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

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    July 7, 2025

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

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

    • Against a backdrop of low growth, high unemployment, and widespread poverty, Lesotho’s government-led growth model has long struggled to deliver on the authorities’ growth and development goals. Now, an additional set of external shocks has further clouded the outlook. From a modest peak of 2.6 percent in FY24/25, GDP growth is expected to almost halve to 1.4 percent in FY25/26, reflecting a much more turbulent and uncertain external environment. The peg to the Rand has continued to serve Lesotho well, helping bring inflation down from a peak of 8.2 percent in early 2024 to 4.0 percent in April 2025.
    • Prudent government spending during FY24/25, along with buoyant South African Customs Union (SACU) transfers and water royalties have once again resulted in a sizable fiscal surplus. This has enhanced longer-term fiscal sustainability and helped strengthen foreign reserves, which supports the peg. Looking forward, increased water royalties from South Africa will further boost revenue, and help offset easing SACU transfers.
    • The main challenge for the authorities is to transform these fiscal surpluses into sustainable and high-quality growth — now even more urgent in light of recent shocks. Public funds should be saved wisely and spent strategically, with an emphasis on high-return investment projects. More effective use of public funds, alongside structural reforms, should support longer-term private sector-led growth.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Andrew Tiffin held meetings in Maseru with the authorities of Lesotho and other counterparts from the public and private sectors and civil society from June 4 to 17, 2025, as part of the 2025 Article IV consultation. Discussions focused on the mix of fiscal and monetary policies to ensure macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, as well as the structural reforms needed to create jobs, reduce poverty, and facilitate the transition to private-sector-led growth.

    Context and Outlook

    IMF staff estimates suggest that real GDP growth picked up modestly in FY24/25 to 2.6 percent, up from 2.0 percent the previous year. In large part, this reflects spillovers from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP-II), which has helped offset declining competitiveness in the apparel sector and the impact on exports of lower diamond prices. Headline inflation was 4.0 percent in April, down from a peak of 8.2 percent in January 2024. The gap between CPI inflation in Lesotho and South Africa mainly reflects the larger share of food in Lesotho’s CPI basket.

    Lesotho’s fiscal balance registered a sizable surplus in FY24/25. South African Customs Union (SACU) transfers are up by almost 14 percent of GDP compared with FY23/24, and recurrent spending has remained steady as a proportion of GDP, owing to a moratorium on public sector hiring and a reduction in the in-kind social assistance benefits. Capital spending increased but execution remained short of budgeted levels. The net impact has been a fiscal surplus of 9.0 percent of GDP in FY24/25, which helped lift gross international reserves to 6 months of imports; strengthening the peg. With less issuance of domestic debt, clearance of domestic arrears, and repayment of an IMF arrangement under the Rapid Financing Facility, public debt fell to 56.6 percent of GDP in FY24/25, down from 61.5 percent in FY23/24.

    However, a more uncertain global environment has undermined Lesotho’s economic outlook, with growth expected to almost halve to 1.4 percent in FY25/26. In particular, the sudden shift in policies by the United States on tariffs and official development assistance (ODA) will hit the economy hard. Details of US intentions are still unclear, but as a small and vulnerable country, Lesotho is one of the most exposed countries in Africa to changing US priorities. Exports to the United States represent 10 percent of Lesotho’s GDP, and foreign assistance from the United States has typically amounted to around 3½ percent of GDP, mostly concentrated on disease prevention and other critical health needs.

    Looking ahead, Lesotho has options. SACU transfers are expected to drop to their long-term average this year (down 6 percentage points to less than 20 percent of GDP). Filling the gap, however, renegotiated water royalty rates under the Treaty with South Africa on the LHWP-II represent a significant source of revenue—rising to almost 13 percent of GDP in FY25/26 and then settling at around 10 percent of GDP every year over the medium term. In sum, domestic revenues are expected to be around 8-10 percent of GDP higher than just a few years ago. On the monetary side, the peg to the Rand continues to serve the economy well and should remain the main focus of monetary policy. Policy rates should continue to follow South African rates closely. The central bank should take advantage of the current easing cycle to close the remaining gap with South Africa.

    The key challenge for the authorities is to transform Lesotho’s fiscal surpluses into sustained, high-quality growth. A striking lesson from the country’s recent history, however, is that greater public spending is no guarantee of higher living standards. As a proportion of GDP, for example, government spending in Lesotho is well above international norms—more than double the SACU average. But this has not been matched by improved economic performance. Indeed, real per capita incomes shrunk by 12 percent between 2016 and 2023, and unemployment and inequality remain high. Considering the possible uses of Lesotho’s surpluses, therefore, the main goal of the authorities should be to ensure that this time is different, and that these funds are saved wisely and spent strategically.

    Saving Wisely

    Greater savings will require continued fiscal prudence. To this end, the authorities should maintain their efforts to control recurrent spending and enhance capacity in tax revenue analysis and administration.

    • Contain the wage bill. Lesotho’s wage bill (as a share of GDP) is the highest among SACU members and triple the sub-Saharan African average. Reducing the amount spent on wages has long been a key recommendation of past Article IV consultations. And the government’s continued restraint over the past year has been a critical step in the right direction—this effort should continue, with a continued moratorium on hiring, streamlining of the establishment list, and regular reviews of the compensation system. It should be noted, however, that reducing the wage bill is not an end in itself. Ultimately the objective is a fair and performance-based public employment system that rewards productivity and ensures better delivery of public services.
    • Improve tax policy design and strengthen tax administration. The Tax Policy Unit has been established and key staff are being hired. With help from the IMF, the unit’s capacity to accurately forecast revenue and improve tax-system design should be strengthened quickly. On tax administration, a phased reform strategy is being implemented in line with the IMF’s 2023 TADAT assessment. Prompt approval of the two tax policy bills and tax administration bill could help address identified deficiencies in many areas.
    • Improve the efficiency of social spending to target the most needy. Social spending is several times that of neighboring countries as a share of GDP but the targeting of social safety schemes should be improved. For example, the tertiary loan bursary fund education scheme (2.7 percent of GDP) provides loans to many who typically do not need support and fail to repay (loan recovery is only 2 percent). A better targeted safety net would not only free resources for the most vulnerable but would also help enhance Lesotho’s resilience to new shocks. In this regard, the authorities should move proactively to take stock of services likely to be disrupted by cuts in U.S. assistance and swiftly develop a coordinated plan to ensure continued delivery of essential health services. More broadly, the authorities should enhance the operation of existing cash transfer programs, reinstate the national digital system for social registry to better streamline the identification and registration of beneficiaries, and accelerate the deployment of new benefit delivery tools.

    The authorities should quickly establish a well-governed savings framework (stabilization fund). The details of a framework have been developed in close cooperation with Lesotho’s development partners and aim to ensure a stable source of government funding going forward, which in turn would allow for uninterrupted service delivery even in the face of shocks. With sufficient savings, the fund might also help finance future development spending, such as infrastructure investment. To be effective, the fund needs to be anchored by a clear and credible fiscal rule, which would guide the conditions under which funds are deposited and withdrawn. The fund should also be set within a firm legal framework, with a clear governance structure that is independent from political influence, safeguarding Lesotho’s savings until they can be used wisely. In this regard, the authorities are currently developing the policy, expected by July 2025, that will guide the stipulated legal framework for the stabilization fund.

    • Within the framework, a key anchor would be a target for Lesotho’s public debt. Until very recently, debt has trended steadily upward, rising sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline over the past year has been welcome, but the IMF’s Debt Sustainability Analysis still suggests that, although the risk of debt distress is “moderate,” there is little scope to absorb any further shocks. These might easily push debt to a level where the risk of debt distress is high. A medium-term goal of 50 percent of GDP would be appropriate, as it would allow for greater resilience and is consistent with the debt anchor proposed in the fiscal rules. The authorities should therefore scale back new borrowing but might also consider first retiring existing (high cost) debt. In addition, the authorities should clear any remaining or new domestic arrears as soon as possible.

    Spending Strategically

    Improved public investment management is needed to increase the quality of capital spending. Before Lesotho’s savings are allocated for investment or infrastructure projects, sufficient controls should be in place to ensure that this investment represents value for money. Historically, high levels of public investment in Lesotho have not resulted in a capital stock of equal quality. And owing to longstanding capacity constraints, the capital budget continues to be significantly under executed. Authorities should take steps to boost the efficiency of public investment, including by creating a centralized asset registry, establishing a prioritized project pipeline and enhancing capacity for project management and monitoring. In this regard, the request for a Public Investment Management Assessment from the IMF is timely and welcome.

    In support of efforts to ensure value for money, the authorities should redouble their efforts to enhance Public Financial Management (PFM). Without these measures in place, there is a danger that new revenues will simply be wasted.

    • Budget preparation and execution must be strengthened to enhance budget credibility. This requires improved expenditure control through better collaboration between departments, monitoring and identification of mis-appropriated funds, and regular and timely audits. More broadly, the authorities should implement the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to better align policy objectives with budget allocations over a multi-year timeframe and enhance long-term planning.
    • To build further trust in PFM, the authorities should strengthen internal controls within the integrated financial management system. The authorities should accelerate the deployment of digital signatures to strengthen payment processes and prevent the accumulation of arrears.
    • The authorities should also continue their efforts to ensure a comprehensive analysis and management of fiscal risks. Several fiscal risks have materialized in recent years, including from collapsed public private partnerships; unquantified arrears; and transfers and contingent liabilities from state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The authorities should further strengthen the effectiveness of SOE management and reporting and continue the release of a fiscal risk statement as part of the annual budget process.

    As a matter of priority, therefore, pending PFM legislation should be passed as soon as possible. Currently, the most pressing items include i) the Public Financial Management and Accountability Bill; ii) the Public Debt Management Bill; and iii) secondary legislation to implement the 2023 Public Procurement Act. Together, this legislation will improve the efficiency and transparency of procurement, enhance fiscal responsibility and budget processes, strengthen financial management and fiscal reporting. The legislation will also help ensure that the government’s public borrowing plan is well integrated with the budget process.

    With these measures and controls in place, Lesotho would be in a much better position to transform its accumulated surpluses into high-quality growth. In line with the authorities’ announced shift in emphasis from recurrent spending to capital spending, a focus on the cost effectiveness of public investment would allow for increased levels of better-quality investment, and ultimately higher growth. This would naturally entail lower fiscal surpluses going forward. However, in this context, a more relaxed fiscal stance would not necessarily entail a higher debt path, but would instead result in a slower, but acceptable, pace of reserve accumulation.

    Supporting Private-Sector Growth

    Improved public investment will need to be accompanied by broad structural reforms. Better service delivery and higher-quality investment will be helpful. But the current government-led growth model has resulted in an economy with a small and undiversified private sector—contributing to low productivity, anemic private investment, declining competitiveness, and high informality. In parallel, therefore, the authorities should accelerate efforts to unlock the growth potential of the private sector.

    • Supporting financial inclusion and literacy is imperative. Evidence suggests that access to finance remains a key challenge, particularly for small and informal firms. This in turn undermines private-sector job creation. The authorities have addressed this through various interventions, including partial credit guarantees, establishment of a moveable asset registry, and support of a credit bureau. And signs of a positive impact are emerging, particularly in financial access for small enterprises. Building on this success, the new Financial Sector Development Strategy and National Financial Inclusion Strategy are welcome and should be implemented swiftly as a matter of priority.
    • Providing a stable, predictable, and well-regulated business environment is also essential. For larger firms, needed reforms include measures to reduce the cost of doing business, and efforts to boost private investor confidence—including through transparent and consistent regulatory frameworks, greater policy consistency, and a clear long-term strategy for infrastructure development. To reverse the long-term decline of some industries (e.g., textiles) and take full advantage of new opportunities, the authorities should focus on coordinating and streamlining the efforts of the Lesotho National Development Corporation and the Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation. The authorities should also enhance the regulatory framework for the establishment, operation, and oversight of SOEs, while developing a strategy for the gradual privatization of non-performing SOEs to enhance efficiency and attract investment.
    • Mitigating corruption and strengthening the rule of law is essential to restoring confidence, investment, and growth. Legacy fraud cases point to underlying vulnerabilities in payment and procurement, underscoring the need for the transparency and accountability that would result from successful PFM reform. More broadly, strengthening key bodies such as the Office of the Auditor General and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) would also send a strong signal of the government’s resolve, and help incentivize private sector development. In this regard, the increased funding and expansion of the DCEO has been most welcome.

    The IMF team thanks the Lesotho authorities and other counterparts for their hospitality and for a candid and productive set of discussions.

     

     

    Lesotho: Selected Economic Indicators, 2020/21–2030/31 1/

    Population (thousands; 2023 est.)

    2,330

    Per capita GDP (US$, 2024)

    1,067

    Quota (current, millions SDR)

    69.8

    Poverty rate at national poverty line (percent, 2017 est.)

    49.7

    Main exports

    Textiles, Diamond, Water

    Literacy rate (2022)

    82.0

    Key export markets

    South Africa, U.S.

    		  
     

    2020/21

    2021/22

    2022/23

    2023/24

    2024/25

    2025/26

    2026/27

    2027/28

    2028/29

    2029/30

    2030/31
     

    Actual

    Est.

    Projections

    (Percentage Change)

    Real GDP growth

       (%, including LHWP-II)

    -5.3

    1.9

    2.0

    2.0

    2.6

    1.4

    1.1

    0.8

    1.4

    1.5

    1.5

    Real GDP growth

        (%, excluding LHWP-II)

    -4.4

    2.2

    1.2

    1.5

    2.0

    0.2

    1.3

    2.1

    1.6

    1.6

    1.7

    Inflation (%)

    5.4

    6.5

    8.2

    6.5

    5.2

    4.5

    4.8

    5.1

    5.1

    5.0

    5.0
     

    (Percent of GDP)

    Revenue

    55.6

    48.8

    44.4

    56.7

    62.2

    59.5

    58.7

    58.8

    57.2

        57.4

    56.6

       Of which: SACU transfers

    26.2

    16.5

    14.0

    24.5

    26.0

    19.6

    20.4

    21.6

    19.9

    20.0

    19.1

    Recurrent Expenditure

    43.0

    38.3

    38.9

    40.8

    40.9

    43.8

    42.0

    42.5

    42.6

    42.6

    42.7

    Capital Expenditure

    11.4

    15.4

    12.0

    8.6

    12.3

    12.8

    12.9

    12.9

    13.0

    13.1

    13.1

    Fiscal balance

    1.2

    -4.9

    -6.4

    7.3

    9.0

    2.8

    3.8

    3.4

    1.7

    1.7

    0.8

    Public debt

    54.7

    58.0

    64.4

    61.5

    56.6

    56.9

    57.1

    57.5

    57.6

    57.6

    57.6
                           

    Broad money (% change)

    12.2

    0.0

    8.7

    15.2

    9.4

    2.1

    3.3

    4.2

    4.8

    4.6

    4.6

    Credit to the private sector

        (% change)

    -3.0

    6.7

    8.7

    12.4

    11.5

    6.6

    4.6

    7.1

    6.8

    7.2

    7.3

    Interest rate (%)

    4.1

    3.5

    5.3

    7.6

    7.7

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A
                           

    Current account

    -5.7

    -9.1

    -14.0

    -0.8

    2.2

    -4.6

    -2.9

    -3.1

    -3.9

    -2.7

    -1.5

      CA excl. LHWP – II imports

    -2.6

    -6.8

    -10.9

    3.9

    10.4

    1.4

    1.4

    1.0

    -1.6

    -2.0

    -1.2

    FDI, net

    -1.3

    1.5

    -0.8

    1.9

    0.4

    -0.5

    -0.5

    -0.5

    -0.5

    -0.8

    -0.8

    External debt

    42.9

    42.0

    47.1

    47.0

    45.3

    45.6

    45.7

    46.0

    46.1

    46.2

    46.1
                           

    REER (% change)

    -6.0

    8.7

    -1.8

    -6.8

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A

    #N/A

    Source: Lesotho authorities, World Bank, and IMF staff calculations.

    1/ The fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/07/07/kingdom-of-lesotho-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-art-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA to forecast grape production

    Source: US Government environment energy and agriculture

    WASHINGTON, July 7, 2025 – Starting at the end of July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the Grape Inquiry – August 2025 survey to approximately 2,000 U.S. growers. The survey asks for grape acreage and projected production. NASS will forecast 2025 grape production based on the information collected.

    “The information from this survey directly impacts U.S. grape growers,” said USDA NASS Administrator Joseph L. Parsons. “Growers can use the forecast data when making business plans and marketing decisions. The data can also inform programs and projects provided by agencies, Cooperative Extension, state and local governments, and other industry groups in service to our nation’s growers.”

    Growers can respond to the survey securely online at agcounts.usda.gov, by mail, or fax. The information provided is protected and confidential in accordance with federal law (Title V, Subtitle A, Public Law 107-347). For assistance with the survey, please call 888-424-7828.

    The 2025 U.S. grape forecast will be released at noon ET, Aug. 12, 2025, in the Crop ProductionCrop Production report. All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov.

    Mark your calendar for Aug. 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET for a live Stat Chat following the forecast release. Join #NASS Agricultural Statistics Board Chair Lance Honig @usda_nass on X and use #StatChat when posting your question.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Terminates TPS for Nicaragua: It Was Never Meant to Last 25 Years

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Terminates TPS for Nicaragua: It Was Never Meant to Last 25 Years

    ASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem today announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Nicaragua, which will expire on July 5, 2025

     The termination will be effective 60 days after the publication of the Federal Register notice

     
    At least 60 days before a TPS designation expires, the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with appropriate U

    S

    government agencies, must review the conditions in a country designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions supporting the designation continue to be met and, if so, how long to extend the designation

      
    “Temporary Protected Status was never meant to last a quarter of a century,” said a DHS Spokesperson

    “The impacts of a natural disaster impacting Nicaragua in 1999 no longer exist

      The environmental situation has improved enough that it is safe enough for Nicaraguan citizens to return home

    This decision restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that TPS remains temporary

    ”
    After conferring with interagency partners, Secretary Noem determined that conditions in Nicaragua no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements

    The Secretary’s decision was based on a U

    S

    Citizenship and Immigration Services review of the conditions in Nicaragua and in consultation with the Department of State

    The Secretary determined that, overall, country conditions have improved to the point where Nicaraguans can return home in safety

    Nicaraguan nationals departing the United States are encouraged to use the U

    S

    Customs and Border Protection CBP Home app to report their departure from the United States and take advantage of a safe, secure way to self-deport which includes a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Official Visit of Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Ahmed Attaf to Singapore, 6 to 8 July 2025

    Source: APO


    .

    His Excellency Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, is on an Official Visit to Singapore from 6 to 8 July 2025 at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. This is Minister Attaf’s first visit to Singapore.

    Minister Attaf met with and was hosted to lunch by Minister Balakrishnan today. Both Ministers reaffirmed the good relations between Singapore and Algeria. They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, including in the fields of economic cooperation and education. Both Ministers had a useful exchange of views on regional developments. Minister Balakrishnan welcomed Algeria’s interest to engage ASEAN and looked forward to Algeria’s signing of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia at the upcoming 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 9 July. 

    Following their meeting, Minister Attaf and Minister Balakrishnan signed an Agreement on the Mutual Visa Exemption for Diplomatic, Service and Official Passports. This will facilitate government-to-government exchanges between the two countries and support closer people-to-people ties.  

    Minister Attaf called on Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng during which they discussed ways to promote inter-parliamentary cooperation. Minister Attaf was also briefed by the Centre for Liveable Cities on Singapore’s experience in urban city management and sustainable development which may be of interest to Algeria.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Singapore.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Agriculture Committee sets priorities for post-2027 CAP funding

    Source: European Parliament

    The Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is calling for an increased and standalone post-2027 CAP budget and a reduced administrative burden for farmers.

    In the current geopolitical context, EU farming that secures constant access to food is a critical component of EU security and defence policies, say MEPs. Their report on the future of agriculture and the post-2027 common agricultural policy (CAP) was adopted by the Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) Committee on Monday by 29 votes in favour, 9 votes against, and with 8 abstentions.

    MEPs therefore demand an increased and standalone CAP budget. The CAP must not be integrated with other funding areas in a single fund or become part of a total envelope used by member states for purposes other than agriculture.

    Direct income support for all active, professional farmers following an area-based model should be reinforced. To support rural development efficiently, the CAP’s second pillar must remain independent from cohesion policies. Voluntary coupled income support payments for sectors in difficulty should be maintained or increased, add MEPs.

    Simplification and digitalisation

    Reducing the administrative burden for farmers must be one of the CAP’s guiding principles. MEPs call for an incentive-based system for farmers to achieve environmental and social objectives. Eco-schemes should therefore remain voluntary and be accompanied by remuneration. The implementation of good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) requirements must take existing farming practices into account.

    All farmers must have access to innovative and digital solutions that support sustainable agriculture, boost their income and reduce the administrative workload. To minimise stressful farm inspection procedures, monitoring of the use of CAP funds should be based on satellite imagery and self-certification, in a centralised, electronic reporting system, say MEPs.

    Generational renewal on farms

    Generational renewal is essential for the future of EU agriculture. Yet almost 58% of farmers in the EU are over 55 years of age while those aged under 35 represent only 6% of all farmers. The AGRI Committee therefore wants to increase financing from the CAP and raise the number of tax and loan incentives, so as to remove barriers to becoming a farmer.

    Harmonised EU labelling of agri-food products

    More than 70% of consumers in the EU decide what to buy based on the information on packaging. To prevent them from being misled, MEPs are calling for harmonised European labelling including information about the origin, quality and production standards of agri-food products.

    Quote

    Rapporteur Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES) said: “We need a CAP that strengthens food supply, supports rural communities, and empowers farmers through innovation, generational renewal, and fair market conditions. But we strongly reject any attempts to nationalise the CAP or merge its funding with other EU instruments. It must remain a true common policy with dedicated funds and independent pillars, ensuring equal support for all European farmers.”

    Follow a press conference with the rapporteur on Tuesday at 9:00 CEST.

    Next steps

    The report will now be put to a plenary vote, possibly during the 8‑11 September session.

    Background

    The European Commission plans to announce the 2028-2034 common agriculture policy proposal together with the next long‑term budget in mid-July 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Zelenskyy’s propagandistic alert over alleged imminent Russian military operations in Europe – E-002623/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002623/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE)

    On 22 July 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted an alarming message on the Telegram platform claiming that his government had evidence Russian leaders were preparing new military operations in Europe. He said he would inform his international partners about these supposed facts from the Ukrainian intelligence services. Joint defence decisions are already in progress, particularly with the EU and the UK.[1]

    This approach of confronting the European public with unsubstantiated war alerts must be seen as a targeted, propagandistic escalation strategy. It raises serious questions, especially as defence decisions do not fall within the EU’s remit and cannot be centrally coordinated by Brussels. Zelenskyy is presenting himself as a compliant EU centralist – seemingly in return for generous Western ‘war backing’ – who is willing to drag the entire continent into a regional conflict.

    • 1.Has the Commission received robust evidence from the Zelenskyy Government of alleged imminent Russian military operations in Europe?
    • 2.According to the information provided, which EU Member States are under threat and how will these military operations take place in the light of Russia’s stalling offensive in Ukraine?
    • 3.What common defence actions have been taken by the Commission and Ukraine and what legal basis does the Commission believe supports its competence in this regard?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.diepresse.com/19821031/ukraine-krieg-selenskij-warnt-vor-russischen-militaeroperationen-in-europa
    Last updated: 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Virginia Resident Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Interstate Transmission of Extortionate Communication

    Source: US FBI

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Fairmont, West Virginia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of distribution of child sexual abuse material and interstate transmission of extortionate communication, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The two-count Indictment named Ronald John Kirkham Jr., 56, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, Kirkham met his victim online when the victim was 17. In or around 2017, Kirkham persuaded the victim to send naked pictures and videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit acts. Years later, Kirkham sent the victim’s photographs back to her, threatening to publish the material online if the victim did not either send him additional photos or videos, or pay him money.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and North Fayette Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures to safeguard supplies of raw materials to EU industry in the light of China’s export controls – P-001726/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has been actively raising with the Chinese authorities both at technical and political level its serious concerns on the impact of Chinese export control measures on the supply to the EU of rare earths and related products such as permanent magnets.

    EU industry is reporting that the supply issues are creating risks of production stoppage for certain EU sectors, which highlights the critical nature of these materials for our industry and the need for the EU to find alternative sources of supply including from other trading partners.

    The Commission has done extensive interviews with affected industry stakeholders in the EU. It has also reached out to existing producers in like-minded countries or through its Strategic Partnerships to inquire about possibly increasing capacity.

    The EU has adopted the Critical Raw Materials Act[1] to secure supply in the long term. As laid down in the regulation, the Commission has published a first list of strategic projects[2], which will increase supply of strategic raw materials in the EU and decrease dependencies on third countries. Among the strategic projects, five address rare earth elements, one gallium, two germanium, two tungsten and ten graphite.

    Under the Act, the Commission also works with Member States on gathering information on national strategic stocks and developing benchmarks for safe level of EU’s stocks for all strategic raw materials.

    The Clean Industrial Deal[3] announced that by the fourth quarter 2026, the Commission will set up a dedicated EU Critical Raw Material Centre which could also perform additional task regarding securing EU supply of strategic raw materials.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02024R1252-20240503#tocId90.
    • [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/raw-materials/areas-specific-interest/critical-raw-materials/strategic-projects-under-crma/selected-projects_en.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0085.
    Last updated: 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Weaponisation of migration by Russia and implications for EU security and border policy – E-001633/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Hybrid threats arising from the weaponisation of migration by Russia, assisted by Belarus, pose a risk to sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity of the concerned Member States, but also to the security of the EU as a whole.

    The Commission, together with EU Agencies, have provided support to Member States since Russia and Belarus started using migration for political purposes.

    In December 2024, the Commission adopted a communication on countering hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration and strengthening security at the EU’s external borders[1].

    This communication recalled the legal context in which any exceptional measure to tackle this threat can be taken, taking into account the case-law of the Court of Justice of the EU that provides guidance as regards the conditions and limits.

    The Commission does not have aggregate figures relevant specifically to returns of those third-country nationals who crossed the EU borders with Russia and Belarus.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0570.
    Last updated: 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strategic independence from US software – E-001618/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the light of the current geopolitical situation, the Commission is giving high priority to reducing the EU’s dependencies on external digital providers.

    Strengthening Europe’s capacity to develop, deploy, and maintain its own secure digital solutions is essential for long-term resilience. Open Source[1] technologies play a key role in this effort by offering transparent, interoperable, and sovereign alternatives to proprietary software.

    The Commission supports this transition through strategic initiatives. The Next Generation Internet[2] (NGI) programme mobilised EUR140 million to fund over 1 400 open-source projects across decentralised platforms, trust technologies, and privacy-enhancing tools.

    Its successor, the Open Internet Stack, will deliver validated, EU-compliant digital building blocks for public bodies and small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Additional efforts include SIMPL[3] for data sharing in trusted Data Spaces[4], and GenAI4EU[5]/OpenEuroLLM[6], which promote European open-source artificial intelligence infrastructure.

    While precise EU-wide savings are difficult to quantify due to varied national procurement practices, studies[7] suggest that open-source adoption could significantly lower licensing and vendor lock-in costs. More importantly, it enhances Europe’s strategic autonomy and digital competitiveness.

    As of 2024, about 45% of software publishers used by the Commission are US-based. All are procured via EU-registered entities in full compliance with EU procurement, data protection, and cybersecurity legislation.

    • [1] The European Commission adopts its new Open Source Software Strategy 2020-2023, available at https://shorturl.at/t88O5.
    • [2] https://ngi.eu/.
    • [3] https://simpl-programme.ec.europa.eu/.
    • [4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/data-spaces.
    • [5] https://eic.ec.europa.eu/eic-funding-opportunities/eic-accelerator/eic-accelerator-challenges-2025/genai4eu-creating-european-champions-generative-ai_en.
    • [6] https://openeurollm.eu/.
    • [7] Practical Guide for EU Governments: Evaluating Open Source Alternatives vs. Commercial Software, available at https://shorturl.at/1jhs2.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New boost for Regional Resilience Fund rollout, financing affordable housing, urban development and sustainable tourism

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©VicaPhoto/ Shutterstock

    • The EIB has announced the signature of agreements with Arcano Partners and Buenavista Infrastructure totalling €410 million.
    • The agreements will channel new funding to urban development projects (including those promoting affordable housing) and others related to sustainable tourism.
    • The funds come from the Regional Resilience Fund financed by NextGenerationEU and implemented by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise with EIB support.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed agreements with Buenavista Infrastructure and Arcano Partners to channel a total of €410 million to new urban development projects (including those promoting affordable housing) and others related to sustainable tourism.

    The agreements were made possible by a contribution from the Regional Resilience Fund, part of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and financed by NextGenerationEU. More specifically, this was facilitated by the launch of a new EIB-managed instrument to channel financing via financial intermediaries to back urban development and sustainable tourism.

    The intermediaries selected by the EIB will assess investment opportunities across the country to promote urban development in areas such as affordable housing, education, healthcare, social and cultural infrastructure, sustainable mobility, waste and water management, energy efficiency and sustainable tourism. The investment period runs until December 2030.

    The first two intermediaries selected for the distribution of these funds were Arcano Partners (with a €210 million signature) and Buenavista Infrastructure (€200 million).

    The first two intermediaries selected for the deployment of these funds were Arcano Partners and Buenavista Infrastructure. Arcano Partners has been allocated €210 million by the EIB, which it will channel through “Spanish Urban Development SICC” fund. Buenavista Infrastructure was allocated €200 million to be channelled through “Buenavista NextGen Urban SICC” fund. Both are regulated vehicles set up specifically for this action. Funding can happen in the form of both equity investment and debt, or a combination of both. The maximum allocation per project is 22 million while maximum recovery periods are 15 years for equity investments and 20 years for debt.

    “These agreements are a further step forward in the rollout of the EIB Group-managed Regional Resilience Fund and will drive new investment to promote urban development and sustainable tourism. The resources can also go to affordable housing projects, which is one of the EIB Group’s strategic priorities,” said EIB Director General of Financing and Advisory Operations within the European Union Jean-Christophe Laloux. “Close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise made it possible to launch this new line of action for the Regional Resilience Fund, promoting key investments in Spain’s regions.”

    “Thanks to the signature of these agreements, the implementation of the intermediated instrument for urban development and sustainable tourism materialised. This instrument is one of the pillars of the Regional Resilience Fund. It will channel funds to relatively small projects that aim to invest in social and affordable housing and urban regeneration, as well as sustainable tourism activities. Furthermore, funds from the Regional Resilience Fund continue to be a crucial tool for the green transition in Spain, supporting projects that promote sustainability in key areas such as housing and tourism in various regions of the country,” said Inés Carpio, Director General of International Finance at the Treasury.

    Partner in Asset Management at Arcano Partners Eduardo Fernández-Cuesta added: “We are very proud to be once again have the confidence of the European Investment Bank to channel vital financing to bolster our national infrastructure, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. This combined debt and equity strategy will enable Arcano Partners to continue to diversify our capabilities and deliver the excellence we guarantee to our private investors and the public sector institutions that rely on us to manage investments.”

    Managing Partner at Buenavista Infrastructure Victoriano López-Pinto said: “We are very grateful for the vote of confidence in our judgment and expertise in facilitating the use of EU funds. With this new allocation, we have become one of the leading European fund managers by volume of European funds under management. Our team is one of the most experienced in managing public funds and we are excited to be able to contribute to this project promoting local connections, sustainable urban development and the renovation of our national tourism infrastructure to make it more sustainable.”

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

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

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

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.

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

    Regional Resilience Fund

    The Regional Resilience Fund (RRF) was created to facilitate access to NextGenerationEU loans from the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for the autonomous communities, with the aim of boosting investments and developing projects in eight priority areas: social and affordable housing; urban renewal; transport and sustainable tourism; the energy transition; water and waste management; the care economy; research, development and innovation; and the competitiveness of industry and SMEs.

    The fund is led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, which takes input from the autonomous communities and cities for investment decision-making and looks to the EIB Group as a strategic management partner.

    The initial phase of the RRF includes the activation of up to €3.4 billion in financing via:

    • a direct financing mechanism, to co-finance EIB-supported operations in sectors like renewable energy, clean transport and sustainable infrastructure;
    • an intermediated mechanism managed by financial intermediaries selected by the EIB, to support projects in urban development and sustainable tourism;
    • two instruments intermediated by the European Investment Fund that will facilitate SME financing for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.

    Arcano Partners

    Arcano Partners, founded in 2003, is an independent global firm with more than 20 years of experience in international financial advisory and private markets’ asset management. Arcano currently has four business areas:

    • Asset Management, with more than €12.5 billion managed and advised since the start of its activity in 2006, and with six asset classes: Private Equity, Credit Strategies, Real Estate, Sus-tainable Infrastructure, Venture Capital and Aviation Finance; Arcano has a strong focus on sustainability and responsible investment, being one of the benchmark asset managers in ESG.
    • Investment Banking provides advisory services in M&A, refinancing, restructuring and capi-tal markets transactions to companies in various sectors; Arcano has specialized teams by sector, and additionally offers a transversal technology/digital approach.
    • Research & Consulting provides economic, real estate and differential market analysis, as well as geopolitical and technological analysis of both local and global trends. This analysis is extremely useful for optimizing business decisions, especially in environments of extreme uncertainty where the impacts of making mistakes are profound and can be mitigated by in-vesting in quality analysis.
    • Asset Finance, an area that allows investors to participate in the creation of solutions for the financing of real or intangible assets in Spain.

    Arcano Partners has a team of more than 260 professionals of more than 20 nationalities across 7 offices in Europe and the United States and has become one of the independent firms of reference in the European private markets industry.

    Buenavista Partners (www.buenavistaequity.com)

    Buenavista Equity Partners is an independent asset manager founded in 1996 that operates in the middle-market segment. It currently manages more than €1 billion through different Private Equity, Infrastructure and Venture Capital vehicles.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New boost for Regional Resilience Fund rollout, financing affordable housing, urban development and sustainable tourism

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©VicaPhoto/ Shutterstock

    • The EIB has announced the signature of agreements with Arcano Partners and Buenavista Infrastructure totalling €410 million.
    • The agreements will channel new funding to urban development projects (including those promoting affordable housing) and others related to sustainable tourism.
    • The funds come from the Regional Resilience Fund financed by NextGenerationEU and implemented by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise with EIB support.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed agreements with Buenavista Infrastructure and Arcano Partners to channel a total of €410 million to new urban development projects (including those promoting affordable housing) and others related to sustainable tourism.

    The agreements were made possible by a contribution from the Regional Resilience Fund, part of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and financed by NextGenerationEU. More specifically, this was facilitated by the launch of a new EIB-managed instrument to channel financing via financial intermediaries to back urban development and sustainable tourism.

    The intermediaries selected by the EIB will assess investment opportunities across the country to promote urban development in areas such as affordable housing, education, healthcare, social and cultural infrastructure, sustainable mobility, waste and water management, energy efficiency and sustainable tourism. The investment period runs until December 2030.

    The first two intermediaries selected for the distribution of these funds were Arcano Partners (with a €210 million signature) and Buenavista Infrastructure (€200 million).

    The first two intermediaries selected for the deployment of these funds were Arcano Partners and Buenavista Infrastructure. Arcano Partners has been allocated €210 million by the EIB, which it will channel through “Spanish Urban Development SICC” fund. Buenavista Infrastructure was allocated €200 million to be channelled through “Buenavista NextGen Urban SICC” fund. Both are regulated vehicles set up specifically for this action. Funding can happen in the form of both equity investment and debt, or a combination of both. The maximum allocation per project is 22 million while maximum recovery periods are 15 years for equity investments and 20 years for debt.

    “These agreements are a further step forward in the rollout of the EIB Group-managed Regional Resilience Fund and will drive new investment to promote urban development and sustainable tourism. The resources can also go to affordable housing projects, which is one of the EIB Group’s strategic priorities,” said EIB Director General of Financing and Advisory Operations within the European Union Jean-Christophe Laloux. “Close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise made it possible to launch this new line of action for the Regional Resilience Fund, promoting key investments in Spain’s regions.”

    “Thanks to the signature of these agreements, the implementation of the intermediated instrument for urban development and sustainable tourism materialised. This instrument is one of the pillars of the Regional Resilience Fund. It will channel funds to relatively small projects that aim to invest in social and affordable housing and urban regeneration, as well as sustainable tourism activities. Furthermore, funds from the Regional Resilience Fund continue to be a crucial tool for the green transition in Spain, supporting projects that promote sustainability in key areas such as housing and tourism in various regions of the country,” said Inés Carpio, Director General of International Finance at the Treasury.

    Partner in Asset Management at Arcano Partners Eduardo Fernández-Cuesta added: “We are very proud to be once again have the confidence of the European Investment Bank to channel vital financing to bolster our national infrastructure, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. This combined debt and equity strategy will enable Arcano Partners to continue to diversify our capabilities and deliver the excellence we guarantee to our private investors and the public sector institutions that rely on us to manage investments.”

    Managing Partner at Buenavista Infrastructure Victoriano López-Pinto said: “We are very grateful for the vote of confidence in our judgment and expertise in facilitating the use of EU funds. With this new allocation, we have become one of the leading European fund managers by volume of European funds under management. Our team is one of the most experienced in managing public funds and we are excited to be able to contribute to this project promoting local connections, sustainable urban development and the renovation of our national tourism infrastructure to make it more sustainable.”

    Background information

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

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

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

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.

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

    Regional Resilience Fund

    The Regional Resilience Fund (RRF) was created to facilitate access to NextGenerationEU loans from the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan for the autonomous communities, with the aim of boosting investments and developing projects in eight priority areas: social and affordable housing; urban renewal; transport and sustainable tourism; the energy transition; water and waste management; the care economy; research, development and innovation; and the competitiveness of industry and SMEs.

    The fund is led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, which takes input from the autonomous communities and cities for investment decision-making and looks to the EIB Group as a strategic management partner.

    The initial phase of the RRF includes the activation of up to €3.4 billion in financing via:

    • a direct financing mechanism, to co-finance EIB-supported operations in sectors like renewable energy, clean transport and sustainable infrastructure;
    • an intermediated mechanism managed by financial intermediaries selected by the EIB, to support projects in urban development and sustainable tourism;
    • two instruments intermediated by the European Investment Fund that will facilitate SME financing for innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.

    Arcano Partners

    Arcano Partners, founded in 2003, is an independent global firm with more than 20 years of experience in international financial advisory and private markets’ asset management. Arcano currently has four business areas:

    • Asset Management, with more than €12.5 billion managed and advised since the start of its activity in 2006, and with six asset classes: Private Equity, Credit Strategies, Real Estate, Sus-tainable Infrastructure, Venture Capital and Aviation Finance; Arcano has a strong focus on sustainability and responsible investment, being one of the benchmark asset managers in ESG.
    • Investment Banking provides advisory services in M&A, refinancing, restructuring and capi-tal markets transactions to companies in various sectors; Arcano has specialized teams by sector, and additionally offers a transversal technology/digital approach.
    • Research & Consulting provides economic, real estate and differential market analysis, as well as geopolitical and technological analysis of both local and global trends. This analysis is extremely useful for optimizing business decisions, especially in environments of extreme uncertainty where the impacts of making mistakes are profound and can be mitigated by in-vesting in quality analysis.
    • Asset Finance, an area that allows investors to participate in the creation of solutions for the financing of real or intangible assets in Spain.

    Arcano Partners has a team of more than 260 professionals of more than 20 nationalities across 7 offices in Europe and the United States and has become one of the independent firms of reference in the European private markets industry.

    Buenavista Partners (www.buenavistaequity.com)

    Buenavista Equity Partners is an independent asset manager founded in 1996 that operates in the middle-market segment. It currently manages more than €1 billion through different Private Equity, Infrastructure and Venture Capital vehicles.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) committee publishes findings on Afghanistan, Botswana, Chad, Fiji, Ireland, Mexico, San Marino, Solomon Islands, Thailand and Tuvalu

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) today issued its findings on Afghanistan, Botswana, Chad, Fiji, Ireland, Mexico, San Marino, Solomon Islands, Thailand, and Tuvalu, after reviewing these States parties.

    The findings contain positive aspects of each country’s implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, as well as the Committee’s main concerns and recommendations. Some of the key issues include:

    On Afghanistan, the Committee expressed profound concern at the institutionalized torture and ill-treatment of women, particularly on accusations of adultery, and the continued exclusion of girls from formal education. The Committee heard that some 78% of young women are now out of education, employment, or training, leading to increased child marriage, labour exploitation and poverty. It urged the de facto authorities to revoke the March 2024 decree allowing for women to be beaten or sentenced to death by stoning, abolish all corporal punishment and lift all education bans.

    On Botswana, the Committee was concerned about continued discriminatory sociocultural norms which reinforce male dominance and gender-based violence against women and girls. It recommended expanding dialogue between the government and traditional, religious, and private sector leaders on a national strategy to promote gender equality and eliminate patriarchal attitudes, and to criminalize sexual violence as well as improve support services for survivors.

    On Chad, the Committee noted that the country registered 1.8 million displaced or stateless people and 1.2 million as refugees in 2024 alone and commends its adoption of an asylum law granting equal rights to education, healthcare and social protection to refugees as to Chadian citizens. However, the Committee expressed concern that in practice. these groups have limited access to basic services and face intersecting forms of discrimination. It called on the authorities to address them.

    On Fiji, the Committee welcomed the adoption of laws and policies against gender-based violence but noted with concern its high prevalence and the continued judicial practice of referring to survivors’ prior sexual history during rape trials. It also expressed concern that Fijian women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions, urging among others the introduction of targeted measures to increase their representation.

    On Ireland, the Committee noted with regret that a proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine gender-neutral language about care within families was defeated in a referendum last year, and recommended that the State party, among other steps, undertake inclusive public consultations to find alternative wording, with a view to holding another referendum on the matter, so as to eliminate from the constitution stereotypical language on the role of women in the home.

    On Mexico, the Committee hailed the elevation of the National Institute for Women to a ministerial-level secretariat. It also expressed concern that the madres buscadoras (searching mothers) are still subjected violence and discrimination. It recommended effective and sustainable investment in women’s rights and gender equality programmes, and formal recognition of the “buscadoras” as a special category of human rights defenders.

    On San Marino, the Committee noted with concern that judges, lawyers, and the general public, including women, have limited awareness of the Convention and urged the authorities to take measures to make it widely known. It also noted with concern the lack of disaggregated data in key areas, including gender-based violence against women, and urged the State party to address the gap in gender data collection.

    On the Solomon Islands, the Committee acknowledged progress made in implementing the affirmative action strategy but noted with concern that comprehensive temporary special measures to accelerate substantive equality of women and men have yet to be adopted. The Committee State urged the government to take all necessary measures to eradicate intra-family sexual abuse against women and girls and repeal the criminalization of victims of incest over the age of 15.

    On Thailand, the Committee expressed concern that women and girls continue to be subjected to online gender-based violence, and called on the authorities to investigate and prosecute any such acts, to adopt policies to combat increasing misogyny online and offline and to exercise due diligence in creating a culture of respect for women and promote gender equality in the private sector, particularly in the innovation economy.

    On Tuvalu, the Committee acknowledged the existential threat posed by climate change to Tuvalu’s people, territory and culture, and its disproportionate impact on women and girls. It urged the State party to take measures to prioritize constitutional protections for women and girls over traditional norms and customs.

    The above findings, officially named Concluding Observations, are now available online on the session page.

    – on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Justice Committee Chairperson Says Justice Prevails in Sindiso Magaqa Murder Case

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, welcomed the sentence of long-term imprisonment for the man who was found guilty of murdering ANCYL secretary-general Mr Sindiso Magaqa, a former ANC Youth League Secretary-General and dedicated public servant.

    Mr Nqola said the conviction and the 25-year sentence mark a significant moment for the rule of law in South Africa and reinforces our collective belief that justice must be served — regardless of time, influence or status.

    Mr Ncengwa admitted that he was one of a group of men who were paid R120 000 to kill Mr Magaqa in 2017. Mr Ncengwa also implicated in the crime former city manager of the Umzimkhulu municipality Mr Zweliphansi Skhosana; the ex-mayor, Mr Mluleki Ndobe, who has since passed on, and former journalist and eThekwini municipality communications manager Mr Mdu Ncalane.

    Mr Magaqa was a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and integrity in public service. His untimely death was not only a loss to his family and community but to the nation.

    Mr Nqola said the committee commends the investigative and prosecutorial teams for their persistence in pursuing this complex case and hopes that this outcome brings some measure of closure to Mr Magaqa’s loved ones.

    “We urge continued support for law enforcement and the judiciary in their efforts to address politically motivated crimes and protect all who serve the public. South Africa’s democracy depends on the assurance that no one is above the law,” Mr Nqola said.

    – on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A Continental Imperative: Launch of Africa’s One Health and Climate Health Strategies

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    In a landmark moment for public health and environmental stewardship, AU-IBAR and Africa CDC have jointly launched two pivotal strategies: the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prevention and Control Strategy (2025–2030) and the Africa CDC Strategic Framework on Climate Change and Health (2025–2029). These frameworks mark a unified, cross-sectoral approach to tackling the interlinked challenges of zoonotic disease and climate change on the continent.

    Speaking at the launch in Addis Ababa, Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, urged stakeholders to move from intention to implementation:

    “Let us move beyond declarations—now is the time for united, cross-sectoral action. I call on all stakeholders to embrace the One Health Strategy as a continental imperative. Together, we must forge a new era of health security, where animal, human, and environmental health are protected as one. Africa’s resilience depends on it, and our future demands it.”

    The strategies were developed through a collaborative, evidence-based process engaging Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), technical partners, and civil society. The goal is clear: to build a resilient Africa that manages risks proactively rather than reactively.

    The Deputy Director General of Africa CDC emphasized that the time for talk is over:

    “These frameworks are more than strategy documents; they are Africa’s collective commitment to protecting our people, our ecosystems, and our future. We must move from rhetoric to results. The time to act is now, and the responsibility rests with all of us.”

    Adding to the sense of urgency, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health reminded participants of the interconnectedness of Africa’s well-being:

    “Our health, ecosystems, and economies are deeply intertwined. We cannot protect one without investing in all. This is a call for action, not another declaration.”

    With over 75% of emerging human diseases originating from animals, and climate change exacerbating health risks, the new strategies offer a roadmap to strengthen surveillance, improve early warning systems, and integrate public, animal, and environmental health responses.

    These frameworks serve as a rallying cry to governments, RECs, donors, research institutions, and civil society organizations to come together under a shared vision. As the continent faces an increasingly uncertain health landscape, these strategies offer not just guidance, but hope—and demand decisive, coordinated action.

    – on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Taiwanese political parties and organizations held a rally in Taipei to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TAIPEI, July 7 (Xinhua) — Representatives of more than a dozen political parties and organizations in Taiwan gathered in central Taipei on Monday, braving the rain, to mark the 88th anniversary of the start of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

    Participants in the rally held outside the Central Committee of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan called for respect for historical facts and opposition to pro-Japanese historical narratives, demanding that the DPP authorities soberly assess the common history of resistance on both sides of the strait and acknowledge the historical fact of the Taiwanese people’s struggle against Japanese aggression.

    The DPP administration has been deliberately distorting history, pushing the “Taiwan independence” narrative and pursuing “de-Sinicization” in recent years, event organizers said, warning that these actions would damage the political foundation of cross-sea relations and push Taiwan to the brink of military conflict.

    As honorary chairman of the Taiwan Reunification Association Party Qi Jialing said, the anniversary of the beginning of the resistance of the entire Chinese nation against Japanese aggression reminds us of the need to oppose separatism aimed at gaining “Taiwan independence” and promote national reunification.

    He noted that in just a month after July 7, 1937, dozens of anti-Japanese protests took place on the island, and many young Taiwanese patriots rushed to mainland China to join the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

    “We came here today to remind the DPP authorities that Taiwanese people have a long tradition of patriotism,” said Observer magazine publisher Ji Xin, calling on the DPP administration to put an end to all separatist activities and safeguard the peaceful development of both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

    Several young people spoke at the rally and shared their thoughts on the modern significance of the 88th anniversary of the start of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “HEALTHCARE SHOULDN’T SIMPLY BE A PRIVILEGE, IT SHOULD BE A RIGHT”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    New York, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on ABC’s The View where he highlighted the devastating impacts of Donald Trump and House Republicans’ One Big Ugly Bill that was signed into law last week.

    SARA HAINES: Well, when you first started speaking, people thought that you would delay the vote by an hour. And instead, you spoke on the Senate floor for eight hours and 44 minutes. This is becoming a trend for you. What was behind the decision to keep going?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I thought first of all, that this kind of bill, which is going to have such a dramatic impact on people all across the country. I mean, literally millions of everyday Americans are going to be hurt. And it’s all being done to reward billionaires—Unacceptable, right, unconscionable, un-American—that it needed to be debated in the light of day, not passed in the middle of the night, which was the original intention. This debate started at 3:28 a.m. And so, you know, this is such an unprecedented assault on healthcare, on the economy, on nutritional assistance, on higher education, on everything, that we just wanted to be able to do everything that we could to fully air the challenges with the bill, but also see if we can persuade just a handful of Republicans to do the right thing by the American people.

    SUNNY HOSTIN: Well, you persuaded two and one person as I understand was absent from the vote, which could’ve changed it. But you’re calling this the One Big Ugly Bill. And not only is it projected by the Congressional Budget Office to add $3.4 trillion to our national debt, it extends tax cuts for the rich, as you mentioned. It also includes though, big cuts to healthcare programs, such as Medicaid, cuts to SNAP benefits for the poor. My understanding is in New York, about 1 million people will be affected by this. Can you talk about the implications for healthcare and how it affects people who don’t even use these programs?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, first of all, like, in America, healthcare shouldn’t simply be a privilege, it should be a right to every single American. Presidents throughout the years, whether that’s, you know, Roosevelt or Truman, you know, President Johnson, President Clinton, President Obama, President Biden, have all worked to expand access to healthcare. But what’s so extraordinary about this bill is that more than 17 million people will lose healthcare as a result of the, you know, cuts to Medicaid, the attack on Medicare, the attack on the Affordable Care Act, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Planned Parenthood.

    ANA NAVARRO: And by the way, MAGA kept saying that it was illegal aliens that were going to be kicked out. Explain to folks that there’s not 17 million illegal aliens that are receiving free Medicaid.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Actually federal law, to your point, Ana, explicitly prohibits federal dollars from being used to provide healthcare to undocumented immigrants. And so, that was always a lie. But we’re dealing with some folks where facts don’t matter, hypocrisy is not a constraint to their behavior and people actually have concluded that shamelessness is a superpower. And so, our view is we just have to aggressively push back with righteous intensity, continue to press on, as I indicated, as John Lewis would always inspire us to do, speak up, show up, stand up so we can get the type of America that this country deserves.

    SUNNY HOSTIN: But don’t you then also—I think that’s right—shouldn’t you and other Democrats be screaming from the mountaintops and tether the Republicans to this bill, tether because there’s going to be true human loss here, right? People are going to really feel it.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, real pain and suffering. I mean, the attack on healthcare is not just going to result on millions of people losing access, but hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down, community-based health clinics won’t be able to provide assistance.

    SUNNY HOSTIN: Rural hospitals.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Rural hospitals in particular are at great risk. And in fact, people who have private insurance, once you attack the healthcare ecosystem, premiums, co-pays and deductibles for tens of millions of others are going to go up. And so it’s a big problem. It’s an immoral thing that just took place on the floor of the House of Representatives. An immoral thing.

    ANA NAVARRO: And at the same time that this bill—by the way, I think instead of calling it the Big Ugly Bill, you should call it BUL—Big Ugly Law. But at the same time that it cuts SNAP benefits and it cuts healthcare for the neediest amongst us, it sets aside 170 billion for ICE mass deportation efforts, a bigger budget than the FBI and federal prison system combined. And last week, we saw the administration opened a new migrant detention center in my home state of Florida. They’re calling it Alligator Alcatraz. And we’ve also seen military style ICE raids throughout cities in this country. People are being imprisoned and deported and disappeared and taken away by masked men without any due process. And the worst part is, you know, my community in particular, Latinos, are being racially profiled and targeted. Communities and families are being torn apart. But for me, the saddest part is that people feel helpless and hopeless, that there is nothing they can do. They feel there’s nothing you can do, as a minority in the House. What’s your message to these people that feel such lack of hope and such fear?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, you know, we are seeing sort of an unprecedented flood of extremism being unleashed on the American people. And it’s happened from the very beginning, January 20, months and months and months, you know, of chaos, of cruelty, of corruption. But I think we can never lose hope in the resilience of the American people to face turbulence—and this is an incredibly turbulent moment—but to power our way through it and to come out stronger on the other side. It’s not to say it’s going to be easy. It will be challenging. But I think I still believe in the fundamental goodness of the American people. A recognition—one of the reasons why this bill is so deeply unpopular and it is, is because they recognize that this is not what America should be all about in terms of the deportation situation. One, we have to, of course, secure the border. We have a broken immigration system. We need to fix it. We should fix it in a bipartisan and comprehensive way. But we should also never abandon the fact that, yes, we are a nation anchored in the rule of law. We are also a nation of immigrants. E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. It’s one of the great strengths of the United States of America. We should not abandon it. And so, as House Democrats, our view is that while we, you know, work on making sure the border can remain secure, while we work to fix our broken immigration system, we also are going to stand up for Dreamers, for farmworkers and for law-abiding immigrant families at all times, at all times.

    […]

    ALYSSA FARAH GRIFFIN: So Leader Jeffries, you wear many hats, and one of your jobs is to try to win back the House for Democrats. I mean, we were talking about immigration before we went to break. Now, some Democrats, amid the criticisms of ICE right now to do these ICE raids, have started calling for defunding ICE. Do you think that’s effective going into the midterms, and do you support those calls?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I definitely think that we need aggressive oversight as it relates to the overly aggressive behavior that we’ve seen, you know, from ICE, from the Department of Homeland Security. It’s not what the American people actually, in my view, voted for. Donald Trump and Republicans promised to go after violent felons. But instead, they’re going after law-abiding immigrant families, and in fact, in some cases, deporting American citizens and children, some with cancer. And America is better than this, and that’s the reality. In terms of what House Democrats stand for, we believe that in this country, you work hard and you play by the rules, you should be able to experience the American dream. You should able to afford to live the good life. And we believe that that’s, you know, that’s a good paying job, good healthcare, good housing, good education for your children and a good retirement. And a good retirement, by the way, means keep your hands off of Social Security and Medicare, now and at all times. That’s the good life.

    ALYSSA FARAH GRIFFIN: I also want to ask you, because I could argue you’re the most important Democrat in New York right now, and Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary, is poised to become the next mayor of New York City. Now, he ran as an avowed socialist. He called for defunding the police in 2020. That would mean the New York Police Department. You have yet to endorse him. Will you be endorsing him, and do you have any concerns about some of his past positions?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, you know, he’s actually said that he plans to keep the police fully funded. I’m scheduled to meet with him next week, and we’ll have a conversation about his vision. He did run a campaign that was actually focused largely on affordability, and that was the right issue to focus on because New York City’s too expensive. America right now is too expensive.

    WHOOPI GOLDBERG: Ain’t nobody got any money because money is all dissipated.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It’s a very—you’re right—it’s a very challenging situation in terms of affordability that we have to lean in on. In fact, Donald Trump promised that he would lower costs on day one. Costs haven’t gone down, they’re going up in America. And now we have to deal with the consequences of this One Big Ugly Bill, which is now One Big Ugly Law, Ana, as you pointed out. So, we’ll sit down, we’ll talk. I also want to talk to him about the importance of Democrats taking back control of the United States House of Representatives next year so we can have some balance in the country, which is what the founders envisioned.

    SUNNY HOSTIN: Can’t you also roll back this Big Ugly Bill some, because it doesn’t take effect until after the midterms, correct?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: It has several provisions in the legislation that will not take effect until after the 2026 midterm elections.

    ANA NAVARRO: Before you go, I want to ask you—I want you to say something about Texas, because the entire country is in mourning and people have questions about why this happened, and could it have been avoided? Is there something that you can do?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Yeah, it’s an unspeakable and horrific tragedy. And, you know, our thoughts and prayers go out to every single family that has experienced a loss. And we know, you know, I mean, no parent should ever have to bury their child. And dozens will now have to bury their children. And so, with extreme weather events and the climate crisis and these natural disasters, we should never play politics, ever. Not play politics with the wildfires, not play politics with these floods and get the American people the relief that they need and deserve. That’s my commitment.

    WHOOPI GOLDBERG: Our thanks to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. 

    Full interview can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pingree Unveils Bill to Protect Aid Workers in Global Conflict Zones

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) is leading an effort in Congress to protect humanitarian aid workers operating in conflict zones and ensure accountability for those who target them. Joined by U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Pingree today introduced the Commitment to Aid Workers Act—comprehensive legislation that reaffirms the United States’ commitment to safeguarding humanitarian principles and holding foreign militaries accountable for actions that endanger civilians and those delivering American, life-saving aid.

    “Humanitarian aid workers put their lives on the line to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter to civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict. Their work is guided by a basic principle: that even in war, human dignity must be preserved,” Pingree said. “Tragically, we are seeing aid workers targeted like never before. So far this year, 192 have been killed—and last year was the deadliest on record, with over 370 killed across the globe. These are attacks on the very foundation of humanitarian law. The United States cannot stand by while those delivering life-saving assistance are treated as collateral damage. The Commitment to Aid Workers Act ensures accountability, advocacy, and limits U.S. military assistance to countries found to be targeting aid workers deliberately. We must support those who serve on the frontlines of humanitarian crises.”

    “Humanitarian workers are the globe’s first responders. They deserve to be protected for the essential role they play in saving lives,” McGovern said. “The Act ensures that the safety of humanitarian NGO workers and the viability of their work are institutionally supported by the State Department through the creation of a special envoy position and an interagency working group, and accountability measures including conditioning aid to countries who unlawfully kill aid workers.”

    “Delivering humanitarian aid into conflict zones is one of the most honorable and dangerous jobs,” said Pocan. “Those workers put their lives at risk to help others get basic, life-saving aid, such as food, water, and medicine, and they deserve to be protected. Yet, as conflicts around the world are on the rise, far too many aid workers have been injured or even killed. We must protect these aid workers, and I’m honored to co-sponsor this legislation led by Congresswoman Pingree.”

    “Aid workers in conflict zones are heroes, doing lifesaving work in devastating environments — yet humanitarian personnel are often targeted and attacked,” Dean said. “In times of major strife, we must protect those bringing desperately needed food, water, and medicine to innocent civilians. I am grateful to Congresswoman Pingree for her leadership on this crucial issue, and I hope that this bill will help preserve humanitarian aid programs, their employees, and the lifesaving help they provide.”

    The Commitment to Aid Workers Act:

    • Establishes a Special Envoy for Humanitarian Aid Workers tasked with advocating for the safety of non-governmental organization (NGO) staff abroad, investigating the deaths of U.S. NGO aid workers, and reporting annually to Congress on threats and violence against aid missions.
    • Mandates the creation of an Aid Worker Independent Inquiry Group, an interagency body led by the Special Envoy that would investigate any incident in which an aid worker is killed by a foreign military. This group must provide Congress with a report within 90 days, detailing the circumstances of the death, including the use of U.S.-origin munitions and the intent behind the attack.
    • Strengthens accountability by amending the Foreign Assistance Act to prohibit military aid and arms sales to any country that repeatedly and intentionally targets humanitarian aid workers. Assistance can only resume if the Secretary of State certifies that sufficient safeguards have been implemented to protect aid missions.

    The Commitment to Aid Workers Act is supported by Oxfam, a confederation of 21 independent non-governmental organizations that tackle poverty across the world. 

    “Humanitarian work, especially in conflicts, is increasingly dangerous. Aid workers face skyrocketing rates of death and detention in the line of duty. Most often it is local staff, bravely serving their own communities in crisis, who face this targeted violence without attention or consequence,” Oxfam America’s Director of Peace and Security Scott Paul said. “The Commitment to Aid Workers Act represents an important step toward preventing these egregious attacks and holding the perpetrators to account. Very simply, this bill would make it safer to save lives. Congress should pass it immediately to make it clear that aid workers can never be a target.”

    Background:

    So far this year, 192 aid workers have been killed globally. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more humanitarian aid workers died in 2024 than in any year previously reported.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: PS Miner Positions for Growth Amidst Expanding Crypto Acceptance and Demand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PS Miner, the world’s leading cloud mining platform, is strategically positioning itself to expand in response to growing demand for digital assets and increased acceptance of cryptocurrencies globally. With Bitcoin gaining widespread mainstream adoption, including its endorsement by Elon Musk’s “American Party,” PS Miner is capitalizing on the surge in digital currency investments, making it easier than ever for users to participate in cryptocurrency mining.

    Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, recently announced that his pro-tech centrist political party would accept Bitcoin. Musk, a long-time advocate for cryptocurrency, has been instrumental in elevating the acceptance of Bitcoin, and his companies, Tesla and SpaceX, continue to hold substantial BTC reserves. As the cryptocurrency industry transitions from speculative hype to real-world applications, platforms like PS Miner are emerging as practical tools for users to easily participate in the mining process.

    “Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have evolved at an unprecedented rate, and PS Miner has evolved right alongside them,” said the Spokesperson of PS Miner. “As the crypto industry moves beyond early speculation and enters the realm of real-world usage, cloud mining is proving to be the simplest, most accessible way for users to earn passive income without the need for complex hardware setups or technical expertise. We’re proud to be a part of this wave of innovation, helping individuals mine and manage cryptocurrencies effortlessly.”

    PS Miner offers a streamlined cloud mining experience where users can purchase mining contracts online without the hassle of buying or maintaining hardware. Through the platform’s easy-to-use interface, individuals can mine popular digital currencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, simply by registering and selecting a mining contract. This accessibility makes it possible for both novice and experienced users to earn stable daily returns from the cryptocurrency market.

    The platform offers an intuitive process where users can register within minutes, receive an immediate reward upon registration, and start mining with just one click. Daily mining outputs are automatically settled and can be withdrawn to personal crypto wallets at any time, providing a hassle-free and secure method to generate passive income. PS Miner also ensures that its operations are environmentally friendly, optimising energy consumption and contributing to sustainable mining practices.

    With the cryptocurrency landscape becoming increasingly integrated into various sectors, PS Miner is positioned to ride the wave of adoption, offering an efficient, low-risk investment tool for crypto enthusiasts worldwide.

    “We’ve worked tirelessly to make cryptocurrency mining more user-friendly and secure,” continued the Spokesperson. “With PS Miner, users can begin mining with just a few clicks. It’s a seamless, automated process that connects directly to a global network of computing power. The flexibility of cloud mining means users can manage their crypto assets from anywhere, at any time, using only their mobile devices.”

    For more information, visit www.psminer.com or download the PS Miner app to get started with cloud mining today.

    Contact Information:
    Name: Amy Wilson
    Email: info@psminer.com
    Website: https://psminer.com
    App Download: Available in Google Play & Apple App Store

    About PS Miner:
     PS Miner is a leading cloud mining platform offering a simple, reliable, and environmentally conscious solution for mining digital currencies. With its user-friendly app and secure services, PS Miner enables anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge, to easily participate in cryptocurrency mining and grow their digital asset portfolio.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Driving Dogecoin Growth: Ethransaction Offers Secure and Accessible Cloud Mining Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ETHRANSACTION, a leading cloud mining platform established in 2017, today announced its continued commitment to providing secure and stable passive income opportunities, particularly for Dogecoin (DOGE) enthusiasts. In a dynamic cryptocurrency market, ETHRANSACTION offers a reliable avenue for users worldwide to participate in digital asset accumulation.

    As global interest in Dogecoin’s ecosystem expands, driven by its growing utility and community, ETHRANSACTION positions itself as a robust solution for those seeking consistent returns. The platform’s strategic approach allows users to navigate market fluctuations by focusing on predictable daily income streams from cloud mining.

    “In today’s fast-paced digital economy, the demand for stable and accessible ways to earn cryptocurrency is higher than ever,” said a spokesperson for ETHRANSACTION. “Our platform is meticulously designed to offer just that, providing a secure and straightforward path for individuals to generate passive income from Dogecoin, regardless of daily market movements.”

    ETHRANSACTION’s core advantages are built upon a foundation of security, high returns, and extreme simplicity. The platform implements Triple Security Protection to safeguard user capital. Each contract is underwritten by the British century-old insurance giant Legal & General, providing comprehensive asset insurance. Furthermore, the system employs military-grade EV SSL encryption, McAfee® anti-hacking systems, and cold wallet isolated storage, ensuring a zero-security incident record since its inception. As a fully compliant entity, ETHRANSACTION holds all necessary licenses issued by the British government and is actively preparing for a potential stock listing.

    The platform streamlines the user experience, enabling individuals to “turn on DOGE automatic money printing mode” through a few simple steps. Users can register an account with their email to receive an immediate $19 bonus, allowing them to experience mining instantly. A variety of profitable mining plans are available to meet diverse financial needs, from short-term gains to long-term returns, with daily DOGE income easily viewable and collectible without any active management.

    “We believe in empowering our users with transparent and reliable tools,” the spokesperson added. “Our focus on green mining, coupled with our robust security and user-friendly interface, ensures that ETHRANSACTION remains a trusted pioneer in the digital asset space, enabling our community to confidently build their wealth.”

    ETHRANSACTION is also a Green Mining Pioneer, with its mining operations driven by 100% renewable energy. This commitment means that every DOGE mined through the platform contributes to reducing carbon emissions, aligning profitability with environmental responsibility. Additionally, a lucrative invitation rewards program allows users to earn a lifetime 6% commission reward by inviting friends, fostering a strong and engaged community.

    About ETHRANSACTION: Established in 2017, ETHRANSACTION is a world-renowned cloud mining company dedicated to providing secure, stable, and accessible cryptocurrency earning opportunities. With a focus on Dogecoin and a commitment to triple-layered security, green mining practices, and a user-friendly platform, ETHRANSACTION empowers millions of users globally to generate passive income from digital assets.

    For more information, please visit the official website: https://ethransaction.vip & connect via Email: info@ethransaction.vip

    Media Contact:
    Name: Renee E Long
    City/Country: 45 Bishopthorpe Road, York, United Kingdom, YO23 1NX
    Email: info@ethransaction.vip
    Website: https://ethransaction.vip

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Judiciary Democrats Investigate the Justice, Defense, And Homeland Security Departments About DOJ’s Defiance Of Court Orders After Whistleblower Disclosure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    July 01, 2025
    The Department of Justice—under Principal Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove’s leadership, a Trump judicial nominee—allegedly misled the courts and evaded court orders to advance Trump’s illegal mass deportation scheme
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led all Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in further investigatingwhistleblower accusations made by Mr. Erez Reuveni, formerly the Acting Deputy Director for the Office of Immigration Litigation at the Department of Justice (DOJ), against Principal Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove and senior DOJ leadership.
    In a letter to Attorney General Bondi, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Noem, and Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Hegseth, the Senators write: “We write concerning grave allegations that senior Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership misled the courts and evaded court orders. These credible accusations are included in the protected whistleblower disclosure of Erez Reuveni, former Acting Deputy Director for the DOJ Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL). This disclosure, which was lawfully transmitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee under the Whistleblower Protection Act, describes multiple instances where senior DOJ officials advocated for ignoring court orders, delayed compliance with court orders, presented baseless legal arguments, misrepresented facts or made false statements in court, and directed Mr. Reuveni to misrepresent facts in court.”
    The Senators then cite multiple allegations raising alarm regarding Mr. Bove’s conduct, including suggestions that DOJ should consider telling a court “f— you” and ignore a court order and that DHS should violate an order, writing: “DOJ leadership provided instructions to agency clients to facilitate removals to El Salvador in violation of the existing injunction, and ‘report[ed] “down the chain” that the government was not going to answer the court’s questions about anything that happened before 7:26 p.m. on March 15, and so not to provide information about when the flights took off.’ Mr. Reuveni’s superiors indicated that Mr. Bove was unhappy with his efforts to prevent the violation of a court order by providing consistent instructions to agency clients, including DHS and DOD.”
    The Senators then cited concerning attempts at retaliation against the whistleblower, writing: “In addition to the legal and ethical concerns with DOJ’s attempts to mislead the courts and evade court orders, the disclosure details multiple instances where senior DOJ officials attempted to prevent Mr. Reuveni from creating records that could subject this misconduct to outside scrutiny. It also details apparent retaliation against Mr. Reuveni for following his professional ethical obligations as a member of the bar by placing him on administrative leave and ultimately terminating him.”
    The Senators concluded with requests for any communications or records concerning these events, as well as transcribed interviews with senior DOJ leadership, writing: “The gravity of these allegations and the preexisting public record that corroborates the disclosure necessitate an immediate investigation by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Additionally, given Mr. Bove’s prominent alleged role in this disclosure and the Committee’s current consideration of his nomination to a lifetime appointment as a judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, we ask that you provide the following information and materials no later than July 14, 2025.”
    In addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
    For a PDF of the letter, click here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VA to reduce staff by nearly 30K by end of FY2025

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

    Skip to content

    The reduction – achieved through normal attrition, early retirements, deferred resignations and the federal hiring freeze – eliminates need for a large-scale reduction in force

    WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced it’s on pace to reduce total VA staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of fiscal year 2025, eliminating the need for a large-scale reduction-in-force.

    While VA had been considering a department-wide RIF to reduce staff levels by up to 15%, employee reductions through the federal hiring freeze, deferred resignations, retirements and normal attrition have eliminated the need for that RIF. The numbers break down as follows:

    • VA had roughly 484,000 employees on Jan. 1, 2025, and 467,000 employees as of June 1, 2025 — a reduction of nearly 17,000.
    • Between now and Sept. 30, the department expects nearly 12,000 additional VA employees to exit through normal attrition, voluntary early retirement authority ) or the deferred resignation program.

    VA has multiple safeguards in place to ensure these staff reductions do not impact Veteran care or benefits. All VA mission-critical positions are exempt from the DRP and VERA, and more than 350,000 positions are exempt from the federal hiring freeze.

    Meanwhile, VA performance continues to improve. Under President Trump and Secretary Collins:

    • VA’s disability claims backlog is already down nearly 30%, after it increased 24% during the Biden Administration.
    • VA is processing record numbers of disability claims, reaching 1 million claims processed for FY25 on Feb. 20 and reaching 2 million claims by June — both achievements were done in record time.
    • VA has implemented major reforms to make it easier for survivors to get benefits, after serious problems during the Biden Administration.
    • VA is accelerating the deployment of its integrated electronic health record system, after the program was nearly dormant for almost two years under the Biden Administration.
    • VA is phasing out treatment for gender dysphoria. Frankly, this commonsense reform should have been done years ago, but only President Trump and Secretary Collins had the courage to do it.
    • VA ended DEI at the department, reversing the divisive Biden-era policies and stopping more than $14 million in DEI spending.
    • VA has brought more than 60,000 VA employees back to the office, where we can work better as a team to serve Veterans.

    “Since March, we’ve been conducting a holistic review of the department centered on reducing bureaucracy and improving services to Veterans,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “As a result of our efforts, VA is headed in the right direction — both in terms of staff levels and customer service. A department-wide RIF is off the table, but that doesn’t mean we’re done improving VA. Our review has resulted in a host of new ideas for better serving Veterans that we will continue to pursue.”

    VA is currently exploring a number of additional reforms to improve operational efficiency and service to Veterans, including:

    • Today, the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration and National Cemetery Administration all run duplicative and costly administrative functions that can be centralized or restructured so they can each focus on their core missions of health care, benefits and burial services, respectively.
      • To that end, VA is reviewing the centralization of support functions to streamline operations and improve support to Veterans, including areas such as police, procurement, construction, IT, budgeting and others.
    • VA operates 274 separate call centers that are not connected to one another. A centralized call center with modernized systems would lead to quicker and better service for Veterans and could be run with fewer staff members.
    • VA has a proven payroll system that processes paychecks for more than 200,000 VA employees, but some 50 VAMCs still process their own payroll. VA is already working to consolidate payroll for all employees under the VA Time and Attendance System, which will save time, money and resources.

    Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

    Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

    Contact us online through Ask VA

    Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

    Learn about our chatbot and ask a question

    Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: New e-book teaches how to build an AI-powered security operations center

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: New e-book teaches how to build an AI-powered security operations center

    The sheer volume of cyberattacks continues to increase at a breathtaking scale worldwide, with customers facing more than 600 million cybercriminal and nation-state attacks every day.1 To stem the growing tide of malicious cyber activity takes a commitment from all of us—individuals from operations to the executive level, security teams, organizations, industry leaders, and governments. It also requires a shift from traditional security approaches to a defense-in-depth strategy that deploys security tools that natively work together to coordinate defense across security layers.

    Organizations also need to embrace AI and automation, moving away from manual, reactive security to an automated, proactive defense. But the transition is easier said than done. For most organizations, this transition will require significant effort that spans not just technology, but people and processes too. To help organizations make the move beyond silos to an integrated, defense-in-depth approach, we’re sharing a new e-book—our introduction to building a coordinated defense. In this post, we walk through the key content you can find in the e-book and share more resources on integrated cyberthreat protection.

    Coordinated Defense: Building an AI-powered, Unified SOC

    Help your teams shift from a manual, reactive mode to a more automated, proactive stance. Read the e-book.

    Recommendations built on real-world lessons

    Bad actors are increasingly adept at finding and exploiting weaknesses, especially in legacy infrastructure. The Coordinated Defense e-book was crafted through our own lessons learned in real-world scenarios, as well as our work to help customers defend their own organizations. The e-book can help security teams better understand how a unified solution can improve their ability to defend their increasingly complex and diverse digital environments and:

    • Stop fighting fires and become more proactive through streamlined threat hunting, triage, and investigation.
    • Adopt a continuous threat exposure management approach that addresses the most critical security domains, including endpoints, identities, and cloud-native applications.
    • Accelerate security operations (SecOps) to lower mean time to resolution (MTTR).

    Unified security operations

    In the e-book, we expand on a new pre-breach/post-breach paradigm that helps organizations shift from reactive and manual processes to an AI-powered, continuous, and autonomous security posture as they prevent, detect, and respond to cyberthreats—unified security operations.

    Read the e-book on how to build an AI-powered, unified SOC

    By integrating endpoints, identities, email, apps, data, and cloud environments with the critical security operations functions, including posture management, detection and response, and threat intelligence, security teams can shift from reactive to proactive security. The e-book outlines the unified architecture that can transform security operations by centralizing data and leveraging AI to enhance existing human expertise.

    Figure 1. Diagram of unified security operations center (SOC) architecture that integrates data, AI, and human expertise to empower security teams to prevent, detect, and respond to threats seamlessly across the entire lifecycle.

    Addressing the complete threat lifecycle

    From preventing initial compromise, to detecting and disrupting active cyberattacks, to investigating and responding to incidents, the e-book explains how unifying security operations allows teams to build a closed-loop approach that improves business resiliency and continuously lowers the risk of a breach. The benefits span the lifecycle and include:

    • Prevent—Prioritized risk mitigation, reduced attack surface, proactive gap identification, and enhanced resilience.
    • Detect—Rapid ransomware response, real-time threat isolation, predictive threat intelligence, and more.
    • Respond—A single, prioritized incident queue, automatically correlated alerts, and relevant threat intelligence that helps prioritize cyberthreats based on severity.

    Read the e-book to learn more about how AI assistants like Microsoft Security Copilot can enhance unified security by providing valuable insights, automating routine tasks, and correlating alerts into comprehensive incidents.

    Coordinated Defense: Get the new e-book

    Tackling your most critical security domains

    Unifying security across all areas of your environment can strengthen defenses in each area. To create a truly effective security posture, organizations need to protect endpoints and identities, secure cloud-native applications, protect the entire organization with both security information and event management (SIEM) and extended detection and response (XDR), and protect the data. In the e-book, each domain is discussed in detail with a scenario that models cyberattacker actions, the response of a unified security approach, and the improved outcomes. The e-book also includes information on:

    • Endpoint protection—Critical trends shaping endpoint security and strategies to counter ransomware and malware threats.
    • Identity protection—Emerging identity-based cyberthreats and how united defenses can prevent account takeovers.
    • Securing cloud-native applications—Insights into cloud vulnerabilities and best practices for securing modern application environments.
    • Integrating SIEM and XDR—Integrated tools that help address advanced, persistent threats and reduce false positives.
    • Protecting your data—Key challenges in safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating insider risks effectively.

    Getting started

    A unified SOC architecture is imperative to help organizations face the current and future security challenges. Shifting to a proactive, integrated defense means breaking down the barriers between security functions and working across silos. It means embracing and enabling AI-powered automation across your environment. And it allows for a continuous loop of protection and improvement that security teams need to operate faster, smarter, and more resiliently. To get started on a more integrated, defense-in-depth approach to security, read the Coordinated Defense: Building an AI-powered, unified SOC e-book now.

    Learn more about AI-powered, unified SecOps from Microsoft to improve your security posture across hybrid environments with unified exposure management and built-in, natively integrated security controls.

    Discover even more resources: Integrated Cyberthreat Protection Resources.

    To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions, visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X (@MSFTSecurity) for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity.

    [1] Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Record Funding for Victim Assistance Programs

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced a record investment of nearly $379.5 million in federal and State funding over three years to support programs and services for victims and survivors of crime and their families. This is the largest funding allocation ever administered by the State Office of Victim Services and is supported by $100 million in State funding secured by Governor Hochul to offset reductions in federal aid. OVS awarded grants to 230 nonprofit organizations, hospitals and government agencies to support victim assistance programs offering crisis counseling, therapy, emergency shelter, civil legal assistance, case management, advocacy and more across New York State. Available at no cost, these critical programs assist victims and survivors in the immediate aftermath of crime and for as long as they need help to heal and thrive.

    “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and I am committed to ensuring our law enforcement and community partners have the resources and tools necessary to prevent and solve crimes, but also ensure that victims and survivors have access to the support they need as well,” Governor Hochul said. “While the federal government slashes funding for community violence intervention and prevention programs and other crucial services, New York is delivering record-level funding to provide the vital support crime victims and their families need and rightfully deserve to recover, heal and thrive.”

    The 230 entities receiving funding are the most that the State Office of Victim Services (OVS) has ever supported: The agency currently funds 219 unique grantees. Selected programs currently receiving funding will receive new grant awards and there are 25 newly funded recipients, allowing OVS to expand its reach and better serve individuals and communities that face barriers to accessing support due to language, age, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. Annual grant awards range from $72,000 to $4.3 million, with an average award of $506,000. Total grant funding to the State’s 10 regions and to programs that serve the entire State:

    • New York City: $47,612,645
    • Long Island: $9,848,136
    • Mid Hudson: $18,319,067
    • Capital Region: $10,164,000
    • North Country: $3,511,660
    • Mohawk Valley: $3,887,865
    • Central New York: $3,935,645
    • Southern Tier: $3,319,373
    • Finger Lakes: $14,944,456
    • Western New York: $6,423,364
    • Statewide: $4,529,368

    Federal rules require OVS to prioritize funding for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as underserved populations. Nearly half of the funding (49 percent) has been awarded programs supporting survivors of domestic violence; 22 percent to programs serving underserved communities; 15 percent to child abuse services; and 14 percent to sexual assault services. Additionally, OVS prioritized access to programs across the State’s 10 regions and closing service gaps for victims of gun violence, awarding more than $21 million to support programs assisting individuals, families and communities disproportionately affected by gun violence over the three-year grant cycle.

    New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “This record-level funding will help ensure continued support for victims and survivors while improving access to services, especially in those communities most impacted by violence. We thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that New York State remains a national leader in victim services.”

    In addition to funding for victim assistance programs, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes other significant investments to better support victims and survivors, including creation of a Mass Violence Crisis Response Team; increasing reimbursement for victims of financial scams to $2,500, expanding benefits to those impacted by homicide and ensuring that all survivors of sexual assault receive a full course of anti-HIV medication. The Budget also continues the state’s work to strengthen support for survivors of gender-based violence by improving access to public assistance for survivors of gender-based violence, and codifying gender-based violence workplace policy that requires vendors doing business with New York State to affirm they have a gender-based violence workplace policy.

    New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “Now more than ever, New Yorkers need to know services and resources in our state are available and open to anyone who needs them. This record-setting investment allows us to continue supporting survivors and victims of all forms of violence in a way that ensures services are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your steadfast commitment to victims and survivors across the state, no matter who they love, where they came from, or how they identify.”

    Senator Charles Schumer said, “We must do all we can to support crime victims and their families with critical services, and I am proud to deliver hundreds of millions in federal funding to support this effort in every corner of New York State. Together with the State of New York we are sending an unequivocal message that we will not leave victims and survivors of crime behind. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to good use to support crime victims and their families and will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure our communities have all the resources needed to keep New Yorkers safe.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “It is critical that the victims and survivors of crime have access to the support programs and services they need to get back on their feet. This investment is an important step in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to keep our communities safe while ensuring that victims and their families have the resources they need to recover.”

    Representative Jerry Nadler said, “I’m proud that New York is stepping up with this critical investment to ensure that victims and survivors of crime across our state have the best possible services and supports. Robust and sustained funding for victim assistance programs is vital, which is why I led the fight in 2021 to pass the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act, which prevents future cuts to victim services grants. I will continue fighting in Congress to increase federal funding for these lifesaving programs.”

    State Senator Julia Salazar said, “As Chair of the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, I commend the Governor’s and the State’s record level investment of nearly $379.5 million in support of no-cost services for survivors of crime and their families. More than $47 million of that funding will be earmarked for New York City alone. As a survivor of crime myself, I know what kind of physical, financial, and emotional toll the aftermath can be. I’ve spent much of my time in the State Senate fighting for crime survivors, and I’m proud New York is stepping up.”

    State law requires OVS to use a competitive application process, which resulted in 261 applications from service providers across the State. Funding for these programs comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund, and New York State’s General Fund. Grantees will receive $126.5 million annually from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028, aligning with the federal fiscal year.

    Victim assistance programs also help individuals file compensation claims with OVS for expenses directly related to the crime. This financial assistance administered by OVS provides a critical safety net, helping victims and their families with medical care, counseling, funeral and burial costs, and other expenses, and providing compensation for lost wages and support. New York is the only state in the nation with no cap on medical or counseling costs, allowing eligible individuals to receive support for as long as they need it.

    While compensation eligibility depends on access to other resources, such as health insurance, the services provided by victim assistance programs are always free. OVS Resource Connect allows New Yorkers to easily search for programs based on their specific needs. Visit the Office of Victim Services’ website for more information and follow the agency on Facebook and Instagram.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Record Funding for Victim Assistance Programs

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced a record investment of nearly $379.5 million in federal and State funding over three years to support programs and services for victims and survivors of crime and their families. This is the largest funding allocation ever administered by the State Office of Victim Services and is supported by $100 million in State funding secured by Governor Hochul to offset reductions in federal aid. OVS awarded grants to 230 nonprofit organizations, hospitals and government agencies to support victim assistance programs offering crisis counseling, therapy, emergency shelter, civil legal assistance, case management, advocacy and more across New York State. Available at no cost, these critical programs assist victims and survivors in the immediate aftermath of crime and for as long as they need help to heal and thrive.

    “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and I am committed to ensuring our law enforcement and community partners have the resources and tools necessary to prevent and solve crimes, but also ensure that victims and survivors have access to the support they need as well,” Governor Hochul said. “While the federal government slashes funding for community violence intervention and prevention programs and other crucial services, New York is delivering record-level funding to provide the vital support crime victims and their families need and rightfully deserve to recover, heal and thrive.”

    The 230 entities receiving funding are the most that the State Office of Victim Services (OVS) has ever supported: The agency currently funds 219 unique grantees. Selected programs currently receiving funding will receive new grant awards and there are 25 newly funded recipients, allowing OVS to expand its reach and better serve individuals and communities that face barriers to accessing support due to language, age, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. Annual grant awards range from $72,000 to $4.3 million, with an average award of $506,000. Total grant funding to the State’s 10 regions and to programs that serve the entire State:

    • New York City: $47,612,645
    • Long Island: $9,848,136
    • Mid Hudson: $18,319,067
    • Capital Region: $10,164,000
    • North Country: $3,511,660
    • Mohawk Valley: $3,887,865
    • Central New York: $3,935,645
    • Southern Tier: $3,319,373
    • Finger Lakes: $14,944,456
    • Western New York: $6,423,364
    • Statewide: $4,529,368

    Federal rules require OVS to prioritize funding for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as underserved populations. Nearly half of the funding (49 percent) has been awarded programs supporting survivors of domestic violence; 22 percent to programs serving underserved communities; 15 percent to child abuse services; and 14 percent to sexual assault services. Additionally, OVS prioritized access to programs across the State’s 10 regions and closing service gaps for victims of gun violence, awarding more than $21 million to support programs assisting individuals, families and communities disproportionately affected by gun violence over the three-year grant cycle.

    New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “This record-level funding will help ensure continued support for victims and survivors while improving access to services, especially in those communities most impacted by violence. We thank Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that New York State remains a national leader in victim services.”

    In addition to funding for victim assistance programs, the FY26 Enacted Budget includes other significant investments to better support victims and survivors, including creation of a Mass Violence Crisis Response Team; increasing reimbursement for victims of financial scams to $2,500, expanding benefits to those impacted by homicide and ensuring that all survivors of sexual assault receive a full course of anti-HIV medication. The Budget also continues the state’s work to strengthen support for survivors of gender-based violence by improving access to public assistance for survivors of gender-based violence, and codifying gender-based violence workplace policy that requires vendors doing business with New York State to affirm they have a gender-based violence workplace policy.

    New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “Now more than ever, New Yorkers need to know services and resources in our state are available and open to anyone who needs them. This record-setting investment allows us to continue supporting survivors and victims of all forms of violence in a way that ensures services are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your steadfast commitment to victims and survivors across the state, no matter who they love, where they came from, or how they identify.”

    Senator Charles Schumer said, “We must do all we can to support crime victims and their families with critical services, and I am proud to deliver hundreds of millions in federal funding to support this effort in every corner of New York State. Together with the State of New York we are sending an unequivocal message that we will not leave victims and survivors of crime behind. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to good use to support crime victims and their families and will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure our communities have all the resources needed to keep New Yorkers safe.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “It is critical that the victims and survivors of crime have access to the support programs and services they need to get back on their feet. This investment is an important step in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Hochul to keep our communities safe while ensuring that victims and their families have the resources they need to recover.”

    Representative Jerry Nadler said, “I’m proud that New York is stepping up with this critical investment to ensure that victims and survivors of crime across our state have the best possible services and supports. Robust and sustained funding for victim assistance programs is vital, which is why I led the fight in 2021 to pass the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act, which prevents future cuts to victim services grants. I will continue fighting in Congress to increase federal funding for these lifesaving programs.”

    State Senator Julia Salazar said, “As Chair of the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, I commend the Governor’s and the State’s record level investment of nearly $379.5 million in support of no-cost services for survivors of crime and their families. More than $47 million of that funding will be earmarked for New York City alone. As a survivor of crime myself, I know what kind of physical, financial, and emotional toll the aftermath can be. I’ve spent much of my time in the State Senate fighting for crime survivors, and I’m proud New York is stepping up.”

    State law requires OVS to use a competitive application process, which resulted in 261 applications from service providers across the State. Funding for these programs comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Crime Victims Fund, and New York State’s General Fund. Grantees will receive $126.5 million annually from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028, aligning with the federal fiscal year.

    Victim assistance programs also help individuals file compensation claims with OVS for expenses directly related to the crime. This financial assistance administered by OVS provides a critical safety net, helping victims and their families with medical care, counseling, funeral and burial costs, and other expenses, and providing compensation for lost wages and support. New York is the only state in the nation with no cap on medical or counseling costs, allowing eligible individuals to receive support for as long as they need it.

    While compensation eligibility depends on access to other resources, such as health insurance, the services provided by victim assistance programs are always free. OVS Resource Connect allows New Yorkers to easily search for programs based on their specific needs. Visit the Office of Victim Services’ website for more information and follow the agency on Facebook and Instagram.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Planned Transition of Clenera’s CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOISE, Idaho, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clenera, the U.S. subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy (TASE: ENLT.TA; NASDAQ: ENLT), today announced a planned leadership change.  

    Jared McKee, currently serving as Chief Commercial Officer of Clenera, will transition to CEO on October 1st 2025, as Adam Pishl, Clenera’s CEO and Co-founder, steps into the new role of Vice Chair of the company’s Board.  

    Pishl has successfully led Clenera through a transformative period of growth, evolving the company from a founder-led developer into an integrated development platform and independent power producer, operating as a U.S. subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy, a global publicly traded company. 

    In his new role as Vice Chair of the Clenera Board and advisor to the executive team, Pishl will continue to support the company’s strategic direction. He also plans to expand his giving back philosophy through other organizations that align with his values.

    McKee’s near decade of leadership roles at Clenera included key contributions to Clenera’s development momentum.  In his role as Chief Commercial Officer, Jared also led cross-functional teams around execution initiatives guiding Clenera’s growth trajectory. 

    “One of my greatest accomplishments has been assembling a team of exceptional professionals and building the culture, processes, and structure to support their talents,” said Pishl. “Clenera’s success is a direct reflection of that work. Jared is one of many standout leaders who have grown within the organization. I’ve watched his development over the years—he is a strong, thoughtful leader, a strategic thinker, and deeply committed to Clenera’s mission,” said Pishl. “I’m excited to see him take on this new role and confident that he, along with the broader Clenera team, will continue to drive our growth strategy forward. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to remain part of the Clenera and Enlight family as we continue to build on a strong foundation and deliver reliable, affordable clean energy to communities across the country.” 

    “Adam has played a foundational role in Clenera’s evolution and will continue supporting its long-term growth as Vice Chair of the Board,” said Gilad Yavetz, Enlight CEO. “We’re grateful for his years of leadership and dedication, both as CEO and since Clenera’s early days. His strategic discipline and focus on team building helped establish the strong platform we’re building on today. Jared’s appointment reflects the strength and continuity of Clenera’s leadership. He brings nearly a decade of experience within the company, a clear strategic vision, and a strong track record of execution. I’m confident in his leadership and look forward to working closely with him and the broader team as we continue advancing our ambitious plans across North America.” 

    About Clenera 
    Clenera, LLC (“Clenera”), a subsidiary of Enlight Renewable Energy, develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale solar farms and energy storage facilities throughout the United States. Combining breakthrough technology with a deeply integrated team approach, Clenera provides reliable, affordable energy systems and helps its utility partners become clean energy leaders in their communities. Learn more at clenera.com. 

    About Enlight Renewable Energy 

    Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since  2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its US IPO (NASDAQ: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at enlightenergy.co.il. 

    Investor Contact
    Yonah Weisz
    Director IR
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
    Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
    +1 617 542 6180
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Media Contact 
    Jake Melder
    Clenera Public Relations Manager 
    Jake.melder@clenera.com

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, the impact of tariffs on the cost of construction and our ability to mitigate such impact, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

    These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar, Bulgaria Hold Round of Political Consultation

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Sofia, July 7, 2025

    A round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Bulgaria was held in Sofia today.

    HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi headed the Qatari side, while HE Bulgarian side was headed by HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Angelieva.

    The political consultations round dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to a host of topics of common interest.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Toasting the successes of SA’s Constitutional Court 

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Just as birthdays are traditionally marked with celebration and some reflection, South Africa’s Constitutional Court recently blew out the candles in celebration of its 30th birthday, having continued to make a positive impact on society.

    Few of us can envision a democratic South Africa minus the apex court that was birthed by our country’s world-famous Constitution.

    In the most basic form of our understanding of the court, most of us have come to associate the court with the human rights contained in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution. That loose definition is not too far off the bat. As the highest court in the land on constitutional matters, it deals exclusively with matters that raise questions about the application or interpretation of the Constitution.

    Given our painful history where torture and the real threat of death were the order of the day for the majority, South Africans care a lot about their human rights and that of others.

    The court is an integral part of South African life, traversing even to the core of matters of life and death. In its S v Makwanyane (1995) landmark case on the constitutionality of the death penalty, which was a feature of the apartheid regime, the court ruled that the death penalty was unconstitutional as it violated the right to life as enshrined in Section 11 of the Bill of Rights.

    That seminal ruling was proof that the law which was previously used to oppress non-whites in the apartheid era, could and did work in favour of South Africa’s people in all their diversity.

    It was a needed and powerful ruling that spoke to the sacredness of life. 

    While that ruling of the court was made many years ago, its impact and effectiveness has continued to echo through the various stages democratic South Africa has gone through.  Even when citizens and political formations, among others, called for a referendum to bring back the death penalty, government though the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services responded by stating that the Constitution strives “to eradicate the injustices of the past, to protect us from our own whims and to advance the rule of law and to guarantee equality before the law.”

    Section 74 of the Constitution states that the founding provisions in section 1 of the Constitution may only be amended by a bill passed by the National Assembly with a supporting vote of at least 75% of its members and a supporting vote of at least 6 provinces in the National Council of Provinces. Government said that any decision of the return or otherwise of the death penalty could not be legally done via a referendum. 

    And while one may say that the public outcry expressed by society back in 2019 over not only the brutal murder of student Uyinene Mrwetyana, but the overall levels of violent crimes committed against women and children necessitated the referendum, the supreme nature of the Constitution as the law of the republic has remained.

    This is seen in how government responded to the matter while also highlighting that conduct that is inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid and that obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled. 

    This was also evidenced by the August v Electoral Commission (1999) case which sought to confirm the right of prisoners to vote and subsequently, since 1999 the Electoral Commission and the Department of Correctional Services has worked to provide voter registration and voting opportunities for inmates in line with the Constitutional right extended to prisoners to vote. 

    These judgements and others that followed, including the Government of the RSA v Grootboom (2000) case on the right to housing, which President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to at a ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of the court, show that the work of the court does not favour one particular sect of society, but champions the validity and integrity of the Constitution instead.

    These judgements have not only educated the public on the Constitution but have also strengthened the country’s law-making capabilities while also strengthening South Africa’s democracy.

    As we reflect on the body of work that the Concourt has produced over the years, what remains is that while the faces of government administrations have changed, the court and indeed other courts around the country have and continue to maintain their sacrosanct independence.

    And while the court has had to force the hand of government to implement rights contained in the Bill of Rights such as the right to housing in the Grootboom matter in which the applicant Irene Grootboom died without a decent house is something that government must still work on.

    In his commentary on the matter, President Ramaphosa said that deepening respect for constitutionalism across all sectors must start with the state and that Grootboom’s death without her dream having been realised, “will forever remain a blight on our democracy.”

    And while the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, with the Constitutional Court as the highest court in the land on constitutional matters, our democracy makes provision for the amending of the Constitution where necessary.

    Recently, Parliament’s Joint Constitutional Review Committee concluded deliberations on the feasibility of amending the Constitution, following up on legacy submissions inherited from the previous Parliament.

    In the sixth Parliament, the submissions were subjected to public hearings with the committee having considered 10 legal opinions.

    These opinions provided by the Parliamentary Legal Services, informed the committee’s assessment of various proposals for constitutional amendment.

    The actual amendment to the Constitution can only be considered through a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament.

    The court is not merely a building, but a breathing, living element of a present and future South Africa, warts and all. May it continue to live long into the future. –SAnews.gov.za 

    Neo Semono is the Features Editor at www.SAnews.gov.za , in the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) 
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 7 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 7 July 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister spoke to President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this afternoon.

    The Prime Minister began by sharing his condolences following the atrocious Russian attacks in recent days.

    Looking ahead to the Coalition of the Willing meeting later this week, the leaders agreed to update on the significant progress being made by military planners.

    The recent Russian attacks reinforced the need for Ukraine’s friends and allies to focus both on ensuring Ukraine had the support it needed to defend itself, while also planning for a post-ceasefire future, the Prime Minister added.

    The leaders also discussed next steps to accelerate work on the agreement reached between the UK and Ukraine to share battlefield technology and step up defence industrial cooperation.

    Both looked forward to speaking again on Thursday.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 07.03.2025 Sens. Cruz, Schatz to Rubio: Bring Home Americans Wrongfully Detained in Venezuela

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a group of 18 Senators in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue efforts to bring home wrongfully detained Americans in Venezuela.
    Cruz and Schatz were joined by Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).
    Below are highlights and excerpts from the letter: 
    Secretary Rubio,
    We commend the Department of State for securing the January 31, 2025 release of six Americans who had been wrongfully detained in Venezuela, as well as the May 20 release of one additional wrongful detainee. Their return is a positive and important step. We write to express our continuing support for your efforts to bring all Americans home from Venezuela.
    Today, at least eight Americans remain wrongfully detained in Venezuela, denied their freedom, separated from their loved ones, and unable to continue their lives. Their imprisonment is an ongoing injustice that necessitates immediate and decisive action by the U.S. government.
    …
    …
    We stand ready to work with you to ensure that every American wrongfully detained in Venezuela is returned home without further delay.
    Sincerely,
    Click here to read the full letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –