Category: Politics

MIL-OSI Africa: SA’s G20 legacy will be measured by lives changed, Chikunga

Source: South Africa News Agency

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says the legacy of South Africa’s G20 Presidency will not be defined by the number of meetings held, or the elegance of its communiqués, but by “lives changed, systems reformed, and the power redistributed.”

Chikunga made the remarks at the opening plenary of the Women20 (W20) South Africa Inception Meeting, currently underway in Cape Town.

The W20 is the official G20 engagement group focused on promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment.

The 2025 Inception Meeting, hosted under the theme: “Women in Solidarity”, marks 10 years of W20. The meeting brings together over 100 global delegates representing government, business, academia, and civil society.

The two-day Inception Meeting, which started on Wednesday, convenes thought leaders, including policymakers and change-makers from across the globe to explore high-level interventions and innovative solutions to the challenges facing women today.

In her address, Chikunga said the gathering is not an endpoint, but a beginning of a call to mobilise transformative change for women around the world.

She said the region stands at a pivotal moment, where the African continent has the opportunity to shape the course of global recovery, and where the Global South can reimagine the social contract.

“We stand at a pivotal moment, where we can prove that leadership from our regions is not only possible—it is indispensable. Let us leave this space with a shared resolve: to structure women’s voices into the heart of public policy, budgets, institutions, and outcomes,” the Minister said.

Chikunga invoked the legacy of South African heroines, like Charlotte Maxeke, Ruth Mompati, and Albertina Sisulu, saying their fight for freedom serves as a reminder that “freedom without equality is fiction.”

As part of Chairship of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group, Chikunga said South Africa has conceptualised several empowerment programmes intended to advance, through sustained partnerships, and beyond G20 term.

These include the transformative emerging industrialists accelerator, and the disability Inclusion Initiative (DII).

The transformative emerging industrialists accelerator is designed to support emerging women entrepreneurs in priority sectors such as energy, maritime, defence and aerospace, platform economies, and agriculture.

Participants will receive end-to-end support, from ideation and product development to financing, market access, and commercialisation, in collaboration with SOEs [State Owned Entities], private companies, and industry associations.

The DII is South Africa’s flagship programme to embed disability rights and inclusion across policy, institutions, and society.

Anchored by the establishment of a Disability Inclusion Nerve Centre, the DII initiative will drive:
•    Research on inclusion across the care economy, AI, financial access, and climate adaptation;
•    The establishment of a National Disability Data Observatory to strengthen decision-making;
•    Development of early childhood disability screening protocols;
•    Capacity-building through disability focal points; and
•    Support for inclusive schooling and access-enhancing technologies.

“These are not once-off initiatives. They are long-term structural interventions designed to outlive the Presidency,” Chikunga said.

Addressing systemic gaps

Highlighting the importance of data in informing inclusive policy, Chikunga said the country is stands ready to engage the private sector, development partners, and multilateral institutions to take them forward.

“Our observatory will not only collect data, but it will also shape decision making, drive accountability, and support delivery,” the Minister said.

She noted the findings from the Human Sciences Research Council, which showed that women with disabilities remain among the most marginalised and invisible in society, despite facing disproportionate levels of violence and exclusion.

“That is not just a gap. It is a systemic failure.” – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Liu Guozhong visited Belarus and held a meeting of the China-Belarus Intergovernmental Committee on Cooperation

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

MINSK, May 22 (Xinhua) — Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Liu Guozhong visited Belarus on May 21-22. During the visit, he met with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, held talks with First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Nikolai Snopkov and jointly chaired the 6th meeting of the China-Belarus Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee.

Liu Guozhong conveyed cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to A. Lukashenko and noted that under the strategic leadership of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Belarus all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership continues to develop at a high level, and cooperation in various fields bears rich fruit. According to the Vice Premier of the State Council, the Chinese side is ready to work with Belarus to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, provide firm mutual support on issues related to the fundamental interests of the parties, and promote high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

A. Lukashenko asked Liu Guozhong to convey sincere greetings to Chairman Xi Jinping and stressed that Belarusian-Chinese relations are a model of mutually beneficial cooperation. As he noted, the Belarusian side firmly adheres to the one-China principle, opposes political manipulation in the issue of tracking the source of COVID-19 and is ready to jointly implement key projects within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative with China, develop productive forces of new quality, and promote the development and rise of the two states.

The two sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to upholding the outcome of World War II and international justice, opposed hegemonism, bullying and unilateral sanctions, and agreed to jointly advance the three global initiatives and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

On May 21, the 6th meeting of the China-Belarus Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee was held, during which the parties exchanged views and outlined plans for cooperation in key areas such as economy and trade, science and technology, security, education, culture, customs control and quarantine supervision, and industry. The minutes of the meeting were signed, as well as documents on cooperation in the areas of digital economy, science and technology. In addition, the parties agreed to establish a new subcommittee on industrial cooperation.

Liu Guozhong also visited a number of sites, including the China-Belarus Industrial Park “Great Stone.” –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Grants to grow primary care
Alberta’s government is investing in made-in-Alberta solutions to strengthen the province’s primary health care system, including Indigenous primary health care. These new grants will support projects that improve access, reduce administrative burdens and support team-based care so all people in Alberta can get the care they need, when and where they need it.

The grants are being awarded through two innovation-focused programs: the Primary Care Innovation Fund and the Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund. These funds will support 19 projects that will improve primary care, advance research and innovation and support community health priorities.

“A strong, reliable primary health care system is the foundation of the entire health system. These strategic investments are helping to make that a reality for families across Alberta. They are especially meaningful for Indigenous communities, as they support culturally safe care that respects traditional knowledge and addresses unique community needs.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

“Ensuring Indigenous communities have access to quality primary health care that aligns with their unique needs is a priority for Alberta’s government. The Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund empowers communities to lead the way in developing solutions that enhance care, support cultural traditions and improve health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across the province.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations

The $5-million Primary Care Innovation Fund is supporting five projects that will help improve access to care, support early detection of dementia and other conditions, provide post-reproductive care for women, advance research and clinical trials, and harness the potential of artificial intelligence to improve health care services.

The $20-million Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund is supporting 14 community-led initiatives, including virtual care clinics, cultural reconnection, facility upgrades and Elder care. The funding is flexible so Indigenous communities can address their specific priorities and support culturally appropriate care.

“We are thrilled to announce the approval for the Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund. We are eager to be providing a welcoming and supportive environment for our Elders. This facility represents a significant investment in our community and is a testament to the growing need of quality care for our Elders.”

Kathy Lepine, chair, Elizabeth Metis Settlement

Both of the grant programs stem from a recommendation in the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Care System (MAPS) final report. MAPS was created to strengthen Alberta’s primary health care system and ensure all people in Alberta have access to timely, appropriate care throughout their lives.

“University Hospital Foundation is grateful for the Primary Care Innovation Fund that enabled us to match the vision of our donors with talented University of Alberta researchers and health providers. Using a co-design approach, the dementia program will enhance early diagnosis, facilitate more efficient research and improve post-diagnosis care pathways for people living with dementia and their caregivers.”

Dr. Jodi Abbott, president and CEO, University Hospital Foundation

“We’re excited to work with Alberta’s primary care teams and innovation partners to build a program grounded in real-world needs – helping them develop the skills and confidence to turn ideas into action and shape the future of care.”

Theresa Tang, co-founder and CEO, Praxus Health

Indigenous Support Line

To further support access to primary care for Indigenous patients and families, the Indigenous Support Line will be expanded to Edmonton and Calgary on June 1. The phone line has supported more than 10,000 callers over the past three years with health system navigation, access to cultural supports, language services and more.

Operated by Health Link in partnership with the Indigenous Wellness Core, the line connects callers with health professionals who understand Indigenous ways of knowing and traditional healing practices.

The support line can also be utilized by front-line health care providers to assist in providing culturally appropriate care. Providers can use the support line to learn about cultural support services, Indigenous ways of knowing, traditional healing practices, access to ceremony and other services that may assist their patients.

“Health Link and Indigenous Wellness Core teams have provided exceptional care to Indigenous Peoples in the north, south and central zones for the past three years through the Indigenous Support Line. The impact of this service is evident in the response from those who have accessed the line, and through it, Indigenous listeners who aid their health care journey. I am thrilled that the line will now be available to Indigenous Peoples and communities across the province.”

Kim Simmonds, CEO, Primary Care Alberta

Quick facts
- Primary Care Innovation Fund grant recipients are:
  - Praxus Health – to develop and deliver a comprehensive primary care innovation training program for health professionals.
  - Arthritis Society of Canada – to implement a cost-effective, AI-enhanced portable infant ultrasound screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip.
  - Dr. Kerry McBrien, University of Calgary – to develop a community health navigator program to enhance team-based care, integrate social and community resources and improve access to care.
  - University Hospital Foundation – to develop and implement an early diagnosis and care pathway for Albertans living with dementia.
  - Dr. Colleen Norris, University of Alberta – to establish the Alberta Women’s Post-Reproductive Health Centre to provide comprehensive primary care for midlife women.
- Indigenous Primary Health Care Innovation Fund grant recipients include:
  - Samson Cree Nation – to establish the Nipisihkopahk Medical Clinic to provide the community with long-term access to equitable and comprehensive health care services.
  - Elizabeth Metis Settlement – to support the Métis Lifeways Elders Care Initiative, including a comprehensive Elder care facility.
  - Stoney Nakoda Tsuut’ina Tribal Council Ltd. (G4) – to evaluate the current state of non-insured health benefits coverage and financial implications.
  - Dene Tha’ First Nation – to renovate an existing building and upgrade to a satellite primary health care centre.
Related information
- Indigenous primary health care funding – Innovation Fund
- Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS)
Related Media
- Opening more doors to primary care (April 10, 2025)
- Leading primary care into the future (Oct. 15, 2024)
- Strengthening health care: Improving access for all (Oct. 18, 2023)
MIL OSI Canada News –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney speaks with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk

Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.

Prime Minister Tusk congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. The prime ministers discussed shared priorities, including Euro-Atlantic security, co-operation within NATO, and support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

The leaders emphasized deepening bilateral and commercial ties between Canada and Poland, and agreed to remain in close contact.

Associated Link

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s Statement on the House Budget Proposal

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson issued the following statement regarding the House Budget Proposal H.R. 1, to which she voted ‘no’:

“This bill will kick millions off their healthcare, kick millions off their food assistance programs, raise the costs of student loans, all just to give tax breaks to billionaires. Nearly 14 million Americans will lose their healthcare, and more than 18 million children may have their school meals taken away thanks to this bill. This is the largest cut to health care in our nation’s history, the largest cut to SNAP in our nation’s history, and the largest tax cut for billionaires in our nation’s history. The budget puts more than 4.3 million Pell Grant recipients at risk by requiring students to take at least 15 credit hours per semester to receive full funding—potentially cutting or reducing Pell Grants for nearly two-thirds of all recipients. It also replaces student loan income-driven repayment plans with a single plan repayment that could raise student loan payments by nearly $200 monthly. This bill includes a 5% tax on remittances sent by non-U.S. citizens, including those on H-1B or H-2A visas and green card holders. This would affect many families in South Florida, such as Cubans, Haitians, and many others who send money to their families, many of whom still live under political turmoil. At a time when prices are at an all-time high, these cuts to healthcare and food assistance and changes to student loans threaten to deepen financial hardship for millions. Put it simply: people will die, folks will go hungry, students will pay the price, and millions of children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and working families are on the hook for these devastating cuts.”

In Florida, approximately 1,442,564 will lose health care insurance from the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid.

In Florida, approximately 574,000 people are at risk of losing some or all SNAP benefits.

In Florida, approximately 99,118 students are at risk of losing all Pell Grant Funding and 216,176 students are at risk of reduced Pell Grant funding.

In Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s District, approximately 71,000 people are estimated to lose health insurance coverage by 2034 and approximately 36,000 people are at risk of losing some or all SNAP benefits.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: 16 Defendants Federally Charged in Connection with DanaBot Malware Scheme That Infected Computers Worldwide

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury indictment and criminal complaint unsealed today charge 16 defendants who allegedly developed and deployed the DanaBot malware which a Russia-based cybercrime organization controlled and deployed, infecting more than 300,000 victim computers around the world, facilitated fraud and ransomware, and caused at least $50 million in damage.

The defendants include Aleksandr Stepanov, 39, a.k.a. “JimmBee,” and Artem Aleksandrovich Kalinkin, 34, a.k.a. “Onix”, both of Novosibirsk, Russia. Stepanov was charged with conspiracy, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, unauthorized access to a protected computer to obtain information, unauthorized impairment of a protected computer, wiretapping, and use of an intercepted communication.

Kalinkin was charged with conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to a computer to obtain information, to gain unauthorized access to a computer to defraud, and to commit unauthorized impairment of a protected computer. Both defendants are believed to be in Russia and are not in custody.

According to the indictment and complaint, DanaBot malware used a variety of methods to infect victim computers, including spam email messages containing malicious attachments or hyperlinks. Victim computers infected with DanaBot malware became part of a botnet (a network of compromised computers), enabling the operators and users of the botnet to remotely control the infected computers in a coordinated manner. The owners and operators of the victim computers are typically unaware of the infection.

The DanaBot malware allegedly operated on a malware-as-a-service model, with the administrators leasing access to the botnet and support tools to client coconspirators for a fee that was typically several thousand dollars a month. The DanaBot malware was multi-featured and had extensive capabilities to exploit victim computers. It could be used to steal data from victim computers, and to hijack banking sessions, steal device information, user browsing histories, stored account credentials, and virtual currency wallet information.

DanaBot also had the capability to provide full remote access to victim computers, to record keystrokes, and record videos showing the activity of users on victim computers. DanaBot has further been used as an initial means of infection for other forms of malware, including ransomware. The DanaBot malware has infected over 300,000 computers around the world, and caused damage estimated to exceed $50 million.

DanaBot administrators operated a second version of the botnet that was used to target victim computers in military, diplomatic, government, and related entities. This version of the botnet recorded all interactions with the computer and sent stolen data to a different server than the fraud-oriented version of DanaBot. This variant was allegedly used to target diplomats, law enforcement personnel, and members of the military in North America, and Europe.

“Pervasive malware like DanaBot harms hundreds of thousands of victims around the world, including sensitive military, diplomatic, and government entities, and causes many millions of dollars in losses,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “The charges and actions announced today demonstrate our commitment to eradicating the largest threats to global cybersecurity and pursuing the most malicious cyber actors, wherever they are located.”

“The enforcement actions announced today, made possible by enduring law enforcement and industry partnerships across the globe, disrupted a significant cyber threat group, who were profiting from the theft of victim data and the targeting of sensitive networks,” said Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Cyber Field Office. “The DanaBot malware was a clear threat to the Department of Defense and our partners. DCIS will vigorously defend our infrastructure, personnel, and intellectual property.”

“Today’s announcement represents a significant step forward in the FBI’s ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the cyber-criminal ecosystem that wreaks havoc on global digital security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “We are grateful for the coordinated efforts of our domestic and international law enforcement partners in holding cyber criminals accountable, no matter where they operate.”

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

If convicted, Kalinkin would face a statutory maximum sentence of 72 years in federal prison, and Stepanov would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

As part of today’s operation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) agents effected seizures and takedowns of DanaBot command and control servers, including dozens of virtual servers hosted in the United States. The U.S. government is now working with partners including the Shadowserver Foundation to notify DanaBot victims and help remediate infections.

These law enforcement actions were taken in conjunction with Operation Endgame, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling and prosecuting cybercriminal organizations around the world.

Amazon, Crowdstrike, ESET, Flashpoint, Google, Intel 471, Lumen, PayPal, Proofpoint, Team CYMRU, and ZScaler provided valuable assistance.

The investigation into DanaBot was led by the FBI’s Anchorage Field Office and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, working closely with Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), the Netherlands National Police, and the Australian Federal Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Frumkin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section is prosecuting these cases. Assistant United States Attorney James E. Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the forfeiture case.

MIL Security OSI –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Three Individuals Sentenced in Conspiracy Involving Bribery of Government Contracting Officer

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Three men have been sentenced for their respective roles in a conspiracy to bribe a public official, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Coogan Preston, 56, of Columbia, South Carolina, to 64 months in prison, Francisco Guerra, 56, of Lexington, Alabama, to 60 months in prison, and Jason Ingram, 48, of Rogersville, Alabama, to 24 months in prison. In December 2024, Guerra, Preston, and Ingram pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe a public official.

According to the plea agreements, the scheme began in 2016 and continued until 2021. As part of the scheme, Guerra agreed to provide money and other items of value to Preston, a government contracting official working at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. In exchange for these bribes, Preston identified subcontracting opportunities for companies owned and operated by Guerra and convinced the prime contractor to use one of Guerra’s companies as a subcontractor.

“The government officials and contractors working on Redstone Arsenal play a critical role in supporting the United States military,” U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “The individuals sentenced today chose personal gain over their professional duty. These sentences were the result of that choice and should serve as a warning to others.”

“As a government contracting official, Preston traded the public’s trust given to him for greed,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Using their investigative and forensic accounting skills, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents were able to follow the money—bringing Preston and his conspirators to justice.”

“In collaboration with its investigative partners, the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) vigorously pursues fraud and corruption that threaten the integrity of the DoD, particularly when such crimes impact the well-being of our Nation’s Warfighters,” said Jason Sargenski, Special Agent-in-Charge of DCIS’s Southeast Field Office. “DCIS remains steadfast in working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who commit fraud against the U.S. Government are held accountable.”

The Department of the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the United States Department of Defense Office of Inspector General – Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Peeples prosecuted the cases.

MIL Security OSI –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: ECN Capital Announces Annual Meeting Voting Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN) (“ECN Capital” or the “Corporation”) confirmed today that the eight nominees listed in its management information circular (the “Circular”) dated April 22, 2025 were elected as directors at today’s annual meeting of the holders of common shares (“Common Shares”) and mandatory convertible preferred shares, Series E (“Series E Shares”) of ECN Capital (the “Meeting”). There were 210,980,127 Common Shares and 27,450,000 Series E Shares represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting (representing approximately 77.19% of the votes attached to the outstanding shares of ECN Capital). The holders of Common Shares and Series E Shares voted together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote at the Meeting. The voting results for the Meeting held earlier today by virtual meeting are set out below.

At the Meeting, the following eight individuals nominated to serve as directors of ECN Capital’s board of directors (the “Board”) were elected by ballot. Proxies and votes received at the Meeting were as follows:

	For	Withheld
William Lovatt	99.97%	0.03%
Steven Hudson	99.97%	0.03%
Paul Stoyan	99.97%	0.03%
David Morris	99.97%	0.03%
Carol E. Goldman	99.98%	0.02%
Karen Martin	99.94%	0.06%
Tawn Kelley	98.02%	1.98%
Tarun Mehta	99.97%	0.03%

At the Meeting, the following resolutions as set out in the Circular were passed as ordinary resolutions of ECN Capital’s shareholders by ballot. Proxies and votes received at the Meeting were as follows:

Resolutions	For	Withheld
Re-appointment of Auditors	99.87%	0.13%
	For	Against
Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote	99.31%	0.69%
Option Plan Resolution (as defined in the Circular)	86.58%	13.42%
DSU Plan Resolution (as defined in the Circular)	86.82%	13.18%
Unit Plan Resolution (as defined in the Circular)	86.82%	13.18%

The results of these matters considered at the Meeting are reported in the Report of Voting Results as filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) on May 22, 2025.

Tarun Mehta Elected to ECN Capital’s Board

ECN Capital is pleased to welcome Tarun Mehta to the Board following his election at the Meeting. Mr. Mehta is a former senior executive officer of Truist Financial Corporation (“Truist”) and worked closely with ECN Capital in connection with our ownership in and subsequent sale of Service Finance Company (“Service Finance”). ECN Capital sold Service Finance to Truist in December 2021 for approximately US$2 billion and distributed substantially all of the after-tax proceeds to shareholders of the Corporation in the form of a special distribution of C$7.50 per share.

Mr. Mehta was most recently the Head of Strategy, Transformation & Corporate Development of Truist, one of the top 10 largest banks in the United States, with businesses in retail banking, corporate and investment banking, commercial banking and wealth management. Mr. Mehta has extensive experience in investment banking, assisting financial institutions with debt and equity capital raises, asset-backed security transactions and mergers & acquisitions. Mr. Mehta also has a strong background in corporate strategy and enterprise transformation, with experience developing and implementing the long-term enterprise strategic plan for Truist. He was a member of the Operating Council of Truist. Mr. Mehta will be appointed Chair of the Credit & Risk Committee, replacing David Morris.

About ECN Capital Corp.

With managed assets of US$6.9 billion, ECN Capital is a leading provider of business services to North American based banks, credit unions, life insurance companies, pension funds and institutional investors (collectively, our “Partners”). ECN Capital originates, manages and advises on credit assets on behalf of its Partners, specifically consumer (manufactured housing and recreational vehicle and marine) loans and commercial (inventory finance and rental) loans. Our Partners are seeking high quality assets to match with their deposits, term insurance or other liabilities. These services are offered through two operating segments: (i) Manufactured Housing Finance, and (ii) Recreational Vehicles and Marine Finance.

Contact

Katherine Moradiellos
561-631-8739
kmoradiellos@ecncapitalcorp.com

The MIL Network –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Video: Keeping Americans Safe

Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

“National security is at the core of our national interest. The most important thing the federal government does is keep America safe. Without safety you can’t have prosperity.” — Secretary of State Marco Rubio in testimony to the House Committee on Appropriations on May 21, 2025.

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Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnAPISkyt7A

MIL OSI Video –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The real living wage must be the bare minimum for all workers – McGuigan

Source: Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA, Philip McGuigan has said Health and Social Care workers’ ‘value and appreciation’ must be matched by pay and work conditions.
The Health Committee Chair was speaking after attending a Living Wage NI event today which discussed how a living wage could be introduced in the north’s social care sector.
“The real living wage must be the bare minimum for all workers and Sinn Féin is committed to seeing this delivered across the island,” the North Antrim MLA said.
“This can be seen in Finance Minister John O’Dowd making the Civil Service a Living Wage employer as part of the latest pay deal, while former Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, ensured that the living wage was a requirement for firms attaining government contracts.
“It was enlightening to attend the Living Wage NI event and discuss how a fair wage is not only crucial in recognizing the value of health and care workers but also to attracting more people to the sector.”
Mr. McGuigan said he wanted to see the Health Minister’s commitment to end minimum wages for care workers and make the care sector a Living Wage Sector be progressed urgently.
“A real living wage, and career progression opportunities can only help bring more people into the care profession and encourage those currently employed to stay – benefiting our care workers and improving our health service and importantly patient outcomes.
“Paying the real Living Wage to our care workers is not just good for those workers, but for our economy, our health service and for society as a whole.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Africa Subcommittee Chairman Smith Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on the Crisis in Sudan

Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Media Contact 202-321-9747

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled, “A Dire Crisis in Sudan: A Global Call to Action.” 

Watch Here

-Remarks-

Over the decades, as especially our distinguished panel knows, the people of Sudan have been subjected to unbearable pain, suffering, loss of life, and even slavery. Since the 1990s, I have been a vocal advocate for human rights, democracy, and stability in Sudan. Soon after Republicans took control of the House, I chaired a hearing in 1996 on slavery in Sudan and Mauritania.

Today, there is a dire crisis again in Sudan, necessitating a global call to action. I went to Khartoum in August of 2005 to meet with President Omar al-Bashir and other government officials, a number of people from the faith community, to press for an end to the genocide in Darfur. The meeting was necessarily contentious. Bashir denied any wrongdoing or complicity in the killings of the Darfur genocide.

In 2009, however, Bashir was charged by the International Criminal Court with committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. In 2010, he became the first person ever charged with the crime of genocide by the ICC.

After meetings with Bashir and other government officials, I visited two refugee camps – many of you have done that, many of my colleagues have done that. Those two camps I went to in Darfur were Kalma Camp and I stayed overnight at another called Mukjar in western Darfur. That experience profoundly motivated me to do more to end the mass violence. When our helicopter landed at the remote Mukjar camp, thousands, and I mean thousand, a line was formed of these wonderful people: women and children dancing, clapping, singing beautiful African traditional songs. The people of Darfur have a remarkable generosity and spirit, and it was awe-inspiring.

Just about everyone I spoke with, especially the women, told me personal stories of rape, senseless beatings, and massacres by the Janjaweed and Sudanese militias. I was deeply impressed by the dedication of the African Union peacekeepers operating under extremely difficult circumstances and urged international partners, including the United States, to better equip them. I was shocked to learn they were receiving a little over $1 a day. It was absurd.

I went to Secretary Condoleezza Rice upon my return and said, “Please, we’ve got to augment that. We’ve got to increase it. These soldiers are putting their lives on the line. They should not be so grossly underpaid an not getting the kind of things that they need in terms of munitions.”

In November of 2005, I chaired another hearing on Sudan. It was absolutely clear that the situation in Darfur was a genocide. At that time, over 400,000 killed and over a million displaced. We did stress at that hearing, all of us, that the need for a comprehensive plan that could best contribute to peace and hold those who have murdered, raped, enslaved, and plagued the people of Sudan accountable.

Meanwhile, Chairman Henry Hyde, Donald Payne, who was my ranking member from New Jersey, Frank Wolf, Tom Lantos, and a number of others pushed the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act that declared that the slaughter in Darfur was genocide, imposed sanctions on malign actors and talked about helping peacekeepers. It was signed into law in October 2006. That law built upon the Sudan Peace Act of 2001 and the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004.

I also, and I wasn’t the only one, called on the Arab League to leverage its influence over the Sudanese government by encouraging the government to end its military offensive in Darfur and accept the United Nations peacekeeping which was there under the auspices of the AU. They didn’t do it. It was like crickets. We got almost no response at all other than “thank you for raising it.” So here we are again.

In January 2017, again on this committee, I objected to the Obama administration’s decision to ease sanctions on Sudan. I know it had to have been a tough call. We’re always evaluating when sanctions become counterproductive, so there was an argument to be made. But I thought it was the wrong one because Khartoum’s government continued to commit pervasive human rights violations. At the time, we pointed out the violent government actions against Sudanese citizens in Darfur, Nubia the Nuba Mountains, and Blue Nile, alongside the nationwide persecution of Christians nationwide.

I was also disappointed in 2024 by the decision to allow Sudanese warlord Abdel Fattah al-Burhan into the country for a meeting with the UN Secretary-General. Burhan, as we all know, has massive amounts of blood on his hands and should never have been allowed into the U.S.

Yet the Biden administration delayed and denied robust sanctions against both Burhan and Hemedti, delaying until the administration’s final hours. While we were glad they finally did it, many of us believe it should have happened sooner. There will never be peace in Sudan until there is accountability for the atrocities committed by the twin butchers of Darfur.

Over 18,000 civilian deaths have been committed since 2023, with estimates as high as 150,000, and more than 10 million people displaced. These are not just numerical estimates; it’s evidence of an appalling range of harrowing human rights violations and international crimes. Each murder or displaced civilian is a person with dreams, hopes, and family – a person whose life has been taken or irrevocably changed by these attrocities.

Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are guilty of arbitrary killings, detentions, abductions, rapes—including the rape of children—repression of fundamental human rights, illicit gold mining, and child soldier recruitment.

Illicit Sudanese gold, which the RSF smuggles through the UAE, is crucial to prevending the continued funding Hemedti’s atrocities and perpetuating this bloody conflict. The RSF’s main international backer is widely reported to be the UAE, which has supplied both weapons and financial support. Other external actors, such as Chad, have been credibly accused of enabling arms transfers and have been implicated in supporting the RSF.

Domestically, the RSF has allied with non-RSF Janjaweed militias. It is clear that the RSF is grappling with command and control, however, allowing its fighters to rape, pillage, target vulnerable women and children, and to attack civilian infrastructure. This is the opposite of capable government, and such behavior only confirms this to the Sudanese people.

The SAF has received support from domestic groups including the Al-Bara Battalion—known as the Popular Resistance—which openly espouses a militant Islamist ideology, as well as former rebel groups such as the Sudan Liberation Movement under Minni Minawi and Mustafa Tambour. Externally, the SAF has received support from countries like Egypt, Iran, Qatar, and Turkey. Russia continues to pursue naval access to Port Sudan.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Missouri Delegation Urge White House to Issue Federal Disaster Declaration For Late April Storms

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) led members of the Missouri Delegation—including Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and U.S. House Members Ann Wagner, Robert Onder, Mark Alford, Jason Smith, Sam Graves, and Eric Burlison—in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Kehoe’s request for a federal disaster declaration following the severe storms and tornadoes in Missouri on April 29, 2025.

The Governor made this request on May 19, which, if approved, would unlock federal funds and assistance to restore public infrastructure.

“This declaration is vital to providing the resources, technical support, and federal assistance necessary for these communities to repair public infrastructure, address recovery needs, and begin rebuilding after this devastating weather event,” the lawmakers wrote.

We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of this request. Missourians are resilient and committed to rebuilding, and federal assistance will be a crucial part of helping them move forward,” the delegation concluded.

Separately, Senator Hawley has been working to unlock federal aid for the more recent tornados in Eastern Missouri and sent a letter today urging approval of a special emergency designation to provide federal reimbursement for first responder activities.

Read the full letter here or below.

May 21, 2025

The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Trump,

We write in strong support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s request for a major presidential disaster declaration, pursuant to the Stafford Act, for public assistance in six Missouri counties affected by severe storms and tornadoes on April 29, 2025. This declaration is vital to providing the resources, technical support, and federal assistance necessary for these communities to repair public infrastructure, address recovery needs, and begin rebuilding after this devastating weather event.

On May 19, 2025, Governor Kehoe formally requested a major disaster declaration following widespread damage caused by a cluster of severe storms and eight confirmed tornadoes that hit Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, and Washington counties. Joint assessments conducted by FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials estimate more than $16.5 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure, including damage to a public elementary school, transportation facilities, utility distribution lines, and roads.

A major presidential disaster declaration would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including the repair and replacement of roads, bridges, schools, and other public infrastructure. Prompt federal support is essential to help these communities recover from the storms’ aftermath and resume essential services for their residents.

We respectfully urge your immediate consideration and approval of this request. Missourians are resilient and committed to rebuilding, and federal assistance will be a crucial part of helping them move forward. Along with our fellow Missourians, we appreciate your immediate attention to this request and stand ready to assist.

Sincerely,

Josh Hawley
United States Senator

Eric S. Schmitt
United States Senator

Eric Burlison
United States Representative

Sam Graves
United States Representative

Jason Smith
United States Representative

Ann Wagner
United States Representative

Robert Onder
United States Representative

Mark Alford
United States Representative

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus – P10_TA(2025)0109 – Thursday, 22 May 2025 – Brussels

Source: European Parliament

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 207(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure(1),

Whereas:

(1) The Union’s imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from the Russian Federation in 2023 were significant, at 3,6 million tonnes, and increased considerably in 2024 by comparison with 2023. The level of the Union’s imports from the Russian Federation of the agricultural goods covered by this Regulation (the ‘agricultural goods concerned’) is relatively low for most of those goods, but could increase significantly if the current trading conditions persist.

(2) The Union’s imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation (the ‘fertilisers concerned’) currently reflect a situation of economic dependence on the Russian Federation. Moreover, the imports of the agricultural goods concerned could create a similar and additional economic dependence on the Russian Federation, which should in the present circumstances be prevented and reduced in order to protect the Union’s market and to safeguard the Union’s food security.

(3) The Union’s erga omnes common customs duties are the most-favoured-nation tariffs currently applied to imports of the agricultural goods concerned and fertilisers concerned (the ‘goods concerned’). Those tariffs vary greatly at present. Depending on the goods concerned, some tariffs are either set at zero or set very low, while other tariffs are so high that no trade takes place.

(4) Continued imports of the goods concerned from the Russian Federation under the current conditions could make the Union vulnerable to coercive actions by the Russian Federation. In particular, a potential increase in imports of the goods concerned from the Russian Federation could disrupt the Union’s market and negatively impact the Union’s producers. It is therefore necessary to take appropriate tariff measures in order to address the Union’s current and potential economic dependence on imports of the goods concerned from the Russian Federation. That should be done by ending the current situation where the goods concerned enter the Union’s market on terms that are as favourable as those applied to goods of other origins that receive most-favoured-nation treatment.

(5) At present, imports of the fertilisers concerned from the Russian Federation are already increasing and could increase further and quickly if additional Russian production is re-oriented towards the Union. Such potential increased imports from the Russian Federation would disrupt the Union’s market for the fertilisers concerned and harm the Union’s producers of nitrogen fertilisers, who are already facing difficulties in competing with imports from the Russian Federation because gas prices in the Union remain high. The long-term survival of the Union’s nitrogen fertiliser industry is of crucial importance for the Union’s food security because the Union’s agricultural sector needs the fertilisers concerned in order to produce food. Addressing the growing dependence on imports of the fertilisers concerned from the Russian Federation and preserving the viability of an autonomous Union nitrogen fertiliser industry is therefore vital to ensuring and maintaining the Union’s food security. In order to prevent future dependence on imports of agricultural goods from the Russian Federation, it is also necessary to adjust the tariff levels for the agricultural goods concerned.

(6) Tariff measures should also be taken in respect of the Republic of Belarus in order to prevent potential imports to the Union from the Russian Federation being diverted through the Republic of Belarus, given the Republic of Belarus’s close political and economic ties with the Russian Federation. Such diversion of potential imports could happen if the Union’s tariffs on imports of the goods concerned from the Republic of Belarus were to remain unchanged. Imports of the goods concerned that originate in or are exported, directly or indirectly, from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus to the Union should therefore be subject to higher customs duties than imports from other third countries.

(7) Imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus should not benefit from any lower tariffs under the Union’s tariff rate quotas on the basis of most-favoured-nation treatment. The reduced rates set out in the Union’s tariff rate quotas for the goods listed in the Annexes to this Regulation should therefore not apply to goods originating in or exported, directly or indirectly, from the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus to the Union.

(8) The envisaged increase in customs duties is not expected to affect global food security negatively because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the Union and does not affect the goods concerned if they are only transiting through the Union’s territory to third countries of final destination. On the contrary, the envisaged increase in Union import duties could increase the exports of the goods concerned to third countries and increase the availability of supplies in those third countries.

(9) At the same time, fertilisers play a significant role for food security as well as for the financial stability of farmers in the Union. It is therefore necessary to ensure predictable and sufficient access to fertilisers, at affordable price levels for farmers in the Union, which should in turn contribute to the stabilisation of agricultural markets. During a transitional period, the proposed measure would stimulate stepping-up production in the Union and allow for the reinforcement of alternative sources of supply from other international partners, minimising the risk that fertiliser prices for farmers in the Union increase substantially. To that end, the Commission should closely monitor the evolution of fertiliser prices on the Union’s market. If fertiliser prices increase substantially, the Commission should assess the situation and take all appropriate actions to remedy such price increase.

(10) The envisaged increase in customs duties is consistent with the Union’s external action in other areas, as set out in Article 21(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). The state of relations between the Union and the Russian Federation has greatly deteriorated in recent years and particularly since 2022. That deterioration of relations is due to the Russian Federation’s blatant disregard for international law and, in particular, its unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. Since July 2014, the Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures on trade with the Russian Federation in response to the Russian Federation’s actions against Ukraine.

(11) The Russian Federation is a member of the World Trade Organization (‘WTO’). However, the Union is currently allowed, by virtue of the exceptions that apply under the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (‘WTO Agreement’), and in particular Article XXI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (security exceptions), to disregard the obligation to accord to goods imported from the Russian Federation most-favoured-nation treatment, and it is not prevented from imposing import duties higher than those contained in the Union’s schedule of tariff commitments on trade in goods, if the Union considers such measures to be necessary in order to protect the Union’s essential security interests.

(12) Relations between the Union and the Republic of Belarus have also deteriorated in recent years due to the Republic of Belarus’s disregard for international law, fundamental freedoms and human rights, as well as its support for the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Since October 2020, the Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures on trade with the Republic of Belarus.

(13) The Republic of Belarus is not a member of the WTO. The Union is therefore not obliged, by virtue of the WTO Agreement, to accord to goods from the Republic of Belarus most-favoured-nation treatment and other treatment in line with that Agreement. In addition, existing trade agreements between the Union and the Republic of Belarus allow actions justified on the basis of applicable exception clauses, in particular security exceptions.

(14) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation as regards the laying down of arrangements for the monitoring of import volumes, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council(2).

(15) In accordance with the principle of proportionality, it is necessary and appropriate to lay down rules increasing tariffs on the goods concerned with immediate effect, firstly in order to achieve the basic objective of ensuring that the goods concerned that originate in or are exported, directly or indirectly, from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus do not disturb the Union’s market for the goods concerned and, secondly, in order to implement the Common Commercial Policy and to reduce the Union’s imports of the goods concerned from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus in response to concerns that such imports could negatively affect the Union’s internal market and impair the Union’s food security. This Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the objectives pursued in accordance with Article 5(4) TEU.

(16) In order to prevent further economic dependence of the Union on imports of the goods concerned from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, this Regulation should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

1. Goods classified under the Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes listed in Annex I that are imported into the Union and that originate in or are exported, directly or indirectly, from the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus shall be subject to an additional 50 % ad valorem customs duty that is to apply on top of the applicable Common Customs Tariff rate. Such goods originating in or exported, directly or indirectly, from the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus shall not be eligible for lower import duties for limited quantities (tariff rate quotas) where those duties apply pursuant to the Union’s obligations under the WTO Agreement or where tariff rate quotas are opened by the Union on another basis.

2. Goods classified under the CN codes listed in Annex II that are imported into the Union and that originate in or are exported, directly or indirectly, from the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus shall be subject to a customs duty as follows:

(a) with regard to the goods falling under CN code 3102:

(i) 6,5 % ad valorem + 40 EUR/tonne from 1 July 2025 until 30 June 2026;

(ii) 6,5 % ad valorem + 60 EUR/tonne from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2027;

(iii) 6,5 % ad valorem + 80 EUR/tonne from 1 July 2027 until 30 June 2028;

(iv) 6,5 % ad valorem + 315 EUR/tonne from 1 July 2028;

(b) with regard to the goods falling under CN codes 3105 20, 3105 30, 3105 40, 3105 51, 3105 59 and 3105 90:

(i) 6,5 % ad valorem + 45 EUR/tonne from 1 July 2025 until 30 June 2026;

(ii) 6,5 % ad valorem + 70 EUR/tonne from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2027;

(iii) 6,5 % ad valorem + 95 EUR/tonne from 1 July 2027 until 30 June 2028;

(iv) 6,5 % ad valorem + 430 EUR/tonne from 1 July 2028.

3. Notwithstanding paragraph 2, if cumulative import volumes of goods listed in point (a) or point (b) of that paragraph reach the following thresholds, the Commission shall, within 21 days, impose a duty at the level set out in point (a)(iv) or point (b)(iv), respectively, of that paragraph, for the remaining imports of those goods in the given period:

(a) 2,7 million tonnes from 1 July 2025 until 30 June 2026;

(b) 1,8 million tonnes from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2027;

4. The Commission may adopt implementing acts laying down the arrangements for monitoring the import volumes set out in paragraph 3 of this Article. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 3(2).

Article 2

1. The Commission shall monitor prices applicable in the Union of the goods listed in Annex II for a period of four years from … [the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

2. In the event that the price levels of the goods listed in Annex II substantially exceed the 2024 price levels during the period referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall assess the situation and take all appropriate actions to remedy such price increase. Such actions may include, where appropriate, a proposal for the temporary suspension of tariffs for those goods imported from and originating in countries other than the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus.

Article 3

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Customs Code Committee established by Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council(3). That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

Article 4

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

In respect of the goods listed in Annex I, this Regulation shall apply from … [four weeks from the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at …,

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

ANNEX I

List of goods referred to in Article 1(1)

CN code	Description
01	Live animals
02	Meat and edible meat offal
04	Dairy produce; birds’ eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included
05	Products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included
06	Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage
Ex 07	Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers, except: 0713 10 peas (Pisum sativum) 0713 20 chickpeas (garbanzos)
08	Edible fruits and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons
09	Coffee, tea, maté and spices
1004	Oats
1006	Rice
1008 60	Triticale
Ex 11	Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten, except CN code 1106 10 00
1209	Seeds, fruits and spores, of a kind used for sowing
1210	Hop cones, fresh or dried, whether or not ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin
1211	Plants and parts of plants (including seeds and fruits), of a kind used primarily in perfumery, in pharmacy or for insecticidal, fungicidal or similar purposes, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not cut, crushed or powdered
1212	Locust beans, seaweeds and other algae, sugar beet and sugar cane, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground; fruit stones and kernels and other vegetable products (including unroasted chicory roots of the variety Cichorium intybus sativum), of a kind used primarily for human consumption, not elsewhere specified or included
1213	Cereal straw and husks, unprepared, whether or not chopped, ground, pressed or in the form of pellets
1214	Swedes, mangolds, fodder roots, hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin, forage kale, lupines, vetches and similar forage products, whether or not in the form of pellets
13	Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts
1401	Vegetable materials of a kind used primarily for plaiting (e.g. bamboos, rattans, reeds, rushes, osier, raffia, cleaned, bleached or dyed cereal straw, and lime bark)
1404 20	Cotton linters
1501	Pig fat (including lard) and poultry fat, other than that falling under headings 0209 or 1503
1502	Fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats, other than those falling under heading 1503
1503	Lard stearin, lard oil, oleostearin, oleo-oil and tallow oil, not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared
1505	Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin)
1506	Other animal fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1509	Olive oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1510	Other oils and their fractions, obtained solely from olives, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, including blends of these oils or fractions with oils or fractions falling under heading 1509
1511	Palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1513	Coconut (copra), palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1515 30	Castor oil and its fractions
1515 50	Sesame oil and its fractions
1515 60	Microbial fats and oils and their fractions
1515 90 11	Tung oil; jojoba and oiticica oils; myrtle and japan wax; their fractions
1515 90 21	Crude tobacco-seed oil and its fractions, for technical or industrial uses other than the manufacture of foodstuffs for human consumption
1515 90 29	Crude tobacco-seed oil and its fractions, excluding for technical or industrial uses other than the manufacture of foodstuffs for human consumption
1515 90 31	Tobacco-seed oil and its fractions other than crude, for technical or industrial uses other than the manufacture of foodstuffs for human consumption
1515 90 39	Tobacco-seed oil and its fractions other than crude, excluding for technical or industrial uses other than the manufacture of foodstuffs for human consumption
1516 10	Animal fats and oils and their fractions
1516 20 10	Hydrogenated castor oil, so-called ‘opal-wax’
1516 30	Microbials fats and oils and their fractions
1517	Margarine, edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable or microbial fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of Chapter 15, other than edible fats or oils or their fractions falling under heading 1516
1518 00 10	Linoxyn
1520	Glycerol, crude; glycerol waters and glycerol lyes
1521	Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes and spermaceti, whether or not refined or coloured
1522	Degras; residues resulting from the treatment of fatty substances or animal or vegetable waxes
1601	Sausages and similar products of meat, meat offal, blood or insects; food preparations based on these products
1602	Other prepared or preserved meat, meat offal, blood or insects
17	Sugars and sugar confectionery
18	Cocoa and cocoa preparations
19	Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks’ products
20	Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants
21	Miscellaneous edible preparations
22	Beverages, spirits and vinegar
2301 10	Flours, meals and pellets, of meat or offal, unfit for human consumption; greaves
2302 10	Bran, sharps and other residues of maize (corn), whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from sifting, milling or other working
2302 40 02	Bran, sharps and other residues of rice, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from sifting, milling or other working, with starch content not exceeding 35 %
2302 40 08	Bran, sharps and other residues of rice, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from sifting, milling or other working, other than with starch content not exceeding 35 %
2302 50	Bran, sharps and other residues of leguminous plants, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from sifting, milling or other working
2306 90 11	Oilcake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of olive oil, containing 3 % or less by weight of olive oil
2306 90 19	Oilcake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of olive oil, containing more than 3 % by weight of olive oil
2307	Wine lees; argol
2308 00 11	Grape marc, whether or not in the form of pellets, of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included, having a total alcoholic strength by mass not exceeding 4,3 % mas and a dry matter content not less than 40 % by weight
2308 00 19	Grape marc, whether or not in the form of pellets, of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included, other than having a total alcoholic strength by mass not exceeding 4,3 % mas and a dry matter content not less than 40 % by weight
2308 00 40	Acorns and horse-chestnuts; pomace or marc of fruit, other than grapes, whether or not in the form of pellets, of a kind used for animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included
2309 10	Dog or cat food, put up for retail sale
2309 90 10	Fish or marine mammal solubles, of a kind used in animal feeding
2309 90 33	Preparations, including premixes, of a kind used in animal feeding, containing glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup of subheadings 1702 30 50, 1702 30 90, 1702 40 90, 1702 90 50 and 2106 90 55 but containing no starch or containing 10 % or less by weight of starch and containing not less than 10 % but less than 50 % by weight of milk products
2309 90 35	Preparations, including premixes, of a kind used in animal feeding, containing glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup of subheadings 1702 30 50, 1702 30 90, 1702 40 90, 1702 90 50 and 2106 90 55 but containing no starch or containing 10 % or less by weight of starch and containing not less than 50 % but less than 75 % by weight of milk products
2309 90 39	Preparations, including premixes, of a kind used in animal feeding, containing glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup of subheadings 1702 30 50, 1702 30 90, 1702 40 90, 1702 90 50 and 2106 90 55 but containing no starch or containing 10 % or less by weight of starch and containing not less than 75 % by weight of milk products
2309 90 43	Preparations, including premixes, of a kind used in animal feeding, containing glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup of subheadings 1702 30 50, 1702 30 90, 1702 40 90, 1702 90 50 and 2106 90 55 and containing more than 10 % but not more than 30 % by weight of starch and containing not less than 10 % but less than 50 % by weight of milk products
2309 90 49	Preparations, including premixes, of a kind used in animal feeding, containing glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup of subheadings 1702 30 50, 1702 30 90, 1702 40 90, 1702 90 50 and 2106 90 55 and containing more than 10 % but not more than 30 % by weight of starch and containing not less than 50 % by weight of milk products
2309 90 53	Preparations, including premixes, of a kind used in animal feeding, containing glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup of subheadings 1702 30 50, 1702 30 90, 1702 40 90, 1702 90 50 and 2106 90 55 and containing more than 30 % by weight of starch and containing not less than 10 % but less than 50 % by weight of milk products
2309 90 59	Preparations, including premixes, of a kind used in animal feeding, containing glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup of subheadings 1702 30 50, 1702 30 90, 1702 40 90, 1702 90 50 and 2106 90 55 and containing more than 30 % by weight of starch and containing not less than 50 % by weight of milk products
2309 90 70	Preparations, including premixes, of a kind used in animal feeding, containing no starch, glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrine or maltodextrine syrup but containing milk products
24	Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes; products, whether or not containing nicotine, intended for inhalation without combustion; other nicotine containing products intended for the intake of nicotine into the human body
2905 43	Mannitol
2905 44	D-glucitol (sorbitol)
3301	Essential oils (terpeneless or not), including concretes and absolutes; resinoids; extracted oleoresins; concentrates of essential oils in fats, in fixed oils, in waxes or the like, obtained by enfleurage or maceration; terpenic by-products of the deterpenation of essential oils; aqueous distillates and aqueous solutions of essential oils
3501	Casein, caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues
3502	Albumins (including concentrates of two or more whey proteins, containing by weight more than 80 % whey proteins, calculated on the dry matter), albuminates and other albumin derivatives
3503	Gelatin (including gelatin in rectangular (including square) sheets, whether or not surface-worked or coloured, and gelatin derivatives; isinglass; other glues of animal origin, excluding casein glues of heading 3501
3504	Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives, not elsewhere specified or included; hide powder, whether or not chromed
3505	Dextrins and other modified starches (e.g. pregelatinised or esterified starches); glues based on starches, dextrins or other modified starches
3809 10	Finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate the dyeing or fixing of dyestuffs and other products and preparations (e.g. dressings and mordants), of a kind used in the textile, paper, leather or like industries, not elsewhere specified or included, with a basis of amylaceous substances
3824 60	Sorbitol other than that of subheading 2905 44
4101	Raw hides and skins of bovine (including buffalo) or equine animals (fresh, or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further prepared), whether or not dehaired or split
4102	Raw skins of sheep or lambs (fresh, or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further prepared), whether or not with wool on or split, other than those excluded by note 1(c) to Chapter 41
4103	Other raw hides and skins (fresh, or salted, dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not tanned, parchment-dressed or further prepared), whether or not dehaired or split, other than those excluded by note 1(b) or note 1(c) to Chapter 41
4301	Raw fur skins (including heads, tails, paws and other pieces or cuttings, suitable for furriers’ use), other than raw hides and skins of heading 4101, 4102 or 4103
5001	Silkworm cocoons suitable for reeling
5002	Raw silk (not thrown)
5003	Silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for reeling, yarn waste and garneted stock)
5101	Wool, not carded or combed
5102	Fine or coarse animal hair, not carded or combed
5103	Waste of wool or of fine or coarse animal hair, including yarn waste but excluding garneted stock
5201	Cotton, not carded or combed
5202	Cotton waste (including yarn waste and garneted stock)
5203	Cotton, carded or combed
5301	Flax, raw or processed but not spun; flax tow and waste (including yarn waste and garneted stock)
5302	True hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), raw or processed, but not spun; tow and waste of true hemp (including yarn waste and garneted stock)

ANNEX II

List of goods referred to in Article 1(2)

CN code

Description

3102

Mineral or chemical fertilisers, nitrogenous

Ex 3105

Mineral or chemical fertilisers containing two or three of the fertilising elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; other fertilisers; goods of Chapter 31 in tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight not exceeding 10 kg, except:

3105 10 00 – Goods of Chapter 31 in tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight not exceeding 10 kg

3105 60 00 – Mineral or chemical fertilisers containing the two fertilising elements phosphorus and potassium

(1)	Position of the European Parliament of 22 May 2025.
(2)	Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/182/oj).
(3)	Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/952/oj).

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Small and medium-sized enterprises – 22-05-2025

Source: European Parliament

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute 99% of companies in the EU. Various action programmes have been adopted in order to increase the competitiveness of SMEs through research and innovation, and to provide better access to finance. Strategies to ensure better conditions for SMEs have also taken into account carbon neutrality and the digital transition. Also, recent geopolitical developments have stimulated new thinking about economic recovery, reconstruction and building SME resilience.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Hearing on Enforcement of the EU Digital Rulebook and Political Advertising – Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

Source: European Parliament

Content from social media platforms can influence elections © Adobe Stock

A hearing on Enforcement of the EU Digital Rulebook and Political Advertising in the context of foreign interference: understanding Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and disinformation as systemic risks to electoral processes and public discourse will be held on 3 June.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Enforcement of the EU Digital Rulebook and Political Advertising – 03-06-2025 – Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

Source: European Parliament

Content from social media platforms can influence elections © Adobe Stock

On 3 June, a hearing will be held on: Enforcement of the EU Digital Rulebook and Political Advertising in the context of foreign interference: understanding Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and disinformation as systemic risks to electoral processes and public discourse

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation as regards securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio – P10_TA(2025)0111 – Thursday, 22 May 2025 – Brussels

Source: European Parliament

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 114 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Central Bank(1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(2),

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure(3),

Whereas:

(1) Regulation (EU) 2019/876 of the European Parliament and of the Council(4) introduced into Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council(5) the net stable funding ratio (NSFR) requirement for credit institutions. That requirement reflected part of the Basel III standards agreed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), which were developed to ensure that credit institutions have sufficient stable funding on a one-year horizon, and thus to prevent an excessive maturity mismatch between assets and liabilities and an overreliance on short-term wholesale funding. The NSFR requirement has been applicable since 28 June 2021.

(2) Article 428r(1), point (g), Article 428s(1), point (b), and Article 428v, point (a), of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 currently provide for the stable funding factors for monies due from financing transactions with financial customers, where those transactions have a residual maturity of less than six months. Those funding factors are, depending on the financing transaction concerned, 0 %, 5 % or 10 %. However, Article 510(8) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 provides that, by 28 June 2025, those funding factors are to be raised to 10 %, 15 % and 15 %, respectively. That deferred raise aimed to give credit institutions sufficient time to gradually adapt to a more conservative calibration and to assess whether that calibration was appropriate. In addition to that deferred raise, other adjustments were adopted to ensure that the introduction of the NSFR requirement did not disrupt the liquidity of the related collateral markets, including sovereign bond markets.

(3) Under Article 510(6) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013, the European Supervisory Authority (European Banking Authority) (EBA) established by Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council(6), was mandated to assess the appropriateness of the treatment of the stable funding required to cover the funding risk linked to securities financing transactions (SFTs) and to unsecured transactions with financial customers where those SFTs or unsecured transactions have a residual maturity of less than six months. In line with that mandate, EBA delivered a report on specific aspects of the NSFR framework on 16 January 2024. That report concluded that raising the required stable funding factors applying to the transactions referred to in Article 428r(1), point (g), Article 428s(1), point (b), and Article 428v, point (a), of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 would have a negligible impact on the NSFR levels of credit institutions. However, that report did not assess the broader dimension or spillover effects regarding the liquidity of the sovereign debt markets and the effects on sovereign bond markets. Therefore, the considerations justifying the deferral of the raising of required stable funding factors, as provided for in Article 510(8) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013, continue to prevail. In particular, as the bulk of SFTs are collateralised by sovereign debt instruments, a raise in the related required stable funding could reduce the liquidity in the markets concerned. That could, in turn, risk creating additional funding costs for Member States and altering monetary policy transmission mechanisms.

(4) In addition, other BCBS member jurisdictions have set required stable funding factor levels for SFTs that are identical to those that are currently applicable under Regulation (EU) No 575/2013. In that context, given the intense international competition in the SFT market, raising the required stable funding factors by 28 June 2025 would create an uneven international playing field that would be detrimental to Union financial markets.

(5) To avoid those unintended consequences, the current stable funding factors for SFTs and for unsecured transactions with financial customers, where such transactions have a residual maturity of less than six months, should be made permanent.

(6) To ensure sufficient monitoring of interactions between the stable funding requirements and the market liquidity of assets received as collateral in SFTs and of unsecured transactions with financial customers, where such transactions have a residual maturity of less than six months, including when collateralised by sovereign debt, the funding risk for credit institutions, and possible international developments in that area, EBA should report to the Commission every five years on the appropriateness of those stable funding requirements.

(7) Temporarily discontinuing the prudential treatment for monies due from SFTs and for unsecured transactions with financial customers, with a residual maturity of less than six months, would create legal uncertainty for market participants and undue administrative and financial burden for the Union banking sector in general that could be mitigated by clearly setting the expected date of application of the provisions concerned. Therefore, to ensure the continuity of that prudential treatment, this amending Regulation should apply from 29 June 2025.

(8) Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 575/2013

Article 510 of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 is amended as follows:

(1) paragraph 6 is amended as follows:

(a) the introductory wording is replaced by the following:”

‘EBA shall monitor the amount of stable funding required to cover the funding risk linked to securities financing transactions, including to the assets received or given in those transactions, and to unsecured transactions with financial customers, where such transactions have a residual maturity of less than six months. EBA shall report to the Commission by 31 January 2029, and every five years thereafter, on the appropriateness of that stable funding requirement. Taking into account international developments and the regulatory treatment of similar transactions in other jurisdictions, those reports shall assess at a minimum:’;

”

(b) points (d) and (e) are replaced by the following:”

‘(d) the adequacy of the asymmetric treatment between liabilities with a residual maturity of less than six months provided by financial customers that are subject to a 0 % available stable funding factor in accordance with Article 428k(3), point (c), and assets resulting from transactions with a residual maturity of less than six months with financial customers that are subject to a 0 %, 5 % or 10 % required stable funding factor in accordance with Article 428r(1), point (g), Article 428s(1), point (b), and Article 428v, point (a);
	(e)	the impact of the introduction of higher or lower required stable funding factors for securities financing transactions, in particular with a residual maturity of less than six months, with financial customers, on:
	(i)	the price structure of those transactions; and
	(ii)	the market liquidity of assets received as collateral in those transactions, in particular of sovereign and corporate bonds;’;

”

(2) paragraphs 7 and 8 are deleted.

Article 2

Entry into force and application

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 29 June 2025.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at …, …

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

(1)	Opinion of 2 May 2025 (not yet published in the Official Journal).
(2)	Opinion of 29 April 2025 (not yet published in the Official Journal).
(3)	Position of the European Parliament of 22 May 2025.
(4)	Regulation (EU) 2019/876 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 as regards the leverage ratio, the net stable funding ratio, requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities, counterparty credit risk, market risk, exposures to central counterparties, exposures to collective investment undertakings, large exposures, reporting and disclosure requirements, and Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 150, 7.6.2019, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/876/oj).
(5)	Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 176, 27.6.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/575/oj).
(6)	Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Banking Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/78/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 12, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2010/1093/oj).

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Employment and Social Affairs Committee to discuss just transition in Ruhr area

Source: European Parliament

An Employment and Social Affairs Committee delegation is travelling to Germany’s Ruhr area to visit chemical and steel plants and educational facilities.

Five MEPs from Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee will be in the Ruhr area from 26 to 28 May 2025 to meet with business leaders, trade union representatives and the state government. The delegation will be led by Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE). The other four members of the delegation are:

Interested journalists can accompany the delegation or join the concluding press briefing on 27 May.

On Monday 26 May, MEPs will visit the Chemical Park Marl, one of the largest chemical industry centres in Europe. They will also visit thyssenkrupp Duisburg, an international industrial and technology group.

On Tuesday 27 May, the parliamentarians will meet workers and trade union representatives for a discussion at the Quaz-Ruhr Qualification Centre in Bochum. The delegation will also stop at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), where they will visit the Worldfactory Start-up-Center and Makerspace, both central RUB hubs for start-ups and technology transfer.

In the afternoon, the MEPs will visit DASA − Germany’s largest exhibition on the world of work, where they will have a debate with the North Rhine-Westphalia State Minister for Labour, Health, and Social Affairs, Karl-Josef Laumann.

Press briefing

On Tuesday 27 May, at around 17:30, there will be a press briefing with Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE), the head of the delegation, and State Minister Karl-Josef Laumann at DASA, Working World Exhibit.

For any media questions, or to register for the press briefing, you are kindly advised to get in touch with Parliament’s press officer in Germany, Thilo Kunzemann (email: thilo.kunzemann@europarl.europa.eu; phone: +49 171 388 4775).

Background

Historically, the Ruhr area is well-known across Europe for its production of coal, iron, and steel. Production reached peak levels in the 1950s, when the sector accounted for about 70% of the Ruhr’s total workforce. With decarbonisation, jobs in the sector have since decreased drastically, and the region has shifted from an industry-based economy to one based on services and knowledge. The region is often seen as a successful example of the just transition, having transformed into a major “green hub”.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU evacuations of Afghans at risk – E-001218/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The European External Action Service has reported on safe passage operations, whenever the question was raised during an Afghanistan related session in the European Parliament or in a parliamentary question[1].

The Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/151 of February 2022 on a European Union action to support the evacuation of certain particularly vulnerable persons from Afghanistan[2] expired in December 2024 and was not extended.

The EU as such does not have the prerogative to deliver visas or grant asylum and in the absence of visa for the final destination country in Europe, the EU cannot continue operations. Member States still have the possibility to continue their own operations.

The Commission also supports civil society organisations and the protection of human rights in Afghanistan, through dedicated thematic budget lines.

This includes ongoing assistance to Human Right Defenders under the European Union Human Rights Defenders Mechanism[3], which provides support worldwide, including in Afghanistan.

[1] P-002818/2022: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2022-002818_EN.html.

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2022/151/oj/eng.

[3] https://protectdefenders.eu/.
Last updated: 22 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – HOUS mission to Barcelona, 26-28 May 2025 – Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

Source: European Parliament

Flag of Spain © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

Housing Committee to discuss housing needs in Barcelona A delegation from the Committee on Housing is travelling to Barcelona to meet local, regional and national governments, economic and social actors and education and research institutions.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: France takes command of NATO Mission Iraq

Source: NATO

On Thursday 22 May, Major General Christophe Hintzy from France assumed command of NATO Mission Iraq, at a change of command ceremony in Baghdad. He succeeds Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs from the Netherlands, who had been in post since May 2024. The ceremony was attended by Iraqi officials, Ambassadors from Allied and partner countries, NATO officials, and other representatives from the international community in Baghdad.

“For France and for me personally, it is an honour and immense privilege to take over command of the NATO Mission in Iraq, a country often regarded as the cradle of civilization,” Major General Hintzy said. “Together with Iraqi security institutions and Iraqi Security Forces, we share a common goal. Our success will never be an individual success, but rather a collective one to develop tailored and sustainable solutions that will help Iraq as a valued partner for NATO,” he pointed out.

The outgoing commander, Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs, thanked his Iraqi counterparts for their hospitality and excellent cooperation and praised them for their commitment to the cooperation with NATO and to further strengthening the Iraqi security forces and institutions. “To our Iraqi partners — your resilience and leadership inspire us. We have learned much from you, and it has been a privilege to serve alongside you. To our Allies and partners — thank you for investing in Iraq’s future and in our shared security,” he said. “Christophe, I pass this command to you with full confidence. You inherit a team of dedicated professionals and a resilient network of partnerships. I know you will lead with vision and respect for both NATO’s principles and the Iraqi context. This mission is about people — about trust, support, and sovereignty. I know you will carry it forward with the integrity it deserves,” Lieutenant General Schreurs added.

At the NATO Summit in Brussels in July 2018, Allied leaders launched NATO Mission Iraq, following a request and upon invitation from the Government of Iraq. The mission was established in Baghdad, in October 2018. It is a non-combat, advisory, and capacity-building mission that assists Iraq in building more sustainable, transparent, inclusive and effective security institutions and forces, so that they themselves are able to stabilise their country, fight terrorism, and prevent the return of ISIS/Daesh.

All efforts of NATO Mission Iraq are carried out with the consent of the Iraqi government and conducted in full respect of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ahead of the change of command ceremony of NATO Mission Iraq, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Tom Goffus, participated in the second meeting of the High-Level Dialogue for Partnership between NATO and Iraq, held in Baghdad, on 21 May. “This second meeting of the High-Level Dialogue for Partnership, here in Baghdad, is a testimony to our partnership with Iraq and to cementing this dialogue,” he said, adding that “NATO continues to stand prepared to support the Government of Iraq and its security institutions into the future through NATO Mission Iraq.”

The High-Level Dialogue for Partnership between NATO and Iraq was launched in Brussels on 27 August 2024. It provides an additional framework for consultations and exchange of views on issues of mutual interest – including stability across the Middle East.

MIL Security OSI –

May 27, 2025
Nationwide mass mobilization campaign launched against plastic pollution

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Thursday announced the launch of a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign against plastic pollution in the lead-up to World Environment Day.

The campaign, titled ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’, aims to raise awareness, drive behaviour change, and promote sustainable alternatives to plastic use across the country. It is part of the government’s larger Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which encourages citizens to adopt environmentally conscious practices.

“”In the run-up to #WorldEnvironmentDay, @moefcc has launched a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign against plastic pollution today. The campaign ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’ aims to nudge citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives as envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi ji under Mission LiFE. Let’s move from awareness to action collectively by embracing sustainable living and #EndPlasticPollution,” Yadav posted on X.

The key thrust areas of the campaign include spreading awareness about plastic pollution, reducing the use and generation of plastic waste, promoting efficient waste management, and encouraging the development and adoption of sustainable materials to replace single-use plastics.

Activities under the campaign will take place across ministries, state and union territory governments, local bodies, schools, colleges, industries, civil society organisations, and community groups.

Engagement efforts will span a variety of formats—from awareness drives on social media and street plays (nukkad nataks) to public pledges, poster and essay competitions, marathons, and cleanup drives at public places.

Workshops, webinars, and educational activities on sustainable practices will also be organised to deepen understanding and support long-term change. Participating stakeholders have been urged to align their activities with the campaign’s goals and report them through the government’s ‘Meri LiFE’ portal.

(With inputs from ANI)

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: FMQs: Polluters must pay to prevent climate breakdown

Source: Scottish Greens

22 May 2025 Climate

Climate breakdown already costs households in Scotland over £3,000 a year on average.

More in Climate

Climate inaction will cost Scottish households and the economy unless big polluters are made to pay, says Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater MSP at First Minister’s Questions.

Research by Global Witness has revealed that the costs of climate breakdown in the UK amount to an estimated £3,000 per household over the course of 2025.

The cost of wildfires, flooding, crop losses, and more, means higher bills for households, such as insurance and everyday essentials, warns Tax Justice UK.

Scottish Greens have long called for a windfall tax on the fossil fuel sector to pay for a Just Transition for North East workers, and to fund urgent climate action.

In the Holyrood chamber, Ms Slater asked the First Minister:

“Your Government has spent the last year ripping up policies designed to tackle the climate emergency. And I know the First Minister knows that delaying action on climate, actually costs a lot more in the long run.

“Analysis from Global Witness shows that climate damage is already costing Scottish households £3,000 every year, on average, while multinational fossil fuel giants are still raking in billions of pounds of profit.

“Unless polluters pay, communities will be worse off and the super rich will keep getting richer.

“So that we can invest more now, not only to save money later, but to create green jobs and opportunities that we know will benefit Scotland, will the First Minister support policies to tax polluters?”

Responding to Ms Slater, the First Minister did not set out any clear examples of climate action or attempts to make polluters pay his government would take.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Maryland Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by March Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Maryland who sustained economic losses caused by drought beginning Mar. 4.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery, and Prince George in Maryland and District of Columbia, Adam and York in Pennsylvania as well as Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun in Virginia.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.62% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 6, 2026.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Punitive criminal libel charge against Samoan journalist draws flurry of criticism

Pacific Media Watch

A punitive defamation charge filed against one of Samoa’s most experienced and trusted journalists last week has sparked a flurry of criticism over abuse of power and misuse of a law that has long been heavily criticised as outdated.

Talamua Online senior journalist Lagi Keresoma, who is also president of the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS), was charged with one count of defamation under Section 117A of Samoa’s Crimes Act 2013 on May 18.

She was elected in 2021 as the first woman to hold the presidency.

The charge followed an article she had published more than two weeks earlier on May 1 alleging that a former police officer had appealed to Samoa’s Head of State to have charges against him withdrawn.

The accused was charged with “allegedly forging the signature of the complainant as guarantor to secure a $200,000 loan from the Samoa National Provident Fund”. He denies the allegation.

It was reported that the complainant was another senior police officer.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo reportedly said the officer had filed a complaint over the May 1 article, claiming its contents were false and amounted to defamation.

Criminal libel removed, then restored
The criminal libel law was removed by the Samoan government in 2013, but was revived four years later in 2017. It was claimed at the time that it was needed to deal with issues triggered by social media.

JAWS immediately defended their president, saying it stood in “full solidarity” with Keresoma and calling for an immediate repeal of the law.

The association said the provision was a “troubling development for press freedom in Samoa” and added that it “should not be used to silence journalists and discourage investigative reporting”.

“It is deeply concerning that a journalist of Lagi Keresoma’s integrity and professionalism is being prosecuted under a law that has long been criticised for its negative effect on press freedom,” said the association.

Talamua Online senior journalist Lagi Keresoma . . . charged with criminal defamation over a report earlier this month. Image: Samoa Observer

Keresoma told Talamua Online she had been summoned twice to the police station and the police suggested that she apologise publicly and to the complainant and the complaint would be withdrawn.

However, she said: “To apologise is an admission that the story is wrong, so after speaking to my lawyer and my editor, it was decided to have the police file their charges, but no apology from my end.”

Her lawyer also contacted the police investigating officer informing that her client was not making a statement but to prepare the charges against her.

Keresoma was summoned to the police headquarters on Saturday and Sunday and the charges were only finalised on Monday morning before she was released.

She is due to appear in court next month.

Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, the JAWS gender spokesperson with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), said in a statement Keresoma was a veteran Samoan journalist with “decades of service” to the public and media.

‘Outdated and controversial provision’
“Her arrest under this outdated and controversial provision raises serious concerns about the misuse of legal tools to silence independent journalism. The action appears heavy-handed and disproportionate, and risks being perceived as an abuse of power to suppress public scrutiny and dissent,” Lagipoiva said.

“The United Nations Human Rights Committee and UN Special Rapporteurs, particularly the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, have repeatedly called for defamation to be treated as a civil matter, not a criminal one.

“The continued application of criminal defamation in Samoa contradicts international standards and poses a chilling threat to press freedom, particularly for women journalists who already face systemic risks and intimidation.”

Pacific Media Watch notes: “This is a disturbing development in Pacific media freedom trends. Clearly it is a clumsy attempt to intimidate and silence in-depth investigation and reporting on Pacific governance.

“For years, Samoa has been a beacon for media freedom in the region, but it has fared badly in the latest World Press Freedom Index and this incident involving alleged criminal libel, a crime that should have been struck from the statutes years ago, is not going to help Samoa’s standing.

“Journalism is not a crime.”

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) Partners with AmCham Libya, Strengthening United States (US)-Libya Ties for 2026 Summit

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

TRIPOLI, Libya, May 22, 2025/APO Group/ —

The Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) is proud to announce its partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Libya (AmCham Libya) for the 2026 edition of the summit, taking place in Tripoli on January 24-26. This collaboration marks a new chapter in fostering stronger economic ties and energy sector partnerships between the U.S. and Libya.

AmCham Libya, known for its role in fostering business and trade relations between the U.S. and Libya, will collaborate closely with LEES to bring high-level participation from U.S. investors and energy companies to the upcoming summit. The 2026 summit will build on the momentum of the highly successful 2025 edition, which featured a dedicated U.S. pavilion, a U.S.-Libya Roundtable, participation from U.S. officials, and a significant delegation of U.S.-based companies. With an expanded presence expected in 2026, the summit will further strengthen U.S.-Libya commercial ties and open new avenues for investment and partnership.

In parallel, LEES 2026 will return with a dedicated U.S.-Libya Roundtable, aimed at advancing dialogue on trade, investment and energy cooperation between the two nations. The 2025 roundtable, moderated by AmCham, brought together senior executives from ConocoPhillips, Nabors and the U.S.-Libya Business Association, alongside U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jeremy Berndt, to deliver a clear message: U.S. companies are ready to engage and optimistic about Libya’s future. The session marked a significant step in strengthening U.S.-Libya commercial ties and underscored serious interest from the American private sector in supporting Libya’s energy and economic revival.

“LEES serves as a vital platform for strengthening U.S.-Libya economic ties. We look forward to building on the momentum of past engagement, highlighting American innovation in energy and infrastructure, and expanding avenues for collaboration with Libyan partners. This continued partnership underscores our long-term commitment to supporting Libya’s economic growth and stability,” says Debbie Hirst, President of AmCham Libya.

“Our longstanding partnership with AmCham Libya has been instrumental in shaping LEES into a platform for meaningful U.S.-Libya engagement. U.S. companies are the cornerstone of Libya’s energy development and continue to play a critical role in driving innovation, investment and capacity building in the sector. We look forward to deepening this collaboration at LEES 2026 and showcasing the vital role of U.S. businesses in Libya’s economic future,” says James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power.

With dates confirmed for January 24-26, 2026, LEES will return for its fourth edition in Tripoli as the leading event focused on driving international private sector investment in Libya’s energy and infrastructure sectors. The summit brings together senior government officials, industry leaders and experts to explore strategies for driving investment, fostering partnerships and unlocking Libya’s economic potential.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LaLota Brokers SALT Deal

Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

Delivers Full Relief to 92% of Constituents
Quadruples Deduction Cap for Long Island Families

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) announced a significant win for Long Island taxpayers following successful negotiations to quadruple the cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. The change, included in the House-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill, now heads to the Senate and awaits the President’s signature. If enacted, the measure would provide long-overdue relief—saving many Suffolk County families as much as $8,000 on their 2026 federal tax returns.

The deal raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000, with both thresholds indexed to grow by about 1% annually—reaching roughly $44,000 and $552,000 by year ten. A household earning $333,000 and paying $20,000 in property taxes would now be fully covered under the new cap. The provision is valued at $344 billion over ten years.

LaLota secured the breakthrough after resisting heavy internal party pressure and rejecting a weaker proposal that would have capped deductions at $30,000 for households earning under $400,000—with no indexing and a reset to $10,000 after a decade. That rejected proposal, worth $225 billion, might have covered a household earning $250,000 with $15,000 in property taxes—but it would have fallen far short for many Long Islanders.

“This was a years-long battle, and I’m proud my colleagues finally came around to a plan that fixes the unfair $10,000 cap from 2017,” said LaLota. “Raising it to $40,000 means 92% of the families I represent will finally be made whole. For too long, Suffolk County’s middle class has been punished by double taxation. That ends now.”

According to the Tax Foundation, median property taxes in Nassau and Suffolk Counties far exceed $10,000, meaning most homeowners have long been penalized under the current $10,000 cap. Only 16.3% of NY-01 taxpayers currently claim a SALT deduction—evidence of just how narrow and inequitable the benefit has been.

“Securing this deal took months of pressure, standing firm, and refusing to settle,” LaLota added. “I meant what I said: No SALT, no deal—for real. That wasn’t a slogan—it was a promise to Suffolk County families. And today, we delivered.”

LaLota also highlighted his consistent opposition to tax packages that failed to fix the SALT deduction.

“In 2021 and 2022, Democrats controlled Washington and broke their promise to fix SALT. In 2024, when the Smith/Wyden tax plan ignored it again, I voted no. And when a $30,000 cap was floated, I pushed back. That wasn’t a compromise—it was an insult.”

LaLota credited Speaker Mike Johnson and Chairwoman Elise Stefanik for working with him to deliver meaningful reform.

“This is a major win for Long Island—but we’re not done yet. I’ll keep fighting until this provision is signed into law and middle-class families get the relief they deserve. I didn’t come to Washington to play politics—I came to fight for Suffolk County. And I’m just getting started.”

Background:

Timeline of LaLota Actions

January 25, 2023 – First SALT Caucus Meeting

February 8, 2023 – First SALT press conference

April 10, 2023 – LaLota cosponsors SALT Deductibility Act

April 14, 2023 – SALT press conference in Franklin Square, NY

May 10, 2023 – LaLota introduces SALT Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act

May 10, 2023 – LaLota cosponsors SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act

May 17, 2023 – Meeting w/ RSC Chairman Kevin Hern re SALT

May 18, 2023 – Meeting w/ Rep. Mario Diaz Balart re SALT

May 24, 2023 – Meeting w/ Rep. Gottheimer re SALT

May 24, 2023 – First meeting w/ House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith

May 30, 2023 – LaLota introduces amendment to Fiscal Responsibility Act to address unfair SALT deduction cap

June 6, 2023 – Meeting w/ Senator Gillibrand re SALT

June 14, 2023 – Meeting w/ Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Chairman Smith re SALT

June 22, 2023 – Meeting w/ SALT Caucus

July 12, 2023 – Meeting w/ Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer re SALT

July 27, 2023 – Meeting w/ House Budget Committee re SALT

January 31, 2024 – LaLota introduces SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act alongside Rep. Mike Lawler

January 31, 2024 – LaLota votes against Wyden-Smith tax bill due to lack of SALT fix

January 31, 2024 – LaLota forces vote on SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act

February 14, 2024 – House Democrats block vote on SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act

April 10, 2024 – LaLota highlights unfair SALT deduction cap at Small Business Committee hearing

May 14, 2024 – LaLota House floor speech on House Democrats blocking SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act

June 7, 2024 – Meeting w/ SALT Caucus

August 12, 2024 – Publishes Op-Ed entitled, “Relief for New York: Increasing the SALT Deduction to Protect Our Communities”

September 24, 2024 – Meeting w/ Ways and Means Committee Working Families Tax Team re SALT

December 12, 2024 – LaLota rejects idea of raising SALT deduction cap to $20,000

January 7, 2025 – Meeting w/ SALT Caucus

January 8, 2025 – Meeting w/ Ways and Means Committee Working Families Tax Team re SALT

January 11, 2025 – Meeting w/ President Trump at Mar-a-Lago re SALT

January 14, 2025 – LaLota publishes Op-Ed entitled, “Fighting for Long Island’s Future”

January 14, 2025 – Meeting w/ SALT Caucus

January 23, 2025 – LaLota testifies in front of Ways and Means Committee re unfair SALT deduction cap

January 24, 2025 – LaLota House floor speech on unfair SALT deduction cap

January 30, 2025 – SALT press conference in Smithtown, NY

February 26, 2025 – LaLota votes for House Budget Resolution & vows to get SALT fix done

February 27, 2025 – LaLota meets w/ President Trump in Oval Office and talks SALT fix

March 1, 2025 – LaLota reiterates his promise to vote against reconciliation bill if it doesn’t include meaningful increase to SALT deduction cap

March 3, 2025 – LaLota publishes Op-Ed entitled, “A Responsible Budget That Puts Long Island First”

April 6, 2025 – Phone Call w/ Speaker Johnson re Budget Resolution and SALT

April 7, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

April 29, 2025 – Meeting w/ White House Legislative Affairs re SALT

April 30, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

May 6, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

May 8, 2025 – Joint Statement from SALTy Five re Ways and Means proposed SALT language

May 8, 2025 – SALTy Five reject Ways and Means offer on proposed SALT fix

May 12, 2025 – Conference Call w/ Speaker Johnson and Chairman Smith

May 13, 2025 – Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

May 15, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

May 19, 2025 – Phone Call w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

May 19, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

May 20, 2025 – Small Group Meeting w/ Speaker Johnson re SALT

May 20, 2025 – Joint Statement from SALTy Five re President Trump’s comments during House Republican Conference Meeting

New York currently holds the unenviable position of having the highest effective tax burden in the nation, a direct consequence of the ballooning state budget under single-party Democratic rule since 2018. The current New York State budget, growing at a rate double that of inflation, surpasses Florida’s despite New York’s smaller population. The repercussions are stark: New York leads the country in residents relocating to more economically-prudent states like Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

This fiscal mismanagement by New York Democrats has resulted in an excessive dependence on the federal State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. This deduction permits taxpayers to offset their federal taxable income with the amount paid in state and local taxes. However, the 2017 tax reform, spearheaded by President Trump, capped these deductions at $10,000, intensifying the tax burden for New Yorkers. This cap underscores the urgent need for fiscal reform in the state to alleviate the pressures on its taxpayers.

In 2022, despite their initial pledge of “No SALT, no deal,” House Democrats did not follow through before the final vote on the Inflation Reduction Act. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress as well as the White House. Nevertheless, they did not address the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, missing a crucial opportunity to fulfill their promises to alleviate the tax burdens on their constituents. This inaction occurred even as they held the legislative power to potentially make significant changes to the policy.

Since being sworn into office in January 2023, LaLota has been explicitly clear on his support for restoring the SALT deduction. LaLota joined the bipartisan SALT Caucus and, in March 2023, introduced the SALT Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act to effectively bring the deduction to pre-2017 levels for the overwhelming majority of taxpayers while at the same time reducing the federal deficit by raising and extending the SALT deduction cap to $60,000 for single filers and $120,000 for joint filers beginning in 2023 and lasting until December 31, 2032.

In January 2024, LaLota voted against the Wyden-Smith tax bill because it failed to include an increase on the cap to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. In February 2024, LaLota introduced the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act to the floor of the House. Unfortunately, 18 Republicans, together with every single House Democrat, blocked further consideration, debate, and a final vote on the measure. The SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act would remove the marriage penalty and raise the SALT deduction cap to $20,000 for joint filers and cap adjusted gross income at $500,000.

In January 2025, LaLota met with President Donald Trump at Mar-A-Lago to address critical issues impacting Long Island, including the SALT cap, and continue the conversation on available options for a reconciliation tax package. During that meeting, President Trump renewed his campaign pledge to ‘fix’ the SALT cap and support LaLota’s constituents who suffer under the nation’s most burdensome state and local taxes, a direct result from ineffective and incompetent Democratic governance in New York.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Salinas Defends Oregon Families, Votes No on Final Passage of GOP Tax Scam

Source: US Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) issued the following statement after voting no on final passage of the Republican tax scam:

“Time and time again, my Democratic colleagues and I have attempted to work with Republicans on legislation that would actually bring down costs and make life better for working families. They refused and instead put forth a disastrous tax bill that rips away health care and food assistance for millions, all to give massive tax breaks to billionaires.

Democrats were undeterred. In committee, we introduced hundreds of amendments to change or remove some of the worst provisions in this bill, including commonsense fixes that would have prevented children from going hungry. Republicans either voted no or failed to bring our amendments up for consideration.

At every turn, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have not only ignored our attempts at bipartisanship – they have actively avoided accountability and even convened a meeting in the dead of night to force through their shameful legislation. Republicans are hiding from the American people because they know these cuts are deeply unpopular. Yet they don’t care. Families will starve and people will die as a result of the Republican tax scam – but the rich will get even richer.

Despite this devastating setback, I will continue to push back against Trump and the GOP’s complicit actions to trample the Constitution, abdicate our co-equal powers of government, and harm the seniors, veterans, children, and hardworking families I’m here to represent.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Secures SALT Cap Increase, Tax Cuts in Historic Package
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) voted in favor of H.R. 1, which takes historic steps to uplift working families and small businesses, get our country back on the right fiscal track, and streamline and strengthen our federal government to better serve the American people.

Rep. Kim, who serves as Republican co-chair of the State and Local Tax (SALT) Caucus, secured a 400% increase in the cap on SALT deductions, allowing hardworking California families to keep more money in their pockets and providing vital relief for her constituents hurt by the current $10,000 SALT cap.

“Californians I represent have been bearing the brunt of persistent inflation due to wasteful spending from Washington and Sacramento. It’s past time for relief. Increasing the SALT cap 400% is a huge win that allows middle-class families I represent to keep more hard-earned money in their pockets,” said Rep. Young Kim.

“This bill takes important steps to ensure federal dollars are stretched as far as possible and strengthen Medicaid for our most vulnerable citizens. I will keep working to get our country back on the right track and protect the American dream for future generations,” she continued.

In addition to providing much-needed SALT relief, H.R. 1 supports the American people through initiatives such as:
- Protecting Medicaid for future generations of our most vulnerable citizens, including seniors, women, children, and disabled Americans;
- Extending middle-class tax cuts and the child tax credit originally enacted in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and,
- Promoting financial literacy and opportunity by creating a pilot program where newborns receive $1,000 in a tax advantaged investment account.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 25,000 small and pass-through businesses across Rep. Kim’s district will see an increase of approximately $21,906,300 in their qualified business income deduction through the bill’s passage.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report of the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje: UK statement, May 2025

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Speech

Report of the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje: UK statement, May 2025

The UK underlines appreciation for the work and added value of the OSCE Mission to Skopje over the last 12 months, particularly in supporting government reforms.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Firstly, I would like to welcome back Ambassador Wahl to the Permanent Council. Thank you for the work of your team over the last year, and for your comprehensive and engaging report this morning.

The United Kingdom highly appreciates the work and added value of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, and the Mission’s support to government reforms.

The United Kingdom and North Macedonia have developed a strong and supportive bilateral partnership since we established diplomatic relations over 30 years ago. I am delighted that our Prime Minister met with Prime Minister Mickoski during the European Political Community summit last week and announced the new strategic partnership between our two countries. This deepens our mutual commitment to work together on issues of trade and investment, foreign policy, tackling organised crime, infrastructure cooperation and migration.

The UK welcomes the findings of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission that the parliamentary and presidential elections held in North Macedonia last year were competitive and fundamental freedoms were respected, though we note the concerns highlighted over insufficient regulation of the process. We encourage the Government of North Macedonia to continue engagement towards addressing the remaining recommendations in the ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report ahead of municipal elections later this year.

The UK positively notes the OSCE Mission’s achievements over the past 12 months, set out clearly in your Report. We particularly welcome your continued engagement to promote social cohesion and community rights, and your support on criminal justice reform – including work in the last 12 months on judicial independence, promotion of fair trial standards and strengthening cooperation with civil society.

The UK is also pleased to note the Mission’s continued commitment to gender equality – particularly your support for women’s political participation, and your engagement with parliament on the adoption of a new Gender Action Plan for 2025-2027.

Mr Chair, it is vital for the work of all OSCE field operations that participating States agree a Unified Budget for 2025 and beyond. As highlighted in the Report, the continued non-agreement of budgets and the resulting forced subsistence on monthly allotments make it very challenging for field missions to deliver across their mandates and adjust to changing priorities. We urge all participating States to engage constructively with upcoming proposals to resolve the impasse over budgets.

Thank you, Ambassador Wahl. Thank you, Mr Chair.

Updates to this page

Published 22 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 27, 2025

Category: Politics

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Delivers Full Relief to 92% of ConstituentsQuadruples Deduction Cap for Long Island Families

Report of the Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje: UK statement, May 2025

Updates to this page

Delivers Full Relief to 92% of Constituents
Quadruples Deduction Cap for Long Island Families