NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Frontloading elements of the EU asylum and migration package on the basis of a completely inadequate EU list of safe countries of origin – E-001852/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001852/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE), Mary Khan (ESN)

    On 16 April 2025, the Commission announced the frontloading of elements of the asylum and migration package adopted in 2024, which was originally not due to come into force until June 2026. The announcement does not represent systemic change, however; rather, it is merely a pusillanimous attempt to appease the EU’s increasingly incensed population. For one thing, the planned accelerated procedures at external borders are utterly toothless, as they are restricted to countries of origin for which the cross-EU recognition rate is below 20%; and, for another, the published EU list of safe countries of origin is alarmingly incomplete and ignores changed geopolitical realities. Large countries that export asylum seekers and crime, such as Syria or Afghanistan, will therefore remain completely unaffected by the measures. In addition, the involvement of questionable non-governmental organisations in the assessment procedure for classifying safe countries of origin does not suggest that there will be an end any time soon to illegal mass migration to Europe.

    • 1.What tangible effects does the Commission expect from the frontloading of elements of the EU asylum and migration package if those elements do not affect the largest migrant groups at all?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to prevent illegal migrants from countries that are not affected by accelerated procedures or the list of safe countries of origin from continuing to profit from protracted procedures and from ultimately remaining in the EU permanently?
    • 3.Which non-governmental organisations are specifically involved in the assessment procedure for classifying safe countries of origin?

    Submitted: 7.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Adoption of targeted sanctions against military individuals responsible for lethal attacks on civilians and other serious human rights violations in Sudan – E-001817/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001817/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Francisco Assis (S&D), Nikos Papandreou (S&D), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Carla Tavares (S&D), Sandra Gómez López (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), André Rodrigues (S&D), Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew), Marta Temido (S&D), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Elio Di Rupo (S&D), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Sérgio Gonçalves (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D)

    The large-scale atrocities perpetrated by military and paramilitary forces against civilians in Sudan are widely documented. They show a pattern of indiscriminate bombings, systematic use of rape and aid restrictions as weapons of war. With 11 million displaced people, Sudan is in a dire humanitarian situation. Two years on, the EU has failed to: provide sufficient leadership towards a ceasefire, take meaningful action to protect civilians’ lives, and hold accountable those responsible for crimes against humanity. In January, the United States decided to sanction military leaders and foreign entities responsible for the flow of arms into Sudan. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution[1] urging the EU to implement similar sanctions.

    In the light of this situation:

    Will the VP/HR propose to the Council that the EU also adopt targeted sanctions on those responsible for the cycle of violence in Sudan? These include: the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan; the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ‘Hemedti’ and deputy commander Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagal; other officials and militia leaders responsible for lethal attacks on civilians, and entities and individuals involved in the supplying and procurement of weapons on behalf of the warring parties.

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    • [1] European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2025 on the severe political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular the sexual violence and child rape (texts adopted, P10_TA(2025)0037).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ADL Report: Congressman Brad Sherman Named Top Target of Antisemitic Hate in the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a report released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) identifying him as the most targeted Member of the House of Representatives for antisemitic abuse, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement:

    “The findings in the ADL’s report are disturbing but not surprising. Antisemitism is on the rise, and it’s hitting closer to home than ever. When hate is left unchecked online, it doesn’t stay online—it seeps into our communities, our institutions, and even our government. So unfortunately, it’s no surprise that this uptick in online hate coincides with the rise in offline antisemitism – which has reached record-breaking levels since Hamas’s massacre of 1,200 innocent Israelis, Americans, and others on October 7th, 2023. 

    This wave of hate has continued to impact constituents in and near my district: two Jewish men were shot in an attempted murder while leaving religious services in Pico-Robertson[1]; a Jewish couple was assaulted outside of their synagogue in Beverly Hills[2]; the infamous antisemitic riot outside of the Adas Torah synagogue on Pico Boulevard, wherein an anti-Israel mob tried to prevent worshippers from entering the synagogue and assaulted a number of Jewish community members.[3] And just outside my district in Thousand Oaks, a 69 year old Jewish man, Paul Kessler, was brutally assaulted and killed by a anti-Israel protester.

    I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. I’ve spent my career standing up to extremism and antisemitism, and defending the right of all marginalized groups – including American Jews – to live in peace. That commitment only deepens in the face of these attacks.”

    In a report that was released on May 8, Anti-Defamation League researchers said they collected and analyzed antisemitic comments directed at 30 Jewish members of Congress with Facebook accounts. 

    The report concluded that among these 30 Jewish members of Congress, the most frequently targeted Senators were Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), while Congressman Brad Sherman stood as the most frequently targeted in the House of Representatives. 

    To read the ADL’s full report, click here.

    ###

    [1] U.S. DOJ: Former California Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Attempting to Murder Two Jewish Men Leaving Los Angeles Synagogues Last Year
    https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/former-california-man-sentenced-35-years-prison-attempting-murder-two-jewish-men-leaving-los

    [2] ‘Despicable act of hate’: Suspect arrested after antisemitic assault in Beverly Hills

    https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-12-10/arrest-made-in-the-antisemitic-assault-of-an-elderly-man-in-beverly-hills

    [3] JPost: Lawsuit hits protest groups, funder over Pico-Robertson synagogue riots

    https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-812203

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Applauds Signing of Senate Bill 29, Strengthening Texas’ Standing as a National Leader in Corporate Governance and Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Nasdaq issued a statement in support of Texas Senate Bill 29 after Governor Abbott signed the bill into law. This legislation, which codifies the Business Judgment Rule and promotes predictability in corporate governance litigation, enhances Texas’ competitiveness as a jurisdiction for incorporation and business growth. Nasdaq’s Executive Vice Chairman Ed Knight joined Governor Abbott, leadership from the Texas legislature, and other Texas business community leaders for the signing ceremony.

    “Senate Bill 29 is a milestone for corporate governance in Texas. By embracing smart, innovation-focused regulation like SB 29, Texas is showing the world what it means to lead on economic growth and modern, clear governance principles,” said Ed Knight, Executive Vice Chairman of Nasdaq. “We commend Senator Bryan Hughes, Representative Morgan Meyer, and Governor Greg Abbott for advancing legislation that strengthens Texas’ position as a global center for capital formation.”

    Texas has become a national model for innovation-driven policy that balances economic growth with investor confidence. The passage of SB 29 aligns with Nasdaq’s mission to promote fair, efficient, and accessible capital markets, and reinforces Texas as a destination for corporate formation and public company investment. Nasdaq has a longstanding history of advocating for clients by minimizing the complexity associated with navigating the public markets. Its efforts for corporate issuers encompass addressing issues such as the SEC’s proposed climate disclosure rules, cyber disclosure rules, proxy advisory reform, AI regulation, PCAOB reforms, and emerging growth company timelines.

    “At Nasdaq, we are honored to have been part of the Texas community for nearly two decades” said Rachel Racz, Senior Vice President, Head of Listings for Texas, Southern U.S. and Latin America at Nasdaq. “We remain committed to advocating for our clients on both a federal and local level and supporting the bold Texas leadership that continues to power our state’s dynamic economy.”

    Nasdaq’s presence in Texas continues to expand. The company recently announced the opening of a new regional headquarters in Dallas, serving as a Southeast hub and convening space for its Texas-based clients. Nasdaq currently is home to over 200 listed companies headquartered in the state and generates over $750 million in revenues in Texas and the Southeast region of the U.S., partnering with over 2,000 clients, approximately 800 of which are based in Texas.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Nasdaq Media Contact

    Michelle Mendiola
    (646) 634-8350
    michelle.mendiola@nasdaq.com

    Chris Hayden
    (301) 523-5829
    christopher.hayden@nasdaq.com 

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, information regarding our regional presence. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – NECCA’s mismanagement of environmental resources to the benefit of Nea Dimokratia’s propaganda team revealed – E-001806/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001806/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    Greece’s Natural Environmental and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), which is supervised by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, was established in 2020 following the transposition into Greek law of Directive (EU) 2018/844 and Directive (EU) 2019/692 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The agency is responsible for coordinating national environmental and biodiversity protection policy.

    Recent reports from Greek and European media outlets have denounced that NECCA awarded contracts for communication services[1] worth more than EUR 1 million to companies owned by persons with ties to the ruling Nea Dimokratia party – namely Thomas Varvitsiotis and Yiannis Olympios[2]. The reports reveal that one of these companies, Blue Skies, employs staff that in fact work for the Nea Dimokratia party propaganda team, ‘Team Truth’, raising serious questions about the possible diversion of national and European environmental funds for party purposes[3].

    At the same time, civil society organisations complain[4] that NECCA is failing to manage protected areas, secure funding and fulfil the country’s obligations under EU law.

    In light of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of these complaints, which may call into question Greece’s compliance with environmental protection obligations?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to investigate whether funds earmarked for environmental protection are being misused to fund the ruling group’s political propaganda machine?

    Submitted: 5.5.2025

    • [1] https://www.in.gr/2025/04/26/politics/politiki-grammateia/symvaseis-xiliadon-eyro-metaksy-dimosiou-kai-etaireion-pou-idrysan-galazia-paidia-misthodotoumena-apo-tin-blue-skies-kai-ergazomena-se-nd-maksimou/
    • [2] https://www.politico.eu/article/financing-scandal-rocks-greece-ruling-party-new-democracy/
    • [3] https://insidestory.gr/article/poia-einai-i-etaireia-poy-stegazei-kentrika-prosopa-toy-mihanismoy-propagandas-tis-nd
    • [4] https://www.topontiki.gr/2025/04/23/ofipeka-afthono-chrima-stin-omada-alithias-pliris-adiaforia-gia-tin-parnitha-ti-katangelloun-ethelontes/
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of the Commission President’s X account for party political activities – E-001836/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001836/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fabio De Masi (NI)

    In the Commission’s view, is it permissible for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to regularly advertise party political activities (e.g. during the election campaign as the EPP’s lead candidate) on her Commission President X account? Are Commission staff involved in this work[1]?

    Submitted: 7.5.2025

    • [1] Reference: https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1917275143082225873
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Latest developments in western Syria – E-001117/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Assad regime’s fall has been a historic moment for the Syrian people. Throughout the conflict, including in the 2018 Council conclusions on Syria[1], the EU condemned the Assad regime’s brutal violations of international law and deliberate and indiscriminate attacks against civilians, including the use of chemical weapons. What was discovered since the fall of the regime only confirmed its brutality.

    In this critical period, the EU supports an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition built on the respect of international law and human rights. In this context, the EU has welcomed the interim authorities’ first positive steps towards an inclusive transition, such as the National Dialogue Conference, the Constitutional Declaration, and the formation of the new government. The EU is in contact with interim authorities and local actors, including civil society, to strongly advocate for tolerance and pluralism. The EU remains attentive to the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection of all Syrians, regardless of their background, notably ethnic or religious, and upholding the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

    Gravely alarmed by the violence in Syria’s coastal region, on 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement[2] on behalf of the EU strongly condemning the attacks by pro-Assad militias and the horrific crimes against civilians, including summary killings, many of which were allegedly perpetrated by armed groups supporting the transitional authorities. The EU called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, and welcomed the transitional authorities’ establishment of an independent investigative committee. Everything must be done to prevent any such crimes from happening again.

    • [1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-7956-2018-INIT/en/pdf .
    • [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Concerns about humanitarian aid in Syria reaching minorities persecuted by Islamists – P-001099/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU strictly adheres to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as outlined in the EU Treaties and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid[1]. The EU provides humanitarian aid to all people in need in Syria, without discrimination and irrespective of ethnicity, faith or other considerations other than need. This includes the Alawite community and Christian populations.

    The EU’s humanitarian assistance is delivered through certified humanitarian partners in all parts of Syria, regardless of the area of control. EU-funded humanitarian operations are based on people’s needs, humanitarian principles, and accountability to affected populations.

    The resilience/non-humanitarian assistance provided in Syria by the EU also follows strict parameters of implementation. It aims to foster social cohesion by bringing together Syrians and countering any form of community or ethnical fragmentation.

    The EU was gravely alarmed by the horrific sectarian violence in Syria’s coastal region targeting minorities. On 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement on behalf of the EU, strongly condemning the attacks[2]. This was also supported by the Joint Press Statement issued on 18 March 2025 by the Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management, Commissioner for the Mediterranean, High Representative/Vice-President, and the Foreign Minister of the Syrian transitional government, His Excellency Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani[3].

    The EU welcomed the transitional authorities’ commitments to establish an independent investigative committee and called on them to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate.

    • [1] Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission, OJ C 25, 30.1.2008, p. 1-12, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A42008X0130%2801%29.
    • [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/ .
    • [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/18/brussels-ix-conference-on-standing-with-syria-meeting-the-needs-for-a-successful-transition-joint-press-statement/ .
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Justification for the invitation to Ahmed al-Sharaa, linked to terrorism and war crimes, to attend Brussels donor summit – E-001071/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 17 March 2025, the EU hosted the ninth Brussels Conference on ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition’ to support Syria’s transition process and socioeconomic recovery, while also addressing the immediate humanitarian needs, both in Syria and the region. The conference brought together key regional and international partners, as well as members of the Syrian civil society. This being a ministerial event, Foreign Minister H.E. Asaad Hasan Al-Shaibani of the Syrian transitional government was the Syrian representative invited, who attended the Conference[1]. It is worth to remind that he is not listed under the EU restrictive measures against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant/Da’esh and Al-Qaeda (United Nations-EU mixed regime).

    The fall of the Assad regime signals a historic moment for the Syrian people. In this critical period, the EU supports an inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition, guided by the respect for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance among all components of Syrian society.

    The EU welcomes the interim authorities’ recent first steps towards an inclusive transition, such as the National Dialogue Conference, the announcement of the new transitional government on 29 March 2025 and the agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces. The EU was gravely alarmed by the recent violent events in the coastal areas and strongly condemned the crimes committed against civilians[2]. In this context, it welcomed the swift establishment of an investigative committee to hold all perpetrators accountable. The EU will remain attentive to the statements but more importantly the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection and fundamental freedoms of all Syrians, without distinction.

    • [1] See the press release of 18 March 2025: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/18/brussels-ix-conference-on-standing-with-syria-meeting-the-needs-for-a-successful-transition-joint-press-statement/.
    • [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Policies and public funding to combat depopulation – P-001419/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the political guidelines for the Commission mandate 2024-2029, the Commission commits to address regional and social disparities and ensure all citizens have an effective right to stay in the place they call home. This is in line with the communication on the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas[1] and further enhanced in the Vision for agriculture and food, which commits to strengthen participatory local development tools (i.e. Leader/CLLD) and other forms of cooperation (i.e. Smart villages), to update the EU Rural Action Plan[2] in 2025 and to strengthen the Rural Pact.

    Most Member States have identified demography as one of the major challenges with potential negative effects on balanced territorial development, including in rural and remote areas. Consequently, Member States can use the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), Cohesion policy funding as well as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans to help addressing demographic challenges.

    Integrated development, promoted by Cohesion policy are crucial to help regions, notably those facing demographic decline or a talent development trap. The Commission stepped-up efforts to support these regions[3], notably via the ‘Talent Booster Mechanism’ and the Harnessing Talent Platform.[4] The Commission considers important to strengthen those investments to attract people, particularly young generations, to rural and remote areas.

    To strengthen cooperation between all governance levels, in 2022 the Commission launched and continues to facilitate a Rural Pact. The Pact produced guidance on how to improve policies for rural areas[5] and encourages national and regional governments to make official commitments to the Pact.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:6c924246-da52-11eb-895a-01aa75ed71a1.0003.02/DOC_1&format=PDF.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:6c924246-da52-11eb-895a-01aa75ed71a1.0003.02/DOC_2&format=PDF.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/communication/harnessing-talents/harnessing-talents-regions_en.pdf.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/communities-and-networks/harnessing-talent-platform_en.
    • [5] https://ruralpact.rural-vision.europa.eu/publications/making-rural-pact-happen-member-states_en.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Prospects of EU membership or association status for Canada – E-001336/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Canada is one of the EU’s closest and most long-standing partners. The relationship is rooted in shared values and is also shaped by extensive historical, cultural, political and economic links.

    Nonetheless, Canada does not qualify as a ‘European’ state, within the meaning of the term presently set out in Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union. There are no plans to revise the Treaties or to assess the benefits and possible consequences of Canadian accession to the EU.

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Incompatibility between the list of safe countries of origin made by the Italian Government and the criteria laid down in EU law – E-002701/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The assessment of whether a third country meets the conditions set out in Annex I of Directive 2013/32[1] for the purpose of the designation as safe country of origin is conducted by Member States’ competent authorities, based on a range of sources of information. In any event, when the concept is applied in a procedure for international protection, an individual examination of the application submitted by applicants from designated safe countries of origin must always be carried out.

    Pursuant to Article 37(2) of Directive 2013/32, Member States must regularly review the situation in the designated safe countries of origin. This covers the occurrence of significant events which may affect the presumption that the concerned country can guarantee the safety of the applicant.

    • [1] Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (recast) — OJ L 180, 29/06/2013, p. 60.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The future European security architecture: Dilemmas for EU strategic autonomy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Europeans are searching for their geopolitical footprint and trying to build a European pillar in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at a time when the United States is likely to reduce its engagement in Europe, while Russia is looking for a reset of the European security architecture, which developed at the end of the Cold War, by waging war on Ukraine. After analysing the evolution of key security organisations in Europe – NATO, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)/Organisation on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Union (EU) – and the defence policies of individual countries, five possible scenarios for a new European security architecture were developed with the use of foresight methodology. Based on expert consultations, four of the scenarios – Antagonism, European NATO, European Defence Union and Patchwork – point to an increasingly antagonistic world in the next decade. These scenarios consider the degree of US (dis)engagement from Europe, EU-NATO relations and the possible outcome of the Ukraine war. While Antagonism can largely be seen as a continuation of the current state of play, with a solid transatlantic relationship anchored in NATO, the Patchwork scenario is the most challenging, with no strong alliance and in which Europe becomes a playground. Conversely, a new détente (relaxation of relations among global powers) leading to a more cooperative world needs a new triggering factor. This scenario, Cooperative co-existence, would possibly require over a decade to happen, and Europeans would need to compensate for further US disengagement from Europe, either through a European NATO or a European Defence Union, if they wish to matter as a geopolitical actor. Europeans therefore need to increase defence funding (in the case of further US disengagement, possibly by above 5 % of GDP), strengthen their capabilities, including nuclear and space capabilities, keep pace with the technological race and bolster the European defence industrial network. By developing its strategic autonomy, the EU might enhance its agency in defence matters, preserve transatlantic ties and allow the European interest to prevail.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Follow-up question on substantive pledges and cabinet positions promised by the Commission to the European Greens – E-001815/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001815/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marieke Ehlers (PfE), Auke Zijlstra (PfE), Sebastiaan Stöteler (PfE), Ton Diepeveen (PfE), Rachel Blom (PfE), Sebastian Kruis (PfE)

    In its answer to Written Question P-002983/2024[1] the Commission states – in a particularly brief fashion – that its meetings with party leaders covered ‘both policy priorities and organisational issues’.

    • 1.Were all political groups represented in the Commission’s ‘exchanges of views’ and were they therefore given an equal opportunity to formulate policy positions?
    • 2.What organisational issues were discussed?
    • 3.Which advisers, cabinet members and other staff were recruited within the Commission, or as external advisers, and at the request of which political group?

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-10-2024-002983-ASW_EN.html
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Greece’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Greece’s climate law sets the objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1) and of delivering a 55 % reduction of net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared with 1990. Greece accounted for 2.3 % of the EU’s net GHG emissions in 2023, and achieved a net emissions reduction of 48.5 % from 2005 to 2023, greater than the EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) fell by almost two thirds. Greece’s land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector has functioned as a moderate carbon sink throughout the 2005-2023 period. For the effort-sharing sectors, Greece has consistently overachieved its targets. Greece’s national recovery and resilience plan, amended with a REPowerEU chapter, dedicates 38.2 % of investment to the green transition. Greece submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in November 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final updated NECP, which was submitted in January 2025. In a 2023 survey, 44 % of Greeks, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change to be one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (74 %), the EU (73 %) and/or business and industry (73 %) to tackle climate change. Less than a third find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Statistical Dialogue with Mariana Kotzeva, Director-General of Eurostat – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    ECON Committee Meeting on 20 May 2025 The Statistical Dialogue is a regular exchange between the Director-General of Eurostat and the ECON Committee, enabling its Members to engage on key statistical issues related to EU economic governance. It is based on Regulation (EC) No 223/2009, which enshrines principles of professional independence and accountability, and was reinforced by Regulation (EU) 2015/759, introducing a formal obligation for regular appearances before Parliament. This is the first Statistical Dialogue of the 10th parliamentary term..

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Lithuania’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Lithuania’s national climate change management agenda sets emissions reduction targets with a view to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Lithuania accounted for 0.4 % of the EU’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023 and had reduced its net emissions by 31.5 % since 2005, slightly above the EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) were more than halved (-57.5 %). For the effort-sharing sectors, Lithuania overachieved its target for the 2013-2020 period and expects to reach its 2030 target. Lithuania’s land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is an important carbon sink, absorbing around a third of the country’s GHG emissions. In June 2023, Lithuania modified its recovery and resilience plan, adding a REPowerEU chapter. Lithuania submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in July 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final updated NECP, which was published in October 2024. In a 2023 survey, a third of Lithuanians, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (57 %) and/or business and industry (56 %) to tackle climate change, 50 % see it as a task of the EU, while 37 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Romania’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2023, Romania accounted for around 2 % of the EU’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and had achieved a net emissions reduction of 50.8 % compared with 2005 (Figure 1). The country’s total emissions decreased by 30.1 % between 2005 and 2023, while its net carbon removals in the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector increased by 50 %. Emissions from sectors covered by the effort-sharing legislation had risen by 8.4 % since 2005. In 2023, they were more than three times higher than those from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which fell by 68.2 % over the same period. Romania has committed to the EU’s target of climate neutrality by 2050 (see the trajectory in Figure 1). However, to meet its energy needs, the country still relies mainly on fossil fuels; the deployment of various renewable energy sources for the shift towards a sustainable economy requires further efforts. Romania’s recovery and resilience plan dedicates 44 % of investments to the green transition, with a focus on industry decarbonisation, sustainable transport, and building renovation. Romania submitted its final updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in October 2024. In a 2023 survey, 23 % of Romanians, compared with a 46 % EU average, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (40 %), the EU (37 %), and/or business and industry (33 %) to tackle climate change; 18 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Investigation and possible failure to comply with Regulation (EU) 2019/941 on risk‑preparedness in the electricity sector in Spain – E-001843/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001843/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    On 28 April 2025, Spain suffered one of the worst power cuts in its recent history, during which the entire country – as well as Portugal and parts of France – was without electricity for more than 12 hours. The Spanish Government has not yet provided an explanation as to what caused the incident, nor has it assumed any political responsibility. This situation raises major concerns with regard to energy security, risk prevention and grid coordination by the network management company, Redeia, which is partly state-owned.

    • 1.Has the Commission received official information from the Spanish Government on the causes of the power cut?
    • 2.Does the Commission think the government’s actions have been in line with the principles of cooperation, transparency and information exchange laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/941 on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector?
    • 3.Is the Commission planning to launch an investigation – to be carried out by independent experts with proven, extensive experience who are not under the influence of companies with market interests – to establish whether management failures could have caused this crisis?

    Submitted: 7.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Chiefs of Defence meet in Brussels

    Source: NATO

    Brussels, 14 May 2025 – The 193rd NATO Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session took place at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, today. Thirty two Allied Chiefs of Defence discussed NATO’s vigilance & deterrence, continued support to Ukraine, and preparations for the NATO Summit in The Hague in June. The final meeting of the day saw the Ukrainian Chief of Defence, General Sikyrsky, join the NATO-Ukraine Council virtually from Kyiv.

    Opening the working session, the Chair of the Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, underscored that the meeting of Allied Chiefs of Defence is a testament to NATO’s enduring unity and strength, and that cohesion among Allied militaries is the bedrock of NATO’s collective defence. The Chair stressed the priorities for the NATO Military Authorities, especially in these challenging times: continue providing unfettered and timely military advice to political leadership, underpinned by collective clarity and decisiveness. The Allied Chiefs of Defence session focus was to discuss further strengthening NATO’S deterrence and defence, in order to continue adapting to the security challenges facing the Alliance. 

    During the following session, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) briefed the Chiefs of Defence on NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, and the status quo and way ahead of NATO’s operations, missions, and activities. 

    Then, Chiefs of Defence discussed with Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) about NATO’s Defence Planning Process and developments in innovation and the adoption of new systems.

    The final session with the Chief of Defence of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi (attending via videoconference), focused on the current state of play in Ukraine. Allies reiterated their support to Ukraine, and emphasised why now – more than ever – it is key for NATO to continue to provide Ukraine what is needed for its defence.

    Wrapping up a fruitful meeting, CMC farewelled fellow Chiefs of Defence, looking forward to the next meeting in this format later in the year.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ceasefire declared in Libya’s Tripoli after overnight clashes

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TRIPOLI, May 14 (Xinhua) — Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) declared a ceasefire on Wednesday following intense overnight clashes between rival armed groups in the capital’s downtown and residential areas, prompting international calls to protect civilians and prevent further escalation.

    Fighting broke out overnight between forces loyal to Libyan Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibeh, including the 444th Brigade, and forces linked to Special Deterrence Forces chief Abdel Raouf Kara.

    According to local residents, the shooting continued until the morning, and the Libyan Red Crescent reported finding a dead person in the center of Tripoli. The extent of the human casualties has not yet been established.

    The UN Support Mission in Libya condemned the violence and attacks on civilian areas and warned that damage to non-combatants and infrastructure “may amount to crimes under international law.”

    The GNA Defense Ministry said the ceasefire had come into effect by midday. Buffer forces had been deployed to separate the conflicting parties and stabilize the situation in hot spots.

    The fighting followed deadly clashes on May 12 between forces loyal to A.H. Dbeibah and the Stability Support Apparatus following the killing of the head of the organisation, Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, better known as Ghaniwa.

    A senior official said A.G. al-Kikli was killed in a compound controlled by the 444th Brigade, which is commanded by Mahmoud Hamza, a militia leader linked to A.H. Dbeibah. A.G. al-Kikli’s death triggered a wave of clashes that left at least six people dead, according to security sources.

    More than a decade after the 2011 overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, Libya remains a deeply divided country. The government in the east relies on the Libyan National Army, led by commander-in-chief Khalifa Haftar, while the UN recognizes the GNA, which controls the west. Meanwhile, rival militia groups loyal to the western government are also battling for power. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Expansion of United Christian Hospital

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Tang Ka-piu and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

    Question:

         There are views pointing out that the expansion project of United Christian Hospital (UCH) has been delayed since its launch in 2015, and that the design specifications do not meet the latest medical requirements. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the progress of the aforesaid expansion project and the exact date when the expanded facilities will officially commence operation; whether the completion date of the project is later than originally planned; if so, of the main reasons for that;

    (2) as there are views that the design of the renovated buildings and facilities (e.g. height of storeys and load bearing standards, etc) under the aforesaid expansion project is different from the specifications of new hospitals nowadays and may not meet the storage or operational requirements of some medical devices, whether the Government knows if the Hospital Authority has put in place remedial measures or make appropriate arrangements in this regard; and

    (3) whether the playground site adjacent to UCH be retained for use in the next phase of the hospital’s expansion project; if so, of the specific boundary of the site and the timetable for planning and survey works; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

         Established in 1973, the United Christian Hospital (UCH) is a major acute general hospital in the Kowloon East Cluster (KEC). It provides 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) services and a range of specialist out-patient, inpatient, ambulatory, extended care and community medical services. Together with the Tseung Kwan O Hospital and the Haven of Hope Hospital in the cluster, the UCH provides comprehensive clinical services to the residents of the Kwun Tong and Sai Kung districts. To meet the ever-increasing healthcare service demand of the two districts, the Government obtained funding approval from the Legislative Council to carry out the main works of the expansion project of the UCH in 2020, which is one of the 16 projects under the First Hospital Development Plan (HDP).

         Having consulted the Hospital Authority (HA), the reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Tang Ka-piu is as follows:

    (1) The UCH expansion project will not only bring about additional diagnostic and medical facilities to comprehensively improve the ambulatory care services and integrated healthcare services, but also provide a new oncology centre and an additional 560 beds as well as five operating theatres. The area of the expanded A&E Department will be increased to more than 250 per cent, from the existing 1 600 square metres to 4 240 square metres.

         The main works of the expansion project commenced in September 2020 and were originally planned for completion by 2024. Due to some delays, the Ambulatory Block is now anticipated to be progressively completed starting from the end of 2025 and to commence operation in phases in mid-2026 the earliest.

         The expansion project of the UCH involves in-situ expansion and redevelopment. During the works period, on-going clinical operations have to be maintained to provide service and the new block has to interface with the existing hospital premises. As such, adjustments are required to address various construction constraints during the works period. The works progress is therefore affected and deviates from the previously over-optimistically estimated completion time. In addition, other major reasons of the delay can be summarised in the following three points: 

    (a) Site constraints

    The limited space and vehicular access at UCH, the extensive and complex nature of the project, its location in an old district and the adjacent slope, together with the numerous underground utility pipes and facilities and the difference between their actual and expected locations have resulted in modifications to the design from time to time. The existing underground utilities were also needed to accommodate the actual ground conditions. 

    (b) Unsatisfactory performance of the consultants and the contractors of the works

    The HA has repeatedly urged the consultants and contractors of the works to take measures to catch up with works progress. If it is proved that the delay was caused by inappropriate design or works arrangements, the HA will follow up in accordance with the terms of the contracts.

    (c) Impact from the COVID-19 epidemic and inclement weather 

    The contractors’ deployment of manpower and supplies of materials had long been affected by the COVID-19 since the commencement of works in September 2020. The severe epidemic situation during the fifth wave of the epidemic in early 2022 had hindered the progress of the works project. Besides, major exterior works were also affected by inclement weather, resulting in the extension of the overall construction period.

         The expansion project involves in-situ redevelopment, with clinical services being maintained under sub-optimal conditions. I would like to express my gratitude towards all healthcare staff of the UCH and KEC for their patient-oriented spirit in providing high-quality services to the patients unwaveringly, as well as towards the public for their understanding and patience towards the inconveniences during the works period. The HA will continue to maintain close communication with District Councils and the community and report the related works progress and service developments in a timely manner. 

    (2) In respect of hospital works projects involving in-situ redevelopment or expansion, as the projects need to be undertaken amidst on-going hospital operations with new block(s) interfacing with existing portions of hospital premises, constraints would be imposed to the relevant designs and the works. Such constraints, however, are not insurmountable. The HA has been taking measures to address them. In setting up healthcare services and facilities in the UCH, existing conditions and constraints, as well as the operational needs have been taken into consideration while new medical facilities are set up in accordance with the relevant standards and specifications, with the structure of the building reinforced according to the requirements in the Building (Construction) Regulation if necessary to ensure that such facilities can operate and meet service needs.

    (3) The Government announced in 2018 that it has invited the HA to commence planning for the Second HDP, which was to be implemented to meet the service demand up to 2036. With the changes in the planning and development strategies in Hong Kong and the population policy of the Government, as well as the latest corresponding change in population projections in Hong Kong, the Health Bureau and the HA are currently reviewing the Second HDP by extending the planning horizon to up to 2041 and beyond to project the healthcare services demand. The Health Bureau and the HA also consider the supply of the land required, various major transport infrastructure development plans, etc, as well as the development need of individual hospitals and its cost-effectiveness for optimising the Second HDP, so as to determine the distribution, scale and priority, etc of various hospital development projects under the Second HDP. 

         In the light of the experience gained under the First HDP, the Government will, in the Second HDP, strive to implement hospital development projects on clear sites as far as practicable (such as a composite development in an adjacent government site of existing hospitals) so as to optimise the development potential of the projects, minimise the impact on existing hospital operations and enhance the cost-effectiveness of the redevelopment. In the case of UCH, exploring the use of the adjoining recreational ground as a decanting site for further expansion is an option that may be considered.

         After the completion of the review, the Government will announce the details of the Second HDP at an appropriate juncture.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-adder” High-level Business Luncheon in Kuwait (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-adder” High-level Business Luncheon in Kuwait today (May 14):

    Your Excellency Khalifa Abdullah Dhahi Al-Ajeel Al-Askar (Minister of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait), Excellency Ambassador Zhang Jianwei (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Kuwait), Excellency Mr Rabah Al-Rabah (Director General of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

    As-salamu alaykum. Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to be with you today in Kuwait, home to one of the world’s largest oil reserves, and a country as committed to talent development as it is to economic diversification. 

    This is our second day in your resplendent capital, Kuwait City, where past, present and future – in design, culture, lifestyle and so much more – come together like no other city in the world.

    Yesterday, I was honoured to have met with His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait; His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait; His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait, and other senior government officials. I thanked them sincerely for the time, interest and hospitality they have shown us, from the moment we arrived in Kuwait. Kuwait has generously arranged for our government delegates to stay at Bayan Palace, a majestic landmark in Kuwait City. I reaffirmed to them the commitment, and sincerity, of Hong Kong and Mainland China in strengthening relations with Kuwait.  

    Yes, I am delighted to be here. So too, are the business and professional leaders with me, a delegation counting some 30 Hong Kong business and institutional heads, together with high-profile representatives of over 20 Chinese Mainland companies from seven provinces and municipalities across the country.

    The delegation brings with them wide-ranging expertise, and invaluable experience, from both Hong Kong and Mainland China, in green development, and innovation and technology, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, new energy and materials, health and smart city evolution. They also offer Hong Kong’s wealth of experience in finance, infrastructure, transport and logistics, as well as global business operations and deal-making.

    We are here to better understand the opportunities of Kuwaiti business and investment. To explore how Hong Kong, Mainland China and Kuwait, working together, can create long-term mutual opportunities.

    We’re also here to explore closer ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, GCC), which, as all of you know, includes Kuwait. Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the GCC, wielding significant influence in the region’s development.

    Our ties run deep and far. China, our country, and Kuwait established diplomatic ties in 1971 – making Kuwait the first GCC country to do so. Last year, trade between China and Kuwait reached well over US$16 billion. 

    Kuwait, I’m pleased to note, was the first country in the Middle East to sign a Belt and Road co-operation document with China. From of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s headquarters building and housing projects, to telecommunications and smart city developments, Chinese enterprises have participated in numerous infrastructure and business projects here.

    Hong Kong treasures its trade ties with Kuwait, too. Last year, our bilateral merchandise trade totalled US$200 million, up more than 21 per cent over the year before. 

    Hong Kong’s trade with the GCC last year reached nearly US$20 billion, up 53 per cent over the past four years. And that robust growth is underpinned by our mutual will to advance trade ties.

    Thanks to our internationally recognised professional services sector, Hong Kong is a pivotal player in the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2023, we included a Middle East Forum, for the first time, at our annual Belt and Road Summit. And we continue to feature Middle East speakers and guests at the Summit. 

    Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Summit will take place in September this year. As earlier the Chairman of the Trade Development Council (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) said, it’s our 10th anniversary Summit, and I invite you all to join us, to take part in a world of Belt and Road opportunities – in business, investment and more.

    And the Asian Financial Forum, Hong Kong’s flagship event bringing together prominent leaders in finance and business sectors, hosted its first GCC Chapter this January. 

    Yes, the ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East continue to grow and diversify. 

    They include the launching of the Middle East’s first two exchange-traded funds tracking Hong Kong stocks. Hong Kong is partnering with a Middle East sovereign wealth fund, too. Together, we are committed to jointly establishing a US$1 billion fund, investing in companies connected to Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  

    The Greater Bay Area, let me add, is a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Macao and nine southern cities in China. The fast-integrating regional economic powerhouse presents a collective GDP (Gross Domestic Product) that closely rivals the world’s 10th largest economy.

    Hong Kong has much to offer Kuwait. Asia’s financial hub and one of the world’s three biggest financial centres, Hong Kong is also the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business centre. Coupled with our Islamic finance experience, Hong Kong is a trusted partner in your project financing – today and long down the road. 

    Free trade is among our great competitive advantages, fuelling our success for the past two centuries. Hong Kong is a free port, and we will continue to be a free port. Like our country, we are a vocal advocate of a multilateral, rules-based global economy, in spite of mounting protectionism and geopolitical tensions.

    And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a testament to our “one country, two systems” governing principle at work. 

    Under the principle, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has its own legal, legislative and judicial systems. Our legal system is a common law system, similar to that in many major financial hubs around the globe. We maintain our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls. Information, capital, goods and people flow freely in Hong Kong. 

    The principle of “one country, two systems” also gives Hong Kong unparalleled access to our country’s markets and wide-ranging opportunities. It allows us, as well, to pursue our longstanding ties with the world at large, the Middle East very much included. 

    As today’s luncheon title, Partnering for Success: Hong Kong as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” emphasises, we do more than connecting companies and people. We also add value to their businesses, their services and their future.

    With companies and investors from Mainland China, and all over the world, looking for a financial haven in this time of global economic uncertainty, Hong Kong is flourishing, and keen to work with you, our partners. 

         An international financial newspaper, spotlighting the Hong Kong Exchange and its record quarterly profits, recently noted that Hong Kong has, and I quote, “benefited from a spate of initial public offerings and rising interest from Mainland Chinese and global investors in Hong Kong-listed shares, especially of technological-related companies, driven by optimism over China’s progress in artificial intelligence”. 

    That speaks of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” advantages working for you – linking a world of investors to the secure and rapidly growing Chinese market.

    It helps, and greatly, that Hong Kong’s economy is inextricably tied to our common law system and a judiciary that exercises its powers independently, a legal regime that resembles many of the world’s leading financial hubs. They give international companies and investors – Kuwait certainly included – all the confidence and the certainty they need to do business, in Hong Kong and throughout China. Kuwait certainly included.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to note that during our visit, Hong Kong and Kuwait have reached consensus on 24 concrete deliverables, through MOUs and related agreements. A ceremony will take place in just a moment.  

    The agreements cover a broad range of collaboration, from trade and the economy, to investment promotion, financial services, aviation and the maritime industries, post-secondary education, the legal profession, sports and more. 

    And our customs authorities will commence negotiations on the mutual recognition of respective Authorized Economic Operator Programmes. This will create smoother, more convenient international links for our respective companies, making it much easier to do business together.  

    Our Airport Authority Hong Kong will soon sign a new MOU with Kuwait Airways, aimed at enhancing air connectivity between the two regions, fostering operational excellence, supporting sustainability, and advancing talent development in the aviation sector.  

    They will lay a solid foundation for long-term collaboration between our two economies and our two peoples. 

    That just touches on our growing co-operation. Indeed, we are now looking into opening a second Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the GCC region, to manage our many ongoing Middle East projects and prospects in the offering.

    One key area is boosting merchandise trade between our economies. Hong Kong, I’m pleased to say, has signed Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements (IPPA) with five of the six GCC states. We have also entered into Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements with three of the states, with Kuwait being the first. We have also substantially concluded negotiations on an IPPA with Qatar, our previous stop on this trip, and commenced negotiations with another state. 

    Indeed, our burgeoning trade and investment co-operation, I believe, could well add momentum to the possibility of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC. I look forward to our continuing discussions with the Council.

    Beyond business and investment connectivity, there is boundless promise, too, in co-operating in sectors such as arts and culture. 

    Yesterday, we had the pleasure of visiting the dazzling Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, one of the world’s largest museum complexes. Seeing, firsthand, Kuwait’s compelling commitment to arts, culture and science. I must add that Kuwait is this year’s Arab Culture Capital, presenting nearly 100 activities as part of the country’s cultural celebration.

    Like Kuwait, Hong Kong believes in the primacy of arts and culture. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District is rising as one of the world’s largest cultural developments. And we are committed to becoming the world’s East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That very much includes Kuwait and the Middle East in general.

    My thanks to our Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the Middle East and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for organising today’s welcome gathering. And to the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry for kindly supporting us on this memorable occasion.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy today’s luncheon. Including, let me add, a musical performance by TroVessional, a Hong Kong group dedicated to Cantonese and Chinese ethnic music, brought to engaging life with classic Chinese instruments.

    Enjoy it and thank you!

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Lashes Out at Administration’s Decision to Cut Critical Research Budgets

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resource (ENR) Committee, pressed Connor Prochaska, nominee to serve as the Director of Advanced Research Projects Agency within the Department of Energy, and Dr. Ned Mamula to serve as the Director of U.S. Geological Survey within the Department of the Interior, on extreme budget cuts impacting critical research programs at both departments. During his exchange with Prochaska, Senator King repeatedly asked him to justify drastic budget cuts to the Advanced Research Project Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) after he touted the value of its work, and grilled him on the Trump Administration’s attacks on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
    “One of the sages of New England, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘what you do speak so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.’ I have never been at a hearing where what’s being done is at such variance with what is being said. Mr. Prochaska, you waxed eloquent about the talented and dedicated staff of ARPA-E and all the great work that they’ve done. Their budget’s being cut by 57%. How do you justify all this nice talk about what you’re going to do when your agency’s being cut more than in half? You can talk until you’re blue in the face, but what speaks here is 57% cut. Tell me. And you went through your entire testimony, all of your answers to your questions, until you got to Senator Cortez-Masto, and never once mentioned renewables, the fastest growing, cheapest source of electricity in the United States today. And let me read from the budget document, ‘green new scam technologies are not supported.’ That’s in the ARPA-E budget document, green new scam technology are not supported. That means no renewables, right? You’ve got an order from the President of the United States, no renewables. Is that correct,” began Senator King.
    “That is not correct,” said Prochaska.
    “So what? What does he mean? Green, new scam technologies. He’s talking about solar and wind. Everybody knows that,” replied Senator King.
    “Senator, I can’t opine on what the definition of that language is. I can commit to, if confirmed, that the ARPA-E and the portfolio that we investigate and we look into will include all technologies,” Prochaska responded.
    “So, it was just a coincidence that when you listed the technologies, the nearest you got to renewables was a mention of geothermal. You never mentioned solar and wind, and you use the code word reliable, which is a new code word for we don’t like solar and wind because they’re intermittent, but as you indicated in your answer to Senator Cortez-Masto, when you have batteries with solar and wind, it’s base load. Is that correct,” asked Senator King.
    “Senator, it very well could be. It depends on the situation. But the portfolio that we will investigate will include all technologies and reliable is important to the energy that we need for the future, to fund some of the some of the emerging technologies that we’ve talked about,” Prochaska replied.
    “I appreciate what you’re saying here. What I’m going to watch is what you do. Understood, budgets are policy, and this budget, the policy of this budget, is a drastic cut, a drastic cut, more than half in the in ARPA-E, I think, one of the most important agencies the United States government. It’s where fracking started. The shale revolution started with research funds for the Department of Energy, and we’re talking about a more than half cut. So, I’m going to watch what you do and not what you say,” concluded Senator King.
    Later in the hearing, Senator King raised his concerns to Dr. Mamula about the Trump Administration’s attempts to downsize the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) biology and hydrology research, including the stream gauge program which provides data on river and stream flow that is critical to ensure adequate water supply and safety. During the exchange, Dr. Mamula refused to provide satisfactory answers about his familiarity with the Administration’s slashes to the USGS’ budget.
    “Now, Mr. Mamula, you talked about the importance of data and science and all of those kinds of things. And yet, there have been reports in the last few weeks that biological research in the in the USGS is being cut entirely, and 25 water science centers, which are stream gages measuring storms. I get the feeling this is like, if we don’t measure anything on climate change, it will go away. Is that what’s going on here,” asked Senator King.
    “I don’t think so, Senator, thanks for the question. Let’s discuss it. Again, I’m not at the survey, but I want to take a look, if confirmed, I want to go out and look at each and every single program, its budget and cuts proposed,” replied Dr. Mamula.
    “Somebody has already done that and cut your budget 37% before you even walk in the door. Assuming Congress agrees, which I hope they won’t,” said Senator King.
    “Yeah, I don’t know about that either, but I’m not familiar. But the program, the contents of the program that has a cut associated with it, I’m not familiar. I don’t know what’s in, what’s being cut,” responded Dr. Mamula.
    “I thought you’re pretty familiar with USGS,” questioned Senator King.
    “I am, but I don’t know what —,” said Dr. Mamula.
    “Do you believe it’s appropriate to cut all of their biological research programs,” pressed Senator King.
    “Well, I have to see what they’re talking about, if they’re talking about,” replied Dr. Mamula.
    “All means all as I understand it,” finished Senator King.
    As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of the historic Inflation Reduction Act. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. Senator King has also been one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for improving energy storage technologies and development and worked to include significant storage investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Earlier this year, Senator King reiterated the importance of an “all of the above” energy policy strategy during an ENR hearing considering the nominations of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. In a recent ENR hearing, he received agreement from two nominees to prioritize renewable energy storage technology.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Republicans Block Schatz Resolution Condemning Qatar’s $400 Million Gift To Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday called for unanimous consent on the Senate floor to adopt a resolution authored by Schatz and U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) that would condemn a luxury airplane gift, valued at $400 million, President Donald Trump announced he will receive from the government of Qatar. Senate Republicans blocked it.

    “It really should go without saying, but no president should be accepting a $400 million gift from a foreign country,” said Senator Schatz. “It is gross. It is reckless. It is corrupt. And the outrage and condemnation especially on the Republican side should be universal.”

    In addition to Schatz and Coons, the resolution is cosponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.).

    Video of Schatz’s unanimous consent request and the Senate Republican response available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Equinor ASA: Minutes from the annual general meeting 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On 14 May 2025, the annual general meeting in Equinor ASA (OSE: EQNR, NYSE: EQNR) approved the annual report and accounts for Equinor ASA and the Equinor group for 2024, as proposed by the board of directors.

    Further, the annual general meeting approved a cash dividend of US dollar (USD) 0.37 per share to be distributed for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The fourth quarter 2024 dividend accrues to the shareholders as registered in Equinor’s shareholder register with the Norwegian Central Securities Depository (VPS) as of expiry of 16 May 2025. Subject to ordinary settlement in VPS, this implies that the right to dividend accrues to shareholders as of 14 May 2025. The shares will be traded ex-dividend on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Børs) from and including 15 May 2025. For US ADR (American Depository Receipts) holders, dividend accrues to the ADR-holders as of 14 May 2025, and the ex-dividend date will be from and including 16 May 2025.

    Shareholders whose shares trade on the Oslo Stock Exchange will receive their dividend in Norwegian kroner (NOK). The NOK-dividend will be communicated on 22 May 2025. The expected payment date for the dividend is 28 May 2025.

    The general meeting authorised the board of directors to resolve dividend payments based on the company’s approved annual accounts for 2024. The authorisation is valid until the next annual general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2026.

    The general meeting supported the company’s energy transition plan available at www.equinor.com/investors/2025-annual-general-meeting.

    The plan describes the strategy for the company’s energy transition, including its actions and climate ambitions, its support for the Paris Agreement and how it plans to deliver energy with lower emissions over time while protecting long-term shareholder value and competitiveness.

    Ten proposals from shareholders were up for voting. The shareholders’ supporting statements and the board of directors’ responses are available at www.equinor.com/investors/2025-annual-general-meeting. None of the shareholder proposals were adopted. Details are included in the attached minutes.

    The general meeting endorsed the board’s report on Corporate Governance for 2024 and the board of directors’ 2024 Remuneration report.

    Remuneration to the company’s external auditor for 2024 was approved.

    The general meeting adopted the nomination committee’s recommendation on election of members to the corporate assembly and the nomination committee, effective as from 1 June 2025 and until the annual general meeting in 2026. See attached minutes for details on elected members.

    In accordance with the proposal from the nomination committee, the general meeting adopted the remuneration to the corporate assembly and to the nomination committee, effective as from 15 May 2024.

    The general meeting authorised the board of directors on behalf of the company to acquire Equinor shares in the market to continue the company’s share-based incentive plans for employees. The authorisation is valid until 30 June 2026. See attached minutes for details.

    As part of the company’s share buyback programme, the general meeting approved a reduction in capital through the cancellation of own shares and the redemption of shares belonging to the Norwegian State. See attached minutes for details.

    To enable Equinor’s board of directors to utilise the share buyback mechanism permitted by the Norwegian Public Limited Liability Companies Act with respect to the distribution of capital to the company’s shareholders, the general meeting authorised the board of directors on behalf of the company to acquire Equinor shares in the market. It is a precondition that the repurchased shares are subsequently cancelled through a resolution by a new general meeting to reduce the company’s share capital. The authorisation is valid until the next annual general meeting, but no later than 30 June 2026.

    Minutes of the annual general meeting are enclosed.

    Contact persons:

    Investor relations: Bård Glad Pedersen, senior vice president,
    +47 918 01 791

    Media relations: Sissel Rinde, vice president,
    +47 412 60 584

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Remarks to the media following the Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    Minister Wadepuhl, Minister Pistorius,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I thank the Government of Germany for hosting impeccably this important meeting in Berlin.

    Germany is a pillar of the multilateral system…

    A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…

    And an essential partner in our peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance efforts — with almost 200 German peacekeepers now serving in our ranks.

    I am especially pleased to be here so soon after the new Government took office, and I look forward to building on our partnership in the time ahead.

    The commitment of the German government — and the German people themselves — is strongly reflected in this Ministerial meeting on the future of peacekeeping.

    As I said in my remarks, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

    And nothing symbolizes our organization’s commitment to peace more clearly than our Blue Helmets.

    UN Peacekeeping operations are a cornerstone of the United Nations.

    Each and every day, peacekeepers are hard at work in trouble spots around the world.

    Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire.

    Maintaining ceasefires.

    Keeping lifesaving humanitarian aid flowing.

    And building the foundations of peace in countries shattered by conflict.

    Many have paid the ultimate price over the years — 4,400 in all.

    Their memories, and their service in the cause of peace, will never be forgotten.

    Which is why the commitments being made here today and tomorrow are so important.

    I am heartened by the exceptional turn-out of Ministers from across the globe, representing the full range of peacekeeping partners.  

    Now more than ever we need the political support of UN Member States.

    The goal is not just to keep a lid on conflicts — but to build political support for lasting solutions that can build peace.

    Over these two days, we welcome Member States’ statements of support for peacekeeping — as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support.

    This meeting is also about something more fundamental:

    The future of peacekeeping itself.

    Let me be clear.

    Peacekeeping operations today are facing massive challenges, increasing the dangers that our brave peacekeepers already face.

    A record number of conflicts.

    Deepening division and mistrust.

    Terrorism and transnational crime.

    And the direct targeting of peacekeepers through drones, improvised explosive devices and even social media.

    We need to ask some tough questions about the mandates guiding these operations, and what the outcomes and solutions should look like.

    Every context is different.

    From our operations in Lebanon, the Central African Republic and South Sudan…

    To our partnerships with the African Union, made stronger with the Security Council’s resolution to support peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the UN, including through assessed contributions…

    We are working to adapt, to tailor and to support our missions to the needs and requirements of each context.

    Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems.

    It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time. 

    At the same time, we’re moving forward on an ambitious Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping — but also the peace enforcing missions that are becoming more and more neccessary has called for by Member States in September’s Pact for the Future.

    We’re examining how to make peace operations more efficient, cost-effective, flexible and resilient — including in contexts where there is no peace to keep.

    Today’s Ministerial is an important part of this work as we share ideas, and explore ways to strengthen this important function for the future.

    Peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — deserve nothing less.

    In their names, I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Germany and all the countries in attendance, for helping us ensure that peacekeeping is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.

    Question [through an interpreter]: What do you think about current diplomatic efforts regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, would the United Nations be willing to send Blue Helmets?

    Secretary-General: We have been calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. But we do not see the ceasefire only in itself. We think a ceasefire must be something to pave the way for a solution. And for us, the solution is just peace, and just peace for us means peace that respects the UN Charter international law and resolutions of the General Assembly of United Nations, including the territory integrity of Ukraine. This is our position, and I believe that it is extremely important in a moment like this that international law prevails. The day we have decays about defending international law, we are paving the way for chaos all over the world. On the other hand, the UN is ready to provide whatever support the parties if the parties agree, would ask the UN to do. But obviously this does not depend. It depends on the parties. It is obvious that if a ceasefire and a peace as described by me, could be approved by the Security Council, it would be a major step forward, but I am aware that it will not be an easy job.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin Brings New Commitments to Strengthen Peacekeeping Operations

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    The United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 Berlin concluded today. More than 130 Member States and international partners – over a thousand participants in total – came together to reaffirm their support for UN peacekeeping and to announce concrete pledges aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and adaptability of peace operations in the face of evolving global challenges. 

    Hosted by the Government of Germany, the two-day high-level meeting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Member State support and help shape the future of UN Peacekeeping. The Ministerial focused on the Future of Peacekeeping, reflecting the need for innovative approaches to address complex conflicts, leverage emerging technologies, and address threats such as mis- and disinformation. 

    “In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death. Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations. And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his opening remarks.  

    “We welcome Member States’ political statements of support for peacekeeping as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support. This meeting is also about something more fundamental: the future of peacekeeping itself,” he added. 

    “In an interconnected world, no nation can achieve peace and security for its citizens on its own. In the past two days, more than 130 UN member states have come together in Berlin, determined 

    to make progress towards this goal together. We all agree that setting up strong and effective peacekeeping missions is our joint responsibility. We want to tailor future missions to the exact needs of the host countries and increase their acceptance and effectiveness. This is the way forward in a world in which peacekeeping is more important now than ever before, but where the challenges are greater than at any time in the past. The participants have lived up to this challenge by making many very significant contributions. Germany’s support for the UN and its peacekeeping missions remains unwavering. We are committed to standing up for international peace and security,” said Johann Wadephul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

    Meanwhile, announcing his country’s pledged contributions worth 82 million Euros to UN Peacekeeping, Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, said: “I am grateful to all partners, who have come to Berlin to make significant pledges to ensure efficient global Peacekeeping Missions. Germany continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN Peacekeeping and has pledged contributions worth 82 million Euros. In addition, we will continue our support to missions and partners with training and equipment. Our goal was to focus on new and innovative pledges, ranging from renewable energy technologies to medical transport drones to the protection from improvised explosive devices. We remain committed to supporting the three UN Peacekeeping Missions that the German Armed Forces currently deploy to in South Sudan, Lebanon and Western Sahara.” 

    Key outcomes: 

    A total of 74 Member States made pledges including: 

    • Pledges of military and police units 
      53 Member States pledged uniformed capabilities, including 88 military and police units, as well as various critical capabilities, airlift, individual experts, staff officers and individual police officers. 

    • Specialized training 
      59 Member States pledged specialized trainings on critical issues such as peacekeeping-intelligence, protection of civilians, gender and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. 

    • Women, Peace and Security 
      38 Member States made pledges to further implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including gender-responsive peacekeeping and women in peacekeeping.  

    • Safety and Security 

    16 Member States pledged capabilities and projects to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers. 

    Eleven Member States made pledges related to the conduct and accountability of peacekeepers and UN Peacekeeping’s fight against sexual exploitation and abuse. This response includes targeted contributions to the Trust Fund for victims. 

    Background 

    Today, more than 61,000 military and police peacekeepers from 119 countries and more than seven thousand civilian personnel serve across 11 Peacekeeping Missions.  

    The Berlin Ministerial is part of a series of high-level meetings aimed at galvanizing political support and generating tangible commitments to improve UN Peacekeeping. It follows previous Ministerial meetings held in Accra (2023), Seoul (2021), New York (2019) Vancouver (2017) and London (2016). The 2025 Ministerial also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year anniversary of the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping. 

    More information on the meeting, including statements and the list of pledges, please visit the UN Peacekeeping website and @UNPeacekeeping digital channels.   

     

    For media inquiries and further information, please contact: 

    • Federal Republic of Germany: Anna Laura Vitzinger, German Foreign Office:  presse@diplo.de; and Sonja Momberg, German Ministry of Defence: sonjamomberg@bmvg.bund.de  

    ****** 

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Specialized nurses strengthen substance-use care in Fraser Valley

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Addiction assessment nurses now support patients in nine hospital emergency departments in the Fraser Health region, helping streamline access to personalized treatment and recovery services.

    “People facing substance-use challenges deserve compassionate, trauma-informed care,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Addiction assessment nurses play a key role in reducing barriers to care and ensuring people in crisis have access to the right supports. These nurses are an important part of the government’s dedication to strengthening mental-health and substance-use services around the province to support people on their journey to recovery.”

    Addiction assessment nurses work collaboratively with patients, emergency department teams, addiction medicine physicians and community services to assess substance-use and care needs, and then help them access the right treatment and recovery services. Since 2020, more than 6,000 patients have received this specialized care and have been connected to treatment and recovery services in hospitals and communities.

    “There is a growing demand to improve access to substance-use services when someone visits an emergency department and our role as addiction assessment nurses helps to connect people with the care they need,” said Decery Frondoso, addiction assessment nurse, Langley Memorial Hospital. “We had a patient who was worried about relapsing during their transition from hospital to their community, and by securing support and resources, the patient was able to move closer to their goals.”

    Introduced at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Burnaby Hospital in 2020, the program expanded in April 2024 to 30 full-time-equivalent positions in nine hospitals. The program now includes Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Fraser Canyon Hospital, Langley Memorial Hospital, Peace Arch Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital and Ridge Meadows Hospital.

    “When people in crisis require immediate support, they need to be met with care and compassion by those who understand what they are going through and how to best support them,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “By having addiction assessment nurses in hospital emergency departments, we are supporting recovery by helping people access services faster and more effectively.”

    Similar health-care professionals, including mental-health and substance-use specialists and liaisons, are available in hospitals and communities throughout B.C. These roles are part of the Province’s ongoing commitment to improving access to treatment and recovery services.

    Through continued investments in compassionate, trauma-informed care, B.C. is working to enhance patient outcomes and ensure people facing substance-use challenges receive timely support on their path to recovery. The introduction of addiction assessment nurses to emergency departments is one part of the government’s work to build the entire continuum of mental-health and substance-use care for people to get the right support for them.

    Quotes:

    Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

    “Seeking treatment and support for substance use takes a lot of courage and we must ensure that people in need of addiction services aren’t left to navigate the system alone. These nurses are making a real difference by building trust and linking patients with the best care options and services based on their individual needs.”

    Dr. Sharon Vipler, regional department head and program medical director, addiction medicine and substance-use services, Fraser Health –

    “Individuals deserve access to timely and compassionate care. Our addiction assessment nurses are crucial in empowering patients and their families by connecting them to essential resources to ensure rapid access to services and improving health outcomes with equitable and non-judgmental care.”

    Learn More:

    To find mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

    To see the new data snapshot on mental health and substance-use in B.C., visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/mental-health/building_a_mental_health_and_substance_use_system_of_care_snapshot.pdf 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump administration moves to undo appliance efficiency standards that save consumers billions, reduce pollution and fight climate change

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By David J. Vogel, Professor Emeritus of Business Ethics and Political Science, University of California, Berkeley

    Refrigerators were the target of the very first energy efficiency standards for appliances, back in 1974. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    The Trump administration has begun the process of undoing decades of regulations that improved energy efficiency in American household appliances. In a statement announcing the move, the U.S. Department of Energy said those regulations are “driving up costs and lowering quality of life for the American people.”

    The legality of this effort is problematic, however, as federal law prohibits the Department of Energy from reversing already approved appliance efficiency standards.

    And as a scholar of environmental regulations, I know those regulations were created to save energy and lower utility bills for consumers. I also know that many companies and consumers have supported federal regulation to strengthen energy efficiency standards and generally have opposed weakening them.

    The first government-set energy efficiency standards for appliances were issued by California in 1974. They were initially for refrigerators, the household appliance that used the most energy. Subsequently, several other household appliances were added. During the next decade, more states issued standards, as saving energy would help avoid the costs of constructing new power plants.

    The proliferation of state standards led the federal government to prohibit states from issuing appliance efficiency standards once the federal government had done so. The first federal standards, in 1987, applied to 13 household products, including refrigerators.

    Since then, the federal government has created standards for additional products and tightened existing ones. Those changes have progressively made home appliances and business and industrial equipment more efficient, saving consumers billions of dollars, decreasing air pollution from power plants and reducing carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change.

    Electric meters like these at a Mississippi apartment complex keep track of how much – or how little – electricity residents use.
    AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

    Broad application

    Federal data indicates that 40% of total U.S. energy consumption – and 28% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions – is attributable to household and industrial appliances, such as heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, lighting and various kinds of equipment, such as computers, printers and electric motors.

    At present, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Appliance and Equipment Standards Program covers more than 70 products that the government estimates consume about 90% of energy used in homes, 70% of energy in commercial buildings and 30% of energy used in industry. The government estimates the standards saved American consumers $105 billion just in 2024 – with a typical household saving about $576 over the expenses if there were no efficiency standards.

    Appliance energy efficiency standards now in place are cumulatively expected by the Department of Energy to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2 billion metric tons over 30 years. That’s as much carbon dioxide as 15 million gas-powered cars would emit in that same period.

    Many federal standards, including on light bulbs, electric motors and commercial heating and cooling equipment, have been based on those previously adopted by one or more states. Federal law permits states to issue standards for products that the federal government has not yet regulated: As of 2024, 18 states had set efficiency rules for a total of 22 types of appliances, including computers and televisions.

    Additional benefits

    These appliance standards have reduced American energy use, including electricity. The existing national standards are projected to reduce overall national energy consumption by 10% between 2025 and 2035.

    Those standards also improve public health, because there is less need to build new fossil-fuel power plants or operate existing ones. As a result, power generators have been able to reduce their emissions of dangerous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury.

    Energy efficiency standards reduce the need for fossil fuel-powered electric plants, like this one in Ohio.
    Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    A popular policy

    Making appliances more energy efficient has proved popular. A national survey released by the Consumer Federation of America in 2018 found that 71% of Americans “support the idea that the government should set and update energy efficiency standards for appliances.” Significantly, 72% of those surveyed named lowering electrical bills and 57% stated that avoiding construction of new power plants to keep electricity rates from rising were important reasons to increase appliance efficiency.

    Support remains strong: A June 2024 YouGov poll found that 60% of Americans support tougher appliance efficiency standards.

    From 1987 through 2007, more than three-quarters of national appliance energy efficiency standards were passed into law by Congress, with the rest created by administrative processes under existing laws. These legal standards received bipartisan support and were signed into law by Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

    But more recently, partisanship has affected the setting of standards. Since 2008, whether standards improve or remain unchanged has depended on whether Democrats or Republicans occupied the White House.

    Political back-and-forth

    The Obama administration enacted among the most ambitious energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment to date. New standards for commercial air conditioners and furnaces affected heating and cooling equipment for half of the square footage used by the nation’s businesses. The rules were projected to reduce energy costs to businesses by $167 billion over the life of the regulated products.

    But during the first Trump administration, improvements in existing standards came to a halt.

    When Joe Biden became president, his administration resumed issuing new standards, most notably phasing out incandescent light bulbs. The Biden administration also issued new standards for furnaces, residential water heaters, stoves, washing machines and refigerators.

    Electric induction stoves, like this one, are more energy efficient than gas stoves.
    Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

    Controversy continues

    A new Biden rule for electric motors, which are widely used in manufacturing and processing equipment, incorporated recommendations from businesses and advocacy organizations. The rule was slated to take effect in 2028 and was expected to save businesses and consumers up to $8.8 billion over a 30-year period.

    But the Trump administration has withdrawn this standard, along with others issued by the Biden administration, including for ceiling fans, dehumidifers and external power supplies. The administration has postponed the effective dates of other standards that had been finalized before Trump took office. The administration said the reversals would “slash unnecessary red tape and regulations that raise prices, reduce consumer choice, and frustrate the American people.”

    Another set of politically controversial standards Biden introduced sought to encourage consumers to switch from stoves, furnaces and water heaters that use natural gas or propane to electric ones. The electric versions of those appliances are more energy efficient, while gas cooking emits toxic chemicals into the home. Switching can be expensive, and many consumers prefer gas-powered appliances, as of course does the natural gas industry, which has opposed these federal efforts.

    And in early April 2025, Republicans in Congress used their legislative authority to overturn the regulations for natural gas water heaters. But most of the federal standards – and all of the state ones – remain in effect, at least for now.

    This article, originally published April 17, 2025, was updated on May 14, 2025, to reflect the Trump administration’s latest move on efficiency standards.

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

    – ref. Trump administration moves to undo appliance efficiency standards that save consumers billions, reduce pollution and fight climate change – https://theconversation.com/trump-administration-moves-to-undo-appliance-efficiency-standards-that-save-consumers-billions-reduce-pollution-and-fight-climate-change-253673

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –