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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales inaugurates GenF, a first step towards nuclear fusion energy

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales inaugurates GenF, a first step towards nuclear fusion energy

    • Thales, a global leader in high-power lasers, will inaugurate GenF on Thursday 15 May 2025 in Le Barp (Bordeaux). GenF aims to take a major step toward in developing a new energy source that is safe, abundant, competitive and low-carbon, through inertial confinement nuclear fusion.
    • GenF is working in collaboration with the CEA, CNRS, École polytechnique and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region to design a first inertial confinement fusion reactor.
    • Thales is contributing its expertise in high-power lasers, developed at its Élancourt site, which enabled the company to build the world’s most powerful laser system, currently in operation in Romania.

    Energy production through nuclear fusion is now identified as one of the solutions to address two crucial challenges: the need to reduce global carbon emissions and the ever-increasing energy demand across various sectors of the economy, such as transport, construction, agriculture and the digital industry. According to the IEA (International Energy Agency), electricity consumption by data centres is expected to more than double by 2030, particularly due to the rise of AI.

    Nuclear fusion is therefore regarded as a tremendous opportunity to create a new energy source that is safe (it carries no risk of runaway reactions), abundant (its resources are widely available in nature), competitive and low-carbon (it emits no greenhouse gases). Furthermore, nuclear fusion generates one million times less radioactive waste than fission, and this waste can be eliminated more quickly.

    To achieve nuclear fusion, extensive research is being carried out on two methods: magnetic confinement and inertial confinement. The inertial confinement method requires the use of high-energy lasers to compress matter and reach the thermonuclear conditions required for fusion. Significant scientific progress is still needed for this method of energy production to be deployed.

    To ensure that France remains one of the pioneering countries in this field, the government, via BPI France, launched a call for projects on “innovative nuclear reactors” in June 2023, under the France 2030 initiative. Drawing on its expertise in high-power lasers, Thales submitted the TARANIS project, in partnership with the CEA, the CNRS and École polytechnique, to demonstrate the feasibility of designing a first inertial confinement nuclear fusion reactor. The project was selected in February 2024, giving it access to a €18,5 million budget for its initial development phase. To bring together the essential complementary expertise, Thales created the company GenF, officially launched in January 2025, and signed a first contract worth several million euros for the development of its fusion laser.

    GenF will progress through three development phases:

    1. By 2027, GenF plans a first phase of modelling and simulation, calibrated through experiments on existing facilities such as LMJ;
    2. From 2027 to 2035, a second phase will focus on the maturation of fusion technologies such as multiple laser synchronisation, the production of cryogenic targets and the development of new materials for the reactor wall;
    3. From 2035, a third phase could lead to the scaling-up of the reactor, with the construction of a first prototype.

    GenF currently brings together around ten scientists, engineers and industrial experts and involves about forty people from all the institutions combined. The company will inaugurate its premises in Le Barp (Bordeaux) on Thursday 15 May 2025, with support from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Council—region that already brings together many areas of expertise in nuclear fusion, including the Centre Lasers Intenses et Applications (CELIA – CNRS/University of Bordeaux/CEA) and the Centre d’Études Scientifiques et Techniques d’Aquitaine (CESTA – CEA).

    Thales has 40 years of experience in high-power lasers. From design and development to installation, team training and operational support, Thales masters the entire high-power laser expertise chain, which includes laser sources from 10 TW to 10 petawatts, beam transport lines, target focusing optics and quality control systems. Thales has also been active in nuclear fusion for over 25 years, particularly as a lead contractor for subassemblies as part of the Laser Mégajoule programme, a research initiative on inertial confinement fusion developed by the CEA. In addition, at its Vélizy and Thonon sites, Thales develops high-power electronic tubes for magnetic confinement fusion reactors, including for the international ITER demonstrator.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Piero Cipollone: Harnessing the digital future of payments: Europe’s path to sovereignty and innovation

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the France Payments Forum event “Digital euro and the future of payments in Europe”

    Paris, 15 May 2025

    Thank you for inviting me to discuss the future of payments and the digital euro.

    Most people associate the adoption of the euro with the launch of euro banknotes and coins. While the euro was introduced for accounting purposes in 1999, we tend to feel it only became our money three years later once we started paying in euro cash around Europe. Euro banknotes and coins made the currency the tangible symbol of a united Europe.

    A strong currency also comes in tandem with strong payment systems. We offer payment infrastructures that form the plumbing of the financial system. Though less visible than banknotes and coins, these infrastructures are key to our monetary and financial integration.

    Retail and wholesale payments are hence an integral part of our tasks at the central bank. We issue cash, supply reserves – the ultimate liquid asset – to banks and operate payment systems, thereby supporting our economy by enabling euro area transactions that are secure, risk-free and European. This is what preserves our economic stability and our monetary sovereignty.

    Building on this reliable base, private sector firms can then offer their own solutions, without their customers having to worry about the money they use. One euro is one euro, because private money can be converted to cash at all times and because financial transactions can be settled in central bank money – the only risk-free asset there is.

    So today, I want to focus on how we can make our currency future-proof and enhance the integration, competitiveness and resilience of European payments in the digital era.

    As people increasingly prefer to pay digitally and online commerce expands, the role of cash as a universal payment solution is declining. We thus risk being left without a European solution that allows us to pay throughout the euro area in all situations. To restore the central role of cash, we need to complement physical cash with its digital equivalent, a digital euro. Making central bank money available in digital form might seem like a small and obvious step, but it is in fact an essential one for overcoming the entrenched and longstanding fragmentation of our payment market. The digital euro will achieve this directly by modernising the supply of public money and indirectly through its infrastructure and acceptance network, which private payment service providers can leverage to expand and innovate on a European scale. Ultimately, a digital euro will enhance the competitiveness of European providers and their ability to offer all types of digital payments to European consumers.

    The situation is different for wholesale financial transactions as we already offer settlement in digital central bank money and do not face the same dependencies. However, market participants increasingly expect that tokenisation and distributed ledger technology (DLT) will transform financial transactions by enabling assets to be issued or represented as digital tokens. We are currently expanding our initiative to settle DLT-based transactions in central bank money. By making central bank money available, we avoid the risk of other settlement assets being used, such as US dollar stablecoins, which would reintroduce credit risk, fragmentation and a dependency on non-European solutions.

    We are progressing on the retail and wholesale fronts in parallel. In both cases, Europe needs its own, sovereign money for the digital era, so that it can harness the benefits of integration, innovation and independence. In the words of the late French economist Michel Aglietta, money is not just a technical device, it is an essential institution.[1]

    A digital euro for everyday payments

    Let me first discuss the rationale for the digital euro and the benefits it will bring.

    Currently, cash is the sole sovereign payment method across the euro area. It offers Europeans a convenient, secure and universally accepted way to pay and store value, ensuring financial inclusion. Cash also upholds the resilience of our payment systems and economies, acting as a reliable fallback during crises such as cyberattacks or power outages. This is why we remain strongly committed to cash.[2]

    However, digital payments have gained popularity, with online shopping accounting for more than a third of our retail transactions. This means that acceptance of and access to cash are no longer sufficient to cover a growing share of payment situations. In value terms, cash payments made up only 24% of day-to-day payments in the euro area last year.[3]

    Lacking a genuine European payment solution that works across the euro area, we are left critically dependent on foreign payment providers.[4] Currently, nearly two-thirds of euro area card-based transactions are processed by non-European companies while 13 euro area countries depend entirely on international card schemes or mobile solutions for in-store payments.[5] And even where national card schemes are available, they require co-badging with international card schemes to facilitate cross-border payments within the euro area or online shopping. Moreover, mobile apps and e-payment solutions are dominated by foreign solutions like PayPal, Apple Pay or Alipay. And they partner with international card schemes to further reinforce their position and expand their reach: PayPal has just announced that it will start enabling contactless payments in Germany, using Mastercard technology.[6] Looking ahead, our dependency could soon extend to foreign stablecoins, 99% of which are dollar-denominated in terms of total value.[7]

    As a result, European payments face three significant challenges.

    First, we need to ensure our strategic autonomy and monetary sovereignty. Our overreliance on foreign payment providers makes us dependent on the kindness of strangers at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. I trust that this risk is well understood in the country of De Gaulle. There is no true sovereignty without sovereign money.[8] As my dear colleague Banque de France governor François Villeroy de Galhau has remarked, this is as true in the 21st century as it was in the past.[9]

    Second, we should simply ask ourselves why there is no Europe-based international card scheme. I would say it’s because we suffer from a lack of competitiveness and innovation. European payment service providers focus on their home country and struggle to compete on a European level, let alone on a global one, limiting their ability to drive large-scale innovation. The cost of investing in a European-wide acceptance network has often discouraged European payment service providers from offering a European card payment solution.

    These failures come at a high price: the dominance of non-European providers stifles competition, leading to higher costs for merchants and consumers. And when transactions are conducted through international card schemes, European banks lose fees. When transactions are made on apps such as Apple Pay or PayPal, they lose fees and data. And if the use of US dollar stablecoins becomes more widespread, the banks could lose, fees, data and deposits.

    Third, user experience is still poor for Europeans, who juggle multiple payment solutions to meet various needs. Despite the euro’s 25-year legacy, we still lack a digital payment solution that can be used across all euro area countries.

    By introducing the digital euro, we aim to tackle these challenges head-on.

    Importantly, the digital euro would make payments more convenient. It would provide a digital payment method that complements cash, extending its benefits into the digital realm. For instance, it would have legal tender status, meaning that it would be accepted wherever one can pay digitally. And it would also be available offline, offering users similar privacy to paying with cash and allowing them to pay even in the absence of a network connection. A digital euro would give European consumers a simple and safe digital payment option, free for basic use, that covers all their payment needs everywhere in the euro area.

    In fact, one simple reason for introducing the digital euro is that people want it. Even at this early stage, surveys show that close to half of respondents would be likely to use the digital euro – a number that has significantly increased over time.[10] This trend is confirmed by several surveys[11] conducted by national central banks which suggest that many Europeans are open to the idea of using a digital euro.

    Launching the digital euro would also ensure that the euro area retains control over its financial future. By offering a secure and universally accepted digital payment option which would be suitable for all use cases – and, crucially, under European governance – it would reduce our dependence on foreign providers. This would protect European merchants from excessive charges, strengthening their bargaining power with those providers and offering an attractive alternative.[12] At the same time, European banks would be able to retain their customer relationship and be remunerated for their role in distributing the digital euro. And the digital euro would limit the likelihood of foreign currency stablecoins becoming widely used for retail payments within the euro area.

    Moreover, the digital euro would be based on a core public-private partnership that would leverage synergies, enabling private initiatives to scale up across the euro area. For instance, domestic card payment solutions could co-badge with the digital euro to cover transactions currently beyond their reach. At the same time, banks’ wallets and internet banking solutions could integrate the digital euro as an alternative way to pay that is accepted throughout the euro area and supports both contactless and QR-based payments.[13] The open digital euro standards – which can be finalised as soon as the regulation on the digital euro is adopted and can start being used even before the digital euro is issued – would facilitate cost-effective standardisation, allowing private providers to launch new products and functionalities on a European scale. This would unlock innovation and create new business opportunities. In fact, research shows that stock prices of European payment firms increase in response to positive announcements on the digital euro, whereas those of US payment firms decrease.[14]

    Last October we issued a call for expressions of interest in innovation partnerships for the digital euro. Some 70 merchants, fintech companies, start-ups, banks and other payment service providers – including four from France[15] – have now joined us in exploring the potential of the digital euro to drive innovation.[16] Our innovation platform simulates the envisaged digital euro ecosystem, in which the ECB provides the technical support and infrastructure for European intermediaries to develop digital payment features and services at European level. One of the areas we are exploring is broadening the set of possible conditional payments, such as making payments dependent on successful delivery of goods or services.

    In July we will release a report on these innovation partnerships. It will include the technical information shared with the participants, enabling the entire market to replicate these activities, thereby further supporting innovation by the private sector. Additionally, based on the positive feedback from the pioneers, we will extend the exercise until the end of June, which will allow us to test new functionalities of conditional payments, incorporating fresh ideas and suggestions from our private sector counterparts.

    The digital euro’s success in reclaiming our autonomy in the retail payment space and boosting innovation capacity hinges on collaboration. In recent years we have engaged extensively with market stakeholders, gathering input from consumers, merchants, banks and payment service providers. We have also started working with market participants on the digital euro rulebook – a single set of rules, standards and procedures for digital euro payments.[17]

    This inclusive approach helps us to address everyone’s needs and perspectives, crafting a robust payment solution and platform that will benefit all Europeans, support private sector innovation and preserve the future of our money – the euro.

    The role of central bank money in shaping a European market for digital assets

    Let me now turn to wholesale transactions, a domain where technology holds tremendous potential for transformation.

    Currently, we facilitate transactions between financial institutions through our TARGET Services: T2 processes over 90% of large payments, while T2S handles securities transactions.

    These services have significantly enhanced the efficiency and integration of post-trade platforms in Europe. And we plan to continue improving them: in 2023 we extended T2 operating times to 22.5 hours on weekdays and we are about to launch a consultation paper investigating stakeholder needs and their interest in a further extension of operating hours. In a month’s time we will also launch the European Collateral Management System, which will provide a single, harmonised framework for handling collateral in the 20 euro area countries.[18] And in October 2027 we will move to T+1, shortening the settlement cycle from two days to one. Meanwhile, emerging technologies such as DLT and tokenisation have the potential to bring about a step change in wholesale markets.

    These technologies are no incremental improvement: they represent a fundamentally new way of operating by allowing assets to be issued or represented in digital token form. This innovation would enable market participants to manage trading, settlement and custody on a single platform, available 24/7, 365 days a year. It would also synchronise trading and settlement. And it would enable new business models, as tokenised money can be used to automate conditional transactions. DLT and tokenisation could also reduce the cost and barriers to access capital markets, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises.

    In fact, the emergence of these new technologies is an opportunity to establish an integrated European capital market for digital assets from the outset – a digital capital markets union – which would contribute to better channelling our savings into productive uses and boosting Europe’s innovation potential.[19] It could help European capital markets to become a hub for DLT-based financial services.

    European banks are active in this space, with over 60% exploring or using DLT and 22% already implementing DLT applications. On the securities front, there is a growing number of high-profile issuances on DLT.

    The availability of central bank money for settling transactions using these new technologies is crucial for two reasons. First, without central bank money, other settlement assets like stablecoins or tokenised deposits may be used, reintroducing credit risks and fragmentation into the financial system. Second, the market views the ability to settle in central bank money as a key factor in adopting new technologies.

    Last year the Eurosystem conducted exploratory work with DLT for settling wholesale transactions in central bank money, using three different solutions to ensure interoperability between our infrastructures and market DLT platforms.[20] The results were highly promising, with 60 industry participants settling real transactions in central bank money or conducting experiments with mock transactions. A wide range of securities and payments use cases were covered, including the first issuance of an EU sovereign bond using DLT. A total of €1.6 billion was settled over a six-month period, exceeding values settled in comparable initiatives in other parts of the world.

    As the next step, we have already announced plans to provide a solution to settle DLT-based transactions in central bank money in the short term.[21] Looking further ahead, the Eurosystem will explore a more integrated, long-term solution. A critical risk is indeed that DLT application fragmentation and a lack of interoperability could hinder the development of liquid DLT-based markets in Europe, imposing high costs on investors and issuers connecting to multiple platforms. So we need to create a more harmonised and integrated ecosystem.

    One way to achieve this would be to move towards a shared ledger: a programmable platform bringing together token versions of central bank money, commercial bank money and other assets, on which market players can provide their services. Another option could be the coordinated development of an ecosystem of fully interoperable technical solutions, which might better serve specific use cases and enable the coexistence of both legacy and new solutions.

    This approach will help us enhance the efficiency of European financial markets through innovation, aligning with the Eurosystem’s goal of achieving a more harmonised and integrated European financial system.

    However, we cannot do this alone. As we enter this new exploration phase, collaboration with public and market stakeholders will be crucial.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    The journey toward a digital euro and the integration of new technologies in wholesale transactions represents a pivotal moment for Europe. By embracing these innovations, we can strengthen our monetary sovereignty, enhance our competitiveness and pave the way for a more integrated and resilient financial system.

    The digital euro will ensure that Europeans have access to a secure, reliable and universally accepted digital payment solution that complements cash while reducing our reliance on foreign providers. Meanwhile, leveraging central bank money in DLT-based transactions will foster a dynamic and unified digital asset market, driving innovation and unlocking new business opportunities across the continent.

    In this transformative era, collaboration is key. We must bring together all stakeholders – public and private, national and European – to craft solutions that reflect the diverse needs and perspectives of all Europeans. Together, we can harness these technological advancements to build a financial ecosystem that is not only more efficient and innovative but also more inclusive and secure.

    We have inherited a united Europe and a currency embodying this unity. Our legacy should be European sovereignty and a euro that is fit for the future. This is our collective responsibility, in the public and private sector alike.

    Thank you for your attention.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West Country water lovers urged to lend a hand to bathing waters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    West Country water lovers urged to lend a hand to bathing waters

    Communities who campaigned to turn their favourite spots into official bathing waters asked to help the Environment Agency make them cleaner to swim in.

    The first sample of the season being taken from the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton

    3 rivers in Somerset and Hampshire were officially chosen as ‘designated bathing waters’ last year. Meaning they ticked the boxes of being easy to get to with parking and toilets nearby. But contrary to public opinion, being ‘designated’ doesn’t automatically mean the water met set standards of public hygiene.  

    Environment Agency monitoring of the 451 beaches and rivers on England’s list of designated bathing waters this summer has begun. Water samples will be taken weekly or fortnightly at consistent points in seas and rivers and sent for testing in the lab.  

    The results of these samples show how clean the water is and will be available online at Swimfo to inform public choice of where to swim or paddle. These sample results will ultimately help dictate what classification a beach or river location will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is good enough to swim in.  

    The classifications for all 3 river bathing waters at Taunton, Farleigh Hungerford near Bath and Fordingbridge in Hampshire came back as ‘Poor’ – meaning swimming was not advisable.  

    In response, groups including campaigners, swimmers, councillors, MPs, water companies and the Environment Agency have formed to turn around water quality at these sites. 

    This includes the River Tone at French Weir Park in Taunton. The group has come together to create an action plan which will drive improvements to reduce pollution affecting the bathing water quality where swimming takes place.  

    Jim Flory of the Environment Agency said:

    We routinely monitor rivers to check that the water quality for wildlife and the natural ecology of our rivers is protected. 

    But the standards needed to protect human health are different to those needed to safeguard the ecology and wildlife in our rivers and a lot of teamwork is needed to clear that bar. This will be a marathon not a sprint.

    Environment Agency officers will patrol the surrounding area looking for obvious sources of pollution entering the watercourse. As well as inspecting water company pipes and other types of equipment that discharges water into the river. 

    Public interest also saw a Dorset beach return to the Environment Agency’s list of 450 monitored bathing waters last year. Water sampling began again at Church Cliff Beach in Lyme Regis after an absence of 9 years. The site lost its designated status due to the low number of people going into the sea.  

    The beach was given a classification of ‘Poor’ after its first bathing water season. Nevertheless, public support from the River Lim Action Group, Blue Tit Swimmers and local officials is strong and committed to improving water quality. 

    Throughout the season, 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.    

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.  

    Background 

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.   

    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.   

    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.   

    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.  

    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.  

    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dounreay awarded Gold status for fourth year by ECITB

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Dounreay awarded Gold status for fourth year by ECITB

    NRS Dounreay has been awarded Gold status for skills and training for the fourth consecutive year by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.

    Dounreay representatives receiving the award from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board

    The engineering construction industry values its members, who design, construct, maintain, renew and dismantle the UK’s strategically important industrial infrastructure. Not only is it essential that these individuals are highly skilled and competent, but it is also essential that their competence is properly recognised and validated.

    Dounreay’s P3M Head of Profession, Simon Coles, said:

    For NRS Dounreay, achieving the highest score possible in the assessment showcases the dedication and excellence of the training and development team.

    Training and Development Specialist Rhona Gill and Simon Coles were photographed receiving the award from representatives of Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).

    ECITB’s Relationship Manager, Sophie Anderson, said:

    I am delighted that NRS Dounreay has been awarded Gold status through the ECITB Skills and Training Charter for the fourth consecutive year.

    Achieving Gold means NRS Dounreay continues to actively engage across the ECITB strategy and reinforces its pledge to train and develop a highly skilled and competent workforce.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Awards Launch Service Task Order for Aspera’s Galaxy Mission

    Source: NASA

    NASA has selected Rocket Lab USA Inc. of Long Beach, California, to launch the agency’s Aspera mission, a SmallSat to study galaxy formation and evolution, providing new insights into how the universe works.
    The selection is part of NASA’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract. This contract allows the agency to make fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity launch service task order awards during VADR’s five-year ordering period, with a maximum total contract value of $300 million.
    Through the observation of ultraviolet light, Aspera will examine hot gas in the space between galaxies, called the intergalactic medium. The mission will study the inflow and outflow of gas from galaxies, a process thought to contribute to star formation.
    Aspera is part of NASA’s Pioneers Program in the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, which funds compelling astrophysics science at a lower cost using small hardware and modest payloads. The principal investigator for Aspera is Carlos Vargas at the University of Arizona in Tucson. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, manages the VADR contract.
    To learn more about NASA’s Aspera mission and the Pioneers Program, visit:
    https://go.nasa.gov/42U1Wkn
    -end-
    Joshua Finch / Tiernan DoyleHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov / tiernan.doyle@nasa.gov
    Patti BiellingKennedy Space Center, Florida321-501-7575patricia.a.bielling@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – BUDG-CONT-LIBE – Joint hearing on Smart Conditionality – 13.05 – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    Rule of law concept © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    The objective of the joint public hearing was to provide the Members of the BUDG, CONT and LIBE Committees with input from academics and practitioners on how to ensure that final beneficiaries and recipients can continue to receive EU funding where the EU has suspended payments to a Member State due to rule of law breaches by the central government.

    Although the Rule of law Conditionality Regulation explicitly requires Member States whose EU funds have been (partially) suspended due to rule of law breaches to respect their obligations towards final recipients and beneficiaries, in practice, the latter are often deprived of EU funding. The concept of ‘smart conditionality’ should ensure that final recipients and beneficiaries, including local and regional authorities, NGOs, students and other stakeholders, are not punished for the rule of law violations by the central government. The public hearing should feed into Parliament’s forthcoming implementation report on the Rule of law conditionality Regulation and the political discussions on the EU’s post-2027 multiannual financial framework by gathering input on how smart conditionality can be implemented in practice. This includes in particular the necessary legislative changes, if any, to implement the concept.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: ICF, EIB and CEB join forces to mobilise up to €400 million investment in social infrastructure in Catalonia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Institut Català de Finances (ICF) has signed a €100 million loan with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a €50 million loan with the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB).
    • The loans will support projects to develop care homes, day centres and assisted living facilities for the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the region.
    • These agreements will allow ICF to finance non-profit social organisations, foundations, local administrations, public and private companies, unlocking up to €400 million in investment for social infrastructure projects.
    • The EIB loan is backed by InvestEU, an EU flagship programme to mobilise public and private sector investment to support EU policy goals.

    ICF, the public development bank of the Government of Catalonia, has signed a €100 million loan with the EIB to promote the construction and rehabilitation of social infrastructures in Catalonia, Spain. This is the first tranche of a loan approved for a total value of €150 million. ICF has also signed a €50 million loan with the CEB with the same aim. These agreements will allow ICF to finance non-profit social organisations, foundations, local administrations, public and private companies, unlocking up to €400 million investment for social infrastructure projects in the region.

    The loans will support the construction, refurbishment and improvement of care homes, day centres and assisted living facilities supporting the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across Catalonia. The financing provided by the three financial institutions is expected to support the creation of approximately 7.500 new residential care places in Catalonia. All funded projects must meet European sustainable building standards, specifically nearly-zero energy building (NZEB) requirements.

    María Serrano, EIB’s Head of Division Public Sector in Spain, remarked, “The EIB continues to strengthen its commitment to social infrastructure to meet the most pressing needs of Europe’s people. This financing agreement with the ICF will help to strengthen and expand the range of care facilities for elderly and dependent individuals in line with the highest standards of quality and sustainability, for the benefit of all”.

    As emphasised by Maria Sigüenza, the CEB’s Country Manager for Spain, “We are pleased to expand our ongoing partnership with ICF. This new loan reflects the CEB’s strong commitment to social inclusion and the reduction of inequality in Spain. Moreover, it exemplifies the importance of cooperation and joint action among multilateral development banks, such as the CEB and EIB, in building stronger communities and delivering high-impact social projects.”

    Vanessa Servera, CEO of the ICF, described the agreement as “a new success story in public-private cooperation,” emphasising that “the EIB and the CEB are providing the financial resources, we are taking on the management and financial risk, and it will be public entities and other actors that will launch the projects and investments the Catalan social services network needs to meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.”

    The agreement with ICF contributes to the EIB Group’s strategic priority of reinforcing Europe’s social infrastructure. This is one of the Group’s eight priorities set out in its Strategic Roadmap for the years 2024-2027.

    The EIB loan is guaranteed by InvestEU, the flagship EU programme to mobilise over €372 billion of additional public and private sector investment to support EU policy goals from 2021 to 2027.

    As the social development bank for Europe, investing in social infrastructure is the CEB’s main mission, as emphasised by its Strategic Framework 2023-2027. By signing the agreement with ICF, the CEB continues to respond flexibly to evolving social development and inclusion challenges in Spain.

    Background information

    ICF

    ICF has been the public promotional bank in Catalonia for 40 years, and in that period it has financed 37,000 clients for a total of €16 billion. Its main mission is to promote the financing of companies and entities in order to contribute to the growth, innovation and sustainability of the Catalan economy. ICF acts as a complement to the private sector, offering a wide range of financing solutions focused on loans, guarantees and investment in venture capital. Since 2014 it has been a member of the European Association of Public Banks (EAPB), which brings together a large number of the public promotional banks and financial entities operating in Europe.

    EIB

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

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

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

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024, helping power the country’s green and digital transition and promote economic growth, competitiveness and better services for inhabitants.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    InvestEU

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investment for EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners that invest in projects, leveraging on the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increasing their risk-bearing capacity and mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    CEB

    The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is a multilateral development bank, whose unique mission is to promote social cohesion in its 43 member states across Europe. The CEB finances investment in social sectors, including education, health and affordable housing, with a focus on the needs of vulnerable people. Borrowers include governments, local and regional authorities, public and private banks, non-profit organisations and others. As a multilateral bank with an excellent credit rating, the CEB funds itself on the international capital markets. It approves projects according to strict social, environmental and governance criteria, and provides technical assistance. In addition, the CEB receives funds from donors to complement its activities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New energy upgrades for public buildings to save taxpayers money

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New energy upgrades for public buildings to save taxpayers money

    Schools, community centres and care homes receive new awards to upgrade their buildings and save money off bills in the long term.

    • Local community buildings will benefit from cheaper energy bills in the years to come, thanks to funding allocated by the government
    • schools, community centres and care homes will benefit from upgrades, contributing to an estimated £650 million in savings for taxpayers per year on average to 2037

    Pupils at schools, residents at care homes, and users of community centres will all be given a boost today, as the government allocates funding to help cut energy bills for public buildings in the years to come. 

    The social institutions that allow local communities to thrive, such as schools, hospitals, and care homes, will be given extra help to make energy saving upgrades and tackle costs, allowing more money to be spent on the services that people care about. 

    More than £630 million has been awarded for measures including heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and double glazing, helping to make Britain energy secure as part of the Plan for Change while contributing to an estimated £650 million in savings for taxpayers per year on average over the next 12 years.

    The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has been awarded over £30 million to install heat pumps at Queens Park Leisure Centre, Birkenhead Central Library and Chase Heys Home for the Elderly, while the Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust will receive more than £14 million to replace fossil fuel heating at two sites, helping power these pillars of the local community with cleaner, homegrown energy. 

    The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands will benefit from £1 million to install heat pumps and solar panels at one of its aircraft hangars, and Worcester City Council will receive £90,000 to upgrade the King George V Community Centre, which is used for employability training and youth activities, with new heat pumps, solar panels and double glazing. 

    The University of York has been awarded £35 million to capture energy from beneath the Earth’s surface to help deliver low-carbon heat to buildings on campus, while the National Portrait Gallery has been awarded over £5 million to switch to heat pumps in its main public gallery and Orange Street building, which houses the historic archives of the library.

    Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said:  

    Today we are providing even more support for Britain’s buildings – from schools to museums and galleries – helping to rebuild vital public services as part of the Plan for Change. 

    This investment will see local communities benefit from our sprint to clean power, with warm public buildings, run more affordably.

    An extra £102 million from the Green Heat Network Fund will help to develop new and existing heat networks in England, including the Hemiko South Westminster Area Network (SWAN), which could help to decarbonise iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament using waste heat from the River Thames.  

    This follows Great British Energy’s first major project to put solar panels on around 200 schools and 200 NHS sites, helping them to reinvest savings on their energy bills in teaching and healthcare.  

    Vice-Chancellor Professor at the University of York Charlie Jeffery said: 

    Our geothermal project will be a powerful catalyst in our journey towards net zero, offering a significant reduction in carbon emissions and a greener future. 

    Beyond its crucial environmental impact, the site will serve as a living laboratory that will drive research, educate our students and bring benefits beyond our campus. 

    The support from the government is a vital catalyst for this transformative endeavour, which we believe will empower the next generation of sustainability leaders and deepen community understanding of renewable energy technologies.

    Policy Manager at Energy UK Louise Shooter said: 

    High energy bills have been a big headache for schools, hospitals, leisure centres and other community facilities in recent years – so it’s great to see them being helped to install energy saving measures and other green technology that will cut energy costs permanently while also enabling them to do their bit to reduce emissions. Energy UK’s members have been helping schools and hospitals across the country do the same and save money which means more funding for the essential services they provide. It’s a very tangible example of the benefits that come from investing in the switch to cleaner energy.

    Head of External Affairs at ADE: Heat Networks Pablo John said: 

    Today’s investment in heat networks like the University of York’s geothermal project is a blueprint for Britain’s clean heat revolution. These networks capture every kilowatt of renewable energy and waste heat we produce, turning it into affordable warmth for consumers. York’s 78% cut in fossil fuels proves that when we back heat networks now – even outside of zones – we secure energy independence for good. Let’s build on this momentum by supporting heat network innovation everywhere and stop wasting the heat under our feet.

    Director of Content and Programmes at the RAF Museum Karen Whitting said:  

    Warm thanks to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for their investment through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This will enable us to introduce new, low/no-carbon technologies to a historic 1938 Type-C aircraft hangar as part of our Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. The re-developed hangar will be used as a Learning Centre and exhibition gallery which will welcome and inspire around 500,000 visitors a year, sharing the nationally important Royal Air Force story. The project will make a major contribution to the RAF Museum’s Strategy including our commitment to achieving Carbon Net Zero.

    Notes to editors

    Decarbonising the public sector with low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures will save the public sector an estimated £650 million per year on average to 2037. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is contributing towards delivering these savings for public sector organisations. 

    Applications for Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme opened in October 2024. Funding for this phase is worth approximately £940 million and will run until financial year 2027/2028. Some remaining funding awards will be issued in the coming weeks. 

    As of May 2025, the regional breakdown for Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 4 funding is as follows:  

    • North East: £65,191,456 
    • Yorkshire and the Humber: £81,262,778 
    • North West: £116,815,617 
    • East Midlands: £73,405,602 
    • West Midlands: £84,306,700 
    • East of England: £29,149,553 
    • South East: £35,720,404 
    • South West: £30,002,246 
    • Greater London: £113,914,685 
    • Wales: £2,500,000 
    • Across Regions: £1,325,000 

    The Green Heat Network Fund supports new and existing heat networks in England to adopt low carbon technologies such as heat pumps, recovered heat, geothermal and energy from waste. A total of over £484 million in awards to 40 projects has been made public since the launch of the scheme in 2022.  

    The projects included in this announcement, which have been awarded a total of over £102 million in grant funding are:  

    • Derby Energy Network (Derby Energy Ltd): £23,240,000  
    • Bristol City Centre (Bristol Heat Networks/Vattenfall): £21,300,000 
    • SWAN (Hemiko): £21,000,000  
    • Lincoln (Hemiko): £15,508,000  
    • East London Energy (Bring Energy): £8,813,120 
    • Trafford Civic Quarter Heat Networks (Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council): £5,750,000   
    • West Bromwich Heat Network (Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council): £4,939,421  
    • Mersey Biochar Heat Network (Severn Wye Energy Agency Ltd): £1,728,890

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TRA recommendation for new duties on Chinese excavators accepted

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    TRA recommendation for new duties on Chinese excavators accepted

    The Government has accepted the TRA’s recommendation to impose new anti-dumping and countervailing measures on imports of excavators from China to the UK.

    The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has accepted the TRA’s recommendation to impose new anti-dumping and countervailing measures on imports of excavators from China to the UK.

    The anti-dumping duties range from 18.81% for a sampled exporter to 40.08% for the residual rate; while the countervailing duties range from 0% to 2.98%. The TRA has estimated that the measures could benefit UK excavator producers by up to £26 million per year.

    The measures will be imposed on imports of excavators from China weighing 11 tonnes or more, but less than 80 tonnes as the TRA found that there is no UK industry for the production of excavators weighing 80 tonnes or above. The TRA has therefore determined that the UK industry would not be injured by these products.

    The TRA opened its investigation in November 2023 in response to an application from JCB, a Staffordshire-based multinational business. It found that Chinese exporters were able to use reduced production costs to price their exports below UK competitors who did not benefit from an artificially low-cost base.

    In February, Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd. (CXL) launched a judicial review against the TRA and the Department of Business and Trade’s decision to impose provisional anti-dumping measures on imports of Chinese excavators.

    The judgment in the judicial review was handed down on 9 May, with the claims against both the TRA and Secretary of State for Business and Trade ruled as unarguable. The judge in the case concluded that the TRA, in its decisions surrounding the provisional anti-dumping measures, had acted lawfully, rationally and in a procedurally fair manner. The judgement did not affect the decision to apply definitive anti-dumping or countervailing measures.

    Background information:

    • The periods of investigation for both the anti-dumping and countervailing cases were 1 July 2022 – 30 June 2023.
    • The TRA is the UK body that investigates whether trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair trading practices and unforeseen surges of imports.
    • Anti-dumping duties allow a country or union to act against goods which are being sold at less than their normal value – this is defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market.
    • Countervailing duties are designed to counteract government subsidies that cause material injury to domestic industries.
    • The judgement in the judicial review can be read in full here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O  
    The IsDO, the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Drainage Services Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Tai O Rural Committee, the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office, the Hong Kong Red Cross and the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College participated in the drill. The drill simulated an actual situation with unexpected elements to increase the difficulty. Participating departments and organisations were required to carry out rescue tasks immediately under unexpected circumstances, posing challenges to and strengthening their response capabilities.

         According to the emergency response plan, when the HKO forecasts that the sea level at Tai O would rise to 3.3 metres above Chart Datum or more in the coming few hours, the emergency response plan for severe flooding in Tai O will be fully activated. The HKO will issue an alert to relevant government departments, organisations, Tai O resident representatives and fishermen representatives by SMS. Upon receipt of the alert, the IsDO will activate an emergency co-ordination centre at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, jointly set up by government departments and non-governmental organisations. The emergency co-ordination centre will co-ordinate any necessary evacuation, rescue and emergency relief efforts for Tai O.
     
    Upon receipt of the HKO’s alert, resident representatives and fishermen representatives in Tai O will also help disseminate the information to residents to enable them to stay vigilant and take refuge in safe locations if necessary. In addition, temporary shelters at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office and the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, and the Transit Centre situated at Lung Tin Estate will be opened for residents in need.
    Issued at HKT 17:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom unveils proposal to cut red tape and fast-track housing and development

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 14, 2025

    “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom’s proposed budget includes proposals to streamline permitting and accelerate development  —- clearing the path for more housing and economic opportunity. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom is announcing a new legislative proposal as part of the May Budget Revision to remove regulatory barriers that have stood in the way of the state’s progress. The proposal reinforces the state’s commitment to building more homes faster, while creating greater economic stability, affordability, and opportunity for California families. It speeds up permitting timelines, removes key regulatory barriers, and introduces innovative financing tools that support infill and transit-oriented development.

    The Governor is also proposing to partner with the Legislature to incorporate related measures into the budget to accelerate infill and economic development, including Assembly Bill 609 (Wicks) and Senate Bill 607 (Wiener). These measures aim to streamline CEQA to provide greater regulatory certainty and faster project delivery. 

    “To meet California’s housing goals, we need certainty, accountability, and smarter land use  — not the endless regulatory delays that have held us back for decades. This proposal delivers lasting reforms to align our systems for long-term impact: more housing, stronger communities, and sustainable growth that reflects the bold, forward-thinking spirit of California. The Golden State was built on boldness and innovation, not red tape — we can’t continue to block our own economic success. We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Removing barriers to progress

    This proposal builds on Governor Newsom’s ongoing efforts to expand housing access and end the decades-long homelessness crisis — an issue that continues to impact communities across the country. Governor Newsom took on this challenge by committing to plan for more than 2.5 million homes over the current housing planning cycle, including at least one million affordable homes for lower-income households, helping to provide every Californian a place to call home. This target is more than double the number of homes planned for in the previous cycle.  

    Since taking office, the Governor has championed and signed an unprecedented amount of housing legislation, including 42 housing-related CEQA reforms, stronger accountability measures, and historic levels of state support to help local governments meet their housing goals. While these foundational changes have laid the groundwork for long-term progress, decades of complex, overlapping regulations continue to slow needed housing development. 

    Today, the Governor is taking the next step toward meeting California’s housing goals by targeting entrenched regulatory barriers that continue to cause costly delays. These proposals are designed to cut through bureaucracy, accelerate progress, and deliver lasting reforms that will shape a more affordable, inclusive, and resilient California for generations to come. 

    More housing, faster 

    The Governor’s May Revision prioritizes climate-smart housing reforms that deliver more homes, faster, in places that reduce pollution and improve quality of life. A key part of this effort is ensuring a level playing field by aligning Coastal Commission permitting timelines to those that apply to other agencies, so that communities in the Coastal Zone are not left behind when it comes to urgently needed housing. 

    The May Revision also introduces an innovative financing strategy for developers that links vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reductions with infill and transit-oriented housing production, further aligning the state’s climate goals with housing needs. This proposal helps move forward the state’s commitment to faster, smarter infill development as outlined in the Governor’s July 2024 executive order. These reforms protect the environment, support working families, create good-paying jobs, and expand economic opportunity across California.

    The Governor’s May Revision helps cut red tape and remove barriers, helping propel the Golden State forward by:

    • Streamlining Coastal Commission permits — Creating fairer, faster housing approvals where homes are urgently needed by aligning Coastal Commission permitting timelines with those of other permitting agencies.  The proposal will increase accountability and regulatory certainty for urgently needed housing in coastal communities.
    • Doubling down on smart housing policies  — Promoting infill and transit-oriented development that reduces emissions and vehicle miles traveled. 
    • Unlocking economic opportunity — Advancing policies that create jobs, attract private investment, and accelerate housing and economic development. 

    These proposals are intended to quickly implement and reinforce existing policy and budget investments by streamlining approvals, reducing regulatory delays, and aligning land use decisions. They build on recent administrative efforts and respond to continued legislative interest in advancing practical, lasting reforms.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 14, 2025

    News Tax cut for military retireesUniversal pre-kindergarten for all Expanded before school, after school, & summer schoolFree school meals for all kids Boosting literacy & readingBuilding more housing, ASAPMore water for CaliforniansLowering drug…

    May 14, 2025

    News Reducción de impuestos para jubilados militares Pre-kinder universal para todos Ampliación de programas antes y después de clases y cursos de verano Alimentación escolar gratuita para todos los niños Impulso de la alfabetización y la lectura Construyendo más…

    May 14, 2025

    News “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”   What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions…

    May 14, 2025

    “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom’s proposed budget includes proposals to streamline permitting and accelerate development  —- clearing the path for more housing and economic opportunity. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom is announcing a new legislative proposal as part of the May Budget Revision to remove regulatory barriers that have stood in the way of the state’s progress. The proposal reinforces the state’s commitment to building more homes faster, while creating greater economic stability, affordability, and opportunity for California families. It speeds up permitting timelines, removes key regulatory barriers, and introduces innovative financing tools that support infill and transit-oriented development.

    The Governor is also proposing to partner with the Legislature to incorporate related measures into the budget to accelerate infill and economic development, including Assembly Bill 609 (Wicks) and Senate Bill 607 (Wiener). These measures aim to streamline CEQA to provide greater regulatory certainty and faster project delivery. 

    “To meet California’s housing goals, we need certainty, accountability, and smarter land use  — not the endless regulatory delays that have held us back for decades. This proposal delivers lasting reforms to align our systems for long-term impact: more housing, stronger communities, and sustainable growth that reflects the bold, forward-thinking spirit of California. The Golden State was built on boldness and innovation, not red tape — we can’t continue to block our own economic success. We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Removing barriers to progress

    This proposal builds on Governor Newsom’s ongoing efforts to expand housing access and end the decades-long homelessness crisis — an issue that continues to impact communities across the country. Governor Newsom took on this challenge by committing to plan for more than 2.5 million homes over the current housing planning cycle, including at least one million affordable homes for lower-income households, helping to provide every Californian a place to call home. This target is more than double the number of homes planned for in the previous cycle.  

    Since taking office, the Governor has championed and signed an unprecedented amount of housing legislation, including 42 housing-related CEQA reforms, stronger accountability measures, and historic levels of state support to help local governments meet their housing goals. While these foundational changes have laid the groundwork for long-term progress, decades of complex, overlapping regulations continue to slow needed housing development. 

    Today, the Governor is taking the next step toward meeting California’s housing goals by targeting entrenched regulatory barriers that continue to cause costly delays. These proposals are designed to cut through bureaucracy, accelerate progress, and deliver lasting reforms that will shape a more affordable, inclusive, and resilient California for generations to come. 

    More housing, faster 

    The Governor’s May Revision prioritizes climate-smart housing reforms that deliver more homes, faster, in places that reduce pollution and improve quality of life. A key part of this effort is ensuring a level playing field by aligning Coastal Commission permitting timelines to those that apply to other agencies, so that communities in the Coastal Zone are not left behind when it comes to urgently needed housing. 

    The May Revision also introduces an innovative financing strategy for developers that links vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reductions with infill and transit-oriented housing production, further aligning the state’s climate goals with housing needs. This proposal helps move forward the state’s commitment to faster, smarter infill development as outlined in the Governor’s July 2024 executive order. These reforms protect the environment, support working families, create good-paying jobs, and expand economic opportunity across California.

    The Governor’s May Revision helps cut red tape and remove barriers, helping propel the Golden State forward by:

    • Streamlining Coastal Commission permits — Creating fairer, faster housing approvals where homes are urgently needed by aligning Coastal Commission permitting timelines with those of other permitting agencies.  The proposal will increase accountability and regulatory certainty for urgently needed housing in coastal communities.
    • Doubling down on smart housing policies  — Promoting infill and transit-oriented development that reduces emissions and vehicle miles traveled. 
    • Unlocking economic opportunity — Advancing policies that create jobs, attract private investment, and accelerate housing and economic development. 

    These proposals are intended to quickly implement and reinforce existing policy and budget investments by streamlining approvals, reducing regulatory delays, and aligning land use decisions. They build on recent administrative efforts and respond to continued legislative interest in advancing practical, lasting reforms.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 14, 2025

    News Tax cut for military retireesUniversal pre-kindergarten for all Expanded before school, after school, & summer schoolFree school meals for all kids Boosting literacy & readingBuilding more housing, ASAPMore water for CaliforniansLowering drug…

    May 14, 2025

    News Reducción de impuestos para jubilados militares Pre-kinder universal para todos Ampliación de programas antes y después de clases y cursos de verano Alimentación escolar gratuita para todos los niños Impulso de la alfabetización y la lectura Construyendo más…

    May 14, 2025

    News “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”   What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Covid fraud investigations to be led by Insolvency Service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Covid fraud investigations to be led by Insolvency Service

    Insolvency Service to take over NATIS’s ongoing covid fraud investigations

    DBT – COVID FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS TO BE LED BY INSOLVENCY SERVICE

    • Insolvency Service to take over NATIS’s ongoing covid fraud investigations
    • Decision comes after review of previous government contracts proved taxpayers’ money was not being spent efficiently
    • Government focussed on reducing waste in the public sector and recovering public money lost through pandemic-related fraud

    The Insolvency Service will take over NATIS’s viable investigation cases of Covid-19 financial support fraud in a bid to recoup taxpayers’ money lost to fraudsters.

    Following a review of National Investigation Service (NATIS) performance to ensure the state works for people – it showed that public money was not being spent effectively – which is why all ongoing viable cases will be transferred from the organisation to the Insolvency Service over the coming months.

    This is the latest move as part of the government’s Plan for Change to reduce waste in the public sector and reform institutions so they protect taxpayers money, and make the public sector more efficient and effective.

    The decision to appoint NATIS – an agency based in Thurrock Council – was taken under the previous government and has cost the taxpayer approximately £38.5 million. Despite this, NATIS has only secured 14 convictions with the overall amount recovered by NATIS remaining unclear.

    Within months of coming to power, this Government kicked off a review into their performance, to ensure public money is spent properly and not wasted. This investigation has revealed problems with NATIS governance and how recoveries are reported. As a result the government has asked The Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) to conduct an additional audit of NATIS to determine and report accurate recovery figures.

    Following this review, the department has taken decisive action to transfer cases to the Insolvency Service – who have a proven track record of effectively tackling fraud – giving taxpayers’ money the best possible value.

    Whilst over £46bn has been issued by lenders to support businesses, there have been over 100,000 cases of loss to fraud and error. This measure will ensure the continuation of ongoing investigations and expedite the recovery of millions estimated to be lost due to covid-era fraud.

    Business and Trade Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    Since coming to office, we have been clear that this government will protect taxpayers’ cash and remove unnecessary waste and inefficiency within the public sector.

    Today’s decision to transfer cases to the Insolvency Service will ensure lost funds from covid-era fraud are recovered more quickly and effectively, so they can be reinvested back into the economy and our public services, as part of our Plan for Change.

    The Insolvency Service will be taking responsibility for NATIS casework, helping to conclude investigations to continue the important work to claw back money for the public. 

    The Insolvency Service has a proven track record tackling fraud and misconduct connected to covid support schemes since 2020 using its powers to investigate trading companies, prosecute criminal offences, disqualify directors and impose bankruptcy restrictions. 

    By the end of March 2025, they had secured more than 2,000 director disqualifications as well as 62 criminal convictions, helping to secure more than £6 million in compensation related to COVID-19 financial support scheme abuse.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Agency starts sampling Devon and Cornwall’s beaches

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Environment Agency starts sampling Devon and Cornwall’s beaches

    Environment Agency sampling of Devon and Cornwall’s 155 monitored beaches has started and will run through until the end of September. 

    An Environment Agency officer with a fresh sample taken, ready to be sent to the lab for testing

    A beach or river on England’s list of designated bathing waters means water quality is routinely tested. Water samples will be taken at consistent points at these locations and sent to the lab for testing. Scientists will look for elevated levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci – bad bacteria found in sewage and other waste.  

    The results of these samples will inform a dedicated group of scientists and officers who are on standby 24/7 to respond to any reports of problems found at beaches and other bathing waters. The results will also be catalogued on the Swimfo website which also contains a lot more information about each bathing water – its history, a description of the surrounding area as well as several years of results.  

    The results, taken over four years, give the Environment Agency great confidence when deciding upon what classification a beach will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is safe to swim in. Out of 155 monitored bathing waters, there are only 2 beaches in Devon and Cornwall – Coastguards Beach on the Erme Estuary and Porthluney – with results tipping them into the ‘Poor’ classification. This doesn’t mean they are dirty. A ‘Poor’ classification means that very high standards are not consistently met, and the Environment Agency is actively investigating why.  

    Bruce Newport of the Environment Agency said:

    Over a third of England’s bathing waters can be found in Devon and Cornwall and over 98 per cent of them meet the very high levels of water quality expected for safe swimming. 

    We also publish a daily water quality forecast on many of our beaches which can be found on our Swimfo website. This service is a great asset, especially after heavy rainfall which can temporarily cause a dip in water quality.

    Throughout the season, which runs from 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.    

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.  

    Background

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.   

    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.   

    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.   

    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.  

    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.  

    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Certainty for businesses and choice for consumers as UK maintains IP rights regime

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Certainty for businesses and choice for consumers as UK maintains IP rights regime

    Government confirms UK+ exhaustion of rights regime.

    The main developments are that:

    • no legislative changes means businesses can continue operating under the existing exhaustion of intellectual property rights regime without any new requirements

    • the UK+ regime protects creators and innovators, while ensuring fair competition in the marketplace and greater choice for British consumers – growing the economy and supporting the government’s Plan for Change.

    UK businesses will avoid additional red tape and consumers will continue to benefit from a choice of goods from across Europe, as the government confirms it will maintain the UK’s current exhaustion of intellectual property (IP) rights regime, known as “UK+”.

    Today’s news – a result of extensive consultation with stakeholders – means the UK can keep buying genuine goods from across the European Economic Area (EEA) and resell them in the UK without any extra permissions.

    A balanced, innovation-friendly IP framework will support the government’s delivery of its Plan for Change. It will encourage stable and competitive markets, and ensure consumers can continue to benefit from a wide range of products and goods.

    Our exhaustion regime governs our parallel importation laws, which regulates the importing of genuine goods that are lawfully sold in other countries before coming into the UK for resale. Parallel importation occurs in many sectors, from medicines to automotive parts to fast-moving consumer goods – all vital areas of growth for the UK economy.

    In general terms, today’s decision means that once a product protected by an IP right (for example, biscuits, books or toiletries) has been legitimately sold in either the UK or European Economic Area (EEA), the IP owner may not subsequently prevent it from being re-sold in the UK.  This means that businesses can buy genuine goods from EEA suppliers and sell them in the UK without needing permission from the IP owner, giving consumers continued, ready access to these products.

    The decision clarifies the law in this area, providing certainty and stability for UK businesses that undertake parallel trade in these markets, while ensuring competition in the marketplace and fair access to IP-protected goods. By providing long-term certainty to everyone who interacts with our world-leading IP framework, the UK+ regime incentivises innovation, creativity, and helps unlock economic growth.

    Minister for AI and Digital Government, Feryal Clark, said:

    This is an important step in maintaining the strength of our world-leading intellectual property framework.​ The decision we’ve taken not only gives businesses the certainty they’ve been calling for, but ensures consumers have choice and fair access to a wide range of goods.​

    This is our Plan for Change in action – driving long-term growth through a fairer, more innovative economy for all.

    Dan Guthrie, Director General of the Alliance for Intellectual Property, said:

    We wholeheartedly welcome today’s announcement from the government in relation to the UK’s exhaustion regime. The decision provides the stability needed to ensure IP-rich businesses can continue to invest, grow their exports, provide the public with the products and content they love and contribute to UK economic growth. The decision will be welcomed by creators, designers, and businesses in every region of the UK.

    The government has published its full response to the consultation today, detailing the extensive analysis and stakeholder engagement that informed this decision. A majority of consultation respondents reported the UK+ regime is working well, whereas there was not robust quantitative evidence to support changing to any of the alternative options.

    The decision to maintain the current UK+ regime is effective immediately. It confirms the current law, and no further legislation is required for it to come into force.

    Additional information

    1. The UK’s exhaustion regime affects various intellectual property rights including patents, trade marks, designs and copyright.

    2. The UK+ (plus) regime is a well-understood exhaustion regime that offers stability for Britain’s IP-rich businesses to continue operating their business practices. This is demonstrated by submissions to the consultation, which showed significant support for the UK+ regime.

    3. There has been little change to the UK+ regime since the consultation was launched. A statutory instrument in 2023 (‘The Intellectual Property (Exhaustion of Rights) (Amendment) Regulations 2023’) ensured the continued operation of the UK+ exhaustion regime without making substantive policy changes. This meant that businesses, investors, and IP rights holders could continue to operate on the basis of the UK’s current parallel importation rules.

    4. the full Government response to the consultation on the UK’s future exhaustion of intellectual property rights regime.

    5. The Intellectual Property Office has produced a video explaining exhaustion of rights and parallel trade, aimed at businesses who trade in parallel goods across borders:

    Exhaustion of IP rights and parallel trade – explained – YouTube

    (This video was first published at the consultation’s launch in 2021).

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Insolvency Service to take on the work of the National Investigation Service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Insolvency Service to take on the work of the National Investigation Service

    Move will see transfer of casework relating to COVID-19 loan fraud

    Today the Department for Business and Trade has announced its intention to conclude its contract with the National Investigation Service (NATIS) and transfer existing casework, relating to COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan fraud, to the Insolvency Service.

    In response, Alec Pybus, Interim Chief Executive of the Insolvency Service said:  

    We welcome this decision by the Department of Business and Trade.  

    The Insolvency Service is well placed to take on these investigations as part of our ongoing and successful work tackling fraudulent use of COVID-19 loans. 

    We are working with our colleagues at the Department of Business and Trade and at Thurrock Council to deliver a smooth and swift transition of ongoing cases, and any potential transfer of staff.

    To date, the Insolvency Service has obtained disqualifications against 2,167 directors, bankruptcy restrictions against 343 individuals and successfully prosecuted 54 individuals in respect of COVID-19 financial support scheme misconduct.  

    The Agency has also helped to secure more than £6 million in compensation related to COVID-19 financial support scheme abuse. 

    The Agency already has plans to deliver further enforcement outcomes and financial recoveries in 2025/26, and will now work at pace to take on viable casework from NATIS in support of the UK Government’s drive to hold to account those who fraudulently claimed support during the pandemic.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New 2,000 km “deep precision strike” weapon to be developed by UK and Germany as Trinity House Agreement delivers first major milestones

    The UK and Germany will confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km

    The United Kingdom and Germany will today (Thursday 15th May) confirm for the first time that they will work together to develop a new long-range strike capability with a range of over 2,000 km, as both countries step up on European security and drive economic growth at home.

    This comes following the signing of the landmark Trinity House Agreement on Defence Co-operation in October in London – the first-of-its-kind bilateral defence agreement between the UK and Germany.

    German Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, will host his counterpart Defence Secretary John Healey MP in the first Trinity House Defence Ministerial Council today in Berlin, where they will discuss how the agreement is already delivering real benefits, from deterring threats on NATO’s eastern flank, to creating skilled jobs and driving investment at home.

    The new 2,000 km precision deep strike capability will be among the most advanced systems ever designed by the UK, to safeguard the British public and reinforce NATO deterrence, while boosting the UK and European defence sectors.

    Discussions will focus on a joint procurement programme for Sting Ray torpedoes for P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, enhancing the UK and Germany’s ability to counter the latest underwater threats, boosting national security for both nations.

    A new commitment will also see Germany procure advanced British military bridges, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by supporting jobs in the North-west.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    The UK and Germany have never been closer, and the Trinity House Agreement is already making a positive impact on our security and economy. This partnership is helping us make defence an engine for growth – creating jobs, boosting skills, and driving investment across the UK and Germany.

    In a more dangerous world, NATO and European allies stand united. Together with Germany, we’re leading the way in supporting Ukraine, defending NATO’s eastern flank, and jointly investing in next-generation capabilities.

    It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.  

    Since the Trinity House Agreement was signed in October, German crews have joined RAF personnel in two flights on UK P-8 Poseidon aircraft. The UK’s Poseidon fleet play a crucial role tracking Russian vessels near UK waters.

    The Defence Ministers will meet again tomorrow (Friday 16th May) alongside their Polish, Italian and French counterparts in a meeting of the European Group of Five (E5) Defence ministers in Rome.

    The UK and Germany will meet again in June alongside more than 50 nations and partners, when they jointly host the next meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Since the UK took the chair, nearly £23bn has been pledged in military support for Ukraine. 

    The Trinity House Agreement is delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by stepping up national security whilst strengthening our industrial base and boosting skilled jobs at home.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes the 2025 Article IV Mission to Singapore

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 15, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • Singapore’s economy recovered in 2024 but is forecast to slow down in 2025 due to the recent escalation of global trade tensions. Inflation is expected to stay muted.
    • Fiscal and monetary policies are appropriately supporting the economy. Singapore has ample fiscal space to provide additional temporary and targeted support in case downside growth risks materialize.
    • Singapore’s financial sector remains sound and resilient, underpinned by well-capitalized and liquid banks. Potential financial sector risks from tightening global financial conditions should continue to be closely monitored.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Mr. Masahiro Nozaki, conducted discussions on the 2025 Article IV Consultation with the Singaporean authorities and other stakeholders from May 5 to May 15, 2025. At the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Nozaki issued the following statement:

    “Singapore’s economy recovered strongly in 2024 and disinflation advanced. Growth increased to 4.4 percent in 2024, from 1.8 percent in 2023, supported by an upturn in the global technology cycle. Headline inflation decreased to 1.5 percent in end-2024 and further to 0.9 percent in March 2025, reflecting disinflation in both tradable and non-tradable prices.

    “However, the recent escalation of trade tensions and an associated spike in global policy uncertainty—as highlighted in the April 2025 World Economic Outlook—have sharply weakened Singapore’s economic outlook. Growth is projected to slow to 1.7 percent in 2025. Inflation is expected to stay muted, with headline inflation and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Core Inflation forecast at 1.1 percent and 1.0 percent in 2025, respectively, due to emerging slack in the economy and projected declines in commodity and other tradables prices from slower global growth.

    “There is a high degree of uncertainty around this forecast, reflecting elevated global economic and policy uncertainty. Risks to growth are firmly tilted to the downside, stemming from a possible further escalation of global trade tensions and a sharp tightening of global financial conditions. While risks to inflation are tilted to the downside due to weaker-than-expected global and domestic growth, potential upside inflation risks, including from possible supply chain disruptions, should also be monitored.

    “Against this backdrop, MAS appropriately loosened monetary policy in January and April 2025. In view of weak inflation, slowing growth, and emerging slack in the economy, staff sees scope for further monetary policy easing in the near term. However, MAS should remain vigilant and data dependent with respect to the speed and magnitude of easing in light of the large uncertainty, as well as both upside and downside risks around the inflation outlook.

    “The expansionary fiscal stance for FY2025 (April 2025-March 2026) is appropriate against the backdrop of slowing growth, increasing economic slack, and elevated downside risks. Continued support to households and firms will provide ongoing relief, while enhanced infrastructure spending will support domestic demand and help promote long-term growth. Singapore has ample fiscal space that can be deployed to provide targeted and temporary fiscal support in the event of downside risks materializing. Over the medium term, currently untargeted transfers should be phased out or better targeted to vulnerable households and firms. With strong fiscal institutions and buffers, Singapore is well positioned to meet its medium-term fiscal spending needs, including for rising healthcare costs due to an aging population, scaling up high-quality public infrastructure, and strengthening social safety nets.

    “Singapore’s financial sector is resilient. Banks are well capitalized, have ample liquidity, and are profitable. The authorities’ regulatory and supervisory efforts have contained existing financial sector vulnerabilities, including from cross-border exposure, reliance on foreign exchange funding, residential and commercial real estate exposures, interconnectedness between banks and nonbank financial institutions (NBFIs), and exposures to relatively small segments of highly leveraged corporates and households. Nonetheless, in view of the risk of a sharp tightening of global financial conditions, continued vigilance is warranted against these vulnerabilities.

    “We welcome the steady implementation of the authorities’ Forward Singapore initiative, including enhanced paid parental leave to support young families; enhanced grants for low-income first-time home buyers to improve housing affordability; and additional transfers to improve the retirement adequacy for low-income workers and retirees. The introduction of temporary financial support for involuntarily unemployed individuals has helped strengthen Singapore’s social safety nets. The government continues to make progress with helping workers to reskill and firms to adopt AI technologies.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities and other counterparts for their close collaboration and productive discussions.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/15/pr25147-singapore-imf-completes-2025-aiv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCED at APEC MRT Meeting discussion session on Connectivity through Multilateral Trading System (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the discussion session entitled “Connectivity through Multilateral Trading System” at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Jeju, Korea, today (May 15):

         Good afternoon, Chair, WTO Director-General (Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala), and colleagues.

         The recent upheaval caused by one economy’s unilateral tariff measures on all other economies poses a threat to the multilateral trading system, representing an imminent challenge to the global trade landscape today.

         We are pleased to note the substantive progress made at the high-level meetings between two economies, where both sides have agreed to significantly reduce their bilateral tariffs and continue discussions in a spirit of openness, continuous communication, co-operation and mutual respect. This development marks a pivotal step towards fostering stability in global trade and reinforces our shared commitment to advancing constructive economic relations within the APEC region and beyond. Continued collaboration under this framework will undoubtedly contribute to inclusive growth and a rules-based multilateral trading system.

         Hong Kong, China (HKC), as one of the freest economies in the world, reaffirms our unwavering commitment to free trade principles and the WTO-centred multilateral trading system. We firmly believe that sustainable solutions to trade disputes can only be achieved through constructive dialogue, adherence to internationally agreed rules, and a shared pursuit of equitable outcomes. We call upon all members to unite in defending the open, predictable and inclusive character of global trade.

         As the WTO commemorates its 30th anniversary this year, it is deeply disheartening to witness one of its founding members attempting to rip the organisation apart, after years of unilateral action in crippling its dispute settlement function. While reforms are indeed necessary to keep the decades-old organisation relevant amid evolving global challenges, aggressive and erratic trade actions that create economic chaos only serve to escalate tensions and instability.

         As a free port, HKC has long championed free trade in the past and remains firmly committed to the rules-based multilateral trading system now and in the future. We remain committed to engaging in constructive dialogues to enhance the WTO’s functionality, resilience and effectiveness. At this critical time, we call on APEC member economies who cherish the multilateral trading system to collaborate closely to uphold and strengthen the system, thereby safeguarding global economic stability.

         Looking ahead to the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) which is less than a year away, with the rapidly evolving situation, telling what lies ahead until then may seem elusive. Nevertheless, HKC remains hopeful and determined to achieve tangible and positive outcomes at MC14 – many of which are in fact long overdue. Beyond the dispute settlement reform, our priorities include bringing into force the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and concluding the second wave of the fisheries subsidies negotiations, both of which are still so near, yet so far. We must strive to finish the unfinished business at MC13 to incorporate the plurilateral Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement into the WTO legal architecture. In this regard, we fully support the APEC Statement in support of the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on IFD, championed by Korea, which would send a strong political signal of APEC’s commitment to the swift and successful integration of this landmark agreement into the WTO framework.

         We also stand by finding a permanent solution to, or at least securing an extension of the WTO e-commerce moratorium, and support the early incorporation of the Agreement on Electronic Commerce into the WTO legal framework, which will provide the much needed clarity and stability for e-commerce business worldwide. We strongly encourage APEC member economies to intensify collaborative efforts to achieve these goals by MC14. Demonstrating concrete progress will assure the global community that the WTO remains vibrant, effective and capable of addressing contemporary trade challenges effectively.

         Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK welcomes talks in Istanbul and calls on Kremlin to end the bloodshed: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK welcomes talks in Istanbul and calls on Kremlin to end the bloodshed: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland welcomes talks in Istanbul and urges Russia to end the bloodshed in Ukraine and show it is serious about peace or face further sanctions.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. 

    Ukraine has agreed, in-principle, to a full and unconditional ceasefire. Because only when missiles and drones stop, and the deaths of innocent civilians end, can discussions towards a just and lasting peace begin.

    Last weekend the UK, the US and our European partners reiterated our call on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire now, as Ukraine has done, and create the space for talks.

    Rather than seize this opportunity, Russia continues to stall. Instead of an unconditional ceasefire, they have again moved the goal posts, calling for talks to resolve the conflict’s so-called ‘root causes’. This is code for maximalist demands which would deny Ukraine its sovereignty and territorial integrity and do not meaningfully shift the dial.

    We welcome today’s talks and thank Türkiye for agreeing to host them. We call on Russia to engage in good faith in the US-led peace efforts. In keeping with his commitment to ending this war, President Zelenskyy has agreed to direct talks with President Putin, an offer which we now know has been rebuffed. We commend President Zelenskyy for this decision.

    Mr Chair, last week we saw another supposed three-day ‘ceasefire’ from Russia. Just like the truce at Easter, this was a smokescreen intended to portray Russia as the party of peace.

    In reality, Russia’s death and destruction continued. According to the Ukrainian authorities, there were over 700 Russian violations between midnight and midday last Thursday alone. Aerial bombings killed at least three civilians in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy.

    And Russia ramped up its attacks in the days after this ‘ceasefire’ just as it did at Easter. At least six civilians have been killed and dozens more injured. Civilian infrastructure has been destroyed in Odesa and elsewhere in Ukraine.

    The gulf between the Russian state’s words and its actions could not be wider. But the urgency is real. April was the deadliest month in Ukraine for child casualties since June 2022. Normal lives, homes and families destroyed.

    We will not stand by while the Kremlin delays and denies. The UK and our allies are prepared to impose further sanctions if Russia fails to demonstrate that it is serious about peace. And we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Now, more than ever, Russia must heed the world’s call and agree to end the bloodshed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Instant Loans Online Guaranteed Approval Direct Lenders No Credit Check – IOnline Payday Loans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHERIDAN, Wyo., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When unexpected expenses occur, waiting days for loan approval isn’t an option. Instant loans online with guaranteed approval offer a quick solution, especially for those with bad credit.

    >> Click Here to Apply for Instant Loans >>

    Unlike traditional banks, these loans focus on your repayment ability, not your credit score. Platforms like IOnline Payday Loans offer instant loans online guaranteed approval process. It will connect you to trusted lenders and help you access emergency funds within hours.

    >> Click Here to Apply for Instant Loans >>

    What Are Best Payday Loans for Bad Credit?

    Instant payday loans for bad credit are short-term, small-dollar loans designed to help you cover urgent expenses until your next paycheck. These are ideal for people who face sudden financial emergencies like medical bills, car repairs, or utility payments but don’t have access to traditional credit.

    For individuals with poor credit scores, payday loans for bad credit offer a practical solution. Unlike banks that focus heavily on credit history, payday lenders emphasize your current income and ability to repay. This increases your chances of approval, even if your credit score is low or non-existent.

    >> Click Here to Apply for Instant Loans >>

    The best payday loans for bad credit are those that provide quick application processes, minimal documentation, and, most importantly, no hard credit checks. Some lenders even promise instant loans online with guaranteed approval, speeding up the entire borrowing experience.

    However, it’s important to remember that “guaranteed approval” typically refers to high approval rates rather than an absolute guarantee. Responsible lenders will still verify your income and basic eligibility before disbursing funds.

    With trusted platforms like IOnline Payday Loans, you can easily get connected to no credit check payday loans direct lenders who offer fast approvals, transparent terms, and same-day fund transfers. This makes payday loans an accessible and efficient choice for anyone needing immediate financial relief.

    Types of Loans No Credit Check Loans Guaranteed Approval

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    How to Apply for The Best Payday Loans No Credit Check Guaranteed Approval?

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    Why is IOnline Payday Loans the Best Option for You?

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Project Name: IOnline Payday Loans

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Ionline payday loan services and should not be considered financial advice. Ionline Payday Loans does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements. Loans are available to U.S. residents only.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aaa98012-fff5-49be-98e0-27b1f1bb4ebb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will subsidize the creation of infrastructure facilities for the organization of a waste management system in the Baikal natural territory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Resolution of May 14, 2025 No. 640

    Document

    Resolution of May 14, 2025 No. 640

    The government continues systematic work to preserve and improve the ecological state of Lake Baikal. In 2025, regions within whose borders the Baikal Natural Territory is located will begin to receive subsidies for the implementation of projects to create infrastructure facilities for organizing a system for handling solid municipal waste. A resolution on this has been signed.

    State support will be provided to the Republic of Buryatia and the Irkutsk Region. Modern waste processing, recycling, placement and disposal facilities, as well as transfer stations, will be built there using federal funds. This will ensure a favorable situation within the boundaries of the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory.

    The events will be financed within the framework of the federal project “Closed Cycle Economy”, which is part of the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”. It is planned to allocate 8 billion rubles from the federal budget for these purposes in the next three years.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Ministers Meet to Tackle Global Uncertainty and Rebuild Multilateral Trade System Jeju, Republic of Korea | 15 May 2025 Issued by the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting Amid rising global trade and economic uncertainty, trade ministers are convening today for the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting.

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    Amid rising global trade and economic uncertainty, ministers responsible for trade from APEC’s 21 economies  convene today for the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting.

    Hosted by Korea on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage-listed Jeju Island, the meeting opened with a powerful call for cooperation and renewal of trust in the multilateral trading system.

    Chairing the meeting, Korea’s Minister for Trade Inkyo Cheong welcomed his counterparts and reflected on the island’s significance to APEC’s history and to the global trade community.

    “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has made the journey all the way to Jeju Island for this year’s APEC MRT meeting,” Minister Cheong said. “As one of the founding members of APEC in 1989, Korea began by hosting a multilateral meeting in 1991 in Seoul and hosted the MRT meeting in this very island in 2005.”

    “Two decades since then, I am honored to serve as the Chair of this gathering,” Minister Cheong added. “However, I also feel a sense of weight on my shoulders.”

    Minister Cheong acknowledged that APEC economies are facing overlapping challenges that are putting challenges on the global trade landscape.

    “As cross-border trade and interconnected supply chains continue to expand, growing uncertainties are placing a strain on the global economy and trade landscape,” he said. “Given this challenging global trade environment, the role of APEC is more crucial than ever. This is the reason why the world is paying keen attention to this year’s MRT meeting.”

    He emphasized that the discussions in Jeju would center on restoring multilateralism and positioning APEC economies for the future under the 2025 host economy’s theme of “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow – Connect, Innovate, Prosper”. Ministers will explore topics including artificial intelligence innovation for trade facilitation, the future of the World Trade Organization and the multilateral trading system, as well as ways to promote prosperity through sustainable trade.

    Highlighting the first session on artificial intelligence, he noted, “For the midst of the rapid transition toward the digital economy, AI is being adopted across a wide range of sectors.”

    He also introduced the second session on connectivity through the multilateral trading system. “Discussions on the multilateral trading system including the WTO have long been a focus of the MRT meeting,” he said. “WTO Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will open this session by introducing the topic for discussion. Given the varying opinions on the role and the direction of the WTO, I look forward to hearing insight and diverse views.”

    Closing the agenda, ministers will address prosperity through sustainable trade. “Given the many challenges facing the multilateral trading system, the very existence and the role of APEC has become increasingly evident. Indeed, I believe the outcomes of our discussions will resonate over the world,” said Cheong.

    He ended on a hopeful note, invoking Jeju’s spirit of resilience and collaboration. “Jeju Island has long embodied the values of community in its way of life. Under this spirit, I hope today’s MRT meeting will raise a solid foundation for dialogue and collaboration to overcome the political and economic challenges as well as uncertainties that we encounter.”

    “Building on the progress of today’s meeting, I look forward to producing meaningful outcomes at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week,” Minister Cheong concluded.

    For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of a Canon of Windsor: 15 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Appointment of a Canon of Windsor: 15 May 2025

    The King has approved that The Reverend Canon Dr Nicholas Brown be appointed to a Canonry of Saint George’s Chapel, Windsor.

    The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Canon Dr Nicholas Brown, Precentor and Sub-Dean of Lincoln Cathedral, to the College of St George, Windsor, in succession to The Reverend Dr Mark Powell following his retirement.

    Background

    Nick Brown was educated at Royal Holloway University of London, and the University of Durham, obtaining a BMus, an MA and a PhD, and trained for Ministry at Ripon College, Cuddesdon.  Ordained in 2009, he served his title as Assistant Curate in the Parish of Warminster St. Denys and St. Mary Upton Scudamore in the Diocese of Salisbury.  From 2013 he served as Rector of the Parish of Louth.  From 2019 he served additionally as Acting Archdeacon of Lincoln.  In 2020, he took up his current role as Precentor of Lincoln and as Sub-Dean of Lincoln Cathedral in 2021.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NESO Strategic Spatial Energy Plan methodology

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    NESO Strategic Spatial Energy Plan methodology

    A letter from Secretary of State to the National Energy System Operator (NESO) on their approach for developing a strategic spatial plan for Great Britain’s energy infrastructure.

    Documents

    NESO Strategic Spatial Energy Plan methodology: letter from Secretary of State to NESO

    PDF, 127 KB, 1 page

    Details

    The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has published their methodology for developing the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP).

    This letter has been issued by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to Director of NESO, Fintan Slye, in support of the published methodology.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New bathing water season for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Sussex

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New bathing water season for Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Sussex

    Environment Agency monitoring of the 56 designated bathing waters between Highcliffe and Hastings Pelham have started ahead of summer.

    Lee-on-Solent is one of the 56 bathing waters being regularly monitored by the Environment Agency this summer

    A beach, river or estuary location on England’s list of designated bathing waters means water quality is thoroughly tested. Water samples will be taken weekly or fortnightly at consistent points at these locations and sent to the lab for testing. Scientists will look for elevated levels of E. Coli and intestinal enterococci – bacteria found in sewage and bird and wildlife poo – and the results made available online at Swimfo to inform public choice of where to paddle.  

    These sample results will ultimately help dictate what classification a beach or river location will be given later in the year. Any classification from ‘Sufficient’ and above means the water quality is good enough to swim in. If it’s ‘Poor’ then swimming is not advisable. 

    Kate Donlon of the Environment Agency said:

    Public confidence in the water quality at beaches and new river swimming spots has taken some knocks over the last few years. This is a shame as it’s a fact that 95% of the sites within Hampshire, Sussex and Isle of Wight hit acceptable standards for having a dip or a swim. 

    Don’t be put off going into the water during this lovely weather at one of the sites on the designated bathing water list. Go to our Swimfo website, choose a location and inform your own mind if you fancy going into the water.

    The chief cause for any drop in water quality between Highcliffe to Hastings Pelham is pollution entering beaches from surface water drains connecting to the sea, not sewage discharges. Rain water washes bacteria from sources like bird, dog and wildlife poo into the drains along with any other pollutants from the urban environment.  

    Improving sites at Bognor Regis Aldwick, Worthing Beach House and Southsea will be a marathon effort and only possible with dedicated partnership groups. Public support is also key. Eliminating routine nuisances like litter and dog poo from investigations and promoting awareness that only rain should go down the drain will free up investigative time. Meaning we are able to focus on other serious causes.   

    Throughout the season, 15 May until the end of September, the Environment Agency will be taking more than 7000 samples at 451 designated bathing waters across England.    

    Today also marks the re-opening of applications for new bathing waters which have been closed since October 2023. Since then, the government has announced significant reforms to the Bathing Water Regulations to better reflect public use of iconic swimming spots. Successful sites will be announced next year.  

    Background

    • Bathing waters are officially designated outdoor swimming sites. England has 451 designated bathing waters, which are monitored and classified by the Environment Agency.   

    • Applicants are encouraged to use the bathing water season to gather evidence for their applications. Prospective sites will be assessed for their suitability as a designated bathing water. Applications for the 2026 season will close on 31 October 2025.   

    • The Environment Agency has driven £2.5 billion of investment and facilitated partnerships to dramatically improve our bathing waters.   

    • Last year, nearly 92% of bathing waters in England met the minimum water quality standards. More information on 2024 bathing water classifications is available here.  

    • The UK Health Security Agency and Environment Agency also offer advice in their ‘swim healthy’ guidance, which is available to read before making any decision on swimming.  

    • Bathing waters are stretches of water throughout England which we monitor for two types of bacteria: E.coli and intestinal enterococci. We monitor for these two bacteria because they indicate that there are germs in the water which can make you ill.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work begins to give residents greater transport choices

    Source: City of Derby

    Work to create the city’s newest sustainable transport hub is underway on Osmaston Road, following the success of similar hubs elsewhere in the city.

    Mobility hubs give residents greater choice when deciding how to travel, as well as making it easier to choose sustainable methods such as electric vehicles (EV), car share clubs, and cycling. The hubs are also continually monitored, helping the Council to learn more about the area’s transport needs.

    Following the installation of mobility hubs in the Chaddesden and Six Streets areas, work will begin on Monday 19 May to create the latest hub, which will include:

    • Electric vehicle (EV) charging and dedicated parking for up to three EVs
    • Additional Enterprise Car Club vehicles
    • An accessible seating area with bike storage, designed in consultation with local businesses, ward councillors and the Police
    • Interactive information totem with live travel updates

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said:

    Mobility hubs are a fantastic addition to Derby’s ever-growing transport offer, giving residents greater choice and helping them to travel more sustainably.

    “We’ve already seen the benefits to residents in Chaddesden and the Six Streets area, so I’m pleased that residents in Osmaston will soon be able to reap the benefits.

    “Our teams have taken the time to learn from previous hubs and feedback from residents and we’re confident that this latest hub will become a welcome addition to the community.

    To allow essential infrastructure to be installed, a small section of Whittington Street near the junction of Osmaston Road will be closed between Monday 19 and Friday 23 May. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted.

    The mobility hub will be funded by the Department for Transport (DFT)’s Future Transport Zones Fund, which was awarded to Derby City Council to trial new and exciting developments in transport.

    Residents who would like to know more about the mobility hubs can get in touch with the Future Transport Zones team by emailing traffic.management@derby.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Automatic Blinds (2025): SelectBlinds Smart Window Treatments Awarded by Software Experts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK CITY, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Software Experts has recognized SelectBlinds’ automatic blinds as a leading smart window treatment solution for 2025. This highlights SelectBlinds as one of the leaders in combining home automation with functional and stylish window solutions.

    Best Automatic Blinds

    • SelectBlinds – an online retailer offering customizable, DIY-friendly window treatments including blinds, shades, and curtains.

    SelectBlinds, a direct-to-consumer window treatment brand, has steadily expanded its portfolio to meet the growing demand for connected home products. Its automatic blinds are known for their blend of motorized convenience, customizable options, and compatibility with smart home ecosystems. As consumers continue to look for integrated solutions for comfort, energy efficiency, and privacy, smart blinds are gaining traction as a key component in modern home design.

    Software Experts’ recognition was based on several criteria, including automation capabilities, user interface design, installation accessibility, energy efficiency, and system compatibility. SelectBlinds’ automatic window solutions performed well across all categories, offering a range of motorized products that can be controlled via remote, smartphone, or smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

    One of the notable features of SelectBlinds’ smart window treatments is the user-friendly customization process. Customers can select from a wide array of styles, fabrics, and lift systems, including rechargeable motors that do not require hardwiring. This accessibility makes the company’s products suitable for both homeowners and renters, an important factor as automation becomes more mainstream beyond luxury home markets.

    An increase in demand for smart blinds is due to the rising popularity of home automation and energy management technology. Automated window treatments can help regulate indoor temperatures by responding to preset schedules or environmental triggers such as sunlight, contributing to lower heating and cooling costs. For consumers who want to make their homes more energy-efficient, SelectBlinds’ solutions offer a practical start into smart home living.

    Founded in 2003, SelectBlinds has grown from a startup into a recognized leader in window treatment. The company operates entirely online, allowing it to offer made-to-order products without the markups associated with traditional retailers. Over the years, it has introduced innovations such as no-drill blinds and sustainable materials.

    Its smart blinds build on this legacy, shifting toward more intuitive and automated living spaces. As remote work, urban living, and smart home adoption continue to change consumer preferences, products like SelectBlinds’ automatic shades provide practical benefits ranging from hands-free operation to enhanced light control for home offices and entertainment areas.

    Software Experts also took note of SelectBlinds’ focus on customer empowerment through self-guided measuring and installation tools. By simplifying the traditionally complex process of ordering custom window treatments, the company makes the entire process beginner-friendly for consumers interested in smart home upgrades.

    As smart home products continue to become popular, window automation is no longer a niche luxury but an expected feature of well-integrated living environments. SelectBlinds’ automatic blinds represent a balance between technology and usability, offering functionality that supports energy goals, daily routines, and personalized comfort.

    With this recognition, Software Experts underscores the importance of smart blinds in smart home ecosystems and highlights SelectBlinds as a key contributor to this evolution. As interest in connected living continues to rise, solutions like these play an important role in how consumers experience and manage their homes.

    To browse SelectBlinds’ selection of automatic blinds and other window solutions, click here. For a more detailed review, please visit the Software Experts website.

    About SelectBlinds

    SelectBlinds is a U.S.-based online retailer specializing in custom window coverings, including blinds, shades, curtains, and drapes. Founded in 2003, the company has grown to become one of the most reviewed online window treatment providers in the country, with over 300,000 customer reviews. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, SelectBlinds offers a wide range of products designed for DIY installation, catering to customers looking for both style and functionality in their home decor. Focusing on innovation and user-friendly designs, SelectBlinds continues to be one of the leaders in online home improvement retail.

    About Software Experts: Software Experts provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Likely final House seat outcome: 94 Labor, 44 Coalition, 12 Others

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    The ABC has called Labor wins in 93 of the 150 House of Representatives seats. The Coalition has won 43 seats, the Greens one and all Others 11, with two seats (Bradfield and Calwell) remaining undecided.

    The Poll Bludger
    has documented the changes in the close seats. In Goldstein, Teal incumbent Zoe Daniel has surged back from a peak deficit of 1,472 votes to now trail Liberal Tim Wilson by just 292 votes on strong absents and declaration pre-polls after she lost postals by 61–39. But only about 800 votes remain, so Wilson will still win.

    On Tuesday, the Liberal lead in Liberal-held Bradfield over a Teal candidate closed to just 59 votes, and the ABC uncalled a race they had called for the Liberal the previous day. On Wednesday the Liberal lead increased to 80 votes, but it’s now fallen back to 43 votes. About 420 votes remain to be counted. The Liberals will probably lead when all votes are counted, but there will be a recount.

    The Liberal National Party has held Longman after declaration pre-polls failed to follow the trend to the left in other close seats. They now have an unassailable 335-vote lead over Labor.

    In Australia’s preferential voting system, the top two candidates on primary votes are not necessarily the final two. The bottom candidate is excluded, and their votes are distributed to remaining candidates, and this continues until only two are left. During this process, the third candidate can pass the second, therefore making the final two.

    So far the only interesting seat where this has occurred is Flinders, where Teal candidate Ben Smith passed Labor despite trailing in third on primary votes by 22.3% to 21.3%, with the Liberals well ahead with 41.2%. The Liberals defeated Smith in the final count by 52.3–47.7 to hold Flinders.

    Calwell has 13 candidates. Primary votes are 30.5% Labor (down 14.3% since the 2022 election), 15.7% Liberals (down 8.1%), 12.0% for independent Carly Moore, 10.9% for independent Joseph Youhana, 8.1% for the Greens (down 1.6%) and 6.9% for yet another independent.

    The danger for Labor is that either Moore or Youhana overtake the Liberals on the distribution of preferences, then beat Labor at the final count on Liberal preferences. Friday is the last day for receipt of late postals. Once all votes are counted, the distribution of preferences can start. We should know the result in Calwell next week.

    If Labor wins Calwell and the Liberals win Bradfield, the final seat totals will be 94 Labor out of 150 (up 17 from 77 out of 151 in 2022), 44 Coalition (down 14), one Green (down three), nine independents (down one) and two others (steady). By the UK’s method, this would be a Labor majority of 38 (25% in percentage terms).

    Bad as this result is for the Coalition, they would be lucky to win three seats (Longman, Bradfield and Goldstein) by less than a 50.2–49.8 margin. The narrowest Labor win was in Bean (by 50.3–49.7 against an independent).

    Turnout for the election is now 89.1%, and is likely to be over 90% once all votes are counted. National primary votes are 34.6% Labor (up 2.0%), 31.9% Coalition (down 3.8%), 12.1% Greens (down 0.2%), 6.4% One Nation (up 1.4%), 1.9% Trumpet of Patriots (down 2.1% from United Australia Party in 2022), 7.4% independents (up 2.1%) and 5.7% others (up 0.7%).

    I explained previously that the electoral commission’s national two-party preferred count does not currently include “non-classic” seats where the major party candidates were not the final two. There will be a special count later in these seats between Labor and Coalition candidates.

    The ABC’s two-party estimate is currently a Labor win by 54.9–45.1, while The Poll Bludger has Labor winning by 54.4–45.6. We’ll need to wait for two-party counts in the non-classic seats to resolve this difference.

    In the Senate, nationally 86.8% of enrolled voters have been counted, only 2.3% behind the House count. There have only been minor changes to primary votes since last Friday’s article on the Senate, so my assessment is unchanged from that article.

    Albanese’s ratings jump in Essential poll

    Essential is the first pollster to return since the election, but it hasn’t done a voting intentions poll. In this national poll, conducted May 7–11 from a sample of 1,137, Anthony Albanese’s net approval jumped 14 points since the pre-election Essential poll to +11 (50% approve, 39% disapprove).

    Former Liberal leader Peter Dutton, who lost his seat of Dickson at the election, slumped 18 points on net approval to -30. Voters still thought Australia was on the wrong track by 42–37 (52–31 before the election).

    In this poll, the Greens and all Others did well with late deciders (those who decided who to vote for in the last few days of the election campaign). Cost of living was rated one of the top three issues by 87% on what decided their vote, including 53% who said it was the top issue.

    Sussan Ley, who was elected Liberal leader on Tuesday, was preferred by 16% as Coalition leader, with Angus Taylor on 12% and Dan Tehan on 7%, with 45% unsure and 20% “none of the above”. Among those who voted for the Coalition, Taylor led Ley by 23–20.

    By 58–42, voters thought Labor should stick to the policies it took to the election, rather than be more ambitious now that it has a strong majority.

    Adrian Beaumont does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Likely final House seat outcome: 94 Labor, 44 Coalition, 12 Others – https://theconversation.com/likely-final-house-seat-outcome-94-labor-44-coalition-12-others-256568

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘I will not eat the bugs’: examining a right-wing narrative about scarcity and insect consumption

    Source: The Conversation – France – By D. D. Moore, Visiting Fellow, Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies, European University Institute

    Noor Bin Ladin, a right-wing influencer, stridently declares “I don’t want to eat the bugs” on a talk show hosted by a former adviser to US President Donald Trump. Laurent Duplomb, a senator from the conservative Les Républicains party in France, informs his colleagues that the French would be eating “insects without their knowledge”. Bartosz Kownacki, an MP from the nationalist Law and Justice party in Poland, suggests that opposition politicians write “instead of chicken, eat a worm” on their election materials, arguing that “this is their real election programme”. Thierry Baudet, a leader of the far-right Forum for Democracy party in the Netherlands, shouts “No way! No way!” while holding up a bag of mealworms in front of protesting farmers. Politicians in Lega, a far-right party in Italy, warn that the European Union is planning to “impose” the eating of insects on citizens in the bloc – and a Lega electoral campaign includes a billboard-sized image of a person popping an enormous cricket into their mouth, next to the caption, “Let’s change Europe before it changes us.”


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    During the 2020s, commentators and politicians across the right-wing political spectrum have amplified an Internet-based conspiracy theory that elite forces are conspiring to make us all eat insects. Often rallying under the slogan “I will not eat the bugs,” right-wing and far-right figures have come out in force against human consumption of insects. Many of these people assert that the EU is planning to force bug-eating on the general public while devastating traditional agriculture and meat consumption under the guise of the European Green Deal, the bloc’s plan to eliminate greenhouse gases by 2050 and decouple economic growth from resource use. Opposing insect-eating has become a symbolic way to protest EU environmental policies, express scepticism of and hostility toward Brussels, and villainize political opponents. Closer inspection reveals that the conspiracy theory underlying such opposition has much older and more sinister resonances.

    “Spreading disinformation”

    Insect eating (entomophagy) remains a minor practice in Europe and North America, although alternative protein sources do play a role in the EU’s move toward a sustainable future. So far, the European Commission has approved frozen, dried and powdered forms of Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm larva), Locusta migratoria (migratory locust), Acheta domesticus (house cricket) and Alphitobius diaperinus (the lesser mealworm larva) for human consumption. But the market for insect powder in foods like bread, pasta and sports bars remains small. Although insects are common food in many parts of the world, consumers in the West, where insects are more commonly used to provide protein in animal feed, are reluctant to eat bugs for historical reasons based in ideas of uncleanliness and primitiveness. So, based on the facts, there seems to be little to no reason for statements such as those made by Rumen Petkov of Bulgaria’s ABV party, who said that EU approval of insect consumption is a “crime against Europe” and that the European Commission is “prepared to kill our European children”.

    What led to the rapid spread of this conspiracy theory? Noor Bin Ladin’s remarks give us a clue. During her talk show appearance, Bin Ladin described her words as a message for Klaus Schwab to take to his “masters”. Schwab is the founder and executive chair of the World Economic Forum. Early in the Covid pandemic, Schwab and the WEF produced a set of proposals titled “the Great Reset”, which called for an overhaul of various world systems to produce a stakeholder-driven capitalism that would lead to a more socially and environmentally responsible future. Conspiracists seized on and branded “the Great Reset” as a new iteration of a conspiracy theory known as the New World Order – an imagined global governance system meant to control the lives of everyone. Both the Great Reset and the New World Order lead back to much older and broader antisemitic conspiracy theories that hold that elite Jewish financiers run the world with their hands on invisible levers of power. All these narratives tap into feelings of futility and hopelessness about the future.

    US right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson called a 2023 episode of his show, which included a heavy focus on Schwab and the WEF, “Let Them Eat Bugs”, a title that gestures at the remark allegedly made by Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, when she heard about people suffering from a lack of bread before the French Revolution: “Let them eat cake”. With this title, Carlson is aiming to emphasize that the elite are hopelessly out of touch and have contempt for farmers and the average man, whom they want to force to eat bugs. Like the French bedbug scare in late 2023, right-wing alarm around insect-eating has connections to the spread of anti-EU Russian propaganda. Russian news outlets have suggested that Europeans are so poor and food deprived as a result of sanctions connected to the war in Ukraine that they have been reduced to eating insects. As the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) writes, insects are “delicious treats for actors with interest in spreading disinformation against the EU”.

    Symbols for dehumanization

    The desire to stir up fear about the minor level of European and US insect consumption is not based on the risk of rapid growth in the insect market, but on the power to arouse disgust and fear itself. Insects have long been used as symbols to stir revulsion and paint opponents as objects of physical and moral disgust. During times of political extremism, insects have featured repeatedly in efforts to distance, devalue and dehumanize minorities. Armenians were called locusts during the Armenian genocide, and Jews were compared to lice in Nazi Germany. In the period prior to the ethnic genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda, some Hutus repeatedly called Tutsis “cockroaches” on public radio. The right wing’s current fetishization of insect-eating serves as a narrative to cast political opponents as morally repulsive, even if not labelling them as bugs themselves.

    For some figures on the right, insect consumption symbolizes the worst of Eurocentric liberalism – seen as a movement so void of a positive political vision that the only possible future it offers is one of impoverishment and bug-eating. They point to an elite who they claim will go on feasting on meat while forcing mealworms and fly larvae on the rest of us. It’s a potent image. At a moment in which people on the right and the left seem unable to imagine a better political future together, it becomes easier to demonize climate policy-minded leaders as a group of disgusting hypocrites plotting to create a society of contrived scarcity where the general population is reduced to eating bugs.

    Meanwhile, since 2015, scientists have been releasing papers warning that the global food system shows risks of genuine structural problems. In a future of environmental disruption, trade wars and real risks of food shortages and famine, we may need all the calories we can get – insect-based or otherwise.



    À lire aussi :
    ‘A healthy earth may be ugly’: How literary art can help us value insect conservation

    Out of curiosity, I bought a bag of cricket flour last fall. The crickets resulted in a delicious, nutty-flavoured cecina, well… crickcina. So far, none of my friends will try it. They’re missing out.

    D. D. Moore ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. ‘I will not eat the bugs’: examining a right-wing narrative about scarcity and insect consumption – https://theconversation.com/i-will-not-eat-the-bugs-examining-a-right-wing-narrative-about-scarcity-and-insect-consumption-254112

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New action to expand Scottish exports

    Source: Scottish Government

    US Export Plan among steps to boost business.

     

    A bespoke plan to help Scottish companies export to the United States will be drawn up as part of new measures aimed at boosting trade.

    It is one of six actions announced in the First Minister’s Programme for Government to assist exporters and address global trade challenges.

    Other steps include increased funding for product development, market research and attendance at international trade shows.

    Within the current financial year, the Six Point Export Plan will:

    • produce a US Export Plan to identify states offering the best markets for Scottish products, as part of wider support for trade with North America
    • use the International Growth Support Programme to unlock opportunities through trade shows, distributor visits, market research and product development
    • bring more global buyers to Scotland to showcase what companies have to offer
    • expand funding for overseas trade missions through the International Trade Partnership with Scottish Chambers of Commerce
    • increase funding for exporters in the technology, life sciences, renewables and hydrogen sectors
    • widen support for businesses through Scottish Enterprise’s international team, Scottish Development International, including more overseas trade missions and exporter showcase events

    During a visit to Summerhall Distillery in Edinburgh, which exports to more than a dozen countries including the US, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

    “In the face of global uncertainty, I am determined to protect and grow Scotland’s business interests around the world.

    “As the USA remains the single largest destination for Scottish exports outside the European Union, action to maintain and grow the market share while recognising the changing dynamics of US export opportunities is an important focus of our Programme for Government.

    “These steps will build on the significant support we already provide through Scottish Development International and its network of 34 offices across the world, including four in the US.

    “We must grasp all opportunities to strengthen Scotland’s reputation in world markets. Demand for Scottish products and services around the world is high and global customers recognise the innovation, quality and ambition of our businesses.”

    Commercial Director of Summerhall Distillery Dave Quinnell said:

    “We export around the world, including the US where we recently signed a new contract to sell more than 100,000 bottles a year.

    “Without Scottish Development International, we would not have been able to access the majority of our international markets.

    “We received help to draw up our initial export plan, to access specialist advice and to fund trade visits overseas. All of this has been vital to our business as we grow and continue to explore markets across the world.”

    Background

    Programme for Government 2025 to 2026 – gov.scot

    Summerhall Distillery was opened as the first exclusive gin distillery established in Edinburgh for over 150 years, producing Pickering’s Gin. It has since become home to The Broody Hen Scotch Whisky and Coldsnap Vodka. The business has diversified into private and own label products, culminating in the formation of Edinburgh Bottlers & Co-Pack, specialising in premium private label spirits services.

    In the last financial year Scottish Enterprise, whose overseas brand is Scottish Development International, reported £2.15 billion in planned international sales from the Scottish companies it has helped – among the highest results ever achieved.

    The International Trade Partnership Programme is run with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and will expand access to business membership organisations to provide support for trade missions to established and emerging markets.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –