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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump wants Greenland – but here’s what the people of Greenland want

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gustav Agneman, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

    Kulusuk village in East Greenland. Shutterstock/Muratart

    In 2018, a colleague and I, together with a team of Greenlandic research assistants, conducted one of the most comprehensive surveys to date on public opinion in Greenland. We travelled to 13 randomly selected towns and settlements across the island nation, conducting in-person interviews with a representative sample of adult residents.

    The survey explored a wide range of topics. We asked for views on climate change, economic matters – and the prospect of independence from Denmark. Until recently, this was the latest poll on what the people of Greenland thought about this issue.

    Greenland, a former Danish colony, is currently an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. This political arrangement grants Greenland extensive self-rule, including control over most domestic affairs, as well as its own prime minister and parliament. However, Denmark retains authority over foreign policy, defence and monetary policy.

    While our survey results were covered in Greenlandic and Danish media upon their release, they received scant international attention. This changed abruptly on January 15, when newly re-elected US president Donald Trump reposted an old news article about our results. The headline stated that two-thirds of Greenlandic citizens support independence.

    Trump posting the 2018 poll in 2025.
    Truth Social

    Trump did not add a comment in the post but the insinuation was clear given his recent statements about annexing Greenland from Denmark: Greenlandic residents want independence from Denmark, and therefore, they might be open to other political or economic arrangements with the US.

    “I think we’re going to have it,” Trump recently said after a phone call with the Danish prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, who told him the land was “not for sale”. Trump has in the past spoken of somehow “purchasing” Greenland but has since moved on towards speaking in more assertive terms about taking control of the territory.

    Back in 2018, when we conducted the survey, Trump had not yet revealed any plans to annex the island nation. It was a scenario we could hardly even have imagined and therefore did not ask our participants about. As such, regardless of how Trump framed them, the survey results in no way indicated that the population harboured a desire to join the US.

    In fact, a recent survey conducted by Sermitsiaq (a Greenlandic newspaper) and Berlingske (a Danish newspaper) directly addressed this question and found that only 6% of respondents wanted Greenland to leave Denmark and instead become part of the US.

    In the study I published based on the 2018 data collection, I reported that a majority of the Greenlandic population aspired to independence. Two-thirds of the participants thought that “Greenland should become an independent country at some point in the future”.

    Opinions were more divergent regarding the timing of independence. When asked how they would vote in an independence referendum if it were held today, respondents who stated a preference were evenly split between “yes” and “no” to independence.

    The Act on Greenland Self-Government, passed in 2009, grants the Greenlandic government the legal authority to unilaterally call a referendum on separating from the political union with Denmark. According to the law, “the decision regarding Greenland’s independence shall be taken by the people of Greenland”.

    During the 15 years since its passage, the option to call a referendum has not been exercised. This is likely due to the potential economic consequences of leaving the union with Denmark.

    Each year, Denmark sends a block grant that covers approximately half of Greenland’s budget. This supports a welfare system that is more extensive than what is available to most Americans. In addition, Denmark administers many costly public services, including national defence.

    This backdrop presents a dilemma for many Greenlanders who aspire to independence, as they weigh welfare concerns against political sovereignty. This was also evident from my study, which revealed that economic considerations influence independence preferences.

    For many Greenlanders, the island nation’s rich natural resources present a potential bridge between economic self-sufficiency and full sovereignty. Foreign investments and the associated tax revenues from resource extraction are seen as key to reducing economic dependence on Denmark. Presumably, these natural resources, which include rare earths and other strategic minerals, also help explain Trump’s interest in Greenland.

    As Greenland’s future is likely to remain at the centre of a geopolitical power struggle for some time, it is crucial to remember that only Greenlanders have the right to determine their own path. What scarce information is available on their views suggests that while many aspire to independence, it is not driven by a desire to join the US.

    Gustav Agneman 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. Trump wants Greenland – but here’s what the people of Greenland want – https://theconversation.com/trump-wants-greenland-but-heres-what-the-people-of-greenland-want-248745

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Emilia Pérez: the film’s wildly unrealistic representation of Mexican narco-violence and trans lives is insulting

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ailsa Peate, Lecturer in Latin American and Museum Studies, University of Westminster

    You would think that Jacques Audiard’s 13-time Oscar-nominated Emilia Pérez was the most watched film of the year given the discussion it has generated. The Mexican-set, French-made film’s opening weekend in Mexico tells a different story.

    Emilia Pérez sees the eponymous antagonist-heroine experience a transformation, undergoing gender-affirming procedures in order to leave behind her former dangerous, violent life as a cartel leader in Mexico.

    It came eighth at the box office in Mexico, which is hardly surprising. The effects of narco violence saw 613 murders and 626 disappearances between September and December 2024 in Sinaloa State in northwestern Mexico as its eponymous cartel’s factions fight for territory.

    Considering the context in which it was released, little positive noise has been made about Emilia Pérez within Mexico given its sensationalist, reductive representations of violence. Internationally, its representation of trans experiences has been criticised.

    Though well acted, it is thoughtless. The luxurious life Emilia lives as a trans woman is far detached from reality of most trans people in Mexico, where the average life expectancy for a trans person is 35.

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    We follow Rita Mora Castro (Zoe Saldaña), an underappreciated lawyer who works hard only for men to take the credit. Rita is hired by cartel head Juan “Manitas” del Monte (Karla Sofía Gascón) to find a surgeon for her transition to start again as Emilia Pérez. After the transition, Emilia has Manitas declared dead, leaving behind her mourning wife, Jessi (Selena Gómez) and their two young sons who she has relocated to Switzerland for their safety.

    After four years, Emilia tracks down Rita to have Jessi and the children moved back to Mexico, posing as Manitas’ distant relative. Emilia then works with Rita to launch a non-profit, “La Lucecita”, that helps the families of missing persons after Emilia becomes appalled by how many disappeared people there are in Mexico.

    Emilia’s immediate reaction to such social injustice demonstrates a naivety on Audiard’s part. Despite Manitas having destroyed lives, Emilia wants to dignify them. We are asked to believe that she had no idea about these wretched, miserable souls. But thankfully, Emilia’s “La Lucecita” is here to rescue them. The NGO will find the remains of the disappeared, making them visible again. Good thing Emilia made all that (drug) money to fund the work…

    Trailer for Emilia Pérez.

    The sheer unbelievability of Pérez not knowing about the violent reverberations of her work aside, I was gratified to see the disappeared of Mexico centralised in the film. The stories of Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Guatemala and Colombia usually dominate when it comes to the consequences of human rights abuses in the region.

    Political prisoners, state terrorism, death flights and extrajudicial murders date back at least as far as the 1960s in Mexico, with the Indomitable Memory Museum in Mexico City doing fantastic work to highlight this history and dignify victims. In particular, the story of the Ayotzinapa 43, who were disappeared en route to Mexico City for an annual march against state corruption and human rights abuses in 2014.

    But, considering its direction, Emilia Pérez takes on a white saviour narrative and our heroine simply throws (drug) money at the problem. Audiard’s (admitted) lack of serious thought given to violence ,wealth and power in this context is laughable. Ask “searcher” groups, who go looking for the remains of their disappeared loved ones, like Las Rastredoras de El Fuerte to conjure up money for their work at a fancy gala (and watch I Called for You in Silence, a heartbreaking documentary on their struggles) and see what the reaction is.

    Emilia Pérez had the chance to add some nuance to the violence in Mexico today, to demonstrate that this does not exist in a vacuum. It had a chance to go beyond what the transfeminist philosopher Sayak Valencia and the expert in feminist visual culture Sonia Herrera Sánchez would term a kind of sensationalist, colonialist “pornomisery” to present gender fluidity and sexuality in a troubled and troubling context.

    I was disappointed. I found it impossible to watch the film without seeing constant instances of what Sayak Valencia deems gore capitalism in action. “Death has become the most profitable business in existence,” according to Valencia.

    She outlines that in the era of drug war Mexico (2006 to the present) power is the new capital in a moment where hyper-masculinity and levels of violence are out of control. The lifeless body signifies a capital of fear and power.

    Rather than Emilia Pérez forming any coherent commentary on this, the film contributes to it – how much will Audiard make from a film about bodies, what is done to them and how they are destroyed by Mexico’s drug war? How many awards? How much (more) power gained?

    Zoe Saldaña sings “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez.

    Bodily transition – from living to dead; from male to female – is a motif in the film, and one used as a lazy plot device. Emilia is no longer Manitas; in fact, she’s Manitas’ antithesis, who, therefore, does good for society. This dichotomy between “giving woman” and “violent man” only serves to perpetuate outdated views of womanhood. Karla Sofía Gascón was strong in this role, though I must ask why a Mexican trans actress couldn’t have played Pérez. For instance, Nava Mau of Baby Reindeer.

    We know that Emilia Pérez isn’t that bothered about nuance, being one reason the film has been so ripe for satire. It is a narco-telenovela-cum-queer musical from the perspective of a 72-year-old white French man.

    If you are looking for a show or film that does what Emilia Pérez should have, I can only recommend the one-off series Somos, a thoughtful take on the 2011 Allende massacre to temper such thoughtless representation.

    Ailsa Peate 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. Emilia Pérez: the film’s wildly unrealistic representation of Mexican narco-violence and trans lives is insulting – https://theconversation.com/emilia-perez-the-films-wildly-unrealistic-representation-of-mexican-narco-violence-and-trans-lives-is-insulting-249066

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Putting DeepSeek to the test: how its performance compares against other AI tools

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Thorne, Senior Lecturer in Computing and ​Information Systems, Cardiff Metropolitan University

    Mojahid Mottakin / Shutterstock

    China’s new DeepSeek Large Language Model (LLM) has disrupted the US-dominated market, offering a relatively high-performance chatbot model at significantly lower cost.

    The reduced cost of development and lower subscription prices compared with US AI tools contributed to American chip maker Nvidia losing US$600 billion (£480 billion) in market value over one day. Nvidia makes the computer chips used to train the majority of LLMs, the underlying technology used in ChatGPT and other AI chatbots. DeepSeek uses cheaper Nvidia H800 chips over the more expensive state-of-the-art versions.

    ChatGPT developer OpenAI reportedly spent somewhere between US$100 million and US$1 billion on the development of a very recent version of its product called o1. In contrast, DeepSeek accomplished its training in just two months at a cost of US$5.6 million using a series of clever innovations.

    But just how well does DeepSeek’s AI chatbot, R1, compare with other, similar AI tools on performance?

    DeepSeek claims its models perform comparably to OpenAI’s offerings, even exceeding the o1 model in certain benchmark tests. However, benchmarks that use Massive Multitask Language Understanding (MMLU) tests evaluate knowledge across multiple subjects using multiple choice questions. Many LLMs are trained and optimised for such tests, making them unreliable as true indicators of real-world performance.

    An alternative methodology for the objective evaluation of LLMs uses a set of tests developed by researchers at Cardiff Metropolitan, Bristol and Cardiff universities – known collectively as the Knowledge Observation Group (KOG). These tests probe LLMs’ ability to mimic human language and knowledge through questions that require implicit human understanding to answer. The core tests are kept secret, to avoid LLM companies training their models for these tests.

    KOG deployed public tests inspired by work by Colin Fraser, a data scientist at Meta, to evaluate DeepSeek against other LLMs. The following results were observed:

    The tests used to produce this table are “adversarial” in nature. In other words, they are designed to be “hard” and to test LLMs in way that are not sympathetic to how they are designed. This means the performance of these models in this test is likely to be different to their performance in mainstream benchmarking tests.

    DeepSeek scored 5.5 out of 6, outperforming OpenAI’s o1 – its advanced reasoning (known as “chain-of-thought”) model – as well as ChatGPT-4o, the free version of ChatGPT. But Deepseek was marginally outperformed by Anthropic’s ClaudeAI and OpenAI’s o1 mini, both of which scored a perfect 6/6. It’s interesting that o1 underperformed against its “smaller” counterpart, o1 mini.

    DeepThink R1 – a chain-of-thought AI tool made by DeepSeek – underperformed in comparison to DeepSeek with a score of 3.5.

    This result shows how competitive DeepSeek’s chatbot already is, beating OpenAI’s flagship models. It is likely to spur further development for DeepSeek, which now has a strong foundation to build upon. However, the Chinese tech company does have one serious problem the other LLMs do not: censorship.

    Censorship challenges

    Despite its strong performance and popularity, DeepSeek has faced criticism over its responses to politically sensitive topics in China. For instance, prompts related to Tiananmen Square, Taiwan, Uyghur Muslims and democratic movements are met with the response: “Sorry, that is beyond my current scope.”

    But this issue is not necessarily unique to DeepSeek, and the potential for political influence and censorship in LLMs more generally is a growing concern. The announcement of Donald Trump’s US$500 billion Stargate LLM project, involving OpenAI, Nvidia, Oracle, Microsoft, and Arm, also raises fears of political influence.

    Additionally, Meta’s recent decision to abandon fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram suggests an increasing trend toward populism over truthfulness.

    DeepSeek’s arrival has caused serious disruption to the LLM market. US companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic will be forced to innovate their products to maintain relevance and match its performance and cost.

    DeepSeek’s success is already challenging the status quo, demonstrating that high-performance LLM models can be developed without billion-dollar budgets. It also highlights the risks of LLM censorship, the spread of misinformation, and why independent evaluations matter.

    As LLMs become more deeply embedded in global politics and business, transparency and accountability will be essential to ensure that the future of LLMs is safe, useful and trustworthy.

    Simon Thorne 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. Putting DeepSeek to the test: how its performance compares against other AI tools – https://theconversation.com/putting-deepseek-to-the-test-how-its-performance-compares-against-other-ai-tools-248368

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pet flea treatments may be harming wildlife – but owners can help

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cannelle Tassin de Montaigu, Research Fellow, Ecology & Evolution, University of Sussex

    Toxic substances used in flea and tick treatments pet owners give to their dogs and cats have been detected in birds’ nests, according to new UK research.

    Fipronil and imidacloprid, two common insecticides distributed by vets in pipettes to kill or stunt fleas, were previously found in nearly all English rivers. These chemicals are known to harm aquatic insects, which has repercussions for the species that eat them. Birds are also known to ingest these insecticides in their food and water.

    Our study now raises the risk of direct skin contact, as veterinary drugs were the most common insecticides colleagues and I found in bird nests. How do they get there – and what are they doing?

    Many birds, including garden visitors such as blue tits and great tits, nest in tree hollows and nest boxes. To keep their eggs and chicks warm, these birds line their nests with soft materials such as fur. In fact, around 74% of European bird species use fur as nest insulation.

    Across the UK, pet owners and wildlife enthusiasts leave brushed pet fur outside for birds to collect. But with around 80% of the country’s 22 million cats and dogs receiving regular flea and tick treatments, this well-meaning act can inadvertently expose birds to harm.

    A previous study in the Netherlands found that insecticides used in flea treatment were appearing in birds’ nests. The study I led with colleagues is the first to identify the problem in the UK.

    Banned on farms, used in homes

    We examined 103 nests of blue tits and great tits and found the residue of 17 out of 20 insecticides commonly used as flea treatments in the UK. The most prevalent were fipronil, which we found in every single nest, imidacloprid and permethrin, which were both detected in 89% of nests.

    All three of these chemicals are banned for use as pest control on EU farms due to their harmful effects on wildlife. Studies have shown that these insecticides can damage the nervous and reproductive systems of birds, and threaten their overall health. Yet they remain widely used in veterinary medicine.

    We collected nests months after the breeding season, and so the concentrations of chemicals we found are likely to be lower than what was present in the nests during spring, when birds gather material for nests. This suggests that eggs and chicks were exposed during the whole breeding season.

    The nests we found with higher concentrations of insecticides contained more unhatched eggs and dead chicks. Other factors could explain these deaths, such as predation. But the known dangers of these chemicals should make us question their wider impact on the environment. While more research is needed to fully understand their risks, the evidence already suggests that exposure could be harming nestlings, which are at a critical stage of development.

    Flea and tick treatments either kill insects or halt their development.
    Nick Alias/Shutterstock

    Scientists and conservation groups are urging the UK government to conduct a more thorough environmental risk assessment of veterinary treatments, particularly those used on dogs and cats.

    Public awareness will also be key to addressing the problem. Many pet owners do not know that their routine flea treatments affect wildlife. Small changes could help reduce this impact. For example, year-round flea treatment is not necessary, particularly in winter when fleas and ticks are less active.

    If treatment is required then tablets could be a better choice as they do not involve direct skin contact for birds and would not wash away every time a pet swims or is bathed either. They may be excreted in faeces and contaminate the soil, however – that’s why a thorough environmental risk assessment is necessary.

    Pet owners who enjoy helping birds can still leave out fur as nesting material, perhaps by saving the brushed fur from untreated pets during winter and putting it out the following spring.

    As awareness of this issue grows, pet owners, scientists and policymakers can ensure that veterinary treatments do not come at the cost of the UK’s wildlife.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Cannelle Tassin de Montaigu receives funding from UK charity SongBird Survival.

    – ref. Pet flea treatments may be harming wildlife – but owners can help – https://theconversation.com/pet-flea-treatments-may-be-harming-wildlife-but-owners-can-help-248481

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy champions bill to stop government from awarding contracts to biased banks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today introduced the No Red and Blue Banks Act to stop the federal government from awarding contracts to financial institutions that discriminate against companies based on the customers’ social policy.  

    “The government shouldn’t reward banks for discriminating against businesses because of their industry or politics. The No Red and Blue Banks Act would fight political bias among banks by refusing to reward bad actors with government contracts,”said Kennedy.

    Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) cosponsored the bill.

    The No Red and Blue Banks Act would prohibit the General Services Administration from giving government contracts to insured depository institutions that refuse business to lawful companies because of the companies’ social policy. 

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy introduces resolution to undo Biden admin bureaucracy that leads to consumer uncertainty

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under Congressional Review Act (CRA) procedures for the Office of Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) rule that delays the bank merger approval process by adding more red tape that could lead to consumer uncertainty.

    The Biden administration’s rule, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, amended the Bank Merger Act of 1960 to make it harder for the OCC to approve healthy bank mergers quickly. Kennedy’s resolution would reverse the Biden administration’s misguided rule so that banks can stay in business and serve hard working Americans.

    “Big government shouldn’t stand in the way of healthy bank mergers that occur in the free market and serve consumers and job creators. In order to stabilize the banking industry and protect the Americans who depend on strong banks, Congress should quickly reverse the Biden administration’s bureaucratic rule,” said Kennedy. 

    Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joined the resolution.

    Background:

    • Historically, federal bank regulators assumed that a potential merger passed muster. The burden of showing that a merger would harm business and consumers fell on the OCC and bank regulators. 
    • The Biden administration’s rule shifted the burden to individual banks, making it harder for them to fulfill their obligations by making smart, strategic mergers.

    Text of the resolution is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: California Schools Will Remain a Welcoming, Inclusive, Safe Place for All

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, February 4, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement on President Trump’s executive order targeting transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and gender nonconforming students: 

    “California will continue to create a welcoming environment for all students, including transgender and gender nonconforming students. The federal government sets a floor, not a ceiling when it comes to civil rights protections — and California law has always provided additional protections beyond those that exist at the federal level. Those protections remain firmly in place.

    The right to equality in education and equal protection under the law is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. California’s Constitution sets its own separate and strong standards that clearly establish transgender and gender nonconforming individuals as a protected class. The President’s order attempts to undermine this fundamental right by threatening to prosecute educators for fulfilling their duty to provide equal education opportunities and protect the students under their care, explicitly targeting one of the most vulnerable groups of students in our country.

    Discrimination has no place in the classroom. The President’s executive order attempts to erode the sanctity of schools as a place where children learn and grow. Let me be clear: School curriculum and instructional materials are a state and local decision. The federal government does not have authority to dictate what is taught in California.

    California law requires that K-12 schools provide inclusive curriculum that reflect the roles and contributions of our diverse population, including all genders, races, person with disabilities, and members of other ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic status groups. We know that it is this culture of inclusion that has enabled us to become a hub of innovation and the fifth largest economy in the world.

    As Attorney General, I am committed to standing up for the rights of all California students, including transgender and gender nonconforming students. I stand firmly behind California educators who work tirelessly to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all of their students. 

    The President continues to use his powers to attempt to strike fear in and target the most vulnerable groups in our society. I understand that his executive orders are concerning, but I want to emphasize that California law remains unchanged. We will not be frightened or cowed by the President’s threats. We will not abandon our values. And we certainly will have no part in executing the President’s agenda. California’s resources will not be used to target teachers and school officials merely complying with the law.”

    Resources for School Officials 

    If you believe your rights are being violated as part of the enforcement of the President’s executive order, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office here or with the California Civil Rights Department here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Journey Begins

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    When I was a child, my family took an annual road trip from Ohio to Maine and back. It was a different era. No cell phones to call for help if something went wrong with the car. Paper maps and directions written on scraps of paper, instead of a phone app to give you step-by-step directions. Forget hopping on the web to book a hotel; you just had to look for signs in the distance and stop in to see if there was a vacancy. No podcasts or audiobooks, just a scratchy radio straining to find a local station. Instead of watching videos on screens in the back, my brothers and I were scanning passing cars’ license plates to “collect” the states in a no-tech road-trip game. Road trips are very different these days. In most ways, technology has made them a more enjoyable and less risky endeavor.

    The crypto road trip on which the newly announced Crypto Task Force[1] has embarked likewise should be more enjoyable and less risky than the crypto road trip the Commission has taken the industry on for the last decade. On that last trip, the Commission refused to use regulatory tools at its disposal and incessantly slammed on the enforcement brakes as it lurched along a meandering route with a destination not discernible to anyone. But just as modern technology does not eliminate the risks of taking to the open road, this new journey toward regulatory clarity still presents dangers, and both the Commission and the public need to stay alert and aware of the risks and opportunities that may lie ahead. I am delighted to be accompanied on the journey by a wonderful team of talented SEC staff, and we look forward to engaging with many enthusiastic members of the public who will help us navigate on this journey. With all that assistance, I am hopeful that we will arrive at a place that is better than we could have imagined as we were careening down the road on the previous crypto road trip. Before I discuss the promise and opportunity the task force represents, let me offer some important disclaimers.

    First, despite now being charged with leading the SEC’s new Crypto Task Force, the views that I express are my own as a Commissioner and not necessarily those of the SEC or my fellow Commissioners. Commission positions always require a vote of the Commission.

    Second, it took us a long time to get into this mess, and it is going to take us some time to get out of it. The Commission has engaged with the crypto industry in one form or another for more than a decade. The first bitcoin exchange-traded product application hit our doorstep in 2013, and the Commission brought a fraud case that had a tangential crypto element that same year.[2] In 2017, we issued the DAO Section 21(a) report, which reflected the first application of the Howey test in this context.[3] Since then, there have been many enforcement actions, a number of no-action letters, some exemptive relief, endless talk about crypto in speeches and statements, lots of meetings with crypto entrepreneurs many inter-agency and international crypto working groups, discussion of certain aspects of crypto in rulemaking proposals, consideration of crypto-related issues in reviews of registration statements and other filings, and approval of numerous SRO proposed rule changes to list crypto exchange-traded products. Throughout this time, the Commission’s handling of crypto has been marked by legal imprecision and commercial impracticality. Consequently, many cases remain in litigation, many rules remain in the proposal stage, and many market participants remain in limbo. Determining how best to disentangle all these strands, including ongoing litigation, will take time. It will involve work across the whole agency and cooperation with other regulators. Please be patient. The Task Force wants to get to a good place, but we need to do so in an orderly, practical, and legally defensible way.

    Third, the Task Force wants to travel to a destination where people have great freedom to experiment and build interesting things, and which will not be a haven for fraudsters. One of the reasons the U.S. capital markets are so robust, efficient, and effective is that we have rules designed to protect investors and the integrity of the marketplace, and we enforce those rules. We do not tolerate liars, cheaters, and scammers. As the Task Force works to help develop this regulatory framework, it will give careful consideration to antifraud protections. If the Commission spots fraud that lies outside our jurisdiction, it can refer the matter to a sister regulator. If it does not fall within any regulator’s jurisdiction, the Commission can bring that gap to Congress’s attention.

    Fourth, the Task Force is working to help create a regulatory framework that both achieves the Commission’s important regulatory objectives—including protecting investors—and preserves industry’s ability to offer products and services. This framework will be within the statutory authority given to the Commission, and we will work with other regulators operating within their own statutory authorities. The statutes already on the books do not allow a free-for-all for products that fall within our jurisdiction. Congress has put parameters in place, and the Commission will apply them. Congress also has given us exemptive authority, and the Commission will use it, as appropriate. Where Congress has directed the Commission to impose requirements on market participants, SEC rules will not let you do whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. Some of these rules will impose costs and other compliance burdens that some may find irritating, and the Commission will use its enforcement tools when necessary to pursue noncompliance.

    Fifth, the Commission staff is working hard to process applications for exemptive relief, requests for no-action letters, and registration statements, but an uptick in the volume is likely to prove challenging. Adherence to technical and legal requirements, well-reasoned legal analysis, and thorough and timely responses to staff questions help to conserve Commission resources and makes for a quicker, smoother trip toward the destination of greater regulatory clarity. As always, such diligence will help an application move through the approval process more smoothly; conversely, the absence of it may cause unnecessary delays. Being first in the door may not mean being first out the door.

    Sixth, the new commitment to a better regulatory environment should not be viewed as an endorsement of any crypto coin or token. Regardless of whether those tokens or coins fall within our jurisdiction, the Commission never endorses any product or service; there is no such thing as an SEC seal of approval. Spinning up coins and tokens is easy. If people want to buy a token or product that lacks a clear long-term value proposition, they should feel free to but should not be surprised if someday the price drops. In this country, people generally have a right to make decisions for themselves, but the counterpart to that wonderful American liberty is the equally wonderful American expectation that people must decide for themselves, not look to Mama Government to tell them what to do or not to do, nor to bail them out when they do something that turns out badly.

    Now, with those rather gruff disclaimers out of the way, let’s talk a bit about what the Task Force is working on with staff across the Commission’s policy divisions. We will collaborate with others across the federal government, with state securities regulators, and with our international counterparts. We invite builders, enthusiasts, and skeptics to engage with us to figure out what the final rules should be and what interim steps might help to foster innovation in the meantime. The Commission staff already has achieved one milestone—the rescission of Staff Accounting Bulletin 121—but there is much more to do.[4] This list is not exhaustive, nor is it presented in order of priority or order of expected completion.

    1. Security Status: The status of crypto assets under the securities laws is fundamental to resolving many other questions. The Task Force is working hard to examine different types of crypto assets.
    2. Scoping Out: The Task Force will work to help identify some areas that fall outside the Commission’s jurisdiction. As an initial step, the staff welcomes requests for no-action letters. No-action letters typically come in the form of a staff statement addressing specific circumstances spelled out in the letter under which the staff will not recommend enforcement action to the Commission. This statement is specific to the particular circumstances but gives the broader public a helpful window into the staff’s thinking.
    3. Coin and Token Offerings: The Task Force also is thinking about the possibility of recommending Commission action to provide temporary prospective and retroactive relief for coin or token offerings for which the issuing entity or some other entity willing to take responsibility provides certain specified information, keeps that information updated, and agrees not to contest the Commission’s jurisdiction in the event of a case alleging fraud in connection with the purchase and sale of the asset. These tokens would be deemed to be non-securities and thus there would be no uncertainty as to whether they would be able to trade freely on secondary markets not registered with the SEC as long as the information is kept up-to-date and accurate. This approach would bridge the gap until a more permanent rule or legislation could be finalized. It would provide a pathway for existing tokens to find their way out of the fog of uncertainty that obscures a feasible path forward and would encourage the provision of greater disclosure.
    4. Registered Offerings: The Task Force will consider working with staff to recommend that the Commission modify existing paths to registration, including Regulation A and crowdfunding, so that people interested in registering token offerings will have a viable path for doing so.
    5. Special Purpose Broker Dealer: The Task Force will explore possible updates to the special-purpose broker dealer no-action statement, which in its current form has not been a success. An initial change we may suggest is that the statement be expanded to cover broker-dealers that custody crypto asset securities alongside crypto assets that are not securities. We will work with the public to identify other obstacles to registration.
    6. Custody Solutions for Investment Advisers: We will work with investment advisers to provide an appropriate regulatory framework within which advisers can safely, legally, and practically custody client assets themselves or with a third-party.
    7. Crypto-Lending and Staking: We need to provide clarity about whether crypto-lending and staking programs are covered by the securities laws and, if so, how. We plan to work to help address how such programs can be structured consistent with the law.
    8. Crypto Exchange-Traded Products: The Commission already is receiving SRO proposed rule changes to list new types of crypto exchange-traded products. The Task Force will work with the staff to provide clear statements about the approach used when approving or disapproving these applications. The Task Force will also assist the staff and the Commission in considering requests to modify certain features of existing exchange-traded products, including to allow for staking and in-kind creations and redemptions. Before these changes can be operationalized, however, the Commission may have to make progress on custody and other issues.
    9. Clearing Agencies and Transfer Agents: The Task Force also plans to work on the intersection of crypto and clearing agency and transfer agent rules. We will continue to work with market participants interested in tokenizing securities or otherwise using blockchain technology to modernize traditional financial markets.
    10. Cross-Border Sandbox: Many crypto projects are international in scope. The Task Force is considering ways to facilitate cross-border experimentation on a limited scale and temporary timeframe, with the possibility of more permanent, long-term approaches.

    This brief overview of how the Task Force is looking at the journey ahead is not exhaustive or definitive, but I hope it has piqued your interest. Although the obstacles to getting to our final destination of a sensible, clear ruleset are daunting, if we collaborate, the journey will be exhilarating and rewarding. This is the beginning of the conversation—one we do not want to have just with ourselves. Please visit our Crypto Task Force webpage to follow what the Task Force is doing and to engage with the Task Force.

    How to Engage with the Crypto Task Force

    Written Submissions

    If you would like to provide written input on the issues the Task Force is considering, including those described above, you may submit that input by sending an email with the subject line “Crypto Task Force Input” to crypto@sec.gov. Documents submitted will generally be posted on www.sec.gov. Submissions received will be posted without change or redaction of personal identifying information. You should only make submissions that you wish to make available publicly. You may request confidential treatment following this detailed procedure. We may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted material that is obscene or subject to copyright. Please read our Privacy Act Notice to learn about how we may use the information you send to us.

    Meetings (In-Person or Virtual)

    The Task Force will consider requests for in-person or virtual meetings with members of the public who would like to discuss approaches to addressing issues related to regulation of crypto assets, including those described above. To request a meeting, please complete the Request Form for Meetings with the Crypto Task Force. The Task Force requests that any person or firm requesting a meeting provide a brief written summary of the issues that it plans to discuss with Task Force members. The Task Force plans to post these summaries to the Commission’s website, which will increase the transparency of its engagement with the public and promote open dialogue among parties interested in these issues.

    Summaries received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should only submit information in these summaries that you wish to make available publicly. You may request confidential treatment following this detailed procedure. We may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted material that is obscene or subject to copyright. Please read our Privacy Act Notice to learn about how we may use the information you send to us.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Opposes RFK Jr.’s Nomination in the Senate Finance Committee: “I want a disrupter in the health care system, and the one leading it. I don’t want a destroyer.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the Senate Finance Committee today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) voted against advancing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Mr. Kennedy would be tasked with leading HHS’ ten public health service agencies and three human services agencies. In remarks following his vote, Senator Welch cited concerns about Mr. Kennedy’s character, competence, and priorities, including his views on the efficacy of vaccines.  
    Welch: “After this hearing, I did not have confidence that Mr. Kennedy would be the one to lead us to a better future.” 
    Watch a video of his remarks below: 

    Read his remarks in the Senate Finance Committee below: 
    “I want a disrupter in the health care system, and the one leading it. I don’t want a destroyer. 
    “There’s three issues before any nominee that we have to consider: one is character, another is competence, and the third is priorities.  
    “We did not have Caroline Kennedy here, but she gave a statement. And she said that Bobby was able to attract people through the strength of his personality, his willingness to take risks, and break the rules. Those might be desirable qualities if it was accompanied by sober judgment and behavior, because the person who leads a major organization has to have the confidence of the people that work for him. And, frankly, some of the things that he did that [he] never explained—a chainsaw taking off the head of a whale, dumping a bear in Central Park for his own amusement—these are just weird things. We never really got into the character issue of what is required for a person who runs such a major department.  
    “The competence question, this is all on a wing and a prayer and a hope. There’s no record of Mr. Kennedy having experience in managing a large organization, in medicine. No experience with science. And none of the prior experiences required not only to run a major organization—Health and Human Services, but also the CDC, the NIH—and all the other organizations that are under the umbrella of health care.  
    “By the way, on the competence issue, let’s be candid. This was a deal where Mr. Kennedy was running for president as a Democrat. He lost. And he approached President Trump to make a deal, and for political reasons, the deal was made. And the appointment was going to be that he’s at Health and Human Services. The president has a right to make that deal and Mr. Kennedy can seek it, but it doesn’t translate into competence.  
    “The third is priorities. The priority for Mr. Kennedy is about the vaccines and his theory of that. We need reliable vaccines and not a conspiracy theorist on that. But, you know, the health care system is not working for the American people. It is too costly. Our employers who care deeply about providing employer-sponsored health care can’t afford these premiums. The folks who are getting their insurance on their own can’t afford it. Even Obamacare is getting so expensive because prices are escalating constantly with pharma expenses, with private equity getting into health care.  
    “Mr. Kennedy’s priority was about his view of vaccines. It was not about making health care more affordable and accessible. And in response to, really, a very direct and easy, open-ended question from Senator Cassidy, Mr. Kennedy showed a woeful ignorance even between the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.  
    “We have a health care system that is not serving—as it should—the interests of American citizens, of American businesses, and American taxpayers. And I, after this hearing, did not have confidence that Mr. Kennedy would be the one to lead us to a better future.”  
    Watch Senator Welch’s questioning of Mr. Kennedy during his confirmation hearing.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Cassidy, Scott Lead Colleagues in Reintroduce Bill to Expand School Choice, Educational Opportunity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tim Scott (R-SC) led 19 Republican colleagues in introducing the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), bicameral legislation to expand education freedom and opportunity for students. Specifically, it provides a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education. U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    “I’m proud to join Senators Cassidy and Scott in fighting to expand education freedom and opportunity for American students,” said Senator Marshall. “Parents, not the government, know what is best for their children and should be empowered with the resources to ensure their children are getting the highest quality and best education possible.”
    “Parents want to see their child succeed. Giving them the ability to make decisions over their child’s education puts that child’s needs first,” said Dr. Cassidy. “More freedom empowers parents and allows American children to thrive in school.”
    “When you give parents a choice, you give kids a better chance at achieving their dreams,” said Senator Scott. “By empowering families with more education resources and freedom, this bill will unlock opportunities that have been out of reach for students across America who deserve every chance to succeed and a schooling system that fosters their potential.”
    The Educational Choice for Children Act:

    Provides $10 billion in annual tax credits to be made available to taxpayers. Allotment of these credits to individuals would be administered by the Treasury Department.
    Sets a base amount for each state and then distributes the credits on a first-come, first-serve basis.
    Uses a limited government approach with respect to federalism, thus avoiding mandates on states, localities, and school districts.
    Includes provisions that govern Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), as SGOs are given the ability to determine the individual amount of scholarship awards.

    An estimated two million students in any elementary or secondary education setting, including homeschool, are eligible to receive a scholarship. Eligible use of scholarship awards includes tuition, fees, book supplies, and equipment for enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott, Colleagues Seek to Enhance Accountability for SBA Disaster Loan Account

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Committee on Small Business, along with Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), re-introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act, which requires the Small Business Administration to make its monthly reporting requirements for the Disaster Loan Account available to the public. As of 2015, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has followed this transparent reporting model for its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).  

    Senators Scott and Schiff are joined on the legislation by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).

    “When I surveyed the devastation from Hurricane Helene, I knew the road to recovery would be long and difficult, but that South Carolinians are resilient,” said Senator Tim Scott. “The SBA Disaster Transparency Act makes simple but necessary reforms to the Disaster Loan Account that will provide increased transparency and ensure Congress is able to act before it’s too late. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining me on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation. I remain committed to working on lasting solutions with President Trump and Congress to ensure we have effective, top-of-the-line disaster response efforts in place.”

    “In the aftermath of the fires in Los Angeles that have devastated our communities, we are introducing this bipartisan bill to hold the SBA accountable and improve transparency of available disaster funds. With this oversight, we can help ensure those impacted receive the support and funding they deserve in order to swiftly recover and rebuild,” said Senator Schiff.

    “Recent natural disasters exposed the need for greater oversight and reform of the SBA’s Disaster Loan Account. The people of Western North Carolina should not be put in a position where the SBA’s account is depleted due to inadequate planning. These loans should follow the same reporting requirements as other agencies, like FEMA, so that funds are available when needed. I’m proud to join Senator Tim Scott to bring accountability to SBA’s disaster loans,” said Senator Budd.

    “Communities in Tennessee and across the country that are rebuilding from natural disasters deserve full transparency on how federal dollars are being spent towards recovery. The SBA Disaster Transparency Act would require monthly reporting for the Disaster Loan Account to be open to the public,” said Senator Blackburn.

    Senator Rick Scott said, “The American people have every right to know where their tax dollars are being spent and hold their government accountable. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce the SBA Disaster Transparency Act to bring more transparency to the federal government.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Scott, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Enhance Accountability for SBA Disaster Loan Account

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act.

    The bill requires the Small Business Administration to make its monthly reporting requirements for the Disaster Loan Account available to the public. As of 2015, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has followed this transparent reporting model for its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).

    Senator Budd said in a statement:

    “Recent natural disasters exposed the need for greater oversight and reform of the SBA’s Disaster Loan Account. The people of Western North Carolina should not be put in a position where the SBA’s account is depleted due to inadequate planning. These loans should follow the same reporting requirements as other agencies, like FEMA, so that funds are available when needed. I’m proud to join Senator Tim Scott to bring accountability to SBA’s disaster loans.”

    Senator Tim Scott said:

    “When I surveyed the devastation from Hurricane Helene, I knew the road to recovery would be long and difficult, but that South Carolinians are resilient. The SBA Disaster Transparency Act makes simple but necessary reforms to the Disaster Loan Account that will provide increased transparency and ensure Congress is able to act before it’s too late. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining me on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation. I remain committed to working on lasting solutions with President Trump and Congress to ensure we have effective, top-of-the-line disaster response efforts in place.”

    Senator Schiff said:

    “In the aftermath of the fires in Los Angeles that have devastated our communities, we are introducing this bipartisan bill to hold the SBA accountable and improve transparency of available disaster funds. With this oversight, we can help ensure those impacted receive the support and funding they deserve in order to swiftly recover and rebuild.”

    Senator Rick Scott said:

    “The American people have every right to know where their tax dollars are being spent and hold their government accountable. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce the SBA Disaster Transparency Act to bring more transparency to the federal government.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Empowering Albertans with disabilities

    [. Albertans with disabilities and the organizations that support them have said loud and clear they want supports that meet their unique needs and abilities, rather than the current one-size-fits-all solution.

    In response to that request, Alberta’s government is creating a new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), which will launch in July 2026. This new benefit program for people with disabilities will empower Albertans with disabilities to pursue fulfilling job opportunities while continuing to receive the benefits they need.

    “People with disabilities should not be punished for getting a job. Every dollar they earn on a paycheque should be helping make them better off, not threatening their access to the medication they need. That’s why I am excited to announce the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that it will have on Albertans with disabilities.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

    ADAP was thoughtfully designed based on input from Albertans with disabilities, who stressed the importance of providing pathways to employment for individuals who are able to work but still need supports. Albertans on ADAP will be able to earn more from working while continuing to receive their financial benefits, with higher earning exemptions than any other program. Those on ADAP will also be able to receive the health benefits they need, regardless of their employment income. This new program will ensure more Albertans with disabilities can enjoy the benefits of working like earning a paycheque, developing skills and building relationships, while still receiving supports that meet their unique needs and abilities.

    “I strongly believe in empowering persons with disabilities to reach their full potential, and I also strongly believe that all people deserve to pursue their goals and aspirations without barriers. By creating this program, the province is making it easier for Albertans to find success. ADAP will truly help to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this new program.”

    Greg McMeekin, Alberta’s advocate for persons with disabilities

    Through ADAP, Albertans with disabilities will not only receive the financial and health benefits they rely on, but they will also have access to the resources and tools they need to gain new skills and work to their full potential. To support this, Alberta’s government will be investing more to expand employment supports and encourage private sector employers to break down barriers to employment for people with disabilities. By providing pathways to employment for individuals who are able to work but still need supports, Alberta’s government is empowering people with disabilities to pursue their passions, leading to a greater sense of purpose and improved quality of life.

    “At Prospect Human Services, we’ve been helping individuals with disabilities build sustainable, well-paying careers for more than 60 years – and we know it’s possible. With ADAP, Alberta is breaking down the barriers that have long separated support from opportunity, creating a pathway for people to realize their full potential while maintaining essential benefits. We applaud the Alberta government for designing a flexible initiative that offers stability and empowers Albertans with disabilities to embrace the transformative power of employment.”

    Kevin McNichol, CEO of Prospect Human Services

    Alberta provides some of the most comprehensive supports in the country for people with disabilities, and the long-standing Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program will still be there for those with permanent and severe disabilities who are unable to work. Those currently on AISH will continue to receive their benefits, and applications will continue to be processed to ensure eligible applicants receive benefits as soon as possible. Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that the province continues to have the best disability programs in Canada.

    “Today is a tremendous day that has been a long time coming. ADAP means faster access to more appropriate support and will be a significant step toward making Alberta the most accessible province in Canada. This will encourage participation and connection in our communities, while maintaining predictable, vital supports for every Albertan who needs them. We look forward to helping shape this groundbreaking program.”

    Jacob McGregor, chair of Premier’s Council for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

    Starting in July 2026, disability income assistance applicants will be assessed for both the new program and AISH, ensuring eligible applicants are placed in the program best suited to their unique situation. To make the medical assessment process quicker and more accessible, applicants will be connected with a roster of pre-qualified medical professionals who are able to complete their comprehensive medical assessment. Additionally, application approvals will be streamlined by establishing a new review panel made up of medical professionals with the expertise required to better understand the needs of applicants. These improvements will ensure Albertans with disabilities are able to get the supports they need sooner.

    “For many people with disabilities, employment isn’t just about earning a paycheck – it’s about purpose, independence and inclusion. This program can allow for new opportunities for individuals to contribute to their communities in ways that work for them.”

    Katherine Such, CEO of Easter Seals Alberta Society

    Quick facts

    • In 2024, the province invested more than $3.5 billion to support Albertans with disabilities, the highest amount ever.
    • The new Alberta Disability Assistance Program will become operational in July 2026.
    • Those currently on AISH will continue to receive their benefits.
      • All existing AISH clients will receive more information about the new program in March.
      • Clients can also contact their worker or Alberta Supports if they have questions or want additional information. 

    Related information

    • Alberta Disability Assistance Program
    • Fact sheet

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New prefabricated classrooms open in B.C., more on the way

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Prefabricated classrooms have opened in four schools over the past month, with more underway, adding more than 1,000 new student spaces in growing communities throughout B.C.

    “We are committed to providing students with the best possible learning environments,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “These prefabricated additions will provide students with the spaces they need to succeed, and will benefit these communities for years to come.”

    The use of prefabricated construction means students will be learning in modern classrooms that are just like regular classrooms. With sustainable and energy-efficient designs, the additions also align with the Province’s CleanBC targets and meet B.C.’s enhanced energy requirements. Due to their unique build, prefabricated classrooms are more cost effective and can be built twice as fast as traditional schools. Since 2017, the Province has approved more than 42,000 new student spaces, with more than 2,400 open in just the past month.

    “These rapidly built additions are one way we are quickly getting new classroom spaces ready for students now, and we know the solution is working,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “These additions get students into new classrooms faster, while still providing the same lifespan and comforts of a traditional school environment.”

    Newly opened prefabricated additions:

    • a 10-classroom, two-storey addition to Scott Creek Middle school in Coquitlam, adding 250 new student seats;
    • an eight-classroom addition at Lena Shaw Elementary school in Surrey, adding 200 new student seats;
    • a five-classroom addition at North Glenmore Elementary in Kelowna, adding 120 new student seats; and
    • a new five-room school and gymnasium at École La Grande-ourse in Smithers, which replaced the leased facility that École La Grande-ourse has been operating in since 2019; adding 70 new student seats.

    Prefabricated additions starting construction soon:

    • Dr. Charles Best Secondary in Coquitlam will get a 12-classroom addition, adding 300 new seats.
    • R.C. Talmey Elementary in Richmond will get a six-classroom addition, adding 150 new seats.

    The new Ministry of Infrastructure is mandated to reduce costs and expedite construction of projects such as schools and health-care facilities. Prefabricated additions to schools are one approach to deliver on the commitment. Since fall 2023, the Province has invested more than $475 million for 37 prefabricated additions, which will create almost 7,900 new student seats. This investment has been delivered in 17 school districts throughout B.C., including high-growth districts such as Langley, Surrey, Sooke and Burnaby.

    Quotes:

    Jen Renard, teacher, Scott Creek Middle school –

    “This space has been designed to be bright and welcoming, and it’s filled with natural light and equipped with brand-new furniture. It has modern learning areas that are perfect for fostering creativity and collaboration. This new environment is a much-needed addition to our school, providing an ideal setting for innovative learning, growth and community.”

    Michael Thomas, board chair, Coquitlam School District (SD43) –

    “SD43 employs cutting-edge research to develop projects like this addition at Scott Creek Middle. These prefabricated additions can be assembled quickly and efficiently to address our urgent need for more spaces to serve students.”

    Rick Glumac, MLA for Port Moody-Burquitlam –

    “As more families move to Coquitlam, our government is investing in infrastructure to support a growing community. We are making important upgrades and expansions to our schools, ensuring students have the spaces they need to learn and thrive.”

    Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville –

    “As we welcome more families to Coquitlam, the new addition at Dr. Charles Best Secondary will ensure students have the learning environments they need to succeed. I am thrilled to see a project like this in our community.”

    Gary Begg, MLA for Surrey-Guilford –

    “The prefabricated addition at Lena Shaw Elementary is already making a difference to the Surrey community. As more people make Surrey their home, it’s crucial to develop and expand schools that will benefit children and families for years to come.”

    Learn More:

    For more information about K-12 School Capital Projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital

    For more information about Health Capital Projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/capital-projects

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, Coalition of 20 Attorneys General Urge Senate to Demand Answers from FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel Amid Alarming Retaliation Efforts

    Source: US State of California

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general today in sending a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Dick Durbin, urging the Senate to require Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director, to return for further questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee in advance of a confirmation vote. The request follows alarming reports of politically motivated firings at the FBI and efforts to compile a list of agents involved in investigating the January 6th Capitol insurrection.

    “The Federal Bureau of Investigation plays a critical role in protecting public safety, and they are a crucial partner to state Departments of Justice as we work to tackle fentanyl, organized crime, white collar crime, and security threats to our communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The disturbing reports of the Trump administration’s politically motivated firings and retaliation against FBI agents and staff who worked investigations and prosecutions related to the January 6th Capitol riots emphasize the need for answers, and for an objective, nonpartisan FBI Director. President Trump may say that he cares about law and order, but his recent pardon of 1,500 individuals who stormed the U.S. Capitol tells a very different story. Not only did those individuals try to stop the peaceful transfer of power, many of them violently assaulted law enforcement officers. Retaliating against FBI agents and staff who did their duty is nothing short of an attack on our law enforcement and public safety. We urge the Senate to demand answers about the pending FBI purge before voting on Mr. Patel’s nomination.”

    In the letter, the attorneys general note how critical it is for Patel to address recent reports of politically motivated firings at the FBI. “Shortly after his confirmation hearing, we learned that more than a dozen high-ranking FBI officials were fired and that the FBI is developing a list of all agents and staff who worked investigations and prosecutions related to the January 6th Capitol insurrection. It is critical for Mr. Patel to answer questions about this unprecedented attack on the FBI before Senators vote on his confirmation.”

    The letter raises additional concerns over reports that “the Administration plans to fire at least six high-ranking career FBI officials if they do not retire” and that “acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove directed FBI staff to compile a list of all staff who were ‘assigned at any time to investigations and/or prosecutions’ relating to the January 6th insurrection.” The attorneys general state, “If true, this is a purge of FBI employees.”

    The attorneys general stress that before any confirmation vote, “the United States Senate should know what Mr. Patel plans to do with the list of FBI agents and staff that is currently being compiled.”

    “Purging over 6,000 FBI agents and staff will have disastrous effects on public safety across the country and will make our communities more dangerous. FBI employees and staff protect America from the public safety harms that President Trump listed in his executive orders—fentanyl, the Mexican Cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and harms to Americans’ pocket books.”

    Beyond the FBI purge, the letter condemns additional attacks on law enforcement by the Trump administration, stating, “The President’s efforts to undermine the FBI follow unprecedented attacks on our country’s public safety. In just two weeks, the President has fired United States Attorneys, pardoned insurrectionists who killed and injured Capitol Police Officers, and attempted to defund law enforcement across the country.”

    The Administration’s pardoning of over 1,500 Capitol insurrectionists, including those with serious criminal records, as well as its attempts to dismiss pending cases against January 6th insurrectionists, emphasize the need for an objective, nonpartisan FBI Director. At least one judge has already found that the pardons and dismissals will harm public safety and are unjustified.

    Now is the time for Congress to act. Over the past two weeks, President Trump has taken actions that make our country less safe. The attorney general believes that Congress must act to protect Americans and hold the Administration accountable. The first step is requiring Mr. Patel to answer questions about the pending FBI purge before a confirmation vote.

    Joining Arizona in sending the letter are the attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

    A copy of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Māori communities lead innovative ways of financing housing on ancestral lands

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Barrett, Lecturer in Business, Auckland University of Technology

    New Zealand’s housing crisis disproportionately affects Māori in rural areas where healthy homes are in short supply and collective land ownership presents a challenge to banks.

    Governments have been grappling with this issue. The previous Labour-led government committed more than NZ$730 million to Māori-led housing solutions, and an announcement this week by the current coalition government saw a $200 million investment into affordable rentals.

    But Whare Ora, a community-run housing initiative in Te Tairāwhiti (East Coast), shows that innovative approaches to home ownership can be found within communities.

    Since 2020, Whare Ora has developed a social enterprise model, focused on producing healthy, affordable and transportable whare (houses) for local communities. Run by the charitable company Hikurangi Enterprises, Whare Ora has now supplied more than 80 homes for local whānau.

    This project is directly addressing regional housing deprivation and the finance barriers for building on Māori land under multiple ownership.

    This holds particular potential for Indigenous housing.

    Financial barriers

    Despite Whare Ora producing high-quality houses at affordable prices, access to finance remains a significant barrier for whānau placing homes on ancestral lands.

    This is mainly due to the perceived risk of lending against Māori freehold land, which is inalienable and often collectively owned. This creates issues for mainstream retail lenders that require land to be alienable to a single owner to secure a mortgage.

    In exceptional circumstances, such as Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei’s recent agreement with BNZ, this can be mitigated if a trust can provide a guarantee over lending. This usually requires a large asset base or financial holdings.

    However, the majority of Māori who want to build homes on ancestral lands are individual or collective whānau who don’t have access to such resources. The perceived risk excludes many who could service a loan but are unable to because the financial services don’t exist or aren’t designed for collectively-owned land.

    For a region such as Te Tairāwhiti where about 25% of land is under Māori governance, this creates a lost opportunity for whānau to utilise ancestral lands for housing.

    This is a systemic issue, documented by the National Housing Commission in 1983 and the Auditor General’s reports in 2011 and 2014.

    Affordable portable houses provide an opportunity to build on ancestral lands.
    Hikurangi Enterprises, CC BY-SA

    Community partnerships

    Seeking a solution to this finance barrier, Hikurangi Enterprises collaborated with Community Finance, a community-to-community lender, to investigate possible ways to administer lending for housing on collectively-owned land.

    Supported by philanthropic organisations, this collaboration has given way to Kaenga Hou, a new trust set up to provide a range of progressive home-ownership options in Te Tairāwhiti.

    Significantly, one option facilitates lending on ancestral land through a license-to-occupy agreement, based on an ethical finance model funded by impact investors.

    Impact investors provide finance capital at below-market interest rates, while producing a social or environmental benefit (in this case addressing regional housing issues and strengthening Māori wellbeing through connections to ancestral lands).

    This allows for more compassionate and innovative forms of investment, where complex issues can be worked through rather than written off as too risky or not profitable enough.

    An ethical finance model

    In designing a model to attract impact investment, Kaenga Hou and Community Finance sought innovative ways to mitigate investor risk while placing whānau at the centre of decisions, protecting them from exploitative lending and ensuring fair outcomes.

    This was achieved through a creative rent-to-buy programme using whānau rental payments to reduce risk and build resilience into the model.

    In short, whānau make rental payments to the trust. A portion of these payments repays the trust’s interest payments to investors funding the model. Another part builds a savings account, allowing the whānau to buy the home outright over time.

    A final portion will be directed toward a support mechanism for all whānau in the programme. Known as the aroha fund, this aspires to support others if they face unexpected financial difficulty.

    Innovation lies in the subtle details that reduce risk for both whānau and the investors. For example, the aroha fund increases the chance of programme completion, setting whānau up to succeed, while ensuring financial and social returns for the ethical investor.

    Similarly, in the unlikely event whānau have to exit the programme, a proportion of the money accrued through the savings account can be returned and they would have paid an affordable rent while in the programme.

    In this worst-case scenario, the programme aims to leave whānau in a better-off position than when they entered, uplifting whānau and safeguarding the reputation of investors. Collectively, these aspects ensure that positive whānau outcomes are just as important as creating a financial return.

    Lessons for Te Tiriti-led futures

    At its heart, housing on ancestral lands is a Te Tiriti issue. The Waitangi Tribunal recently concluded the Crown has a duty to provide housing because of the guarantee of tino rangatiratanga over kāinga (homes and settlements).

    The government currently provides a loan scheme for housing on whenua Māori, but since its inception in 2010 it has been constantly scrutinised for low uptake and accessibility, with similar pitfalls to retail lending.

    This highlights the importance of taking lessons from community-led innovations and their approaches. In this case, more compassionate investment and a whānau-centred finance model created new possibilities for managing risk associated with lending to ancestral Māori lands.

    Genuine partnerships, seeking to protect whānau while participating in finance systems, were key. This provides a road map for how Aotearoa might face such pressing issues, now and into the future.

    Jack Barrett 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. Māori communities lead innovative ways of financing housing on ancestral lands – https://theconversation.com/maori-communities-lead-innovative-ways-of-financing-housing-on-ancestral-lands-247179

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir Chris Bryant speech at TMT World Congress 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, gave a speech at TMT World Congress 2025 on 30 January 2025.

    Without vision, the people perish. Without a plan, the vision perishes. And without investment, financial, social and personal, the plan perishes.

    So let me start with a vision of a nation:

    A government that has economic growth as a constant obsession permeating everything it does.

    An economy that enjoys some of the strongest inward investment in Europe.

    A country with fierce ambitions: connectivity for all; inclusion wherever you live; science and innovation unshackled; AI unleashing greater productivity across the economy and public services.

    There’s no route to growth without digital infrastructure.

    The fibres, the subsea cables, the telegraph poles, the ducts, the data centres, the satellite connections, they are the central nervous system of a modern economy.

    • Without reliable ultrafast or gigabit capable broadband, businesses will be stuck on calls repeating ‘can you hear me now?’ into the void.
    • Without 5G standalone, public services will lag behind.
    • Without enough data centres, AI will run out of juice.

    We’ve come a long way in investing in our digital infrastructure in the UK, thanks to the efforts of many of you in this room.

    I’m here to tell you about how the government will help you seize the investment opportunities around the corner.

    Looking back, we’ve already come a long way.

    • More than 85% of homes and businesses in the UK can now access gigabit-capable broadband. It was just 10% in 2019.
    • Telcos are investing £40 billion to hit 100% by 2030.
    • And earlier this month, we signed four new Project Gigabit contracts with Openreach to get gigabit-capable broadband to over 130,000 new homes.

    Likewise on mobile connectivity:

    • According to Ofcom, 5G is now available outside of 95% of homes and businesses across the country.
    • Customers across the UK are feeling the benefits of standalone 5G, thanks to Vodafone, VMO2 and BT/EE – we want that everywhere by 2030.

    On data centres:

    • We have just over 500, putting us third globally.
    • And in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, we committed to upping public computing power twentyfold by 2030.

    But I don’t only measure growth in terawatt-hours of computing power, or billions of pounds.

    I measure it in individual lives changed by connection.

    Connectivity can deliver the world-class public services British people deserve:

    • Standalone 5G in hospitals could transmit high-res scans to diagnose disease faster
    • Or stream bodycam videos from police on the street to back-up waiting at HQ.

    If the digital revolution is to deliver a fairer, more prosperous future for Britain, we’ve also got to make sure everyone in the UK sees the benefit. 5% of homes still aren’t connected to the internet and the figure for poorer homes is even worse – 19%.

    I’m grateful for the work the sector has done on digital inclusion, including social tariffs.

    But we have to do better than that:

    a) because every household lost to the digital economy loses out on phenomenal opportunities and
    b) because they are also lost as workers, as citizens and as customers.

    So: huge amounts of progress on connecting us all to growth.

    But we’ve got much further to go.

    To make our vision a reality, we need investment.

    Today, the UK is Europe’s number one destination for new investment in projects and new jobs.

    The International Investment Summit in October broke records, creating 38,000 new jobs and bringing £63 billion into the UK – with much of that pouring into tech and data centres.

    And another £14 billion was secured when we launched the AI Opportunities Action Plan. But that’s just the start.

    Our ambition is to make Britain the best place to invest in the world.

    Here’s how:

    1. Partnering with you for growth.

    Within days of taking office, we set up the National Wealth Fund to the tune of £27.8 billion.

    It shows how serious we are about partnering with private capital to invest in the jobs, industries and infrastructure of the future.

    Six months in, that’s unlocked £1.6 billion – including supporting faster broadband connections for thousands of businesses and homes in Cornwall, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cumbria.

    2. Making sure regulation and planning don’t tie us all in knots.

    The PM and Chancellor have both been clear about the need for pro-growth regulation across the economy, as an essential part of our growth mission.

    We’ll give you the stable regulatory framework that gives investors confidence.

    And more planning reform to help you build equipment quickly and cost-effectively – including the last telecoms provisions from the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act.

    3. Backing competition:

    Competition is the only way to drive innovation and growth, and a better experience for customers.

    The Vodafone and Three merger is a great example, with a £11 billion investment commitment for standalone 5G, bringing better connections to 99% of the population.

    Underpinning all of this is a determination to tear down the barriers to growth.

    If you want to create wealth and jobs for British people, we will not stand in your way.

    This is a vision of a country that’s as ambitious about investment as it is about connecting people.

    You can’t do one without the other.

    I can almost hear the whisper of deals in the air today.

    So here’s one more for you to think about over coffee:

    Help us make the things digital infrastructure connects us to – family, friends, a job offer, a business deal, growth – available to all.

    In return, we’ll make this the best place in the world for you to invest to make that happen.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Joins Letter to HHS Officials Demanding Answers and Action on Disruption to Head Start Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) and a group of their colleagues in issuing a letter to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy A. Fink, M.D. and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start Captain Tala Hooban expressing concern about the acute financial impacts and lingering uncertainty faced by Head Start programs across the country as a result of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo that imposed a government-wide hiring freeze. Senator Luján is a Head Start alumnus and has long advocated to fund and protect Head Start programs.
    While the White House later clarified that Head Start would not be targeted by the funding freeze and the OMB later rescinded memo, Head Start programs were temporarily unable to access the Payment Management System (PMS) to use their allocated federal funds. As a result, Head Start programs nationwide have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner – imperiling their ability to pay staff and keep educational and child care programs up and running.
    “Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards,” wrote the Senators. “This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.”
    “Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds,” the Senators continued.
    In addition to Luján and Kaine, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard J. Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).
    The full text of the letter is available here and below.
    Dear Acting Secretary Dr. Fink and Acting Director Captain Hooban:
    We are writing today to raise ongoing, urgent concerns experienced by Head Start programs in our states and across the country. These concerns include (1) a lack of clarity on the status of renewals and notice of awards in the February 1st grant cycle, (2) delays in processing reimbursements through the Payment Management System (PMS), and (3) a lack of clear communication with grantees throughout this confusing time.
    We request your immediate action and assurance on the following:
    All requests for disbursements of funds submitted through PMS to be promptly processed to allow all Head Start programs to draw down federal funds;
    Programs on the February 1st grant cycle will be notified of their renewal or notice of award before the deadline to ensure no lapse in funding or program operations; and
    Transparent and consistent communication with Head Start programs to address the ongoing challenges.
    Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has provided critical early childhood education and comprehensive services to nearly 40 million low-income young children and their families in communities across the nation. Today, Head Start programs are supported by 250,000 staff to serve nearly 800,000 children across the nation. Head Start’s comprehensive services ensure children receive age-appropriate health care, dental care, immunizations, and health insurance, and they provide referrals to other critical services for parents, such as job training, adult education, nutrition services, and housing support. For the last several years, Congress has worked in a bipartisan manner to recognize this longstanding federal program’s important work by providing increased appropriations.
    Since the morning of Tuesday, January 28th, the Head Start community has faced immense uncertainty and disruptions by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo (M-25-13), directing federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance.” While the Trump Administration later clarified that Head Start would not be the target of the funding freeze, many Head Start programs across the country were unable to access the PMS to draw down federal funds. PMS was reinstated, but programs across the country have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner.
    Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards. This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.
    Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds.
    Once these issues are resolved, we request you provide responses to the following questions:
    What factors contributed to delayed disbursements to Head Start programs through the Payment Management System? What steps will be taken to ensure such delays will not occur in the future?
    How many Head Start programs were impacted by this delay and what were the immediate consequences on operations and services for children and families?
    What factors led to the lack of communication about grant renewals and awards for the February 1st cycle? What steps will be taken to ensure timely notices in the future?
    We thank you for your quick attention to this matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister for EU Relations – Article on UK-EU Reset

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Opinion-editorial authored by Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for European Union Relations. This was originally published in The Telegraph on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

    Like many people, I remember the night of the Brexit referendum vividly. I was in my constituency of Torfaen: my home, where I grew up and where I have always lived. The majority of people in my constituency, and across the UK, voted to leave the EU.

    I believe my constituents – like millions across the country – voted to leave because they wanted a change that would improve their lives. They hoped Brexit would mean better public services, more jobs, less migration, more security.

    What they got instead was years of chaos and a botched deal. [Redacted political content].

    People deserve better. They want the Government to respect their vote on Brexit – which we do – and they’re also pragmatic. This Government was elected to reset relations with the EU to help boost growth, improve the cost of living crisis and make our borders more secure. People, rightly, demand delivery.

    My role as the UK minister for European Union relations is to take expectations and make them a reality.

    What does that mean? For this Government, our reset with the EU means the UK being safer, more secure and increasingly prosperous. It does not mean hitting rewind. We are not undoing Brexit. There is no opacity over the outcome of the referendum in 2016. Yet, five years on, we can see some of the negative impacts of the current deal emerging here at home, as well as in Europe.

    Trade is a clear example. Despite the EU being our largest trading partner, with trade in 2023 worth over £800 billion, we are trading less. Between 2021 and 2023, exports to the EU were down 27 per cent and imported goods down 32 per cent.

    The problems are not just economic. Our borders are less secure. The asylum system has been pushed into crisis, with backlogs reaching record levels and costs hitting £5.4 billion in the last financial year, up over a billion pounds on the year before.

    We are not cooperating closely enough with the EU on law enforcement to smash the gangs behind the small boats. To make people safer, we must do all we can to strengthen our collective ability to tackle organised crime and work together on illegal migration.

    The Brexit deal did not address issues around security and defence cooperation, more vital than ever after Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. To keep the UK secure, we need to work with allies such as Ukraine and European partners, with NATO as our bedrock. The Prime Minister met with all 27 EU leaders and the secretary-general of NATO for this very reason: to discuss common threats and the value that closer EU-UK co-operation on defence could bring.

    To raise living standards, we need to build export and investment opportunities, reducing barriers to trade. This is of mutual benefit: the chancellor and the president of the European Commission are both pressing the need for cooperation to drive innovation, boost growth and reduce consumer costs.

    This is not about a choice between our allies. Some people make the false argument that we need to choose either America or Europe. For this Government, the UK’s national interest is paramount and demands we work with both.

    We will do so with a ruthless pragmatism, leaving ideologically driven division in the past in search of mutually beneficial areas of interest for both sides, within our red lines of no return to the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement.

    The Prime Minister and I will look at issues in a hard-headed way, guided by what works for the people and businesses of the UK. It’s as simple as that.

    The UK standing tall on the international stage, delivering for people by working with one of our key partners, matters. This is making Brexit work for my constituency and for the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Baltimore arrests Guatemalan alien with deadly weapons charges

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement apprehended an undocumented Guatemalan alien with criminal charges. Gener Pop-Cuz, 20, was arrested Feb. 1, after the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections declined to honor ICE’s immigration detainer.

    The corrections department released Pop into the lobby, instead of safely handing him over to the ICE deportation officer who was waiting for the exchange, and he resisted arrest during the initial encounter. However, Pop was eventually subdued and placed in handcuffs as corrections officers failed to intervene.

    “Nobody wins when jurisdictions fail to transfer custody of violent offenders,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Matthew Elliston. “Cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE is critical to ensuring the safety of our officers, the public, and even the criminal aliens in custody. I strongly encourage our local jurisdictions to evaluate their policies and look forward to the day when we can put aside politics and do what’s best for the people of Maryland.”

    The U.S. Border Patrol encountered Pop near Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Nov. 13, 2017, and served him a notice to appear, transferring him to ICE custody on the same date. ICE released Pop on an order of recognizance Nov. 15, 2017.

    A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Pop removed to Guatemala Nov. 16, 2022, after he failed to show for his immigration hearing.

    The Laurel Police Department arrested and charged Pop on Feb. 1 with possession of a loaded handgun, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm, and trespassing on private property. He was released on bond by the Prince George’s County Commissioner’s Office the same date. ICE then lodged an immigration detainer on Pop with the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro.

    Pop will remain in the custody of ICE pending removal.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is a separate entity from DHS and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

    Detainers are critical public safety tools because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved — ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, the removable noncitizens and the public — by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Since detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our Maryland communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pharmacy LLC Agrees To Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Of Billing For Drugs Not Dispensed

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Plus Pharmacy LLC, the former owner of A Plus Pharmacy, a pharmacy located in Manalapan, New Jersey, has agreed to pay $350,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing a federal health care program for certain medications that it never dispensed, Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna announced today.

    According to the contentions of the United States in the settlement agreement:

    The United States alleged that, from January 1, 2015, through February 27, 2023, A Plus Pharmacy LLC caused the submission of claims for reimbursement to the Medicare Part D Program for certain drugs that were never dispensed to beneficiaries. The government contends that inventory records showed that A Plus Pharmacy LLC did not purchase enough of these medications from wholesalers to fill the prescriptions billed to the federal health care program.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Toll and Kruti Dharia of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit and Senior Trial Counsel Jennifer Cihon in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section).

    The government’s pursuit of these matters illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims settled by the agreement are allegations only, and there has been no admission of liability.

                                                     ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper Statement on Executive Actions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement after multiple actions by the Trump Administration to give DOGE officials access to the federal payment system, dismantle USAID, and freeze federal funding: 

    “Last week the Trump Administration tried to illegally freeze federal funding that would go to our rural hospitals, local public schools, and law enforcement agencies in Colorado. This week, they’re threatening to shut down entire agencies without transparency or congressional approval and allowing access to Americans’ sensitive data.

    “Our founders put checks and balances in place for a reason. We’re all for making government more efficient, but violating our laws is not the way to do it. We’ll fight these attempts in the courts, on the Senate floor, and anywhere else we can to defend Colorado and the Constitution.

    “Enough with the chaos and headline chasing. We should be working to solve problems, not create more.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: European Union and UK hold second Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in London

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The second EU-UK Counter-Terrorism Dialogue took place in London on 4 February 2025, strengthening the UK and EU’s strategic cooperation on counter-terrorism.

    On 4 February 2025, the second EU-UK Counter-Terrorism Dialogue, established by the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), took place in London.  

    The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) discussed a wide range of counter-terrorism issues, including assessments of the evolving terrorist threat landscape, and an exchange of best practice on the UK and EU response, in order to protect our citizens. This included continued cooperation through multilateral fora and with other third countries. 

    The UK and EU also discussed strategic approaches to countering terrorism and a range of topics related to the identification of travellers of Counter-Terrorism concern, and technology, including responses to terrorist content online and emerging technologies. 

    The UK and EU jointly welcomed the productive discussions and agreed to continue these important exchanges. Both sides underlined the strategic importance of the unique relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom in addressing these challenges.

    They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to continue to strengthen cooperation on Counter-Terrorism, in line with our shared values and the agreement between the President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. 

    The UK delegation was chaired by Chloe Squires, Director General for Homeland Security and Jonathan Emmett, Director of Counter-Terrorism & Homeland Security Strategy in the Home Office, who were accompanied by officials from the Home Office, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

    On the EU side, the Dialogue was chaired by Maciej Stadejek, Deputy Managing Director for Security and Defence Policy, of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Representatives from the European Commission, including the Director Internal Security from the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs, Floriana Sipala, and the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Bartjan Wegter, also joined. The delegation included a representative from the Polish Presidency on behalf of EU Member States.

    The next Counter-Terrorism Dialogue will be held in Brussels.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Failure to prevent fraud’ offence regulatory alert

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Charity Commission alert sent to charities that could be subject to upcoming changes in the law around preventing fraud.

    You are receiving this alert as your charity could be subject to upcoming changes in the law around preventing fraud.

    On 1 September 2025 a new failure to prevent fraud offence comes into force.

    This offence will affect large, incorporated charities that meet at least two of the following criteria: more than 250 employees, £36m of income or £18m in total assets.  

    Under the offence, an organisation may be criminally liable where an employee, agent, subsidiary, or other “associated person”, commits a fraud intending to benefit the organisation (or its clients) and the organisation did not have reasonable fraud prevention procedures in place.

    It does not need to be demonstrated that directors or senior managers ordered or knew about the fraud.

    The Charity Commission is alerting all relevant charities to read the Home Office guidance, and where necessary to enhance their approach to fraud prevention and seek professional legal advice.

    Additional information:

    If your charity has not already done so, you should read our guidance about internal financial controls, which was refreshed in April 2023. It gives advice on protecting your charity and its assets. A new short guide on protecting your charity from fraud was published in November 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores Added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The FBI on February 4 added Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. He is the 533rd addition to the list.

    Meza-Flores, also known as “Chapo Isidro,” is the alleged leader of the Meza-Flores transnational criminal organization, which is based in Sinaloa, Mexico. The organization is allegedly responsible for the possession, distribution, and importation of large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the U.S.

    “For decades, the public has shared information with the FBI that has helped us capture dangerous criminals,” Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan said. “Today, we ask you to help us find Fausto Isidro Meza-Flores so we can bring him to justice and curb the flow of illegal drugs into our country.”

    Meza-Flores was originally indicted on May 2, 2012, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. On November 26, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Meza-Flores with drug trafficking violations and possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Meza-Flores allegedly conspired to manufacture and distribute cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana in the U.S. from 2005 to 2019.

    As the alleged leader of the Meza-Flores transnational criminal organization, Meza-Flores leads a group of heavily armed gunmen who use violence to maintain control of areas in Mexico used for the production and transportation of narcotics destined for the U.S.

    Meza-Flores is 42 years old. He has brown eyes and dark brown hair. He is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He likely resides in Mexico.

    The U.S. State Department’s Narcotics Rewards Program is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to Meza-Flores’ arrest and/or conviction.

    If you have information about Meza-Flores, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip via tips.fbi.gov. You can also contact the FBI via WhatsApp at 571-379-3951. WhatsApp is neither a government-operated nor a government-controlled platform.

    FAUSTO ISIDRO MEZA-FLORES

    Conspiracy to Manufacture and Distribute Five Hundred Grams or More of Methamphetamine, Distribute Five Kilograms or More of Cocaine, Distribute One Kilogram or More of Heroin, and Distribute One Thousand Kilograms or More of Marijuana for Importation into the United States; Use and Possession of a Firearm

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Signs $1.5 Billion Annual Program with Egypt, Expanding Support for Energy, Food Security, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and Exporters

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAIRO, Egypt, February 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, today announced the signing of its 2025 annual work program with the Arab Republic of Egypt, valued at $1.5 billion.

    This agreement is part of a five-year framework, totaling $6 billion, aimed at enhancing Egypt’s growth across critical sectors including energy, food security, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative is designed to boost Egypt’s economic development, support exporters, and create job opportunities for youth and women. This agreement, worth $1.5 billion, is part of the broader framework agreement between the two parties, valued at $6 billion over five years. The program is designed to support key sectors of the Egyptian economy, including energy, food security, and the empowerment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in line with Egypt’s goals for sustainable economic development and growth.

    The signing ceremony, held in Cairo, was attended by key officials including His Excellency Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Affairs and Minister of Industry and Transport; Her Excellency Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Governor of Egypt at the Islamic Development Bank; and His Excellency Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade. The agreement was signed by Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC and Acting CEO of ICD; Mr. Hossam El-Garrahi, Vice Chairman of the General Authority for Supply Commodities; and Mrs. Amal Tantawy, Executive Vice President for Financial and Economic Affairs at the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation. ITFC’s 2025 program for Egypt includes trade finance operations to support the energy and food security sectors, as well as SMEs, with a focus on projects benefiting the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and the General Authority for Supply Commodities. The program also encompasses a wide range of initiatives to promote trade and business development, including the Arab African Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, the second phase of the Aid for Trade Initiative for Arab Countries (AfTIAS 2.0), and a comprehensive suite of programs designed to support Egyptian exporters and SMEs. Additionally, ITFC will continue its efforts to support women and youth through specific empowerment initiatives and technical training programs.

    Since 2008, ITFC has committed over $18.7 billion to Egypt, financing key sectors such as energy, food security, and supporting SMEs and women entrepreneurs. This agreement underscores ITFC’s ongoing role as a key partner in Egypt’s economic development, leveraging its expertise in trade finance to empower vital sectors and foster inclusive growth.

    Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, said: “Today, through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to developing these vital sectors, ensuring the improvement of transportation infrastructure, updating the industrial sector, and enhancing its competitiveness. ITFC has proven, over the years, its vital role in supporting member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) by offering innovative financial solutions and supporting developmental projects that contribute to stimulating economic growth and creating job opportunities.” He added: “The signing of today’s annual work program represents a strategic step that strengthens our partnership and opens new horizons for cooperation in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, and logistics services.”

    Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, said: “The allocation of $700 million from the ITFC to the General Authority for Supply Commodities, within the framework of the institution’s annual program for 2025, reflects the institution’s commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at achieving food security and fulfilling the state’s obligations towards its citizens.” He added: “The cooperation with the ITFC has not only been a financial commitment, but also a main pillar in the state’s efforts to secure its strategic needs of basic goods, enhance the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade’s capacity to face emergency challenges, and ensure market stability. This confirms that this partnership represents a true foundation for supporting food security and ensuring sustainability in the supply of basic goods, which positively impacts the life of the Egyptian citizen.”

    H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Egypt’s Governor at the Islamic Development Bank, stated that the signing of the annual work program with ITFC represents a new step in the successful development partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in general, and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) in particular, which has contributed over 17 years to supporting the provision of strategic goods in the Egyptian market. She explained that the institution’s work program for 2025 aims to support food security and provide petroleum to the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation in a way that enhances the availability of petroleum products and energy in the Egyptian market. This partnership also strengthens ongoing programs to encourage exporters and enable them to access foreign markets, as well as enhance efforts in training and developing small and medium-sized enterprises.

    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, dedicated to facilitating trade in its member countries through the provision of financing solutions and technical support. ITFC’s mission is to support sustainable economic development by empowering businesses, particularly SMEs, women, and youth, through trade finance and capacity-building initiatives.

    Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO of ITFC, expressed his pride in the longstanding partnership with Egypt, stating: “ITFC is committed to working with Egypt to drive sustainable economic growth. We are excited to expand our support for SMEs, women, and youth, while continuing to foster Egypt’s export capabilities. In 2025, we will introduce new initiatives that aim to empower these vital groups, creating lasting impact for Egypt’s economy.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Diversifying Trade Partners, Promoting Nova Scotian Seafood in Europe

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith is in Europe on a mission with Nova Scotian and other Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to develop markets in Italy, France and the United Kingdom.

    “It has never been more important to showcase our premium quality seafood on the world stage,” said Minister Smith. “With the continued uncertainty from the United States, it’s more important than ever that we ramp up our efforts to help Nova Scotian companies expand into new markets.”

    The focus of the mission is on diversifying markets by introducing Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to new European buyers.

    The delegation includes six Nova Scotian companies and eight others from across Atlantic Canada. Along with meeting with potential new buyers, the Minister and his team will meet with Canadian embassy officials, Canadian trade commissioners, local government representatives and trade associations in the countries they visit.

    Quick Facts:
    • the Nova Scotia seafood export market is valued at $2.5 billon annually
    • participating Atlantic Canadian companies include: Lobster Hub Inc., Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd., Victoria Co-Operative Fisheries Ltd., Tribune Seafood Inc., Gidney Fisheries Ltd., Clearwater Seafoods Ltd., Ocean Blue Fisheries Ltd., DCAM Holdings Inc., One Tuna Inc., PEI Mussel King (1994) Inc; Labrador Gem Seafood Inc., Ocean Choice International, Whitecap Int. Seafood Exporters Inc., and True North Seafood Inc.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Date confirmed for Island’s MONEYVAL evaluation

    Source: Isle of Man

    The next independent assessment of the Isle of Man’s effectiveness in countering financial crime is scheduled to take place next year.

    MONEYVAL, the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism, has confirmed that it will conduct its onsite evaluation of the Island in October 2026.

    Preparations are already well advanced across multiple Government agencies, while industry involvement will be stepped up from Q2 of 2025.

    The objective is to demonstrate that the Isle of Man complies with international standards and remains well placed to attract quality new business and investment. The outcome of the MONEYVAL mutual evaluation report (MER) will be crucial to the Island’s continued economic success and its reputation as a well-regulated international finance centre.

    An updated National Risk Assessment will be published later this year alongside a documented Risk Appetite Statement for the Island. Data gathering and analysis is being enhanced as part of these initiatives to support the Island’s commitment to combating money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

    MONEYVAL, which is the regional body of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), assessed the Island’s legislation, policies and procedures during its last onsite visit in 2016. The 2016 MER provided a comprehensive assessment of how well the Island had implemented the international requirements and highlighted areas where further enhancements were required.

    A significant amount of progress has been achieved since the 2016 evaluation, with the Island positively marked in 39 out of the 40 FATF recommendations, which places us among a select group of nations in the world for technical compliance in AML/CFT.

    The standards for compliance in the sixth-round evaluation taking place in 2026 will be higher than before and require the Island to provide substantial evidence of the long-term effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime and how supervision and enforcement measures are applied in practice.

    Private sector support is fundamental to the Island’s MONEYVAL preparations, and a programme of outreach and engagement with Island firms will continue to be rolled out in the time ahead.

    Jane Poole-Wilson MHK, Deputy Chief Minister and AML/CFT lead for the Isle of Man Government, said: ‘Countering financial crime is a constant, year-round commitment for this Government. We take our responsibilities in protecting our communities and businesses from criminality seriously. The MONEYVAL evaluation in 2026 is an opportunity to showcase our continued efforts to remain a trusted and responsible member of the global community.’

    She added: ‘Government cannot secure a positive outcome alone. That’s why I am keen to ensure effective collaboration between industry, the government and the financial services regulator. We are driving a robust and co-ordinated national response which will demonstrate the integrity of the Island’s financial systems and maintain our long-standing track record of compliance with international standards.’

    Further information is available via these links:

    MONEYVAL Frequency Asked Questions

    International Assessments

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Contemplating the U.S. tariffs and how Canada can weather the storm

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Contemplating the U.S. tariffs and how Canada can weather the storm

    Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO of CanREA, weighed in on the matter. “The situation is fluid. We are working with our members, the federal and provincial governments and our industry colleagues to understand the full impact of these tariffs on the renewable energy and energy storage sectors,” said Bellissimo. Read more.
    The post Contemplating the U.S. tariffs and how Canada can weather the storm appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Foreign Exchange and Liquidity and Monthly Balance Sheet, January 2025

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    THE FOREIGN-EXCHANGE RESERVE

    In January 2025, the foreign-exchange reserve decreased by kr. 0.8 billion to kr. 653.7 billion. The decrease reflects Danmarks Nationalbank’s net sale of foreign exchange for kr. 2.9 billion, and the central government’s net borrowing of foreign debt for kr. 2.1 billion, cf. table 1.

    For settlement in January, Danmarks Nationalbank has not intervened in the foreign exchange market.

    Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases and the change in the foreign-exchange reserve – table 1

    Kr. billion January 2025
    Danmarks Nationalbank’s interventions* to purchase foreign exchange, net 0.0
    Other** -2.9
    Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases -2.9
    The central government’s net foreign borrowing*** 2.1
    Change in the foreign-exchange reserve -0.8

    Note: Details may not add because of rounding and previously published figure may have been revised. All transactions as per settlement date.

    ** Comprises e.g. interest accrued on the foreign-exchange reserve, the central government’s net payments in foreign exchange, and changes in the banks’ deposits in euro-denominated accounts at Danmarks Nationalbank.

    *** Including net payments to the central government in foreign exchange as a result of currency swaps.

    VALUE ADJUSTMENT OF DANMARKS NATIONALBANK’S PORTFOLIOS FOR 2024

    Danmarks Nationalbank has calculated annual value adjustments of its holdings in connection with the preparation of the annual report for 2024.

    As a result of value adjustments, etc. the foreign exchange reserve increased by kr. 20,4 billion and amounted to kr. 654.4 billion at end-2024. Similarly, holdings of domestic bonds have increased by kr. 0,6 billion and amount to kr. 33,8 billion at end-2024.

    The monthly balance sheet is a liquidity statement, the purpose of which is that the net liquidity changes of the monetary-policy instruments as well as of the size of the foreign exchange reserve can be read directly from the balance as changes during the period. Thus the monthly balance sheet does not include value adjustments or accruals, which are solely included in Danmarks Nationalbank’s annual report.

    DEVELOPMENT IN LIQUIDITY

    In January, the central government’s net financing requirement amounted to kr. 0.4 billion, cf. table 2.

    The net position of the banks and mortgage-credit institutes vis-à-vis Danmarks Nationalbank decreased by kr. 3.9 billion in January, to an outstanding amount of kr. 256.6 billion. In January, Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases decreased the net position by kr. 2.9 billion.

    Impact of various factors on the net position of the banks and mortgage-credit institutes via-a-vis Danmarks Nationalbank – table 2

    Kr. billion January 2025
    The central government’s net financing 0.4
    Redemption on domestic central-government debt* 6.5
    Net bond purchases by the government funds and own portfolio and financing of social housing -2.4
    Other** 0.3
    The central government’s gross domestic financing requirement 4.9
    The central government’s gross domestic borrowing*** 7.5
    The central government’s liquidity impact -2.7
    Danmarks Nationalbank’s net foreign-exchange purchases -2.9
    Danmarks Nationalbank’s net bond purchases -0.2
    Other factors**** 1.9
    Change in net position -3.9

    Note: Details may not add because of rounding and previously published figure may have been revised. All transactions as per settlement date.

    * Including krone-denominated payments by the central government in currency swaps.

    ** Comprises, inter alia, net bond purchases by the government funds and net collateral for the government’s swap portfolio.

    *** Gross long-term borrowing, net short-term borrowing and krone-denominated payments to the central government in currency swaps.

    **** Comprises e.g. changes in banknotes and coins in circulation.

    DANMARKS NATIONALBANK’S INTEREST RATES

    Since 31 January 2025 the discount rate has been 2.35 pct. p.a., since 31 January 2025 the current-account interest rate has been 2.35 pct. p.a., since 31 January 2025 the lending rate has been 2.5 pct. p.a. and since 31 January 2025 the rate of interest on certificates of deposit has been 2.35 pct. p.a.

    Enquiries can be directed to press advisor Peter Levring on tel. +45 26201809.

    BALANCE SHEET OF DANMARKS NATIONALBANK 31 JANUARY 2025

    Assets 2025 2024
    1000 kr. 31/01 31/12
    Stock of gold 40,309,044 29,762,724
    Foreign assets 558,010,180 548,340,415
    Claims on the International Monetary Fund 58,714,478 57,525,170
    Claims related to banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’ TARGET accounts in ECB 30,579 42,982
    Monetary-policy lending – –
    Other lending 1,114,997 1,315,889
    – Banks’1) 1,114,997 1,315,889
    – Miscellaneous loans – –
    Domestic bonds 33,648,312 33,225,246
    Financial fixed assets, etc. 131,550 131,550
    Tangible and intangible fixed assets 716,825 653,764
    Other assets 5,138,110 3,022,031
    697,814,075 674,019,771

    1) Other lending to banks include loans for cash deposits.

    Liabilities 2025 2024
    1000 kr. 31/01 31/12
    Banknotes 46,956,721 48,243,034
    Coins 6,117,406 6,125,320
    Monetary-policy deposits 256,550,805 260,449,069
    – Current accounts 256,550,805 260,449,069
    – Certificates of deposit – –
    Other deposits 15,546,285 15,420,733
    – Deposits related to banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’ TARGET accounts in ECB 30,579 42,982
    – Other deposits from banks’ and mortgage credit institutes’ 1,437,503 1,241,319
    – Miscellaneous deposits 14,078,203 14,136,432
    Central government 216,526,715 211,734,874
    Foreign liabilities 3,382,533 1,599,927
    Counterpart of Special Drawing Rights allocated by the IMF (SDR) 45,039,776 43,743,945
    Other liabilities 23,986,854 2,995,889
    Capital and reserves 83,706,980 83,706,980
    697,814,075 674,019,771

    Note: The monthly balance sheet is calculated at beginning of year values +/- accumulated transaction values. The monthly balance does not include value adjustments and accruals, as these are only calculated at year-end, cf. Danmarks Nationalbank’s accounting principles.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –