintain Devices: Keep outlets dust-free and ensure units stay plugged in continuously.
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Commercial & Small-Business Applications

Power Saver Pro X isn’t just a homeowner’s ally—it delivers tangible benefits for a wide range of commercial and small-business environments. Offices, retail outlets, restaurants, and light-industrial workshops all contend with fluctuating energy costs, often driven higher by reactive power surges, harmonic distortion, and “dirty” electricity. By smoothing voltage irregularities and filtering out high-frequency EMF noise, Power Saver Pro X tackles these inefficiencies head-on, unlocking cost reductions and operational improvements that directly bolster your bottom line.
1. Office Spaces & Professional Suites
In modern offices, computers, printers, copiers, and HVAC systems draw significant power—and are particularly sensitive to voltage spikes. Installing a single Power Saver Pro X unit near the main electrical panel can stabilize an entire floor’s power supply. Firms have reported cutting monthly energy bills by up to 35%, freeing budget for equipment upgrades or talent acquisition. With fewer sudden surges, sensitive electronics run more reliably, minimizing downtime and IT repair costs.
2. Retail & Hospitality
Restaurants, cafés, and small boutiques rely on refrigeration units, point-of-sale systems, display lighting, and HVAC to create comfortable, inviting spaces. Harmonic interference and voltage fluctuations force refrigeration compressors and lighting ballasts to work harder, raising both energy consumption and maintenance expenses. Power Saver Pro X reduces these stressors by ensuring a steady voltage flow, which can translate to a 25–40% decrease in utility outlays. Over a year, that can mean thousands of dollars saved—money that can be reinvested into menu innovation, seasonal inventory, or staff training.
3. Workshops & Light Manufacturing
Small-scale manufacturers and artisans use tools such as welding machines, CNC routers, and air compressors, all of which draw reactive power surges during startup. These surges not only spike your meter readings but also accelerate wear on expensive equipment. Power Saver Pro X’s reactive power compensation evens out current draw, helping reduce peak demand charges and extend tool life. Businesses report payback periods as short as four months, thanks to reduced utility bills and fewer repair visits.
4. Multi-Unit Coverage & Scalability
For larger operations or multi-suite buildings, deploying multiple Power Saver Pro X devices on separate circuits ensures comprehensive coverage. Bundled pricing makes scaling affordable, while the same 90-day savings guarantee applies across every unit. This modular approach allows businesses to target energy-hungry zones—like kitchens, server rooms, or manufacturing floors—maximizing ROI as they expand.
Whether you run a startup, franchise, or family-owned store, Power Saver Pro X offers a low-maintenance, non-invasive way to cut energy costs, protect critical equipment, and stabilize your power environment—so you can focus on growth and customer satisfaction.
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Long-Term Reliability & Maintenance
Power Saver Pro X is engineered for durability and minimal upkeep, ensuring you continue to reap savings and protection year after year. At its heart, the device uses solid-state capacitors and magnetic filters—components chosen for their long service life and resistance to wear. Unlike mechanical surge protectors, there are no moving parts to degrade, and the sealed enclosure shields sensitive circuitry from dust and humidity.
Durable Components:
- High-Grade Capacitors: Rated for tens of thousands of charge-discharge cycles, these capacitors maintain consistent reactive power compensation without significant capacitance loss over time.
- Magnetic Filter Assembly: Built from corrosion-resistant alloys, the filter’s design ensures stable EMF absorption with no degradation of magnetic properties under normal temperature and humidity ranges.
Protective Enclosure & Safety Certifications:
The rugged ABS housing is UL approved and RoHS compliant, providing impact resistance and flame retardancy. IP20-rated, it resists dust ingress in typical indoor environments. These safety certifications mean you can trust the unit to operate continuously without risk of shorting or component failure due to environmental factors .
Maintenance Requirements:
- Visual Inspection: Every 12 months, check that the LED indicator remains illuminated and that the outlet remains free of dust buildup. A soft brush or compressed air can remove any debris around the vents.
- Electrical Check: For peace of mind, perform a quick multimeter check annually to confirm consistent voltage stabilization. Look for RMS voltage swing reductions compared to baseline readings.
- No Replacements Needed: Under normal use, the internal components do not require replacement. The five-year warranty covers any premature failures, and most units continue performing reliably well beyond this period .
Clock’s Ticking: Secure 70% Off Power Saver Pro X—Sale Ends at Midnight!
Lifecycle & End-of-Life Disposal:
When the unit finally reaches end of life—typically after a decade of continuous operation—the enclosure and electronic components are fully recyclable under e-waste guidelines. Simply follow local electronic recycling protocols to dispose of the device responsibly.
With its maintenance-free architecture and robust design, Power Saver Pro X offers enduring performance, letting you focus on energy savings rather than upkeep.

Environmental Impact & Energy Conservation

By smoothing power flow and cutting waste heat, Power Saver Pro X reduces your home’s overall energy draw. Lower consumption helps flatten peak demand curves on the grid, potentially reducing reliance on fossil-fuel–driven peaker plants and lowering carbon emissions—making it an eco-friendly upgrade as well as a cost-saver.

Final Verdict: Is This the Best Power Saver of 2025?

Power Saver Pro delivers on its promises: patented Electricity Stabilizing Technology, verified 30–50% savings, EMF noise reduction, simple plug-and-play setup, and industry-leading guarantees. Compared to generic power factor devices, its comprehensive feature set and strong customer feedback make it our top pick for whole-home energy optimization in 2025.

Company: Power Saver Pro
Address: 6413 Bandini Blvd, Commerce, CA 90040, USA
Phone: 18888319238
Phone Hours: 7AM – 5PM PST
Email: cs@toppowersavers.com
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The MIL Network –
May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE organizes study visit to Germany on methane emissions monitoring and reporting for Turkmenistan’s representatives

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: OSCE organizes study visit to Germany on methane emissions monitoring and reporting for Turkmenistan’s representatives

OSCE organizes study visit to Germany on methane emissions monitoring and reporting for Turkmenistan’s representatives | OSCE

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MIL OSI Europe News –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: BrightHy Solutions, a Fusion Fuel company, Forges Strategic Partnership with Sungrow Hydrogen to Deliver Cutting-Edge Hydrogen Solutions in Iberia

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBLIN, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN — BrightHy Solutions, a Fusion Fuel company and a leading provider of hydrogen solutions, is proud to announce a strategic agency and partnership agreement with Sungrow Hydrogen, a leading green hydrogen production solution provider specializing in water electrolysis technology. This collaboration aims to accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge hydrogen production equipment in Iberia, combining the expertise of both companies to drive the green energy transition.

The partnership builds on existing collaboration between BrightHy and Sungrow Hydrogen, with both companies already working together on new hydrogen projects in the region. Under this agreement, BrightHy will serve as agent for Sungrow Hydrogen’s products, leveraging its proven engineering capabilities, deep market knowledge, and strong local presence to provide tailored solutions and dedicated support.

Sungrow Hydrogen maintains a world’s leading 30MW Water Electrolysis Hydrogen Production Empirical Platform and a Germany-based Hydrogen Technology Laboratory focused on pioneering hydrogen technologies. With over 550 secured patents and copyrights, the company possesses core competencies for flexible green hydrogen production.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sungrow Hydrogen to bring best-in-class hydrogen production technologies to our markets,” said Mr. Frederico Figueira de Chaves, CEO. “This collaboration not only strengthens our technology portfolio offering but also ensures that customers benefit from both Sungrow Hydrogen’s world-class innovation and BrightHy’s ability to provide expert local support.”

Mr. Chaocai Peng, Chairman of Sungrow Hydrogen, stated, “The technological prowess of Sungrow Hydrogen, coupled with BrightHy’s practical expertise and market reach, will facilitate the seamless integration of hydrogen solutions for industrial and energy applications. We are united in our dedication to spearhead the green hydrogen market by providing efficient, intelligent and safe hydrogen solutions in Iberia.”

As the demand for green hydrogen continues to rise, this partnership represents a key milestone in advancing sustainable energy solutions in Iberia.

About BrightHy Solutions

BrightHy Solutions, a subsidiary of Fusion Fuel Green Plc. (NASDAQ: HTOO) is positioning itself as a leader in the hydrogen through electrolysis solutions market. With its substantial industry experience, BrightHy is a partner to clients through the entire hydrogen production value chain including plant design, tailored engineering solutions, equipment sourcing, engineering and implementation oversight. BrightHy has a strong and core focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency.

About Sungrow Hydrogen

Sungrow Hydrogen is a leading green hydrogen production solutions provider specializing in advanced water electrolysis technology. As a subsidiary of Sungrow (Stock Code: 300274), it leverages cutting-edge expertise to deliver flexible green hydrogen production system solutions. The company’s core offerings include ALK electrolyzers, PEM electrolyzers, PWM hydrogen production power supplies, gas-liquid separation equipment, hydrogen purification equipment, and intelligent hydrogen management system. Committed to innovation, Sungrow Hydrogen provides “efficient, intelligent, safe” flexible solutions for green hydrogen production, accelerating the global transition to clean energy.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target,” “may,” “predict,” “should,” “would,” “potential,” “seem,” “future,” “outlook” or other similar expressions (or negative versions of such words or expressions) that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the Company’s ability to enter into a definitive share purchase agreement with the shareholders of Target, the ability of the parties to complete their due diligence and all other closing conditions, the Company’s ability to complete the proposed acquisition and integrate Target’s business, the parties’ ability to obtain all necessary regulatory and other consents and approvals in connection with the transaction, the ability of Target to complete the audit process and the possibility that the reported results of its operations for its fiscal years ended April 30, 2025 and 2024 will change materially upon completion of the audit process, and those set forth in Fusion Fuel’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2025, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are, in some cases, beyond the parties’ control and could materially affect results. If one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors become applicable, or if these underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the Company or other matters and attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact
ir@fusion-fuel.eu
www.fusion-fuel.eu

Wire Service Contact:
IBN
Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000 Office
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

The MIL Network –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Upexi Partners with Crypto-Native Marketing and Design Firm, GMI Digital, to Drive Solana-Focused Strategy

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TAMPA, Fla., May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Upexi, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPXI), a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products with diversification into the cryptocurrency space, today announced that it has selected GMI Digital as its crypto-native marketing and design service provider.

As Upexi advances its Solana-first strategy—offering investors scalable, transparent, and compliant exposure to $SOL—GMI Digital will lead initiatives across brand identity, digital presence, product UX/UI, and social media storytelling. The collaboration aims to sharpen Upexi’s narrative and strengthen its engagement with both institutional and crypto-native audiences.

“As we scale Upexi’s vision to become the premier public company for Solana exposure, it was clear we needed a partner who deeply understands this ecosystem,” said Allan Marshall, CEO of Upexi. “GMI Digital stands out with a rare combination of crypto-native insight and executional excellence across design, product, and marketing. Their expertise makes them an ideal partner to sharpen our messaging strategy and connect with the communities that matter.”

GMI Digital is a full-service crypto-native design and marketing firm that works with protocols, trading firms, and top-tier venture funds to elevate their digital presence, refine product experiences, and scale go-to-market efforts. Headquartered in New Jersey with global operations, GMI supports clients around the world.

“We’re proud to partner with a team that understands both crypto culture and public company communication,” said Emily Readey, Principal and Head of Design at GMI Digital. “At GMI, we collaborate with some of the most ambitious teams in crypto—from early-stage projects to institutional trading desks—across product design, web development, and brand systems. Upexi is building something unique at the intersection of public markets and Solana, and we’re thrilled to help tell that story to the world.”

GMI Digital’s track record mixes technical fluency with sharp design execution and high-impact storytelling. Their design ethos blends clarity, usability, and deep crypto context—skills now fueling GMI’s impact across the industry. Together, Upexi and GMI aim to set a new standard for what a crypto-native public company looks like.

About Upexi, Inc.
Upexi is a brand owner specializing in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of consumer products. The Company has entered the Cryptocurrency industry and cash management of assets through a Cryptocurrency Portfolio. For more information on Upexi’s treasury strategy and future developments, visit www.upexi.com.

Follow Upexi on X – https://twitter.com/upexitreasury
Follow CEO, Allan Marshall, on X – https://x.com/marshall_a22015
Follow CSO, Brian Rudick, on X – https://x.com/thetinyant

About GMI Digital
GMI Digital is a crypto-native marketing and design studio headquartered in New Jersey with offices in Barcelona and Como, Italy. The firm serves leading protocols, trading firms, and venture funds across the digital asset ecosystem. From product and brand design to social and UX/UI strategy, GMI helps the next generation of internet-native businesses scale and communicate with confidence.

Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. For example, the Company is using forward looking statements when it discusses the anticipated use of proceeds. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with business strategy, potential acquisitions, revenue guidance, product development, integration, and synergies of acquiring companies and personnel. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward- looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company Contact
Brian Rudick, Chief Strategy Officer
Email:brian.rudick@upexi.com
Phone: (216) 347-0473

Investor Relations Contact
KCSA Strategic Communications
Valter Pinto, Managing Director
Email: Upexi@KCSA.com
Phone: (212) 896-1254

The MIL Network –

May 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Announces Official Presale Launch: A New Era in DeFi Begins
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TALLINN, Estonia, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) has officially launched its highly anticipated presale, marking the beginning of a new chapter in decentralized finance. With groundbreaking technology, mobile mining accessibility, and a robust DeFi engine, Bitcoin Solaris is setting the stage for what could be one of the most transformative opportunities of 2025.

Presale Now Live: A Limited-Time Opportunity

The BTC-S presale is now open for 90 days, offering early participants a chance to secure tokens before the official launch on July 31, 2025. With the current price set at $5, the next tier moving to $6, and a confirmed launch price of $20, this phase presents a limited-time opportunity for early adopters to get in ahead of a major public debut. Early buyers also benefit from an 11% bonus during this period.

Over 11,000 users have already joined the movement, contributing more than $1.2 million—demonstrating the strong and growing momentum behind the project.

Enter Bitcoin Solaris: The Next Big Wealth Generator

Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) isn’t just a coin. It’s a complete ecosystem built to fix the flaws of older blockchains. It combines Bitcoin’s legendary security with Solana-grade performance, delivering:
- 10,000 transactions per second
- 2-second finality
- 99.95% less energy use than Bitcoin
What truly makes BTC-S a DeFi revolution leader is its Helios Engine—a powerful infrastructure enabling decentralized exchanges, cross-chain swaps, lending protocols, and yield farming. Helios integrates with both the Bitcoin and Solana ecosystems, allowing users to tap into liquidity across multiple chains without needing to convert assets.

The smart contracts powering Helios and the broader BTC-S platform have been fully audited for security, and the core team has passed KYC verification, adding another layer of trust to the project.

Presale Phase: The $500 That Could Change Lives

Here’s what makes now the golden window:
- Current Price: $5
- Next Phase: $6
- Launch Price: $20
- Bonus: 11%
The presale is live for only 90 days, with the official launch locked in for July 31, 2025. Over 8,900 unique users have already joined, and more than $1.2 million has been raised. It’s one of the shortest and most explosive presales on the market—and this limited window is exactly where early fortunes are made.

Missed Ethereum Early? Don’t Miss BTC-S

Tech That Works for Everyone

Mining BTC-S isn’t just for techies or whales. The Solaris Nova App lets users mine directly from their smartphones, laptops, or traditional rigs. With features like:
- One-click mining
- Built-in wallet
- Adaptive smart algorithm
- Cross-platform support
Even a beginner can earn BTC-S within minutes. Some community members have already been invited into the beta version of the app, and while it’s not live for everyone yet, there may still be room for new testers.

Growing Buzz and Influencer Spotlight

Bitcoin Solaris isn’t flying under the radar anymore. Influencers and analysts are taking notice. In fact, Crypto Volt released a detailed video review diving into the reasons why Bitcoin Solaris may be one of the most exciting DeFi launches this cycle.

Want to stay ahead of the hype? Join the official Bitcoin Solaris Telegram to get updates, community access, and presale announcements.

Double Rewards Referral Program

There’s also a unique referral program running during the presale. Here’s how it works:
- Earn 5% BTC-S commission when someone buys through your referral link
- Your invitee gets a 5% bonus on their purchase
- You both win, and the ecosystem grows
This structure not only drives adoption, but rewards those who help build the community from the ground up.sters may still be invited as development progresses.

Stay Connected and Informed

Bitcoin Solaris is gaining attention from analysts and influencers alike. Join the official channels for updates, presale news, and community insights:

Media Contact

Xander Levine
info@bitcoinsolaris.com
press@bitcoinsolaris.com
Press Kit: [Available Upon Request]

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

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

PhotoS accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/762d0876-c6f8-4dbd-be85-8e080fe9206e

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The MIL Network –
May 30, 2025
Israel announces new West Bank settlements despite sanctions threat

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Israel’s government has approved 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied-West Bank, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Thursday, a move that could deepen divisions with some allies, who have threatened sanctions over further expansion.

Far-right Smotrich, an advocate for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, wrote on X that the new settlements would be located in the northern area of the West Bank, without specifying where.

Israeli media cited the Defense Ministry as saying that among the new Jewish settlements, existing “outposts” would be legalised and new settlements would also be built.

Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 war. Israel later annexed East Jerusalem, a move not recognized by most countries, but has not formally extended sovereignty over the West Bank.

Palestinians see expansion of the settlements as a hindrance to their aspirations to establish an independent Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

There is a growing list of European countries demanding that Israel end the war in Gaza, while Britain, France and Canada this month warned Israel it could impose targeted sanctions if Israel continued to expand settlements in the West Bank.

Most of the international community considers the Jewish settlements illegal. The Israeli government deems settlements legal under its own laws, while some so-called “outposts” are illegal but often tolerated and sometimes later legalised.

Settlement activity in the West Bank has accelerated sharply since the war in Gaza, now in its 20th month, adding to escalating Israeli military operations against Palestinian militants and increasing numbers of settler attacks targeting Palestinian residents.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, called Israel’s decision a “dangerous escalation”, accusing the government of continuing to drag the region into a “cycle of violence and instability”.

“This extremist Israeli government is trying by all means to prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” he told Reuters, urging U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to intervene.

Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the announcement and called on the United States and the European Union to take action.

“The announcement of the building of 22 new settlements in the West Bank is part of the war led by Netanyahu against the Palestinian people,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

(Reuters)

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wagamama to come to Preston’s Animate
Source: City of Preston

29 May 2025

Preston City Council has announced Asian inspired Japanese restaurant, Wagamama is to open at its newly launched £45million Animate leisure scheme, which has been delivered by Maple Grove Developments.

Positioned between Taco Bell and Mad Giant Food Hall, Wagamama has taken a 4,125 sq ft unit on a 15-year lease. The fit out is due to commence imminently and will be open to customers early this summer.

Open seven days a week, the new restaurant will create 55 new jobs and marks Wagamama’s 167^th restaurant in the UK and Ireland and its 59th in the North. The deal means that just one final unit (10,270 sq ft) offering social space on the upper level is now available.

Animate was officially opened in February by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park, with many of the tenants including Ask Italian, Argento Lounge, Taco Bell Hollywood Bowl and ARC Cinemas now trading.

Sita Wood, head of brand activation (restaurants) at Wagamama said:

“We’re incredibly excited to be opening our doors in preston, to meet local demand. our team are hard at work training for our opening, and we can’t wait to welcome our locals to enjoy their fresh favourites on our benches.”

Cllr Wise at Preston City Council said:

“Animate has proven to be an in-demand venue for leisure operators and Wagamama deciding to open a restaurant here is a significant vote of confidence in the destination. It will prove to be a popular restaurant, stimulating additional footfall in the Harris Quarter, catalysing further investment, and boosting our local economy, central to our Community Wealth Building model.”

Speaking about the arrival of Wagamama John Brady, at Bradys, joint agents for the scheme with Smith Young, commented:

“Securing Wagamama is a strong endorsement of Preston’s growing appeal as a vibrant retail and leisure destination. The brand brings with it a loyal following and a reputation for quality, which will not only further enhance the visitor experience but also support the wider regeneration of the area by driving increased footfall.”

The flagship scheme is one of six major projects in Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200m programme, including £20.9m of funding by the government to support several regeneration projects.

About Maple Grove Developments

Maple Grove Developments is part of the Eric Wright Group. Founded in 1923, the Eric Wright Group is a leading property and construction company that develops, builds and maintains the UK’s infrastructure.

Wholly owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, the Group is committed to delivering employment and regeneration opportunities in the communities in which it operates in. All company profits are either invested back into the Eric Wright Group or awarded to charities and projects, predominately throughout the North West, which support young persons’ wellbeing, elderly services, education and training, health or carers’ support.

The Eric Wright Charitable Trust owns and operates Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre in Cumbria and is an employer partner and sponsor of the Eric Wright Learning Foundation at Preston’s College, which supports young people aged 14+ studying Level 1 – 3 vocational courses and Apprenticeships.

Based at Bamber Bridge, near Preston, the Eric Wright Group comprises seven specialist divisions that regularly collaborate to deliver joined-up approaches with outstanding results and maintain strong relationships with private and public sector clients and partners. The Group’s seven divisions are Maple Grove Developments, Construction, Civil Engineering, Water, Health & Care, Facilities Management (FM) and Applethwaite Homes.

About Animate

The construction and development phase will help to generate up to 200 full time equivalent construction jobs for the local workforce, and provide opportunities for apprenticeship, work placements, training and upskilling through Eric Wright Group’s corporate and social responsibility programme.

A dedicated Animate Community Benefit Framework has been agreed between Preston City Council and Maple Grove Developments, which will deliver 15 community benefits, in line with Preston’s Community Wealth Building programme, to assist the delivery of the project and to provide the maximum impact for Preston’s residents and businesses.

The Community Benefit Framework seeks to use local labour, provide training, employment, volunteering opportunities and placements within local colleges, to promote environmental sustainability, and to ensure that all workers are treated equally and fairly.

Animate will also provide more than 140 long term jobs when it opens to the public following the two year construction phase.

About Towns Fund – Town Deals
- On 27 July 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth.
- A Town Deal is an agreement in principle between Government, the Lead Council and the Town Deal Board. It will set out a vision and strategy for the town, and what each party agrees to do to achieve this vision.
- Each of the 101 towns selected to work towards a Town Deal also received accelerated funding last year for investment in capital projects that would have an immediate impact and help places “build back better” in the wake of Covid-19. See the 101 places being supported to develop Town Deals.
- Preston’s City Investment Plan is a 15 year vision for Preston setting out Preston’s long-term objectives and strategy to transform the city, targeting resources and aligning public and private sector investments to respond to needs and capitalise on opportunities for positive change. For details visit Invest – Preston’s City Investment Plan.
- Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.
- Lancashire County Council’s £800,000 Economic Recovery grant is from its £12.8m  Economic Recovery & Growth programme to fund projects across the 12 Lancashire districts to tackle some of the economic impacts of Covid-19 and support recovery and growth.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: From DJ box to civic chair: Cllr Ian Dore spins into the spotlight 29 May 2025 From DJ box to civic chair: Councillor Ian Dore spins into the spotlight

Source: Aisle of Wight

He’s no stranger to a spotlight — and now Councillor Ian Dore is spinning into the Chairman’s role, ready to represent the Isle of Wight with purpose, professionalism, and a touch of flair.

Elected as the new Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Dore brings with him a background as varied as a festival line-up — from military service to music decks, and now to the ceremonial chain of office.

Reflecting on the moment the votes were counted last Wednesday, he admitted the result came as something of a surprise.

“My first words were, ‘I didn’t expect that,’” he said, still sounding slightly dazed. “There’s always a chance, but it was never a given. On the night, it went my way by two votes — and here we are. The boy from Binstead, now wearing the chain. It’s still sinking in.”

The nomination came from Councillor Geoff Brodie, seconded by Cllr Karen Lucioni, with Councillor Jonathan Bacon also voicing his support. MP Richard Quigley added warm words, highlighting Councillor’s Dore’s dedication to public service, particularly his role as the council’s Armed Forces Champion.

Councillor Vanessa Churchman was elected vice-chairman.

In his opening remarks, Councillor Dore also took a moment to acknowledge the contribution of his predecessor, Councillor Karl Love.

“Karl brought real energy to the role,” he said. “He served with enthusiasm and a commitment that left a mark on this chamber and the wider community. It’s only right to recognise that service as we look ahead to the year to come.”

With a full chamber and a packed agenda, Councillor Dore wasted no time in setting the tone for his tenure as civic figurehead.

“I’ve always believed in duty, discipline, and service. This role is a continuation of that. It’s a privilege to represent the council and the Island, and I’ll do my utmost to ensure this chamber remains a place where all voices are respected and heard.”

But who exactly is the man now holding the gavel?

Councillor Dore’s journey is anything but ordinary. A former soldier who served in the Gulf War and Northern Ireland, he later swapped boots for beats, becoming a well-known DJ and radio presenter.

From Isle of Wight Radio to Power FM and eventually Bath FM, he’s entertained thousands — and even launched a youth radio project, Youth Radio Rocks.

Beyond the airwaves, he’s worked as an event manager and fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support and mental health charity Mind.

He’s also currently the driving force behind the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day — an event that blends his love of community, service, and a well-organised timetable.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my fellow councillors and the residents of Binstead and Fishbourne,” he said.

“Without their trust in 2021, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. I take the responsibility seriously — and I’m stepping into it with humility, purpose, and, of course, my best boots forward.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 29, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Retailers reminded about upcoming June 1 ban on disposable vapes

Source: City of Leeds

Shopkeepers across Leeds have been advised to act now in preparation for the disposable vapes ban which comes into force on June 1.

The new legislation, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), will make it illegal for businesses, including those online, to sell or supply all single-use vapes.

The ban will apply to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and covers both nicotine and non-nicotine containing vaping products, which are not refillable or rechargeable.

In line with national policy, Leeds City Council has been writing to retailers across the city ahead of the ban, advising them to stop buying new stock of single-use vapes and sell all existing stock before June 1.

Businesses are also being reminded of their legal duty to provide collection points for waste vapes to their customers.

Anyone caught selling or supplying single-use vapes on or after June 1 could face fines or other sanctions.

The ban has been brought into place to help curb the rise in youth vaping, with national figures from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) estimating over half of children who use vapes report using disposable models, which often have colourful packaging and sweet flavours.

Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said:

“The incoming ban on disposable vapes is a vital measure towards improving the health of Leeds residents, particularly for our young people, as well as tackling the environmental damage that they cause. I would urge all our retailers to take action now to prepare for the new legislation coming into force.”

The ban also aims to reduce the damage caused to the environment and wildlife from vapes disposed of in domestic waste and littered across the city, causing the release of harmful substances such as lead and mercury into soil, rivers and streams.

Used e-cigarettes and disposable vapes should be returned to the shops they were bought from for recycling or taken to the nearest electrical recycling point, which can be found at www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk. They can also be deposited in the special vape bins at one of the eight waste recycling points in Leeds.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said:

“Please do not throw vapes in household green recycling or black wheelie bins due to the risk of fire from the lithium-ion batteries. Recycling your old vapes also helps protect the environment, as they contain valuable materials like metal, plastic and lithium batteries that can be made into new items.”

Further information for retailers can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 29, 2025