Politics – Page 1430 – NewzIntel.com

MIL-OSI Economics: All Agency Banks to remain open for public on March 31, 2025 (Monday)

Source: Reserve Bank of India

RBI/2024-25/112
DOR.CO.SOG(Leg) No.59/09.08.024/2024-25

February 11, 2025

All Agency Banks

Madam / Dear Sir

All Agency Banks to remain open for public on March 31, 2025 (Monday)

The Government of India has made a request to keep all branches of the banks dealing with Government receipts and payments open for transactions on March 31, 2025 (Monday-Public Holiday) so as to account for all the Government transactions relating to receipts and payments in the Financial Year 2024-25 itself. Accordingly, Agency Banks are advised to keep all their branches dealing with government business open on March 31, 2025 (Monday).

2. Banks shall give due publicity about the availability of above banking services on this day.

Yours faithfully

(Sunil T S Nair)
Chief General Manager

MIL OSI Economics –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to South African government again pressuring Taiwan to relocate liaison office

Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MOFA response to South African government again pressuring Taiwan to relocate liaison office

February 2, 2025

Since last October, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has been in communication with South Africa through diplomatic channels. In accordance with the principles of parity and dignity, MOFA has engaged with the South African government, seeking to understand its views on future bilateral relations while still staunchly refusing to accept unilateral changes to the status quo. In late January, however, the South African government sent another letter to the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa (TLO) demanding that it leave the capital city of Pretoria before the end of March. The South African government also attempted to downgrade the status of the TLO and have it renamed a trade office.

Federal Chairperson Ivan Meyer of the Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest political party, was recently sanctioned by the Chinese government for visiting Taiwan. That the South African government has yet again set a deadline for the TLO’s relocation out of Pretoria—despite ongoing negotiations with Taiwan—demonstrates that China is ramping up efforts to suppress Taiwan in South Africa.

Upon receiving a TLO report regarding the South African government’s repeated demand to relocate the office, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung again promptly convened a task force to discuss contingency measures. He remained in constant contact with the relevant MOFA officials both at home and abroad during the Lunar New Year holiday. He also instructed Director General Anthony Chung-yi Ho of the Department of West Asian and African Affairs to summon Representative Zakhele Mnisi of the Liaison Office of South Africa in Taiwan to convey the government’s serious concerns.

MOFA reiterates that the Taiwan government remains steadfast in its refusal to accept the South African government’s unilateral violation of their bilateral agreement and that it will continue communicating with South Africa on the principles of parity and dignity. In line with the Taiwan government’s objectives, MOFA will adopt contingency measures depending on the South African government’s responses. It will also apprise the Taiwanese people and media of future developments at the appropriate times.

MOFA once again solemnly urges the government of South Africa, which will host this year’s Group of 20 summit, to abide by the legal framework for bilateral relations signed in 1997. And before a consensus is reached through negotiations with Taiwan, MOFA calls on South Africa not to use coercive measures against the TLO or take any other action that could interfere with the TLO’s operations or services that it provides for Taiwanese abroad.

MIL OSI China News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin confers Friendship Medal of Diplomacy on British Office Taipei Representative Dennis

Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

No. 029
January 27, 2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on January 24 conferred the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy on outgoing British Office Taipei Representative John Dennis in recognition of his efforts over the past five years to promote bilateral exchange and cooperation in all areas.

Minister Lin thanked Representative Dennis for raising British attention on the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific during his tenure. Minister Lin expressed pleasure that the G7 had begun stressing the importance of cross-strait peace and stability as an indispensable element to global security and prosperity since United Kingdom’s G7 presidency in 2021. He also noted that Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Catherine West in November 2024 for the first time publicly expressed the UK government’s opposition to China’s misrepresentation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.

Furthermore, Minister Lin stated that Representative Dennis had initiated regular bilateral dialogue mechanisms on a wide range of issues and had facilitated the signing of bilateral memorandums of understanding on the exchange of driving licenses and organics equivalence, as well as the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) arrangement, thereby further deepening people-to-people, agricultural, economic, and trade exchanges between the two countries. Minister Lin added that during Representative Dennis’s tenure the United Kingdom had actively participated in and co-hosted activities under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework, helping to consolidate partnerships based on democratic values.

Representative Dennis said that considerable progress had been made in Taiwan-UK ties in recent years and that bilateral trade had continued to grow. He stated that he had been honored to witness the flourishing collaboration between the two countries, as well as Taiwan’s achievements in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing supply chain resilience, and responding to climate change. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and the United Kingdom would soon conclude negotiations and sign subagreements on key pillars of the ETP, including investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero emissions.

Meanwhile, Representative Dennis said that the United Kingdom would do its utmost to support Taiwan’s international participation so that the two countries could jointly contribute to global initiatives on health, ICT resilience, and sustainable development. He concluded his remarks by stressing that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were vital to global prosperity and that the United Kingdom and the other G7 members would continue to pay close attention to Taiwan Strait developments.

Since taking office in December 2020, Representative Dennis has actively sharpened the United Kingdom’s focus on Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific affairs. He has also promoted bilateral exchange and collaboration in such areas as the economy, trade, investment, science and technology, and talent cultivation. His outstanding contributions have further enhanced the mutually beneficial and substantive partnership between Taiwan and the United Kingdom. (E)

MIL OSI China News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Security guard convicted for using fake licence

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

A man who tried to use a cloned Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence to work in the security industry has been prosecuted.

A man who tried to use a cloned Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence to work in the security industry has been given a community order and must pay almost £4,000 in costs.

Luke Donnelly paid an unknown man £300 for a cloned security licence to work illegally, without proper training. Active Security Solutions Ltd, the company he applied to work for, spotted the deception while conducting routine checks.

The company alerted the SIA, who launched an investigation into Mr Donnelly.

Following the investigation, Mr Donnelly was charged and ordered to appear in court for his trial. He failed to appear at Dudley Magistrates’ Court and was found guilty in his absence on 13 December 2024.

A warrant was then issued for Mr Donnelly’s arrest. He was arrested and appeared at Walsall Magistrates’ Court on 9 January 2025. He was sentenced for using a cloned licence and for failing to surrender to bail. He was given a community order of 120 hours unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £3,903 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £114.

Mark Chapman, Criminal Investigations Manager for the SIA, said:

When somebody works in the private security industry with a cloned licence they put the public, their colleagues and themselves at risk.

In this case, Mr Donnelly thought he could take a shortcut by avoiding the training necessary to safely de-escalate conflict and deal with dangerous situations. He claimed he believed the licence he bought was genuine. However, having held a genuine licence previously, he would have known that this was not the case and that he was breaking the law. This sentence serves as a warning to others who may try to circumvent the legal requirements to hold a valid licence and then avoid being held to account when caught.

I would like to thank Active Security Solutions Ltd for reporting this to us so that we could prosecute an individual trying to break the law.

Notes to editors

Licensed security operatives are subject to robust training requirements to help them protect the public. Deploying untrained and unvetted security operatives with fake or cloned licences puts the public at risk. Anyone suspected of breaking the law should be reported to the SIA.

If you suspect an individual of using a cloned licence you should report it.

By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Learn how we enforce SIA regulation.

The offence relating to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 that is mentioned above is:

Section 3 – knowingly using a false instrument

Further information

The Security Industry Authority is the regulator of the UK’s private security industry. Our purpose is to protect the public through effective regulation of the private security industry and working with partners to raise standards across the sector. We are responsible for licensing people who do certain jobs in the private security industry and for approving private security companies who wish to be part of the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates visit www.gov.uk/sia. We also post articles and updates on WordPress. The SIA is on LinkedIn, Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and X (@SIAuk).

For media enquiries only, please contact media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk.

Published 11 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Security boss convicted of obstructing regulator’s investigation

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

The director of a Manchester-based security company has been prosecuted after failing to comply with an investigation.

The director of a Manchester-based security company has been ordered to pay over £3,500 after failing to comply with an investigation into the suspected deployment of unlicensed security operatives.

Katie O’Neill, the director of I-Guard Security Ltd, ignored several requests for information and invitations to interview from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) last year.

The SIA first began investigating I-Guard Security Ltd after receiving intelligence from Merseyside Police that unlicensed security operatives had been deployed to a venue in Liverpool. The SIA requested information from O’Neill in March 2024 regarding security provision for the venue but received no reply.

On 22 April 2024 the SIA sent a further request for information. O’Neill did not respond to this second request. The SIA then invited her to attend an interview under caution in respect of her refusal to provide the information requested. When she did not respond the SIA began prosecution proceedings.

Manchester Magistrates’ Court sentenced O’Neill on 9 January 2025. The court fined her £1,100 and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of £440 plus prosecution costs of £2,000.

Mark Chapman, Criminal Investigations Manager at the SIA, said:

As regulator for the private security sector, our priority is ensuring that security companies operate within the law, and that their staff are properly trained and licensed to perform their role. When we suspect wrongdoing and need information for our investigations, we have the statutory powers to request this.

Katie O’Neill failed to respond to such a request. It is an offence to ignore our requests or obstruct our investigation and she has now paid the price. I hope this case serves as a warning to others that we at the SIA take these matters seriously and will not hesitate to act to ensure those who break the law are held accountable for their actions.

Notes to editors

By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on GOV.UK/SIA.

The offence relating to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 that is mentioned above is:

Section 19 – obstructing SIA officials or those with delegated authority, or failing to respond to a request for information

Further information

The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).

For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates visit www.gov.uk/sia. We also post articles and updates on WordPress. The SIA is on LinkedIn, Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and X (@SIAuk).

For media enquiries only, please contact media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk.

Published 11 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Modernized polyclinics opened in six more Moscow districts

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Renovated polyclinics have begun accepting patients in six more districts of the capital. Sergei Sobyanin wrote about this in his telegram channel.

“After reconstruction, buildings in Orekhovo-Borisovo Yuzhny, Khoroshevskoye, Maryino, Yakimanka, Yuzhny Butovo and Yuzhny Medvedkovo opened. All clinics comply with the new Moscow standard, which makes medical care more comfortable and accessible,” the Moscow Mayor said.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

The buildings have been equipped with spacious waiting areas, modern offices and the latest diagnostic equipment.

Moscow is undergoing the largest modernization program city polyclinics. Over the course of five years, 280 buildings were renovated, nine of them this year.

Sergei Sobyanin outlined the main directions of healthcare development

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12369050/

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: An educational complex with a sports core will be built in Moskvorechye-Saburovo

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

The Moscow City Committee for Architecture and Urban Development (Moskomarkhitektura) has amended the land use and development rules (LDR) for a site in the Moskvorechye-Saburovo district. A large educational complex with a sports core will be built here as part of a large-scale investment project. This was reported by Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

Land use and development regulations are a set of rules and requirements that govern how land is used and what can be built on it. They determine what activities are permitted in certain locations and what must be observed when designing and constructing buildings.

“An educational complex for three thousand students with a sports core will appear in the south of the capital. The complex will include a school for 2.5 thousand places and a kindergarten for 500 pupils. For the construction of these facilities, changes were made to the land use and development regulations for a territorial zone of 4.7 hectares. A sports core will be created next to the complex on a site of about 1.2 hectares. After the completion of construction, the facilities will be transferred to the city,” said Vladimir Efimov.

The educational complex with a sports core will be built on the sites located at the following addresses: 1st Kotlyakovsky Lane, Building 6, 2nd Kotlyakovsky Lane, Land Plot No. 1/10, Building 1, Buildings 31, 37, Kotlyakovskaya Street, Building 7, Buildings 2–9, 13, 14.

“The facilities will appear on land plots, including investor ones, with a total area of almost six hectares. The educational complex will become one of the largest in the Moskvorechye-Saburovo district, which is actively developing. The planned sports core will not only ensure physical activity for students, but will also allow for large sports and health events to be held,” she noted.

Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Moscow Committee for Architecture.

Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property Maxim Gaman noted that the capital will allocate land for the construction of an educational complex with an area of over 40 thousand square meters without holding a tender. The facility will include a large sports core, which will include a multifunctional stadium with football, volleyball and tennis courts. A running track will be laid around it, and two workout areas and a long jump pit will be equipped.

Earlier Sergei Sobyanin told, that since 2022 Moscow has provided entrepreneurs with about 700 hectares of land without holding tenders for the implementation of large-scale investment projects.

The construction of social facilities in Moscow corresponds to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149924073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Principality of Andorra: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

Source: IMF – News in Russian

February 11, 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.

Andorra La Vella – February 11, 2025

The Andorran economy is doing well. This provides a window of opportunity to address substantial long-term challenges. The authorities have consolidated the country’s macro-financial framework and reinforced buffers. However, Andorra’s real GDP per capita—while high in absolute terms—has remained flat over the last 50 years, with growth largely driven by population increases. Going forward, population aging is both an economic and a fiscal concern, and climate change challenges an economic model largely dependent on winter tourism. Ambitious structural reforms are needed to unlock investment and lift productivity.

Economic Outlook

The Andorra economy continues to show resilience and to grow above its potential. Growth in 2024 surprised slightly on the upside, at an estimated 2.1 percent, driven by the service, banking and construction sectors. Inflation is subsiding gradually, reaching 2.6 percent at the end of 2024, despite limited economic slack and a still tight labor market. The current account surplus remains very large, estimated at 15.1 percent of GDP in 2024. The strong performance of banks continued in 2024 supported by high interest margins and increased fees and commissions.

Going forward, GDP is expected to slow to the level of potential growth. Real GDP growth is forecasted at 1.7 percent in 2025 and 1.5 percent from 2027 onwards. Inflation is projected to stabilize at 1.7 percent over the medium term. Short-term risks are balanced: greater uncertainty in the global economy and the potential for adverse shocks such as deepening geoeconomic fragmentation, supply disruptions, recurrent commodity price fluctuations and a reversal of monetary policy loosening are downside risks to growth and inflation. On the upside, Andorra, like other service-oriented economies in Europe, could benefit from stronger demand, and grow faster than projected. Solid buffers mitigate risks.

Challenges are concentrated over the medium-term, as stagnating income growth makes it challenging to address the impact of population aging and climate change. With long life expectancy and low fertility rates, Andorra’s population is expected to age rapidly—removing an engine for GDP growth and creating fiscal liabilities over the long term. Fiscal costs from pensions and healthcare will be substantial. More frequent climate shocks can affect the economic cycle in an economy largely reliant on winter tourism, and structurally warmer temperatures will require extensive adaptation.

Policy priorities

The solid macroeconomic position and the credibility of the policy framework provide Andorra with an opportunity for implementing far-reaching structural reforms. Diversifying the economy to enhance resilience, unlocking investment and lifting productivity to raise income levels, and addressing the costs of aging and climate change should be driving the policy agenda. The recently negotiated EU Association Agreement (EUAA), if approved by referendum, could offer an opportunity to support the reform momentum, but would also bring challenges.

Maintaining a solid fiscal framework given spending pressures over the medium term

Maintaining a disciplined fiscal policy within the fiscal framework is important and will provide room for more public investment. In a microstate that needs fiscal buffers against external shocks, entrenching fiscal space is important. In addition, the credibility of the fiscal framework and the primary surplus provide room for higher public investment to support potential growth and mitigate structural bottlenecks.

A balanced 2025 budget focused on economic priorities. The 2025 budget finds a welcome balance between maintaining a conservative fiscal stance but building on the authorities’ structural priorities, with a focus on health, housing, maintaining purchasing power, and education. Overall, the 2025 budget foresees a deficit of 0.9 percent of GDP. Given past practice of adjusting expenditures in line with incoming revenues, staff forecasts a small surplus of about 0.3 percent of GDP.
Room for growth-enhancing public spending. The fiscal framework, which prescribes an overall deficit limit of 1 percent of GDP and a central government debt ceiling of 40 percent of GDP, provides room for higher public spending targeted towards growth-enhancing investment. Spending should be focused on the structural needs of the economy: social and affordable housing, upskilling the workforce and addressing labor shortages, connectivity to support economic diversification, and investments to lift potential growth. As under-execution of budgeted public investment is customary, delivering on investment plans should be a policy objective.

Over the medium term, Andorra faces rising spending pressures from aging, as well as a need to adapt to climate change—engaging reforms early is paramount. Staff estimates that by 2050, pension system expenditures will rise by 6.7 percentage points while healthcare expenditures will increase by 2 percentage points. Acting early on pension and healthcare reforms is needed to anticipate and mitigate the fiscal impact of aging.

Pension reform has been on the government’s agenda for some time and is overdue. The menu of options to put the system on the sustainable path is well understood, from increasing contribution rates and reducing conversion rates to increasing the retirement age. Concluding the reform in an expeditious and comprehensive manner is needed to ensure the sustainability of the social security fund in the long run.
A reform of the healthcare system should aim to contain long-term costs while raising healthcare revenues . Experience from other advanced economies provides a blueprint for potential measures, in 4 areas: (i) enhance cost efficiency, (ii) strengthen preventive care, (iii) increase revenues for healthcare while preserving equity, and (iv) improve governance. The National Pact brought together stakeholders and should continue its work to strengthen the healthcare system.

· Beyond direct policies in the pension and healthcare areas, broader measures would be helpful to buffer the additional long-term fiscal costs of aging. Domestic revenue mobilization and migration policies can help.

Climate change also exposes the government to future contingent liabilities. Public investment needs to increase to meet Andorra’s climate change mitigation targets and to provide adequate support to the adaptation of the private sector. In addition, fiscal space will be increasingly needed to buffer the negative impact of climate shocks.

Precautionary borrowing and a rapid reduction in public debt provide the authorities with flexibility in managing the debt profile. The authorities are reaping the benefits of an effective debt management strategy that is projected to bring public debt down to 30 percent of GDP by 2026, that lengthened its maturity to 6.3 years and that keeps public debt service low. The authorities should continue to monitor market conditions for an upcoming debt maturity of €500 million public bonds in 2027, including for further diversifying debt and extending its maturity to decrease rollover risks and mitigate consequences from potential increases in interest rates.

Consolidating banking performance in a changing environment

Strengthening further the resilience of the banking system during periods of high profitability is appropriate. The banking sector displays solid fundamentals, with large capital and liquidity buffers. However, given the large size of the banking sector, the supervisor should remain vigilant. Available supervisory tools should complement each other, including by supporting the lender of last resort facility introduced in 2022 by continued close supervision and a well-designed resolution framework to ensure that critical problems are identified and addressed early. The activation of a countercyclical capital buffer in 2024 was timely to increase banking system resilience during high bank profitability.

The changing financial landscape, notably with the continued international expansion of banks and a possible EUAA, brings opportunities and challenges for Andorran banks. Banks have been growing in the EU where they run independent subsidiaries focused on private banking services, and the EUAA would facilitate this expansion, notably in the asset management business. Domestically, the EUAA has the potential to create a more dynamic domestic market but also to open Andorra to greater competition. The authorities should work closely with banks to prepare for the transition and safeguard financial stability.

Ambitious structural reforms to unlock investment and lift productivity, support the diversification of the economy and help mitigate climate change.

A comprehensive set of structural measures is important and should focus on the following:

Addressing frictions, notably labor and housing shortages. Public investment in education and well-designed immigration policies can improve knowledge capital in Andorra and raise labor productivity. Multiple housing measures were implemented recently—including the extension of existing rental contracts, the creation of a public affordable housing park, tax incentives for owners who offer affordable housing, suspension of tourist accommodation licenses, fees on empty houses and on real estate purchases by foreigners. The authorities should aim at providing market-based incentives for investing in affordable housing while minimizing distortions.
Creating a business environment conducive to higher investment. Recommendations encompass reducing administrative rigidities associated with doing business in Andorra, promoting access to financing, and implementing measures to attract and retain talent.
Supporting the development of higher value-added sectors, including the digital economy. With limited space for manufacturing, Andorra can look at the experience of peer countries that have successfully diversified towards the digital economy. Government policies, including the 2022 Law on the digital economy, entrepreneurship, and innovation and the Digitalization Strategy 2020-2030 were welcome initial steps.

The EUAA could provide further momentum for reforms towards diversification, unlock investment, and raise productivity in Andorra, but is not without its own challenges. The agreement signals a strong commitment to deeper integration with the EU and to reinforce Andorran institutions in their coherence with EU standards. Empirical evidence on the benefits of EU membership provides useful lessons for EU association. It suggests that while the impact can be significant and positive, it builds up over time, and is conditional on well-designed domestic reforms during the accession period. While the impact varies with country-specific circumstances, it materializes through a few channels: structural reforms in the period preceding accession/association, greater capital accumulation, notably FDI, and higher productivity. In Andorra, room for increasing investment and productivity is substantial. Transition periods for key sectors such as telecom and banking mitigate the risks of disruption and fiscal space can cover transition costs. Preparedness is essential to realize the benefits of association, and reduce potential downsides, such as greater regional competition.

The climate adaptation strategy needs to be accelerated given the macrocriticality of global warming for Andorra. Because of its higher altitude, Andorra is less exposed than other winter tourism locations in the region and should use this window of opportunity to enact needed policies, support the development of higher value-added service sectors and diversify away from winter tourism. The authorities should expedite the development and execution of a climate adaptation strategy.

*

The mission thanks the authorities and all our counterparts for a constructive and candid policy dialogue, for engaging in a productive and transparent collaboration, and for their hospitality during the official visit of the IMF to Andorra.

Andorra: Selected Social and Economic Indicators

	I. Social Indicators
	Population (2023)	85101		Population at risk of poverty (percent, 2020)					13
	Per capita income (2023, euros)	40511		Human Development Index Rank (2021)					40 (out of 189)
	Gini Index (2020)	32		Life expectancy at birth (2024)						83.9

	II. Economic Indicators
					Projections
		2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029		2030

	NATIONAL ACCOUNTS AND PRICES		(annual change, percent, unless otherwise indicated)
	Real GDP	9.6	2.6	2.1	1.7	1.6	1.5	1.5	1.5		1.5
	Nominal GDP	14.2	9.0	5.0	3.7	3.4	3.3	3.2	3.2		3.2
	GDP deflator	4.2	6.3	2.9	1.9	1.8	1.7	1.7	1.7		1.7
		(contribution to nominal GDP growth, percentage points)
	Consumption	6.5	7.0	3.6	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.4		2.4
	Private	6.2	3.5	1.7	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.4		1.4
	Public	0.3	3.4	1.9	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0		1.0
	Investment	6.8	-2.2	0.9	0.5	0.6	0.3	0.3	0.4		0.5
	Private 1/	6.4	-3.1	0.2	0.0	0.4	0.1	0.1	0.2		0.3
	Public	0.4	0.9	0.7	0.5	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2		0.2
	Net exports of goods and services	0.9	4.3	0.7	0.6	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.4		0.4
	Exports	18.8	10.4	4.2	3.3	2.8	2.8	2.9	2.9		2.8
	Imports	18.0	6.1	3.5	2.7	2.5	2.4	2.5	2.5		2.4

	Prices
	Inflation (percent, period average)	6.2	5.6	3.1	2.2	1.8	1.7	1.7	1.7		1.7
	Inflation (percent, end of period)	7.2	4.6	2.6	2.0	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7		1.7

	Unemployment rate (percent)	2.1	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.8	1.8	1.9	2.0		2.0

	EXTERNAL SECTOR	(percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

	Current account	11.6	14.2	15.1	17.0	17.0	17.0	17.0	17.0		17.0
	Balance on goods and services	8.8	12.0	12.0	12.2	12.1	12.1	12.1	12.1		12.1
	Exports of goods and services	80.9	83.7	83.7	83.9	83.8	83.9	84.1	84.2		84.3
	Imports of goods and services	72.2	71.8	71.6	71.7	71.7	71.8	71.9	72.1		72.2
	Primary income, net	4.3	3.5	4.3	6.1	6.1	6.1	6.1	6.1		6.1
	Secondary income, net	-1.4	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3		-1.3
	Capital account	0.0	-0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0		0.0
	Financial account	12.7	13.5	15.1	17.0	17.0	17.0	17.0	17.0		17.0
	Errors and omissions	1.1	-0.6	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0		0.0
	Gross international reserves (millions of euros) 2/	338.4	338.7	399.0	399.0	399.0	399.0	399.0	399.0		399.0

	FISCAL SECTOR	(percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

	General Government 3/
	Revenue	39.7	38.0	37.9	37.8	37.7	37.8	37.8	37.7		37.8
	Expenditure	34.9	35.9	36.5	36.7	36.6	36.9	36.9	37.0		37.0
	Interest	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.8	0.8	0.8		0.8
	Primary balance	5.6	2.7	2.0	1.7	1.6	1.6	1.7	1.6		1.6
	Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)	4.8	2.1	1.5	1.1	1.1	0.8	0.9	0.8		0.8
	Public debt	38.9	35.5	33.7	32.5	31.5	30.5	30.0	29.5		29.0

	Central Government 4/
	Revenue	21.7	19.8	21.3	20.8	20.8	20.8	20.8	20.8		20.9
	Expenditure	18.7	19.1	20.4	20.5	20.5	20.6	20.7	20.6		20.7
	Interest	0.7	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.7	0.7	0.7		0.7
	Primary balance	3.6	1.2	1.4	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.8	0.9		0.9
	Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)	2.9	0.7	0.9	0.3	0.3	0.2	0.1	0.2		0.2
	Public debt	37.1	34.0	32.3	31.2	30.1	29.2	28.7	28.3		27.9

	BANKING SECTOR5 /	(percent, unless otherwise indicated)

	Regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets	20.3	21.7	21.2	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Nonperforming loans to total gross loans	3.3	2.2	2.1	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Credit to nonfinancial private sector
	Level (percent of GDP)	116.4	101.3	94.5	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Corporates	61.8	55.1	51.1	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Households	54.6	46.2	43.4	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Growth (nominal)	-1.7	-5.2	-2.0	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Corporates	2.6	-2.8	-2.5	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Households	-6.1	-7.8	-1.3	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Credit to public sector
	Level (percent of GDP)	2.2	1.8	1.5	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Growth (nominal)	-8.4	-10.0	-13.0	…	…	…	…	…		…

	Memorandum items
	Exchange rate (€/USD, period average) 6/	0.95	0.92	0.92	0.97	0.97	0.97	0.97	0.97		0.97
	Nominal GDP (millions of euros)	3,210	3,501	3,676	3,811	3,942	4,070	4,202	4,338		4,478

	Sources: Andorran authorities, Eurostat, and IMF staff calculations.
	1/ The contribution of private investment is derived as a residual and includes investments of state-owned enterprises.
	2/ The increase of gross international reserves in 2022 is due to €100 million deposited at the Bank of Spain, €40 million at the Banque de France, and €60 million at the Nederlandsche Bank as gross international reserves. In 2024, additional €60 million reserves were accounted, mainly deposited at the Bank of Spain.
	3/ The general government comprises the central government, local governments, and the social security fund.
	4/ The central government comprises Govern d’Andorra, as well as nonmarket, nonprofit institutional units.
	5/ 2024 data corresponds to 2024Q3.
	6/ The table reports the exchange rate €/USD because Andorra is a euroized economy.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

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

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/11/andorra-cs-2025

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Albanese government looking to acquire Rex Airlines if buyer can’t be found

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

The Albanese government will on Wednesday announce it is willing, as a last resort, to purchase the collapsed Rex Airlines, in its latest bid to prop up aviation services to regional and remote areas.

As the administrators work on the second attempt to sell Rex, the government will say that, in the first instance, it will work with shortlisted bidders on potential support to maximise the prospects of a sale. The initial attempt to sell Rex failed last year.

What support will be offered will be conditional on bidders committing to provide an “ongoing, reasonable level of service to regional and remote communities”. Assistance must also represent value for taxpayers’ money and there would have to be assurances from the potential buyer of good governance.

While the government is not a bidder in the sale process now underway and hopes that will be successful, if there is no result, it will go down an alternative route.

“In the event there is no sale, the Albanese government will undertake necessary work, in consultation with relevant state governments, on contingency options, including preparations necessary for potential Commonwealth acquisition.”

The government is also providing an extension to the exemption from the “use it or lose it” test for REX regional flight slots at Sydney airport. This will ensure its access to those slots until October 24 next year.

REX went into voluntary administration last year. An attempt (now abandoned) to compete on capital city routes had proved disastrous for it.

The Federal government has provided it with extensive support to keep it in the air on regional routes while its future is being determined.

This has included $80 million in a loan to the administrator to keep regional flights operating until June 30, as well as a buyout of $50 million debt from its biggest creditor, PAGAC Regulus Holdings Limited. The government is now Rex’s largest creditor.

Prime Minister Albanese said: “We are working collaboratively with the administrators of REX to ensure that regional services continue beyond June 2025, including looking at what support the Commonwealth can provide.

“Regional Australians can be assured that our government will continue to fight to ensure these regional airfare remain available.”

Transport minister Catherine King said: “When markets fail or struggle to deliver for regional communities the government has a role to ensure people do not miss out on opportunities, education and critical connections.”

When speaking about the future of the airline last month, opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie declined to say whether the Coalition would support nationalisation of Rex.

Until the 1990s the federal government owned Qantas and one of the two major domestic airlines.

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

– ref. Albanese government looking to acquire Rex Airlines if buyer can’t be found – https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-looking-to-acquire-rex-airlines-if-buyer-cant-be-found-249594

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at AI Action Summit [scroll down for english]

Source: United Nations – English

em>
Excellences,

Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier le Président Macron et le Premier ministre Modi d’avoir organisé ce Sommet pour l’action sur l’intelligence artificielle.

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Allons droit au but.

Regardons le monde qui nous entoure au-delà de ceux qui sont dans cette salle.

Notre réunion pose une question fondamentale sur notre rapport à l’intelligence artificielle.

Sommes-nous prêts pour l’avenir ?

La réponse s’impose d’elle-même.

Non.

Nous ne sommes peut-être même pas prêts pour le présent.

En un battement de cils, l’Intelligence Artificielle a quitté l’univers de la science-fiction pour devenir une force puissante qui révolutionne notre monde.

Transformant nos modes de vie, de travail et d’interaction.

Alimentant des avancées majeures dans l’éducation, la santé, l’agriculture…

Mais mettant également à l’épreuve nos valeurs communes et nos droits fondamentaux.

Le pouvoir de l’intelligence artificielle impose d’immenses responsabilités.

Aujourd’hui, ce pouvoir est entre les mains d’une poignée de personnes.

Tandis que certaines entreprises et certains pays se lancent dans une course effrénée avec des investissements sans précédent, la plupart des nations en développement se retrouvent laissées pour compte.

Cette concentration grandissante des capacités en matière d’intelligence artificielle menace d’aggraver les clivages géopolitiques.

Nous devons empêcher l’émergence d’un monde de “nantis” et de “démunis” de l’Intelligence Artificielle.

Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent combler le fossé entre les pays développés et les pays en développement – et non le creuser.

Elle doit accélérer le développement durable – au lieu de perpétuer les inégalités.

Excellencies,

The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.

And we are working to strengthen that platform.

The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.

It brings the world together around a shared vision:

One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.

The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.

By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities, and opportunities and help bridge knowledge gaps.

I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.

Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.

Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.

The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and the Global Partnership on AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe.

And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.

The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.

This is not only about technology diffusion.

We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;

Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;

And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.

A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.

Today’s launch of Current AI, a public interest partnership, is an important contribution.

I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.

Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.

But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.

So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.

From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.

Excellencies,

I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.

Who decides what problems AI should or should not resolve?

Who benefits most from its deployment?

Who bears the cost of its mistakes?

These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.

It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.

The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.

And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.

AI is not standing still.

Neither can we.

Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.

In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.

Thank you.

***

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
—
REMARKS AT AI ACTION SUMMIT

Paris, 11 February 2025

Excellencies,

Let me begin by thanking President Macron and Prime Minister Modi for convening this AI Action Summit.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let’s get straight to the point.

Let’s look at the world around us beyond those who are in this room.

This meeting poses a fundamental question about our relationship with Artificial Intelligence:

Are we ready for the future?

The answer is easy.

No.

We may not even be ready for the present.

In what seems like the blink of an eye, AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world.

Reshaping the way we live, work, and interact.

Fueling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture…

But also testing our shared values and rights.

The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.

Today, that power sits in the hands of a few.

While some companies and some countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold.

This growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides.

We must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots”.

Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent

We must all work together so that artificial can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it.

It must accelerate sustainable development – not entrench inequalities.

Excellencies,

The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.

And we are working to strengthen that platform.

The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.

It brings the world together around a shared vision:

One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.

The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.

By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, opportunities and capabilities, and help bridge knowledge gaps.

I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.

Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.

Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.

The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and the Global Partnership on AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe.

And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.

The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.

This is not only about technology diffusion.

We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;

Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;

And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.

A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.

Today’s launch of the AI Foundation for Public Interest is an important contribution.

I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.

Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.

But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.

So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.

From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.

Excellencies,

I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.

Who decides what problems AI should or should not solve?

Who benefits most from its deployment?

Who bears the cost of its mistakes?

These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.

It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.

The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.

And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.

AI is not standing still.

Neither can we.

Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.

In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Africa –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks at AI Action Summit [scroll down for english]

Source: United Nations

Excellences,

Permettez-moi tout d’abord de remercier le Président Macron et le Premier ministre Modi d’avoir organisé ce Sommet pour l’action sur l’intelligence artificielle.

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Allons droit au but.

Regardons le monde qui nous entoure au-delà de ceux qui sont dans cette salle.

Notre réunion pose une question fondamentale sur notre rapport à l’intelligence artificielle.

Sommes-nous prêts pour l’avenir ?

La réponse s’impose d’elle-même.

Non.

Nous ne sommes peut-être même pas prêts pour le présent.

En un battement de cils, l’Intelligence Artificielle a quitté l’univers de la science-fiction pour devenir une force puissante qui révolutionne notre monde.

Transformant nos modes de vie, de travail et d’interaction.

Alimentant des avancées majeures dans l’éducation, la santé, l’agriculture…

Mais mettant également à l’épreuve nos valeurs communes et nos droits fondamentaux.

Le pouvoir de l’intelligence artificielle impose d’immenses responsabilités.

Aujourd’hui, ce pouvoir est entre les mains d’une poignée de personnes.

Tandis que certaines entreprises et certains pays se lancent dans une course effrénée avec des investissements sans précédent, la plupart des nations en développement se retrouvent laissées pour compte.

Cette concentration grandissante des capacités en matière d’intelligence artificielle menace d’aggraver les clivages géopolitiques.

Nous devons empêcher l’émergence d’un monde de “nantis” et de “démunis” de l’Intelligence Artificielle.

Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent combler le fossé entre les pays développés et les pays en développement – et non le creuser.

Elle doit accélérer le développement durable – au lieu de perpétuer les inégalités.

Excellencies,

The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.

And we are working to strengthen that platform.

The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.

It brings the world together around a shared vision:

One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.

The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.

By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits and capabilities, and opportunities and help bridge knowledge gaps.

I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.

Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.

Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.

The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and the Global Partnership on AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe.

And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.

The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.

This is not only about technology diffusion.

We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;

Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;

And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.

A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.

Today’s launch of Current AI, a public interest partnership, is an important contribution.

I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.

Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.

But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.

So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.

From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.

Excellencies,

I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.

Who decides what problems AI should or should not resolve?

Who benefits most from its deployment?

Who bears the cost of its mistakes?

These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.

It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.

The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.

And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.

AI is not standing still.

Neither can we.

Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.

In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.

Thank you.

***

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
—
REMARKS AT AI ACTION SUMMIT

Paris, 11 February 2025

Excellencies,

Let me begin by thanking President Macron and Prime Minister Modi for convening this AI Action Summit.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let’s get straight to the point.

Let’s look at the world around us beyond those who are in this room.

This meeting poses a fundamental question about our relationship with Artificial Intelligence:

Are we ready for the future?

The answer is easy.

No.

We may not even be ready for the present.

In what seems like the blink of an eye, AI has gone from the stuff of science fiction to a powerful force that is transforming our world.

Reshaping the way we live, work, and interact.

Fueling breakthroughs in education, healthcare, agriculture…

But also testing our shared values and rights.

The power of AI carries immense responsibilities.

Today, that power sits in the hands of a few.

While some companies and some countries are racing ahead with record investments, most developing nations find themselves left out in the cold.

This growing concentration of AI capabilities risks deepening geopolitical divides.

We must prevent a world of AI “haves” and “have-nots”.

Nous tous devons travailler ensemble pour que l’Intelligence Artificielle puissent

We must all work together so that artificial can bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it.

It must accelerate sustainable development – not entrench inequalities.

Excellencies,

The United Nations offers an inclusive, transparent and effective platform for AI solidarity.

And we are working to strengthen that platform.

The Global Digital Compact, adopted at the Summit of the Future, established the first universal agreement on the governance of AI.

It brings the world together around a shared vision:

One where technology serves humanity, not the other way around.

The creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI will be central to translating this vision into reality.

By pooling global expertise, this Scientific Panel will promote a common understanding of AI risks, benefits, opportunities and capabilities, and help bridge knowledge gaps.

I urge everyone to support its creation without delay.

Member States also agreed to establish a Global Dialogue on AI Governance – within the United Nations – to ensure that all countries have a voice in shaping the future of AI.

Through the Global Dialogue, we can align governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability; uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse.

The UN provides an inclusive forum for cooperation, complementing existing mechanisms such as the OECD AI Principles, G7 and the Global Partnership on AI – as well as regional efforts by the African Union, European Union, ASEAN and the Council of Europe.

And I am confident that discussions at this Summit will help enrich this Dialogue.

The Compact also calls for building AI capacity in developing nations.

This is not only about technology diffusion.

We need concerted efforts to build sustainable digital infrastructure at an unprecedented scale;

Foster talent and train workforces to develop, deploy and maintain AI systems;

And ultimately, empower peoples and nations to become not just users, but active participants in the AI revolution.

A global AI capacity-building network, as proposed by my High-Level Advisory Body on AI, is an economic necessity and a moral imperative.

Today’s launch of the AI Foundation for Public Interest is an important contribution.

I will soon present a report on innovative voluntary financing models and capacity-building initiatives to help all countries harness AI as a force for good.

Finally, we know that AI can be a force for climate action and energy efficiency.

But we also know AI power-intensive systems are already placing an unsustainable strain on our planet.

So it is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use.

From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.

Excellencies,

I began with a question. Let me end with a few more.

Who decides what problems AI should or should not solve?

Who benefits most from its deployment?

Who bears the cost of its mistakes?

These questions affect everyone – so the answers must also involve everyone.

It is in all our interests for governments and technology leaders to commit to global guardrails, share best practices, and shape fair policy and business models.

The whole world benefits when development banks and the philanthropic community provide catalytic funding to jumpstart capacity-building worldwide.

And we all stand to gain when academia and thought leaders help us navigate through this complex landscape.

AI is not standing still.

Neither can we.

Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of humanity, for all of humanity.

In other words, let’s make sure we are ready for the future… right now.

Thank you.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches STORY (IP) Launchpool & Airdrop+, Offering 68,500 IP & 50,000 USDT in Bonuses

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, the world’s leading cryptocurrency trading platform, is excited to announce the launch of its Launchpool initiative in collaboration with the renowned blockchain project STORY (IP). This initiative highlights the close partnership between MEXC and STORY, showcasing their joint efforts to expand the STORY network. By introducing two major events—a Launchpool featuring a 60,000 IP reward pool and an Airdrop+ offering 8,500 IP plus 50,000 USDT—this collaboration further accelerates the growth of the STORY network while driving innovation in the blockchain space.

MEXC Supports the STORY Network with the Launch of IP Launchpool

In the digital age, traditional intellectual property (IP) management faces growing challenges. Centralized platforms and complicated intermediaries often lead to inefficiencies, high costs, and trust issues for creators. As a Layer 1 blockchain built with Cosmos SDK, STORY combines DeFi and AI technologies to offer automated, transparent, and cost-effective IP management solutions. With full EVM compatibility and a modular architecture, STORY empowers creators to tokenize their IP assets, automate royalties, and simplify licensing processes. MEXC’s support of the STORY network highlights the growing importance of such innovations in blockchain.

As a global leader in digital asset trading, MEXC consistently supports innovative blockchain projects. Its Launchpool initiative with STORY reaffirms this commitment. This collaboration not only strengthens the STORY ecosystem but also empowers global creators and developers to explore the potential of decentralized IP management. MEXC’s broad market coverage and strong liquidity offer the environment for blockchain projects like STORY to thrive and bring new possibilities to the digital economy. By allowing users to stake USDT, MX, and IP tokens to earn rewards, MEXC provides a platform for increased exposure and growth for STORY. Visit the STORY (IP) pre-market page to see this innovation in action.

Celebrate the IP Launchpool & Airdrop+ with a Prize Pool of 68,500 IP & 50,000 USDT

As a pioneer in the cryptocurrency industry, MEXC continues to foster innovation and support emerging blockchain ecosystems. MEXC is hosting two major STORY (IP) events: the Airdrop+ event, running from February 12, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) to February 26, 2025, 10:00 (UTC), featuring 8,500 IP plus 50,000 USDT in rewards, and the Launchpool, taking place from February 12, 2025, 10:00 (UTC) to February 15, 2025, 10:00 (UTC), with a 60,000 IP reward pool. These initiatives underscore MEXC’s ongoing commitment to advancing blockchain innovation and delivering valuable opportunities to the crypto community.

These activities include:

Event 1: IP Launchpool – Stake USDT, MX & IP to Share 60,000 IP
Event 2: Join Airdrop+ to Share 8,500 IP & 50,000 USDT bonus
Perk 1: Deposit and Share 5,600 IP (New User Exclusive).
Perk 2: Spot Challenge – Trade to Share 1,700 IP.
Perk 3: Futures Challenge – Trade to Share 50,000 USDT in Futures Bonuses.
Perk 4: Invite New Users and Share 1,200 IP.

MEXC continues to expand its market share in the centralized exchange space, leveraging its first-mover advantage in listing promising and valuable projects. As one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, with its commitment to innovation, user-centric approach, and strategic focus on early-stage token listings, MEXC remains at the forefront of the crypto industry, providing strong access to the rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 30 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

Contact:
Lucia Hu
PR Manager
lucia.hu@mexc.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by MEXC. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a2e22b1-397a-4227-8c4b-fe594bb87d87

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI: NNIT A/S: Publication of financial estimates gathered from equity analysts covering the NNIT share

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Today, NNIT has published financial estimates gathered from the four equity analysts covering the NNIT share ahead of the Q4/FY 2024 announcement scheduled for publication on February 18.

The analyst estimates is available on NNIT’s investor site through this link: https://www.nnit.com/investors-media/investors/share/analyst-coverage/

NNIT will host its webcast about the Q4/FY 2024 results on February 19 at 9:30 AM CET. Details can be found via this link: https://www.nnit.com/investors-media/investors/calendar/

For more information, please contact:

Investor Relations
Carsten Ringius
EVP & CFO
Tel: +45 3077 8888
carr@nnit.com

Media Relations
Sofie Mand Steffens
Senior Communications Consultant
Tel: +45 3077 8337
smst@nnit.com

ABOUT NNIT
NNIT is a leading provider of IT solutions to life sciences internationally, and to the public and private sectors in Denmark.

We focus on high complexity industries and thrive in environments where regulatory demands and complexity are high.

We advise on and build sustainable digital solutions that work for the patients, citizens, employees, end users or customers.

We strive to build unmatched excellence in the industries we serve, and we use our domain expertise to represent a business first approach – strongly supported by a selection of partner technologies, but always driven by business needs rather than technology.

NNIT consists of group company NNIT A/S and the subsidiary SCALES. Together, these companies employ more than 1,700 people in Europe, Asia and USA.

Attachment

NNIT_Analyst estimates_11Feb25

The MIL Network –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Principality of Andorra: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

Source: International Monetary Fund

February 11, 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.

Andorra La Vella – February 11, 2025

The Andorran economy is doing well. This provides a window of opportunity to address substantial long-term challenges. The authorities have consolidated the country’s macro-financial framework and reinforced buffers. However, Andorra’s real GDP per capita—while high in absolute terms—has remained flat over the last 50 years, with growth largely driven by population increases. Going forward, population aging is both an economic and a fiscal concern, and climate change challenges an economic model largely dependent on winter tourism. Ambitious structural reforms are needed to unlock investment and lift productivity.

Economic Outlook

The Andorra economy continues to show resilience and to grow above its potential. Growth in 2024 surprised slightly on the upside, at an estimated 2.1 percent, driven by the service, banking and construction sectors. Inflation is subsiding gradually, reaching 2.6 percent at the end of 2024, despite limited economic slack and a still tight labor market. The current account surplus remains very large, estimated at 15.1 percent of GDP in 2024. The strong performance of banks continued in 2024 supported by high interest margins and increased fees and commissions.

Going forward, GDP is expected to slow to the level of potential growth. Real GDP growth is forecasted at 1.7 percent in 2025 and 1.5 percent from 2027 onwards. Inflation is projected to stabilize at 1.7 percent over the medium term. Short-term risks are balanced: greater uncertainty in the global economy and the potential for adverse shocks such as deepening geoeconomic fragmentation, supply disruptions, recurrent commodity price fluctuations and a reversal of monetary policy loosening are downside risks to growth and inflation. On the upside, Andorra, like other service-oriented economies in Europe, could benefit from stronger demand, and grow faster than projected. Solid buffers mitigate risks.

Challenges are concentrated over the medium-term, as stagnating income growth makes it challenging to address the impact of population aging and climate change. With long life expectancy and low fertility rates, Andorra’s population is expected to age rapidly—removing an engine for GDP growth and creating fiscal liabilities over the long term. Fiscal costs from pensions and healthcare will be substantial. More frequent climate shocks can affect the economic cycle in an economy largely reliant on winter tourism, and structurally warmer temperatures will require extensive adaptation.

Policy priorities

The solid macroeconomic position and the credibility of the policy framework provide Andorra with an opportunity for implementing far-reaching structural reforms. Diversifying the economy to enhance resilience, unlocking investment and lifting productivity to raise income levels, and addressing the costs of aging and climate change should be driving the policy agenda. The recently negotiated EU Association Agreement (EUAA), if approved by referendum, could offer an opportunity to support the reform momentum, but would also bring challenges.

Maintaining a solid fiscal framework given spending pressures over the medium term

Maintaining a disciplined fiscal policy within the fiscal framework is important and will provide room for more public investment. In a microstate that needs fiscal buffers against external shocks, entrenching fiscal space is important. In addition, the credibility of the fiscal framework and the primary surplus provide room for higher public investment to support potential growth and mitigate structural bottlenecks.

A balanced 2025 budget focused on economic priorities. The 2025 budget finds a welcome balance between maintaining a conservative fiscal stance but building on the authorities’ structural priorities, with a focus on health, housing, maintaining purchasing power, and education. Overall, the 2025 budget foresees a deficit of 0.9 percent of GDP. Given past practice of adjusting expenditures in line with incoming revenues, staff forecasts a small surplus of about 0.3 percent of GDP.
Room for growth-enhancing public spending. The fiscal framework, which prescribes an overall deficit limit of 1 percent of GDP and a central government debt ceiling of 40 percent of GDP, provides room for higher public spending targeted towards growth-enhancing investment. Spending should be focused on the structural needs of the economy: social and affordable housing, upskilling the workforce and addressing labor shortages, connectivity to support economic diversification, and investments to lift potential growth. As under-execution of budgeted public investment is customary, delivering on investment plans should be a policy objective.

Over the medium term, Andorra faces rising spending pressures from aging, as well as a need to adapt to climate change—engaging reforms early is paramount. Staff estimates that by 2050, pension system expenditures will rise by 6.7 percentage points while healthcare expenditures will increase by 2 percentage points. Acting early on pension and healthcare reforms is needed to anticipate and mitigate the fiscal impact of aging.

Pension reform has been on the government’s agenda for some time and is overdue. The menu of options to put the system on the sustainable path is well understood, from increasing contribution rates and reducing conversion rates to increasing the retirement age. Concluding the reform in an expeditious and comprehensive manner is needed to ensure the sustainability of the social security fund in the long run.
A reform of the healthcare system should aim to contain long-term costs while raising healthcare revenues . Experience from other advanced economies provides a blueprint for potential measures, in 4 areas: (i) enhance cost efficiency, (ii) strengthen preventive care, (iii) increase revenues for healthcare while preserving equity, and (iv) improve governance. The National Pact brought together stakeholders and should continue its work to strengthen the healthcare system.

· Beyond direct policies in the pension and healthcare areas, broader measures would be helpful to buffer the additional long-term fiscal costs of aging. Domestic revenue mobilization and migration policies can help.

Climate change also exposes the government to future contingent liabilities. Public investment needs to increase to meet Andorra’s climate change mitigation targets and to provide adequate support to the adaptation of the private sector. In addition, fiscal space will be increasingly needed to buffer the negative impact of climate shocks.

Precautionary borrowing and a rapid reduction in public debt provide the authorities with flexibility in managing the debt profile. The authorities are reaping the benefits of an effective debt management strategy that is projected to bring public debt down to 30 percent of GDP by 2026, that lengthened its maturity to 6.3 years and that keeps public debt service low. The authorities should continue to monitor market conditions for an upcoming debt maturity of €500 million public bonds in 2027, including for further diversifying debt and extending its maturity to decrease rollover risks and mitigate consequences from potential increases in interest rates.

Consolidating banking performance in a changing environment

Strengthening further the resilience of the banking system during periods of high profitability is appropriate. The banking sector displays solid fundamentals, with large capital and liquidity buffers. However, given the large size of the banking sector, the supervisor should remain vigilant. Available supervisory tools should complement each other, including by supporting the lender of last resort facility introduced in 2022 by continued close supervision and a well-designed resolution framework to ensure that critical problems are identified and addressed early. The activation of a countercyclical capital buffer in 2024 was timely to increase banking system resilience during high bank profitability.

The changing financial landscape, notably with the continued international expansion of banks and a possible EUAA, brings opportunities and challenges for Andorran banks. Banks have been growing in the EU where they run independent subsidiaries focused on private banking services, and the EUAA would facilitate this expansion, notably in the asset management business. Domestically, the EUAA has the potential to create a more dynamic domestic market but also to open Andorra to greater competition. The authorities should work closely with banks to prepare for the transition and safeguard financial stability.

Ambitious structural reforms to unlock investment and lift productivity, support the diversification of the economy and help mitigate climate change.

A comprehensive set of structural measures is important and should focus on the following:

Addressing frictions, notably labor and housing shortages. Public investment in education and well-designed immigration policies can improve knowledge capital in Andorra and raise labor productivity. Multiple housing measures were implemented recently—including the extension of existing rental contracts, the creation of a public affordable housing park, tax incentives for owners who offer affordable housing, suspension of tourist accommodation licenses, fees on empty houses and on real estate purchases by foreigners. The authorities should aim at providing market-based incentives for investing in affordable housing while minimizing distortions.
Creating a business environment conducive to higher investment. Recommendations encompass reducing administrative rigidities associated with doing business in Andorra, promoting access to financing, and implementing measures to attract and retain talent.
Supporting the development of higher value-added sectors, including the digital economy. With limited space for manufacturing, Andorra can look at the experience of peer countries that have successfully diversified towards the digital economy. Government policies, including the 2022 Law on the digital economy, entrepreneurship, and innovation and the Digitalization Strategy 2020-2030 were welcome initial steps.

The EUAA could provide further momentum for reforms towards diversification, unlock investment, and raise productivity in Andorra, but is not without its own challenges. The agreement signals a strong commitment to deeper integration with the EU and to reinforce Andorran institutions in their coherence with EU standards. Empirical evidence on the benefits of EU membership provides useful lessons for EU association. It suggests that while the impact can be significant and positive, it builds up over time, and is conditional on well-designed domestic reforms during the accession period. While the impact varies with country-specific circumstances, it materializes through a few channels: structural reforms in the period preceding accession/association, greater capital accumulation, notably FDI, and higher productivity. In Andorra, room for increasing investment and productivity is substantial. Transition periods for key sectors such as telecom and banking mitigate the risks of disruption and fiscal space can cover transition costs. Preparedness is essential to realize the benefits of association, and reduce potential downsides, such as greater regional competition.

The climate adaptation strategy needs to be accelerated given the macrocriticality of global warming for Andorra. Because of its higher altitude, Andorra is less exposed than other winter tourism locations in the region and should use this window of opportunity to enact needed policies, support the development of higher value-added service sectors and diversify away from winter tourism. The authorities should expedite the development and execution of a climate adaptation strategy.

*

The mission thanks the authorities and all our counterparts for a constructive and candid policy dialogue, for engaging in a productive and transparent collaboration, and for their hospitality during the official visit of the IMF to Andorra.

Andorra: Selected Social and Economic Indicators

	I. Social Indicators
	Population (2023)	85101		Population at risk of poverty (percent, 2020)					13
	Per capita income (2023, euros)	40511		Human Development Index Rank (2021)					40 (out of 189)
	Gini Index (2020)	32		Life expectancy at birth (2024)						83.9

	II. Economic Indicators
					Projections
		2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029		2030

	NATIONAL ACCOUNTS AND PRICES		(annual change, percent, unless otherwise indicated)
	Real GDP	9.6	2.6	2.1	1.7	1.6	1.5	1.5	1.5		1.5
	Nominal GDP	14.2	9.0	5.0	3.7	3.4	3.3	3.2	3.2		3.2
	GDP deflator	4.2	6.3	2.9	1.9	1.8	1.7	1.7	1.7		1.7
		(contribution to nominal GDP growth, percentage points)
	Consumption	6.5	7.0	3.6	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.4		2.4
	Private	6.2	3.5	1.7	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.4		1.4
	Public	0.3	3.4	1.9	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0		1.0
	Investment	6.8	-2.2	0.9	0.5	0.6	0.3	0.3	0.4		0.5
	Private 1/	6.4	-3.1	0.2	0.0	0.4	0.1	0.1	0.2		0.3
	Public	0.4	0.9	0.7	0.5	0.2	0.2	0.2	0.2		0.2
	Net exports of goods and services	0.9	4.3	0.7	0.6	0.4	0.4	0.4	0.4		0.4
	Exports	18.8	10.4	4.2	3.3	2.8	2.8	2.9	2.9		2.8
	Imports	18.0	6.1	3.5	2.7	2.5	2.4	2.5	2.5		2.4

	Prices
	Inflation (percent, period average)	6.2	5.6	3.1	2.2	1.8	1.7	1.7	1.7		1.7
	Inflation (percent, end of period)	7.2	4.6	2.6	2.0	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7		1.7

	Unemployment rate (percent)	2.1	1.6	1.6	1.6	1.8	1.8	1.9	2.0		2.0

	EXTERNAL SECTOR	(percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

	Current account	11.6	14.2	15.1	17.0	17.0	17.0	17.0	17.0		17.0
	Balance on goods and services	8.8	12.0	12.0	12.2	12.1	12.1	12.1	12.1		12.1
	Exports of goods and services	80.9	83.7	83.7	83.9	83.8	83.9	84.1	84.2		84.3
	Imports of goods and services	72.2	71.8	71.6	71.7	71.7	71.8	71.9	72.1		72.2
	Primary income, net	4.3	3.5	4.3	6.1	6.1	6.1	6.1	6.1		6.1
	Secondary income, net	-1.4	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3	-1.3		-1.3
	Capital account	0.0	-0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0		0.0
	Financial account	12.7	13.5	15.1	17.0	17.0	17.0	17.0	17.0		17.0
	Errors and omissions	1.1	-0.6	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0		0.0
	Gross international reserves (millions of euros) 2/	338.4	338.7	399.0	399.0	399.0	399.0	399.0	399.0		399.0

	FISCAL SECTOR	(percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

	General Government 3/
	Revenue	39.7	38.0	37.9	37.8	37.7	37.8	37.8	37.7		37.8
	Expenditure	34.9	35.9	36.5	36.7	36.6	36.9	36.9	37.0		37.0
	Interest	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.8	0.8	0.8		0.8
	Primary balance	5.6	2.7	2.0	1.7	1.6	1.6	1.7	1.6		1.6
	Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)	4.8	2.1	1.5	1.1	1.1	0.8	0.9	0.8		0.8
	Public debt	38.9	35.5	33.7	32.5	31.5	30.5	30.0	29.5		29.0

	Central Government 4/
	Revenue	21.7	19.8	21.3	20.8	20.8	20.8	20.8	20.8		20.9
	Expenditure	18.7	19.1	20.4	20.5	20.5	20.6	20.7	20.6		20.7
	Interest	0.7	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.7	0.7	0.7		0.7
	Primary balance	3.6	1.2	1.4	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.8	0.9		0.9
	Net lending/borrowing (overall balance)	2.9	0.7	0.9	0.3	0.3	0.2	0.1	0.2		0.2
	Public debt	37.1	34.0	32.3	31.2	30.1	29.2	28.7	28.3		27.9

	BANKING SECTOR5 /	(percent, unless otherwise indicated)

	Regulatory capital to risk-weighted assets	20.3	21.7	21.2	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Nonperforming loans to total gross loans	3.3	2.2	2.1	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Credit to nonfinancial private sector
	Level (percent of GDP)	116.4	101.3	94.5	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Corporates	61.8	55.1	51.1	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Households	54.6	46.2	43.4	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Growth (nominal)	-1.7	-5.2	-2.0	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Corporates	2.6	-2.8	-2.5	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Households	-6.1	-7.8	-1.3	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Credit to public sector
	Level (percent of GDP)	2.2	1.8	1.5	…	…	…	…	…		…
	Growth (nominal)	-8.4	-10.0	-13.0	…	…	…	…	…		…

	Memorandum items
	Exchange rate (€/USD, period average) 6/	0.95	0.92	0.92	0.97	0.97	0.97	0.97	0.97		0.97
	Nominal GDP (millions of euros)	3,210	3,501	3,676	3,811	3,942	4,070	4,202	4,338		4,478

	Sources: Andorran authorities, Eurostat, and IMF staff calculations.
	1/ The contribution of private investment is derived as a residual and includes investments of state-owned enterprises.
	2/ The increase of gross international reserves in 2022 is due to €100 million deposited at the Bank of Spain, €40 million at the Banque de France, and €60 million at the Nederlandsche Bank as gross international reserves. In 2024, additional €60 million reserves were accounted, mainly deposited at the Bank of Spain.
	3/ The general government comprises the central government, local governments, and the social security fund.
	4/ The central government comprises Govern d’Andorra, as well as nonmarket, nonprofit institutional units.
	5/ 2024 data corresponds to 2024Q3.
	6/ The table reports the exchange rate €/USD because Andorra is a euroized economy.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

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

MIL OSI Economics –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Construction begins on £1million new fish pass at chalk stream

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

The Environment Agency has started construction of a £1million new fish pass at Turf Lock on the River Lark at Mildenhall in Suffolk.

The River Lark is a chalk stream and one of just over 200 in the world.

The aim of the work is to enable the free flow of native wild brown trout, eels and coarse fish. This will allow them to access habitat in the River Lark upstream of Mildenhall for spawning and foraging.

The project is part of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The partnership is hosted by Suffolk County Council and includes local councils, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Natural England, and many more.

Work will be carried out to remove two weirs that are currently impeding the fish and eels’ progress at Turf Lock. Once this work is done a new fish passage known as a rip rap rock ramp will be created using natural limestone boulders. A rip rap rock ramp provides shelter to the fish as they go between them. This work will take around three months to complete.

Chalk streams are a ‘valuable natural resource’

Lou Mayer, Environment Programme Manager for the Environment Agency said:

It’s fantastic to see work beginning on this important nature recovery project, as part of the catchment-based approach.

Chalk streams are an incredibly valuable natural resource which the Environment Agency are working hard to restore and protect through working in partnership.

Turf Lock is one of three structures in Mildenhall that will need modification for fish passage. Through consultation with Mildenhall Town Council, West Suffolk Council, landowners and local residents we are hopeful that we can continue to work in partnership to improve the biodiversity of the land around the river as well.

Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality said:

Suffolk County Council is proud to support excellent partnership projects such as this, that deliver meaningful, and lasting outcomes to protect and enhance Suffolk’s biodiversity through the restoration of our valuable chalk steam habitats.

Ian Shipp, West Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture said:

We welcome this work which will benefit the river and support biodiversity in line with our own strategic priority for environmental resilience and thank all of those involved for their hard work in delivering such a complex scheme.

Whilst this work is carried out the footpath from the path adjacent to the works will be closed, on the North side of the River Lark, from the bridge at Mill Street, to the access track adjacent to the cricket field. An alternative route will be signposted.

Background

The Environment Agency is funding this project from the Water Environment Improvement Fund, which has been used to unlock £3million of Lottery Heritage Fund for the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership scheme, delivering heritage conservation projects on the Breck’s fenland fringe, key freshwater habitats and primary river corridors.
The Catchment based approach is about working together, through engaging people, groups and organisations from across society to help improve our precious water environments. The Environment Agency is a partner organisation of the River Lark Catchment Partnership.
The River Lark’s Catchment Partnership objective is to make improvements to habitat and ecological status of the river. The River Lark Catchment Partnership
The River Lark has been identified as a flagship river for The Chalk Stream Restoration Project nominated as a Flagship catchment by Anglian Water and supported by the River Lark Catchment Partnership.
One of the ways to do that is by removing restrictions to migratory fish species and unlocking river habitat improvements further upstream as part of a holistic approach to nature recovery.

About The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme

The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme is a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) funded Landscape Partnership Scheme for the Brecks.
BFER is hosted by Suffolk County Council and has delivered a series of new and exciting community-based landscape and heritage conservation projects, focused on the Brecks’ fen edge and river corridors over a 5 year period (2020-2024). The partnership is made up of regional, national and local organisations with an interest in the area, community groups and members of the community.
The Scheme outputs have concentrated on the key Fen Edge and Freshwater habitat areas within the Brecks, with the aim of delivering real understanding of water-based heritage and conservation issues, and positive conservation changes on the ground. This area encompasses a unique landscape in Britain with an incredible and much overlooked heritage and biodiversity.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers (BFER) Landscape Partnership scheme has been awarded £1.97 million by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by the National Lottery players, the NHLF inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Published 11 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 12, 2025

MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Estonian defense industry delegation

Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Estonian defense industry delegation

Date：2025-02-05
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

No. 032

February 5, 2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome luncheon on February 4 for an Estonian defense industry delegation led by Chair of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group of the Parliament of Estonia Kristo Enn Vaga. The delegation included senior parliamentarian Kalle Laanet—who previously served as minister of defense, minister of the interior, and minister of justice—as well as representatives of the defense industry. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on cooperation in defense industry innovation, whole-of-society resilience, the Russia-Ukraine war, and other issues.

Minister Lin noted that Taiwan and Estonia had both experienced authoritarian rule and therefore greatly cherished their hard-won freedoms and democracy. Commenting on authoritarian expansionism in recent years, he pointed out that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, China’s recurrent military exercises in the waters around Taiwan, and frequent incidents of sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea and the waters off Taiwan underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration among democratic nations. Minister Lin also spoke about having led a delegation of the Taiwanese drone industry to Lithuania last November to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to build democratic supply chains together with like-minded nations. He welcomed this visit by the Estonian defense industry delegation, which, he said, would open up additional areas for cooperation.

Chair Vaga stated that the democratic community had realized that if like-minded partners did not work together to establish supply chains, national security could become susceptible to potential threats. Observing that Taiwan and Estonia were both the targets of massive daily disinformation attacks and that underwater cables serving each had recently been damaged, Chair Vaga urged the democratic community to become more united against all manner of threats and challenges. He also pledged to steadily promote relations between Taiwan and Estonia.

At the luncheon, Minister Lin thanked the representatives of Motex Healthcare and Taiwan Comfort Champ Manufacturing for their joint donation of 1.11 million masks to Ukraine and Estonia during the Estonian delegation’s visit to Taiwan, adding that it highlighted the Taiwanese spirit of humanitarian assistance. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu witnessed the donation ceremony on behalf of Minister Lin.

Deputy Minister Wu said that, since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan had worked proactively with like-minded countries to support Ukraine. He stated that the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia and the Estonian Centre for International Development had signed a partnership agreement last June, under which Taiwan would donate €1.1 million to support the construction of homes for orphans in Ukraine. Deputy Minister Wu expressed pleasure that Taiwanese companies had shown a commitment to corporate social responsibility and demonstrated that Taiwan could help and that Taiwan was helping. His views were echoed by Chairman of Motex Healthcare Y. C. Cheng and Chairman of Taiwan Comfort Champ Manufacturing Andy Chen, both of whom expressed a willingness to work with the government to assist Ukraine. (E)

MIL OSI China News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Brunei

Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Brunei

Date：2025-02-08
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

February 8, 2025

Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaaddin Waddaulah on February 6. The two sides issued a joint statement on advancing the strategic cooperative partnership towards a China-Brunei community with a shared future, which erroneously claimed that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns this claim.

MOFA reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; and that the Chinese Communist Party regime has never governed Taiwan. No statement seeking to distort the sovereign status of the ROC (Taiwan) can change the internationally recognized cross-strait status quo.

MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan will not succumb to pressure or diplomatic suppression by China’s authoritarian government. Through its practice of integrated diplomacy, Taiwan will continue to deepen economic and trade cooperation and bilateral relations with Brunei and other nations so as to jointly facilitate regional prosperity.

MIL OSI China News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Thailand

Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Thailand

Date：2025-02-08
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

February 8, 2025

Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on February 6. Two days after the meeting, the two sides issued a joint statement on advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a China-Thailand community with a shared future for enhanced stability, prosperity, and sustainability through a forward-looking and people-centered vision. The text includes the erroneous claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, as well as an expression of support by Thailand for China’s “one country, two systems” policy.

Given that the statement radically deviates from the facts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protests and solemnly condemns the Chinese government for once again disseminating narratives aimed at downgrading the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan). In addition, MOFA deeply regrets the Thai government’s subservience to China’s suppression of Taiwan’s sovereign status.

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent nation; that neither Taiwan nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other; and that the Chinese Communist Party regime has never governed Taiwan. No fraudulent claim seeking to distort the sovereign status of the ROC (Taiwan) can change the internationally recognized cross-strait status quo.

MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan and Thailand share a long-standing friendship and urges the government of Thailand to adopt an open and pragmatic approach toward building on the existing foundation of robust cooperation so that both sides can expand mutually beneficial economic, trade, and other exchanges and properly contribute to regional peace and stability.

MIL OSI China News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA amends its Guidelines on ICT and security risk management measures in the context of DORA application

Source: European Banking Authority

The European Banking Authority (EBA) narrowed down the scope of its existing Guidelines on ICT and security risk management measures, due to the application of harmonised ICT risk management requirements under the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) from 17 January 2025. These amendments aim at simplifying the ICT risk management framework and providing legal clarity to the market.

DORA has introduced harmonised requirements on ICT risk management that apply to financial entities across the banking, securities/markets, insurance and pensions sectors.

To avoid duplication of requirements and to provide legal clarity to the market, the EBA has amended its Guidelines on ICT and security risk management. In particular, the EBA has narrowed down:

the entity scope of the Guidelines to only those that are covered by DORA, namely credit institutions, payment institutions, account information service providers, exempted payment institutions and exempted e-money institutions; and
the scope of the Guidelines to the requirements on relationship management of the payment service users in relation to the provision of payment services.

It is important to note that security and operational risk management requirements under the Payment Services Directive (PSD2), which are applicable since March 2018, continue to apply to other types of payment service providers (PSPs), such as post-office giro institutions and credit unions, that are not covered by DORA. PSPs that are still subject to security and operational risk management under the PSD2 can potentially be subject to additional national requirements, regardless of the existence of the EBA Guidelines that would apply to them. Competent authorities or Member States’ governments wishing to retain the approach set out in the EBA Guidelines for those PSPs can continue to do so under their national legal framework or supervisory measures.

Background, legal basis and next steps

On 27 November 2019, the EBA published the Guidelines on ICT and security risk management (EBA/GL/2019/04) (“Guidelines”) which were built on the provisions of Article 74 of Directive 2013/36/EU (CRD)^[1] and Article 95(3) of Directive (EU) 2015/2366 (PSD2)^[2] . These Guidelines established requirements for credit institutions, investment firms and PSPs on the mitigation and management of their ICT and security risks and aim to ensure a consistent and robust approach across the Single market. The Guidelines entered into force in 2020 and replaced and repealed the preceding Guidelines on security measures for operational and security risks that the EBA had issued three years earlier in fulfilment of a mandate under PSD2 (EBA GL/2017/17).

From 17 January 2025, DORA applies and introduces, inter alia, harmonised requirements for ICT risk management framework (RMF), incident reporting, and third-party risk management and testing.

The amended Guidelines will apply within two months of the publication of the translated versions.

^[1] EBA mandate to further harmonise financial institutions’ governance arrangements, processes and mechanisms across the EU regarding internal governance

^[2]EBA mandate to issue guidelines with regard to the establishment, implementation and monitoring of security measures for operational and security risks.

The Guidelines replaced those on security measures for operational and security risks (EBA GL/2017/17), which were repealed

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK response to national security emergency tested through nationwide exercise

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

More than 120 members of the armed forces, policing and government have taken part in an exercise to practise responding to a national security emergency.

The nation’s preparations for a large-scale security incident were put to the test last week as the Home Office, Ministry of Defence and Counter Terrorism Policing planned and conducted a national exercise to simulate their response to an extreme national security emergency.

Taking place between 5 and 7 February, more than 120 members of the armed forces, policing and government simulated their joint response to a national emergency, such as a major terrorist incident.

The exercise – known as Octacine 2 – was part of the government’s regular counter-terrorism efforts. The focus was to test the ability of police and military to work together in extreme circumstances, as well as familiarising personnel with different sites and participating in joint briefings.

Octacine 2 built on a previous, similar exercise and was designed to simulate the deployment of military personnel to support the Strategic Armed Policing Reserve.

Armed police officers were temporarily redeployed from their routine roles in order to respond to a major national security incident, protecting and reassuring the public in a time of heightened tension.

It simulated the response that would be deployed under Operation Temperer, a contingency plan drawn up in 2015 to provide military support to the police in extreme national emergency circumstances, such as surge support in response to a major domestic terrorist attack or threat. It covers all of Great Britain, and is directed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council Counter Terrorism Coordination Committee.

The exercise included a live-play exercise, when the Operation Temperer national mobilisation coordination centre was stood up and military and police personnel were deployed to 11 sites across Great Britain.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

Exercises like Octacine 2 are vital to ensure that our armed forces and policing partners are able to work well together to protect the British public from ever present threats.

I am grateful for their tireless and dedicated work in serving our country, and their ongoing preparation to perform those critical roles that keep us safe.

Minister for Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said:

Our national security is the foundation for this government’s Plan for Change and exercises like this are critically important to ensure we can respond to threats quickly and effectively.

I’d like to thank all members of our armed forces who are held at readiness throughout the year, ready to keep the public and country safe at a moment’s notice.

The training, while routine, is crucial for the armed forces to support policing partners and respond effectively in case of a major incident. This routine exercise allows us to test coordination and teamwork with various partners while also providing a visible presence to reassure and protect the public in instances of high-risk and national security incidents.

Published 11 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding boost to tackle gender-based violence

Source: Scottish Government

Delivering Equally Safe Fund increased.

More than 100 organisations across Scotland working to tackle violence against women and girls will share in a funding uplift of £2.4 million.

The funding boost will bring the total Scottish Government investment in Delivering Equally Safe, which funds projects to prevent violence and support survivors, up to £21.6 million for the year ahead subject to the 2025-26 Budget being approved.

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart announced the funding increase on a visit to SAY Women – a Glasgow charity offering safe accommodation and emotional support for young survivors of sexual abuse who are facing homelessness.

Ms Stewart said:

“Grassroots organisations across Scotland are at the heart of tackling violence against women and girls. Their work is fundamental to creating a country free from gender-based abuse.

“This funding boost will support these organisations, will help prevent abuse occurring and ensure that women and girls who have experienced violence can continue to access the support they deserve.”

SAY Women CEO Pam Hunter said:

“SAY Women is delighted to receive the additional funds. This will go towards increasing our investment into projects for the young women within our services.

“In the face of the rising cost of living, increase in N.I contributions and inflation, the organisation made the challenging executive decision to limit the variety of activities on offer to those in our care so that we may allow the staff to have a fair living wage. This additional funding will reinstate many of the services that were temporarily paused so that SAY Women may continue to do the good work supporting young women affected by sexual violence and homelessness.”

Background

The Delivering Equally Safe Fund supports organisations across Scotland in their work to tackle violence against women and girls, and has done since 2021.

The Delivering Equally Safe fund is the Scottish Government’s funding programme to support third sector organisations and public bodies to contribute to the objectives, priorities and outcomes of the Equally Safe strategy – Scotland’s strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.

A £19.2 million funding extension to allow these organisations to continue their work until March 2026 was announced in December 2024, provided the Scottish Budget 2025-26 is approved by parliament: Preventing violence against women and girls – gov.scot

This funding uplift of £2.4 million brings the fund total for 2025-26 to £21.6 million.

The organisations funded through Delivering Equally Safe are as follows:

Organisation

Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen Cyrenians Ltd

Aberlour Child Care Trust

Action for Children

Amina – the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre

Angus Women’s Aid

Argyll & Bute Rape Crisis

Argyll & Bute Violence against Women and Girls Partnership

Argyll & Bute Women’s Aid SCIO

ASSIST, Glasgow City Council

Barnardo’s Tayside

Barnardo’s Falkirk

Border Women’s Aid Ltd

British Red Cross Society

Caithness & Sutherland Women’s Aid

CEA Committed To Ending Abuse

Central Advocacy Partners

Children 1st

Clackmannanshire Women’s Aid

Close the Gap (SCIO)

Deaf Links

Dumbarton District Women’s Aid

Dumfries & Galloway Council

Dumfries & Galloway Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Centre

Dumfriesshire & Stewartry Women’s Aid

Dundee City Council

Dundee International Women’s Centre

Dundee Women’s Aid

East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership

East Ayrshire Women’s Aid

East Dunbartonshire Association For Mental Health

East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid SCIO

East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre

Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd

EmilyTest

Engender

FENIKS Counselling, Personal Development & Support Service Ltd

Fife Council

Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre

Fife Women’s Aid

Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre

GEMAP Scotland Ltd

Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis

Glasgow Women’s Aid

Grampian Women’s Aid

Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid Limited

INVERCLYDE WOMEN’S AID SCIO

Inverness Women’s Aid

JustRight Scotland SCIO

Kenyan Women in Scotland Association (CIC)

Kibble Education and Care Centre

Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project

Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre

LGBT Youth Scotland

Liber8 (Lanarkshire) Ltd

Lochaber Women’s Aid

Monklands Women’s Aid

Moray Rape Crisis

Moray Women’s Aid

Motherwell & District Women’s Aid

Multi-Cultural Family Base

North Ayrshire Women’s Aid

North Lanarkshire Council

Cumbernauld & District Women’s Aid SCIO

Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) SCIO

Perth & Kinross Council

Perthshire Women’s Aid

Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Perth & Kinross

Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland

Rape Crisis Grampian

Rape Crisis Scotland

Renfrewshire Council

Renfrewshire Council, Children’s Services, Women and Children First

Renfrewshire Women’s Aid SCIO

Respect

Ross-Shire Women’s Aid

Rowan Alba Ltd

Sacro

SafeLives

Saheliya

Sandyford – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

SAY Women

Scottish Borders Council

Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre (SBRCC)

Scottish Commission for Learning Disability

Scottish Women’s Aid

Shakti Women’s Aid

Shetland Rape Crisis

Shetland Women’s Aid (SCIO)

South Ayrshire Women’s Aid

South Lanarkshire Council

South West Grid for Learning Trust Ltd

Stirling & District Women’s Aid

The Highland Council

The Improvement Service

The Star Centre

The Venture Trust

West Dunbartonshire Council

Western Isles Rape Crises Centre

Western Isles Women’s Aid SCIO

West Lothian Council

West Lothian Women’s Aid (WLWA)

White Ribbon Scotland

Wigtownshire Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid East and Midlothian Ltd

Women’s Aid Orkney

Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire

Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus

Women’s Support Project

YWCA Scotland

Zero Tolerance

The latest Equally Safe Delivery Plan, published in August 2024, sets out next steps to address violence against women and girls.

Frontline projects funded through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund have supported 67,004 adults, children and young people since 2021.

SAY Women is a charity that offers safe semi-supported accommodation and emotional support for young women aged 16 to 25 who are survivors of sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault and who are homeless, or threatened with homelessness.

SAY Women receive funding through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund, and with this uplift this will increase from £52,009 to £58,770 in 2025/26. Funding is in place to support a full Sessional Team to support young women to participate in additional mental health/wellbeing activities contributing to wellbeing improvements aiding in preventing homelessness.

SAY Women are also supported by the Scottish Government’s Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support (SOCAS) Fund. The fund supports 22 organisations across Scotland who work with adult survivors of childhood abuse. SAY Women have been allocated £190,000 for the period of the Fund (1 October 2024 – 31 March 2026) to provide specialised support to young women survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Big Brush Club expands to all primary schools in Devon

Source: City of Plymouth

A supervised toothbrushing scheme, known as the Big Brush Club, has been running in some areas of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay since 2023. However, the scheme, which is provided for children aged 3 to 5-years old, is now being rolled out to all primary schools in Devon who have an early years nursery, pre-school or reception class provision.

Children at Ernesettle School with Bob the Badger, mascot of the Big Brush Club

It is funded by NHS Devon, in partnership with Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council, and delivered by dentist provider At Home Dental.

Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, Clinical Dental Adviser for NHS Devon said: “We know a quarter of five-year-olds have tooth decay which can, in severe cases, lead to children needing hospital treatment.

“Understanding how to brush your teeth properly is an important life skill for children. It takes schools five minutes a day and the benefits can be life-long.

“I am proud that Devon is the first area in the south west to extend the scheme to all primary schools thanks to the collaboration between NHS Devon, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.”

Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the supervised toothbrushing scheme will now be available to all schools across Plymouth.

“When it comes to dental health, we know that prevention is better than cure and this is exacerbated by the difficulties our residents are experiencing when they try to access NHS dental care, so it’s absolutely vital that children create healthy habits at a young age.

“We really hope that all schools across the city take up this offer, as it has such a huge benefit for children.”

L-R: Clare Foster, Project Manager at At Home Dental, Bob the Badger mascot, Councillor Mary Aspinall, Reena Patel, South West Consultant in Dental Public Health at NHS England and Anna Mansfield, Project Facilitator at At Home Dental.

Under the scheme, teachers hold short, daily toothbrushing sessions for three- to-five-year-olds alongside lessons about self-care, healthy eating and reducing sugar.

Chief Operations Officer from At Home Dental, Hayley Beaumont, said: “Our team of dental nurses work closely with teachers, pupils and parents to provide advice, support and training on promoting oral health.

“Each child is provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste pack to take home, encouraging toothbrushing to be a part of their normal daily routine.

“The children love doing it with their friends and the teachers report that it not only reduces problems with teeth but also school absence.”

Rapper and health activist Professor Green is helping the NHS raise awareness among families about the importance of children looking after their teeth, by launching an exciting competition to all primary schools across the south west.

Every child aged between three – five years old has been invited to take part in a competition with a music category and a colouring category. The competition, which will run until the end of May, will give children the chance to win some fantastic prizes for both themselves and their school. Professor Green will join a judging panel for the competition.

Professor Green said: “I am chuffed to be able to support the NHS supervised toothbrushing in schools scheme, and to be judging a competition which gives young children a creative outlet, while also teaching them the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day.”

He says he only realised later in life how not brushing properly twice a day affected his own physical and mental health – so now takes this seriously with his own son alongside a healthy diet.

Oral health is seen as a marker of wider health and social care inequalities including poor nutrition and obesity.

Prof. Maggie Rae, South West Deputy Public Health Director at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, concludes: “The Big Brush Club is a fantastic example of forward-thinking, early intervention work that supports the government’s mission to improve the health of the nation.

“The NHS in the south west is absolutely committed to tackling the many unfair disparities of health outcomes across our society.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Director of Public Health Report05 February 2025 Professor Peter Bradley has today published his second Director of Public Health Report which looks at the evidence for investing in prevention. This year’s Director of Public Health Report considers… Read more

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

05 February 2025

Professor Peter Bradley has today published his second Director of Public Health Report which looks at the evidence for investing in prevention.

This year’s Director of Public Health Report considers the case for prevention in the Jersey context and details:

the current burden of disease faced by Islanders
how that burden is not equally spread across the Island
how the Island’s aging population is likely impact on future health
an estimate of the costs of this aging population
a summary of the evidence of the effectiveness of a preventative approach.

Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: “I am pleased to be publishing this report and raise awareness of the importance of investing in health prevention. This report highlights that prevention is not just about avoiding illness; Investing in prevention means Islanders can enjoy better health and wellbeing, employers have a healthier workforce, and healthcare systems can allocate resources more effectively to those in greatest need.

“Building on existing work and improvements already made, we can embed prevention into our policies across government, as well as into the community, ensuring our Island remains an attractive place to live, work, and visit.”

The full report and executive summary are attached and will be made available online at Public Health reports.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Revision to Planning guidance11 February 2025 Enhancing Jersey’s Planning ServiceDeputy Steve Luce, Minister for the Environment, MENV, has introduced revisions to various aspects of planning guidance as part of Goverment CSP to reforming the Island’s… Read more

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

11 February 2025

Enhancing Jersey’s Planning Service

Deputy Steve Luce, Minister for the Environment, MENV, has introduced revisions to various aspects of planning guidance as part of Goverment CSP to reforming the Island’s planning service.

These changes are aimed at creating positive development while ensuring clarity and flexibility in planning policies.

Removal of 3,000 sq ft Floorspace Limit

The Minister has removed the 3,000 sq ft (279 sqm) floorspace limit on new residential developments, a restriction introduced by the previous administration.

Deputy Luce said: “I have been concerned that there is a perception that this is an absolute cap on development, limiting homeowners from extending or improving their dwellings. This is not the case, and the position is more nuanced.

“The continuation of this restriction in planning guidance is unhelpful. There is already a robust policy framework within the Island Plan, supplemented by additional planning guidance, which effectively manages the development of new or extended large dwellings across the island.”

To implement this decision, three pieces of supplementary planning guidance have been revised:

Housing Outside the Built-Up Area
Density Standards
Residential Space Standards

Greater Flexibility for Windows and Doors in Listed Buildings

The Minister has also revised planning guidance to provide more flexibility regarding changes to windows and doors in certain listed buildings.

Windows and doors are key elements of Jersey’s historic buildings. In the 1990s, the Island Development Committee introduced controls to regulate their replacement, responding to the widespread installation of modern PVCu windows that resulted in the loss of many original features.

With advancements in material performance and adaptability, planning policies for replacing windows in listed buildings have evolved. Greater flexibility already exists for the introduction of double-glazing where original historic windows are beyond repair. The Minister has now further revised planning guidance to allow additional flexibility in replacing plastic windows in listed buildings.

Deputy Luce said: “Modern materials and technologies now offer improved thermal performance while better replicating the design and appearance of historic windows and doors.

“I want to enable the replacement of existing plastic windows in Grade 3 and Grade 4 listed buildings with windows made from composite materials — provided they deliver an overall improvement to the character and appearance of the building. This ensures improved thermal performance while also repairing the damage caused when original windows were lost.”

These revisions aim to balance heritage conservation with modern energy efficiency improvements, ensuring Jersey’s historic buildings can be preserved while adapting to contemporary needs.

The revised planning guidelines are available on the government website:

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Russia is a leader in the field of nuclear energy

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

February 11, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

February 11, 2025

Presidential Aide Andrei Fursenko read out Vladimir Putin’s greeting at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

February 11, 2025

Director General of the State Corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

February 11, 2025

President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

February 11, 2025

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry.

Aide to the President of Russia Andrei Fursenko read out a greeting from Vladimir Putin, which, in particular, noted: “It is important that the unique potential and truly inexhaustible innovative capabilities of the nuclear industry today be fully utilized for the purpose of modernizing the national economy, ensuring the country’s defense capability and energy security, and training modern, qualified personnel.”

Dmitry Chernyshenko thanked the head of Rosatom Alexey Likhachev and the president of the Kurchatov Institute Mikhail Kovalchuk for their systematic and fruitful work on the development of nuclear science and technology. Thanks to the two flagships – Rosatom and the Kurchatov Institute – Russia is implementing the most ambitious projects.

He also noted the contribution of the First Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration Sergei Kiriyenko, under whom the necessary foundations were laid for the transformation of the nuclear industry.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Russian science has always demonstrated impressive results. This is especially noticeable in the history of the nuclear industry. Among the significant names and events are Igor Afrikantov and the construction of the first nuclear icebreaker “Lenin”, Igor Kurchatov and his invaluable contribution to the Soviet nuclear project, and others.

“Our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has set a national goal – technological leadership. In the field of nuclear energy, Russia is truly a leader. It is not easy to be a leader, but it is even more difficult to maintain such a position. To do this, we must continue to develop fundamental and applied science, primarily in the nuclear industry, and train young promising specialists, as the head of state said at a meeting of the Council for Science and Education. The guidelines here are the priorities outlined in the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of our country, in the Presidential Decree on priority areas of scientific and technological development and the list of the most important science-intensive technologies,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The Deputy Prime Minister named the National Center for Physics and Mathematics in Sarov, which is being created on the instructions of the head of state, as an example of successful cooperation between the state, science and business. Modern infrastructure is being built there, including advanced midi-science laboratories and mega-science installations. More than 55 organizations are involved in the cooperation, and the center’s scientific program is currently being implemented by about 2,000 scientists and researchers.

2025 will be an important stage in the development of the Russian nuclear industry: the national project of technological leadership “New Nuclear and Energy Technologies” has been launched. It includes 10 federal projects, half of which are devoted to nuclear topics. The events were approved at the site of the Commission for Scientific and Technological Development of Russia with the participation of the President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov. The implementation of federal projects is of strategic importance for ensuring the technological sovereignty and leadership of Russia.

One of the key areas is the development of thermonuclear energy. According to the federal project “Thermonuclear Energy Technologies”, it is planned to build a unique installation – a tokamak with reactor technologies. Russia also has a unique nuclear icebreaker fleet and is constantly increasing its potential. Not only powerful nuclear icebreakers have been put into operation on the Northern Sea Route, but also the world’s only floating nuclear thermal power plant “Akademik Lomonosov”, which is of key importance for the development of the Arctic.

“Dear friends! In the year of the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry, our country looks confidently to the future. Of course, only through joint efforts will we successfully implement the tasks set by the President and strengthen Russia’s position as a world leader in the field of nuclear science and technology,” the Deputy Prime Minister addressed the meeting participants.

The event took place in the historic building of the Rosatom State Corporation in Moscow. It was attended by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center Mikhail Kovalchuk, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, directors and scientific directors of leading industry institutes, outstanding Russian scientists and young specialists.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stand a chance to be High Commissioner for a Day

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

The British High Commission is calling for young Malaysian women to participate in its ‘High Commissioner for a Day’ competition where 2 Malaysians will have the unique opportunity to “head” a diplomatic mission, lead meetings, and get involved in a wide range of diplomatic engagements.

High Commissioner for a Day’

This competition is held in conjunction with International Women’s Day and Commonwealth Day on 8 and 11 March respectively.

Eligibility

Applicants must be Malaysian women residing in Malaysia, between the ages of 18 and 25.

How to enter competition

Submit a one-minute video answering the question, “If you were High Commissioner in a Commonwealth country, what issue would you champion and why?”.

Post the entry video on either X, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn with the hashtag #HCforADayMY and tag @UKinMalaysia. You can also email the video link to UKinMalaysia@fcdo.gov.uk.

Follow the British High Commission on X for more details of the competition.

The deadline for entries is 19 February 2025, and each individual is only permitted one entry.

Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia, David Wallace said:

Our High Commissioner for a Day campaign is back after an overwhelming response last year. We started this programme last year to empower girls, engage young leaders and provide a money-can’t-buy experience to participate in the world of diplomacy. We want to give aspiring women leaders a platform to advocate for the cause of your choice.

One of last year’s winner, Devana Zamain said:

Winning the High Commissioner for A Day competition pushed me out of my comfort zone, broadened my horizons, and helped me break into the impact industry in Sabah as a fresh graduate.

It empowered me to empower others. If you’re doubting yourself, just remember that nobody is a nobody. Your passion and voice matter.

Take the chance because you never know where it might lead you.

Another winner, Aqila Alya said:

It has been a unique experience for me. From a parliamentary meeting with YB Hannah Yeoh, followed by networking lunch and fireside chat, and lastly the Royal Commonwealth Society reception, I learned a lot about diplomatic settings and making genuine connections.

This programme really acts as an eye-opener for youth that’s still exploring their career paths and those interested in diplomatic relations.

Published 11 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Vanuatu parliament elects Jotham Napat as new prime minister

Jotham Napat has been elected as the new prime minister of Vanuatu.

Napat was elected unopposed in Port Vila today, receiving 50 votes with two void votes.

He is the country’s fifth prime minister in four years and will lead a coalition government made up of five political parties — Leaders Party, Vanua’aku Party, Graon Mo Jastis Party, Reunification Movement for Change, and the Iauko Group.

Napat is president of the Leaders Party, which secured the most seats in the House after the snap election last month.

The former prime minister Charlot Salwai nominated Napat for the top job.

The nomination was seconded by Ralph Regenvanu, president of the Graon Mo Jastis Pati, before the MP for Tanna and president of the Leaders Party accepted the nomination.

The MP for Port Vila and leader of the Union of Moderate Parties, Ishmael Kalsakau, congratulated Napat on his nomination and said there would be no other nomination for prime minister.

Who is Jotham Napat?
Napat, 52, is an MP for Tanna Constituency and is the president of the Leaders Party which emerged from the January 16 snap election with nine seats making it the largest party in Parliament.

He was born on Tanna in August 1972.

He heads a five party coalition government with more micro parties likely to affiliate to his administration in the coming days and weeks.

More than 30 MPs were seated on the government side of the House for today’s Parliament sitting.

Napat was first elected to the house in 2016.

He was re-elected in 2020 and again in the snap elections of 2022 and 2025.

Before entering Parliament he chaired the National Disaster Committee in the aftermath of the devastating Cyclone Pam.

New government facing many challenges
The incoming government will have a long list of urgent priorities to attend to, including the 2025 Budget and the ongoing rebuild of the central business district in the capital Port Vila after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in December.

That quake claimed 14 lives, injured more than 200 people, and displaced thousands.

One voter who spoke to RNZ Pacific during last month’s election said they wanted leaders with good ideas for Vanuatu’s future.

“And not just the vision to run the government and the nation but also who has leadership qualities and is transparent.

“People who can work with communities and who don’t just think about themselves.”

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Jobs on wheels: Mobile Jobcentre vans deliver work support directly to local communities in drive to boost employment

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

New scheme comes as part of the government’s drive to help people back into work and kickstart economic growth under its Plan for Change

New ‘Jobcentre on wheels’ service launched to drive up employment across Great Britain.
Any member of the public – as well as DWP customers – can access job support through the mobile Jobcentres being tested in Bolton and parts of Wales.

New mobile Jobcentres are pulling up to football matches and retail parks to deliver vital employment support directly to local communities.

The vans have been visiting family hubs, retail car parks and mosques in regions with particularly high levels of unemployment and inactivity as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) tests new and inclusive ways to help people back into work. This includes a van pitching up at Bolton Wanderers Football Club last weekend to provide job support to fans on match day.

In Bolton alone, nearly 1-in-3 of people are currently inactive, with unemployment significantly higher than the national average. This van and others like it are performing a vital service to areas like Bolton, breaking down barriers to opportunity and bringing the expertise and support of the DWP straight into the heart of the communities that need it most.

The mobile Jobcentres are staffed by experienced Work Coaches who offer expert support with job searching, training opportunities and can provide information to those with health conditions or disabilities and accessing childcare costs.

As well as existing customers, the service is open and accessible to all members of the public and forms part of the government’s wider plans to tackle inactivity, support people into jobs and make everyone better off under its Plan for Change.

With the vans in Bolton, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham already proving a success, a van in Scotland will launch later this month and cover Moray and the Highlands.

The Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, saw the Bolton mobile Jobcentre in action today (Monday 10 February) as members of the local community received advice outside the Great Lever Family Hub, a Start Well Children’s Centre.

Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, said:

For too long, people have been denied the opportunity of securing a good job and getting on in their career. Under our major employment reforms, we want to see everyone, in every corner of the country, become better off.

This mobile Jobcentre is a perfect example of an inclusive and accessible DWP solution that ensures no one misses out on the job support they deserve. Getting more people back into work is a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver economic growth, create better opportunities and put more money into the pockets of working people.

Sam Ashton, a Work Coach based on the Bolton mobile Jobcentre, added:

The new Bolton mobile Jobcentre hit the road in January and has already pulled up in various locations across the town including at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. We have been supporting customers with a whole host of needs, whether that is with their job search, or accessing childcare costs.

We’re really looking forward to helping even more people in harder to reach areas and make it much easier for them to access our services.

The government is delivering on the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation as set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper. Key measures include overhauling Jobcentres, introducing a Youth Guarantee to ensure all people aged 18 to 21 are earning or learning and connecting local work, health and skills plans.

Published 11 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin: Modern ice arena “Fili” opened in Filevskaya floodplain

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

A new ice arena, Fili, has appeared in the Filevsky Park area. Sergei Sobyanin spoke about this in his telegram channel.

“The two-story sports complex on Filevsky Boulevard houses an ice arena, general physical training and choreography rooms, and a dance hall. Classes in figure skating, hockey, sports acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics, and other sports are organized here,” the Moscow Mayor noted.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

Ice Arena “Fili”

The ice arena is located at 38 Filevsky Boulevard. The construction of the modern sports complex on the territory of the Filevskaya Poima was carried out from the third quarter of 2023 to December 2024. The two-story building with an area of about 3.2 thousand square meters was erected at the expense of the investor. It housed an ice arena measuring 26 by 56 meters, a general physical training hall with an area of 100 square meters, a choreography hall with an area of 54 square meters and a dance hall with an area of 40.5 square meters.

Athletes and visitors have comfortable locker rooms, a sports shop, equipment rental and a café at their disposal. The complex has a medical office. A parking lot for 106 cars has been arranged on the adjacent territory. The sports complex can accommodate up to 100 people at a time.

The Fili Ice Arena opened on December 10, 2024. It hosts figure skating, hockey and other sports. The new sports complex hosts training sessions for the Razryad, Khrustalny Konek, I Like Ice, Khrustalny Led and Megapolis figure skating schools, the Sytye Volki hockey team, sports acrobatics, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, pilates and capoeira sections, as well as dance classes for the Helios variety theater and the Padede ballet studio.

The Fili Ice Arena is the first modern sports complex in the Filevskaya Poima microdistrict. It will become a new attractive place for sports activities for residents of the Filevsky Park district and adjacent neighborhoods.

Development of sports infrastructure in Moscow

Since 2011, 327 sports facilities have been built in Moscow, of which 168 facilities, or 51 percent, were built at the expense of investors. Plans call for the construction of another 101 sports facilities by 2027, of which 91 percent will be built at the expense of investors.

Sobyanin announced the opening of a new football arena in Novogireyevo Construction of the sports and recreation complex “Gorizont” in Kryukovo has been completed

“My District”. Filevsky Park

The goal of the “My District” program, developed on the initiative of Sergei Sobyanin, is to create comfortable living conditions in all areas of the capital, regardless of their distance from the center.

More than 112 thousand Muscovites live in the Filevsky Park district, located in the Western Administrative District of the capital. Today, it has become the site of one of the largest technological infrastructure development projects in Russia — the creation of a national space center. In addition, comprehensive work is being carried out in the district to improve and develop transport and engineering infrastructure.

In 2019, the ground metro arrived here. The first Moscow Central Diameter (MCD-1) “Belorussko-Savelovsky” included the Fili station. The rolling stock on the Filyovskaya metro line was completely updated, the vestibules and platforms of the Fili and Filyovsky Park stations were renovated. The North-West Chord gave residents of the district additional options for fast and convenient travel around the city.

Bagration Avenue, which was put into operation in 2023, also became part of the capital’s new transport framework. The six-lane outbound highway not only improved transport links in the western districts of the city, but also relieved congestion on neighboring highways, including Kutuzovsky Avenue and Mozhaisk Highway.

In addition, in the Filevsky Park area, the overpass over the MCD-1 tracks and Bagration Avenue was renovated with the reconstruction of Barklaya Street, Promyshlenniy and Bagrationovsky Proezds. An underground pedestrian crossing on Barklaya Street (near house 5, building 2) was opened for local residents.

The improvement of traffic in the area was facilitated by the construction of a new street – Projected Passage No. 2017, which connected Bolshaya Filevskaya Street with Beregovoy and Novofilevskiy Passages, and a section of the road from Bolshaya Filevskaya Street to the Third Transport Ring (along Projected Passages No. 2123 and 1033).

In December 2024, a new bridge across the Moskva River was opened in the line of Myasishchev Street. It connected the Filevskaya and Mnevnikovskaya floodplains. Now, in the line of Beregovoy Proyezd, a bridge across the Moskva River is being built with the reconstruction of the adjacent street and road network from Novozavodskaya Street to 3rd Magistralnaya Street. Another bridge across the Moskva River is being built near Novozavodskaya Street. It will provide transport links between the Filevsky Park district and the North-West Chord.

For the convenience of residents, 13 new routes of ground city transport were organized in the area, and about 50 modern bus stops were installed. The first regular route of river electric transport was extended to the Park Fili pier.

Three electric charging stations of the city project “Moscow Energy” have been equipped. Electric vehicle drivers can find the nearest one and plan a convenient route using the “Moscow Transport” application. Fans of cycling can use 25 bicycle parking areas and eight city bike rental stations.

A large-scale project to improve the urban environment is the comprehensive improvement of the Fili children’s park. Kastanaevskaya, Krylatskaya and Myasishcheva streets, Bagrationovsky proezd and the proezd from Barklaya street to maternity hospital No. 2 have become more comfortable for walking and relaxing. The Moscow River coastline in the Beregovoy proezd area has been improved.

In the district, 85 courtyards, more than 120 playgrounds and sports grounds were put in order. 360 outdoor lighting poles were installed, more than 5.2 thousand trees and shrubs were planted.

In 2025, the area plans to improve Oleko Dundich Street, Filevsky Boulevard near building 10, and pedestrian approaches to the Fili Park pier.

In addition, the embankment of the Moscow River from Filevsky Park to the territory of the P.N. Fomenko Workshop Theatre is being reconstructed. The work is planned to be completed in 2026.

To improve the quality and accessibility of outpatient care in the district, a reconstruction was carried out of branch No. 2 of the Clinical Diagnostic Center No. 4 on Fizkulturny Proezd (building 6) and branch No. 4 of Polyclinic No. 220 on Filevsky Boulevard (building 18), which also houses branch No. 5 of Children’s Polyclinic No. 30.

The building of the My Documents center on Novozavodskaya Street (building 25, block 1) was completely renovated. Comfortable conditions for receiving government services and related services were created there.

For older residents, there is a Moscow Longevity Center (2-ya Filevskaya Street, Building 7, Block 7). Here you can engage in your favorite hobby, maintain physical activity, communicate and gain new knowledge.

There is a single support center in Beregovoy Proezd that provides comprehensive assistance to participants in the special military operation and their relatives.

Thanks to the major renovation of the premises, new opportunities for creative education were given to the pupils of the A. A. Alyabyev Children’s Art School on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 6). In addition, the Gnessin Children’s Music School on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 29) was undergoing routine renovation in the district.

They renovated Children’s Library No. 203 on Kastanaevskaya Street (building 7), Library No. 213 named after Lesya Ukrainka on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 19/18, building 1) and Novozavodskaya Street (building 2, building 5), as well as two branches of the territorial club system “Brigantina” on Kastanaevskaya Street (building 9, building 2 and building 26).

The sports infrastructure of the district was expanded with a volleyball arena on Vasilisy Kozhina Street (building 13) and a sports complex with a skating rink made of lightweight structures on Filevsky Boulevard (building 12, building 4). The major overhaul of the premises of the sports complex of the Moscow Complex Sports School of the Olympic Reserve “West” on Bolshaya Filevskaya Street (building 6) was completed.

Under the My School program, the building of the Proton educational center on Filevsky Boulevard (house 3, block 2) is being modernized. A comprehensive school for 375 students is being built in Bagrationovsky Proezd.

Implementation of the renovation program

In the Filevsky Park area, 35 buildings were included in the renovation program. 6.5 thousand Muscovites will move into new modern apartments.

Stages of resettlement:

— the first stage (2020–2024) — 11 houses. It is 100 percent complete, six houses have been or are being resettled, five houses have been demolished;

— the second stage (2025–2028) — 22 houses, two of which are in the process of resettlement;

— third stage (2029–2032) — two houses.

Residential complexes have been built and handed over for occupancy in the area at the following addresses: Beregovoy Proezd, Buildings 1a and 1b, Bolshaya Filevskaya Street, Building 6a, and Promyshlenniy Proezd, Building 4. Another new building is currently being erected. In addition, design and urban planning documentation is being prepared for three residential properties.

Sobyanin: About 20.6 thousand residents of the Western Administrative District received modern housing under the renovation program

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12372050/

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 11, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: Implementation of historic agreement takes another step forward with agreement on funding for corrections programs and community services rooted in Teslin Tlingit culture and values

Source: Government of Canada regional news

This news release has been amended to correct the quote for Minister of Public Safety David J. McGuinty, as well as update the title of the release.

This is joint news release between the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon.

This past Saturday, the Teslin Tlingit Council, Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and the Government of Yukon were proud to announce the signing of the Corrections and Community Services Amendment to the Teslin Tlingit Council Administration of Justice Agreement Implementation Plan.

This agreement will support Teslin Tlingit Council in implementing their corrections and community service model that uses restorative measures rooted in Teslin Tlingit culture, values and way of life known as Haa Ḵusteeyí (Our Way).

The agreement will provide $5 million this fiscal year and $2.1 million annually in funding from the Government of Canada to support this work. It will focus on health and wellness to reconnect Teslin Tlingit Citizens to their community, clans, Elders and families. The focal point of Teslin Tlingit Council’s corrections and community services model is the establishment of a land-based healing camp with the support of Elders and trained counsellors.

In February 2011, the governments of Teslin Tlingit Council, Yukon and Canada signed the Teslin Tlingit Council Administration of Justice Agreement and the associated Implementation Plan. This paved the way for Teslin Tlingit Council to enact their Justice Council Act, establish the Peacemaker Court later that year and committed the parties to continue negotiating on matters of enforcement, corrections and community services.

The amendment signed on Saturday furthers another amendment signed in 2021 which provided funding for Teslin Tlingit Council to enforce their written laws and Peacemaker Court orders.

With the corrections and community services component of the Implementation Plan now in place, Teslin Tlingit Council can fully exercise their self-government jurisdiction over justice matters and move forward with implementing their vision for justice, peace and safety in their community.

Media contact

MIL OSI Canada News –

February 11, 2025

Category: Politics

MOFA response to South African government again pressuring Taiwan to relocate liaison office

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IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

Chalk streams are a ‘valuable natural resource’

Background

About The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

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Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Estonian defense industry delegation

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Brunei

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Thailand

Background, legal basis and next steps

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05 February 2025

11 February 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

Presidential Aide Andrei Fursenko read out Vladimir Putin’s greeting at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

Director General of the State Corporation Rosatom Alexey Likhachev at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov at a joint meeting of the heads of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center and Rosatom, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry

Eligibility

How to enter competition

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Ice Arena “Fili”

Development of sports infrastructure in Moscow

“My District”. Filevsky Park

Implementation of the renovation program