NewzIntel.com

Category: Eurozone

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO welcomes new Supreme Allied Commander Europe

    Source: NATO

    General Alexus G. Grynkewich of the US Air Force assumed command of Allied Command Operations in a ceremony at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium on Friday (4 July 2025). General Grynkewich succeeds General Chris Cavoli of the US Army, who had been in post since 2022.

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commended General Cavoli for modernising NATO’s collective defence and for his work responding to the ongoing Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He thanked General Cavoli for strengthening NATO’s presence in the Baltic Sea, to deter and defend against threats targeting Allies’ critical undersea infrastructure, as well as for conceiving and establishing NATO’s new command in Germany, which is bolstering support to Ukraine. “You have been an outstanding SACEUR, leading with honour and integrity,” said Mr Rutte. 

    The Secretary General welcomed General Grynkewich, noting that he brings a wealth of experience to the post of SACEUR. As a former fighter pilot, General Grynkewich has “a deep understanding of the threats we face from the skies, and across other domains,” said Mr Rutte.  As the latest Director of Operations of the Joint Staff, he also has wide experience of delivering military and security priorities in the face of global challenges. “I know NATO can count on you to serve with the same steadfast resolve as your predecessors,” the Secretary General concluded.

    Allied Command Operations is responsible for the planning and execution of all NATO operations. General Grynkewich is the twenty-first Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). The first to occupy the post was General Dwight D. Eisenhower, subsequently the 34th President of the United States. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO welcomes new Supreme Allied Commander Europe

    Source: NATO

    General Alexus G. Grynkewich of the US Air Force assumed command of Allied Command Operations in a ceremony at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium on Friday (4 July 2025). General Grynkewich succeeds General Chris Cavoli of the US Army, who had been in post since 2022.

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commended General Cavoli for modernising NATO’s collective defence and for his work responding to the ongoing Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He thanked General Cavoli for strengthening NATO’s presence in the Baltic Sea, to deter and defend against threats targeting Allies’ critical undersea infrastructure, as well as for conceiving and establishing NATO’s new command in Germany, which is bolstering support to Ukraine. “You have been an outstanding SACEUR, leading with honour and integrity,” said Mr Rutte. 

    The Secretary General welcomed General Grynkewich, noting that he brings a wealth of experience to the post of SACEUR. As a former fighter pilot, General Grynkewich has “a deep understanding of the threats we face from the skies, and across other domains,” said Mr Rutte.  As the latest Director of Operations of the Joint Staff, he also has wide experience of delivering military and security priorities in the face of global challenges. “I know NATO can count on you to serve with the same steadfast resolve as your predecessors,” the Secretary General concluded.

    Allied Command Operations is responsible for the planning and execution of all NATO operations. General Grynkewich is the twenty-first Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). The first to occupy the post was General Dwight D. Eisenhower, subsequently the 34th President of the United States. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New plan to kickstart onshore wind revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    New plan to kickstart onshore wind revolution

    Onshore wind strategy published as part of mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    • Government launches major onshore wind plan to reverse near decade of sector stagnation in England
    • Boost for mission to become a clean energy superpower and protect households from global gas price spikes
    • Measures to revitalise industry unlocking up to 45,000 jobs in onshore wind by 2030, through Plan for Change

    The amount of clean, homegrown energy from onshore wind is set to accelerate over the second half of the decade as the government launches the first ever onshore wind strategy.

    Thousands of new jobs for British people in onshore wind, such as engineering, construction, and operations maintenance, could be created by 2030 to build the onshore wind needed to deliver clean power for families and businesses.

    After facing a de-facto 9-year ban in England, today’s strategy sets out over 40 radical actions to get onshore wind building again across the UK. This includes:

    • unlocking up to 10 GW of onshore wind by resolving issues with how onshore wind turbines and aerospace civil and defence infrastructure co-exist
    • repowering of old turbines across the country, so we can maintain our current fleet and keep powering the country with clean, secure, homegrown power
    • equipping planners and developers with the tools needed for the first English projects since we lifted the de facto ban last year. This includes making sure planning decisions are based on up-to-date information and ensuring site surveying and assessments for projects are more efficient to speed up decision-making
    • exploring plans to expand the clean industry bonus for onshore wind, encouraging developers to invest in supply chains in the UK’s industrial heartlands, or in cleaner supply chains

    Today’s strategy bolsters the strong foundations the government has built since taking office to get the industry moving again, such as lifting the ban in England and reintroducing onshore wind into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime. These measures mean that onshore wind will be put on an equal footing to offshore wind and nuclear, meaning projects can get built quicker in the years to come.

    Delivering this strategy could more than double the current onshore wind workforce, supporting up to 45,000 skilled jobs across the country by 2030, as the government pursues its clean power ambition of 27-29 GW of onshore wind by 2030.

    Clean energy is the economic opportunity of the twenty-first century, and thanks to the government’s clean energy mission, investment is booming in the UK, with over £40 billion of private investment in clean energy announced since July.

    Onshore wind is one of the easiest and cheapest technologies to build and will supply British homes and businesses with clean, secure homegrown power that ends a reliance on unstable global gas markets – all part of the mission to get bills down for good.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: 

    Rolling out more onshore wind is a no-brainer – it’s one of our cheapest technologies, quick to build, supports thousands of skilled jobs and can provide clean energy directly to the communities hosting it. 

    After years of decline, we’re giving industry the tools to get building again, backing industrial renewal and secure, clean, homegrown energy through our Plan for Change.

    Matthieu Hue, co-chair of the Onshore Wind Taskforce and CEO of EDF Power Solutions UK and Ireland, said:

    This strategy is focusing on overcoming barriers and challenges we face across the industry in the deployment of onshore wind while capturing the major socio-economic benefits it can bring to the environment and to local economies.

    Together we are forging a path forward for onshore wind in Great Britain, and we are committed to ensuring a successful implementation through a new Onshore Wind Council, which will oversee the execution of the strategy. This is a critical part of making Britain a clean energy superpower and delivering energy security.

    Communities are set to benefit too with the voluntary community benefits guidance for onshore wind for England being updated to provide communities with £5,000 per megawatt per year for community initiatives, such as new football pitches or libraries, or even bill discount schemes. 

    By delivering the upper Clean Power 2030 ambition of 29 GW of onshore wind, it’s estimated that an additional £70 million of community funding will be unlocked for rural towns and villages every year. 

    Today’s measures come as the government has completed a process to de-risk offshore wind developments, led by the Marine Spatial Prioritisation Programme, thus unleashing the potential for offshore wind development in the English sea in the future. 

    This will help guide The Crown Estate’s Marine Delivery Routemap on strategic use of the seabed to unlock offshore wind in a way that considers all marine sectors including fisheries and protects the marine environment.  

    This should also reduce the planning consent risk for developers on future offshore wind sites before seabed rights are tendered – speeding up and de-risking future offshore wind projects.

    See the ‘Onshore wind strategy’.

    Stakeholders

    Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:

    Onshore wind has an important role to play in a secure and decarbonised energy mix so it is welcome that the government is taking steps to support its rollout.

    However, the lost years resulting from the last government’s inexplicable ban have resulted in significant workforce and skills related challenges that urgently need to be addressed, which hopefully they will be in the forthcoming Clean Energy Workforce Plan.

    It is also important that renewables such as onshore wind generate good, unionised jobs – if the government wants the clean energy transition to be fair and to deliver the full economic potential, it must insist on this as a condition for the support it provides.

    James Robottom, Head of Onshore Wind Delivery, RenewableUK, said:

    Overturning the unpopular onshore wind ban, which deprived us of one of the quickest and cheapest technologies to build for a decade, was just the start. The hard work to make the most of this great opportunity to grow our economy and strengthen the UK’s energy security is now in full swing.

    This strategy sets an ambitious target to almost double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by the end of the decade as a key part of the government’s Clean Power by 2030 mission.

    The measures outlined will increase confidence among investors and developers, so that we can attract billions in private investment and create thousands of highly-skilled jobs and new supply chains all over the country. The strategy also sets out how people living near onshore wind farms will continue to see tailor-made community benefits through an updated Community Benefit Protocol for England, deciding for themselves the form that these benefits should take, to support and improve the lives of those in areas hosting onshore wind.

    Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said:

    Historic England constructively engages with major infrastructure delivery in a way that secures good outcomes for the heritage that people care about. We therefore welcome recognition of our role and the contribution of our advice in the Onshore Wind Taskforce strategy to delivery of the renewables agenda. In line with the strategy we will be updating our commercial renewables guidance.

    Claire Mack OBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

    Scotland has a proud history in onshore wind and the bold strategy published today reaffirms how central the Scottish onshore wind sector will be to the UK’s clean power journey.

    Onshore wind is a cost-effective source of clean energy that can be deployed at pace, supporting skilled jobs and tangible community benefit. Making the most of our onshore wind resource will also strengthen our energy security in the years ahead.

    Scottish Renewables secured the landmark Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal in 2023 and the clear actions published today will build on this effort by tackling the issues that demand close working across the UK.

    Renewed commitments on planning efficiency, grid connections, radar and aviation in the strategy are all strong signals of intent by the UK and Scottish governments to boost onshore wind deployment. We will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver the strategy and determine the pathway beyond 2030 for the Scottish onshore wind sector.

    Lisa Christie, Head of UK Regulatory Affairs, Vattenfall, said:

    This government’s renewed focus on unlocking the potential of onshore wind is essential for the UK’s energy security, reducing bills, and economic growth. Proposals to resolve challenges around aviation infrastructure and to give local planning teams the tools and information they need to make faster, evidence-based decisions are especially important.

    The socio-economic contribution made by renewables developers means communities also benefit from significant benefit packages that reflect local priorities. This flexibility should be maintained for future developments. Further investment can also be encouraged by ruling out zonal pricing, which risks creating further imbalances in consumer bills.

    Christine McGregor, Managing Director at BayWa r.e. UK Ltd, said:

    We are delighted with the UK government’s leadership in convening the industry to develop the first ever onshore wind strategy. This marks a significant and timely step towards strengthening the onshore wind sector in Great Britain and advancing the ambitions of the Clean Power 2030 initiative.

    Eleri Davies, Head of Onshore Wind Development (England & Wales), RWE, said:

    The Clean Power Action plan sets an ambitious target to double onshore wind capacity by 2030, and today’s Strategy firmly establishes the clear actions required to achieve this. We look forward to the newly established Onshore Wind Council driving these actions forward.

    With over 2 decades of experience in developing and operating onshore wind in the UK, RWE knows firsthand the benefits that it can bring to host communities, with over £3.5 million awarded to local communities from onshore wind funds in the UK last year alone. Onshore wind is also one of the cheapest sources of electricity, therefore breaking down barriers to accelerate its deployment will help reduce bills for all consumers.

    Laura Fleming, Country Managing Director, Hitachi Energy UK & Ireland, said:

    We strongly welcome moves to grow the onshore wind industry and welcome with open arms the fast deployment of affordable renewable energy. Rapid deployment is critical to delivering Clean Power 2030 and we stand ready to work with government to deliver a grid that enables the growth of the onshore wind and wider renewables sector. As a member of the Onshore Wind Taskforce, we are fully committed to capturing this opportunity to deliver clean power and industrial growth in UK.

    Lucy Whitford, Managing Director UK&I Development & Construction, RES, said:

    The onshore wind strategy will unleash the true potential of this vital technology for the nation.

    The policy direction and practical support outlined, will strengthen our energy security and support £70 million per year of extra investment in local economies across length and breadth of the country.

    We’re prepared and ready to work alongside government, local authorities, industry partners and communities to implement this strategy.

    Gillian Noble, Managing Director, Onshore Origination & Development at ScottishPower Renewables said:

    The intent, direction, and focus of this strategy is exactly what’s needed to revitalise the onshore wind industry in England, whilst also aiming to resolve key blockers to onshore wind projects already in development in other areas of the UK.

    It’s been fantastic to be part of such a collaborative working group and we welcome the government’s approach in mobilising industry experts to advise and support to help push things forward. We’re excited about the potential to unlock gigawatts of onshore projects and thousands of new jobs as we contribute to the government’s Clean Power 2030 mission and beyond.

    Notes to editors

    See the full ‘Onshore wind strategy’.

    The methodology underpinning our estimate that onshore wind could support up to 45,000 direct and indirect jobs in Great Britain by 2030 is published here: Job estimates for wind generation by 2030: methodology note. It is based on achieving the upper end of the capacity range published in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. 

    The additional £70 million of community funding has been derived as the difference between the upper 29 GW ambition in 2030 and operational capacity in Great Britain as of December 2024 (15 GW), multiplied by £5,000 per MW.   

    The claim that onshore wind is amongst our cheapest technologies is based on a combination of sources, including the results of last year’s CfD auction (Allocation Round 6, where onshore wind cleared at a similar price to solar PV, the lowest price technology in the auction), and published evidence on electricity generation costs.  

    The ‘up to 10 GW impacted by aviation/radar’ is taken from the RenewableUK 2023 Survey of Onshore Wind Impacts on Aviation and Defence. This indicated that up to circa 10 GW of the future onshore wind pipeline is either currently or anticipated to be affected by objections on the grounds of interference with aviation and defence infrastructure. This figure has been rounded, and incorporates military and civil radar, and Eskdalemuir Seismic Array. 

    More detail on the over £40 billion of private investment in clean energy announced since July 2024 is available here: ‘Clean energy industries sector plan’.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and ULMA Group sign €45 million loan to support innovation and sustainability in the construction value chain

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The loan will boost investment by ULMA Group in new solutions to cut consumption and recycle materials, upgrade its facilities, and increase its energy efficiency.
    • It will also go towards building a new plant to develop advanced technologies for the production of materials.
    • The financing agreement supports the EIB’s strategic priorities for innovation and climate action, and its affordable and sustainable housing initiative.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and ULMA Group have signed a €45 million loan to finance the company’s innovation and sustainability activities. ULMA Group is a Spanish industrial cooperative group based in the Basque Country, with a strong international presence. Among its nine business lines, the manufacture of equipment, innovative materials and other solutions for the construction sector stands out.

    The EIB loan will finance the Group’s investments in advanced manufacturing technologies for its construction business line and polymer concrete architectural solutions. It will also help provide the investment needed for the construction of a plant to produce new, sustainable building materials. In addition, the EIB will support ULMA Group as it improves its energy efficiency, furthering its decarbonisation and sustainability strategy. The investments will be made in ULMA operations in the autonomous community of the Basque Country.

    Antonio Lorenzo, Head of Corporate Lending in the EIB for Spain and Portugal, said: “With this operation, the EIB is supporting the EU construction industry, contributing to its sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. Supporting this industry is also a key part of the Bank’s commitment to adopting innovative materials and technologies in construction, to increase access to affordable and sustainable housing for all Europeans.”

    The financing agreement supports innovation, climate action and environmental sustainability, and social infrastructure in the European Union, which are three of the eight core priorities set out in the EIB Group 2024-2027 Strategic Roadmap. Social infrastructure is being supported by the ULMA deal’s contribution to the EIB’s affordable and sustainable housing initiative.

    General Manager of ULMA Group Iñaki Gabilondo said: “This agreement will allow us to pursue innovative sustainability projects in the construction sector, with a clear positive impact for people and the world we live in. It bolsters our strong commitment to creating a more efficient, responsible and forward-looking industrial model. In addition, having the support of a prestigious organisation like the EIB is clear recognition of the value and robustness of this social business endeavour.”

    Background information

    European Investment Bank

    The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. Operating around eight core priorities, it finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects that contribute directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed new financing worth €12.3 billion for over 100 high-impact projects in 2024, contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and better services for its people.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    ULMA Group

    ULMA Group is made up of nine industrial cooperatives that employ 5 747 people and operate across 81 countries. With a total sales volume of €1.15 billion in 2024, ULMA Group is an illustration of success in the Basque cooperative movement.

    Since it was founded, it has been able to continuously grow and diversify its business lines and activities, as a social business project that works for the betterment of its surroundings.

    The nine companies that make up ULMA are exemplary operators in diverse industrial sectors, providing solutions for construction, packaging machinery, smart warehousing, forging, prefabricated systems for drainage and architecture, rollers for conveyor belts, maintenance services, greenhouse manufacturing and embedded electronics. The latest innovation out of ULMA Group applies artificial intelligence in the healthcare field for early detection of certain diseases.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and ULMA Group sign €45 million loan to support innovation and sustainability in the construction value chain

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The loan will boost investment by ULMA Group in new solutions to cut consumption and recycle materials, upgrade its facilities, and increase its energy efficiency.
    • It will also go towards building a new plant to develop advanced technologies for the production of materials.
    • The financing agreement supports the EIB’s strategic priorities for innovation and climate action, and its affordable and sustainable housing initiative.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and ULMA Group have signed a €45 million loan to finance the company’s innovation and sustainability activities. ULMA Group is a Spanish industrial cooperative group based in the Basque Country, with a strong international presence. Among its nine business lines, the manufacture of equipment, innovative materials and other solutions for the construction sector stands out.

    The EIB loan will finance the Group’s investments in advanced manufacturing technologies for its construction business line and polymer concrete architectural solutions. It will also help provide the investment needed for the construction of a plant to produce new, sustainable building materials. In addition, the EIB will support ULMA Group as it improves its energy efficiency, furthering its decarbonisation and sustainability strategy. The investments will be made in ULMA operations in the autonomous community of the Basque Country.

    Antonio Lorenzo, Head of Corporate Lending in the EIB for Spain and Portugal, said: “With this operation, the EIB is supporting the EU construction industry, contributing to its sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. Supporting this industry is also a key part of the Bank’s commitment to adopting innovative materials and technologies in construction, to increase access to affordable and sustainable housing for all Europeans.”

    The financing agreement supports innovation, climate action and environmental sustainability, and social infrastructure in the European Union, which are three of the eight core priorities set out in the EIB Group 2024-2027 Strategic Roadmap. Social infrastructure is being supported by the ULMA deal’s contribution to the EIB’s affordable and sustainable housing initiative.

    General Manager of ULMA Group Iñaki Gabilondo said: “This agreement will allow us to pursue innovative sustainability projects in the construction sector, with a clear positive impact for people and the world we live in. It bolsters our strong commitment to creating a more efficient, responsible and forward-looking industrial model. In addition, having the support of a prestigious organisation like the EIB is clear recognition of the value and robustness of this social business endeavour.”

    Background information

    European Investment Bank

    The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. Operating around eight core priorities, it finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects that contribute directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed new financing worth €12.3 billion for over 100 high-impact projects in 2024, contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and better services for its people.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    ULMA Group

    ULMA Group is made up of nine industrial cooperatives that employ 5 747 people and operate across 81 countries. With a total sales volume of €1.15 billion in 2024, ULMA Group is an illustration of success in the Basque cooperative movement.

    Since it was founded, it has been able to continuously grow and diversify its business lines and activities, as a social business project that works for the betterment of its surroundings.

    The nine companies that make up ULMA are exemplary operators in diverse industrial sectors, providing solutions for construction, packaging machinery, smart warehousing, forging, prefabricated systems for drainage and architecture, rollers for conveyor belts, maintenance services, greenhouse manufacturing and embedded electronics. The latest innovation out of ULMA Group applies artificial intelligence in the healthcare field for early detection of certain diseases.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    88 Objection pursuant to Rule 114(3): amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 to add certain countries to the list of high-risk third countries, and to remove other countries from that list     – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 83 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Deforestation Regulation – list of countries presenting a low or high risk     – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 25 Amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing
    Thomas Bajada (A10-0070/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 48 Draft amending budget no 1/2025: entering the surplus of the financial year 2024
    Victor Negrescu (A10-0116/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 52 Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Moldova relating to floods that occurred in September 2024 and Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to floods that occurred in October 2024
    Andrzej Halicki (A10-0114/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 53 Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Application EGF/2025/000 TA 2025 – Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission
    Jean-Marc Germain (A10-0115/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 27 Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports
    Salvatore De Meo (A10-0133/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 3 July 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 19 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania
    Andreas Schieder (A10-0106/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 18 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Ondřej Kolář (A10-0108/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 46 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia
    Thomas Waitz (A10-0118/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia
    Rasa Juknevičienė (A10-0110/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 28 Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum
    Robert Biedroń, Nikolas Farantouris (A10-0125/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least, Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 60 The human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians     – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 13:00 80 Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 81 Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 82 Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Housing continues Portugal visit to promote development opportunities in GBA (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, continued her visit to Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday (July 3, Lisbon time).

    Ms Ho attended a business luncheon co-organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office under the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels to promote the vast opportunities for Portuguese companies arising from the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and how Hong Kong can play its important roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places with its unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. Around 130 participants attended the luncheon, with representatives from over 80 Portuguese enterprises from the construction sector, information technology sector, commercial sector and professional organisations, as well as representatives from 17 relevant Hong Kong enterprises.

    During the luncheon, Ms Ho highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively promoting the use of innovative construction technologies to enhance the speed, quantity, quality and efficiency in increasing the supply of affordable housing. Under the Housing•I&T initiative this year, the Housing Bureau (HB) will organise a series of activities to foster exchanges between Hong Kong and other countries and regions in areas such as smart construction, smart estate management, energy saving and green buildings. She encouraged Portuguese enterprises to seize these opportunities and strengthen collaborations with the Mainland and Hong Kong.

    Ms Ho expressed her gratitude in particular to the trade representatives from Hong Kong, including those participating in the construction of public housing, Light Public Housing (LPH) and transitional housing, for attending the luncheon in Lisbon and taking the opportunity to share in person with the participants Hong Kong’s opportunities and advantages in connecting the Mainland and the world. By complying with international standards, stipulating local regulations and harnessing the strengths of the GBA in smart construction, Hong Kong can further advance in its development of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), the transfer of on-site construction processes to factories and the application of construction robotics. With the expeditious building of LPH and transitional housing, the living conditions and quality of life of people living in inadequate housing can be improved as soon as practicable. The significant housing production target of 308 000 public housing units over the next 10 years also enables the HB and the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) to promote the adoption of innovative technologies and advance public housing developments in a new era of smart construction.

    Earlier in the day, Ms Ho visited EntreCampos, a local redevelopment project jointly developed by the public and private sectors, comprising social housing for middle-class residents, offices, retail, community facilities and green spaces. The project adopted Building Information Modelling (BIM) during construction. She also visited the new headquarters of an insurance company in the project. The building employs smart technologies and innovative sustainable energy systems to enhance energy efficiency. Ms Ho stated that the HKHA has strived to promote greener and more energy-efficient designs, aiming to attain a “gold” rating or above under BEAM Plus for all new housing developments. The measures include adopting MiC in construction with modules manufactured accurately and effectively in factories, and other innovative technologies such as BIM to facilitate planning throughout the construction process and enhance management, which can save energy, reduce waste and make the construction process more environmentally friendly. To improve energy efficiency, the HKHA has also implemented various green initiatives such as smart lighting control systems, light emitting diode lighting and solar photovoltaic systems. In estate management, the application of the Internet of Things and AI for collecting and analysing data has also enhanced estate management quality and efficiency. She said she looked forward to continued exchanges between Hong Kong and Portugal on innovative construction technologies and green building designs.

    Ms Ho has arrived in Barcelona, Spain, last night and will begin her visit there today (July 4, Barcelona time).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Justice to visit Europe

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for Europe tomorrow (July 5) to begin his visit to the Netherlands, France and Italy. He will meet with local senior government officials and leaders of various international organisations to introduce Hong Kong’s latest legal developments, strengthen exchanges and co-operation with all parties, promote Hong Kong’s strengths in legal and dispute resolution services, and explore collaboration on international capacity building.

    During his visit, Mr Lam will attend local seminars organised by the Department of Justice and other exchange sessions. He will deliver speeches to the local legal and business sectors to introduce Hong Kong’s unique advantages in the practice of the common law system under the “one country, two systems” principle, its strategic positioning as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region, and its important role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

    Accompanying Mr Lam on the visit will be the Law Officer (International Law) of the Department of Justice (DoJ), Dr James Ding, the Director of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Office of the DoJ, Dr Yang Ling, and government counsel.

    ​Mr Lam will conclude his visit in Rome, Italy, and return to Hong Kong on the morning of July 13. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism begins visit to Paris (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, commenced her first official trip to Europe with a visit to Disneyland Paris on the morning of July 3 (Paris time) upon her arrival in Paris, France. There, she gained first-hand insights of the latest developments of Disneyland Paris. During the tour, she shared with the President of Disneyland Paris, Ms Natacha Rafalski, that Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has just launched its 20th-anniversary celebrations, which will bring all-new experiences to visitors. She also noted the shared appeal of both resorts as world-class tourist destinations.

    Afterwards, Miss Law paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco, Mr Deng Li. Miss Law expressed her hope to foster closer exchanges between Hong Kong and France, highlighting opportunities for collaboration across various sectors. Mr Deng talked about his views on the significance of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges, highlighting that the city should make good use of its uniqueness. He also noted that Hong Kong is a potential market as an art trading centre.

    In the afternoon, Miss Law met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture of France, Mr Luc Allaire. During the meeting, Miss Law underscored Hong Kong’s dedication to fostering cultural exchanges on both the regional and global levels. She emphasised Hong Kong’s role as a dynamic platform for welcoming diverse cultures into its community, while showcasing Chinese culture on the world stage. Miss Law also shared her vision of transforming Hong Kong into a hub for hosting large-scale museum events. Both parties recognised the strong and vibrant cultural ties between Hong Kong and France, spanning areas such as cultural performances, art and museum exhibitions, film production, fashion and design. They expressed a shared enthusiasm for expanding collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cultural connections and partnerships in the future.

    Miss Law will continue her visit to Paris today (July 4, Paris time).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Austrian State Visit an opportunity to strengthen relations

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The State Visit to South Africa by Austria President Alexander van der Bellen and his delegation presents an opportunity for the two countries to deepen trade and investment relations.

    This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who welcomed the delegation at the Union Buildings on Friday morning.

    In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa described the visit as a “new chapter in relations”.

    “Through the bilateral consultations we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. We are also committed to deepening investment and trade between our two countries.

    “South Africa is Austria’s largest economic and trade partner in Africa. Our country accounts for almost a third of Austria’s total exports to the continent. There are more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries or agencies in South Africa across a range of sectors.

    “There is significant potential to deepen investment and trade links in areas such as the green economy, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and tourism,” President Ramaphosa said.

    He highlighted the two countries’ commitment to a transition towards low carbon climate economies – noting the European country’s move towards green hydrogen which South Africa is also pursuing.

    “As South Africa strives to achieve energy security through investment in renewable and clean energy, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Austria.

    “We noted with interest the launch of Austria’s first green hydrogen production facility in 2023. We are eager to share our Green Hydrogen Economy Strategy and explore avenues for cooperation,” he said.

    The global environment

    President Ramaphosa noted that the state visit takes place at a time of “heightened global insecurity, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency and conflicts in many parts of the world”.

    “These events reinforce the need for multilateralism to remain at the centre of world affairs. They further underscore the need for the urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

    “South Africa and Austria share a common commitment to a world free of conflict and war, where sustainable development is a reality for all,” he said.

    The President reflected on South Africa’s presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

    “It reflects our commitment to advancing the African Agenda, multilateral cooperation and the interests of all countries and peoples.

    “Austria is a valued partner of South Africa and we look forward to taking this partnership to even greater heights,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

    The state visit will culminate in the South Africa-Austria Business Forum to be held later on Fridaya. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 8th round of China-Germany strategic dialogue on diplomacy and security was held in Berlin

    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

    BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) — Good China-Germany relations will not only promote the overall positive development of China-EU relations, but will also be of great significance to global stability and development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said here on Thursday at the 8th round of the China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security, which he co-chaired with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

    Wang Yi recalled that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership has also entered a new decade.

    As the world’s second and third largest economies respectively, China and Germany bear important international responsibilities and are the focus of all parties’ hopes, Wang Yi said. He said the two countries should join hands to reaffirm mutual trust, further strengthen cooperation and further deepen bilateral relations.

    Wang Yi stressed that in the current turbulent international environment, particularly the growing protectionism, anti-globalism and unilateral pressure, China and Germany should strengthen strategic communication and coordination.

    The Chinese foreign minister added that the two countries should bring more certainty to the world based on stable relations between them, jointly uphold and practice multilateralism, uphold the international system with the UN at its core, as well as the international order based on international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the UN Charter, and be committed to developing a more reliable, stable and predictable comprehensive strategic partnership.

    Wang also mentioned the phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in which the leaders set the direction and tone for the next stage of China-Germany relations.

    Despite the changing international landscape, Sino-German relations continue to develop steadily. According to Wang Yi, this is mainly due to their approach to each other, which is characterized by mutual respect, finding common ground while maintaining differences, and striving for win-win cooperation. All this is the basis for the stable development of Sino-German relations, the diplomat emphasized.

    China attaches an important place to relations with Germany in its diplomacy and appreciates the positive and rational approach of the new German government to developing relations with China, the Chinese minister said.

    He expressed the hope that the German side will support China’s efforts to achieve complete national reunification just as China unconditionally supported the reunification of Germany, and strictly adhere to the one-China principle.

    As a leading country in the European Union, Germany has made positive efforts to develop China-EU relations. Wang also expressed hope that Germany will continue to play a constructive role in the development of China-EU relations.

    J. Wadephul, in turn, stated that Germany is ready to be a reliable and predictable cooperation partner for China.

    According to him, in the era of crises and various challenges, the two countries need to maintain close contacts and coordination.

    “The two countries have a long history of relations and a solid foundation for partnership,” Wadephul said, adding that Germany and China share consensus on many issues and can properly resolve differences based on mutual respect and a constructive approach.

    According to him, Germany hopes to expand exchanges with China and continuously strengthen bilateral cooperation.

    The German government is firmly committed to the one-China policy, a German diplomat confirmed.

    During the talks, the heads of the foreign policy departments also held an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukrainian crisis, the Iranian nuclear issue, the situation in the Middle East and multilateral strategic coordination. They agreed to intensify contacts and coordination in order to ensure a ceasefire, end conflicts and peacefully resolve disputes. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law starts visit to France

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law yesterday started the first leg of her visit to France in Paris, by touring Disneyland Paris and meeting French Ministry of Culture Secretary General Luc Allaire.

    Apart from gaining first-hand insights of the theme park’s latest developments during her tour, Miss Law shared with Disneyland Paris President Natacha Rafalski that Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has just launched its 20th-anniversary celebrations, which will bring all-new experiences to visitors.

    This was followed by a courtesy call on Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Deng Li.

    Miss Law expressed her hope to foster closer exchanges between Hong Kong and France, highlighting the opportunities for collaboration across various sectors.

    At her afternoon meeting with Mr Allaire, Miss Law underscored Hong Kong’s dedication to fostering cultural exchanges on both the regional and global levels, and shared her vision of transforming the city into a hub for hosting large-scale museum events.

    Both parties expressed a shared enthusiasm for expanding collaboration, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cultural connections and partnerships in the future.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rays of Hope Forum: Hope for Africa and Beyond

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

    Thanks to support from the IAEA initiative “Rays of Hope” Cancer patients around the world can now more easily receive the life-saving care they need, participants were told at the forum “Rays of Hope”.

    The Rays of Hope initiative aims to increase access to cancer care where it is needed most by helping low- and middle-income countries build and strengthen their capacity in medical imaging, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. Since its launch in Ethiopia three years ago, more than 90 countries have applied for support.

    “Cancer kills 2,000 people a day in Africa, making it the leading cause of death on the continent,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Monday at the opening of the forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. “Three years ago, we launched the Rays of Hope initiative here at the African Union headquarters. Today, we are helping to bring cancer care to countries where it was previously unavailable.”

    Temesgen Tirune, Deputy Prime Minister, said: “This forum must be a signal to work together. Let it inspire us to strengthen cooperation, increase investment and continue to show solidarity – so that no child dies from curable cancer, no mother has to wait forever for a diagnosis and no country is left behind simply because of its geography or the size of its GDP.”

    The opening of the Rays of Hope forum was also addressed by Ethiopian Health Minister Mekdes Daba Feissa and African Union Chief of Staff Mohamed Al-Amin Suef.

    During the morning sessions, representatives of countries supported by the Rays of Hope initiative shared their experiences. Among them were: the Minister of Health of Benin Benjamin Hunkpatin, Minister of Scientific Research and Technology of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga, Minister of Health of Ethiopia Mekdes Daba Feissa, Minister of Health of Lesotho Selibe Mokhoboroane, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Senegal Ibrahima Say, Deputy Minister of Health of Botswana Lawrence Ookeditse and Principal Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Health Fredrick Uma Oluga.

    The importance of the Rays of Hope initiative was also underscored by the countries that have made contributions to it. The forum was addressed by the German Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Observer to the African Union in Ethiopia Jens Hanefeld, the Permanent Representative of Italy to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia Maurizio Busanelli, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the African Union Tsutomu Nakagawa and the First Counsellor of the French Embassy in Ethiopia and the African Union Julien Voiturier.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign diplomats explore trade opportunities in Chongqing’s Pengshui

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

    Pengshui Miao and Tujia autonomous county in southwestern China’s Chongqing welcomed a delegation of foreign diplomats and international representatives from July 2 to 3, as part of an initiative to promote local industries and expand global cooperation.

    A delegation of foreign diplomats and international representatives visits Pengshui Miao and Tujia autonomous county in southwestern China’s Chongqing to learn about the county’s socioeconomic development and find new cooperation opportunities from July 2 to 3, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    The trip was jointly organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government and the Pengshui County Government. Nearly 70 representatives from consulates, international chambers, and media outlets across 11 countries—including Japan, Canada, Brazil, Myanmar, and Vietnam—took part in the visit.

    The delegation explored Pengshui’s growing potential in specialty agriculture, traditional Miao medicine, and cultural tourism.

    A delegation of foreign diplomats and international representatives visits Pengshui Miao and Tujia autonomous county in southwestern China’s Chongqing to learn about the county’s socioeconomic development and find new cooperation opportunities from July 2 to 3, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    At Shan’gan township’s “Miao Medicine Valley,” the delegation was introduced to locally grown wasabi—an uncommon crop in the region. Takada Mari, Consul-General of Japan in Chongqing, said that wasabi typically requires very specific conditions and said she had not expected it to grow successfully in Pengshui. She described the flavor as developing slowly with a natural taste, and noted that local production of wasabi, along with ongoing exchanges with Japanese businesses, could pave the way for deeper cooperation in trade, culture, and talent development.

    A delegation of foreign diplomats and international representatives visits Pengshui Miao and Tujia autonomous county in southwestern China’s Chongqing to learn about the county’s socioeconomic development and find new cooperation opportunities from July 2 to 3, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    The delegation also visited Pengshui’s sweet potato development center, an agricultural product exhibition hall, and rural revitalization demonstration areas. Many participants said that the opening of a high-speed rail line to Pengshui has greatly improved accessibility and opened new opportunities for collaboration.

    U Kyaw Zay Yar Lin, Consul-General of Myanmar in Chongqing, noted that Pengshui’s traditional attire and music reminded him of his own home country. He expressed strong interest in exploring trade possibilities for local specialty products such as Miao herbal medicine and sweet potatoes, emphasizing the cultural connection between ethnic communities in both countries.

    A delegation of foreign diplomats and international representatives visits Pengshui Miao and Tujia autonomous county in southwestern China’s Chongqing to learn about the county’s socioeconomic development and find new cooperation opportunities from July 2 to 3, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    Birgit Murr, head of the commercial section at the Austrian Consulate General in Chengdu, highlighted the high quality of Pengshui’s organic agricultural products, particularly those with national geographical indication status. She said such credentials could serve as a strong marketing point for expanding sales to other regions in China and into international markets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Winnie Ho promotes GBA in Portugal

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho attended a business luncheon during her visit to Lisbon, Portugal, to promote development opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

    At the business luncheon co-organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office under the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Brussels, Ms Ho promoted the vast opportunities for Portuguese companies arising from the development of the GBA, and how Hong Kong can play its important roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places with its unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world.

    Around 130 participants attended the luncheon, with representatives from over 80 Portuguese enterprises from the construction sector, information technology sector, commercial sector and professional organisations as well as representatives from 17 relevant Hong Kong enterprises.

    During the luncheon, Ms Ho highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively promoting the use of innovative construction technologies to enhance the speed, quantity, quality and efficiency in increasing the supply of affordable housing.

    Under the Housing • I&T initiative this year, the Housing Bureau will organise a series of activities to foster exchanges between Hong Kong and other countries and regions in areas such as smart construction, smart estate management, energy saving and green buildings. She encouraged Portuguese enterprises to seize these opportunities and strengthen collaborations with the Mainland and Hong Kong.

    Ms Ho expressed her gratitude to the trade representatives from Hong Kong, including those participating in the construction of public housing, Light Public Housing (LPH) and transitional housing, for attending the luncheon in Lisbon and taking the opportunity to share in person with the participants Hong Kong’s opportunities and advantages in connecting the Mainland and the world.

    By complying with international standards, stipulating local regulations and harnessing the strengths of the GBA in smart construction, Hong Kong can further advance in its development of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), the transfer of on-site construction processes to factories and the application of construction robotics.

    With the expeditious building of LPH and transitional housing, the living conditions and quality of life of people living in inadequate housing can be improved as soon as practicable. The significant housing production target of 308,000 public housing units over the next 10 years also enables the bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) to promote the adoption of innovative technologies and advance public housing developments in a new era of smart construction.

    Earlier in the day, Ms Ho visited EntreCampos, a local redevelopment project jointly developed by the public and private sectors, comprising social housing for middle-class residents, offices, retail, community facilities and green spaces. The project adopted Building Information Modelling (BIM) during construction. She also visited the new headquarters of an insurance company in the project. The building employs smart technologies and innovative sustainable energy systems to enhance energy efficiency.

    Ms Ho stated that the HKHA has strived to promote greener and more energy-efficient designs, aiming to attain a gold rating or above under BEAM Plus for all new housing developments.

    The measures include adopting MiC in construction with modules manufactured accurately and effectively in factories, and other innovative technologies such as BIM to facilitate planning throughout the construction process and enhance management, which can save energy, reduce waste and make the construction process more environmentally friendly.

    The housing chief said she looked forward to continued exchanges between Hong Kong and Portugal on innovative construction technologies and green building designs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Justice Secretary to visit Europe

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Europe tomorrow to visit the Netherlands, France and Italy to introduce Hong Kong’s latest legal developments, promote its strengths in legal and dispute resolution services, and explore collaboration on international capacity building.

     

    Mr Lam plans to attend seminars organised by the Department of Justice and other exchange sessions.

     

    He will also deliver speeches to legal and business sectors to introduce Hong Kong’s unique advantages in the practice of the common law system under the “one country, two systems”, the strategic positioning of the city as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region, and its important role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

     

    The Secretary for Justice will return to Hong Kong on July 13 upon conclusion of his visit in Rome. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary during his absence.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Home Affairs outlines key achievements at Budget Vote presentation

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Minister Leon Schreiber has outlined the key achievements recorded in the Department of Home Affairs at Thursday’s Budget Vote presentation.

    “It has been a year of remarkable progress for the Home Affairs ecosystem. I am here to confidently report to the House that the progress we have made over the last 12 months, by working as one team with one dream, has exceeded the expectations of cynics and optimists alike,” Schreiber said.

    The department has cleared a backlog of over 306 000 visa applications dating back more than a decade.

    “We produced and delivered just under 3.6 million Smart IDs, surpassing the previous annual record by nearly half a million. 

    “We deployed advanced drone and body camera technology at the border for the first time, leading to an increase of up to 215% in the detection and prevention of attempted illegal border crossings.

    “We launched Operation New Broom as part of intensified operations to restore the rule of law, leading to over 46 000 deportations — the highest figure in more than five years and more than countries like France and Germany combined,” the Minister said.

    Schreiber said the department launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to boost tourism from the major source markets of China and India where South Africa has underperformed for years.

    “We enabled over 1.4 million naturalised citizens and permanent residents to obtain secure Smart IDs for the first time. We activated the Immigration Advisory Board for the first time in a decade by appointing a diverse group of seasoned experts to help shape better policies,” Schreiber said.

    Schreiber said the department dismissed 37 crooked officials and launched the dedicated Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum that brings together law enforcement, the Special Investigating Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure corrupt officials and fraudsters are put behind bars.  

    “Our anti-corruption work has led to the conviction of eight offenders, with sentences ranging from four to 18 years in prison.

    “We built a working prototype of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will digitalise the visa processes from beginning to end, eliminating corruption and inefficiency,” the Minister said.

    Schreiber said the reforms that his department will deliver in the next 12 months will begin to redefine the quality of services that South Africans expect from their government.

    “The endpoint of these reforms is to enable both South Africans and legitimate visitors to apply and obtain enabling documents online, including in digital format, from the comfort of their own homes,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trump administration has ‘shaken’ world order in three key respects – Italian minister

    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

    ROME, July 4 (Xinhua) — The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has “shaken” the world order in three key areas: tariffs, international taxation and the financial dimension linked to the U.S. dollar, Italian Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said on Thursday.

    “The first is tariffs, the second is international taxation. The third is the financial dimension and the relative strength of the US dollar, which is a form of implicit tariff,” he said. “We need to pay attention to these three aspects,” the official added.

    The minister stressed that a weak dollar effectively acts as an implicit tariff, making American goods cheaper and imported goods more expensive and disrupting international trade flows.

    Giorgetti’s comments come amid ongoing trade tensions between the United States and the European Union that have arisen since D. Trump’s return to the White House at the beginning of the year.

    Market data reflect the minister’s concerns. The euro was trading at around $1.175 apiece at the end of the day on Thursday, down about 14 percent since the start of the year.

    Against a broader basket of currencies, the US dollar has fallen 10.8 per cent this year, the worst first six months since 1973 and the worst half-year since the second half of 1991, the Guardian newspaper reports.

    According to Italy’s National Institute of Statistics, the country’s imports from the United States rose 18.5 percent year-on-year in May, while Italian exports to the United States increased by just 2.5 percent. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Welcome Ceremony- Austria State Visit

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Welcome Ceremony- Austria State Visit

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVh-8VNNEs0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • PM Modi’s Trinidad & Tobago visit highlights deepening trade, development and cultural relations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago this week highlights India’s efforts to deepen ties with the Caribbean nation. The partnership, built on historical connections dating back nearly two centuries, now spans development cooperation, trade, digital payments, and cultural exchange.

    Trade and Investment: Unlocking New Opportunities

    The Trade Agreement signed between India and Trinidad and Tobago in January 1997, which grants Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to each other, has laid a strong foundation for expanding economic ties. Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic economic role in the Caribbean, supported by bilateral and regional trade agreements, offers Indian exporters a gateway to the wider Caribbean market and beyond.

    Bilateral trade between the two nations has shown encouraging resilience and steady growth, rising from $264 million in 2020–21 to $341 million in 2024–25. India’s major exports to Trinidad and Tobago include vehicles and parts, iron and steel, pharmaceutical products, and plastic goods. In return, India imports mineral fuels and oils, bituminous substances, mineral waxes, iron and steel, ores and ash, and aluminium from Trinidad and Tobago.

    A notable milestone came in 2024 when Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean nation to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This step is set to enhance digital payments infrastructure and promote greater financial inclusion.

    In recent years, India’s active participation in trade and investment conventions in Trinidad and Tobago has underlined the shared commitment to explore new opportunities. Sectors such as tourism, pharmaceuticals, information technology, renewable energy, and education are emerging as key areas for collaboration, signalling the growing potential of this bilateral economic partnership.

    Strengthening Institutional Frameworks and Development Cooperation

    The bilateral partnership between India and Trinidad and Tobago is anchored in institutional mechanisms such as the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). The first JCM was held in 2011 in New Delhi, while the latest round of FOC took place in Port of Spain in August 2021, enabling both sides to chart the way forward for expanding collaboration.

    India’s development partnership with Trinidad and Tobago has grown steadily in recent years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India extended critical medical support by supplying 40,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, along with essential medical equipment and aid.

    Beyond healthcare, India’s assistance has strengthened other priority areas as well. A $1 million India-UNDP project supported the deployment of telemedicine and mobile healthcare robots in Trinidad and Tobago. An additional $1 million was allocated for agro-processing machinery to boost food processing capacity. In line with its commitment to regional food security, Indian cooperatives have also supplied rice and edible oil to the Caribbean nation.

    Cultural Bonds: A Living Heritage

    Cultural connections between the two countries remain vibrant, anchored by the Indian diaspora’s enduring ties to its ancestral roots. Hindi language education continues to flourish, with the support of Hindi teachers and local institutions. Nearly 300 students enrolled

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prisoner Releases in Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Prisoner Releases in Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    UK and others call for immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners

    Madam Chair, I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and my own country, Germany.

    The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Liechtenstein, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia and San Marino.

    We welcome the release of several political prisoners, including Siarhei Tsikhanousky, in which the United States of America played a crucial role.

    While these are positive steps, we are deeply concerned that as of 26 June at least 1 170 political prisoners still remain in custody in Belarus according to the human rights organization Viasna. Many are subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including prolonged isolation and denial of essential medical care. Tragically, at least eight of them died in detention due to these inhumane conditions.

    We are also mindful of those who, upon release, are forced to flee Belarus or are compelled to remain under continuous repression that effectively prolongs their punishment beyond imprisonment.

    Moreover, the Belarusian authorities continue to arrest and detain opponents or people perceived as such and to suppress independent media, in disregard of international obligations and OSCE principles and commitments.

    Against this background, we reiterate our call for the Belarusian authorities to: stop persecuting individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, to freedom of association and to peaceful assembly; immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, most urgently those with health issues and disabilities, the elderly and single parents and to ensure their rehabilitation; and, ensure fair and humane treatment of all prisoners, in particular by allowing prisoners who have been prevented from communicating with their families to do so, and by granting prompt access to appropriate medical care for those in need.

    We will continue to support the Belarusian people’s aspiration for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Germany hold 8th round of strategic dialogue on diplomacy, security

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

    A good China-Germany relationship will not only drive the overall positive development of China-EU relations but also holds great significance for global stability and development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security held in Berlin on Thursday.

    He co-chaired the talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations, and the China-Germany all-round strategic partnership has also embarked on a new decade.

    China-EU and China-Germany relations are at a crucial juncture, drawing on past accomplishments to move forward and shape the future, he noted.

    As the world’s second and third-largest economies, China and Germany shoulder important international responsibilities and bear the hopes of all stakeholders, he said, noting that the two countries should join hands to reaffirm mutual trust, further consolidate cooperation, and continue to deepen bilateral relations.

    Facing the current turbulent international situation, particularly the prevalent protectionism, anti-globalization, and unilateral bullying, China and Germany must strengthen strategic communication and coordination, Wang stressed.

    The Chinese foreign minister added that the two countries should inject more certainty into the world by building on the stable relations between them, jointly advocate and practice multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the UN Charter, and commit to developing a more reliable, stable, and predictable all-round strategic partnership.

    Wang noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, setting the direction and tone for the next stage of China-Germany relations.

    Despite the shifting international landscape, China-Germany relations have maintained steady development, mainly thanks to their way of dealing with each other, which is characterized by mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and pursuing win-win cooperation, Wang said, calling this the fundamental logic for sustained development of China-Germany relations.

    Given the differences in history, culture, and social systems between China and Germany, it is natural that divergences exist, Wang said, noting that the key is to enhance understanding and mutual trust, and to view differences calmly and rationally.

    China places its relationship with Germany in an important position in its diplomacy and appreciates the positive and rational attitude of the new German government in developing relations with China, he said.

    It is hoped that the German side will support China’s efforts to achieve complete national reunification just as China had unconditionally supported the German reunification, and strictly adhere to the one-China principle, said Wang.

    As a core major country in the European Union, Germany has made positive efforts to advance China-EU relations, and it is hoped that Germany will continue to play a constructive role in the development of China-EU relations, Wang said.

    Wadephul said that Germany is willing to be a mutually trustworthy and predictable partner for cooperation with China.

    In an era fraught with crises and challenges, it is very important for Germany and China to maintain close communication and coordination, he said.

    The two countries have a long history of exchanges and a solid foundation for their partnership, he said, adding that the two share consensus on many issues and can properly handle differences and disagreements with mutual respect and a constructive attitude.

    Wadephul said that Germany looks forward to enhancing exchanges with China and to continuously strengthening bilateral cooperation.

    The German government firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he said.

    During the talks, the two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, the Iran nuclear issue, the situation in the Middle East, and multilateral strategic coordination. They agreed to strengthen communication and coordination to work for ceasefires, ending conflicts, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE – Meeting between the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Mr Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Secretary General of the OSCE (3 July 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs hosted a meeting this morning with Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

    The Minister reiterated France’s commitment to multilateralism and to the OSCE’s basic principles, enshrined 50 years ago in the Helsinki Final Act but violated every day by Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine.

    The Minister welcomed the efforts of the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship-in-Office and of the Secretary General to ensure that the organization continues to run smoothly despite the many challenges facing it.

    The Minister and the Secretary General discussed the region’s key security issues, particularly Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and tensions in the Western Balkans. The Minister stressed the importance of the OSCE for strengthening every dimension of the security framework in Europe, from crisis prevention to respect for human rights, as well as safeguarding the rule of law.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Number of Chinese tourists visiting Cambodia’s Angkor rises 25 percent in first half of 2025

    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

    PHNOM PENH, July 4 (Xinhua) — Cambodia saw a significant increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the famous Angkor archaeological park in the first half of 2025, according to state-run operator Angkor Enterprise.

    A total of 47,571 Chinese tourists visited the UNESCO World Heritage site from January to June, up 25 percent from the same period last year. The Chinese remain the fourth-largest international visitor to Angkor after the US, UK and France.

    Angkor Enterprise said that in the first half of 2025, the archaeological park received 567,673 foreign visitors from 171 countries and territories, generating gross revenue of US$26.3 million from ticket sales.

    Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute of International Studies and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, noted that with 2025 declared the Year of Cambodia-China Tourism, a significant surge in the number of Chinese tourists to Angkor is predicted. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Germany should advocate multilateralism, uphold free trade, says FM

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

    China and Germany should jointly serve as advocates of multilateralism, defenders of free trade and contributors to open development, to foster a more just and equitable international order, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Berlin Thursday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

    Wang spoke highly of the eighth round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security held Thursday, saying it’s comprehensive, pragmatic, candid and constructive.

    The talks helped enhance mutual understanding and broaden common ground between the two sides, he said.

    Both sides agreed to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership along the right path of mutual respect, seek common ground while reserving differences, and achieve win-win cooperation, Wang said.

    Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the founding of the United Nations, Wang said unilateralism, protectionism, and acts of power politics and bullying are posing serious challenges to the international community.

    Under such circumstances, Wang said, major countries must shoulder responsibilities, embrace the global trend toward multipolarization and economic globalization, and stand firmly on the right side of history.

    As the world’s second- and third-largest economies, China and Germany should strengthen exchanges, deepen cooperation and jointly do the following three things, he said.

    First, consolidating the foundation of bilateral relations.

    During a phone conversation in late May, Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz provided strategic guidance for the development of bilateral ties and set the direction for future efforts, Wang said. The two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two leaders and make good preparations for the next phase of high-level engagements, he added.

    Wang said that China welcomes Merz to visit China within this year and reach a consensus on holding the eighth round of China-Germany inter-governmental consultation at an early date.

    Wang also said that China appreciates the German government’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the one-China policy. He expressed confidence that Germany will support China’s efforts toward full reunification, just as China had unconditionally supported Germany’s reunification. Achieving peace across the Taiwan Strait, he said, requires a firm stand against any move toward “Taiwan independence.”

    Second, upgrading the quality of bilateral cooperation.

    China and Germany are each other’s largest trading partner in their respective regions, with bilateral trade exceeding 200 billion U.S. dollars for nine consecutive years, Wang said.

    Trade with China supports 1 million jobs in Germany, and the Chinese market has attracted more than 5,000 German enterprises to invest and operate in China, he added.

    Strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation is a “must-have option” for both countries, serving as a “ballast” of the bilateral relationship, and is also in line with the new German government’s policy focus on economic development, said Wang.

    The two sides also had in-depth discussions on their respective economic and trade concerns, and agreed to build a more stable, predictable and trustworthy policy framework for practical cooperation, Wang said.

    China’s accelerated modernization will provide new development opportunities for German and European enterprises, he said, adding that China and Germany have broad prospects in cutting-edge fields such as green transition, artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

    Only by tightening the bonds of common interests and pursuing a shared future can the two sides effectively resist external risks and challenges, Wang said.

    Third, practicing multilateralism.

    History has repeatedly proven that open exchanges have always been the right direction for human development and progress, Wang said. In the 21st century, we should not erect new barriers through tariffs, nor fuel division through ideological confrontation, he warned.

    Wang expressed the belief that multipolarization and globalization are like the Yangtze and the Rhine rivers, flowing forward relentlessly.

    Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU diplomatic relations, Wang said China looks forward to holding various important events, including the China-EU summit.

    It is hoped that Germany will play an active role in the EU, promote coordination and cooperation between China and the EU, and work together with China to make new contributions to global governance, he said.

    The more complex the international situation is, the more major countries need to strengthen coordination, Wang said. He added that the more prominent the risks and challenges are, the more countries need to enhance cooperation.

    Under the current circumstances, China is ready to work with Germany to uphold the correct view of history, remain true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic ties, strengthen strategic communication, seek common ground while preserving differences, and deepen practical cooperation, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Eurocastle Releases First Quarter 2025 Interim Management Statement, Release of Liquidation Reserves and Notice of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EUROCASTLE INVESTMENT LIMITED

                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact:        
    Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited
    Company Administrator
    Attn: Nicole Barnes
    Tel: +44 1481 723450        

    Eurocastle Releases First Quarter 2025 Interim Management Statement and Announces Release of €4.6 million of Liquidation Reserves and Annual General Meeting to be held on 5 August 2025

    Guernsey, 4 July 2025 – Eurocastle Investment Limited (Euronext Amsterdam: ECT) (“Eurocastle” or the “Company”) today has released its interim management statement for the quarter ended 31 March 2025. The Company also announces that, following quarter end, the Luxembourg fund through which it is pursuing the New Investment Strategy (“EPIF”) has reached over €61 million of investor commitments, following which the Board has determined that Eurocastle has a sustainable platform that it anticipates growing in future years. As a result, the Board has released €4.6 million of reserves generating a net increase to the Company’s Adjusted NAV of €4.0 million, or €4.01 per share after contractual incentive fees of 12.5%.

    • IFRS NAV of €22.0 million, or €22.01 per share (€22.1 million, or €22.05 per share as at Q4 2024).
    • ADJUSTED NET ASSET VALUE (“NAV”)1 of €11.4 million, or €11.43 per share2 (Q4 2024: €11.4 million, or €11.34 per share).
    • PRO FORMA ADJUSTED NAV: Pro forma for the release of the Liquidation Reserves and net of incentive fees, the Adjusted NAV as at 31 March 2025 would be €15.5 million, or €15.44 per share.
                                   
        Q4 2024 NAV   Q1 FV Movement   Q1 2025 NAV   Pro Forma Movements3   Q1 2025 Pro Forma NAV
        €’m € p.s.   €’m € p.s.   €’m € p.s.   €’m € p.s.   €’m € p.s.
    New Investment Strategy – EPIF   5.77 5.76   0.09 0.09   5.86 5.85   – –   5.86 5.85

    Legacy Italian Real Estate Funds

    		   0.06 0.06   – –   0.06 0.06   – –   0.06 0.06
    Net Corporate Cash3&4   12.28 12.26   (0.16) (0.17)   12.11 12.09   (0.57) (0.57)   11.54 11.52
    Legacy German Tax Asset   3.97 3.97   0.03 0.04   4.01 4.01   – –   4.01 4.01
    IFRS NAV   22.08 22.05   (0.04) (0.04)   22.04 22.01   (0.57) (0.57)   21.47 21.44
    Legacy German Tax Reserve5   (5.99) (5.97)   (0.02) (0.03)   (6.01) (6.00)   – –   (6.01) (6.00)
    Adjusted NAV before Liquidation Reserve   16.09 16.08   (0.06) (0.07)   16.03 16.01   (0.57) (0.57)   15.46 15.44
    Liquidation Reserves3&5   (4.74) (4.74)   0.15 0.16   (4.59) (4.58)   4.59 4.58   – –
    Adjusted NAV  

    11.35

    		 11.34   0.09 0.09   11.44 11.43   4.02 4.01   15.46 15.44
    Ordinary shares outstanding   1,001,555         1,001,555         1,001,555
                                   

          As at 31 March 2025, the Company’s assets mainly comprise:

          1.   €12.1 million, or €12.09 per share, of net corporate cash3 which is available to continue seeking investments under the New Investment Strategy.

          2.   €5.9 million, or €5.85 per share, in the Company’s first investment under the New Investment Strategy – a Luxembourg real estate fund where Eurocastle, as sponsor, generates returns through its share of investments made and certain subsidiaries receive asset management and incentive fees from third party investors.

          3.   A tax asset of €4.0 million, or €4.01 per share, representing amounts paid (and associated interest) in relation to additional tax assessed against a former German property subsidiary where the Company won the first instance of its appeal in December 2024. The German tax authorities have since appealed the decision and the Company is waiting for the date of the next hearing.

          4.   Residual interests in two legacy Italian Real Estate Fund Investments with a NAV of €0.06 million, or €0.06 per share, where the underlying apartments are now all sold and both funds are in liquidation.

    Q1 2025 BUSINESS UPDATES & SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

    • New Investment Strategy – In 2024, Eurocastle launched a Luxembourg regulated fund, European Properties Investment Fund S.C.A., SICAV RAIF (“EPIF” or the “Fund”), through which it invests alongside selected co-investors. EPIF’s key strategy is to acquire small to mid-size real estate and real estate related assets in Southern Europe with superior risk adjusted returns. The Fund initially closed with Eurocastle committing to invest €8 million alongside a €2 million commitment from its JV Partner. EPIF is now being marketed to potential investors with a target size of €100 million.

    In addition to generating attractive risk adjusted returns on its share of any investments made, Eurocastle also anticipates receiving market standard management and incentive fees from third-party investors.

    Up to the end of Q1 2025, EPIF had invested approximately €7 million. Eurocastle’s 80% share amounted to €5.5 million, while its corresponding share of EPIF’s net asset value as at 31 March 2025 stood at €5.9 million, reflecting an increase in the value of the real estate acquired to date.

    Subsequent Events to Q1 2025 – Since Q1, EPIF has received commitments of approximately €51 million from 15 investors taking the total fund size to over €61 million. In addition, prospective investors representing a further €20 million in commitments are in the final stages of due diligence.

    In June, EPIF completed its second investment, calling approximately €1 million of capital to acquire a 70% interest in a vacant office property in central Athens. The asset was acquired from a defaulted borrower at a substantial discount to comparable sales in the area.

    In addition, EPIF has an active pipeline that currently includes approximately €40 million of potential opportunities.

    • Legacy Italian Real Estate Funds –The remaining NAV for these investments of €0.06 million, or €0.06 per share, reflects cash currently reserved in the funds that is expected to be released once the fund manager resolves certain potential liabilities and liquidates each fund.
    • Legacy German Tax Matter – Prior to 2024, the Company had paid a net amount of €3.7 million in relation to the Legacy German tax matter against which it has raised a corresponding tax asset (together with associated interest). The Company, in pursuing the reimbursement of this amount through the German fiscal court, won the first instance of its appeal in December 2024. Shortly after, the German tax authorities appealed the decision through the German federal tax court and the Company is currently waiting to be notified of the date of the hearing.

                      The remaining potential exposure, associated with the same point under dispute, is estimated to be €1.7 million. This relates to the years 2013 to 2015 which remain subject to ongoing tax audits. Notwithstanding the Company’s expectation that the tax matter will eventually be resolved in the Company’s favour, as at 31 March 2025, the full potential liability of €6.0 million, or €6.00 per share (including associated defence costs and interest accrued), is fully reserved for within the Additional Reserves.

    • Additional Reserves – As at 31 March 2025, of the total Additional Reserves of €10.6 million, €6.0 million related to the legacy German tax matter with the balance of approximately €4.6 million held in reserves to allow for future costs and potential liabilities while the Company consolidated in parallel the New Investment Strategy (the “Liquidation Reserves”).

                      Subsequent Events to Q1 2025 – In light of the Company’s strengthened financial position and prospects, the Board has reviewed the level of Additional Reserves and feel it appropriate to release the Liquidation Reserves.

    Income Statement for the Quarter ended 31 March 2025 and Quarter ended 31 March 2024 (unaudited)

      Income

    Statement

    		 Income

    Statement
      Q1 2025 Q1 2024
      € Thousands € Thousands
    Portfolio Returns    
    New Investment Strategy – EPIF unrealised fair value movement 85 –
    Legacy Real Estate Funds unrealised fair value movement – (10)
    Fair value movement on Investments 85 (10)
    Other income – 4
    Interest income 109 146
    Total income 194 141
         
    Operating Expenses    
    Manager base and incentive fees 41 20
    Remaining operating expenses 195 227
    Total expenses 236 247
         
    (Loss) for the period (42) (106)
    € per share (0.04) (0.11)

    Balance Sheet and Adjusted NAV Reconciliation as at 31 March 2025 and as at 31 December 2024

          31 March 2025

    Total

    € Thousands

    		 31 December 2024

    Total
    € Thousands
    Assets      
      Other assets   115 315
      Legacy German tax asset   4,012 3,974
      Investments – New Investment Strategy – EPIF   5,855 5,770
      Investments – Legacy Real Estate Funds   64 64
      Cash, cash equivalents   12,400 12,415
    Total assets   22,446 22,538
    Liabilities      
      Trade and other payables   318 389
      Manager base and incentive fees   84 63
    Total liabilities   402 452
    IFRS Net Asset Value   22,044 22,086
    Liquidation cash reserve   (4,590) (4,748)
    Legacy German tax cash reserve   (2,000) (2,008)
    Legacy German tax asset reserve   (4,012) (3,974)          
    Adjusted NAV   11,442 11,356
    Adjusted NAV (€ per Share)   11.43 11.34

    NOTICE: This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014.

    ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

    The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at the Company’s registered office at 3:00 pm
    Guernsey time (4:00 pm CET). Notices and proxy statements will be posted by 14 July 2025 to shareholders of record at close of business on 10 July 2025.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    For investment portfolio information, please refer to the Company’s most recent Financial Report, which is available on the Company’s website (www.eurocastleinv.com).

    Terms not otherwise defined in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the Circular.

    ABOUT EUROCASTLE

    Eurocastle Investment Limited (“Eurocastle” or the “Company”) is a publicly traded closed-ended investment company. On 8 July 2022, the Company announced the relaunch of its investment activity and is currently in the early stages of pursuing its new strategy by initially focusing on opportunistic real estate in Greece with a plan to expand across Southern Europe. For more information regarding Eurocastle Investment Limited and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.eurocastleinv.com.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, future commitments to sell real estate and achievement of disposal targets, availability of investment and divestment opportunities, timing or certainty of completion of acquisitions and disposals, the operating performance of our investments and financing needs. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “potential”, “intend”, “expect”, “endeavour”, “seek”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “overestimate”, “underestimate”, “believe”, “could”, “project”, “predict”, “project”, “continue”, “plan”, “forecast” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe future plans and strategies, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition or state other forward-looking information. The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is limited. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, its actual results and performance may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results or stated expectations including the risks regarding Eurocastle’s ability to declare dividends or achieve its targets regarding asset disposals or asset performance.

    1 In light of the Realisation Plan announced in 2019, the Adjusted NAV as at 31 March 2025 reflects additional reserves for future costs and potential liabilities, which have not been accounted for under the IFRS NAV. No commitments for these future costs and potential liabilities existed as at 31 March 2025.
    2 Per share calculations for Eurocastle throughout this document are based on 1,001,555 shares, unless otherwise stated.
    3 Adjustments to reflect the release of the Liquidation Reserve.
    4 Reflects corporate cash net of accrued liabilities and other assets.
    5 Reserves that were put in place when the Company realised the majority of its investment assets in 2019 in order for the Company to continue in operation and fund its
    future costs and potential liabilities. These reserves are not accounted for under IFRS.

    The MIL Network –

  • PM Modi attends traditional dinner hosted by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a traditional dinner hosted by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during his visit to the Caribbean nation on Thursday.

    In a symbolic gesture highlighting the cultural ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago, the dinner featured food served on a Sohari leaf- an element of cultural significance for the local community, particularly those of Indian descent.

    Sharing details of the dinner on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots. Here, food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special programmes.”

    Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Port of Spain marks the second stop on his ongoing five-nation tour. This is his first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister, and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister and aims to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

     

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Passenger traffic through the Takeshken checkpoint on the Chinese-Mongolia border in the first half of the year approached 80 thousand person-times

    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

    URUMQI, July 4 (Xinhua) — The passenger flow through the Takeshken checkpoint on the Chinese-Mongolia border approached 80,000 person-times in the first half of this year, up 5 percent year-on-year, the local border service said.

    In particular, the share of foreigners in the incoming and outgoing passenger flow through this road border crossing during the reporting period was 97 percent. Among them are citizens of Mongolia, Russia, France, Switzerland and more than 20 other countries. Most of them crossed the border through Takeshken for tourist trips, and the rest – to visit relatives, hold business meetings, etc.

    Takeshken is located in Qinghe County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwest China) and is the region’s largest checkpoint on the border with Mongolia.

    Thanks to China’s optimization of visa-free policy and the development of China-Mongol cross-border tourism and trade, Takeshken has seen a continuous increase in passenger traffic, cargo traffic and the number of vehicles passing through since the beginning of this year.

    The local border service promised to do everything necessary to ensure uninterrupted passenger and cargo flow through the checkpoint. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • PM Modi visits Trinidad, home to 42% Indian-origin population

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port of Spain on Thursday, marking the second stop of his ongoing five-nation tour. During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen bilateral ties.

    Historical ties rooted in migration

    The bond between India and Trinidad and Tobago traces back to the mid-19th century, when the subcontinent contributed nearly 143,000 indentured workers to Trinidad between 1845 and 1917. The majority hailed from Northern India, particularly from present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Many descendants still take pride in identifying their ancestral villages, districts (Zila), and fiscal units (Pargana).

    While these workers originally came for contractual labour lasting three to five years, most chose to stay, with approximately 134,183 Indians ultimately settling and shaping the country’s cultural and social fabric.

    Over time, this community has moved beyond its origins in agriculture and indentured labour. Today, people of Indian descent- who make up about 42% of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1.4 million population- are active across sectors including business, law, politics, medicine, and academia. The transformation from indentureship to entrepreneurship reflects not only economic progress but also the enduring cultural and emotional ties with India.

    In addition to this historic community, there are also around 500 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Trinidad and Tobago, many of whom are engaged in business and teaching. Indian presence in the local economy is further strengthened by Indian enterprises like New India Assurance, which operates in the insurance sector. Regular trade fairs showcasing Indian garments, handicrafts, and furniture have also helped popularise Indian products.

    The Indian diaspora remains the largest in the Caribbean, noted for its strong cultural identity and economic success. These close cultural and people-to-people ties continue to support the historical relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: celebrating overseas Indians

    Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is observed every year on January 9 to acknowledge the contributions of the overseas Indian community in India’s growth story. Since 2015, the PBD Convention is organised every two years, along with theme-based regional conferences in between. These events provide a platform for the diaspora to connect with India through knowledge sharing, investments and collaborations.

    The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, was virtually the Chief Guest at the 18th PBD in Bhubaneswar and was conferred the PBSA during India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2025.

    During the 17th PBD Convention in Indore in January 2023, High Court Justice Frank Seepersad from Trinidad and Tobago received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)- India’s highest honour for overseas Indians. Over the years, prominent figures from Trinidad and Tobago like former Prime Ministers Basdeo Panday (2005) and Kamla Persad-Bissessar (2012), as well as former Ministers Winston Dookeran (2017) and Dr. Lenny Krishendath Saith (2010), have also been recipients of the PBSA. The National Council for Indian Culture was similarly honoured in 2008.

    The Ministry of External Affairs continues to engage with overseas Indians through various programmes. Among these is the Overseas Citizenship of India scheme, which allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin to register for special status and privileges in India. The Know India Programme offers diaspora youth a three-week opportunity to connect with their ancestral homeland and learn about India’s history, culture, economy and scientific achievements through study tours and interactions with experts.

  • PM Modi visits Trinidad, home to 42% Indian-origin population

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Port of Spain on Thursday, marking the second stop of his ongoing five-nation tour. During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with the top leadership of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen bilateral ties.

    Historical ties rooted in migration

    The bond between India and Trinidad and Tobago traces back to the mid-19th century, when the subcontinent contributed nearly 143,000 indentured workers to Trinidad between 1845 and 1917. The majority hailed from Northern India, particularly from present-day Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Many descendants still take pride in identifying their ancestral villages, districts (Zila), and fiscal units (Pargana).

    While these workers originally came for contractual labour lasting three to five years, most chose to stay, with approximately 134,183 Indians ultimately settling and shaping the country’s cultural and social fabric.

    Over time, this community has moved beyond its origins in agriculture and indentured labour. Today, people of Indian descent- who make up about 42% of Trinidad and Tobago’s 1.4 million population- are active across sectors including business, law, politics, medicine, and academia. The transformation from indentureship to entrepreneurship reflects not only economic progress but also the enduring cultural and emotional ties with India.

    In addition to this historic community, there are also around 500 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Trinidad and Tobago, many of whom are engaged in business and teaching. Indian presence in the local economy is further strengthened by Indian enterprises like New India Assurance, which operates in the insurance sector. Regular trade fairs showcasing Indian garments, handicrafts, and furniture have also helped popularise Indian products.

    The Indian diaspora remains the largest in the Caribbean, noted for its strong cultural identity and economic success. These close cultural and people-to-people ties continue to support the historical relationship between India and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: celebrating overseas Indians

    Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is observed every year on January 9 to acknowledge the contributions of the overseas Indian community in India’s growth story. Since 2015, the PBD Convention is organised every two years, along with theme-based regional conferences in between. These events provide a platform for the diaspora to connect with India through knowledge sharing, investments and collaborations.

    The President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, was virtually the Chief Guest at the 18th PBD in Bhubaneswar and was conferred the PBSA during India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2025.

    During the 17th PBD Convention in Indore in January 2023, High Court Justice Frank Seepersad from Trinidad and Tobago received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)- India’s highest honour for overseas Indians. Over the years, prominent figures from Trinidad and Tobago like former Prime Ministers Basdeo Panday (2005) and Kamla Persad-Bissessar (2012), as well as former Ministers Winston Dookeran (2017) and Dr. Lenny Krishendath Saith (2010), have also been recipients of the PBSA. The National Council for Indian Culture was similarly honoured in 2008.

    The Ministry of External Affairs continues to engage with overseas Indians through various programmes. Among these is the Overseas Citizenship of India scheme, which allows eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin to register for special status and privileges in India. The Know India Programme offers diaspora youth a three-week opportunity to connect with their ancestral homeland and learn about India’s history, culture, economy and scientific achievements through study tours and interactions with experts.