NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Releasing political prisoners in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as a prerequisite for trade negotiations – E-002427/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002427/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Per Clausen (The Left), Kira Marie Peter-Hansen (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Stine Bosse (Renew)

    We are astonished to note that the Commission will now be embarking on trade and strategic partnership negotiations with the six GCC countries – Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – without first clearly demanding the release of all EU citizens who are being held as political prisoners in the GCC countries’ brutal prisons.

    A case in point is that of Danish national Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja. He is a sick man who has been imprisoned in Bahrain for his work for democracy and human rights, and his case has been repeatedly raised by the European Parliament.

    Accordingly:

    • 1.Will the Commission do the decent and reasonable thing and clearly demand the release of all political prisoners from EU countries who may be imprisoned or subject to various restrictions in GCC countries, such as Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, before formally opening negotiations on trade agreements and/or strategic partnerships with the countries concerned?
    • 2.How will the Commission clearly and unambiguously raise the issue of political prisoners in the six GCC countries at meetings with those countries’ representatives?
    • 3.Will the Commission guarantee that any agreements will include mechanisms to ensure that agreements can be suspended in the event of human rights violations by contracting parties?

    Submitted: 17.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – DKOR ordinary meeting, 3 July 2025, 10.00-11.30, SPINELLI 5E2 – Delegation for relations with the Korean Peninsula

    Source: European Parliament

    ***In camera***

    4. Exchange of views with H.E. María CASTILLO FERNÁNDEZ, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Korea

    5. Exchange of views with H.E. Jeonghyun RYU, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Belgium, European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

    ***End of in camera***

    6. Exchange of views following the 3 June elections in RoK and the implications for the relations with the EU with:

    · Prof. Jae-Seung LEE, Director of Ilmin International Relations Institute and Director of the Jean Monnet EU Center of Excellence, Korea University

    · Ms Lin GOETHALS, Director of the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Inclusion of biodiversity in the system monitoring the Recovery and Resilience Facility – E-002442/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002442/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    The planetary crisis that we face today is not just due to climate change, but also to the alarming loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems that are essential to life. In this context, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) officially dedicates 37 % of funding to the green transition, although Member States have exceeded this target, dedicating an average of 42 % of expenditure to climate goals.

    However, while the RRF’s green transition pillar also covers other aspects related to biodiversity and the environment, the current monitoring system only tracks climate-related actions.

    In light of this:

    • 1.How will the Commission improve the monitoring system to more effectively track biodiversity and environmental measures under the RRF?
    • 2.What specific steps will the Commission take to ensure that future financial instruments fairly and comprehensively address both climate action and environmental conservation?
    • 3.How will the Commission ensure compliance with the principles of good government and efficient management of funds for biodiversity?

    Submitted: 17.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Plant for the desalination of brackish water from the sources of the River Tara – P-002102/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Member States must ensure compliance with EU law, including verifying if assessments under Directives 2000/60/EC[1], 2011/92/EU[2], 92/43/EEC[3] and 2009/147/EC[4] are required for a project and, if so, assessing if they were performed in accordance with that legislation. Based on the information provided, the Commission cannot establish a breach of these EU Directives at this point in time.

    In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission monitors Member States’ compliance with EU law, focusing its enforcement action on systemic issues of non-compliance[5]. National courts are competent to verify compliance with EU law for individual cases.

    Investment 4.1 ‘Primary water infrastructure for the security of water supply’ of the national recovery and resilience plan[6] (RRP) aims to ensure security of water supply and increase network resilience[7].

    The Commission does not participate to the selection of projects, which falls under the remit of the Member State, but assesses the implementation of measures on the basis of the annex to the Council Implementing Decision on the Italian RRP[8].

    Member States’ authorities, including the judiciary, are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law, including verifying compliance of the specific projects undertaken in the context of the RRP.

    • [1] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.
    • [2] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU.
    • [3] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.
    • [4] Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 20, 26.1.2010.
    • [5] As set out in Communication of 19 January 2017 ‘EU law: Better results through better application’, C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, and in Communication of 13 October 2022 ‘Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers’, COM(2022) 518 final.
    • [6] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/italys-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.
    • [7] Target M2C4-29 envisages increasing security of water supply and resilience of 50 water systems.
    • [8] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/10d790a3-f955-4377-aa97-b3f74d3d179d_en?filename=COM_2025_285_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v3.pdf.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Slovak Government cull of 350 brown bears – E-001897/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is currently assessing the recently adopted resolution[1] of the Slovak government on culling 350 bears, which lays down the obligation on the Minister of Environment to issue derogations for the culling.

    The Commission has been in contact with the Slovak authorities and asked for more information about the implementation of this resolution and the derogation decisions issued by Slovakia. The Commission has also sought clarification on the new methodology used by Slovakia to estimate its bear population.

    Without prejudice to the Commission’s role as the guardian of the Treaties, Member States’ national administrative and judicial authorities are primarily responsible to ensure that EU legislation is complied with. In that respect the Commission recalls that national courts play an essential role in ensuring that the derogations adopted at national level are in full compliance with the provisions of the Habitats Directive[2].

    Nonetheless, the Commission is closely following the situation and in case of an established breach would take any action deemed necessary.

    • [1] Slovak Government resolution 182/2025 of 2 April 2025: https://rokovania.gov.sk/RVL/Resolution/22363/1.
    • [2] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Inquiry on DSA enforcement: TikTok’s algorithm and disinformation in Romania – P-001961/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The organisation and conduct of elections are the competence and responsibility of the Member States, in accordance with their national constitutional rules and legislation, as well as their international obligations and applicable EU law. National authorities and courts are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable rules.

    With regards to the Romanian elections of May 2025, the Commission has been closely following relevant developments regarding the obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), and has been in frequent contact with national authorities, non-governmental organisations and Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines.

    At the request of the Digital Services Coordinator, the Commission also supported the organisation of a roundtable and a tabletop Exercise with the above stakeholders to ensure election preparedness for the new round of elections.

    In response to the formal initiation of proceedings 17 December 2024under the DSA[1] TikTok has made a number of changes to its systems and processes, including access to platform data, improving political account labelling, designing tools for users to manage content recommendations, and reinforcing internal resources, in particular in their election task force working on covert influence campaigns and advertising integrity.

    The investigation is ongoing: and the Commission continues to gather and analyse evidence, as well as assess TikTok’s changes.

    • [1] Commission opens formal proceedings against TikTok on election risks under the Digital Services Act — https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_6487.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Request for clarification concerning France’s possible interference in the 2025 Romanian presidential election – P-002053/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The organisation and conduct of elections are the competence and responsibility of the Member States, in accordance with their national constitutional rules and legislation, as well as their international obligations and applicable EU law. National authorities and courts are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable rules.

    On 22 May 2025, the Romanian’s Constitutional Court formally validated the outcome of the 2025 Romanian Presidential elections.

    The Commission does not intervene in the organisation and conduct of elections.

    The Commission supports Member States on electoral matters, mainly through the framework of the European cooperation network on elections[1], which hosts exchanges among competent authorities, for instance on good practices to support turnout.

    The Commission is also working with Member States to support the application of EU law provisions relevant in national electoral contexts, such as those in the Digital Services Act[2], the regulation 2024/900 on the transparency and targeting of political advertising[3] (which will apply in full from October 2025), the General Data Protection Regulation[4] and the Artificial Intelligence Act[5].

    These measures help ensure fundamental rights, including data protection, freedom of expression and information.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/democracy-eu-citizenship-anti-corruption/democracy-and-electoral-rights/european-cooperation-network-elections_en.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2065. In 2024, the Commission issued Guidelines for providers of Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines on the mitigation of systemic risks for electoral processes, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024XC03014&qid=1714466886277.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/900/oj/eng.
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj/eng.
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Davis Holds Service Academy Dinner Honoring NC-01 Appointees

    Source: US Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)

    Rocky Mount, N.C. – On Wednesday, June 18, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) hosted a Service Academy Dinner at his Rocky Mount district office. The event celebrated a group of exceptional young high school graduates from eastern North Carolina who received appointments to the United States Military Service Academies.

     

    [Front row, from left: Leonardo Fletcher-Fontana, and Congressman Don Davis. Back row, from left: Abel Dees, Nicholas Santiago, and Parker Stokes. Not pictured: Dylan Sawyer]

    “These young leaders represent the very best of eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Davis. “Their drive, discipline, and desire to serve our country inspire us all. It was a true honor to recognize their hard work and celebrate this milestone with their families.”

    The dinner highlighted the achievements of each appointee and recognized the rigorous process required for nomination and acceptance into the academies. 

    Abel Dees of Nash County and Parker Stokes of Pitt County, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, were honored for their academic excellence, high GPAs and test scores, and strong leadership in student government and athletics. Leonardo Fletcher-Fontana of Pitt County will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was recognized for his JROTC leadership and dedication to mental health advocacy and community service. Nicholas Antonio Santiago of Perquimans County, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, was celebrated for achievements in academics, athletics, the arts, and volunteerism, including service as a part-time firefighter. Dylan Sawyer of Pitt County, also appointed to the Naval Academy, was acknowledged in absentia for academic distinction at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and his involvement in STEM, leadership programs, and youth engagement.

    The evening concluded with a message of gratitude from the Congressman to the families and communities supporting these students.

    “Behind every appointee is a circle of support: parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors, who have helped them reach this point,” said Congressman Davis. “We all know these students will go on to do wonderful things in the future.” 

    Congressman Davis can nominate students to four U.S. service academies: West Point, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine; the Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. A nomination is required but does not guarantee admission. These academies offer a full scholarship in exchange for military service after graduation.

    For more information about service academies, please contact (252) 999-7600. 

    Congressman Don Davis serves as the vice ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and sits on the Subcommittees on Tactical Air and Land Forces and Readiness. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Davis Holds Service Academy Dinner Honoring NC-01 Appointees

    Source: US Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)

    Rocky Mount, N.C. – On Wednesday, June 18, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) hosted a Service Academy Dinner at his Rocky Mount district office. The event celebrated a group of exceptional young high school graduates from eastern North Carolina who received appointments to the United States Military Service Academies.

     

    [Front row, from left: Leonardo Fletcher-Fontana, and Congressman Don Davis. Back row, from left: Abel Dees, Nicholas Santiago, and Parker Stokes. Not pictured: Dylan Sawyer]

    “These young leaders represent the very best of eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Davis. “Their drive, discipline, and desire to serve our country inspire us all. It was a true honor to recognize their hard work and celebrate this milestone with their families.”

    The dinner highlighted the achievements of each appointee and recognized the rigorous process required for nomination and acceptance into the academies. 

    Abel Dees of Nash County and Parker Stokes of Pitt County, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, were honored for their academic excellence, high GPAs and test scores, and strong leadership in student government and athletics. Leonardo Fletcher-Fontana of Pitt County will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was recognized for his JROTC leadership and dedication to mental health advocacy and community service. Nicholas Antonio Santiago of Perquimans County, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, was celebrated for achievements in academics, athletics, the arts, and volunteerism, including service as a part-time firefighter. Dylan Sawyer of Pitt County, also appointed to the Naval Academy, was acknowledged in absentia for academic distinction at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and his involvement in STEM, leadership programs, and youth engagement.

    The evening concluded with a message of gratitude from the Congressman to the families and communities supporting these students.

    “Behind every appointee is a circle of support: parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors, who have helped them reach this point,” said Congressman Davis. “We all know these students will go on to do wonderful things in the future.” 

    Congressman Davis can nominate students to four U.S. service academies: West Point, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine; the Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. A nomination is required but does not guarantee admission. These academies offer a full scholarship in exchange for military service after graduation.

    For more information about service academies, please contact (252) 999-7600. 

    Congressman Don Davis serves as the vice ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee and sits on the Subcommittees on Tactical Air and Land Forces and Readiness. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rutherford Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Florida Delegation Letter Urging State Management of South Atlantic Red Snapper

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Rutherford (4th District of Florida)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Florida legislators in a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in support of Florida state management of red snapper and other reef fish in the South Atlantic.

    “Every local angler I talk to says there are more red snapper off the coast of Northeast Florida than ever before,” said Rutherford. “Yet, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under President Biden only gave us one day to fish last summer. It’s time to hand over the South Atlantic fishery management to our Governors DeSantis, Kemp, and McMaster.”

    Rutherford was joined by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Representatives Aaron Bean (FL-04), Gus Bilirakis (FL-), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Bryon Donalds (FL-19), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Randy Fine (FL-06), Scott Franklin (FL-15), Carlos Gimenez (FL-26), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Brian Mast (FL-18), Cory Mills (FL-07), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Jimmy Patronis (FL-01), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Daniel Webster (FL-11).

    Read the full letter below:

    Dear Secretary Lutnick,

    We, the undersigned members of Florida’s congressional delegation, write to share our support for the request of Governors DeSantis, Kemp, and McMaster to implement state management of red snapper and other reef fish in the South Atlantic.  For too long, Florida anglers in the South Atlantic have been largely shut out of red snapper harvest opportunities despite unprecedented growth and record abundance in this fishery.

    NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service recently determined that red snapper is no longer overfished and approved a final rule to end overfishing.  We thank you for rejecting the bottom closures that were in the Biden Administration’s proposed rule.  Closing bottom fishing from December to February for 55 species off the east coast of Florida would have been devastating to our state’s economy.  The drastic nature of the proposal highlights the need for significant changes to South Atlantic red snapper management to ensure reasonable harvest opportunities in this fishery, and we look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to achieve that goal.

    Florida has demonstrated its ability to use sound science to successfully manage red snapper in the Gulf. This success was made possible by President Trump during his first administration when he gave the five Gulf states a leading role in managing the red snapper fishery.  Since then, the health of Florida’s Gulf red snapper population has continued to improve, growing the season from 3 to 126 days.  We believe the current abundance of South Atlantic red snapper, combined with strong interest from states in the region to take on a greater role in data collection and management, presents an extraordinary opportunity to make state-led management in the South Atlantic a resounding success, much like the model seen in the Gulf.

    While the federal government has struggled to collect reliable data and timely estimates of recreational red snapper harvests, Florida and the South Atlantic states have the capability of collecting accurate data which will provide more quality fishing opportunities while promoting conservation.  We urge the Department of Commerce to work swiftly with Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to grant the states the authority to manage red snapper and other reef fish in the South Atlantic. We look forward to advancing state management for the benefit of fishermen, conservation, and our coastal economy. 

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funding for ideologically oriented research projects – E-002432/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002432/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Catherine Griset (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    The Commission now imposes criteria related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in its calls for research projects, which are opportunities to access EU funding that often exceeds that allocated by national budgets.

    According to several researchers, in particular Pierre Vermeren and Xavier-Laurent Salvador, such criteria steer research towards taking an ideological approach, at the expense of both academic freedom and the disciplinary rigour we should be able to expect from our universities. When research funding is weighted in such a way, it sometimes ends up – under the guise of intersectionality – financing political Islam.

    • 1.Does the Commission recognise that such criteria may limit the scientific neutrality of the projects funded?
    • 2.What safeguards does it have to prevent EU funding from being used to promote predetermined and exclusive political and ideological opinions?
    • 3.Does it intend to prevent organisations that promote, or collaborate with networks linked to, political Islam from accessing funding?

    Submitted: 17.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Appropriate follow-up to report by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights – E-002434/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002434/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Thijs Reuten (S&D), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Barry Andrews (Renew), Maria Walsh (PPE), Wouter Beke (PPE), Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

    On 3 June 2025, EUobserver leaked a report by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights on the situation in the Middle East, dated 11 November 2024 and bearing ARES number (2024)8069555. The report describes flagrant human rights violations, including by the Israeli authorities. This information is directly relevant to the deliberations by the Commission and/or the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) around suspending the Association Agreement (AA) with Israel.

    • 1.Assuming that the VP/HR does not deny the existence of this report, does the VP/HR agree that the situation described therein has not improved since November 2024?
    • 2.Given Article 3 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), Articles 17(1), 21(1) and 218(9) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), Article 2 AA and the case-law of the International Court of Justice, why and under whose ultimate responsibility was the decision made not to act on the basis of this report, including by proposing the suspension of the AA to the European Council?
    • 3.Given Article 218(10) TFEU and Article 36 TEU, why, on what legal basis and under whose ultimate responsibility was the decision made not to inform Parliament about this report or its contents, especially given the many parliamentary questions and debates on the topic?

    Submitted: 17.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Network on Monitoring the Application of Union Law holds its first meeting – Committee on Legal Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Network Monitoring EU law.jpg © European parliament

    On 25 June 2025, the JURI Network on Monitoring the Application of Union Law held its first meeting, with the participation of Commissioner Dombrovskis. Members had the opportunity to discuss the current state of play of the implementation of Union law and the Commission’s new annual reporting cycle.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Benchmarks to measure human rights improvements in Egypt – E-002532/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002532/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    On 18 June 2025, Parliament adopted a decision on providing macro-financial assistance to the Arab Republic of Egypt, granting it a sum of EUR 4 billion. Article 2(1) of the decision states that ‘a pre-condition for granting the Union’s macro-financial assistance shall be that Egypt continues to make concrete and credible steps towards respecting effective democratic mechanisms, including a multi-party parliamentary system, and the rule of law, and guaranteeing respect for human rights’.

    Article 8(1) of the decision requires the Commission to report to Parliament each year on the concrete steps taken by Egypt towards respecting democratic mechanisms and the rule of law and guaranteeing human rights.

    The Commission is asked to answer the following questions individually, numbering its answers:

    • 1.What specific measures does the Commission expect Egypt to take to respect the pre-condition of continuing to ‘make concrete and credible steps’ on human rights and democracy?
    • 2.What indicators and benchmarks will the Commission use to measure progress, and will it clearly indicate these in its reports to Parliament?
    • 3.Will the Commission suspend the payments if Egypt does not meet these human rights benchmarks?

    Submitted: 24.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU funding for NGOs – transparency and administrative accountability – P-001894/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is not in position to comment on information that the European Court of Auditors decided to exclude from its special report[1].

    The Commission observes full impartiality, as it does not require beneficiaries to undertake advocacy activities for specific political and policy purposes.

    Moreover, the guidance[2] issued by the Commission’s central services confirms that specifically detailed activities directed at EU institutions should not be mandated as a requirement or condition for Union financing.

    Beneficiaries decide on their work programme in full independence. To ensure that a wide range of opinions is supported through operating grants, the selection and award of such grants is based on open calls for proposals publicly available on the Funding and Tenders portal[3]. Funding is awarded through a transparent and competitive process.

    The definition of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and the need to indicate in the direct management grant applicant’s information whether an entity is an NGO only came into effect in September 2024 with the Financial Regulation recast[4].

    In addition, when it comes to receiving EU funding, NGOs are no different from other applicants. They are subject to fulfilling the necessary eligibility requirements.

    Having an NGO status does not entail any preferential treatment, nor is it an eligibility criterion in itself, aside from a few, very specific cases. Therefore, the status of an NGO is in principle not relevant for receiving EU funding.

    The Commission is not aware of findings in the context of the ECA’s special report which would require launching an internal investigation. The Commission refers to its replies to the ECA’s report in question[5].

    • [1] https://www.eca.europa.eu/ECAPublications/SR-2025-11/SR-2025-11_EN.pdf.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/guidance-funding-dev-impl-monit-enforce-of-eu-law_en.pdf.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home.
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402509.
    • [5] https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECAReplies/COM-Replies-SR-2025-11/COM-Replies-SR-2025-11_EN.pdf.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lack of environmental assessment and threat to biodiversity in Montegancedo – E-001785/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has been unable to identify any Natura 2000 site that could be affected by the project referred to by the Honourable Member.

    However, Articles 12 to 16 of the Habitats Directive[1] require Member States to set up and implement a strict protection regime for species listed in Annex IV, both inside and outside protected areas.

    The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[2] requires that, before consent is given, projects likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue, inter alia, of their nature, size or location be subject to an assessment of their environmental effects.

    For the categories listed in Annex II to the directive, such as urban development projects[3], the authorities must determine whether an assessment is necessary through a case-by-case study or through previously set thresholds or criteria. In doing that, the authorities must take into account the relevant selection criteria set forth in Annex III to the EIA Directive.

    The competent authorities in the Member States are primarily responsible for the correct implementation of the above provisions. Moreover, the EIA Directive provides for specific review procedures that allow the public concerned to challenge the substantive or procedural legality of decisions, acts or omissions subject to the directive’s provisions on public participation.

    In any case, the Commission notes that the project has been challenged before a national court. The Commission considers that the use of the means of redress available at national level is indeed the most effective way to address individual cases of possible non-compliance and is complementary to the Commission’s strategic approach on enforcement action, focused on cases of systemic non-compliance[4].

    • [1] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora — Official Journal L 206, 22/07/1992, P. 0007 — 0050.
    • [2] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of 16 April 2014 — OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    • [3] Referred to in Annex II, 10 b) of the EIA Directive.
    • [4] As set out in the communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application — C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10-20) and in the communication of 13 October 2022 COM(2022) 518 final — Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Assistance to Eastern Neighbourhood countries following the loss of USAID funding – E-001472/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU continues to monitor the impacts of the termination of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s programmes as well as the US wider international support.

    The EU will also continue coordinating efforts on identifying and, where possible, meeting the most acute needs and key priorities in the region, including in Ukraine and Moldova .

    Regarding Ukraine, the impact has been significant in several areas including energy, capacity gaps in key institutions (where US-embedded experts were common), civil society and media, as well as social sectors (veterans’ mental health and psycho-social support, and economic reintegration).

    In Moldova, USAID programmes covered sectors such as justice, energy security, support to independent media, civil society and election monitoring.

    The EU will continue to support Moldova in these sectors with the aim to ensure there are no gaps for key priorities, notably for vetting and justice reform as well as energy security.

    The EU humanitarian funding for Ukraine and Moldova currently stands at EUR 1.214 billion (EUR 1.13 billion for Ukraine and EUR 84 million for Moldova) since February 2022.

    The EU will continue its humanitarian and emergency assistance to Ukraine for as long as needed, irrespective of the cuts in funding by other major donors.

    The Commission will not step back from its humanitarian commitments. On healthcare, it will continue supporting programmes related to primary healthcare, medical supplies and equipment, light repairs of health facilities, as well as sexual and reproductive health.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Wright Renews the National Coal Council to Strengthen Our National and Economic Security

    Source: US Department of Energy

    U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is advancing President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reinvigorating America’s coal industry by renewing the charter for the National Coal Council (NCC), a Federal Advisory Committee that was terminated during the Biden administration. This follows the President’s April 2025 Executive Order, calling for America to take aggressive action on coal. The coal industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and adds tens of billions to the U.S. economy each year.

    Coal production has long been the backbone of American energy prosperity, ensuring affordable and reliable power. As electricity demand surges, driven by manufacturing growth and the expanding needs of artificial intelligence and data centers, the NCC will provide critical guidance on coal’s role in strengthening the U.S. energy landscape.

    Coal is also an abundant source of the important materials necessary for American industry. Coal is a critical material—necessary to make steel and its combustion byproducts are used to build our roads and homes and fertilize our crops. Importantly, as we seek to counter our industrial dependence on foreign sources of minerals, there is also a growing realization that coal and its byproducts will help secure domestic production of many of the most critical minerals necessary for modern life.   

    Established in 1984, the principal activity of the NCC is to prepare reports for the Secretary of Energy. The NCC activities include providing advice on:

    • Federal policies that directly or indirectly affect the production, marketing, and use of coal;
    • Plans, priorities, and strategies to address more effectively the technological, regulatory, and economic impact of issues relating to coal production and use;
    • The appropriate balance among various elements of Federal coal-related programs;
    • Scientific and engineering aspects of coal technologies, including emerging coal conversion, utilization, or environmental control concepts; and
    • The progress of coal research, development, demonstration, and commercial application. 

    Now that the charter has been published, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will begin the process of selecting and vetting prospective members of the committee. The NCC will be comprised of experts from industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, among others, bringing together a well-balanced representation from communities across the country to provide recommendations to Secretary Wright on the topics of coal policy, technology, and markets. 

    Once the Secretary approves the committee members, DOE will announce and hold an initial meeting, during which a committee chair and vice chair will be elected. 

    For more information, visit the NCC website and read the Federal Register notice here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Phoenix removes Mexican fugitive

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NOGALES, Ariz. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed Edgar Damian Sandoval-Albarran, also known as “La Rana,” a 39-year-old Mexican fugitive wanted in Mexico for the offense of organized crime and forced disappearance of persons, June 26.

    ICE transported Sandoval-Albarran from the Florence Detention Center to the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, where he was transferred to the custody of Mexican authorities.

    “The removal of Sandoval-Albarran demonstrates the collaborative, whole-of-government approach that ICE supports in protecting the citizens of the U.S.,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Phoenix Field Office Director John Cantú. “Our dedicated officers and partners in law enforcement have worked tirelessly to ensure that such individuals are brought to justice and then removed from the United States.”

    Sandoval-Albarran was previously expelled to Mexico on eight occasions in May, June, Nov., and Dec., 2020. He reentered the U.S. illegally on an unknown date, at an unknown location. ERO Los Angeles Foreign Fugitive Unit (FFU), received an arrest warrant for Sandoval-Albarran issued by the Government of Mexico, for the offense of organized crime and forced disappearance of persons, Sept. 12, 2024. ERO Los Angeles, arrested Sandoval-Albarran during a targeted enforcement operation in Paso Robles, CA. Jan. 7.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally, are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423, or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Arizona, follow us on X, @ERO_PHOENIX.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy: Nobody Is Asking for 16 Million People to Lose Their Health Care Just So the Corporations and the Very Rich Can Get a New Tax Cut

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss Senate Republicans’ efforts to ram through a bill that kicks millions of Americans off their health care in the dead of night, the Trump administration’s lawless immigration policies and the Supreme Court’s enabling of his abuse of power, and the lessons Democrats can learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win the New York mayoral primary.

    Murphy highlighted how deeply unpopular the Republican reconciliation bill is: “By almost a two-to-one margin, the American people hate this piece of legislation because it’s going to represent the biggest transfer of wealth and money from the poor and middle class to the rich in the history of the country. It’s not about efficiencies in Medicaid. CBO – which is the Congressional Budget Office, non-partisan – says it’s going to kick between 10 and 15 million people off their health care, and for what? To be able to afford a new $270,000 tax cut for the richest families in the country. New tax cuts for corporations. New tax cuts for billionaires. This bill stinks. It’s a moral abomination. Everybody that learns about it hates it, and so there’s a chance that it won’t pass. That’s in part why we’re forcing them to read it, because every single day that people learn about it, they are flooding their members’ offices with calls to tell them to stop this bill. Nobody is asking for 16 million people to lose their health care just so the corporations and the very rich can get a new tax cut. That’s super unpopular, and we’re going to work this thing until the final vote.”

    Murphy slammed the Trump administration for its blatant disregard for immigration laws: “They are acting in a lawless manner every single day. They are not focusing on dangerous people. They are literally going to Home Depots. They are busting into people’s private homes. They are targeting Latinos all over the country, whether they are undocumented or not. This isn’t about trying to keep the country safer. This is about trying to make this country scared of folks who speak a different language or come from a different place…This is becoming a lawless administration. We are on a road to seeing our democracy atrophy to the point that it will be unrecognizable, and the border is just one example of many ways in which this administration doesn’t care about the law anymore.”

    On the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Murphy said: “Both the Constitution and the law is clear: if you’re born in the United States of America, you’re a US citizen. But now, because there’s no longer going to be a federal policy, it’s going to be different in every state. A child born in Connecticut will be a citizen, but that same child, if they were born in Oklahoma, might not be. That’s chaos. By taking away the power of courts to restrain the President when he is clearly acting in an unlawful manner, as he is when he says that children born in the United States are no longer citizens, you are assisting him in trying to undermine the rule of law and undermine our democracy. So that case is really dangerous because it sets up a patchwork of citizenship laws, but it’s really dangerous because it will incentivize the president to act in a lawless manner. Because now only the Supreme Court, who can only take a handful of cases a year, can ever stop him from violating the laws of the Constitution.”

    Murphy urged the Democratic Party to learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York mayoral primary: “He was laser-like focused on the issue of costs. He was laser-like focused on the issue of transferring power from people who have way too much of it, like the big real estate companies that jack up everybody’s rent in New York, and putting that power in the hands of regular citizens. He was authentic, right? I mean, yeah, he’s got some views that are a little bit out of the conventional mainstream. But you know what? The traditional political pundits have no idea what’s actually mainstream in this country. And when you’re talking about costs, when you’re talking about de-rigging the economy every single day, when you’re presenting big, bold ideas on how to do that, you’re going to do pretty well in elections. And so Democrats should learn from his victory.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy on Meet the Press: Nobody Is Asking for 16 Million People to Lose Their Health Care Just So the Corporations and the Very Rich Can Get a New Tax Cut

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 30, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Sunday joined NBC’s Meet the Press with Kristen Welker to discuss Senate Republicans’ efforts to ram through a bill that kicks millions of Americans off their health care in the dead of night, the Trump administration’s lawless immigration policies and the Supreme Court’s enabling of his abuse of power, and the lessons Democrats can learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win the New York mayoral primary.

    Murphy highlighted how deeply unpopular the Republican reconciliation bill is: “By almost a two-to-one margin, the American people hate this piece of legislation because it’s going to represent the biggest transfer of wealth and money from the poor and middle class to the rich in the history of the country. It’s not about efficiencies in Medicaid. CBO – which is the Congressional Budget Office, non-partisan – says it’s going to kick between 10 and 15 million people off their health care, and for what? To be able to afford a new $270,000 tax cut for the richest families in the country. New tax cuts for corporations. New tax cuts for billionaires. This bill stinks. It’s a moral abomination. Everybody that learns about it hates it, and so there’s a chance that it won’t pass. That’s in part why we’re forcing them to read it, because every single day that people learn about it, they are flooding their members’ offices with calls to tell them to stop this bill. Nobody is asking for 16 million people to lose their health care just so the corporations and the very rich can get a new tax cut. That’s super unpopular, and we’re going to work this thing until the final vote.”

    Murphy slammed the Trump administration for its blatant disregard for immigration laws: “They are acting in a lawless manner every single day. They are not focusing on dangerous people. They are literally going to Home Depots. They are busting into people’s private homes. They are targeting Latinos all over the country, whether they are undocumented or not. This isn’t about trying to keep the country safer. This is about trying to make this country scared of folks who speak a different language or come from a different place…This is becoming a lawless administration. We are on a road to seeing our democracy atrophy to the point that it will be unrecognizable, and the border is just one example of many ways in which this administration doesn’t care about the law anymore.”

    On the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA, Murphy said: “Both the Constitution and the law is clear: if you’re born in the United States of America, you’re a US citizen. But now, because there’s no longer going to be a federal policy, it’s going to be different in every state. A child born in Connecticut will be a citizen, but that same child, if they were born in Oklahoma, might not be. That’s chaos. By taking away the power of courts to restrain the President when he is clearly acting in an unlawful manner, as he is when he says that children born in the United States are no longer citizens, you are assisting him in trying to undermine the rule of law and undermine our democracy. So that case is really dangerous because it sets up a patchwork of citizenship laws, but it’s really dangerous because it will incentivize the president to act in a lawless manner. Because now only the Supreme Court, who can only take a handful of cases a year, can ever stop him from violating the laws of the Constitution.”

    Murphy urged the Democratic Party to learn from Zohran Mamdani’s win in the New York mayoral primary: “He was laser-like focused on the issue of costs. He was laser-like focused on the issue of transferring power from people who have way too much of it, like the big real estate companies that jack up everybody’s rent in New York, and putting that power in the hands of regular citizens. He was authentic, right? I mean, yeah, he’s got some views that are a little bit out of the conventional mainstream. But you know what? The traditional political pundits have no idea what’s actually mainstream in this country. And when you’re talking about costs, when you’re talking about de-rigging the economy every single day, when you’re presenting big, bold ideas on how to do that, you’re going to do pretty well in elections. And so Democrats should learn from his victory.”

    Click Here to Watch Murphy’s Full Interview

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Protect LGBTQI+ Communities from Global Violence

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    June 30, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have introduced a bill to impose sanctions on foreign actors responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI+ communities abroad. 

    “For far too long, the LGBTQI+ community has faced bigotry, hate, and violence all across the globe,” Wyden said. “We can’t let oppressive regimes get away with jailing or murdering individuals simply because of who they love and how they identify. This bill sends a clear message to bad actors overseas: there is no place for violence and discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community.” 

    “We are living in a time in which governments around the world continue to make dangerous threats against our LGBTQI+ family, friends, and neighbors,” said Merkley, author of the Equality Act. “Every person—regardless of who they are, whom they love, or where they live—has the right to be treated with decency and respect. We need legislation like the Global Respect Act to send a clear message to the world that the United States is committed to defending these critical human rights.” 

    Specifically, the Global Respect Act would:  

    • Require the Executive Branch to biannually send Congress a list of foreign persons responsible for, or complicit in, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment of an individual, prolonged detention of an individual without charges or trials, causing the disappearance of an individual by abduction and clandestine detention of an individual, and other flagrant denials of the right to life, liberty or the security of an individual. 
    • Authorize the Administration to deny or revoke visas to individuals placed on the list. 
    • Require the annual State Department Report on Human Rights to include a section on LGBTQI+ international human rights, as well as an annual report to Congress on the status of the law’s effectiveness.
    • Require the Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor to designate a senior officer responsible for tracking violence, criminalization and restrictions on the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms in foreign countries based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

    The legislation has been endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, the Council for Global Equality, American Jewish World Service and Human Rights First. 

    The bill is led by Senators Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.

    The text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A student of the State University of Management became the author of the best startup in Russia: the results of the All-Russian competition “Startup as a Diploma” have been announced

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 27, 2025, the final of the All-Russian competition of final qualification works in the format “Startup as a Diploma” was held at the National Center “Russia”, the winner of which was a student of the State University of Management.

    The author of the best startup in Russia, a 4th-year student of the Institute of Industry Management of the State University of Management of the educational program “Small and Medium Business Management” Danila Yakovlev, has developed a glass processing technology that allows obtaining a finished product for sale – glass pebbles. The project “

    The Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, the Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova and the Deputy Director of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Education and Science Alexander Vedekhin, as well as the First Deputy Chair of the Committee on Science and Higher Education of the State Duma Ksenia Goryacheva addressed the young entrepreneurs and guests of the event with welcoming words.

    Our student’s performance did not leave the members of the expert jury indifferent – following the results of the final pitches, Danila Yakovlev became the absolute winner of the competition and took 1st place. In addition, he received a special prize from the Moscow School of Management “Skolkovo”, a certificate for participation in the acceleration program “Academy of Innovators” and other gifts from the competition partners. The scientific director of the project Victoria Degtyareva received special gratitude.

    Only 14 finalists presented their innovative ideas to the expert jury. The podium of honor looks like this:
    1st place – startup “Innovative glass pebbles”#Proesklo “, State University of Management;
    2nd place – startup “Automated irrigation system – Control’s”, Russian State Agrarian University – MSCHA named after K.A. Timiryazeva;
    3rd place – Startup Recyclix – plastic processing, Far Eastern Federal University.

    The event brought together over 400 participants – students from different regions of Russia, experts, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, universities and government bodies. The hosts were Olga Serebryannikova, Director of the Project Office for the Development of Youth Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions, and Andrey Goryachev, a finalist of the 2024 Startup as a Diploma competition. The young entrepreneurs and guests of the event were addressed with welcoming speeches by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov, First Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Science and Higher Education of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Ksenia Goryacheva, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Olga Petrova and Deputy Director of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia Alexander Vedekhin.

    The final became an important part of the large-scale joint work of university teams, mentors and partners in the development of youth entrepreneurship. Students and employees of the State University of Management, including his scientific supervisor, Associate Professor of the Department of Innovation Management Victoria Degtyareva, came to support Danila at the final stage of the competition. Also on the day of the final, an exhibition of the TOP-50 projects of the Startup as a Diploma competition of 2025 was held at the site of the National Center “Russia”, where one could get acquainted with another innovative development of the State University of Management – the project of the Business Incubator resident Mikhail Zorin HolterTECH (a wireless Holter designed to monitor the work of the heart), which was also highly appreciated by the experts of the competition this year.

    We asked Danila Yakovlev for details about his project.

    «

    What is unique about your product and what advantages does it provide? — The technology itself is not unique, but for some reason large businesses do not use it. Construction companies tried to make materials cheaper with this technology, but we transferred the product to another industry where people are willing to pay for beauty and comfort. In addition, we were able to significantly reduce the time and labor costs of the processing process, which allows us to save on electricity and human resources. Plus, given the integration into an existing business, our raw material cost is negative, that is, the waste generator pays us to take this glass from them. It should also be added that the production line can fit on 100 square meters, and only two operators can control it. In terms of numbers, this is a very promising project.

    What investments will be required to fully launch the project? – We have outlined several stages of investment. At the first stage, we will need 3.5 million rubles to purchase equipment to complete the first line, launch and adjust the process.

    What difficulties do you face in the process of project implementation and how do you overcome them? — The main problem today is that I have 24 hours in a day, like everyone else. I understand that all entrepreneurs are busy people. Every hour is not that expensive, but it is very valuable. Sometimes there is simply not enough time to sleep or spend time with family. In addition, unemployment in Russia is now extremely low, everyone works somewhere, but for some reason no one wants to here. Fortunately, there are young ambitious students who are eager to work not for money, but for the sake of prospects. And in general, you can’t say “problems”. There are tasks that need to be solved. And there are dreams. I invite everyone to achieve them together. We now need a warehouse manager, even a young one with no experience, we need simple warehouse employees, sales managers. We need everyone. If you want, we will accept everyone. We have a lot of ideas, we have an agreement with the State University of Management and students can do paid internships with us. I think together we can build a cool future.

    How do you see the future?

    The full interview with Danila Yakovlev will soon be available on the GUU channel on RuTube.

    We are posting Danila’s contact on Telegram for those who would like to join his project or do an internship: https://t.me/yakovleff_dan

     

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Attorney general’s statement on inquiry into event safety

    Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement about the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety in B.C.

    “On Saturday, April 26, 2025, British Columbia experienced one of the worst moments in our history, when a senseless act of violence turned a Lapu-Lapu Day celebration into a tragedy that left 11 people dead and countless more injured and traumatized.

    “In the aftermath, British Columbians understandably raised questions about enhancing public safety so people can feel safe attending and celebrating community events of all sizes this summer. That is why Premier David Eby commissioned a public inquiry into safety at community events, with recommendations to be delivered by June 30, 2025.

    “The commission was established to examine and report on ways to strengthen security and safety at community events. It was tasked with providing practical information and recommendations to event organizers, local governments and public safety officials.

    “I am pleased to have received the report from the commissioner of inquiry into community events safety in B.C., Christopher E. Hinkson. The report will be presented to cabinet in the coming days, in accordance with the Public Inquiry Act. Following cabinet’s review, the report will be filed with the clerk of the legislative assembly and made available to the public.

    “I thank Commissioner Hinkson for the work he and his team have done over the past six weeks to enhance and protect our right to gather and celebrate safely and ensure that fear does not prevent communities from coming together.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar strongly condemns attack on military convoy in Pakistan

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha – June 30, 2025

    The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist attack that targeted a military convoy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, resulting in deaths and injuries.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the States of Qatar’s stance rejecting violence, terrorism and criminal acts, regardless of their motives and causes.

    The Ministry extends the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Pakistan, and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Expresses Full Solidarity with Sudan After Gold Mine Collapse

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha – June 30, 2025

    The State of Qatar expresses full solidarity with the sisterly Republic of Sudan following the collapse of a gold mine in the Howaid area, which results in multiple deaths and injuries.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveys Qatar’s sincere condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Sudan, and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First-Ever Master Plan for Aging Final Report Released

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today released the Final Report for New York’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging (MPA). The MPA Final Report contains more than 100 proposals directed towards all levels of government, the social sector and private enterprise, all with the aim of helping individuals age with dignity, independence and the support they need and deserve to thrive.

    “Every New Yorker should be able to age with dignity and independence,” Governor Hochul said. “The Master Plan for Aging builds on our ongoing efforts to empower older adults and advance New York’s status as an age-friendly state. I thank the hundreds of stakeholders, state agency staff and partners who worked to develop these proposals and look forward to reviewing the report.”

    The report’s release was accompanied by a newly unveiled MPA website featuring the complete report and a sortable library of its 100-plus proposals, available in multiple languages at https://planforaging.ny.gov/.

    The MPA advances goals outlined in the Governor’s 2022 State of the State Address and Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Executive Budget. It was formally established by Executive Order No. 23, signed in November 2022.

    The Master Plan for Aging, led by the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the New York State Department of State is the product of a collaborative effort with dozens of stakeholders inside and outside of government.

    New York has the fourth-largest population of older adults in the U.S., with 3.2 million individuals – about 16 percent of the population – over age 65. The state’s population of those over the age of 60 is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2030, with those over 80 years of age exceeding 1.2 million – growing faster than any other age group in some areas of the state. By 2030, older adults will make up 25 to 30 percent of the population in most New York counties.

    New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The Master Plan for Aging was created by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers, so we can age successfully and independently—on our terms—right here in New York.”

    New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “The final Master Plan for Aging is a true triumph of collective problem-solving. Under the vision of Governor Hochul, the MPA has brought together hundreds of the brightest and most accomplished minds from diverse fields and sectors – all contributing their talent to create this historic roadmap for an age-friendly New York. The Master Plan for Aging outlines over 100 proposals, each holding the promise to make a real difference in the lives of individuals as they age. Just as importantly, this document assesses the potential challenges, opportunities and pathways for action on each proposal, making it both visionary and practical. I applaud Governor Hochul, our state agency partners, the stakeholders and the public for their contributions to this historic outcome for older adults in New York State.”

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to the lives of older New Yorkers is on full display with this comprehensive Master Plan for Aging, which will guide aging policy in the state well into the future. The way we plan and develop our communities has a tremendous impact on the health, safety and quality of life of older New Yorkers. The Department of State was proud to have played a pivotal role in the development of the Master Plan for Aging, with our partners at Department of Health and State Office for the Aging. We stand ready to support the next phase of plan implementation through our planning and development programs, like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, NY Forward and Smart Growth, which create livable communities for people of all ages and abilities.”

    Hundreds of stakeholders participated in a process of MPA workgroups to develop the MPA Final Report proposals. Organized into eight subcommittees and over 34 workgroups, the stakeholders coalesced around nine overarching pillars, which were:

    • Affordability of Basic Necessities
    • Informal Caregiver and Workforce Support and Modernization of Community-Based Aging Network Service
    • Modernization and Financial Sustainability of Healthcare, Residential Facilities and Community-Based Aging Network Service Providers
    • Prevention, Wellness Promotion and Access
    • Housing Access and Community Development
    • Access to Services in and Engagement with Historically Underserved Communities
    • Social Engagement of Older Adults
    • Combatting Elder Abuse, Ageism, Ableism and Stigma
    • Technology Access and Development

    The MPA builds upon New York’s status as a nation-leader in aging policy, as evidenced by New York’s designation as the first Age-Friendly State in the nation by AARP. This designation recognizes the State’s commitment to addressing “the environmental, economic and social factors that affect the health and well-being of older adults.”

    The 100-plus proposals presented in the MPA Final Report explore multiple approaches that address the built environment and infrastructure, transportation and transit, financing of care and services, recruitment and retention of the long term care workforce, licensing and training, pilot initiatives that can bring together providers and community services, innovations in care and service delivery, public-private partnerships, and many more.

    The MPA process is already having an impact. The FY 2026 Enacted State Budget includes $45 million in additional funds to expand community-based aging services offered through Area Agencies on Aging — a critical priority identified by the MPA. This funding will help to reduce waiting lists for services such as home-delivered meals, assistance from personal care aides for activities of daily living, transportation assistance, home adaptations, case management to assist with person-centered resources, and other community-based supports. Going forward, the MPA provides a range of strategies for state agencies, the Legislature, stakeholders and partners to consider as New York pursues policies, programs and collaborations that will benefit older adults and their families.

    The MPA Final Report builds on the MPA Preliminary Report issued in August of 2023 and Interim Report issued in October of 2024.

    The MPA Council, which is made up of New York State executive agencies, will continue to engage stakeholders from groups and communities across the State and coordinate efforts across state agencies to ensure that policy and programs supporting New York’s aging population are moving forward.

    The Master Plan for Aging Final Report can be found here.

    New York State Department of Health First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eugene Heslin said, “The Master Plan for Aging Process brought together public and private sector stakeholders to discuss the factors that impact aging in our communities. The result is a compendium of suggested strategies to help focus state agencies, the legislature and private partners supporting New Yorkers as they age.”

    State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “The planning process that gave rise to the MPA was truly a grassroots effort and labor of love by those who have dedicated their professional lives to empowering, protecting and prioritizing Older New Yorkers. I look forward to digging into the granular details–but more importantly, I welcome the opportunity to turn this plan into a comprehensive package of legislative solutions backed by permanent and recurring funding.”

    Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright said, “Governor Hochul’s Final Report for the Master Plan for Aging serves as a critical blueprint for advancing affordability, expanding pathways to aging in place and elevating the system of care and quality of life for older New Yorkers. As Chair of Aging and Assembly Member of the largest cohort of older adults in Manhattan, I’m proud to partner with the Governor, Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, Senate Aging Chair Cleare, legislative colleagues, advocates and stakeholders toward ensuring that aging New Yorkers have the equitable and affordable city and state that they deserve, that they have earned.”

    MPA Coalition co-chairs Nora O’Brien-Suric and Bob Blancato said, “We commend Governor Hochul on the release of an historic and holistic Master Plan for Aging. The MPA Coalition is proud to be the largest stakeholder group advocating for the MPA. We now will shift our focus to helping ensure the priority recommendations in the plan are implemented in a timely manner.”

    AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said, “The Master Plan for Aging has created a valuable opportunity for stakeholders across New York to assess our current systems and propose policies that better support aging New Yorkers now and in the future. Governor Hochul is already making meaningful progress with the historic investment in aging services in the final state budget this year. The real challenge lies ahead as we work together to implement these proposals and turn this visionary plan into reality.”

    Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) Executive Director Rebecca Preve said, “As a key MPA stakeholder, the Association on Aging in New York contributed at multiple levels in the development of this pioneering roadmap of proposals to support older adults and create opportunities for successful aging in New York State. This process has already yielded game-changing outcomes, including additional funds in this year’s state budget for Area Agencies on Aging to meet locally determined needs for services. We look forward to supporting the MPA’s progress in partnership with stakeholders across sectors.”

    Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. President and CEO Ann Marie Cook said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for her Executive Order to create a New York State Master Plan for Aging and for her steadfast support of older New Yorkers. The process involved thousands of people – everyone from older adults, to aging service professionals, to family caregivers. The plan creates a critical roadmap to ensure that aging New Yorkers are able to live and thrive in our state. I am proud to have participated in this process and look forward to doing everything I can to implement this historic plan.”

    ARCHANGELS CEO and Co-founder Alexandra Drane said, “All of us do it, whether we realize it or not: we care. In fact, over 40% of us across our nation are showing up in foundational ways for family, friends, neighbors. The intensity of that care is real – and it manifests in all aspects of our health and productivity. New York’s Master Plan for Aging marks a powerful shift: it recognizes this population as the economic backbone of New York State and elevates this often-invisible work as essential infrastructure. Through public-private partnerships like Any Care Counts-NY and the bold, cross-sector ideas in this truly comprehensive plan, New York is turning good intentions into real-world support and impact for caregivers and the people, businesses, and communities who rely on them. ARCHANGELS is honored to continue our long-term partnership with New York in this transformative work – because supporting caregivers isn’t just good policy, it’s smart economics, and it gets to the very heart of an age-friendly New York.”

    ArchCare CEO Scott La Rue said, “Being a stakeholder in the development of the NYS Master Plan for Aging was a truly positive experience. The process was remarkably inclusive, offering multiple avenues for New Yorkers and their representatives to provide invaluable input. This forward-thinking document will undoubtedly guide the state effectively as its population of older adults continues to grow.”

    VNS Health President and CEO Dan Savitt said, “Governor Hochul’s Master Plan for Aging is an essential step forward for New York, responding with deep clarity and vision to the demographic, economic, and health care realities of our time. As the state’s largest home- and community-based care provider, VNS Health is proud to have contributed to the Governor’s bold plan and will work collaboratively with the Administration to harness technology, strengthen partnerships, and expand access to care so that all older New Yorkers are able to age with the dignity, independence and support they deserve.”

    LeadingAge New York President and CEO Sebrina Barrett said, “As the only statewide organization dedicated to the entire continuum of care for older New Yorkers, LeadingAge New York supports the MPA’s comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of older adults. With a growing population of older adults and a shrinking number of working-age caregivers, we need to act swiftly and decisively to ensure access to appropriate services and the necessary workforce to provide them. We welcome the report’s attention to innovative solutions, such as housing with services, and its proposals to address provider regulations and payment rules that limit access and fragment care. We are excited to continue the productive inter-agency and multi-stakeholder collaboration that has arisen from the MPA process, as we work to promote a high-quality continuum of care for older New Yorkers today and in the future.”

    John A. Hartford Foundation President Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN said, “Every New Yorker deserves to age with the support and care they need to maintain their health and well-being, and this statewide plan for aging moves us in the right direction. We applaud everyone involved in the creation of this robust blueprint for action and look forward to working with partners to prioritize and implement the proposed recommendations so that our state’s health systems and all sectors become age-friendly.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ashton Thomas Private Wealth Recognizes InvestmentNews 2025 DEI Trailblazer of the Year Cary Carbonaro

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ashton Thomas Private Wealth (“Ashton Thomas” or the “Company”), an Arax Investment Partners firm, is proud to celebrate Managing Wealth Advisor and Women & Wealth Ambassador Cary Carbonaro, who was named InvestmentNews’ 2025 DEI Trailblazer of the Year.

    This honor recognizes an outstanding trailblazer in the wealth management and financial planning industry who has shown a meaningful commitment and impact on diversity in financial services. Ms. Carbonaro was honored for dedicating her career to supporting female clients and advisors, both with Ashton Thomas and across the broader industry.

    “We’re very proud of Cary,” said Aaron Brodt, Chief Executive Officer of Ashton Thomas. “This national recognition is a testament to the work she has done at Ashton Thomas to foster financial empowerment, share knowledge and uplift women in the financial services industry. Advisors like Cary make our network strong, helping us to effectively serve a diverse range of clients across the country. We appreciate her contributions and look forward to continuing our work together.”

    The annual InvestmentNews Awards recognize top-performing advisors who demonstrate leadership, innovation and transformative results for clients. Final winners were announced on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the InvestmentNews Awards dinner in New York City. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth was honored as an Excellence Awardee in the RIA Firm of the Year category. Lance Knight, Partner, Senior Director and Head of Business Development at Ashton Thomas was honored as an Excellence Awardee in the Excellence in Philanthropy and Community Service category for his work with St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Nevada.

    About Ashton Thomas Private Wealth
    Ashton Thomas is a diversified financial services firm committed to a culture of excellence, integrity, and respect in every aspect of its business. Through its various entities listed below, Ashton Thomas serves foundations, businesses, and affluent individuals and families by providing a range of services which include fee-based financial planning and investment portfolio management, retirement plan consulting, securities brokerage, life and health insurance, and income tax preparation. The firm also strives to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and thought leadership within the financial services industry.

    Ashton Thomas Private Wealth, LLC, (“ATPW”), founded in 2010, is an SEC-registered investment adviser which provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Securities, LLC, (“ATS”) is a dually registered entity. ATS registered with FINRA as a broker-dealer in 1984 and provides securities brokerage services. ATS became an SEC-registered investment adviser in 2008 and provides fee-based financial planning, portfolio management, pension consulting, and fund manager selection services. Ashton Thomas Insurance Agency, LLC, (“ATIA”) provides life and health insurance brokerage services. ATIA also provides income tax services through its DBA, Ashton Thomas Tax Advisory. Representatives of the entities listed may only conduct business for which they are licensed, if required, and with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered and/or licensed.

    About Arax Investment Partners
    Arax Investment Partners is a rapidly growing boutique wealth management platform making strategic control investments in leading RIAs and elite advisor teams. Founded and led by CEO Haig Ariyan — a seasoned industry executive with a distinguished track record of building and scaling wealth management businesses — Arax empowers its partners to be entrepreneurial and focus on delivering exceptional client service. Firms benefit from a management team with deep M&A expertise, capital sourcing capabilities, and the backing of RedBird Capital Partners. For more information, visit www.araxpartners.com.

    Media Contact:
    Dan Gagnier
    Gagnier Communications
    Arax@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Statement on Wisconsin Supreme Court Declining Argument for Redistricting

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) released the following statement on the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to decline the argument for redrawing the state’s congressional district lines:

    “Today’s decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court is a victory for the rule of law, election integrity, and the Constitution. The lines as they stand were drawn by Governor Evers and affirmed by the previous state Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. The Democrats’ repeated attempts to redraw the congressional maps were solely because they did not like the results of free and fair elections.

    “I am grateful to the state Supreme Court for being impartial in their decision and not caving to partisan politics. “It is honor to serve Wisconsin’s Third District.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Joint Press Encounter with the President of Spain [scroll down for all-English and all-Spanish]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Querido Pedro Sánchez, Presidente del Gobierno de España quiero agradecerte y agradecer al Gobierno y al pueblo de España por la magnífica organización de esta Conferencia y por la extraordinaria hospitalidad que estamos recibiendo.
     
    España es un pilar del multilateralismo, un socio firme de las Naciones Unidas y un defensor del desarrollo – como demuestra, una vez más, al acoger esta importante conferencia.
     
    España es también una voz líder mundial por la paz – y comprende los profundos vínculos entre el desarrollo y la paz.
     
    At a time of profound global turmoil, we must keep working for peace, for peace in the Middle East.
     
    For an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access as a first step to achieve the two-State solution.
     
    For the ceasefire between Iran and Israel to hold.
     
    For a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. 
     
    For an end to the horror and bloodshed in Sudan.
     
    We know that sustainable peace requires sustainable development.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen of the media.
     
    As I said in opening the Conference this morning, development is not just about numbers on a page.
     
    It’s about food, health care and education.
     
    It’s about jobs and social protection.
     
    It’s about infrastructure like water systems, internet access and climate-resilient buildings.
     
    It’s about providing equal opportunity for girls and women which moves all societies ahead.
     
    It’s about easing human suffering, and driving progress across every community, large and small.
     
    Development is about people.
     
    And we have collectively made great strides in development in recent decades.
     
    But progress doesn’t happen on its own. 
     
    It takes support and investment.
     
    As we meet, the world is falling behind in its commitments to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
     
    Achieving them will take an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.
     
    And meanwhile, global growth is slowing, trade barriers are rising, and aid budgets are falling.
     
    Developing countries are drowning in debt service payments, which have skyrocketed to $1.4 trillion every year.
     
    And the great enabler of development — international cooperation — is being chipped away by geopolitical mistrust and division.
     
    Now, this Conference is about rebuilding that trust with concrete commitments.
     
    With the adoption of the Sevilla Commitment document, countries are proving their dedication to getting the engine of development revving again:
     
    Through new domestic and global commitments that can channel public and private finance to the areas of greatest need…
     
    By overhauling the world’s approach to debt to make borrowing work in service of sustainable development…
     
    And by reforming the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries, that must have a much stronger voice and participation in the institutions of this financial architecture.
     
    The Sevilla Platform of Action being launched later today will help us move from words to action.
     
    It contains dozens of new practical initiatives to accelerate funding for development around the world.
     
    This includes the commitment to establish a borrowers forum for countries to learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring.
     
    This is one of 11 immediately actionable proposals to help resolve the debt crisis, backed by my group of experts on debt that will be publishing their report.
     
    I look forward to working closely with Member States — including the G20 — to bring this forum to life.
     
    Por encima de todo, Sevilla va de soluciones.
     
    Y de encontrar esas soluciones en un momento de dificultades y división para la familia humana.
     
    Espero que nuestros esfuerzos colectivos aquí en Sevilla puedan inspirar y motivar a los países del mundo a trabajar unidos para resolver otros desafíos globales.
     
    Y una vez más, quiero agradecer al Presidente del Gobierno y al pueblo español por dar la bienvenida al mundo aquí en Sevilla. 
     
    Muchas gracias.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Prime Minister Sánchez, my thanks to you and the government and people of Spain for your tremendous hospitality.

    Dear Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain, I would like to thank you and the Government and people of Spain for the magnificent organization of this Conference and for the extraordinary hospitality we are receiving.

    Spain is a pillar of multilateralism, a steadfast partner of the United Nations, and a champion of development as we see once again in your hosting of this major conference. 

    Spain is also a leading global voice for peace — and understands the deep linkages between development and peace.

    At a time of profound global turmoil, we must keep working for peace, for peace in the Middle East.

    For an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of all hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian access as a first step to achieve the two-State solution.

    For the ceasefire between Iran and Israel to hold.

    For a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the UN Charter, international law and UN resolutions. 

    For an end to the horror and bloodshed in Sudan.

    We know that sustainable peace requires sustainable development.

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media.

    As I said in opening the Conference this morning, development is not just about numbers on a page.

    It’s about food, health care and education.

    It’s about jobs and social protection.

    It’s about infrastructure like water systems, internet access and climate-resilient buildings.

    It’s about providing equal opportunity for girls and women which moves all societies ahead.

    It’s about easing human suffering, and driving progress across every community, large and small.

    Development is about people.

    And we have collectively made great strides in development in recent decades.

    But progress doesn’t happen on its own. 

    It takes support and investment.

    As we meet, the world is falling behind in its commitments to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Achieving them will take an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.

    Meanwhile, global growth is slowing, trade barriers are rising, and aid budgets are falling.

    Developing countries are drowning in debt service payments, which have skyrocketed to $1.4 trillion every year.

    And the great enabler of development — international cooperation — is being chipped away by geopolitical mistrust and division.

    This Conference is about rebuilding that trust with concrete commitments.

    With the adoption of the Sevilla Commitment document, countries are proving their dedication to getting the engine of development revving again:

    Through new domestic and global commitments that can channel public and private finance to the areas of greatest need…

    By overhauling the world’s approach to debt to make borrowing work in service of sustainable development…

    And by reforming the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries, that must have a much stronger voice and participation in the institutions of this financial architecture.

    The Sevilla Platform of Action being launched later today will help us move from words to action.

    It contains dozens of new practical initiatives to accelerate funding for development around the world.

    This includes the commitment to establish a borrowers forum for countries to learn from one another and coordinate their approaches in debt management and restructuring.

    This is one of 11 immediately actionable proposals to help resolve the debt crisis, backed by my group of experts on debt that will be publishing their report.

    I look forward to working closely with Member States — including the G20 — to bring this forum to life.

    Above all, Sevilla is about solutions.

    And finding these solutions at a divided and difficult moment for the human family.

    It is my hope that our collective efforts here in Sevilla can inspire and motivate the countries of the world to work as one to solve other global challenges.

    Once again, I’d like to thank Prime Minister Sánchez and the people of Spain for welcoming the world to Sevilla. 

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-Spanish]

    Querido Pedro Sánchez, Presidente del Gobierno de España quiero agradecerte y agradecer al Gobierno y al pueblo de España por la magnífica organización de esta Conferencia y por la extraordinaria hospitalidad que estamos recibiendo.

    España es un pilar del multilateralismo, un socio firme de las Naciones Unidas y un defensor del desarrollo – como lo demuestra, una vez más, al acoger esta importante conferencia.

    España es también una voz líder mundial por la paz – y comprende los profundos vínculos entre el desarrollo y la paz.

    En estos momentos de profunda agitación mundial, debemos seguir trabajando por la paz, por la paz en Oriente Medio.

    Por un alto el fuego inmediato en Gaza, la liberación inmediata de todos los rehenes y un acceso humanitario sin trabas – como primer paso para lograr la solución de dos Estados.

    Por el mantenimiento del alto el fuego entre Irán e Israel.

    Por una paz justa y duradera en Ucrania, basada en la Carta de las Naciones Unidas, el derecho internacional y las resoluciones de la ONU. 

    Por el fin del horror y el derramamiento de sangre en Sudán.

    Sabemos que una paz sostenible requiere un desarrollo sostenible.

    Señoras y señores de los medios,

    Como he dicho esta mañana al inaugurar la Conferencia, el desarrollo no es solo números en un papel.

    El desarrollo tiene que ver con la alimentación, la atención sanitaria y la educación.

    Con los empleos y la protección social.

    Con las infraestructuras, como los sistemas de abastecimiento de agua, el acceso a Internet y los edificios resistentes al clima.

    Se trata de ofrecer igualdad de oportunidades a las niñas y las mujeres, que tan a menudo son las primeras a quienes se deja atrás.

    Se trata de aliviar el sufrimiento humano e impulsar el progreso en todas las comunidades, tanto grandes como pequeñas.

    El desarrollo se trata de las personas.

    Y colectivamente hemos hecho grandes progresos en materia de desarrollo en las últimas décadas.

    Pero los progresos no se producen por sí solos. 

    Se necesita apoyo e inversión.

    Mientras nos reunimos, el mundo se está quedando a la zaga en sus compromisos de impulsar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible.

    Para alcanzarlos, hará falta una inversión de más de 4 billones de dólares al año.

    Y mientras tanto, el crecimiento mundial se ralentiza, las barreras comerciales aumentan, y disminuyen los presupuestos para ayuda.

    Los países en desarrollo están ahogados por los pagos de servicio de la deuda, que se han disparado hasta los 1,4 billones de dólares anuales.

    Y la desconfianza y la división geopolíticas están minando el gran motor del desarrollo, que es la cooperación internacional.

    Esta Conferencia trata de reconstruir esa confianza con compromisos concretos.

    Con la adopción del documento del Compromiso de Sevilla, los países están demostrando que quieren volver a acelerar el motor del desarrollo:

    Con nuevos compromisos nacionales y globales que dirijan la financiación pública y privada a las esferas donde es más necesaria…

    Revisando el enfoque global de la deuda para hacer que el endeudamiento esté al servicio del desarrollo sostenible…

    Y reformando la arquitectura financiera mundial para que refleje las realidades actuales y las necesidades urgentes de los países en desarrollo que deben tener una voz y una participación mucho más fuertes en las instituciones de esta arquitectura financiera.

    La Plataforma de Acción de Sevilla, que se pondrá en marcha hoy, nos ayudará a pasar de las palabras a los hechos.

    Contiene docenas de nuevas iniciativas prácticas para acelerar la financiación del desarrollo en todo el mundo.

    Este incluye el compromiso de establecer un foro de prestatarios para que los países aprendan unos de otros y coordinen sus planteamientos en la gestión de la deuda y la reestructuración.

    Esta es una de las 11 propuestas de acción inmediata para ayudar a resolver la crisis de la deuda, respaldadas por mi grupo de expertos en deuda que publicará su informe.

    Espero trabajar en estrecha colaboración con los Estados miembros -incluido el G20 – para dar vida a este foro.

    Por encima de todo, Sevilla va de soluciones.

    Y de encontrar esas soluciones en un momento de dificultades y división para la familia humana.

    Espero que nuestros esfuerzos colectivos aquí en Sevilla puedan inspirar y motivar a los países del mundo a trabajar unidos para resolver otros desafíos globales.

    Y una vez más, quiero agradecer al Presidente del Gobierno y al pueblo español por dar la bienvenida al mundo aquí en Sevilla. 

    Muchas gracias.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –