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Category: Politics

  • PM Modi’s space reforms mark a key turning point, sector may hit $40B in 10 years: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open up the space sector to private players as a “turning point” that sparked a “miraculous” transformation. He projected that the sector could grow to USD 40–45 billion in a decade, and added that experiments conducted by astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the Axiom-4 mission will help prepare for future Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharat Space Station, planned for 2035.

    Singh noted that one of the biggest milestones in India’s space programme came when the private sector was allowed to participate. “I think one of the greatest turning points in India’s space journey has been PM Modi’s path-breaking decision to allow the private sector to step in. The change has been miraculous. The transformation in the last 4–5 years — there are thousands of crores of investments happening from the private sector,” he told ANI.

    Singh further said that India’s space sector is set for rapid growth in the coming years. “Our future projections indicate that in about 8–10 years, we might grow 4–5 times, reaching about USD 40–45 billion. Opening up the space sector to the private sector was a very courageous decision, which could have been taken only by a political dispensation with tremendous conviction and willpower,” the Union minister said.

    Referring to India’s growing ambitions in space exploration, Singh said the recent Axiom Mission 4 would provide valuable experience for future Indian missions.

    “I think it will also be a good experience for future missions. This, coupled with Chandrayaan-4 and missions like the Bharat Space Station, which we plan to have by 2035, and for long-duration stays in space or microgravity conditions — what arrangements need to be put in place will also be learned through the experiments conducted by Shubhanshu,” Singh said.

    Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4, stating that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carries the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indian citizens.

    “We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to becoming the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and the other astronauts all the success!” PM Modi posted on X.

    Following the successful lift-off of Axiom Mission 4, Singh also saif on X that India’s rise to the status of a “Viksit Bharat” had begun through its space exploration.

    “Congratulations, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — you are the first Indian astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO’s growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, have placed India at the forefront of space exploration,” Singh wrote.

    He added that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla would carry out seven important experiments designed by Indian institutes. The minister also took the opportunity to remember and honour the visionaries behind India’s space ambitions, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan.

    The Axiom Mission 4 was launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (noon IST). 

    ANI

  • Sensex, Nifty rise for 2nd day as geopolitical tensions ease, oil prices fall

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock markets extended their gains for the second straight day on Wednesday, supported by strong buying in media and technology shares.

    Investors were relieved after crude oil prices dropped and tensions between Iran and Israel eased following a ceasefire.

    The Sensex closed 700.4 points higher at 82,755.51, gaining 0.85 per cent. The Nifty also rose by 200.40 points to settle at 25,244.75, up 0.8 per cent.

    Titan Company, M&M, Infosys, Power Grid, TCS and Bharti Airtel emerged as the top gainers on the Sensex, with gains of up to 3.6 per cent.

    On the other hand, BEL, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Axis Bank were the major laggards, falling as much as 3 per cent.

    The broader markets saw a positive trend as well. The Nifty MidCap index gained 0.44 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index jumped 1.5 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the top performer with a 1.99 per cent rise, followed by Nifty IT which went up 1.64 per cent, and Nifty Consumer Durables which gained 1.43 per cent.

    Market sentiment improved due to the drop in oil prices and reduced geopolitical risk, which helped boost risk appetite among investors.

    Analysts believe that these developments have brought temporary relief to the markets, despite continued selling by foreign investors.

    Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services, said that the easing of tensions in the Middle East and the softening of crude oil prices have played a key role in the market’s recovery.

    “Indian equity markets have staged a recovery, supported by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a moderation in crude oil prices,” Nair stated.

    He added that domestically, a favourable monsoon forecast, and moderating inflation are further underpinning the optimism.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Rupee traded flat near 86.10 after a sharp rally of over 0.75 seen in the previous session, taking a breather within a narrow range of 86.00-86.15.

    “Market participants are now eyeing upcoming triggers from the US, including the PCE Price Index and GDP data later this week. The Rupee is expected to trade in a range of 85.70 to 86.25,” Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities mentioned.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi, Mozambican president exchange congratulations on 50th anniversary of ties 2025-06-25 17:43:20 Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo exchanged congratulations on 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties on Wednesday.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo exchanged congratulations on 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties on Wednesday.

      Xi noted that over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Mozambique have trusted and supported each other, and the friendship between the two countries remains rock-solid regardless of changes in the international landscape.

      Xi expressed firm belief that the bilateral ties will see an even brighter future as long as both sides uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and move forward hand in hand.

      Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Mozambique relations, Xi said he is willing to work with President Chapo to take the anniversary as a new starting point for carrying forward the traditional friendship, and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation under the frameworks of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, so as to write a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

      For his part, Chapo said the anniversary coincides with Mozambique’s 50th anniversary of independence, which highlights the traditional friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.

      He expressed gratitude to China for its unconditional support during Mozambique’s struggle for independence.

      Mozambique will continue to firmly uphold the one-China principle, support all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, and back the major initiatives proposed by China, the president added.

      Mozambique is willing to deepen bilateral relations and expand practical cooperation with China on the basis of mutual respect and win-win cooperation, as well as jointly defend multilateralism and promote world peace, security and prosperity, Chapo said.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Welcome Fourth Private Astronaut Mission to Space Station

    Source: NASA

    As part of NASA’s efforts to expand access to space, four private astronauts are in orbit following the successful launch of the fourth all private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
    A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off at 2:31 a.m. EDT Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying Axiom Mission 4 crew members Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space as commander, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut and pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and mission specialists ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) astronaut Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
    “Congratulations to Axiom Space and SpaceX on a successful launch,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. “Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, America has expanded international participation and commercial capabilities in low Earth orbit. U.S. industry is enabling astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to return to space for the first time in over forty years. It’s a powerful example of American leadership bringing nations together in pursuit of science, discovery, and opportunity.”
    A collaboration between NASA and ISRO allowed Axiom Mission 4 to deliver on a commitment highlighted by President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the station. The space agencies are participating in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations. NASA and ISRO have a long-standing relationship built on a shared vision to advance scientific knowledge and expand space collaboration.
    This mission serves as an example of the success derived from collaboration between NASA’s international partners and American commercial space companies.
    Live coverage of the spacecraft’s arrival will begin at 5 a.m., Thursday, June 26, on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
    The spacecraft is scheduled to autonomously dock at approximately 7 a.m. to the space-facing port of the space station’s Harmony module.
    Once aboard the station, Expedition 73 crew members, including NASA astronauts, Nicole Ayers, Anne McClain, and Jonny Kim, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky will welcome the astronauts.
    The crew is scheduled to remain at the space station, conducting microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities for about two weeks before a return to Earth and splashdown off the coast of California.
    The International Space Station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy. NASA’s goal is to achieve a strong economy off the Earth where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA’s commercial strategy for low Earth orbit provides the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, empowers U.S. industry, and enables the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.
    Learn more about NASA’s commercial space strategy at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-space
    -end-
    Josh FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov
    Anna SchneiderJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Since DHS Immigration Enforcement in Los Angeles Began, Border Crossings Continue to Plummet

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Since DHS Immigration Enforcement in Los Angeles Began, Border Crossings Continue to Plummet

    lass=”text-align-center”>Apprehensions and gotaways are almost 50% lower since operations in LA started 
    WASHINGTON – Since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began removing worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from sanctuary city Los Angeles, apprehensions and gotaways at the U

    S

    Southern border plummeted nearly 50% from May to June

    Sanctuary cities are no longer a safe haven, and we have made the message clear: We will hunt down criminal illegal aliens and remove them from our communities

    On June 6, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) started an operation removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens

    Despite the rhetoric from politicians, riots, and wide-scale assaults on enforcement officers, DHS is continuing to make Los Angeles and the Southern border more secure

      
    The data speaks for itself: From June 1 -22 of this year, apprehensions totaled 5,414 while just one month ago in May, U

    S

    Border Patrol apprehensions were 9,577

    Since the beginning of June, gotaways totaled only 986, compared to 2,123 in May

     This is nearly a 50% decrease since operations started

     
    The difference in these stats from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration is staggering

    From February 1 to June 22 of this year, apprehensions totaled only 37,518, while just one year ago nearly 600,000 apprehensions were made during the same time

    Gotaways showed a similar decrease with 11,867 between February and June in 2025, compared to over 94,007 during the same time in 2024

    “Secretary Noem is delivering on President Trump’s promise to secure the border by removing murders, pedophiles, and drug traffickers from Los Angeles,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “In less than a month since we started LA enforcement operations, apprehensions and gotaways at the Southern border halved

    The world is hearing our message: If you come here illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you

    We will not be deterred by the rioters and politicians in our mission to secure America and its border

    Migrants are turning back because they know the reality is they will ultimately leave in handcuffs

    ” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Amends Intent-to-Veto List

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Amends Intent-to-Veto List

    Posted on Jun 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA
     

    GOVERNOR GREEN AMENDS INTENT-TO-VETO LIST 
     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 24, 2025

    HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today added SB 935, Relating to Government, to the 2025 Intent-to-Veto list transmitted to Legislative leadership by the statutorily required June 24 deadline. SB 935 is one of the more complex pieces of legislation to emerge from the 2025 session. By including this bill on the list, it allows the Governor to have the time to make an informed and well-researched decision. The addition of the bill brings the number of bills on the Intent-to-Veto list to 20, as compared to the record number of bills Governor Green has signed from the past session.

    Again, Governor Green is not required to veto every bill indicated on the Intent-to-Veto list, but cannot veto a bill that is not included. The release of this list provides additional time to continue ongoing discussions with key stakeholders concerning implementation and impact. Due to the record-setting number of bills enrolled to the governor this legislative session, potential changes to the state’s federal funding and reduced revenue projections from the Council on Revenues, additional time to analyze bills will ensure each bill is given the nuanced, thoughtful consideration it deserves. Governor Green has until July 9 to issue final vetoes. All other bills will become law by July 9.

    “Let me be clear: of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature this session, 20 are on our Intent-to-Veto list,” said Governor Green. “Our team has completed a review of every measure and the overwhelming majority of legislation will become law. Each bill on today’s list is based on thorough legal and fiscal analysis, and as always, was guided by what will best serve the people of Hawai‘i, protect our resources and strengthen our future.”

    To date, Governor Green has signed more than 200 bills into law benefiting the people and ‘āina of Hawai‘i, with core themes including environmental stewardship, educational access and success, as well as public safety. These represent key focus areas so far; additional bills awaiting signature will build upon this foundation to address state priorities. The remaining bills are on track to become law by July 9.

    Over 300 bills were reviewed by state departments and agencies, the Attorney General and the Governor in the last month. The Governor has until July 9 to issue final vetoes from the list, to sign them into law, or to allow them to become law without his signature.

    The following bills are being considered for vetoes, line-item vetoes, or reductions. Note that line-item vetoes only apply to fiscal bills.

    Fiscal Bills:

    HB126: RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE

    Bill Description: Increases transparency and accountability surrounding property forfeiture. Clarifies which property is subject to forfeiture. Amends the authorized disposition of forfeited property and the proceeds thereof. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purpose of the Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Repeals language that requires the Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act to be construed liberally.

    Veto Rationale: Asset forfeiture serves as a powerful deterrent against and punishment for criminal activity. The one-year deadline to return seized property for which the owner has not been charged with a covered offense, significantly weakens the efficacy of this dual deterrent and punishment. Many covered offenses, including felonies, often involve complex investigations that extend beyond a year, rendering this bill’s one-year deadline for law enforcement to file charges unrealistic. Seized property can serve as critical evidence in investigations, and its return before an investigation’s completion would severely hamper the investigation as well as the administration of justice at large.

    HB300: RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET

    Bill Description: Appropriates funds for the operating and capital improvement budget of the Executive Branch for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

    Veto Rationale: Potential shifts in federal funding, coupled with recent projections from the Hawaiʻi Council on Revenues, require the state to reevaluate its budget to ensure essential services and priorities remain supported. Specific line-item reductions based on program feasibility, stability, and sustainability will help the state enter the fiscal year with a balanced budget and sound financial plan.

    HB302: RELATING TO CANNABIS
    Bill Description: Part I: Authorizes DOH to inspect qualifying patient medical records held by the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or hospice provider who issued a written certification for the qualifying patient. Amends and adds definitions for purposes of the medical use of cannabis law. Clarifies the conditions of use for the medical use of cannabis. For purposes of issuing written certifications, authorizes the establishment of a provider-patient relationship via telehealth and limits the maximum amount of fees that can be assessed by providers. Authorizes the sale of hemp products and accessories for the medical use of cannabis at retail dispensing locations, except in waiting rooms. Clarifies transportation requirements for certain inter-dispensary sales of cannabis and manufactured cannabis products. Part II: Establishes criminal penalties for the unlicensed operation of a medical cannabis dispensary. Part III: Authorizes expenditures from the Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund to fund programs for the mitigation and abatement of nuisances related to illegal cannabis and hemp products and medical cannabis dispensaries and appropriates funds from the Special Fund to the AG’s Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit for these purposes, including establishing positions. Part IV: Beginning 1/1/2028, prohibits the cultivation of cannabis without a cannabis cultivator license issued by DOH.

    Veto Rationale: This administration remains committed to Hawai‘i’s existing medical cannabis program and supports efforts to expand access to medical cannabis for any medical condition. Although this bill’s authorization of medical cannabis certifications via telehealth expands access to medical cannabis, provisions authorizing the inspection of patients’ medical records without warrant constitute a grave violation of privacy. Given that the federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, patients’ reasonable fears of repercussions based upon information gained from inspection of their personal medical records may deter patients from participating in the medical cannabis program.

    HB496: RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA

    Bill Description: Prohibits the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, and motifs on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in the state. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standards Inspector position.

    Veto Rationale: While the intent of this measure is to ensure consumer protection and reliable Made in Hawai‘i labeling, the bill imposes overly strict labeling requirements that could harm small businesses and māmaki producers who responsibly blend leaves from multiple sources. Prohibiting the labeling of products composed of less than 100% māmaki tea as “māmaki” ignores the economic contributions of and impacts to producers who mix or process māmaki with other herbs, undermining producers who support local māmaki farmers while meeting broader demand.

    HB796: RELATING TO TAX CREDITS

    Bill Description: Requires that income tax credits existing on 12/31/2025 or established or renewed after 12/31/2025 include a five-year sunset or an annual one-third reduction, beginning with the sixth year of the credit.

    Veto Rationale: This bill would have a significant long-term impact on income tax credits across a variety of industries, including film and television, research, and renewable energy. These tax credits are critical to supporting economic development and diversification, particularly within growing and emerging sectors. Categorically sunsetting income tax credits will not only disincentivize future investors from doing business in Hawai‘i, but will destabilize existing businesses that currently rely upon these tax credits.

    HB1369: RELATING TO TAXATION

    Bill Description: Amends and repeals certain exemptions under the general excise tax and use tax laws.

    Veto Rationale: The amendments to the general excise tax and use tax contained in this bill would impact sugarcane producers, commercial fishing vessels and securities exchanges. Removing the specific tax exemptions afforded to these entities would provide little financial benefit to the state while harming, in particular, sugarcane producers.

    SB583: RELATING TO NAMING RIGHTS

    Bill Description: Allows the naming rights of the Stadium Facility and Convention Center Facility to be leased to any public or private entity. Requires any revenues derived from advertising or marketing in or on the Stadium Facility or Convention Center Facility to be deposited into the appropriate special fund of the facility. Authorizes the display of the name of any entity that leased the naming rights to a stadium operated by the Stadium Authority on the exterior of the stadium.

    Veto Rationale: Pursuant to section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, each bill may only contain one subject, which must pertain to the bill’s title. The exemption of concessions in the stadium facility and Convention Center from typical concession procurement procedures may violate section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution since the exemption appears to fall outside the titular scope of the bill, naming rights.

    SB589: RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

    Bill Description: Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish an installation goal for customer-sited distributed energy resources in the state. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs to achieve the installation goal and for grid services programs, microgrids and community-based renewable energy. Ensures that certain levels of compensation are provided for solar and energy storage exports from customer-sited distributed energy resources as part of grid service programs and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish grid service compensation values. Clarifies when a person who constructs, maintains, or operates a new microgrid is not considered a public utility. Authorizes wheeling of renewable energy and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish policies and procedures to implement wheeling and microgrid service tariffs.

    Veto Rationale: Maintaining Hawai‘i’s leadership in clean energy through established goals and initiatives remains a priority. The Public Utilities Commission has already opened or plans to open proceedings relating to microgrid services tariffs and customer-sited distributed energy resources and grid services. The mandates contained in this bill therefore risk duplication and delay of already existing efforts.

    Non-Fiscal Bills:

    HB235: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY

    Bill Description: Requires the Department of Transportation, after the City and County of Honolulu educates the public and adjusts any systems, to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of O‘ahu.

    Veto Rationale: The Department of Transportation has developed specific criteria for the selection of communities within which to implement traffic safety systems. This criteria incorporates data-driven crash, citation and traffic volume metrics, which ensure communities are chosen based on need and potential for greatest impact. Ignoring this criteria in favor of legislatively mandated location selection threatens the integrity of the photo red light imaging detector system and automated speed enforcement system programs.

    HB800: RELATING TO GOVERNMENT

    Bill Description: Provides for the transfer of certain parcels in the Liliha Civic Center area and Iwilei Fire Station area from various state agencies to the City and County of Honolulu. Provides for the transfer of the parcel of land upon which Ali‘i Tower is sited from the City and County of Honolulu to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Exempts the lands transferred to the Department of Land and Natural Resources from the definition of public lands for purposes of Chapter 171, HRS.

    Veto Rationale: The land transfers provided in the bill would negatively impact the City and County of Honolulu, which relies upon Ali‘i Tower’s land lease revenues and office spaces. Additionally, the state would face indeterminate additional costs, as Ali‘i Tower’s age likely necessitates capital improvements and ongoing maintenance. Although the intent of this bill is to reduce the state’s reliance on private commercial office space, no analysis exists identifying the amount of office space the acquisition of Aliʻi Tower would provide the state.

    HB958: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION

    Bill Description: Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of “bicycle” for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines “electric bicycle” in place of “low-speed electric bicycle.” Defines “electric micro-mobility device” and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro-mobility devices. Prohibits a person under the age of 16 from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of 14 to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of 18 without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes and substitutes the term “motor-driven cycle” with the term “motor scooter.”

    Veto Rationale: While mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from the prohibition established within this bill, on “high-speed electric devices” driving on public roadways, electric cars are not exempt. Such a prohibition would likely violate the Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution and conflict with the administration’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    HB1296: RELATING TO THE MAJOR DISASTER FUND

    Bill Description: Establishes timely notice and reporting requirements to the Legislature by the Governor regarding the transfer of appropriations to the Major Disaster Fund. Effective 7/1/2025. Sunsets 7/1/2026.

    Veto Rationale: The administration is committed to the transparent, efficient management of state funds. During times of emergency, flexibility and the quick release of funds is necessary to respond to rapidly changing situations. This bill disrupts the delicate balance between reporting requirements facilitating government transparency and fiscal flexibility undergirding efficient response and recovery efforts. Placing additional administrative oversight over funds expended for emergencies jeopardizes public safety.

    SB15: RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION

    Bill Description: Amends the definition of “historic property” to require that the property is over 50 years old and meets the criteria for inclusion in the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places. Excludes proposed projects on existing residential property and proposed projects that are in nominally sensitive areas from the State’s Historic Preservation Program review, under certain circumstances.

    Veto Rationale: Exempting proposed projects on any existing residential property from historic preservation review fails to consider properties that have never undergone such a review and may contain historically significant artifacts or iwi kūpuna. This categorical exclusion increases the risk for desecration of iwi kūpuna and historical resources. Although Governor Green supports amending the historic preservation review process to facilitate housing production, a more nuanced approach to protecting iwi kūpuna is needed, such as that advanced in SB 1263.

    SB31: RELATING TO PROPERTY

    Bill Description: Authorizes a person who discovers a recorded discriminatory restrictive covenant to take certain actions, without liability, to invalidate the covenant. Defines discriminatory restrictive covenant.

    Veto Rationale: By enabling any person, including those without any interest in the specified real property, to record a statement that a real property’s title includes a discriminatory restrictive covenant, this bill provides a statutorily authorized mechanism for the circulation of disinformation. This disinformation has the potential to negatively affect the marketability of a property. Because the person who recorded the statement claiming a discriminatory restrictive covenant exists is waived of any liability, no recourse is available to those who suffer financial loss due to inaccurate claims concerning their property’s title.

    SB38: RELATING TO HOUSING

    Bill Description: Requires the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation to provide counties with an opportunity to comment on certain housing development projects. Prohibits the legislative body of a county from imposing stricter conditions than the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, stricter area median income requirements, or a reduction in fee waivers to housing development proposals that would increase the cost of the project.

    Veto Rationale: County councils have expressed concerns that this bill hampers their ability to work with developers to modify housing projects to reflect the specific needs of their communities. While the administration supports measures intended to facilitate the production of affordable housing, further dialogue with the counties on this measure’s implementation is required.

    SB66: RELATING TO HOUSING

    Bill Description: Establishes procedures and requirements for single-family and multifamily housing project applicants to apply for an expedited permit, including requirements for completeness of expedited permit applications, duties of licensed professionals and the counties during construction, and applications for owner-builder exemptions. Takes effect 7/1/2026. Sunsets 6/30/2031.

    Veto Rationale: By allowing any qualified professional to determine a project’s impact on historical resources, this bill permits a project proponent to evaluate and determine the impact of its own projects on historical resources. This is a conflict of interest that allows for self-serving determinations, undermines the authority and purpose of regulatory agencies’ independent evaluations, and increases risk to iwi kūpuna.

    SB104: RELATING TO CORRECTIONS

    Bill Description: Beginning 7/1/2026, restricts the use of restrictive housing in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with certain specified exceptions. Establishes a restrictive housing legislative working group to develop and recommend more comprehensive laws, policies and procedures regarding restrictive housing for members of vulnerable populations by 1/8/2027. Requires the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission to review restrictive housing placements on an annual basis. Authorizes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, by 12/1/2027, to implement policies and procedures recommended by the restrictive housing working group related to committed persons. Requires interim and final reports to the Legislature and Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission.

    Veto Rationale: The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has policies in place governing the use of restrictive housing. These policies and procedures comply with National Institute of Corrections and American Correctional Association standards. Rather than improve the health and safety of those in the department’s care, the implementation of certain requirements proposed in this bill will jeopardize the safety, security and good governance of the department’s facility, negatively impacting inmates. In lieu of this measure and to address stakeholders’ concerns, the department is working with the Hawaiʻi Correctional Systems Oversight Commission to amend its policies and procedures.

    SB447: RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM

    Bill Description: Establishes a Hiring Pilot Program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 7/1/2028.

    Veto Rationale: The governor strongly supports efforts to streamline the state’s hiring process to address our workforce vacancies, especially those in our state’s public health sector. However, this bill conflicts with state civil service law, undermining the state’s merit-based civil service system. Disparities in hiring, classification and compensation throughout the state are expected to occur should this bill become law.

    SB1102: RELATING TO THE AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIRE FIGHTING UNIT

    Bill Description: Specifies the appointment processes and terms for the Fire Chief of the Hawaiʻi State Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Unit of the Airports Division of the Department of Transportation.

    Veto Rationale: The appointment process proposed in the bill is inconsistent with the selection process for other department leadership positions. Further, due to the need to obtain legislative approval for the appointment of the Fire Chief, following the appointment process contained in this bill may delay the appointment of this critical leadership position, impacting airport operations, safety and readiness.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:  
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi’s decision to open space sector “greatest turning point”, industry could grow to over $40 billion in decade: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open up the space sector to private players as a “turning point” that sparked a “miraculous” transformation. He projected that the sector could grow to USD 40–45 billion in a decade, and added that experiments conducted by astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the Axiom-4 mission will help prepare for future Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharat Space Station, planned for 2035.

    Singh noted that one of the biggest milestones in India’s space programme came when the private sector was allowed to participate. “I think one of the greatest turning points in India’s space journey has been PM Modi’s path-breaking decision to allow the private sector to step in. The change has been miraculous. The transformation in the last 4–5 years — there are thousands of crores of investments happening from the private sector,” he told ANI.

    Singh further said that India’s space sector is set for rapid growth in the coming years. “Our future projections indicate that in about 8–10 years, we might grow 4–5 times, reaching about USD 40–45 billion. Opening up the space sector to the private sector was a very courageous decision, which could have been taken only by a political dispensation with tremendous conviction and willpower,” the Union minister said.

    Referring to India’s growing ambitions in space exploration, Singh said the recent Axiom Mission 4 would provide valuable experience for future Indian missions.

    “I think it will also be a good experience for future missions. This, coupled with Chandrayaan-4 and missions like the Bharat Space Station, which we plan to have by 2035, and for long-duration stays in space or microgravity conditions — what arrangements need to be put in place will also be learned through the experiments conducted by Shubhanshu,” Singh said.

    Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4, stating that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carries the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indian citizens.

    “We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to becoming the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and the other astronauts all the success!” PM Modi posted on X.

    Following the successful lift-off of Axiom Mission 4, Singh also saif on X that India’s rise to the status of a “Viksit Bharat” had begun through its space exploration.

    “Congratulations, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — you are the first Indian astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO’s growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, have placed India at the forefront of space exploration,” Singh wrote.

    He added that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla would carry out seven important experiments designed by Indian institutes. The minister also took the opportunity to remember and honour the visionaries behind India’s space ambitions, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan.

    The Axiom Mission 4 was launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (noon IST). 

    ANI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA publishes final Business Plan for 2023-2026 Corporate Plan 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    MHRA publishes final Business Plan for 2023-2026 Corporate Plan 

    The new Business Plan sets out priorities for 2025–26: Protecting public safety and maintaining public trust; delivering efficient, predictable services through regulatory excellence; being an agile organisation that drives innovation; being a great place to work and providing excellent customer service. 

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published its Business Plan for 2025/26, reaffirming its commitment to keeping patients safe and enabling access to high quality and effective medical products through innovation across the UK. 

    As an Executive Agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, the MHRA plays a key role in delivering the Government’s priorities to help people live healthier, longer lives. This includes supporting the missions to ensure safe and fast regulatory approval, helping build an NHS fit for the future, and driving innovation and growth in the UK’s Life Sciences sector.  

    The MHRA Business Plan for 2025/26 includes commitments towards: 

    • Strengthening patient safety further, by making safety monitoring faster, more efficient, and more data driven 

    • Implementing an agile and risk-proportionate regulatory environment that enables growth  

    • Embedding changes needed to continue maintaining consistent performance and efficient delivery of core services within predictable timeframes.  

     The full MHRA Business Plan 2025/26 can be found on the MHRA website.    

    Notes to Editors 

    • The MHRA’s 2025/26 Business Plan is available here. 

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) regulates all medicines and medical devices in the UK, ensuring they are effective and acceptably safe. All decisions are underpinned by rigorous, evidence-based judgements to ensure the benefits outweigh any risks. 

    • For media enquiries, please contact: newscentre@mhra.gov.uk or call 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark plan to rebuild NHS in working class communities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Landmark plan to rebuild NHS in working class communities

    The 10 Year Health Plan will set out how the government plans to tackle inequalities in people’s health through fundamental reforms to our health system

    • Billions freed up to move critical resources like medicines and equipment to regions that most need them
    • Major changes to how GP funding is distributed to help working class communities and coastal areas
    • Health Secretary to speak in Blackpool on 10 Year Health Plan’s focus on closing health inequalities

    People living in working class communities and areas where medical resources are desperately needed are set to benefit from a huge boost in support, with billions of pounds diverted to deprived areas regions, as the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan takes unprecedented action to tackle the nation’s stark health inequalities.  

    After years of neglect, areas where people need the NHS most often have the fewest GPs, the worst performing services, and the longest waits – a phenomenon dubbed the inverse care law. People in working class areas and coastal towns spend more of their lives in ill health and life expectancy among women with the lowest incomes has fallen in recent years, after decades of progress.

    The 10 Year Health Plan will set out how the government plans to rebuild the NHS and tackle widening inequalities in people’s health through fundamental reforms to our health system, putting an end to a postcode lottery of care.

    In recent months, the NHS has driven trusts and ICBs hard to cut out wasteful spending and tackle projected deficits. By driving out the culture of deficits, around £2.2 billion previously set aside for deficit support will be freed up, so it can be reinvested in critical resources like staff, medicines, new technology and equipment where they are most needed. This will support millions of people in parts of England that have historically been left behind – such as in rural communities, coastal towns, and working-class communities.

    The Health Secretary will announce the change during a speech in the North West.

    Speaking in the North West today, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting is expected to say:

    The truth is, those in greatest need often receive the worst quality healthcare. It flies in the face of the values the NHS was founded on. The circumstances of your birth shouldn’t determine your worth. A core ambition of our ten-year plan will be to restore the promise of the NHS, to provide first class healthcare for everyone in our country and end the postcode lottery.

    Last year we sent crack teams of top clinicians to hospitals in parts of the country with the highest waiting lists and levels of economic inactivity. It has seen waiting lists in those areas falling twice as fast as the rest of the country, helping get sick Brits back to health and back to work.

    Thanks to the reforms we’ve made to bear down on wasteful spending, we can now invest the savings in working class communities that need it most. Where towns have the greatest health needs and the fewest GPs, we will prioritise investment to rebuild your NHS and rebuild the health of your community.

    Over the past 14 years, NHS trusts have relied heavily on deficit support, with the taxpayer forced to cover the shortfall in their budgets, even when finances have been managed badly. Since becoming NHSE Chief Executive, Jim Mackey has driven down billions in planned deficits, cutting out spending on agency staff and back office costs.

    This year, the £2.2 billion in deficit support funding will not go to systems that fail to meet their agreed financial plans. Deficit support funding will be phased out entirely from 2026/27, with no more reward for failure. Instead, the Government will introduce a transparent financial regime for this year that properly holds leaders to account over financial plans. Struggling trusts will be required to set out activity and costs so they can take steps to improve. The tougher financial regime will free up funding that will be reinvested in frontline services in working class communities.

    The government’s 10 Year Health Plan will also address the inequalities in GP services across England. Currently, GP surgeries which serve working class areas receive on average 10% less funding per patient than practices in more affluent areas. Royal College of GP data shows that practices in some of the country’s poorest areas have roughly 300 more patients per GP than the most affluent regions.

    Through the 10 Year Health Plan, the Government will review into the way formula through which GP funding is allocated across the nation – so working-class areas receive their fair share of resources.

    Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England national director for primary care said:

    It is essential that GP practices serving our most deprived communities, where health challenges are often greatest, receive a fair share of resources that reflects their need.

    The NHS is committed to ensuring people can access the help they need as quickly and easily as possible and ensuring funding reflects this will help us to do just that.

    This work will look at how health needs are reflected in the distribution of funding through the GP contract, drawing on evidence and advice from experts such as The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA), and in consultation with the GP committee of the BMA and other stakeholders. 

    The Government has already sent top doctors to support hospital trusts in areas where more people are out of work and waiting for treatment. The crack teams have been sent into NHS hospitals serving communities with high levels of economic inactivity, helping trusts go further and faster to improve care in these areas, where more people are neither employed nor actively seeking work, for reasons including ill health.

    Earlier this year, the government struck a new agreement with the independent sector as part of the Government’s plans to end the hospital waiting list backlog – giving patients in more deprived areas, where NHS provision is more limited, a greater choice over where they are treated.

    This comes after the Health and Social Care Secretary announced a series of new measures to tackle inequalities in maternity care earlier this week. The rapid national investigation will provide truth and accountability for impacted families and drive urgent improvements to care and safety. It will also focus on inequalities in maternal care, which see black women almost three times as likely to die from childbirth as white women. 

    Jacob Lant, Chief Executive of National Voices, said:

    Lord Darzi said in his review last summer that the inverse care law was still very real, with those who need the NHS the most often living in areas that have gotten the least investment.

    The NHS 10 Year Plan needs to turn this completely on its head if the Government is to achieve its election promise on health inequalities and halve the gap in healthy life expectancy between different communities by 2035.

    Shifting the money is only half the battle. We need to see outcomes on health inequalities used as one of the key success measures for NHS leaders as a new culture of accountability is developed post publication of the Plan.

    Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:

    Across the country, councils are working tirelessly to incorporate fairness into housing, employment, and public health initiatives, often in the face of significant challenges.

    Health inequalities are the stark and often unjust differences in health outcomes seen across various communities. These disparities may present themselves as variations in life expectancy, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and access to healthcare services.

    Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts and targeted support. Health inequalities are estimated to cost the NHS an extra £4.8 billion a year, society around £31 billion in lost productivity, and between £20 and £32 billion a year in lost tax revenue and benefit payments. Health is therefore a major determinant of economic performance and prosperity.

    Councils are pivotal in addressing health inequalities. By collaborating closely with local communities, businesses, and organisations, local authorities and the NHS can develop targeted interventions to improve health outcomes.

    Notes to editors

    The Royal College of GP data on patient numbers can be found here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ law change restores balance – fairer rules for partial strikes

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has passed a change to the Employment Relations Act that reinstates the ability for employers to make pay deductions during partial strikes – making the system fairer for all, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. 

    “These changes will help both employers and unions to return to the bargaining table and restores the law to what it was before the previous government removed this option in 2018.  

    “I
    acknowledge the right of workers to strike in
    support of their collective bargaining claims, the right to strike remains,” says Ms van Velden.  

    “The changes were needed to ensure a fairer bargaining process and minimise the disruption partial strikes have caused to public and
    customer services. 

    “The key benefit for all workers and the public is less disruption
    to our communities – partial strikes had serious impacts on Kiwi families,
    students, patients, and other workers across our workplaces,” says Ms van
    Velden.  

    Some
    of the impacts included MRI and nuclear
    medicine technologists limiting scans, around 50 per cent fewer procedures were
    done. That meant delays in early cancer treatment, growing waitlists, increased
    outsourcing costs and pressure on front-line staff to pick up the work of others participating in the partial strikes. 

    In
    2023, teachers took partial strike action, refusing to teach certain year
    levels on specific days. This disrupted student learning and made it hard for
    some parents to work.  

    “Rebalancing collective bargaining settings will support the
    Government’s priority to deliver better public services, by reducing disruption and maintaining a high quality of
    service,” says Ms van Velden.  

    This
    new law allows for pay to
    be deducted during partial strikes, but it’s up to each affected employer to decide how they respond to partial
    strikes when they occur. 

    Note to Editors: 

    What
    is partial strike and what did it mean prior to this change     

    A
    partial strike is industrial action that would normally involve turning up to
    work but refusing to partake in parts of the job. Until now, if an employee was on a partial strike, their employer could not deduct their pay unless they suspended the employee or issued a lockout notice.  

    Other
    noted impacts on the communities:     

    • Since mid-September 2024, NZDF PSA union members have been ‘working-to-rule’, and from November, they have been taking coordinated breaks and stopped working at heights or off-site. In response, the Minister of Defence has authorised uniformed personnel to cover civilian work in some selected areas.
    • In September 2024, train operators in Wellington began work-to-rule industrial action including refusing shift changes, leading to disruption for travellers. 

    What
    these changes mean     

    • Employers can respond to a partial strike by either: 
    • reducing an employee’s pay by a proportionate amount, calculated in accordance with a specified method
      that is based on identifying the work that the
      employee will not be performing due to the strike, or 
    • deducting 10 percent of their wages. 

     

    • Employers will have to provide written notification to employees that they will be reducing their pay before the deduction is made (the amount of deduction is not required in the notice).
    • If the union believes the employer has incorrectly applied a pay deduction, the union must advise the employer of that as soon as practicable, after receiving the employer’s information on how they calculated the specified pay deduction if relevant. The union can apply to the Employment Relations Authority, who can determine whether the employer has correctly applied the deduction. 
    • Employers do not have to deduct pay in response to partial strikes – this simply provides an additional tool for how they can respond to a partial strike, if it works for them. 

     

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Hungary: More than 120,000 people from 73 countries speak up for Budapest Pride

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Authorities must allow people to participate safely in Saturday’s Budapest Pride, free from intimidation, harassment or violence, said Amnesty International Hungary as it handed in a global petition to the Budapest Police Headquarters.

    The #LetPrideMarch petition, signed by more than 120,000 people from 73 countries, reminds the city’s chief of police that he has a duty to respect, protect and facilitate people’s right to peacefully protest and not to enforce discriminatory laws that infringe on people’s human rights. In April, discriminatory legislation came into force passed that has since been used to ban Pride marches and other protests supporting equal rights of LGBTI people in Hungary.

    “Budapest police must ensure that the 30th Budapest Pride march proceeds unhindered and peacefully”

    “This is a defining moment. You must choose to protect human rights and dignity over enforcing a law that silences those demanding equality,” reads the petition.

    “We call on you to reject this unjust law, uphold Hungary’s human rights commitments, and ensure that the 30th Budapest Pride march proceeds unhindered and peacefully, free from discrimination, harassment, fear or violence.”

    Under the terms of the new law it is ‘forbidden to hold an assembly in violation’ of 2021 legislation banning the ‘depiction and promotion’ of homosexuality and diverse gender identities to people under 18. Under the law, the authorities have the power to use facial recognition technology to identify participants and to fine those who participate in any prohibited assembly. According to the Criminal Code, organizers of an assembly which is banned may risk criminal charges and up to one year imprisonment. 

    On 17 June, Budapest’s mayor announced that Budapest Pride, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, will go ahead as a municipal event. In response, the Hungarian police issued a ban against the Pride, arguing that such event is an attempt to circumvent the new discriminatory public assembly law. The mayor has said that Pride will go ahead despite the ban.

    We will continue to fight alongside and on behalf of all those who want to live in a more rights respecting, free and equal Hungary

    More than 70 Amnesty International delegates from 17 European Amnesty sections, including the organization’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, will join the Pride march on Saturday.

    “For years, the government has been trying to stigmatize and use illegal laws to make the lives of sexual and gender minorities, as well as organizations and people who stand up for human rights, impossible. The unlawful restriction of our right to peaceful assembly is the latest chapter in this process,” said Dávid Vig, Amnesty International Hungary’s Director.

    “We will continue to fight alongside and on behalf of all those who want to live in a more rights respecting, free and equal Hungary, and of course we will be there at this year’s Budapest Pride.”

    See here for photographs of the hand-in

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Why Pride in Budapest must go ahead: An Interview with Eszter Mihály

    Source: Amnesty International –

    A new law banning assemblies that support LGBTI rights came into effect in Hungary earlier this year, in a direct attack on LGBTI people, their allies, and the right to protest. As a result, the Budapest Pride march due to take place on 28 June is under threat.

    Eszter Mihály, LGBTQI+ Rights Officer at Amnesty International Hungary, has been leading the organization’s campaign “Let Pride March” and is calling for national police to ensure the event in Budapest goes ahead without repression, surveillance, or intimidation. 

    In this interview, she shares more about her work as an activist and lawyer, the reality of being LGBTI in Hungary and why Pride must go ahead.

    What made you join the fight for LGBTI+ rights?  

    After graduating from law school, I was determined to become a human rights lawyer, believing that a just society is measured by its treatment of the most vulnerable. Initially, I focused on human rights violations in the prison system, but when the government started to target LGBTI individuals and those advocating for their rights, I shifted my focus.

    I had the opportunity to work on cases against the ban on legal gender recognition for transgender people but soon realised that addressing individual cases wasn’t enough. I wanted to utilize broader tools to encourage social change and affirm dignity and equality. This is why I joined Amnesty International Hungary’s team as an LGBTI rights officer. 

    What’s been the reality for LGBTI+ rights and communities in Hungary over the past few years?

    Since 2010, there has been a growing stigmatization of LGBTI individuals in the narratives promoted and legislation adopted by the ruling parties in Hungary. This trend has seemingly reached its peak with recent legal amendments that permit the banning of Pride marches and protests supporting LGBTI rights.

    The amendments also allow authorities to impose sanctions on organisers and participants and to use facial recognition technology to identify them. Attendees of a banned Pride march could face fines of up to 200,000 HUF (500 euros). 

    What do you make of the government’s escalating crackdown on LGBTI+ rights?  

    The escalating crackdown on LGBTI rights in Hungary can be understood as a deliberate political strategy. Orbán’s government frames LGBTI rights as a foreign trend that threatens national identity and sovereignty, and the visibility of LGBTI identities as harmful for children’s moral development. This pattern of regression is not happening in isolation but follows a broader global “anti-gender” trend where marginalized groups are targeted to divert attention from systemic issues such as corruption or the failings of public services. 

    State-driven rhetoric that portrays LGBTI rights and visibility as threats to children or traditional values can heighten social hostility. This kind of framing leads to increased stigma and scapegoating within communities, schools, and workplaces. 

    The crackdowns on LGBTI rights are part of a wider effort to suppress independent voices, including human rights organizations, often labelling them as foreign agents. A new Bill on the “Transparency of Public Life” was recently submitted, which could allow the government to blacklist various organizations that receive foreign funding and are deemed to threaten Hungary’s sovereignty.

    How is the LGBTI+ community and its allies responding to the crackdown on their rights and potential ban of Budapest’s Pride on 28 June?  

    There is more interest in participating in Budapest Pride than ever before.

    The Rainbow Mission Foundation, the organiser, has publicly confirmed its commitment to hold the event this year. In support of LGBTI rights, Amnesty Hungary, Háttér Society, the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, and the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union have organised protests and are taking legal action to challenge both the police’s decision to ban a protest supporting LGBTI rights and the underlying law. Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has also announced that the march will proceed as an official municipal event. 

    Moreover, Amnesty International has launched a “Let Pride March” campaign to rally global support and encourage the Hungarian police to ensure safe participation on June 28 collecting more than 100,000 signatures from more than 70 countries. 

    What is special about the annual Pride march in Budapest?

    Budapest Pride has undergone remarkable transformation since its first march in 1997, evolving from a modest, heavily policed gathering into a powerful symbol of love and resistance.

    My first experience in 2015, followed by several years of volunteering to support the organisers, has shown me the profound creativity, courage, and solidarity that define the event today, despite increasing government repression. Around the time I started to attend, the police still maintained barricades “for protection,” but year-by-year, we managed to break these barriers and started marching freely. 

     The joy, unexpected hugs, and the sight of queer couples kissing freely in public, perhaps for the first time without fear, are my favourite moments that inspire hope and resilience. 

    The joy, the unexpected hugs, and the sight of queer couples kissing freely in public is what makes the Pride March in Budapest special.

    What does this year’s Pride represent?  

    This year’s Pride march is not just about LGBTI rights; it is a test of whether the human right to peaceful assembly can survive in Hungary, and if Hungary can ban and criminalise Pride with minimal pushback, other European countries might follow suit.  

    I believe Budapest’s determination will prevail, showing that LGBTI people are integral to Hungarian society, not “foreign ideologies”. 

    What support have you received internationally?

    We have witnessed significant international solidarity. A cross-party group of Members of the European Parliament, Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality, and Graeme Reid, the UN Independent Expert on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, have announced their intention to march in Budapest in defiance of the ban.

    I strongly believe that resilience and solidarity can drive meaningful change, especially in the face of adversity. The growing visibility of LGBTI people can serve as a powerful counteraction to the government’s campaign of hate and discrimination. Looking ahead to next year, Hungary will hold parliamentary elections that present a crucial opportunity for us to reclaim our human rights.  

    I envision a future in which LGBTI individuals are not perceived as outsiders or threats to society, but are instead embraced as integral members of all communities. It is my hope that through our collective efforts, we will foster a safe society that truly reflects the values of love and diversity.

    Where do you draw hope from when it gets difficult to fight?  

    I find a deep sense of hope in the knowledge that I am not alone in this. I’ve encountered countless incredible individuals, each dedicated to our shared mission with remarkable bravery.  

    How can Amnesty’s supporters – and others – help the LGBTI+ community in Hungary? 

    People outside Hungary play a crucial role. Solidarity is not an empty slogan: it is a successful strategy. In a country where resistance is met with censorship and smear campaigns, international visibility and financial support can be lifesaving, since many NGOs in Hungary operate on nearly non-existent budgets, especially with their funding under threat.  

    Call out your own government to pressure Hungary through diplomacy when human rights are violated. If you’re in the EU, push for stronger enforcement of the rule of law mechanisms (like Article 7) and new infringement procedures to challenge laws violating human rights. 

    Don’t allow Hungary’s anti-LGBTI laws to become “old news”. Keep the conversation going and amplify our voices.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: GLOBAL: Countries must act fast to save the Sustainable Development Goals

    Source: Amnesty International –

    With countries in danger of failing to meet their Sustainable Development Goals targets – and their human rights obligations – leaders attending the Financing for Development Conference must act fast to avert climate catastrophe and guarantee the human rights of billions of people currently being denied socio-economic justice, said Amnesty International.

    The 4th International Conference for Financing for Development will take place from 30 June to 3 July in Seville, Spain. It provides a unique opportunity to reform development financing at all levels and address financing challenges preventing the urgently needed investment push to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The SDGs were put in place 10 years ago to guarantee peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future.

    “Years of underinvestment by all states mean the majority of the Sustainable Development Goals are way off track from their 2030 target. This conference must confront the immediate crisis linked to the cutting of international assistance by major donors whilst committing to structural reforms that could provide sustainable sources of financing for the longer term – from advancing international tax cooperation and addressing the debt crisis, to reforming international financial institutions and promoting more inclusive systems of financing and development,” said Riva Jalipa, Amnesty International’s Financing for Rights Lead Adviser.

    A series of robust measures must be put in place if the Sustainable Development Goals are to become a reality.

    Riva Jalipa, Amnesty International’s Financing for Rights Lead Adviser

    “A series of robust measures must be put in place if the SDGs are to become a reality. The US and other governments must reverse cuts to aid budgets. Wealthy states must support the UN tax treaty process whilst providing debt relief for countries in or at risk of debt distress including cancellation where appropriate. Fossil fuels subsidies must be redirected towards investment in clean energy and leaders must commit to a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase out across all sectors and invest adequately in a just and equitable transition. Adopting these measures will go a long way to rescuing the SDGs and ensure social, economic and climate justice for millions across the world.”

    Amnesty International will also be co-hosting a Virtual Side Event at the Financing for Development Conference, Seville: Reparative Justice in Financing for Development. The session will focus on development financing and reparative justice as a means through which a human rights-based economy which redresses both existing and historical injustices can not only be conceptualized but also practically actioned. Register to attend via Zoom. 

    Background

    The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were put in place 10 years ago to guarantee peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and in the future. The 17 goals aimed to address global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice – to ensure no one was left behind. However,years of underinvestment by all states mean over 80% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ targets are off track due to underinvestment by all states.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Verizon Business wins multisite private 5G contract fueling a multibillion dollar regeneration project

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon Business wins multisite private 5G contract fueling a multibillion dollar regeneration project

    What you need to know:

    • Verizon Business, in collaboration with Nokia, will deliver multiple Verizon Private 5G Networks to industrial campuses across the Thames Freeport, one of the UK’s busiest maritime logistics and manufacturing regions.
    • The Thames Freeport is a designated UK “Free Trade Zone,” established to boost economic growth, create high-value jobs and attract global investment as part of a long-term effort to revive the UK’s River Thames Estuary region.
    • Thames Freeport will use Verizon Private 5G to enhance port operations with AI-driven data analytics, autonomous vehicle control, real-time logistics orchestration, innovation research & development, and more.

    LONDON, U.K. — Verizon Business, Thames Freeport and Nokia today announced a strategic partnership to deploy Verizon Private 5G Networks across multiple key logistics, manufacturing, and innovation sites along the River Thames Estuary in the United Kingdom. The Verizon Private 5G Networks will serve as the technology foundation for a multiyear, multibillion dollar operational transformation and economic revival for the region, one of the busiest maritime logistics hubs in the United Kingdom.

    The Private 5G Networks buildout provides a scalable, long-term connectivity foundation for advanced data, AI, edge compute, and IoT infrastructure deployments aimed at transforming port and manufacturing operations.

    The technological enhancements will play a direct role in boosting the local economy, underpinning job training and reskilling efforts as part of employment initiatives and supporting innovation and research & development collaborations among Freeport tenants and outside corporate, government, and research entities. Thames Freeport has already created 1,400 jobs and plans to reach 5,000 by 2030, with a focus on high-skilled training for local communities.

    Private 5G Deployments at Thames Freeport

    The Verizon Private 5G Networks will enable advanced data and application capabilities for  AI-driven data analytics, predictive maintenance, process automation, autonomous vehicle control, safety monitoring, and real-time logistics orchestration. Nokia is the sole hardware and software provider for the networks, which will incorporate the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) platform and Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE). The Verizon Private 5G Networks will be deployed to the following:

    • DP World London Gateway and DP World Logistics Park, the UK’s largest and most integrated deep-sea container port and logistics facility, with port capacity to handle over 3 million units per year. The hub includes a rail terminal with 20 daily services and a 9.25 million square foot high-tech logistics center.
    • Port of Tilbury, the largest of the mixed-use Thames Freeport ports. Tilbury handles 16 million tonnes of cargo per year across 31 independent working terminals. Operated by Forth Ports, the sites comprise a crucial logistics hub for the construction, automotive and food & drink sectors.
    • Ford Dagenham, the largest manufacturing site in London, this unique location gives access to regional manufacturing clusters, proximity to suppliers, and brings key production closer to the end market.

    Executive Statements

    “Our partnership with Thames Freeport and Nokia shows the full promise of private 5G at scale. Thames Freeport is developing one of the most technologically advanced commercial corridors in Europe to enable forward innovation and economic revitalization for an entire community,” said Jennifer Artley, SVP, 5G Acceleration at Verizon Business. “We’re not just driving operational improvements to help a partner stay ahead of the curve; we’re laying the groundwork for new revenue streams, community development, and further commercial and technological investment.”

    “A flexible, high-performance connectivity platform is critical to our long-term vision,” said Martin Whiteley, CEO, Thames Freeport. “Our investment in private 5G is not an incremental network upgrade—it’s the backbone of a technological transformation fueling our long-term multi-stakeholder mission, which includes operational excellence for tenants; ROI for shareholders like Ford, DP World and Forth Ports; innovation leadership for public and private benefit; circular economy models supporting efficient energy models; empowering community development by enabling high-value job creation and training; and transforming public services with near-real time diagnostics at health-service sites. By partnering with Verizon Business and Nokia, we’re delivering the technology needed to propel our region to the front of the leading edge.”

    “Private wireless and industrial edge are the foundations for the digital transformation of industrial sites, and the Thames Freeport deployment is a landmark example of this evolution at scale. This is one of the largest commercial private 5G rollouts in a European port incorporating the Nokia DAC platform. This network will allow Thames Freeport to overlay advanced use cases such as AI-driven data analytics, predictive maintenance, process automation, autonomous vehicle control, safety monitoring, and real-time logistics orchestration,” said David de Lancellotti, VP of Enterprise Campus Edge Sales at Nokia. “Together with Verizon Business, we’re proud to be enabling the infrastructure that will help Thames Freeport drive new efficiencies, sustainable growth, and long-term economic opportunity for the region.”

    Fueling Growth

    The Thames Freeport has a mission of economic regeneration and operational excellence, centered on stimulating trade, fostering innovation, supporting energy transition, creating jobs and improving the lives of the people around it. Private 5G Networks from Verizon Business can help enable a range of strategic priorities at Thames Freeport sites in service of that mission.

    Select priorities include enabling advanced technology layers such as AI, edge computing, and IoT across active industrial sites where Freeport stakeholders can collaborate on new applications. For example, industrial sites can leverage IoT for autonomous yard tractors and quay cranes and for near real-time tracking, smart routing, and condition monitoring for cargo. That can allow tenants to intake cargo, assess quantity and condition, and ship it out faster and more efficiently, losing less to damage or misplacement. Additionally, AI with edge computing can help manage environmental impact through edge-connected smart sensors and AI-driven analytics that monitor and optimize port operations and asset performance, including near-real time monitoring of emissions, air and water quality, and noise levels.

    Managing the use of the Verizon Private 5G Network infrastructure will be the responsibility of Thames Freeport and its tenant shareholder organizations. This ensures fit-for-purpose connectivity that adapts to site-specific requirements while safeguarding data and operational autonomy.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • Nations act only in pursuit of their own interests not based on idealism, morality or international solidarity: VP recalls Savarkar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Strengthening Bharat is the governing philosophy and resolve of the government today-VP
    Amid perpetual decline of global multilateralism, VP advocates that India give up romanticism and focus on economic growth
    Those who take a stand for momentary situations are not in the psych or groove of Bharat-VP
    Even the Fabian socialists of the 50’s cannot disagree with the direction of the country as we strive to attain-VP
    When we assess the progress of Bharat, our outlook must be very broad, not dictated by isolated incidents-VP

    The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today recalling V. D. Savarkar stated that, “ Browsing through the pages of ‘New World: 21st Century Global Order in India’. I felt the imprint of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the author’s thought……..Savarkar, despite all the untenable misgivings and untenable misgivings in extremity, remains a celebrated thinker who stood at the wee hours of the post-war order. Savarkar, a staunch realist, believed in a post-war world where nations would act only in pursuit of their own interests not based on idealism, morality or international solidarity. Imagine how prophetic he has been. Look around last fortnight, last three months. All this has been seen by all of us.  He rejected  pacifist or utopian internationalism and emphasized that India must safeguard its sovereignty through strength, not by relying on Western-dominated institutions like the League of Nations or later the United Nations, both ignoring due place to one-sixth of humanity”.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937150170770395176

    Speaking at the launch of the book ‘New World: 21st Century Global Order in India’ by Shri Ram Madhav, Shri Dhankhar highlighted, “Friends, today, strengthening Bharat is the governing philosophy and resolve of this government. It is steadfast, firm, non-negotiable, and notwithstanding the critics — it is spinally strong. The nation has never ever projected its stand so firmly. Let us not be misguided by the distraction — who said what. The government, and India and its people, stand firmly for the nation — nation first and our nationalism….Those who take a stand for momentary situations are not in the psych or groove of Bharat. Once we attain strength inwards, we can shape our strategic environment outwards”.

    “I could not agree more with lamentations of the author Dr. Ram Madhav. He highlights a perpetual decline of global multilateralism and prescribes India to give up romanticism and focus on economic growth”, he added.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937153830573265148

    Underlining the roots of strategic thinking in the nation, he stated, “George Tanham, an American thinker, three decades ago, in a treatise effectively suggested that there is absence of a strategic thinking in India on account of its Hindu philosophical roots and there were takers of it. But with Shri Ram Madhav’s  volume, George Tanhan stands corrected. He couldn’t be more wrong. His analysis is far distanced from the ground reality over the centuries in this country…..The principle ‘Rajadharma’ (or ethical statecraft) and ‘Dharmayudha’ (just war) in Mahabharata; Dhamma diplomacy in Ashokan edicts; and the Mandala Theory of Kautilya are all examples of theorizing strategic environments — all feast to the intellect.These philosophies have ever been relevant, but in our contemporaneous challenging times, these are the need of the global order.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937153363382297062

    He further underlined, “These are times when we are easily misunderstood. The travesty of it is that when you say these things, hypocritically psychopancy overtakes the traction to denude you of your position by exactly pointing a finger which normally should be pointed towards them. Friends, even the Fabian socialists of the  50s cannot disagree with the direction of the country as we strive to attain. And what do we strive to attain? We are not creating Bharat, it was not born on 15th August 1947. We only got rid of colonial power ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः’ that is our philosophy. May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from illness.”

    Emphasizing the peace loving nature of Bharat, he stated, “Friends, this country has always stood for global peace and harmony,  never having engaged at any time in its history in expansionism. The contemporaneous global scenario today is alarmingly concerning and also equally worrisome, particularly for peace-loving nations like Bharat….As Bharat achieves universal well-being for all citizens, we become role models for others. We lead by example, not by proclamation. We already lead in areas like digital public infrastructure where global South nations can follow our path. It was the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi that during G20 the concerns of Global South could be put on the radar. It happened for the first time. It was for the first time during G20 that African Union was put at par with European Union in the membership of G20. I would call it a game-changing development. And therefore, when we assess the progress of Bharat, our outlook must be very broad, not dictated by isolated incidents.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937159904042823989

    Urging careful approach, he said, “ Friends, the pathway to Bharat’s rise would require careful trading. There are forces that are determined to make our life difficult. There are forces within the country and outside. These sinister forces, pernicious to our interests, want to strike by dividing us on issues even like language. Which country in the world can take pride of the language richness as Bharat. Look at our classical languages, their number. In parliament, 22 such languages allow and afford opportunity anyone to express in them. It would require many such thinkers to come together and debate and discuss challenges and opportunities and aid policymakers in making right strategic choices. Evolution of policies must take place now with a little more representative character. India’s Think tanks, they are available in various formats, different political parties. It is required that there be convergence…..the political temperature has to come down. There has to be greater dialogue amongst political parties. I firmly believe we have no enemies in the country. We have enemies outside. And some who are enemies within a small fraction, they are rooted to outside forces, inimical to Bharat.”

  • South Korea: Rival parties clash during confirmation hearing for PM nominee

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    South Korean rival political parties clashed on Wednesday as they disagreed over the eligibility of Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok during the second and final day of his confirmation hearings. 

     

    The main opposition People Power Party demanded the nominee submit evidence to clarify allegations surrounding his wealth and family, while the ruling Democratic Party protested the PPP’s baseless attacks were disrupting a thorough vetting of his abilities.

     

    “The hearing cannot proceed like this,” PPP Rep. Bae June-young, ranking member of the confirmation hearing committee, said, demanding that the nominee submit records of the tax and other payments he claimed to have made the previous day.

     

    Bae also demanded immigration records and a report card proving that Kim did earn a master’s degree at China’s Tsinghua University.

     

    “I will provide what I can and what is necessary,” the nominee answered.

     

    DP Rep. Chai Hyun-il shot back, however, by citing the cases of former prime ministers under PPP-affiliated administrations, such as Han Duck-soo, Hwang Kyo-ahn and Chung Hong-won, saying various documents went unsubmitted during their confirmation hearings.

     

    “Was it an invasion of privacy then but vetting now?” he protested.

     

    The prime minister is the only Cabinet position that requires parliamentary consent for appointment. Other minister nominees undergo the confirmation process, but consent is not necessary for their appointment by the president.

     

    The PPP is unlikely to agree to adopting a report, which is a step in the confirmation process, as it has consistently questioned Kim’s eligibility and demanded his withdrawal.

     

    During the first day of hearings Tuesday, the PPP grilled the nominee over the source of his income amid large differences between his reported wealth and spending, as well as allegations surrounding his son’s college admissions and his own studies at Tsinghua University, Yonhap news agency reported.

     

    The DP defended the nominee while highlighting his professional aptitude to serve in the number 2 government role.

     

    The motion for a prime minister’s confirmation passes by majority approval, with a majority of lawmakers present.

     

    The DP can single-handedly pass Kim’s motion as it currently holds a parliamentary majority with 167 out of 298 seats.

    Kim, a four-term lawmaker of the DP and a former top campaign aide to President Lee Jae Myung, shared his thoughts on some of Lee’s campaign pledges, such as a 4.5-day workweek.

    “The overall direction was proposed, and the execution plans have to be discussed additionally,” he said. “Reducing the number of working days can be considered in line with global trends and human nature.”

    On the pledge to raise the retirement age, Kim said it is a matter requiring comprehensive discussions and social acceptance.

    “If I become prime minister, I think it could be worth commissioning a full-scale study by a state-run think tank,” he said.

    The PPP has called for extending the hearings by a day to better vet the nominee, while the DP has maintained they should be completed on Wednesday before finalising the confirmation next week.

    –IANS

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Letter to accounting officers in colleges: 25 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Letter to accounting officers in colleges: 25 June 2025

    Letter from Andrew Thomas, Director of Funding and Financial Oversight at the Department for Education, to accounting officers in colleges.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Letter to accounting officers: 25 June 2025

    PDF, 1.31 MB, 2 pages

    Details

    The letter includes information about the updated college financial handbook, published on 25 June 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Letter to accounting officers in academy trusts: 25 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Letter to accounting officers in academy trusts: 25 June 2025

    Letter from Andrew Thomas, Director of Funding and Financial Oversight at the Department for Education, to accounting officers in academies.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Letter to accounting officers: 25 June 2025

    PDF, 1.32 MB, 2 pages

    Details

    The letter includes information about the academy trust handbook for 2025.

    It may also be of interest to:

    • boards of trustees
    • chief financial officers and executives

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Premier of the State Council of China: China is confident and capable of maintaining dynamic economic growth /detailed version – 1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TIANJIN, June 25 (Xinhua) — China is confident in its strength and ability to maintain dynamic economic growth, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday while addressing the opening ceremony of the 16th annual meeting of emerging global leaders of the World Economic Forum (WEF), also known as “Summer Davos”, in the north Chinese city of Tianjin.

    “For many years, regardless of changes in the international situation, the Chinese economy has maintained good momentum,” Li Qiang said.

    He noted that in the first quarter of 2025, China’s GDP grew by 5.4 percent, although external shocks became more numerous. “Key economic indicators continued to improve in the second quarter, and, as far as I know, international organizations have recently increased their forecasts for China’s economic growth,” the head of the Chinese government noted.

    According to him, China’s economic development is not short-term spurts, but a steady movement toward long-term goals. Li Qiang noted that China is moving toward becoming a high-income country, driven by strong demand for consumer upgrading in the country, which is the world’s second-largest consumer and import market.

    China aims to become a giant consumer powerhouse built on a solid foundation of manufacturing, the premier added, expressing confidence that China’s continuous breakthroughs and achievements in innovation will inject new impetus into global development, helping to overcome the global problem of economic slowdown.

    During the Summer Davos, WEF President Borge Brende shared his views on China’s economic prospects.

    “I am relatively optimistic about the Chinese economy in both the medium and long term. Although China has already diversified its economy, the country is still transforming from manufacturing goods to providing more services and digital trade. We are also seeing a lot of new technologies being applied. China is doing very well in artificial intelligence and robotics,” he said.

    Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair also drew attention to China’s impressive transformation in recent decades and called on other countries to try to understand and engage with China rather than isolate it. Deepening engagement is important, he said, with a particular focus on people-to-people exchanges in addition to government-to-government and business cooperation.

    This year’s Summer Davos was titled “Entrepreneurship in a New Era.” The event will run from June 24 to 26, bringing together more than 1,700 prominent politicians, businessmen, academics, and media representatives from more than 90 countries and regions around the world. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Former Hunan CPPCC Vice Chairman Sentenced to Death with Reprieve for Bribery

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    GUANGZHOU, June 25 (Xinhua) — Dai Daojin, former deputy secretary of the Party leadership group and vice chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) committee in central China’s Hunan Province, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Tuesday for accepting bribes.

    Dai Daojin was found to have accepted more than 107 million yuan (about $15 million) in bribes over a period of more than two decades, beginning in 2000.

    According to a statement from the Zhuhai Intermediate People’s Court in Guangdong Province, Dai Daojin, while holding various positions in Hunan Province, assisted third parties in matters such as running businesses, concluding project contracts and promoting their careers.

    Dai Daojin was deprived of his political rights for life. All his personal property and illegal income were confiscated and retained by the state, the court said in its verdict. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s UN envoy calls for return to political settlement of Iranian nuclear issue

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    UNITED NATIONS, June 25 (Xinhua) — China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong called on the Security Council on Tuesday for a return to the path of a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

    China believes there is still hope for a peaceful resolution to the issue as diplomatic means have not been exhausted, he said.

    According to the Permanent Representative, all parties need to learn lessons from the crisis, resume dialogue on an equal basis and facilitate a return to the path of political settlement.

    First of all, the fighting should stop, he said, adding that China had taken into account the current events in the region and hoped for a real ceasefire.

    “The parties concerned must take practical measures to prevent the situation from escalating again. At the same time, the international community must make efforts to defuse the situation and promote dialogue and negotiations,” the diplomat said.

    To maintain a balance between nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful uses of the atom, he called on Iran to continue to fulfill its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and on all other parties to fully respect Iran’s right as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

    Noting that China supports all efforts to resume talks, Fu Cong said the Security Council should play a constructive role in helping the parties build trust, overcome differences and create conditions conducive to the resumption of talks.

    He stressed that the countries concerned should refrain from threatening to return to sanctions against Iran on every occasion, as this would only exacerbate tensions and confrontation and put diplomatic efforts at further risk.

    “A proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue has a direct bearing on the credibility and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime and is of crucial importance to peace and stability in the Middle East,” Fu Cong stressed.

    “The situation in the region is currently at an important critical stage. China calls on all parties to act urgently and responsibly to de-escalate the situation and resume negotiations as soon as possible,” the diplomat added.

    As a permanent member of the Security Council and a party to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program (JCPOA), China will continue to adhere to an objective and impartial position, strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, enhance cooperation and advocate justice, so as to play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East and advancing a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, the Permanent Representative concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Capacity Building Mileage Programme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chow Man-kong and a reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (June 25):

    Question:

    There are views that the Government should optimise the Capacity Building Mileage Programme (CBMP) to enhance women’s personal development skills and competitiveness. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the numbers of persons enrolling in CBMP courses and the amounts of bursary approved in each of the past three years, together with a breakdown by the five learning domains (i.e. Personal Development, Health and Care, Applied Science and Technology, Wisdom of Life, and Arts and Culture);

    (2) as it was stated at the meeting of the Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports of this Council on May 28 last year that the Women’s Commission would explore and study how to keep CBMP abreast of the times and benefit more women, of the concrete progress and proposed direction of the relevant work at present; and

    (3) whether it will consider exploring with the organisers of CBMP courses to refine the curriculum by incorporating more knowledge in areas such as e-commerce, community services, and public relations, and consolidating related courses for inclusion into the Qualifications Register, as well as providing more flexible funding arrangements, with a view to elevating women’s workplace skills and overall competitiveness; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    The Capacity Building Mileage Programme (CBMP) was launched by the Women’s Commission (WoC) in 2004 with the aim of encouraging women of different backgrounds and education levels to pursue self-development and lifelong learning by offering courses under different domains.

    My consolidated reply, in consultation with the Education Bureau, to the question raised by Professor the Hon Chow Man-kong is as follows:

    (1) In the past three programme years (i.e. 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24), the number of participants of the CBMP were approximately 4 000, 5 000, and 6 000 respectively. The amounts of bursary approved in each of the three programme years were approximately $120,000, $140,000 and $260,000 respectively. Detailed figures are at Annex.

    Regarding the five learning domains, since participants could enrol in more than one course within the same programme year, we are unable to provide the number of participants and the approved bursary amounts for each learning domain. In this regard, the breakdown of enrolment by the five learning domains of CBMP (i.e., Personal Development, Health and Care, Applied Science and Technology, Wisdom of Life and Arts and Culture) over the past 3 programme years are at Annex.

    (2) & (3) The Government attaches great importance to women’s contribution to the community and the work of supporting women. Through various initiatives, we aim to empower women and help them to excel in different arenas, including the workplace.

    At its inception, the CBMP was designed, in respond to the societal learning and employment landscape at that time, to enable women to enhance their personal capabilities by enroling in various types of courses during their spare time. The CBMP has been implemented for over 20 years and several developments have emerged across society, economy, workplace, education, technology, etc, such as artificial intelligence and mobile payments. As such, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the WoC launched the Women Empowerment Fund (WEF) in June 2023. With an annual funding of $20 million, WEF subsidises women’s groups and non-governmental organisations for implementing projects that promote women’s development. To date, the WEF approved over 280 projects, involving over $43 million in funding and engaging more than 170 organisations. Apart from courses, projects funded under WEF also include workshops, placement opportunities and community serving projects. This allows the funded organisations to flexibly utilise the funding and implement suitable activities based on social needs for women from different backgrounds and social strata. Since its establishment, the WEF has also supported projects related to workplace skills, e-commerce and communication skills. These include, for example, training programmes on job seeking skills for women looking for employment, courses on digital marketing and personal image enhancement. The WEF also runs the Programme on Women’s Participation in Community Services, which encourages women to plan and implement community service projects based on actual societal needs, such as preparing soft meals for the elderly, visiting residential care homes for persons with disabilities, and organising day camps for children with special educational needs, thereby promoting community care and inclusion.

    On the other hand, to promote women’s workplace development, we also launched the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme this year. Under the programme, local female university students who aspire to pursue a career in the professional or business sectors will be matched with women leader mentors, and provided with relevant training and activities to help young women enhance their workplace skills and prepare them for entering the workforce, thereby improving women’s overall competitiveness in the long term.

    To better utilise government resources in promoting women’s development and training, the HYAB and the WoC are reviewing the future direction of the CBMP and related arrangements. This is to ensure the effective use of the Government’s financial resources and keep up with the times in promoting women’s development in all aspects. During the review, our principle is to maintain the usage of the existing resources while enhancing the synergy between various projects and societal sectors. We will announce the review results in due course.

    Qualifications Framework (QF) is a clear and well-defined seven-level hierarchy that serves to define clear and objective standards applicable to qualifications in the academic, vocational and professional as well as continuing education sectors; assure the quality of qualifications and the associated learning programmes available to learners; and assure relevancy of learning to industry needs. The Qualifications Register (QR) under the QF is a free-of-charge, open, centralised online database of quality assured qualifications recognised under the QF to facilitate the public search of the relevant qualifications. The Government welcomes course providers to register their accredited courses or qualifications on the QR in accordance with the Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications Ordinance (Cap. 592) and related quality assurance mechanism. Currently, there are 17 courses under the CBMP listed at Level 2 of the QF.

    The HYAB will continue to review various measures aimed at women’s development and, through collaboration with different stakeholders, flexibly utilise resources to continue promoting women’s development in all aspects.

    Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Geographical constituency boundaries for 2025 Legislative Council General Election

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Geographical constituency boundaries for 2025 Legislative Council General Election

    The Chief Executive in Council has accepted all the recommendations of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) regarding the boundaries and the names of geographical constituencies (GCs) for the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) general election in 2025.

    A Government spokesman said today (June 25) that the decision of the Chief Executive in Council would be effected by way of the Declaration of Geographical Constituencies (Legislative Council) Order 2025, which will be published in the Gazette on Friday (June 27) and tabled at the LegCo on July 2 for negative vetting.

    The report of the EAC, submitted to the Chief Executive on June 13, was tabled at the LegCo today as required by law.

    The EAC recommended, with the exception to include the Loop in the only contiguous New Territories North (LC7) GC, to maintain the boundaries of the nine remaining GCs, and to retain the existing names and codes of the 10 GCs. The 10 GCs are Hong Kong Island East (LC1), Hong Kong Island West (LC2), Kowloon East (LC3), Kowloon West (LC4), Kowloon Central (LC5), New Territories South East (LC6), New Territories North (LC7), New Territories North West (LC8), New Territories South West (LC9), and New Territories North East (LC10).

    The EAC conducted a public consultation on its provisional recommendations on the GC boundaries from May 2 to 31 this year.

    “Before making its final recommendations, the EAC has given careful consideration to all the representations received. The EAC also examined the content of the representations having regard to the relevant statutory requirements and working principles,” the spokesman said.

    The EAC report is available for public viewing at the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all District Offices, the Registration and Electoral Office, and major and district public libraries during ordinary business hours starting from today. The content of the report can also be viewed on the EAC’s website (www.eac.hk).

    Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025
    Issued at HKT 14:30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Tackling very hot weather

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Lee Chun-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (June 25): Question: It has been reported that the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) recorded a high temperature of 35.6 degrees Celsius early this month, and according to HKO data, the average annual total number of very hot days observed since 2021 has exceeded 50, the highest figure since records began. Moreover, a study has predicted that extreme heat will occur more frequently in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the number of days on which various temporary night heat shelters (heat shelters) under the Home Affairs Department were open and the average number of occupants per night in the past year; whether the authorities have plans to open more heat shelters to meet public demand for sheltering from heat under very hot weather conditions; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (2) as there are calls in the community urging the authorities to introduce additional heat relief measures for those living in various forms of inadequate housing, including subdivided units, cage homes and rooftop structures, whether the authorities have considered providing airconditioning subsidies and free cooling facilities (e.g. mist fans) to such households; if so, of the details; if not, 25/06/2025, 11:02 LCQ17: Tackling very hot weather https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500358p.htm 1/4 the reasons for that; (3) whether it will study the use of brand new cooling technologies and renewable energy, drawing on foreign cities’ research experience and practices in cooling, so as to tackle the problem of very hot urban weather; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (4) given that in the reply to a question from a Member of this Council on June 6, 2018, the Government indicated that it would introduce green design in government buildings, of the details of the introduction of green design in government buildings in the past three years (including whether it has used building materials that enable green cooling and how such designs have mitigated the urban heat island effect)? Reply: President, In consultation with the Development Bureau and the Home Affairs Department, the reply to the question raised by the Hon Lee Chun-keung is as follows: (1) From June to October 2024, the 19 temporary heat shelters under the Home Affairs Department were opened for 70 days, of which overnight service was provided on 66 nights. The average number of registered users per night across all shelters was 9. Based on the current usage, the existing arrangement of temporary heat shelters is sufficient to meet the demand. The Home Affairs Department will continue to monitor the service provision. (2) According to the Scheme of Control Agreements, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) and the Hongkong Electric Company 25/06/2025, 11:02 LCQ17: Tackling very hot weather https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500358p.htm 2/4 Limited (HEC) (collectively referred to as the power companies) have offered discounts in the electricity bills to low consumption customers and customers in need under their energy saving rebate and concession tariff schemes to encourage energy saving and reduce the tariff expense of the relevant customers. In addition, the two companies have, through programmes under the respective Community Energy Saving Fund and Smart Power Care Fund, been assisting the disadvantaged, including the provision of cash subsidies to eligible grassroots families and household of sub-divided units. For instance, CLP allocated $50 million in 2025 to provide subsidies for the electricity bills of 70 000 grassroots families, while HEC allocated $1.2 million to provide subsidies for 1 200 household of sub-divided units over the same period. CLP also launched the Inverter Air Conditioner Replacement Subsidy Scheme, which involve the allocation of $5 million subsidies for elderly persons, low-income families and persons with disabilities to replace their window-type air conditioners with inverter air conditioner with Grade 1 energy label. It is estimated that around 1 200 families will benefit from the scheme. The Government will continue to encourage the power companies to provide assistance for customers in need having regard to the companies’ operating situations. (3) To promote the application of new cooling technology the Government collaborated with local universities for the trial application of Passive Radiative Cooling Paint (PRCP) to reduce solar heat gain and control temperature increase. PRCP uses nanomaterial technology to reflect incoming solar radiation and emit thermal radiation simultaneously, achieving effective cooling even under direct sunlight. The Government leads by example and 25/06/2025, 11:02 LCQ17: Tackling very hot weather https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062500358p.htm 3/4 encourages the private sector to jointly participate in promoting renewable energy. Some of the renewable energy systems could supply electricity required to buildings and, at the same time, provide a shading layer on the rooftop to help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by and released from the rooftop and hence the energy consumption of buildings. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department is implementing the Pilot Scheme on Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) (the Pilot Scheme) at its headquarters. The objective is to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of BIPV from various aspects based on relevant data collected under the Pilot Scheme, such as the actual power generation efficiency and reduction in indoor energy consumption, etc. (4) The Government has been leading by example and has implemented a target-based green performance framework for the new and existing government buildings since 2009. We aim to attain a “Gold” rating or above under “BEAM Plus” for new government buildings with a construction floor area of more than 5 000 square metres in order to enhance the environmental objectives and requirements. Over 600 government buildings have already attained BEAM Plus Gold or above rating to date. The Government has also commenced the application of green cooling building materials, for example, the above-mentioned PRCP has been applied to the roof of Hong Kong Coliseum to lower the surface temperature of the roof. The Government will continue to explore new green building materials and innovations to combat extreme heat. Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Issued at HKT 14:15 NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Cohesion: responding to new challenges, but focus still needed on regional inequalities

    Source: European Parliament

    The Regional Development Committee adopted its position on proposals to introduce new priorities and flexibilities to the current EU cohesion funding cycle.

    MEPs from the Regional Development Committee broadly endorse, in a report adopted on Wednesday with 26 votes in favour, 10 against, and 5 abstentions, a Commission proposal to adapt the EU’s cohesion policy priorities in the period 2021–2027 while introducing some targeted changes to ensure that the main cohesion policy principles remain in place.


    New priorities and flexibilities

    MEPs backed the proposed introduction of new objectives that would be eligible for cohesion funds, namely defence industrial capabilities and military mobility, water resilience, affordable housing, decarbonisation, and energy infrastructure. They also agreed to channel some of the funds into EU competitiveness, particularly to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), and to extra support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

    MEPs also supported more favourable funding conditions, including the possibility of 100% co-financing, 30% pre-financing and a further pay-off of 9.5% of the total funding for reallocations to the new priorities in 2026 if at least 15% of funds are reallocated to them. MEPs propose lowering this threshold to 10%.


    MEPs call for preparedness investments

    In their amendments, MEPs want to prioritise dual-use infrastructure (suitable for civilian and military use) when funding the defence industry and military mobility. On water management, they want to broaden the scope of support to include integrated water management (for example, irrigation and desalination). MEPs also want to make housing sustainability a priority, and allow funds to go to the protection of critical energy infrastructure and civil preparedness infrastructure.

    To ensure cohesion policy’s focus on reducing inter-regional inequalities is maintained, MEPs want to update the rules such that only less developed and transition regions can access the new funding for defence and decarbonisation. They also changed a provision that would allow support to go to larger companies to specify that this can only happen when the companies commit to local employment. MEPs added a measure ensuring the consent of local and regional authorities is still needed for the transferring of already-planned territorial development funds to other purposes.

    MEPs emphasise that the new flexibilities cannot be applied to cohesion funding frozen under the EU’s conditionality regulation for violations of EU values or the rule of law.


    Quote

    After the vote, rapporteur and Committee Chair Dragoș Benea (S&D, Romania) said: “Parliament is stepping up to deliver concrete answers to citizens living in border regions, to families struggling to find affordable housing, and to communities facing the challenges of the green transition. By adapting the rules of cohesion policy to today’s emerging priorities, without undermining the core mission of territorial solidarity, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring no region and no European citizen is left behind.”


    Next steps

    Negotiations with the Council were authorised with 31 in favour, 9 against, and 1 abstention. They will be announced during Parliament’s July 7-11 plenary session, and if there are no objections, they can proceed.


    Background

    The Commission’s proposal would amend the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund. The Commission estimates that it will lead to €16.1bn in additional pre-financing paid out in 2026. The proposal does not introduce new resources, so these funds are front-loaded from subsequent years.

    In parallel, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee is discussing similar proposals in the context of the European Social Fund +.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Cohesion: responding to new challenges, but focus still needed on regional inequalities

    Source: European Parliament

    The Regional Development Committee adopted its position on proposals to introduce new priorities and flexibilities to the current EU cohesion funding cycle.

    MEPs from the Regional Development Committee broadly endorse, in a report adopted on Wednesday with 26 votes in favour, 10 against, and 5 abstentions, a Commission proposal to adapt the EU’s cohesion policy priorities in the period 2021–2027 while introducing some targeted changes to ensure that the main cohesion policy principles remain in place.


    New priorities and flexibilities

    MEPs backed the proposed introduction of new objectives that would be eligible for cohesion funds, namely defence industrial capabilities and military mobility, water resilience, affordable housing, decarbonisation, and energy infrastructure. They also agreed to channel some of the funds into EU competitiveness, particularly to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), and to extra support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

    MEPs also supported more favourable funding conditions, including the possibility of 100% co-financing, 30% pre-financing and a further pay-off of 9.5% of the total funding for reallocations to the new priorities in 2026 if at least 15% of funds are reallocated to them. MEPs propose lowering this threshold to 10%.


    MEPs call for preparedness investments

    In their amendments, MEPs want to prioritise dual-use infrastructure (suitable for civilian and military use) when funding the defence industry and military mobility. On water management, they want to broaden the scope of support to include integrated water management (for example, irrigation and desalination). MEPs also want to make housing sustainability a priority, and allow funds to go to the protection of critical energy infrastructure and civil preparedness infrastructure.

    To ensure cohesion policy’s focus on reducing inter-regional inequalities is maintained, MEPs want to update the rules such that only less developed and transition regions can access the new funding for defence and decarbonisation. They also changed a provision that would allow support to go to larger companies to specify that this can only happen when the companies commit to local employment. MEPs added a measure ensuring the consent of local and regional authorities is still needed for the transferring of already-planned territorial development funds to other purposes.

    MEPs emphasise that the new flexibilities cannot be applied to cohesion funding frozen under the EU’s conditionality regulation for violations of EU values or the rule of law.


    Quote

    After the vote, rapporteur and Committee Chair Dragoș Benea (S&D, Romania) said: “Parliament is stepping up to deliver concrete answers to citizens living in border regions, to families struggling to find affordable housing, and to communities facing the challenges of the green transition. By adapting the rules of cohesion policy to today’s emerging priorities, without undermining the core mission of territorial solidarity, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring no region and no European citizen is left behind.”


    Next steps

    Negotiations with the Council were authorised with 31 in favour, 9 against, and 1 abstention. They will be announced during Parliament’s July 7-11 plenary session, and if there are no objections, they can proceed.


    Background

    The Commission’s proposal would amend the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund. The Commission estimates that it will lead to €16.1bn in additional pre-financing paid out in 2026. The proposal does not introduce new resources, so these funds are front-loaded from subsequent years.

    In parallel, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee is discussing similar proposals in the context of the European Social Fund +.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Who decides on aid to Moldova? – E-002284/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002284/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

    On 5 June, Moldpress, the Moldovan Government’s official news agency, published an article quoting the Romanian chair of the EP delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee: ‘We will stand by the Republic of Moldova, just as they have stood by us. We will defend together the European path of the Republic of Moldova and Romania’s European path.’ In addition, the article states: ‘The official assured that our country will continue to receive support in the European integration process.’[1]

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission also consider the European future of Romania and Moldova to be inextricably linked? How does this view fit with both historical and recent (political) developments in the two countries and their relations?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s take on the second statement above? This statement appears to be at odds with the nature of the facility for Moldova, which is based on conditional support.
    • 3.Can the Commission confirm that the decision on whether to grant financial assistance to Moldova indeed lies with the Commission?

    Submitted: 5.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.moldpres.md/eng/politics/mep-the-republic-of-moldova-will-receive-300-million-euros-pre-financing-from-the-growth-plan-shortly.
    Last updated: 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Who decides on aid to Moldova? – E-002284/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002284/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

    On 5 June, Moldpress, the Moldovan Government’s official news agency, published an article quoting the Romanian chair of the EP delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee: ‘We will stand by the Republic of Moldova, just as they have stood by us. We will defend together the European path of the Republic of Moldova and Romania’s European path.’ In addition, the article states: ‘The official assured that our country will continue to receive support in the European integration process.’[1]

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission also consider the European future of Romania and Moldova to be inextricably linked? How does this view fit with both historical and recent (political) developments in the two countries and their relations?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s take on the second statement above? This statement appears to be at odds with the nature of the facility for Moldova, which is based on conditional support.
    • 3.Can the Commission confirm that the decision on whether to grant financial assistance to Moldova indeed lies with the Commission?

    Submitted: 5.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.moldpres.md/eng/politics/mep-the-republic-of-moldova-will-receive-300-million-euros-pre-financing-from-the-growth-plan-shortly.
    Last updated: 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – State of Play: EU support to Ukraine – 25-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In response to Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, which started in February 2022, the European Union (EU) and its Member States have provided unprecedented financial, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. According to European Commission figures, Team Europe, consisting of the EU and its Member States, has made available around €150 billion in support to Ukraine. This support encompasses macro-financial assistance, financial support through the Ukraine Facility, humanitarian aid and military assistance from Member States and the European Peace Facility, as well as support to Ukrainian refugees in the EU. The overall support of Team Europe for Ukraine is now greater than the support provided by the United States (US), except in terms of military support allocation. However, Team Europe has provided 83 % of the tanks and 76 % of the air defence systems given to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war. The disbursement of EU payments under the Ukraine Facility is conditional on Ukraine implementing the Ukraine Plan – an ambitious reform and investment plan drafted by Ukraine’s government and endorsed by the EU. The Commission and the Ukrainian government publish updates on the progress of the reforms and on the disbursal of payments. In addition to the Ukraine Facility, the G7 have agreed upon a further €45 billion loan, with €18.1 billion to be financed by the EU. For this purpose, a Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism has been established, which uses extraordinary revenues originating from Russian sovereign assets immobilised in the G7 member states to repay loans and associated interest costs. The rights, responsibilities and obligations provided for under the Ukraine Facility will apply to the G7 loan to ensure seamless management of both. The European Parliament has repeatedly called for confiscating the immobilised Russian sovereign assets to finance further support for Ukraine and the country’s reconstruction, instead of just relying on extraordinary revenues. International financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, play a key role in addressing external financing needs and supporting the country’s macroeconomic stability.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – State of Play: EU support to Ukraine – 25-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In response to Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, which started in February 2022, the European Union (EU) and its Member States have provided unprecedented financial, military and humanitarian support to Ukraine. According to European Commission figures, Team Europe, consisting of the EU and its Member States, has made available around €150 billion in support to Ukraine. This support encompasses macro-financial assistance, financial support through the Ukraine Facility, humanitarian aid and military assistance from Member States and the European Peace Facility, as well as support to Ukrainian refugees in the EU. The overall support of Team Europe for Ukraine is now greater than the support provided by the United States (US), except in terms of military support allocation. However, Team Europe has provided 83 % of the tanks and 76 % of the air defence systems given to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war. The disbursement of EU payments under the Ukraine Facility is conditional on Ukraine implementing the Ukraine Plan – an ambitious reform and investment plan drafted by Ukraine’s government and endorsed by the EU. The Commission and the Ukrainian government publish updates on the progress of the reforms and on the disbursal of payments. In addition to the Ukraine Facility, the G7 have agreed upon a further €45 billion loan, with €18.1 billion to be financed by the EU. For this purpose, a Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism has been established, which uses extraordinary revenues originating from Russian sovereign assets immobilised in the G7 member states to repay loans and associated interest costs. The rights, responsibilities and obligations provided for under the Ukraine Facility will apply to the G7 loan to ensure seamless management of both. The European Parliament has repeatedly called for confiscating the immobilised Russian sovereign assets to finance further support for Ukraine and the country’s reconstruction, instead of just relying on extraordinary revenues. International financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, play a key role in addressing external financing needs and supporting the country’s macroeconomic stability.

    MIL OSI Europe News –