NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville on Kudlow: “We’re so fortunate to have President Trump”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss how President Trump is delivering wins for the American people left and right.
    Read excerpts from the interview below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    KUDLOW: “The great Alabama Senator, Mr. Tommy Tuberville. Senator Tuberville, welcome, sir, as always. You know, Charles Payne was on in the first segment of the show, and he was talking about ‘Pax Americana’ and, you know, listing things that Mr. Trump is getting done. India, Pakistan, perhaps a ceasefire deal, the last American hostage being released by Hamas, the potential for, you know, Zelensky-Putin meeting, Trump himself might broker it. President Trump will be in the Middle East and maybe something is cooking with Iran. Is there a ‘Pax Americana’ back on? Is Mr. Trump reordering the chaos of the world under Biden into something resembling, you know, peace and prosperity and America first?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, Larry. Don’t forget about the Abraham Accords. I think that might be one of the reasons he’s going to see the Saudis and bounce around the Middle East, but I don’t know how he keeps up with it. It’s hard for us here in the States to keep up with what’s going on. From the tariffs to the wars to the, you know, great big beautiful bill—it is mind boggling. But I’m enjoying every bit of bit of it. The Democrats are running for cover. We dealt for four years with somebody that had no negotiation skills. Now we got somebody that just loves to do it. He eats and breathes it, and we’re so fortunate to have President Trump as President.”
    KUDLOW: “So, think about this, on the home front, I guess, but it’s also international affairs. Basically, in the same four- or five-day period, we got a very good trade deal with the United Kingdom, and we have a 90-day pause and a significant easing of tariffs with China and the US. What do you make of that?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, and there’s about 30 to 35 [countries] Larry. I know for a fact they’re lined up ready to make deals with the United States. We’re controlling it, and we should, you know—[…] we’re the grocery store of the world. You know, we make everything in terms of being able to make it available to other people. Now, we’ve got to get in the manufacturing business again—that’s what President Trump’s doing all this for. But we’ve got to be choosy with it. But in my state of Alabama, I have people coming every day about new manufacturing ideas [saying] ‘We wanna move it here from either Ireland or Germany.’ It is amazing how much busier we are here in the Senate as Republicans [who are] wanting to bring [manufacturing] back and on the contrary of what the Democrats just tried to say, ‘No, we don’t want you here. We wanna raise all of our food out of the country, put our farmers out of business.’ It is totally different than what it was six months ago.”
    KUDLOW: “So, nobody really talks much about it, but President Trump has raised $4 or $5 trillion dollars for American investment. He’s gone to the Middle East and so forth. He’ll probably raise, I don’t know, a couple trillion dollars more. I’m just guessing, but that’s part of the deal. The tax changes, the tax policy coming out of the Ways and Means Committee will provide incentives for those people who invest in the United States. So, there’s a tide of onshoring that seems to be coming not only from foreign relations and trade relations, but also just tax incentive relations. Where, you know, this is unheard of. This is unseen. It all goes hand in glove. Trump is taking advantage of this. What do you make of it? Can it all pass the Senate? I guess that’s my final thought. Is it gonna get through the Senate?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, all the tax incentives normally come from the states, in which they still do. President Trump’s doing it on a national level. You know, the Opportunity Zones, all those things that he’s put into place. But right now, they’re negotiating [potential reforms to] Medicare, Medicaid, all the things that everybody are a little bit worried about. But always remember this—there’s really, as we’ve looked at all this, it’s all about reform. We have algorithms now that can go into the Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid that can be hooked up to these machines that can make sure that we can cut out all this fraud and all this nonsense with people getting on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, that shouldn’t be on it. We’re not in the 20th century. This is the 21st century, and all those things will kick in this year. You don’t hear much talk about AI in that area, but Larry, we will get it passed. It’s gonna be tough. We have to get cuts. We cannot pass a bill that does not have cuts in it. We’ve got to cut back somewhere close to the 2019 budget [spending levels]. And if we don’t do that, I don’t know how we can save the country, but President Trump is all for that, but he wants to do it in the right spot.”
    KUDLOW: “But, Senator Tuberville, you know, able-bodied young men should not be on Medicaid. They should not be on Medicaid and the expansion of eligibility. So that’s not a cut really, sir. That’s enforcing the eligibility mandate, which Barack Obama tried to break. Now you all have a chance to put it back together again. And Medicaid is still gonna grow significantly. It’s just gonna grow by slightly less. It’s not really a cut. It’s just a slowdown in the phenomenal, bankrupting growth.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, illegals are on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Everything that goes along with people that, as you said, are sitting around at home, watching The View on television, getting [EBT] cards, food stamps, and on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid—that’s got to be over with. Our country is not gonna make it. We cannot afford [for] that to happen, and President Trump is all about that. That’s what the House is pushing very hard. All the reforms that you just talked about have to be in there, but we cannot afford to take care of the world. Let’s take care of the people in this country first and then we might be able to help outside our borders.”
    KUDLOW: “Actually, [if] we cut taxes and spending and have an investment-led boom and onshoring, the rest of the world might copy us. That’s what happened under Reagan. Anyway, Senator Tommy Tommy Tuberville. Thank you, sir, as always. We appreciate your wisdom.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Releases Report Documenting Trump’s War on Science

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, May 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released a new report uncovering the far-reaching scope of Trump’s attacks on science and their impact on public health.
    “Since January, Trump has launched an unprecedented, illegal and outrageous attack on science and scientists. Trump is not only denying scientific truth but actively seeking to undermine it,” said Sanders. “That is beyond unacceptable.  This is a war we cannot allow Trump to win. Far too many lives are at stake.”
    The report finds that Trump officials effectively cut $2.7 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in the first three months of 2025 – including a 31 percent cut to cancer research through March, compared to the same timeframe last year.
    “Trump’s war on science is an attack against anyone who has ever loved someone with cancer,” said Sanders. “The American people do not want us to slash cancer research in order to give more tax breaks for billionaires.”
    The report draws on HELP Committee Minority Staff’s interviews with dozens of federal scientists, workers, and experts to explain how Trump officials are suppressing what scientists can say, controlling how scientists work together, and erasing scientific data. Among those interviewed:
    One doctor said, “purging public health agency websites of data” would leave health care workers “without vetted guidance on how to treat patients.”
    Staff at the NIH Clinical Center explained how clinical care had been abruptly interrupted, and said, “Initially, we had whole labs full of people that were fired. Complete chaos. Nobody had any idea if their tests were being run. This administration has a lot of blood on their hands. We’re not political people. We just want to take care of people.”
    One former HHS official said, “I chose to go into federal service because I care about people. I want to be able to answer to the taxpayer, not the shareholder.”
    Multiple officials confirmed that scientific communication with the World Health Organization has been severely restricted.
    Trump’s arbitrary firings of HHS workers are already threatening the health and well-being of tens of millions of seniors, children, and working families.  For example, HHS has fired:
    A division at FDA that helped millions of Americans get faster access to low-cost generic prescription drugs;
    A team at CDC that supported states responding to environmental health threats like pollution, wildfires, and lead in drinking water; and
    Critical staff in NIH’s clinical cell-therapy program, delaying treatment for patients with advanced cancer. One Stage IV cancer patient said, “The reality is that by reducing money and staff, the NIH will not be able to produce my treatment and it might cost me my life. That does not sound like an administration that cares about its people.”
    The report documents how Trump officials have undermined the important role that vaccines play in preventing disease during the single largest measles outbreak in over 25 years –  with 1,001 cases reported, 126 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths.
    Trump officials have also lied about the consequences of their actions. Elon Musk says “no one” has died from the foreign aid freeze. But researchers estimate nearly 200,000 people have already died, and a global vaccine program estimates 1.2 million children – equivalent to 60,000 classrooms of kids – will die because of cuts that will save taxpayers 0.005 percent of the federal budget.
    “Let’s be clear. Trump’s war on science is not making America healthy again. It is making Americans and people throughout the world sicker,” said Sanders. “This must end. Congress, the scientific community, and the American people must stand up and fight back.”
    Read the report here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Secretary-General – Remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    [Bilingual, as delivered]

    Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

    Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.

    That is what our peace operations are about. 

    From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…

    From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…

    From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…

    To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.

    Excellencies,

    UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.

    Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.

    But they are united in their commitment to peace.

    As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…

    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…

    Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…

    And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.

    In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.

    And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.

    There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.  

    Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops. 

    At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.

    Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.

    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  

    Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.

    [MOMENT OF SILENCE]

    Thank you.

    Excellencies,

    We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.

    And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.

    Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…

    Growing polarization and division around the globe…

    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…

    Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…

    The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…

    All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.

    As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.

    We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.

    Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.

    And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.

    We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.

    But we need to do more.

    Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.

    First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.     

    The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.

    The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.

    It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.  

    Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

    We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.

    In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need. 

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations. 

    We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.

    Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.

    Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.

    Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.

    Member States make peacekeeping possible.

    They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.

    Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.

    Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical. 

    But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.

    Peacekeeping is no exception.

    It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.

    That requires more flexible rules and processes.

    This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.

    It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.

    And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.

    Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.

    We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.

    Troisièmement, nous avons besoin de votre soutien politique – qui passe notamment par les engagements que vous prendrez demain.

    Sans solution politique, les opérations de paix sont vouées à l’échec.

    Ensemble, nous devons rallier un soutien accru en faveur des solutions politiques pour toutes les missions de maintien de la paix.

    Faire avancer ces solutions politiques nécessite d’avoir les moyens nécessaires pour mener à bien nos opérations – notamment un soutien politique unifié de la part des États Membres, un leadership fort, des troupes bien préparées, du matériel et des technologies.

    Ces éléments peuvent renforcer nos opérations et améliorer sensiblement la vie des gens.

    Cela nécessite aussi un soutien de tous les États membres pour assurer la sécurité des Casques bleus sur le terrain, ainsi que le plein respect des privilèges et immunités pertinentes de notre Organisation et de son personnel.

    Nous sommes profondément reconnaissants de votre soutien et des contributions concrètes que nombre d’entre vous annonceront demain.

    Excellences,

    Le budget des opérations de la paix des Nations Unies, réparti entre les 193 États Membres, ne représente qu’une infime partie des dépenses militaires mondiales – environ 0,5 %. Ces opérations demeurent donc l’un des moyens les plus efficaces et les plus économiques de consolider la paix et la sécurité internationales.

    Toutefois, leur force est tributaire de l’engagement des États Membres à leur égard.

    Malheureusement, les opérations de maintien de la paix sont soumises a un sérieux problème de liquidité. Il est absolument essentiel que tous les Etats Membres respectent leurs obligations financières en payant les contributions intégralement et dans les temps.

    Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, le monde a besoin de l’ONU.

    Et l’ONU a besoin que les opérations de maintien de la paix disposent de tous les moyens nécessaires pour faire face aux réalités d’aujourd’hui et relever les défis de demain.

    Ensemble, faisons en sorte que les opérations de maintien de la paix de l’ONU répondent aux défis du moment, aux attentes des États Membres, et aux besoins légitimes de nos soldates et soldats de la paix – et des personnes à qui ils viennent en aide.

    Je vous remercie.

    Full translation in English.

    Full translation in French.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    ear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.

     
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.
     
    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
     
    Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.
     
    That is what our peace operations are about. 
     
    From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…
     
    From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…
     
    From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…
     
    To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.
     
    Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.
     
    But they are united in their commitment to peace.
     
    As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…
     
    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…
     
    Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…
     
    And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.
     
    In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.
     
    And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.
     
    There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.  
     
    Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops. 
     
    At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.
     
    Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.
     
    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  
     
    Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
     
    [MOMENT OF SILENCE]
     
    Thank you.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.
     
    And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.
     
    Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…
     
    Growing polarization and division around the globe…
     
    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…
     
    Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…
     
    The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…
     
    All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.
     
    As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.
     
    We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.
     
    Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.
     
    And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.
     
    We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.
     
    But we need to do more.
     
    Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.
     
    First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.     
     
    The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.
     
    The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.
     
    It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.  
     
    Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
     
    We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.
     
    In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need. 
     
    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations. 
     
    We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.
     
    Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.
     
    Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.
     
    Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.
     
    Member States make peacekeeping possible.
     
    They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.
     
    Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.

    Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical. 
     
    But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.
     
    Peacekeeping is no exception.
     
    It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.
     
    That requires more flexible rules and processes.
     
    This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.
     
    It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.
     
    And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.
     
    Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.
     
    We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.

    Third — we need your political support, including through the pledges you will make tomorrow.

    Peace operations cannot succeed in the absence of a political solution.

    Together we need to mobilize greater support for political solutions across our peacekeeping missions. 

    Pursuing these political solutions requires adequate means of delivering our operations — including unified political support from Member States, strong leadership, well-trained troops, equipment and technology.

    These can strengthen our operations, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

    And it requires the support of all Member States to ensure the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers in the field, and the full implementation of the relevant privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel.

    We are deeply grateful for the support and for the concrete pledges so many of you will announce here tomorrow.

    Excellencies,

    With a budget shared by all 193 Member States and representing a tiny fraction of global military spending — around one half of one per cent — UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and cost-effective tools to build international peace and security.

    But it’s only as strong as Member States’ commitment to it.

    Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems. 
      
    It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time. 

    Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations.

    And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. 

    Together, let’s shape the UN peacekeeping operations that the challenges require, that Member States demand, and that our peacekeepers and the people they support need and deserve.
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Banks Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make Veterans’ Benefit Claims Process Fairer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jim Banks (R-ID), members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, have introduced bipartisan legislation to make the veteran benefit claims process more streamlined and fair. The Review Every Veteran’s Claims Act would reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims process, helping to ensure that veterans’ benefits claims are never denied solely because they miss a medical disability exam appointment.

    Currently, many VA disability compensation claims require a medical examination to determine if a claimed disability is related to a veteran’s service. However, many veterans and veteran service organizations frequently report frustration with the exam scheduling process and veterans can be penalized for administrative mix-ups out of their control. Under the Review Every Veteran’s Claims Act, the VA would be restricted from denying a benefits claim solely on a veterans’ failure to show up to a scheduled exam.

    “Our veterans gave their very best during their service to our country and they deserve access to all their earned, well-deserved benefits,” said Senator King. “No veteran should ever be denied their benefits because of bureaucracy, mistakes or unplanned schedule conflicts getting in the way. The bipartisan Review Every Veteran’s Claims Act will work to humanize the VA’s claims process and ensure we make true on our promise to take care of the brave men and women who served.” 

    “Veterans’ benefit claims shouldn’t be tossed aside because of red tape or poor communication,” said Senator Banks. “VA has a duty to assist veterans every step of the way, and my bill makes the claims process fairer so veterans always get the benefits they have earned.”

    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. Senator King has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Earlier this year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. Most recently, he joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize a program that would expand access to veteran disability claims exams.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations

    Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.

     
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.
     
    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
     
    Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.
     
    That is what our peace operations are about. 
     
    From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…
     
    From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…
     
    From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…
     
    To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.
     
    Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.
     
    But they are united in their commitment to peace.
     
    As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…
     
    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…
     
    Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…
     
    And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.
     
    In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.
     
    And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.
     
    There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.  
     
    Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops. 
     
    At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.
     
    Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.
     
    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  
     
    Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
     
    [MOMENT OF SILENCE]
     
    Thank you.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.
     
    And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.
     
    Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…
     
    Growing polarization and division around the globe…
     
    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…
     
    Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…
     
    The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…
     
    All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.
     
    As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.
     
    We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.
     
    Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.
     
    And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.
     
    We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.
     
    But we need to do more.
     
    Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.
     
    First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.     
     
    The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.
     
    The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.
     
    It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.  
     
    Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
     
    We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.
     
    In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need. 
     
    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations. 
     
    We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.
     
    Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.
     
    Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.
     
    Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.
     
    Member States make peacekeeping possible.
     
    They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.
     
    Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.

    Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical. 
     
    But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.
     
    Peacekeeping is no exception.
     
    It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.
     
    That requires more flexible rules and processes.
     
    This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.
     
    It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.
     
    And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.
     
    Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.
     
    We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.

    Third — we need your political support, including through the pledges you will make tomorrow.

    Peace operations cannot succeed in the absence of a political solution.

    Together we need to mobilize greater support for political solutions across our peacekeeping missions. 

    Pursuing these political solutions requires adequate means of delivering our operations — including unified political support from Member States, strong leadership, well-trained troops, equipment and technology.

    These can strengthen our operations, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

    And it requires the support of all Member States to ensure the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers in the field, and the full implementation of the relevant privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel.

    We are deeply grateful for the support and for the concrete pledges so many of you will announce here tomorrow.

    Excellencies,

    With a budget shared by all 193 Member States and representing a tiny fraction of global military spending — around one half of one per cent — UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and cost-effective tools to build international peace and security.

    But it’s only as strong as Member States’ commitment to it.

    Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems. 
      
    It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time. 

    Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations.

    And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. 

    Together, let’s shape the UN peacekeeping operations that the challenges require, that Member States demand, and that our peacekeepers and the people they support need and deserve.
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Champion Safe’s 2025 Trophy Series Attracts Strong Dealer Interest with Key Upgrades

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Provo, UT, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Since its 2025 launch, the newly enhanced Trophy Series from Champion Safe Company, a leading manufacturer of premium safes and wholly-owned subsidiary of American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB), America’s Patriotic Brand (americanrebel.com) has been generating significant interest among dealers looking for a high-security, high-value safe that outperforms comparable offerings. With key design and security upgrades for 2025, the Trophy Series is proving to be an even stronger competitor in the marketplace.

    The Trophy Series has long been a trusted choice for customers who demand both strength and style, and the latest improvements further enhance its durability, usability, and visual appeal. This year’s updates include:

    NEW Chrome-Plated Pull Handle – A modern design upgrade that enhances both appearance and user comfort.

    NEW Radial Gear Drive Mechanism – Ensures smoother, more reliable operation.

    NEW Black and Gray Plush Interior – Adds a refined touch while maintaining maximum storage capacity.

    NEW ½” Radius Edges – A sleeker look that distinguishes Trophy from competing safes.

    Beyond its design enhancements, the Trophy Series remains one of the most rugged safes in its class. With a 4½-inch-thick double-plate door, a 10-gauge steel outer shell, and Champion’s exclusive Diamond-Embedded Armor Plate™, it offers a level of security that many competitor models can’t match. The 1200°F fire rating for two hours ensures industry-leading fire protection for firearms, valuables, and important documents.

    “We’re seeing strong interest from dealers who recognize that the Trophy Series offers a clear advantage over other safes in its class,” said Tom Mihalek, CEO of Champion Safe Company. “The combination of premium security features, improved usability, and a refined design makes it an even easier choice for both dealers and customers.”

    Available in multiple sizes and finishes, including high-gloss Black, Ivory, and Platinum, the 2025 Trophy Series is positioned as a top-tier safe at a competitive price.

    For more information about the Trophy Series and to find a dealer, visit ChampionSafe.com.

    #ChampionSafe #TrophySeries #BuiltToProtect #SecureYourLegacy

    —

    About Champion Safe Company
    championsafe.com

    Champion Safe Company has been at the forefront of safe manufacturing for over 25 years, offering a range of high-quality safes designed for ultimate security and fire protection. With a commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, Champion Safes are trusted by homeowners, gun owners, and businesses across the nation.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of the 2025 product innovations, actual revenues for fiscal 2025, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Company Contacts
    ir@americanrebel.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: VEEA® Announces Acquisition of AI-Enabled Smart Spaces Provider Crowdkeep

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Veea Inc. (NASDAQ: VEEA), a pioneer in edge computing and AI-driven solutions, announced today that it has acquired substantially all of the technology of Crowdkeep, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Crowdkeep”) for shares of Veea’s common stock and other consideration.

    Crowdkeep develops and sells a comprehensive enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) platform that disrupts the traditional ways that organizations operate with a technology platform that collects real-time data to help improve the speed and accuracy of critical workplace operations, including schools, hospitals, hotels, manufacturing centers, office towers, construction sites, and virtually any building or campus that need to make fast and informed data-driven decisions about people, assets, and environments.

    Crowdkeep’s software platform will be integrated with Veea’s Edge Platform and utilize VeeaHub products, cameras and sensors with edge AI facilitating the tracking of valuable on-site assets, monitoring of equipment condition, eliminate manual processes associated with managing the workplace environment, while accounting for workers’ time, location, attendance and safety. With converged computing, communications, including 5G, AI inferencing and federated learning, distributed NVMe storage, real-time anomaly detection with ML toolchain, and scalable analytics with a serverless data warehouse platform, the combined solution provides for real-time management of the entire network with data privacy and enterprise-grade cybersecurity for both data-at-rest and data-in motion, as well as massive scalability for construction sites, hospitals, schools, smart buildings, hospitality, industrial warehouses and shipping yards, and many more market segments.

    This strategic acquisition will strengthen Veea’s market position as a leader in hybrid edge-cloud computing and communications solutions by enhancing its ability to deliver a more comprehensive end-to-end solution with AI-driven cybersecurity and cloud-based data and analytics platform allowing users to store, manage, report and analyze large volumes of data with time-to-insights and event notification for Smart Spaces and a wide range of digital transformations at the edge, ultimately benefitting Veea’s current customers and expanding Veea’s global market presence.

    Following the acquisition, Helder Antunes, the current CEO of Crowdkeep and a member of Veea’s board, will be joining Veea’s management team as an Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. Prior to Crowdkeep, Mr. Antunes was an executive of Cisco Systems for over twenty years, founder and first Chairman of the OpenFog Consortium. Mr. Antunes will drive the sales and marketing activities at Veea while overseeing a portfolio of strategic accounts with a focus on ensuring accurate and timely revenue recognition, aligning financial reporting with contractual obligations in close collaboration with the finance team.

    “This is an important transaction for both Veea and Crowdkeep, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. This transformative acquisition underscores Veea’s mission to provide innovative solutions that unlock the full potential of edge computing and AI, bridging the gap to a more connected, secure, and intelligent world,” said Allen Salmasi, Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we are combining our strengths to accelerate product innovation, expand our capabilities and addressable markets, while delivering unique capabilities that we believe no other platform currently offers.”

    “The need for massive data collection at the edge to safely, efficiently, and proactively manage today’s workplace is rapidly increasing,” said Helder Antunes, Chief Executive Officer of Crowdkeep. “The combined capabilities of Crowdkeep and Veea will provide users with real-time insights and actionable data at the edge that will enhance situational awareness, allow for quick decision-making, and enhance safety with AI-powered predictive intelligence.”

    About Veea

    Veea® has unified multi-tenant computing, multiaccess multiprotocol communications, edge storage and cybersecurity solutions through fully integrated cloud- and edge-managed products. Veea’s pioneering Multiaccess Edge Computing (MEC) product, developed from the ground up in several compact form factors, brings together the functionality typically provided for through any combination of servers, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, routers, firewalls, Wi-Fi Access Points (APs), IoT gateways, 4G or 5G wireless access, and cloud management by means of multiple hardware, software and systems integrated and maintained by IT/OT professionals. Veea Edge Platform offers application responsiveness, bolsters cybersecurity, data privacy and context awareness, and lowers data transport costs as well as total cost of ownership, while providing for easy installation, operations, monitoring and maintenance of edge networks.

    With Software Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and network slicing over LAN, VeeaWare full-stack platform software uniquely provides for cellular-like subscription-based network-managed Wi-Fi and IoT devices over a connectivity and computing mesh network. It also enables application environment for a range of third-party ARM-based, x86-based and CUDA-based products that may incorporate GPUs, TPUs, DPUs, and/or NPUs that are all edge-managed through VeeaCloud.

    Veea was formed in 2014 and is headquartered in New York City with a rich history of major innovations in the development of advanced networking, wireless and computing technologies, along with over 122 granted and 25 pending patents in key aspects of hyperconverged edge computing technologies. For more information, visit veea.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    About Crowdkeep

    Crowdkeep is an Internet of Things (IoT) platform that empowers users with real-time people and asset positioning to make fast, informed decisions about people, assets, and conditions throughout the workplace. Created out of a desire to introduce a comprehensive IoT platform that enables a safer and more efficient workplace, Crowdkeep looks to the future with agility and confidence to pioneer technologies that have staying power in the constantly evolving digital world.

    Crowdkeep is proud to lead a wave of digital transformation technologies that are changing the way businesses and organizations operate and make decisions. Crowdkeep takes aim at the ineffective and obsolete ways of doing things and offers customers cost effective solutions that are less complex, easy to deploy, and lead to insights and intelligent analysis that help the workplace become more productive and run safer. For more information visit crowdkeep.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) as well as Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company’s future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely” or other comparable terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding the Company’s strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties including those regarding: the Company’s business strategies, and the risk and uncertainties described in “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements” and the additional risk described in Veea’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and any subsequent filings which Veea makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements made in the press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in the press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

    The Equity Group

    Devin Sullivan
    Managing Director
    dsullivan@equityny.com

    Conor Rodriguez
    Associate
    crodriguez@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Taoiseach Martin of Ireland: 13 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with Taoiseach Martin of Ireland: 13 May 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning. 

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning. 

    The pair discussed the productive Coalition of the Willing meeting on Saturday and agreed good progress had been made in support of Ukraine. They agreed to continue working with international partners and put pressure on Putin to accept the ceasefire deal on the table without conditions. 

    The Prime Minister updated the Taoiseach on his ongoing discussions with the European Union, ahead of the first UK-EU summit next week. Both leaders agreed that there was an ambitious package on the table that would serve to benefit hard-working people and businesses across Europe. 

    Finally, the Prime Minister and Taoiseach reflected on the constructive bilateral discussions held recently at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in April on a joint approach to dealing with legacy issues of the past in Northern Ireland. They agreed that their respective teams would continue these discussions at pace.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dog Company strengthens regional ties, tests lethality at African Lion 2025

    Source: United States Army

    Senegalese Armed Forces soldiers line up on the firing line with M240B machine guns under the guidance of U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade during range training at Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2) in Dodji, Senegal, May 8, 2025. The joint training enhanced weapons handling skills and strengthened interoperability between U.S. and Senegalese forces in preparation for African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. C Jay Spence) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Back to

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)

    DODJI, Senegal — After nearly a month of dynamic multinational training, Soldiers assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, concluded their participation in African Lion 2025 (AL25) — U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual combined joint exercise.

    Deployed to Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2), Dog Company executed a high-tempo training plan which tested its capabilities, reinforced foundational skills and deepened interoperability with partner forces from the Armed Forces of Senegal, the Mauritanian Armed Forces, the Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire and the Royal Netherlands Army.

    “It was fantastic to see our paratroopers adapt their small-unit tactics, techniques, and procedures to best achieve their mission given the harsh environment,” said U.S. Army Capt. Austen Deppe, Dog Company commander.

    A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, instructs a member of the Senegalese Armed Forces on properly loading the M240B machine gun during range training at Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2) in Dodji, Senegal, May 8, 2025. The live-fire session supported interoperability and weapons proficiency ahead of combined operations during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. C Jay Spence) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Key events included a dismounted anti-tank live-fire exercise, multinational patrolling events culminating in a two-day combined field training exercise, integration of small, unmanned aircraft systems, and shared static live-fire ranges—all conducted in a resource-limited, austere desert environment.

    “I’m proud to have participated in this event with our partners and proud of the fundamental capabilities we built collectively throughout the training,” said Deppe.

    Dog Company Soldiers worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Senegalese and Dutch counterparts — not just in planning and execution, but in overcoming shared challenges. Whether firing anti-armor weapon systems, adjusting formations in unfamiliar terrain or refining communications procedures, soldiers built trust and enhanced interoperability.

    “Integration is key at every level in multinational operations, but seeing Soldiers build real cooperation at the small-unit level was the most rewarding,” said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Maurice Novack, Dog Company first sergeant. “The Infantry is a mindset, and it was refreshing to see that, though small-unit tactics may vary across the greater force, we all share the critical mindset to close with and destroy the enemy — no matter the conditions.”

    A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade set his sights on a target while operating an M240B machine gun on the firing line at Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2) in Dodji, Senegal, May 8, 2025. Range operations during African Lion 2025 (AL25) reinforce weapons proficiency, target acquisition skills, and joint combat readiness. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. C Jay Spence) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Dog Company also mentored junior Senegalese leaders during situational training exercises and worked alongside the Dutch 42nd Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron to enhance cross-unit communication during complex range operations.

    “It wasn’t just us training them — we were learning, too,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Garcia-Ono, a Dog Company squad leader. “Whether it was a different way to conduct a battle drill or TTPs [tactics, techniques and procedures] for operating in a desert environment, we left with new tools in the toolbox.”

    AL25 brought together more than 10,000 troops from over 50 nations across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. For Dog Company, the experience underscored the role of U.S. forces not only as trainers, but as long-term partners invested in regional security and mutual growth.

    “This exercise was never meant to be easy,” Deppe said. “It was about building capability and confidence across logistics systems, tactical competence and organizational relationships on a personal level. That’s what defines African Lion to us, and that’s why we are proud to have participated.”

    Deppe’s first sergeant agreed.

    “Everyone’s going home better than they arrived,” Novack added. “We didn’t just build readiness. We built trust.”

    About 173rd Airborne Brigade

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade (Sky Soldiers) is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapid forces to the United States European, Africa and Central Commands areas of responsibility. Forward-based in Italy and Germany, the Brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners.

    About SETAF-AF

    SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

    Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

    About African Lion

    African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi hails armed forces’ heroism, says India’s response to terror will be on its own terms

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to the Air Force Station at Adampur on Monday, hailed the valour and professionalism of the armed forces, declaring that the success of Operation Sindoor had sent a strong and irreversible message to India’s enemies: the country will respond to terror and provocation decisively, on its own terms.
     
    Addressing air warriors and soldiers, PM Modi said the chant of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ was not just a slogan, but a solemn pledge taken by every soldier and citizen to serve and protect the nation. “This slogan is not mere words—it is a vow. It is the voice that echoes from the battlefield, the roar that follows our missiles, and the resolve that terrifies our enemies,” he said.
     
    Referring to the recent military operation, the Prime Minister said the country’s armed forces had demonstrated exceptional courage and capability. “The success of Operation Sindoor is not just a military achievement—it is a reflection of India’s policy, intent and decisive power,” he said, adding that the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy had acted in perfect coordination to dismantle terror networks deep within Pakistani territory.
     
    He asserted that Indian drones and missiles had struck with such precision and force that the enemy was left stunned. “In just 20-25 minutes, our forces hit their targets with absolute accuracy. The enemy never saw it coming,” he said.
     
    PM Modi revealed that the operation destroyed nine major terrorist hideouts and eliminated over 100 terrorists. “The masterminds of terrorism must now understand that provoking India will lead only to one consequence—total destruction,” he said. He also praised the restraint and responsibility shown by the armed forces during the operation, especially while Pakistan used civilian aircraft to shield its military infrastructure. “Our soldiers operated with precision and caution, upholding both strength and humanity,” he said.
     
    Calling Operation Sindoor a turning point in India’s defence posture, the Prime Minister said the country’s response to future provocations would be guided by three clear principles. “First, if India is attacked, the response will be on our terms. Second, we will not tolerate nuclear blackmail. Third, we will make no distinction between terrorist masterminds and the governments that shelter them,” he said.
     
    He underlined that the Pakistani army, which had long harboured terrorists, had been decisively pushed back. “There is no safe haven left for them. India will strike them in their own territory if necessary,” PM Modi said, adding that the success of Operation Sindoor had not only neutralised threats but also shattered the morale of the enemy.
     
    Addressing the personnel from the Air Force, Navy, Army, and the Border Security Force, PM Modi said, “You have filled every Indian’s heart with pride. The entire country stood with you, praying and supporting your mission. It is because of you that every Indian walks taller today.”
     
    He also paid tribute to India’s military tradition, invoking the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh. “He said, ‘I will make one warrior fight against 125,000… I will make sparrows defeat hawks.’ That spirit lives on in every Indian soldier,” he said.
     
    PM Modi acknowledged the technological edge India has built over the years, crediting the past decade’s reforms and acquisitions for strengthening the armed forces. “Today, the Indian military has some of the most advanced systems in the world. With the Akash missile systems and S-400 air defence platforms, our borders are secure, and our enemies have been forced to retreat,” he said.
     
    He added that India’s modern warfare now extends beyond traditional firepower. “We don’t just fight with weapons anymore—we fight with data, with drones, with intelligence. Our forces have mastered this new battlefield,” he said.
     
    The Prime Minister emphasized that while the current military action has been paused in response to Pakistan’s appeal, India’s forces remain fully alert. “Let me be clear—if there is any further provocation or attack, India’s response will be swift, firm, and uncompromising,” he said.
     
    PM Modi urged the armed forces to continue their vigilance. “This is a new India—an India that seeks peace but will not hesitate to strike back if humanity is threatened,” he said.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English]

    Source: United Nations – English

    ear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.

     
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.
     
    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
     
    Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.
     
    That is what our peace operations are about. 
     
    From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…
     
    From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…
     
    From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…
     
    To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.
     
    Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.
     
    But they are united in their commitment to peace.
     
    As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…
     
    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…
     
    Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…
     
    And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.
     
    In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.
     
    And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.
     
    There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.  
     
    Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops. 
     
    At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.
     
    Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.
     
    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  
     
    Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
     
    [MOMENT OF SILENCE]
     
    Thank you.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.
     
    And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.
     
    Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…
     
    Growing polarization and division around the globe…
     
    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…
     
    Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…
     
    The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…
     
    All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.
     
    As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.
     
    We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.
     
    Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.
     
    And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.
     
    We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.
     
    But we need to do more.
     
    Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.
     
    First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.     
     
    The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.
     
    The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.
     
    It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.  
     
    Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
     
    We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.
     
    In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need. 
     
    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations. 
     
    We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.
     
    Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.
     
    Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.
     
    Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.
     
    Member States make peacekeeping possible.
     
    They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.
     
    Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.

    Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical. 
     
    But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.
     
    Peacekeeping is no exception.
     
    It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.
     
    That requires more flexible rules and processes.
     
    This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.
     
    It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.
     
    And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.
     
    Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.
     
    We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.

    Third — we need your political support, including through the pledges you will make tomorrow.

    Peace operations cannot succeed in the absence of a political solution.

    Together we need to mobilize greater support for political solutions across our peacekeeping missions. 

    Pursuing these political solutions requires adequate means of delivering our operations — including unified political support from Member States, strong leadership, well-trained troops, equipment and technology.

    These can strengthen our operations, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

    And it requires the support of all Member States to ensure the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers in the field, and the full implementation of the relevant privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel.

    We are deeply grateful for the support and for the concrete pledges so many of you will announce here tomorrow.

    Excellencies,

    With a budget shared by all 193 Member States and representing a tiny fraction of global military spending — around one half of one per cent — UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and cost-effective tools to build international peace and security.

    But it’s only as strong as Member States’ commitment to it.

    Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems. 
      
    It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time. 

    Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations.

    And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. 

    Together, let’s shape the UN peacekeeping operations that the challenges require, that Member States demand, and that our peacekeepers and the people they support need and deserve.
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK convenes European partners in London to continue collective action against “once-in-a-generation” security threat 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK convenes European partners in London to continue collective action against “once-in-a-generation” security threat 

    The Foreign Secretary will host Foreign Ministers of the Weimar+ group for critical talks on repelling Russian aggression and bolstering European security.  

    • Work continues at pace with the ‘Weimar+ group in London to ensure Europe is together responding to security challenges to protect our citizens  
    • Looking ahead to the UK-EU summit on 19 May, Foreign Secretary brings together European partners in pursuit of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine   
    • The meeting builds on wider UK-European collaboration, following European leaders including the Prime Minister meeting President Zelenskyy in Kyiv over the weekend

    The Foreign Secretary will host Foreign Ministers of the Weimar+ group today (12 May 2025) at Lancaster House for critical talks on repelling Russian aggression and bolstering European security.   

    Representatives from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland and the EU will join Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London.  It follows a historic visit on Saturday by the leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland to Kyiv during which, alongside the US, they called for Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to allow for unfettered peace talks. 

    Hosted in the UK for the first time, today’s Weimar+ meeting is the sixth time these major European powers have come together in this format. 

    Ukraine’s rightful future is a just and lasting peace. Putin’s refusal to engage seriously in peace talks is forcing that future into improbability. This is a critical moment to secure the future of Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary will make clear at Weimar+ that Europe’s leaders must stand strong in our unwavering support for Ukraine’s right to peace and freedom.   

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said: 

    We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent. The challenge we face today is not only about the future of Ukraine – it is existential for Europe as a whole.    

    I have brought our friends and partners to London to make clear that we must stand together, allied in our protection of sovereignty, of peace and of Ukraine.    

    A strong and secure Britain is a foundation of our Plan for Change. This cannot be achieved without standing up to Putin and strengthening our shared European security.

    To further resist Putin’s attacks on Ukraine, the international order and peace, the Foreign Secretary is gathering Allies for discussions on both our joint efforts to strengthen European security and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.    

    This builds on a drumbeat of collaboration between the UK and the EU on defence and security. On top of Saturday’s meeting attended by the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary on Friday joined European ministers in Lviv to announce the UK’s support for the establishment of a Special Tribunal, to hold those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine to account. This followed the Foreign Secretary visiting Poland to join the Gymnich meeting, where he highlighted the need for a new, ambitious security relationship between the UK and Europe that will support economic growth, protect citizens, and support European collective security and defence. The Weimar+ is an important opportunity to continue driving forward these talks with EU member states.  

    The Weimar+ meeting comes days ahead of the UK-EU Summit (19 May), which will cover a range of UK-EU issues and look to foster a stable, positive and forward-looking relationship.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI can scan vast numbers of social media posts during disasters to guide first responders

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ademola Adesokan, Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Science, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Rescuers need to know ASAP where they’re needed in disasters. AP Photo/Mike Stewart

    When disasters happen – such as hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes – every second counts. Emergency teams need to find people fast, send help and stay organized. In today’s world, one of the fastest ways to get information is through social media.

    In recent years, researchers have explored how artificial intelligence can use social media to help during emergencies. These programs can scan millions of posts on sites such as X, Facebook and Instagram. However, most existing systems look for simple patterns like keywords or images of damage.

    In my research as an AI scientist, I’ve developed new models that go further. They can understand the meaning and context of posts – what researchers call semantics. This helps improve how accurately the system identifies people in need and classifies situational awareness information during emergencies. The results show that these tools can give rescue teams a clearer view of what’s happening on the ground and where help is needed most.

    From posts to lifesaving insights

    People share billions of posts on social media every day. During disasters, they often share photos, videos, short messages and even their location. This creates a huge network of real-time information.

    How social media can help when a disaster strikes, by the European Commission.

    But with so many posts, it’s hard for people to find what’s important quickly. That’s where artificial intelligence helps. These systems, which use machine learning, can scan thousands of posts every second, find urgent messages, spot damage shown in pictures, and tell real information from rumors.

    During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, people sent over 20 million tweets over six days. If AI tools had been used then, they could have helped find people in danger even faster.

    Training AIs

    Researchers begin by teaching AI programs to understand emergencies. In one study I conducted, I looked at thousands of social media posts from disasters. I sorted them into groups like people asking for help, damaged buildings and general comments. Then, I used these examples to train the program to sort new posts by itself.

    One big step forward was teaching the program to look at pictures and words together. For example, a photo of flooded streets and a message like “we’re trapped” are stronger signals than either one alone. Using both, the system became much better at showing where people needed help and how serious the damage was.

    Finding information is just the first step. The main goal is to help emergency teams act quickly and save lives.

    I’m working with emergency response teams in the United States to add this technology to their systems. When a disaster hits, my program can show where help is needed by using social media posts. It can also classify this information by urgency, helping rescue teams use their resources where they are needed most.

    For example, during a flood, my system can quickly spot where people are asking for help and rank these areas by urgency. This helps rescue teams act faster and send aid where it’s needed most, even before official reports come in.

    AI scans of social media could help guide first responders to where they’re most urgently needed.
    Jon Cherry/Getty Images

    Addressing the challenges

    Using social media to help during disasters sounds great, but it’s not always easy. Sometimes, people post things that aren’t true. Other times, the same message gets posted many times or doesn’t clearly state where the problem is. This mix can make it hard for the system to know what’s real.

    To fix this, I’m working on ways to check a post’s credibility. I look at who posted it, what words they used and whether other posts say the same thing.

    I also take privacy seriously. I only use posts that anyone can see and never show names or personal details. Instead, I look at the big picture to find patterns.

    The future of disaster intelligence

    As AI systems improve, they are likely to be even more helpful during disasters. New tools can understand messages more clearly and might even help us see where trouble is coming before it starts.

    As extreme weather worsens, authorities need fast ways to get good information. When used correctly, social media can show people where help is needed most. It can help save lives and get supplies to the right places faster.

    In the future, I believe this will become a regular part of emergency work around the world. My research is still growing, but one thing is clear: Disaster response is no longer just about people on the ground – it’s also about AI systems in the cloud.

    Ademola Adesokan receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the Kummer Institute for Student Success, Research, and Economic Development at the Missouri University of Science and Technology through the Kummer Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship.

    – ref. AI can scan vast numbers of social media posts during disasters to guide first responders – https://theconversation.com/ai-can-scan-vast-numbers-of-social-media-posts-during-disasters-to-guide-first-responders-255316

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The heads of the Russian and Turkish foreign ministries discussed V. Putin’s initiative on negotiations on May 15 in Istanbul

    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

    Moscow, May 13 /Xinhua/ — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official website reported.

    “The heads of the foreign policy departments discussed issues related to the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to begin direct negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement on May 15 in Istanbul,” the ministry reported.

    Speaking to journalists in the Kremlin on the night of May 11, V. Putin proposed that the Ukrainian side resume direct negotiations, which they interrupted in 2022, without preconditions. It is proposed to begin the dialogue on May 15 in Istanbul. Later on May 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed to V. Putin on the social network X to hold a personal meeting on May 15 in Turkey to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict. He added that Ukraine also expects a full and long-term ceasefire starting on May 12. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denmark: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 13, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Copenhagen, Denmark:

    Denmark’s strong growth has continued, primarily driven by pharmaceutical exports, while domestic demand has remained relatively sluggish. Staff expects output growth to moderate in the near term as external demand weakens. Direct impacts from U.S. tariffs are expected to be limited, but heightened trade tensions and trade policy uncertainty pose risks to the outlook. Denmark’s robust institutions, competitive and relatively diversified economic structure, strong fiscal position, and highly educated workforce all reinforce its resilience to external shocks. In this context, the policy priorities are as follows.

    • Uphold fiscal sustainability amid rising defense and aging-related expenditures.
    • Ensure financial stability by vigilantly monitoring risks, maintaining a prudent capital-based macroprudential policy setting, and tightening borrower-based measures.
    • Further intensify structural reforms to support high levels of income and sustain the welfare state.

    Economic outlook and risks

    1. Staff anticipates a gradual moderation in GDP growth. Output growth is projected to decline from 3.7 percent in 2024 to 2.9 percent in 2025 and further to 1.8 percent in 2026. Export growth, including pharmaceutical exports, is expected to slow, while the full reopening of the Tyra natural gas and oil field will provide a temporary uplift. The U.S. is a key trading partner; however, exports produced in Denmark passing through customs account for only 3 percent of total exports, limiting the direct impact of U.S. tariffs on the Danish economy. Domestic demand is expected to gradually strengthen, driven by increased public expenditures and a modest recovery in private consumption due to improved consumer purchasing power. Beyond 2026, medium-term growth is projected at around 1.5 percent, reflecting a maturing pharmaceutical sector and a declining working-age population. Labor market pressures have eased, with inflation anticipated to stay around 2 percent.
    2. Risks to growth are on the downside. External risks dominate the outlook. A reversal of globalization, including higher trade barriers and deepening geoeconomic fragmentation, would put the Danish economy at risk. Global uncertainty, including the intensification of regional conflicts, would dampen consumer and business confidence, weighing on domestic demand. Upside risks to growth include a faster-than-expected resolution of trade and geopolitical tensions, as well as stronger pharmaceutical exports.

    Maintaining fiscal sustainability amid rising defense and aging-related spending

    1. The fiscal surplus is expected to decline significantly. In February, the authorities announced a temporary rise in defense spending from 2¼ percent of GDP in 2024 to 3¼ percent in 2025 and 2026, returning to 2¼ percent by 2033. This increase adds to already planned personal income tax cuts and increased expenditures related to health, long-term care, and climate. As a result, staff projects the overall surplus to fall from 4½ percent of GDP in 2024 to 1¼ percent in 2025 and further to ½ percent of GDP in 2026. Although labor market pressures have eased, and fiscal multipliers for the planned measures are likely to be low, the resulting fiscal stimulus could be stronger than warranted by macroeconomic circumstances. Given these risks, the authorities should continue to exercise robust spending controls and save any revenue above budget forecasts for the remainder of 2025.
    2. Given Denmark’s robust fiscal position, the announced temporary increase in defense spending is manageable from a public finance sustainability perspective. Denmark has long anticipated rising spending pressures from an aging population and has successfully reduced its debt-to-GDP ratio to below 30 percent, down from nearly 50 percent a decade ago. Furthermore, a significantly higher-than-expected fiscal surplus in 2024 provides additional room to accommodate the increased defense spending. In the staff’s baseline scenario, the structural balance is expected to remain above the -1 percent of GDP floor over the medium term, consistent with Denmark’s fiscal rules and a stable debt-to-GDP ratio.
    3. However, significantly higher and more persistent increases in defense spending would require adjustment measures to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. These adjustment measures should be growth-friendly while ensuring fairness to preserve the welfare state. Specifically:
    • While both expenditure and revenue measures should be explored, given the already high tax burden, priority should be given to spending measures. To this end, an in-depth assessment of expenditures should be conducted to identify low-priority or inefficient spending, as well as the opportunity to enhance public administration efficiency by leveraging digitalization and AI.
    • Structural reform programs should be vigorously pursued to boost labor supply and enhance productivity. In this context, further raising the retirement age in line with improved life expectancy is vital to ensure fiscal sustainability.
    • The structural balance floor of -1 percent of GDP under current national fiscal rules should be respected.

    Safeguarding financial stability

    1. Although systemic risks have been contained, heightened global risks warrant continued vigilance in monitoring financial sector risks. Banks are well-capitalized, with strong profitability, asset quality, and liquidity. To further strengthen the resilience of the financial system, the authorities should (i) ensure that banks maintain robust provisioning practices for credit risks, including a thorough examination of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 9 modeling practices; (ii) complete the ongoing review of internal ratings-based models promptly, followed by supervisory actions based on the results, and implement the EU’s CRR III/CRD VI as planned; (iii) continue efforts to enhance resilience against cyberattacks; and (iv) ensure that the Financial Supervisory Authority is adequately staffed across a full range of skills and experiences to deliver its mandates.
    2. Capital-based macroprudential policy is broadly appropriate, but borrower-based measures should be tightened to address pockets of vulnerabilities. Given heightened global risks and the fragile commercial real estate (CRE) sector, the 2.5 percent countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) and the 7 percent sector-specific systemic risk buffer, introduced in June 2024 to mitigate risks in the CRE sector, should remain in place for now. To address pockets of vulnerabilities in mortgages, the authorities should consider lowering the maximum loan-to-value ratio below the current 95 percent. In addition, incentives for bigger mortgages should be reduced by lowering the tax deductibility of mortgage interest expenses.
    3. The risks posed by non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) should be closely monitored and assessed. The authorities have increased their focus on the NBFI sector in financial stability assessments. Given the considerable size and extensive interconnectedness of NBFIs within the financial system, as well as their susceptibility to market vulnerabilities, the authorities should continue strengthening the oversight framework for NBFIs. Key priorities include: (i) finalizing the supervisory order on the stress-testing framework for insurance and pension firms; (ii) developing a framework for systemic risk assessment that covers both banks and NBFIs; and (iii) ensuring that insurance and pension companies provide clear advice to clients about financial and longevity risks when selling non-guaranteed products.
    4. Addressing outstanding recommendations in the 2020 Financial Stability Assessment Program would further strengthen financial sector oversight and crisis management. The authorities have made significant strides in implementing numerous recommendations, especially in bank and insurance supervision and systemic liquidity. Important outstanding recommendations relate to systemic risk oversight and the governance of the resolution authorities.

    Pursuing structural reforms

    1. Structural reforms should be further intensified to sustain high levels of income, preserve fiscal space, and sustain the welfare state. Over the past several decades, Denmark has benefited significantly from globalization, including reduced trade barriers and expanded global value chains. However, these conditions may shift due to rising geopolitical and trade tensions. An aging population would also weigh on potential growth. All these concerns underscore the pressing need for Denmark to reinforce structural reform efforts. Specifically,
    • Strengthening policies to support entrepreneurship while harnessing the benefits of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Staff welcomes the progress made in implementing a new entrepreneurship strategy launched in June 2024 to support start-ups and scale-ups. Denmark excels in digitalization and is well-positioned to leverage the benefits of AI. In this regard, the authorities should continue reviewing the legal and technical barriers to AI adoption while ensuring sound ethical principles. While Denmark’s flexicurity model is well-suited to facilitate possible labor reallocation across sectors, the implications of digital technologies on labor markets, including job displacement, should be closely monitored.
    • Continuing efforts to ensure a sufficient labor supply with the right skills, such as IT, health, and long-term care professionals. The authorities’ ongoing focus on labor market reforms is appropriate, including recent initiatives to (i) reform education curricula to equip students with digitalization skills; (ii) enhance vocational education and training; and (iii) make the active labor market policy framework more cost-effective while maintaining the strengths of the Danish flexicurity model. Other policy priorities include: (i) aligning the foreign worker recruitment schemes, especially the salary requirement limit and the positive list, with labor market needs; and (ii) ensuring the effectiveness of integration programs to help foreign workers and families successfully integrate into Danish society.
    1. A deeper EU single market could boost Denmark’s business dynamism and potential growth. The EU single market, Denmark’s most important trade area, is fragmented. Deepening EU integration will enhance the benefits of economies of scale and network effects, thus expanding the market for Danish businesses. Simultaneously, the authorities should make efforts to reduce domestic regulatory burdens on businesses (e.g., reporting requirements) while balancing the costs and benefits of these regulations. Denmark’s commitment to supporting multilateral and transparent trade policies that promote mutually beneficial cooperation in global trade, knowledge, and investment flows is commendable.
    2. Strengthening climate adaptation will support sustainable growth. Due to its coastal location and flat topography, Denmark is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion, necessitating a well-designed long-term adaptation plan. The government is developing National Climate Adaptation Plan II, which focuses on enhanced coastal and groundwater protection, urban flood management, and the assessment of infrastructure needs, including financing responsibilities among central and local governments and the private sector. Simultaneously, the authorities are encouraged to reform the property insurance scheme (“Storm Surge Scheme”) to make insurance premiums risk-based.

    The mission thanks the authorities and private sector counterparts for their accommodative flexibility, warm hospitality, and candid and high-quality discussions. The IMF team is especially grateful to the Danmarks Nationalbank for its assistance with meeting and logistical arrangements.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/12/mcs-denmark-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Dear Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, our generous hosts.

     
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    My thanks to Germany for bringing us together at this consequential moment.
     
    This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
     
    Our organization was founded on the conviction that peace is possible if we work as one united human family.
     
    That is what our peace operations are about. 
     
    From preventive diplomacy to peacekeeping…
     
    From negotiating ceasefires to helping to implement them…
     
    From electoral support and observer missions to de-mining operations and protection of civilians…
     
    To the focus of today’s Ministerial meeting — peacekeeping.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    UN Blue Helmets are the most globally recognized symbol of the world’s ability to come together to help countries move from conflict to peace.
     
    Peacekeepers hail from every corner of the world.
     
    But they are united in their commitment to peace.
     
    As we meet today, UN peacekeepers are hard at work helping to ensure that ceasefires are respected…
     
    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire…
     
    Helping provide the conditions for lifesaving aid to flow to those in need…
     
    And laying the foundations for long-term recovery.
     
    In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death.
     
    And they are also a clear demonstration of the power of multilateral action to maintain, achieve and sustain peace.
     
    There is a long list of countries that have achieved durable peace with the support of UN Peacekeeping — including Cambodia, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Liberia, Namibia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Timor Leste.  
     
    Many of these countries now themselves contribute troops. 
     
    At the same time, we recognize that peace comes at a price.
     
    Through the decades, 4,400 peacekeepers have fallen in the line of duty.
     
    Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.  
     
    Please join me in a moment of silence to honour all those who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
     
    [MOMENT OF SILENCE]
     
    Thank you.
     
    Excellencies,
     
    We owe it to peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — to continue strengthening their ability to answer this call to peace.
     
    And to do so in the face of daunting challenges.
     
    Complex, intertwined and frequently borderless conflicts…
     
    Growing polarization and division around the globe…
     
    Targeting of peacekeepers through deadly misinformation spreading through social media…
     
    Terrorism and transnational crime, which find fertile ground in instability…
     
    The ongoing climate crisis that is exacerbating conflict while leaving more of the planet uninhabitable…
     
    All the continued trampling of international law and international humanitarian law.
     
    As a result, we are now facing the highest number of conflicts since the foundation of the United Nations, and record numbers of people fleeing across borders in search of safety and refuge.
     
    We must recognize that peacekeeping operations are only as effective as the mandates directing them, and can struggle in contexts where political support and clearly defined outcomes and solutions are absent or elusive.
     
    Meanwhile, we see increasing differences of views around how peacekeeping operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.
     
    And we face dramatic financial constraints across the board.
     
    We’ve worked to adapt in the face of these challenges.
     
    But we need to do more.
     
    Today, I want to highlight three areas of focus.
     
    First — help us shape peacekeeping operations that are fit for the future.     
     
    The Pact for the Future called for a Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping.
     
    The review will examine how we can make peacekeeping operations more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.
     
    It will also aim to critically examine the tools we have today and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for the future.  
     
    Through this review, we must ensure that the United Nations is prepared to deploy peace operations tailored to each individual conflict, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
     
    We can draw inspiration from our UNIFIL operation, which recently developed an adaptation plan to keep peace along the Blue Line, and ensure lifesaving aid can flow to civilians in southern Lebanon.
     
    In the Central African Republic, we see MINUSCA protecting civilians and assisting the government to extend its reach beyond the capital where people are in desperate need. 
     
    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite ongoing fighting, UN Peacekeepers remain in the field, protecting vulnerable populations. 
     
    We’re also seeking efficiencies through partnerships — from Member States to regional and sub-regional organizations, to local communities.
     
    Most important among them is our strong partnership with the African Union.
     
    Security Council resolution 2719 has lifted this partnership to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the United Nations through assessed contributions.
     
    Today, the Review of Peace Operations will need to be informed — and inspired — by your views.
     
    Member States make peacekeeping possible.
     
    They must lead the way as we strengthen it for the future.
     
    Second — as we make our operations more adaptable and flexible, we need to do the same in the use of our resources.

    Peace operations can only succeed when backed by robust mandates and clear, predictable and sustained contributions, both financial and logistical. 
     
    But these are tough times for the financing of our work across the board.
     
    Peacekeeping is no exception.
     
    It is crucial that we are able to use the increasingly limited resources we have — and use them well.
     
    That requires more flexible rules and processes.
     
    This means updating our approach to abolishing or establishing positions, and working with troop-contributing countries to ensure we can deliver.
     
    It means working with Member States and the UN Security Council to ensure that any new mandates are prioritized and achievable with the resources available and with a clear exit strategy.
     
    And it means driving efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face.
     
    Our Review of Peace Operations will work hand-in-hand with our UN80 initiative, to ensure we maximize efficiencies wherever possible, supported at every step by Member States.
     
    We look forward to your governments’ support and ideas as we tackle these challenges together.

    Third — we need your political support, including through the pledges you will make tomorrow.

    Peace operations cannot succeed in the absence of a political solution.

    Together we need to mobilize greater support for political solutions across our peacekeeping missions. 

    Pursuing these political solutions requires adequate means of delivering our operations — including unified political support from Member States, strong leadership, well-trained troops, equipment and technology.

    These can strengthen our operations, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

    And it requires the support of all Member States to ensure the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers in the field, and the full implementation of the relevant privileges and immunities of the Organization and its personnel.

    We are deeply grateful for the support and for the concrete pledges so many of you will announce here tomorrow.

    Excellencies,

    With a budget shared by all 193 Member States and representing a tiny fraction of global military spending — around one half of one per cent — UN Peacekeeping remains one of the most effective and cost-effective tools to build international peace and security.

    But it’s only as strong as Member States’ commitment to it.

    Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems. 
      
    It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time. 

    Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations.

    And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges. 

    Together, let’s shape the UN peacekeeping operations that the challenges require, that Member States demand, and that our peacekeepers and the people they support need and deserve.
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How woodland funding helped Lowther Estate to create Ladybeck Wood

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    How woodland funding helped Lowther Estate to create Ladybeck Wood

    Read how funding from the Woodland Creation Planning Grant and England Woodland Creation Offer helped to create woodland in Cumbria.

    Key facts

    • site: Ladybeck Wood, Cumbria
    • size: 51 hectares
    • type: mixed broadleaf
    • species: wild cherry, sycamore, silver birch, sessile oak, crab apple, hawthorn, Scots pine, field maple, common alder, aspen, hazel, goat willow and native black poplar
    • date planted: December 2023
    • grants: Woodland Creation Planning Grant, England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO), and Countryside Stewardship
    • main objective: to bolster existing farmer and timber enterprises with native woodland

    Tree seedlings growing on Ladybeck Wood. Copyright Lowther Estate.

    Ladybeck Wood in the Lake District is an inspiring landscape of seedlings and whips. In December 2023, around 51 hectares of new woodland was planted on Lowther Estate across 2 locations bordering the Eastern Lakes in Cumbria.

    The newly planted woods promise to be a boon for nature recovery in the area as the trees grow and mature. The predominantly broadleaf woodlands are just the latest planted on the estate, which also boasts large timber crops.

    With local biodiversity and business resilience in mind, the new woods show how planting under EWCO can help to provide benefits to landowners, nature and the wider community.

    Choosing woodland creation

    The woodland project at Ladybeck Wood began when a large section of land came back under the management of Lowther Estate. The retirement of a long-term tenant meant the estate had big decisions to make about the best use for this land. They considered further expanding the estate’s food production enterprises, however, due to the soil quality, this was unlikely to be a profitable venture.

    Ultimately, woodland creation was chosen for the environmental benefits and the diversification it offered the estate – allowing them to make their income streams more resilient. Producing carbon credits on top of grant funding would provide additional income and allow the estate to offset some of their own emissions which made the woods an appealing option.

    David Bliss, CEO Lowther Estate. Copyright Lowther Estate.

    The planning stages

    Ladybeck Wood was initially planned across 97 hectares with 2 locations between Tirril, Askham and Helton. Lowther Estate applied for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant, which helped them plan the scheme and further assess the viability of planting woodland in the area.

    Half of the proposed site was inside the bounds of a National Park and World Heritage Site. This required consultation around the visual impact of woodland on the National Park area.

    It was decided that tree planting in this area would be as wood pasture, as this would blend better with the landscape, whilst allowing the estate to use it for grazing cows as part of its extensive beef production business. The wood pasture was funded under a Natural England wood pasture scheme through Countryside Stewardship.

    The portion of land from the Ladybeck Wood plan that was outside of the National Park required an Environmental Impact Assessment screening, Landscape Impact Assessment and breeding wader surveys. The planning grant assisted with the funding for the required surveys and the costs of producing their UK Forestry Standard compliant woodland creation plan.

    Funding the woodland creation project

    In total, around 51 hectares were planted outside the National Park with support from EWCO which covered 100% of standard costs. The sites were eligible for additional stackable payments under EWCO for delivering wider benefits to nature recovery and the environment.

    Blocks were eligible for nature recovery (£69,000), water quality (£20,400) and flood risk (£21,800) contributions, providing over £111,000 in stackable payments. However, the landowner opted not to take water quality and flood risk payments to take advantage of third-party funding to support the landowners’ objectives. Yearly maintenance payments of £400 from EWCO will help to establish the woodland as it grows.

    The woodland is registered with Forest Carbon, who act as an intermediary and project developer for the Woodland Carbon Code. This allows the estate to use and sell carbon credits as their woodland matures.

    The current strategy is to sell a third of the credits, which will help provide income from the woods. Lowther Estate will then use two thirds of these credits for offsetting their own carbon emissions.

    Kelvin Archer, Forestry and Conservation Manager, Lowther Estate. Copyright Lowther Estate.

    Looking forward

    Planting took place between November and December 2023 and the EWCO agreement will continue for the next 15 years.

    The planting of Ladybeck Wood will help Lowther Estate to reap benefits from areas of their land that were difficult to farm. As the woodland grows, it will also provide benefits for the land, and the wider community through water quality and nature recovery improvements.

    Top tips

    Lowther Estate landowners recommend the following:

    • seek advice from the Forestry Commission Woodland Officers and Land Use Advisors as early as possible
    • think big: scale was important to Lowther Estate’s woodland creation ambitions and allowed the estate to the make the most of the financial incentives on offer
    • consider registering your land with the Woodland Carbon Code before planting, as this offers the estate long-term income from slower growing broadleaf species

    Find out more about how the Forestry Commission can help you create woodland.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Revitalising health infrastructure towards equitable healthcare

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    By Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

    In recent weeks, pressing infrastructure challenges facing our public hospitals have been in the spotlight. The recent incidents including the patient complaint at Helen Joseph Hospital and two alarming fires at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, have intensified the public discourse around the state of our healthcare facilities. As the MEC for Health and Wellness in Gauteng, I want to assure residents that we are committed to revitalising our health infrastructure for quality patient care.

    We understand and acknowledge the public concerns and we are taking active steps to address these issues. The establishment of in-house Infrastructure Unit at the Gauteng Department of Health is a positive step towards accelerating our efforts to improve the health infrastructure in the province. This Unit has developed a maintenance and refurbishment plan and collaborates closely with facility managers to expedite necessary upgrades.

    This initiative is a fundamental shift on how we manage health infrastructure which previously was mainly overseen by our sister Department of Infrastructure Development. Since the formation of Unit, several facilities have already undergone maintenance and refurbishments. Notable projects include the overhaul of several areas at Mamelodi Regional Hospital such as Radiology department, ART Waiting Area, HOD’s Offices, Eye Clinic, Rest Rooms and Triage and Casualty waiting area. In addition, three wards have been extended, namely, the Female Medical Ward, Male Surgical Ward and Paediatric Ward to increase the bed capacity to take in more patients.

    Significant progress continues at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where we have completed numerous projects, including the new Psychiatric Admission Ward, ICU wards and extensions to the Adult Burns Unit. The Poly Clinic, Paediatric Ward mother’s waiting area, new outpatient waiting area and restrooms at Edenvale Hospital have also been refurbished. Maintenance and the renovation of critical departments at Rahima Moosa Hospital are at an advanced stage towards completion, so far, renovations of the Breast Milk Bank in Dietetics department and Neonatal isolation room are complete. 

    Helen Joseph Hospital’s Emergency Department which we opened in May 2024, boast eight resuscitation and two isolation rooms, 15 medical rooms, 10 surgical rooms and 6 rooms for critically stable patients. The building has been restructured, receiving new ceiling and roofing, flooring, plumbing, electrification and HVEC as well as an enhanced IT system. It also has improved units for persons living with disabilities and improved staff workstations, including those for porters and cleaners. 

    Another facility that has raised public concerns is Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Since the fire incident that occurred four years ago, key milestones and progress has been made in restoring the hospital to its full capacity. The appointment of a contractor to undertake the ongoing remedial work project has been completed and the process of destruction and reconstruction is actively underway and progressing well. This remedial work project is being implemented in a phased approach to ensure continuity of the healthcare delivery throughout the reconstruction process. To date, several areas have been completed including the Radiation Oncology Unit, Accident and Emergency Department, access ramp was constructed to allow staff members to easily access 300 parking bays at P3. A new state-of-the-art dry store facility has been constructed to improve storage and accessibility. 

    These projects are just key highlights of our infrastructure revitalisation plan that is underway across all five health districts in the province. A comprehensive maintenance and refurbishment plan developed will ensure that every hospital and clinic undergo the necessary upgrades. We must understand that many of our public hospitals were built decades ago and the aging infrastructure we now face creates challenges for our healthcare system. 

    It is also important to also mention that Gauteng is a populous province with around 16 million residents, many of whom rely on public healthcare services. We also see the influx of patients from nearby provinces and neighbouring countries, this growing population contributes to an increased demand for quality healthcare, further straining the existing facilities. However, we understand that access to healthcare is a Constitutional right for everyone and we continue striving to serve all our patients with compassion and care.  

    As the country gears towards the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), we recognise the urgency to prepare our facilities to meet the set criteria for NHI rollout. Amid the fiscal constraints, we are doing our best to address the infrastructure challenges in the public healthcare system. Our plans include not only rehabilitating existing infrastructure but also constructing new facilities to meet the increasing demand. As announced by the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi when delivering the State of the Province Address, work is ongoing to accelerate the land suitability investigations and business cases towards the construction of the four new hospitals in Daveyton, Diepsloot, Orange Farm and Soshanguve. These projects will go a long way in alleviating the pressure on the public health system and further expanding access to the much-needed healthcare for the residents of Gauteng. 

    As government, we recognise the importance of private-public partnerships and in Gauteng Health, we have seen the generosity of our partners and donors who continue to play their part in ensuring that our facilities are well maintained and equipped to meet the needs of the communities we serve. These private-public partnerships are a testament of what we can achieve when we work together to improve lives and communities. 

    *Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko is the Member of Executive Council in Gauteng Provincial Government responsible for Health and Wellness portfolio. 
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Court security to be strengthened following shooting incident

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tuesday, May 13, 2025

    Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for an immediate strengthening of security in all courts following a second shooting incident at a court over the past two months.

    The latest incident occurred at the Melmoth Court in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in the fatal shooting of an accused.

    “Preliminary reports indicate that an accused person in custody allegedly gained access to a court orderly’s firearm. In a swift and decisive response, a second court orderly acted with commendable presence of mind and discharged his service weapon, fatally wounding the accused before any further harm could occur. The individual was declared deceased at the scene.

    “While the full details of the incident, including the identity of the deceased and the exact sequence of events are still under investigation, the Ministry is encouraged by the professionalism displayed by court officials in a high-pressure situation. Their actions undoubtedly prevented a potentially greater tragedy,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said.

    Police and internal department investigations are underway.

    “Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has called for an urgent briefing and has emphasised the need for an immediate strengthening of security protocols in all court precincts. 

    “The department is working closely with law enforcement to ensure enhanced safety measures are urgently implemented to safeguard all court users.

    “Despite the distressing incident, court operations at Melmoth were not disrupted, and the regional court continued to serve the public as scheduled. This reflects the resilience and commitment of the justice system and its officials to uphold the rule of law,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police Ministry grateful for support shown to families of fallen Constables

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Ministry of Police has extended its gratitude to communities, the Free State provincial government and the people of South Africa at large, for the support shown to the families of three Constables who died in a car crash, three weeks ago.

    The police constables were accorded official funerals held last Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

    The bodies of constables Keamogetswe Buys, Boipelo Senoge and Cebekhulu Linda were found in the Hennops river, near the N1 highway in Centurion in Pretoria.

    “The tragic loss of these brave officers has deeply affected the nation, and the dignity with which their lives were honoured is a testament to the unity and collective respect shown in times of mourning,” the Police Ministry said in a statement. 

    READ I Missing police constables found dead in Gauteng

    The Ministry said it remains committed to supporting the families during this difficult time and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

    “The Ministry further wishes to express concern over the continued stubbornness and brutality of criminal elements, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal province. These criminals have brazenly posted on social media and boasted about their criminal nature, making mention that they recruit others into this life of crime. 

    “The Inanda community, in recent months, has come under sustained attack from organised groups intent on terrorising residents and undermining public safety. Despite these threats, the SAPS in KZN has demonstrated commendable resolve in confronting these criminals,” the Ministry said.

    The SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, informed the Ministry of an incident which took place yesterday in Hammersdale, where police were confronted and shot at by five suspects and in Inanda, where three suspects shot at police. 

    In both instances, police responded with lethal fire to protect themselves while dealing criminality a blow. 

    Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said: “The recent developments are a direct result of relentless, intelligence-driven police work and strong community cooperation. Their actions are a clear message to those who think they can operate above the law, we will not allow our communities to be terrorised by criminals.”

    He said it was clear that criminals are determined to pose a threat to communities and declare themselves enemies to all.

    “…We will intensify our fight against them. In the past, we have made strong statements that anyone who attempts to attack police, is actually attacking the state and will face dire consequences. 

    “Our officers acted with bravery and precision in the face of imminent danger; we commend their courage and professionalism. A total of six illegal firearms have now been removed from society. 

    “Community members continue to play a crucial role in assisting police operations, and for that, we express our sincere thanks. The community-policing partnerships remain vital. We urge our communities to continue standing with law enforcement against criminality,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Confession of Usindiso building fire accused ‘admissable’, court declares

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge, has ruled that the confession made by the man accused of starting the deadly Usindiso building fire, is admissible as evidence.

    The fire, allegedly started by 30-year-old Lawrance Mdlalose, killed at least 76 people living in the building situated in the Johannesburg CBD.

    Mdlalose is facing 76 counts of murder, one count of arson and 12 counts of attempted murder in the case.

    “Following the incident, a commission of inquiry, led by former Justice Sisi Khampepe, was established in September 2023 to probe, amongst others, the circumstances that led to the deaths at the building . 

    “Mdlalose gave testimony on 23 January 2024, allegedly implicating himself as the one who started the fire, resulting in an order by Justice Khampepe that he be taken to a Magistrate to reduce his confession in writing,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.

    The prosecutorial body said the court found that Mdlalose’s statement was made “freely and voluntarily, and in sound and sober senses without any undue influence”.

    “Despite the defence’s argument that the accused’s confession was made under duress and when he was high on drugs, State Advocates Thamsanqa Mpekana and Percy Monareng submitted that the statement given to the Magistrate was made voluntarily and in sound and sober senses, an unequivocal admission of guilt. 

    “They asserted that all legal requirements had been satisfied and, therefore, the statement should be admitted as evidence,” the NPA said.

    The case continues in the court today. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Weimar+ joint statement on Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security, 12 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Weimar+ joint statement on Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security, 12 May 2025

    Joint statement by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the EU High Representative, following their meeting in London.

    Foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Ukraine, and the EU Commission at Lancaster House in London on 12 May 2025.

    Joint statement:

    We met in London on 12 May to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security. 

    On Ukraine, we reiterated our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, our sympathy for the victims of recent attacks by Russia, and our full support for Ukraine’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. 

    We welcomed US-led peace efforts and the prospect of further talks this week. So far, Russia has not shown any serious intent to make progress. It must do so without delay. We joined Ukraine in calling for an immediate, full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire to create space for talks on a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

    Any peace will only last if it is based on international law including the UN Charter and Ukraine is able to deter and defend against any future Russian attack. 

    We discussed how we would further step up European efforts to support Ukraine in its ongoing defence against Russia’s war of aggression. Ukraine should be confident in its ability to continue to resist successfully Russian aggression with our support. 

    Strong Ukrainian armed forces will be vital. We agreed to work with Ukraine on initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces, restock munitions and equipment, and further enhance industrial capacity.  

    We are committed to robust security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes exploring the creation of a coalition of air, land and maritime reassurance forces that could help create confidence in any future peace and support the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces. And we will work on new reconstruction and recovery commitments, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on 10 to 11 July, to ensure that Ukraine’s future security is underpinned by a vibrant economy.

    We agreed to pursue ambitious measures to reduce Russia’s ability to wage war by limiting Kremlin revenues, disrupting the shadow fleet, tightening the Oil Price Cap, and reducing our remaining imports of Russian energy. We will keep Russian sovereign assets in our jurisdictions immobilised until Russia ceases its aggression and pays for the damage caused.

    On Euro-Atlantic security, we reaffirmed that NATO is the bedrock of our security and prosperity. The Alliance has secured peace for over 75 years. A strong, united NATO, based on a strong transatlantic bond, an ironclad commitment to defend each other, and fair burden-sharing, is essential to maintain this. 

    European countries must play a still greater role in assuring our own security. We will further strengthen NATO and the contribution of European Allies by stepping up security and defence expenditure to meet the requirement to deter and defend across all domains in the Euro-Atlantic area. 

    We will use all feasible levers to strengthen our collective defence capability and production and reinforce Europe’s technological and industrial base. To that end, we will build on work in NATO, the EU and likeminded groups to achieve these goals.

    An enhanced security and defence relationship between the UK and EU is key to improving the lives of our people and making our continent more safe and secure, as will enhanced cooperation between NATO and the EU on the basis of the three Joint Declarations, and greater co-operation with Ukraine.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bread Financial Provides Performance Update for April 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bread Financial® Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BFH), a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers, provided a performance update. The following tables present the Company’s net loss rate and delinquency rate for the periods indicated:

      For the
    month ended
    April 30, 2025    		   For the
    month ended
    April 30, 2024
      (dollars in millions)
    End-of-period credit card and other loans $ 17,721     $ 17,891  
    Average credit card and other loans $ 17,712     $ 18,006  
    Year-over-year change in average credit card and other loans   (2 %)     2 %
    Net principal losses (1) $ 114     $ 127  
    Net loss rate (1)   7.8 %     8.6 %
      As of
    April 30, 2025    		   As of
    April 30, 2024
      (dollars in millions)
    30 days + delinquencies – principal $ 933     $ 993  
    Period ended credit card and other loans – principal $ 16,264     $ 16,492  
    Delinquency rate   5.7 %     6.0 %
                   

    (1) As a result of hurricanes Helene and Milton we froze delinquency progression for cardholders in Federal Emergency Management Agency identified impact zones for one billing cycle, which resulted in modestly lower Net principal losses and Net loss rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, and consequently these actions will negatively impact Net principal losses and Net loss rate in the second quarter of 2025.

    About Bread Financial®
    Bread Financial® (NYSE: BFH) is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending and saving solutions to millions of U.S consumers. Our payment solutions, including Bread Financial general purpose credit cards and savings products, empower our customers and their passions for a better life. Additionally, we deliver growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry and specialty apparel through our private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products providing choice and value to our shared customers.

    To learn more about Bread Financial, our global associates and our sustainability commitments, visit breadfinancial.com or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements give our expectations or forecasts of future events and can generally be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “likely,” “may,” “should” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make regarding, and the guidance we give with respect to, our anticipated operating or financial results, future financial performance and outlook, future dividend declarations, and future economic conditions.

    We believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements, however, are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond our control. Accordingly, our actual results could differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, and no assurances can be given that our expectations will prove to have been correct. Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following: macroeconomic conditions, including market conditions, inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, recessionary pressures or concerns over a prolonged economic slowdown, and the related impact on consumer spending behavior, payments, debt levels, savings rates and other behaviors; global political and public health events and conditions, including significant shifts in trade policy, such as changes to, or the imposition of, tariffs and/or trade barriers and any economic impacts, volatility, uncertainty and geopolitical instability resulting therefrom, as well as ongoing wars and military conflicts and natural disasters; future credit performance, including the level of future delinquency and write-off rates; the loss of, or reduction in demand from, significant brand partners or customers in the highly competitive markets in which we compete; the concentration of our business in U.S. consumer credit; inaccuracies in the models and estimates on which we rely, including the amount of our Allowance for credit losses and our credit risk management models; the inability to realize the intended benefits of acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic initiatives; our level of indebtedness and ability to access financial or capital markets; pending and future federal and state legislation, regulation, supervisory guidance, and regulatory and legal actions, including, but not limited to, those related to financial regulatory reform and consumer financial services practices, as well as any such actions with respect to late fees, interchange fees or other charges; impacts arising from or relating to the transition of our credit card processing services to third party service providers that we completed in 2022; failures or breaches in our operational or security systems, including as a result of cyberattacks, unanticipated impacts from technology modernization projects or otherwise; and any tax or other liability or adverse impacts arising out of or related to the spinoff of our former LoyaltyOne segment or the bankruptcy filings of Loyalty Ventures Inc. (LVI) and certain of its subsidiaries and subsequent litigation or other disputes. The foregoing factors, along with other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements, are described in greater detail under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year, which may be updated in Item 1A of, or elsewhere in, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed for periods subsequent to such Form 10-K. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and we undertake no obligation, other than as required by applicable law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events, anticipated or unanticipated circumstances or otherwise.

    Contacts
    Brian Vereb — Investor Relations
    Brian.Vereb@breadfinancial.com

    Susan Haugen — Investor Relations
    Susan.Haugen@breadfinancial.com

    Rachel Stultz — Media
    Rachel.Stultz@breadfinancial.com

    The MIL Network –

  • Ukraine’s Zelenskiy insists on face-to-face talks with Putin in Istanbul

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will only attend talks on Ukraine if Russia’s Vladimir Putin is also there, the Ukrainian leader’s top aide said on Tuesday, challenging the Kremlin to show it is genuine about seeking peace.
     
    U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to attend Thursday’s proposed meeting in Istanbul, which has become the focus of his attempts to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two. Putin has yet to say if he will take part.
     
    Both Russia and Ukraine have sought to show they are working towards peace after Trump prioritised ending the war, but they have yet to agree any clear path.
     
    Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine after ignoring a Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Trump then publicly told Zelenskiy to accept.
     
    “President Zelenskiy will not meet with any other Russian representative in Istanbul, except Putin,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters.
     
    His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said Zelenskiy’s trip to Turkey showed Kyiv was ready for talks but repeated Ukraine’s stance that any negotiations must come after a ceasefire.
     
    “Our position is very principled and very strong,” Yermak said during a visit to Copenhagen.
     
    Moscow has not said if Putin will travel to Turkey.
     
    “We are committed to a serious search for ways of a long-term peaceful settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday but would not comment further on the talks.
     
    Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, unleashing a war that has killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides. Most of Europe has rallied around Kyiv providing arms and financial aid, while Russia has turned to Iran and North Korea for support.
     
    Trump has demanded the two nations end the war, threatening to walk away from efforts to broker a peace deal unless there are clear signs of progress soon.
     
    TRUMP GOES TO TURKEY?
     
    If Zelenskiy and Putin, who make no secret of their mutual contempt, were to meet on Thursday it would be their first face-to-face meeting since December 2019.
     
    Trump, who is due to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar this week, unexpectedlyoffered on Mondayto travel to Istanbul, which straddles the divide between Europe and Asia.
     
    “I was thinking about actually flying over there. There’s a possibility of it, I guess, if I think things can happen, but we’ve got to get it done,” Trump said before leaving for his second foreign trip since returning to the White House in January.
     
    “Don’t underestimate Thursday in Turkey,” he added.
     
    Following the offer, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the “way forward for a ceasefire” in Ukraine with his Ukrainian, British, French, Polish, German and EU counterparts.
     
    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, meanwhile,held talks with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.
     
    FAR APART
     
    Reuters reported last year that Putin was open to discussing a ceasefire with Trump, but that Moscow ruled out making any major territorial concessions and insists Kyiv abandon ambitions to join NATO.
     
    Ukraine has said it is ready for talks but a ceasefire is needed first, a position supported by its European allies.
     
    Kyiv wants robust security guarantees as part of any peace deal and rejects a Russian proposal for restrictions on the size of its military. Territorial issues could be discussed once a ceasefire is in place, it says.
     
    Putin has repeatedly referred to a 2022 deal which Russia and Ukraine negotiated shortly after the Russian invasion but never finalised.
     
    Under the draft agreement, a copy of which Reuters has reviewed, Ukraine should agree to permanent neutrality in return for international security guarantees from the five permanent U.N. Security Council members: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.
     
    Ukraine and its European allies have told Russia that it would have to accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Monday or face new sanctions. The Kremlin replied, saying it would not respond to ultimatums.
     
    France said on Monday European leaders, who met in Ukraine over the weekend, had asked the European Commission to put together new “massive” sanctions targeting Russia’s oil and financial sector if Russia failed to agree a ceasefire.
     
    Russia’s forces control just under a fifth of Ukraine, including all of Crimea, almost all of Luhansk, and more than 70% of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, according to Russian estimates. It also controls a sliver of Kharkiv region.
     
    Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the international affairs committee of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia’s parliament, told the Izvestia media outlet in remarks published on Tuesday that the talks between Moscow and Kyiv can move further than the 2022 negotiations.
     
    “If the Ukrainian delegation shows up at these talks with a mandate to abandon any ultimatums and look for common ground, I am sure that we could move forward,” he said.
     
    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Buryatia declares regional emergency due to forest fires

    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

    Vladivostok, May 13 /Xinhua/ — Due to the difficult forest fire situation, a regional emergency regime has been introduced throughout the Republic of Buryatia from Tuesday. This was reported on the official website of the government of Buryatia on Tuesday.

    According to the report, as of Tuesday morning, there are 22 forest fires in the republic – in the Bauntovsky and Yeravninsky districts on an area of more than 53 thousand hectares. Four new fires were discovered in the past 24 hours, all in the Bauntovsky Evenki district. Four fires were also extinguished in the past 24 hours – in the Bauntovsky Evenki and Zakamensky districts. 533 people are working on extinguishing the fires, 102 units of forest firefighting equipment are involved.

    “Considering the difficult situation, we contacted the federal headquarters with a request to involve additional forces to extinguish the fires. The elimination of fires is complicated by strong wind loads and the fact that the fires are burning in hard-to-reach areas. The introduction of a regional emergency regime will allow forestry departments to involve more equipment, including commercial equipment, to extinguish forest fires,” said Sergei Boroshnoyev, head of the republican forestry agency, at a planning meeting of the head of Buryatia on Monday.

    Since the beginning of the year, 174 forest fires have been registered in Buryatia on a total area of 102.6 thousand hectares. Previously, a municipal emergency regime was in effect in the republic on the territory of the Bauntovsky Evenki and Yeravninsky districts. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García’s Statement on the Firing of Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the unjustified firing of Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden:

    “Donald Trump’s decision to fire the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, one year before her term was set to expire, is unjustified. This is another example of the Trump administration’s pattern of firing leaders who are trying to ensure all aspects of the American experience are visible through the work of our cultural institutions.

    “Dr. Carla Hayden led the Library of Congress with distinction and honor, spearheading efforts to ensure America’s Library was accessible to all Americans. From her early work as Chicago’s chief librarian to her time as the Nation’s top librarian, Dr. Hayden dedicated her career to ensuring libraries serve their communities. The next Librarian of Congress must continue to build upon Dr. Hayden’s legacy of inclusivity and expansion, ensuring that the Library serves all Americans, and not a regime’s ideology.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Last Month in the Field – April 2025

    Source: Frontex

    In April 2025, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, demonstrated its broad commitment to keeping Europe’s borders secure through a range of impactful operations and collaborations. From cracking down on smugglers in Eastern Europe to saving lives at sea in the Mediterranean, and from embracing new border technologies to strengthening partnerships across the continent, the month showcased Frontex’s dedication to a safer and more cooperative Europe. The following highlights recap how Frontex and national authorities worked hand-in-hand over the past month, underscoring a professional and proactive approach to European border management. 

    Bulgarian authorities and Frontex scored a victory against cross-border crime this month by stopping a haul of counterfeit goods at the Lesovo border crossing with Turkey. In a joint operation, the Bulgarian Border Police and Customs officers, supported by Frontex Standing Corps officers, intercepted two vehicles loaded with fake designer clothing and footwear. More than 1,400 garments and 900 pairs of shoes bearing logos of famous brands were seized – items that would have been worth an estimated €70,000 on the black market had they slipped through. Some illicit products even carried price tags up to €600 for a single T-shirt, a sign of how convincing the fakes appeared. 

    This success at the EU’s external border was a direct result of vigilant cooperation. As one Frontex officer put it, “It is not easy to tell a fake from an original when it comes to counterfeit goods. But working together with professionals every day, we have become a serious obstacle for smugglers.” The operation highlighted the excellent partnership between Frontex and the Bulgarian authorities in protecting EU consumers and legitimate businesses. The Frontex officer’s praise for his Bulgarian colleagues underscores the fruitful cooperation on the ground. The confiscated counterfeit items will now be used as evidence, preventing them from entering EU markets, while the perpetrators face legal consequences. This case sends a clear message: through close collaboration, border agencies are effectively shutting down smuggling routes for fake goods. 

    Another major enforcement success in April took place on the Romania–Ukraine border, where a joint team from the Romanian Border Police, Romanian Customs, and Frontex thwarted a large-scale cigarette smuggling attempt. In under an hour, officers apprehended two individuals attempting to illegally bring over 2.6 million cigarettes into the EU. The smugglers had gone to great lengths to hide their contraband, using some truly creative compartments to try to evade detection. The team’s discovery was all the more impressive given the inventive hiding places employed, including: 

    Thanks to the sharp eyes and expertise of the border guards, these concealments were uncovered before the illicit cargo could move further into Europe. The Frontex officer supporting the operation – known among colleagues as a veteran in fighting smuggling – played a key role in detecting the contraband. Romanian officials and Frontex supervisors alike praised the operation’s success. One colleague lauded the involved officer as “a true professional with a special and inexhaustible flair for detecting cross-border crime.” This compliment underscores the high level of skill present in such joint teams. The “hats off” accolades went to all Romanian and Frontex personnel involved, highlighting how teamwork and shared intelligence can foil even the most elaborate smuggling schemes. The seizure of 2.6 million cigarettes not only represents a financial blow to organised crime but also protects EU markets and taxpayers from the illegal tobacco trade. It stands as yet another example of effective Frontex support at EU borders, keeping illicit goods out of circulation. 

    As warmer spring weather set in, April saw a surge in irregular migration across the Central Mediterranean, testing the readiness and solidarity of EU border forces. Within just a few days, over 1,100 migrants had arrived on Italian shores, many taking to the sea in flimsy boats launched from North Africa. This sudden influx – more than one thousand people in a 72-hour span – put considerable strain on Italy’s reception facilities and underscored the ongoing challenges in this maritime corridor. In response, Frontex and several EU Member States mobilised swiftly to ensure lives were protected and borders monitored. 

    European solidarity was on full display during these rescues. Danish and Lithuanian patrol boats deployed under Frontex’s coordination helped the Italian authorities save nearly 400 people from five small, unseaworthy vessels in the central Mediterranean. Operating under Italy’s lead, the crews from Denmark and Lithuania worked tirelessly to transfer men, women, and children from overcrowded, unsafe boats to the relative safety of EU vessels. At the same time, Frontex aerial surveillance teams intensified patrol flights over the sea. Frontex aircraft spotted multiple migrant boats in distress from the air, relaying precise coordinates to rescue units. This early detection enabled timely life-saving interventions by the Italian Coast Guard and other assets, preventing potential tragedies at sea. 

    Over the course of three days, dozens of rescue operations were carried out by a combination of national and Frontex-deployed resources. Such joint efforts demonstrate the value of a truly integrated European approach: Member States lending support to one another via Frontex when migratory pressure spikes in a particular region. The Executive Director of Frontex noted that every person saved is a testament to the collective commitment of the EU to protect lives. While the Central Mediterranean route remains difficult and dangerous, April’s experience showed how coordinated action can meet these challenges. By pooling vessels, aircraft, and expertise from across Europe, Frontex and its partners helped ensure that a surge in crossings did not turn into a humanitarian disaster. The Agency continues to work closely with Italy and other front-line states, not only to manage irregular migration flows but also to go after the criminal networks exploiting vulnerable migrants. Saving lives at sea remains at the core of Frontex’s mission, alongside securing the EU’s external borders. 

    In April, Frontex achieved a significant milestone in enhancing border security technology and cooperation. Thanks to a new agreement with Cyprus, Frontex officers now have direct access to Cyprus’s national border database at crossing points. This development means that Frontex personnel deployed in support of Cypriot authorities can instantly check traveler information and other border data just as national officers do. The immediate benefits of this integration are clear, leading to: 

    • Faster, more secure screening at airports and other entry points, reducing wait times for travelers while enhancing security through better information sharing. 

    By plugging into Cyprus’s databases, Frontex can help close information gaps and streamline operations on the ground. This is one of the first practical outcomes of a broader initiative to improve data-driven border management. Importantly, preparations are underway for the full rollout of Frontex’s access to the Schengen Information System (SIS) – Europe’s largest security database – which will take cooperation to the next level in the near future. Gaining SIS access will enable Frontex officers to spot persons or objects of interest (such as stolen documents or wanted individuals) across all of Europe’s borders in real time, greatly amplifying their effectiveness. 

    This deepening tech integration with Member States exemplifies Frontex’s push for “smart borders.” It shows how investing in modern IT solutions can make border control both faster and more secure, without compromising on thoroughness. Cypriot authorities have welcomed Frontex’s connectivity to their systems, noting that it serves as a force multiplier for national border guards. Together, Frontex and Cyprus are building a border management approach that is fast, fair, and future-ready – one that leverages the best of technology and teamwork to protect the EU’s external frontiers. 

    This month marked two years since the launch of the joint operation between Frontex and North Macedonia, a partnership that has significantly bolstered border security in the Western Balkans. In April 2023, North Macedonia became the first Western Balkan country to host Frontex border teams under a special status agreement, and two years on, the results of this cooperation are evident and worth celebrating. Frontex Standing Corps officers have been working side by side with North Macedonian Border Police along the country’s borders, sharing expertise and helping to manage migratory movements and security threats in the region. Together, over the past 24 months, they have achieved several important milestones in border management, including: 

    • Joint patrols conducted along North Macedonia’s borders with neighbouring countries, enhancing surveillance and the ability to intercept irregular crossings or illicit activities. These mixed teams have increased the visibility and reach of border control, acting as a deterrent to smugglers and traffickers. 

    • Delivery of modern equipment and technical assets to North Macedonia’s authorities. Frontex has provided patrol vehicles, document inspection devices, and other specialist tools to strengthen the country’s border infrastructure. This upgraded equipment means local border guards are better equipped to spot fake documents, hidden contraband, or unauthorised entries. 

    • Stronger overall border protection for North Macedonia and Europe. By reinforcing a key section of the Balkan migration route, the cooperation has contributed to greater security for the entire EU external border. It has helped manage migration flows more effectively and cracked down on cross-border crime, from migrant smuggling to contraband trafficking, benefitting all Europeans. 

    Frontex and North Macedonia’s officials commemorated the two-year anniversary by reflecting on these successes and looking ahead to continued collaboration. The presence of European border guards in North Macedonia underscores the EU’s commitment to working with its neighbours to tackle shared challenges. It also provides invaluable experience to all the officers involved, creating a spirit of camaraderie and mutual understanding. According to Frontex’s leadership, this partnership is a model of EU–Western Balkans cooperation, showing how aligning procedures and sharing resources can lead to concrete improvements in security and border management. As the operation enters its third year, Frontex plans to maintain its support, including further training for North Macedonia’s officers and ongoing joint patrols, thereby maintaining the positive momentum. The past two years have laid a solid foundation for even closer ties and a more secure region in the future. 

    Frontex’s activities in April were not limited to field operations – they also extended to strategic dialogue at the highest levels. A noteworthy event took place at the Frontex Operational Headquarters in Piraeus, Greece, where Commander Georgios Pyliaros (the Frontex Field Commander in Greece) hosted a high-level meeting with Admiral José António Vizinha Mirones, the Commander of the Portuguese Maritime Police. Admiral Mirones visited the Piraeus headquarters as part of a Joint Coordination Board discussion, focusing on the current operational situation and challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding migration flows affecting Greece and Cyprus. 

    During this visit, both leaders exchanged insights on maritime border security and reinforced their commitment to close cooperation. Commander Pyliaros expressed, on behalf of Frontex’s chain of command, sincere appreciation for Portugal’s continued contribution to Frontex-led operations. He highlighted the professionalism and dedication displayed by the Portuguese crews operating coastal patrol vessels in Greek waters. These Portuguese Maritime Police teams, deployed under Frontex, have been instrumental in joint patrols and search-and-rescue missions in the Aegean Sea, and their exemplary performance and seamless integration with Frontex units have not gone unnoticed. Admiral Mirones, for his part, conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to visit and engage with Frontex’s Greece office. He commended the collective effort being made to safeguard Europe’s maritime borders and stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration. Both officials agreed that maintaining strong partnerships – such as the one between Frontex and Portugal – is crucial in addressing migration and security challenges at sea. 

    The meeting concluded on a highly positive note, symbolising the unity of purpose among European border and coast guard services. In a ceremonial gesture, commemorative coins were exchanged between Frontex and the Portuguese Maritime Police, underscoring mutual respect and teamwork. This high-level maritime dialogue not only strengthened bilateral ties but also provided strategic guidance for field operations. With Portugal’s vessels and crews continuing to serve in Frontex missions, such coordination ensures that everyone is rowing in the same direction. The result is a more effective response to irregular migration by sea and a safer maritime environment for all. These talks in April set the stage for even more synchronised efforts in the months to come, reaffirming that European partners stand stronger together in protecting the EU’s external borders. 

    Frontex also invested in long-term security capacity this month by focusing on the fight against illicit firearms. Firearms trafficking is a growing threat to EU internal security, especially in times of war and instability when weapons can more easily find their way onto the black market. In April, within the framework of the EU’s EMPACT initiative (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats), Frontex led a specialised training programme in Poland aimed at sharpening the skills of border guards in intercepting illegal arms. The training was hosted at the Polish Border Guard Academy in Kętrzyn – a centre known for advanced law enforcement training – and brought together officers from 10 EU Member States. These participants, all of them frontline border or customs officers, underwent intensive instruction on how to better detect and stop the smuggling of firearms at EU borders. 

    Over the course of the training, the multinational group of officers learned about concealment methods and detection techniques for firearms. Experts shared real-case examples of smugglers attempting to hide weapons and ammunition in vehicles, cargo, or personal luggage, highlighting red flags to watch for. The trainees practiced using x-ray scanners, metal detectors, and other tools to identify weapons hidden in creative ways. They also exchanged intelligence on smuggling routes and the latest trends in gun trafficking, recognising that traffickers are constantly adapting their methods. By simulating realistic scenarios, the course enabled officers to hone their decision-making under pressure – for instance, when discovering a hidden handgun during a routine vehicle inspection at a border crossing. The overarching goal was to equip frontline officers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to intercept firearms before those weapons can reach our streets and communities. 

    This EMPACT-supported training in Poland is part of a broader EU effort to cut off the supply of illegal firearms that can fuel organised crime or even terrorism. By investing in people and skills, Frontex and its partners are strengthening a critical line of defence against gun trafficking. The officers who completed the course in Kętrzyn will take their enhanced expertise back to their home countries – from Scandinavia to Southern Europe – multiplying the impact. They form a network of trained specialists who can also share best practices with colleagues, thus raising overall capacity across the EU. Frontex officials highlighted that such cooperative training not only improves technical know-how but also builds trust and communication channels among European border agencies. Ultimately, this means better coordinated operations and information-sharing when it comes to stopping dangerous weapons from crossing into the EU. The training concluded with participants and instructors affirming their commitment to stay one step ahead of firearms traffickers. As new security challenges emerge, continuous professional development like this ensures that Europe’s border guards remain vigilant and prepared. 

    April 2025 showcased the full spectrum of Frontex’s mission – from frontline enforcement and lifesaving rescues to technological advancement and international partnership. As Europe’s external border challenges continue to evolve with the changing seasons and geopolitical context, Frontex is moving ahead with resolve. The Agency is leveraging the momentum from April’s successes to further strengthen cooperation, whether by expanding joint operations in partner countries or by welcoming more contributions from Member States. It is accelerating the adoption of modern technology and information systems to give border guards an edge in both speed and accuracy. Equally, Frontex remains committed to investing in its people – through training, leadership development, and a culture of shared expertise – recognising that a well-prepared human element is key to any high-tech solution. In the coming months, Frontex will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with EU countries at their borders, upholding European values of security and solidarity. By building on the foundations laid in April, the European Border and Coast Guard will be even better equipped to tackle whatever challenges the future holds – protecting the EU’s borders and the people who depend on them, with professionalism, compassion, and unity. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MMO grants coastal protection marine licences

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    MMO grants coastal protection marine licences

    Storm headwall, coastal erosion protection and flood defences feature in the latest marine licences granted by MMO Marine Licensing team.

    Storm water headwall in Blyth

    The marine licensing team granted a marine licence for the installation of a new storm water headwall at the Energy Central Learning Hub in Blyth, Northumberland.

    The headwall is required to ensure that water flow does not erode the pipe or the surrounding area of the learning campus structure.

    The marine licensing team initially requested several application updates from the applicant and, as a result of these, the mapping was updated to reflect the position of the headwall in the marine area. This enabled the applicant to assess the marine plan policies in that area. A water framework directive assessment was also requested and provided.

    The applicant’s responses meant that the team was able to adequately assess risks to ensure they were in acceptable limits. This ensured that the wider project could be completed with consideration for the marine environment by the applicant.

    Additionally, a draft decision was prepared and shared with the applicant, this gave the applicant an opportunity to clarify any issues.

    Flood and coastal erosion protection on the South Coast

    The North Portsea Island Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme applied for a marine licence to complete works in the marine area below Mean High Water Springs (MHWS).

    The project is split into six construction phases and a marine licence is required for phase five at Ports Creek. The phase five works comprise of a combination of raised earth embankments with rock revetments, retaining walls, encasement of bridge abutments and upgrading the existing slipway. It also includes landscaping and updating public realm features.

    The scheme will provide a long-term standard of protection from flooding to businesses and communities.

    Flood defence for new housing development

    The marine licensing team worked with Dorset Council to produce a joint Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion for flood defence works to support a new housing development in Weymouth.

    EIA scoping will inform a future marine licence application for construction of flood defences associated with a new housing development in Weymouth. This provides key information to the applicant on what to include in their application for the flood defence development.

    The marine licensing team and Dorset Council agreed the council would act as lead authority under the Coastal Concordat, with MMO supporting the process. The team exchanged information to ensure both authority’s legislation was followed, as well as reviewing/adding information to the final product. Working together as authorities prevented duplication of effort. This saved the applicant time and money and allowed regulators to align scoping opinions and decision making for the project.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Milestone reached – £65 million invested in nature projects

    Source: Scottish Government

    Nature Restoration Fund extended following success.

    The Scottish Government has invested over £65 million in projects across Scotland through its groundbreaking Nature Restoration Fund. 

    Established in 2021, it has funded hundreds of projects helping Scotland’s species, woodlands, rivers and seas back on the road to recovery.

    This years’ Programme for Government has committed to extend the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) in 2026-27 to enable funding of a further round of multi-year projects. The extension will help ensure the priorities set out in the Biodiversity Strategy are met.

    Among the already successful projects is Highland Amphibians Reptile Project (HARP) which has boosted the survival rate of the Highland Great Crested Newt from 2% to 13%. This breeding success enabled the translocation of the UK’s rarest newts, which is thought to be a first in Europe.

    Additionally, work is being carried out by Scottish Entanglement Alliance (SEA), to reduce the entanglement of whales and basking sharks in fishing equipment, preventing their death or unnecessary suffering. Solutions currently being trialled could see the entanglement of some species reduced by 80% while preserving low impact creel fishing which supports coastal communities and livelihoods.

    Announcing the achievement at the NRF-funded Brerachan Water Restoration Project near Pitlochry, Climate Action Minister Dr Alasdair Allan said:

    “With more than 250 projects benefitting from the Nature Restoration Fund so far and our commitment to extend again this year, there can be no denying how serious we are about protecting and restoring our planet for future generations.

    “This funding goes a long way in helping to tackle the twin nature-climate crises, working to restore Scotland’s biodiversity at the same time as increasing our resilience to climate change, all while improving the health and wellbeing of local communities.

    “It’s fantastic to see how the work that has been completed here at Brerachan not only enhances habitats by planting native riparian trees but also introduces meander bends to improve the river’s connectivity to its floodplain. The benefits of projects like this will have a profound immediate effect on the local community but will continue to be felt for years to come.”

    Richard Lockett, Director of Lockett Agri-Environmental who managed the Brerachan Water Restoration Project said:

    “The Nature Restoration Fund was the key to the success of the Brerachan Water Restoration Project. The NRF funding enabled work to re-connect the Brerachan Water to its floodplain, restoring 25 hectares of outstanding, wildlife rich floodplain habitat.

    “The design involved the creation of a chute channel which takes water from the river onto the floodplain. In addition, sections of the existing open drainage network were infilled to help hold water across the site.  A number of ponds and backwater features were also created to further enhance and diversify habitats and maximise benefits to wildlife. 

    “This work has been highly successful. It has restored a drained and degraded flood plain into a rich and varied wetland habitat which will also help store flood water and reduce downstream flood risk.”

    NatureScot Chair Professor Colin Galbraith said:

    “The Nature Restoration Fund has come at a critical time and made a real difference, supporting hundreds of projects to take positive action for nature. As a result of this funding, people have been restoring saltmarshes and wetlands, enhancing rivers, creating woodlands and removing invasive non-native species to help our plants and wildlife flourish.

    “The range of projects that have been completed is impressive. They have helped to protect sharks and whales, allowed the return of water voles to parts of our rivers, created new areas of Scotland’s rainforest, and established pollinator networks across our towns and cities.

    “Over the past four years much has been achieved, but with nature in crisis across Scotland there is still a great deal more to be done. We need to continue to invest in Scotland’s nature to halt and reverse its decline, to build resilience to future climate shocks and to give people the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits that nature brings us. Let’s make Scotland richer in nature by 2030.”

    Background

    In July 2021, the Scottish Government launched the Nature Restoration Fund, which provides additional funding for multi-year, multi-partner large scale nature restoration projects to deliver significant improvements in biodiversity.

    £19.55 million was invested in 2025-26.

    The Nature Restoration Fund makes grants available through two main strands:

    The open competitive strand, administered by NatureScot; and

    The Edinburgh Process strand, which provides direct allocations from the Scottish Government to Local Authorities and National Parks.

    The Fund’s priority themes are:

    1. Habitat and species restoration: Management for enhancement and connectivity
    2. Freshwater restoration, including restoration of natural flows in rural catchments
    3. Coastal and marine initiatives which promote restoration, recovery, enhancement or resilience
    4. Control of invasive non-native species (INNS) impacting on nature
    5. Urban: Enhancing and connecting nature across, and between, towns and cities.

    Climate change makes all factors more significant in impact. All project proposals must demonstrate how the project will help to address climate change and/or its impacts.

    Programme for Government 2025 to 2026 – gov.scot

    Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) | NatureScot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –