NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Planning strategy faces revision after inspector review 24 April 2025 Isle of Wight’s planning strategy faces revision after inspector review

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Planning inspectors have reviewed the Island Planning Strategy (IPS) and shared their initial views.

    In a letter to the Isle of Wight Council, they agreed with planning officers that there was not a strong enough reason to lower annual housing targets by claiming ‘exceptional circumstances.’

    However, they did not support the proposal to build 453 new homes per year as outlined in the plan, and, instead, effectively offered two alternative options to address their concerns:

    • Bring forward a short term (1-5 years) IPS with an annual housing target of 703, identifying additional land or sites.
    • Withdraw the plan from the examination process and start work on a new local plan using the current standard method of 1,100 dwellings per year.

    Full Council will consider the options at an extraordinary meeting next month.

    He said: “We understand the urgency and importance of addressing these housing figures.

    “The council is committed to finding a solution that meets the needs of our community while adhering to the inspectors’ recommendations.

    “We recognise the pressing need to resolve these housing issues. Our goal is to find a viable solution that balances the Island’s housing needs with regulatory requirements, ensuring sustainable development and meeting the growing demand and need for housing on the Isle of Wight.”

    The IPS, which aims to guide future development on the Island, has recently undergone extensive review and consultation.

    The council submitted the IPS to the government’s independent Planning Inspectorate after a Regulation 19 consultation in August 2024, during which more than 700 comments were reviewed.

    Inspectors said most policies in the IPS were acceptable or could be made acceptable with minor adjustments.

    They found no reasons to remove any proposed housing or employment sites and identified no procedural or legal compliance issues.

    However, the inspectors did not agree with the council’s proposals to implement net zero requirements ahead of them becoming national policy.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Denunciation of statements by the President of Azerbaijan in support of the illegal separatist entity in Cyprus and the intention to recognise it – E-001498/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001498/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Geadis Geadi (ECR)

    Against the backdrop of an international conference at ADA University in Baku, the President of Azerbaijan made public statements of support for the separatist formation in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus – a Member State of the European Union. He explicitly expressed his intention to support the ‘independence’ of the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ and the active cooperation of his country towards precisely this end.

    This position violates the relevant UN Security Council resolutions (in particular Resolutions 541 and 550), international law and the EU’s fundamental principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its Member States.

    In view of this:

    • 1.How does the Commission assess the statements of the President of Azerbaijan in the light of international law and EU-Azerbaijan relations?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to raise this issue formally as a red line in the EU’s political dialogue with Azerbaijan?
    • 3.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place to protect the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and to prevent similar actions by non-EU countries in future?

    Submitted: 11.4.2025

    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by President von der Leyen with UK Prime Minister Starmer

    Source: EuroStat – European Statistics

    European Commission Statement London, 24 Apr 2025 Thank you very much, Keir. It is good to meet a friend again and to be here with you We are friends, and we are Europeans, we are very like-minded.

    The President of the European Commission and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom met today and agreed to strengthen the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

    They agreed on the shared challenges facing the European Union and the United Kingdom including the altered strategic context for the wider continent notably resulting from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

    The leaders agreed the UK and European Union would also continue to work closely to address wider global challenges including economic headwinds, geopolitical competition, irregular migration, climate change and energy prices, which pose fundamental challenges to the shared values of the United Kingdom and the European Union and provide the strategic driver for stronger cooperation.

    The leaders reflected on the events in the Middle East overnight and condemned the egregious attack by Iran on Israel. They recognised Israel’s right to self-defence in the face of this unacceptable aggression. De-escalation by all parties in the region was of the upmost importance. They reiterated the need to coordinate the diplomatic response to the situation in the Middle East and called on all sides to show restraint and end the bloodshed. An immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza was required to create the space to allow for political solutions, the leaders underlined.

    They agreed on the importance of the unique relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom in addressing such challenges and resolved, in line with our shared values, to strengthen ambitiously their structured strategic cooperation.

    They reaffirmed that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement underpin relations between them and underlined their mutual commitment to the full and faithful implementation of those agreements. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to uphold international law and to the European Convention on Human Rights. They agreed a stable, positive and forward-looking relationship was in their mutual interests and provided the basis for long term cooperation.

    They agreed to take forward this agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace over the coming months, starting with defining together the areas in which strengthened cooperation would be mutually beneficial, such as the economy, energy, security and resilience, in full respect of their internal procedures and institutional prerogatives. They agreed to meet again this autumn.

    They agreed on the importance of holding regular EU-UK Summits at leader-level to oversee the development of the relationship. They agreed that a first Summit should take place ideally in early 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: UK general insurance industry to reach $149 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The UK general insurance industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from GBP92.9 billion ($119.7 billion) in 2025 to GBP113.0 billion ($149.2 billion) in 2029, in terms of direct written premiums (DWP), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    As per GlobalData’s UK General Insurance Report, the general insurance industry in the UK is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2025, driven by the increasing home insurance cost, the rising natural catastrophic events, the government push for greener vehicles, and rising demand for commercial motor insurance.

    Swarup Kumar Sahoo, Senior Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The UK general insurance industry is navigating change, driven by evolving consumer behaviors, climate challenges, regulatory changes, competition, and price sensitivity. Overall, the sector anticipates steady growth but must adapt to emerging risks and consumer demands.”

    Motor insurance is the leading line of business in the UK general insurance industry, estimated to account for a 28.0% share of the DWP in 2025. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4% during 2025-29. Factors such as recovery of the economy, increased personal injury discount (Ogden) rates, and expansion of commercial fleets will contribute to the growth of motor insurance.

    With an increase in commercial activity, government incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), and a push to transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, the fleet operators in the UK are increasingly adopting electric vans. This, along with an increase in new car registrations, which grew by 2.6% in 2024, will support the growth of motor insurance in 2025. Fleet sales accounted for 59.6% of the new vehicle registrations in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

    Sahoo adds: “The increase in Ogden rate from -0.25% to 0.5% starting January 11, 2025, will lower motor insurance claims costs and is expected to increase insurers’ profitability. The motor insurance premiums, which registered an average increase of 40% during 2022 and 2023, will not witness such a steep increase further and will give some relief to the policyholders.”

    Property insurance is estimated to account for a 25.7% share of DWP in 2025. It is expected to grow by 5.8% in 2025, driven by rising frequency of extreme weather events, including storms and flooding, rising building costs, rising opportunity for contents and renters insurance, and increasing consumer demand for comprehensive coverage.

    Sahoo continues: “The increasing frequency of extreme weather events poses challenges, leading insurers to raise premiums and reassess coverage options in high-risk areas. Collaborative investments in flood adaptation infrastructure are essential to mitigate these risks and expand coverage options for vulnerable communities. The integration of smart home technologies is also transforming the landscape, enabling homeowners to detect issues early, which can reduce claims.”

    Liability insurance is estimated to account for a 15.1% share of DWP in 2025. It is expected to grow by 5.1% in 2025, driven by growing awareness of cyber threats, as businesses seek to protect themselves against increasing cyberattacks. Additionally, the fatal injury of workers, expected to grow by 3% in 2025, as reported in the Health and Safety Executive’s annual statistics, along with the increased Ogden rate, will support the growth of employers’ liability insurance. The evolving needs of consumers and businesses in a rapidly changing environment will continue to support the liability insurance to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during 2025-29.

    Personal Accident and Health (PA&H), Marine, Aviation, and Transit (MAT), and Financial Lines insurance products are estimated to account for the remaining 31.2% share of the general insurance DWP in 2025.

    Swarup concludes: “The outlook for the UK general insurance market remains positive, with growth driven by regulatory change and evolving consumer needs. Insurers must remain agile and innovative to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and economic pressure. However, the increased Ogden rate is a welcome development for general insurers.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Physician spending trends in Canada: Why increased costs may not mean more primary care services

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ruolz Ariste, Adjunct Professor, Industrial Relations, Université du Québec en Outaouais, and Adjunct Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University

    In 2023, Canada ranked last in access to primary health care among 10 high-income countries.
     (Shutterstock)

    Access to physician services remains a challenge in Canada, particularly in primary care. Though this reality has been often eclipsed by the tariffs issue during the 2025 federal election, it continues to be a fundamental concern for Canadians.

    In 2023, Canada ranked last in access to primary health care among 10 high-income countries. Yet, Canada ranked among the highest for health spending as a percentage of GDP, significantly outranked only by the United States.

    Moreover, public spending on physicians has systematically risen during the first quarter of this century. The two most common proposals to improve this access are: increasing the number of physicians and/or the payment per service to physicians.

    As a health economist researcher, my focus is on health workforce planning and efficiency. Given limited resources and budget constraints, what is the best way for policymakers to improve access to heath care: Paying our physicians more, or increasing their numbers?

    Minding physician spending

    Total spending on physicians increased to $47.5 billion in 2023, from $13.2 billion in 2000, growing an average of 5.7 per cent per year (known as the average annual growth rate (AAGR)). This includes physicians on fee-for-service (FFS) plan — those who bill for each individual service or procedure they provide to a patient — and non-FFS plan, such as salary or capitation (payment per each enrolled patient) in which physicians don’t have to bill for each individual service or procedure to get paid.

    The key policy question is whether this additional spending was used to buy more services (medical consultations, visits and procedures). It is important to understand if Canada paid more for the same number of medical services or if Canadians are getting more bang for their buck.

    Using an accounting approach, this increase in spending can be broken down into increase in number of services, and increase in unit cost of service.
    In the 2022-23 fiscal year, physicians provided a total of 359.1 million services versus 263.8 million in 2000 (assuming that physicians on non-FFS plans have similar productivity to those on FFS plans). This translates to an average growth rate of 1.4 per cent per year.

    Meanwhile, cost per service increased to $90.42 in 2023 compared to $36.66 in 2000 — an average increase of four per cent per year. This suggests that most of the increase in spending (70 per cent) was used to cover increasing costs per service.

    It should be noted that average annual growth in unit cost represents sector-specific inflation. As such, it includes two components: general inflation and a “health premium” defined as inflation above and beyond general inflation. Considering that general inflation for the period (as measured by the CPI-all items) was on average 2.2 per cent per year, growth in inflation-adjusted unit cost for physicians was 1.8 per cent per year. That would be the “health premium” for physicians.

    Still, some of the increase in spending was used to buy more services throughout this period. How could the access issue be explained? That’s where one needs to factor in population growth and aging: two demographic factors responsible for increases in number of services.

    During this period spanning over two decades, Canada’s population grew at 1.1 per cent per year; this results in a mere 0.3 per cent growth in number of services per person per year (9.16 in 2023 from 8.65 in 2000).

    Because aging impact is estimated to be at least 0.8 per cent annually, factoring it in a full demographic adjustment would result in a decline of 0.5 per cent in number of services per capita over this period; which would explain a poorer access to medical services in Canada.

    Does the number of doctors affect the equation?

    We consistently learn that the number of physicians has been increasing. In fact, there were 82,184 physicians providing clinical services in 2023 as opposed to 49,281 in 2000, which represents average growth of 2.2 per cent per year.

    However, possibly due to shifts in the demographic composition of the workforce and better work-life balance, each of these physicians provides fewer services. For example, the number of services per physician per year in 2023 was 4,370 compared to 5,353 in 2000, a decline of 0.9 per cent per year.

    Other sources have reported that trends in weekly worked hours of Canadian physicians has declined from about 53 hours before 2000 to 46 hours in recent years.

    Why access seems more challenging for primary care services

    Family physicians are the gatekeepers and first point of contact of the Canadian health-care system. Over the 2000-2023 period, their numbers have increased less than specialists (AAGR of 2.1 per cent and 2.4 per cent respectively). In other words, while in 2000, slightly more than half of physicians were family physicians, in 2023 the situation reversed, and slightly more than half of physicians were specialists.

    Nurse practitioners emerged in the primary care setting in the last decade. This workforce grew from 3,768 in 2014 to 8,302 in 2023, increasing by an average of 9.2 per cent per year. Still, they are not enough to fully make up for the deficit.

    An important consideration is that family physicians tend to benefit less from medical technological improvement than specialists. A few specific specialties, for example ophthalmology, profit the most from the huge productivity gains in the medical field. They could work fewer hours and still increase the number of services they provide and their income, which family physicians can do to a lesser extent.

    In fact, for physicians who received at least $100,000 in fee-for-service payments per year, average gross FFS payments per ophthalmologist have grown almost three times more than that for a family physician between 2013 and 2023.

    Implications for decision makers

    Simply throwing more money into the system will not be enough to address the primary care access issue. It is important to ensure this additional money will buy mostly additional services, contrary to what we have shown in the past.

    On the supply side, projections for the number of required physicians will need to account for the reduced number of hours worked. That means that more family physicians are needed just to provide the same number of services, let alone increase it.

    On the demand side, the aging population translates into more services used per capita, but also increased severity of cases. The medical workforce itself is also aging, impacting both the supply and the demand sides. Policymakers need to work with institutions involved in physicians planning and training such as the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, the Medical Council of Canada to ramp up training of family physicians. Extending training and scope of practice of nurse practitioners would also help.

    Finally, the family physician category could be made more attractive by offering a more balanced payment scheme between family physicians and specialists.

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

    – ref. Physician spending trends in Canada: Why increased costs may not mean more primary care services – https://theconversation.com/physician-spending-trends-in-canada-why-increased-costs-may-not-mean-more-primary-care-services-253675

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More than 60 projects will reduce wildfire risk, support forestry in B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Communities and workers throughout British Columbia are benefiting from 64 new Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) supported projects that reduce wildfire risk, enhance forest health and get more fibre into the hands of mills and energy producers.

    “The projects I am announcing today will remove almost 11,000 truckloads of flammable waste fibre from our forests,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “We all have a role to play in reducing wildfire risk in B.C. This fibre that once would have been burned in slash piles will instead support workers and help keep communities safe.”

    With $19 million in provincial funding, projects will take place in all eight of the Province’s natural resource regions. This includes 31 led by First Nations and another 14 with First Nations involvement, demonstrating the critical leadership role First Nation communities are playing in restoring and protecting B.C.’s forests. This funding is part of the $90 million allocated in 2025 for wildfire-prevention initiatives through BC Wildfire Service, FireSmart initiatives and FESBC.

    “We received so many excellent applications from interested parties across the province looking to invest in the future of B.C.’s forests,” said Jason Fisher, executive director, FESBC. “After careful review, we are pleased to be able to support a portfolio of projects that will make forests more resilient and communities safer, while unlocking the value of wood waste generated through forest-management activities.”

    These projects build on the Province’s broader support for B.C.’s forest sector, which includes wildfire reduction, streamlining permitting, investing in innovation and advocating for fairness in international trade, especially in the face of U.S. softwood lumber duties and tariff threats.

    “Many rural British Columbians know the risk of wildfires well, and many have been in frightening situations,” said Steve Morissette, parliamentary secretary for rural development. “This funding will help support forestry projects in rural, remote and First Nations communities with a focus on sustainability and fire prevention.”

    Wildfire-mitigation projects remove excess wood and flammable undergrowth from areas around rural centres and have proven effective during previous wildfire seasons. The BC Wildfire Service is planning to treat 9,600 hectares in 2025-26, with more than an additional 2,100 hectares planned under FESBC.

    Fibre-recovery projects take wood fibre that would otherwise be burned or abandoned and put it in the hands of mills and forestry companies that can use it, helping keep forestry workers on the job.

    Quick Facts:

    • Founded in 2016, FESBC is fully funded by the Province to support forestry projects at the community level. Since then, $79.6 million has been invested in 201 community wildfire risk-reduction projects through FESBC.
    • As part of Budget 2024, B.C. announced FESBC would get an additional $60 million over three years to continue community-focused wildfire-risk reduction and fuel-management projects, as well as improving utilization of biomass from harvested timber.

    Learn More:

    For more information about FESBC, visit: https://fesbc.ca/about-us/

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Two Bills Supporting Efficiency, Structure, and Fairness in Civic and Legal Processes

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 24, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, in a move that underscores his commitment to both the protection of individual rights and legal efficiency, Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law two pieces of legislation: Senate Bills (SB) 22 and 47.

    “While these bills differ in subject matter—one focused on electoral procedures and the other on tort reform—each reflects a broader effort to bring efficiency, structure, and fairness to our civic and legal processes,” said Governor Kehoe. “I am proud to sign legislation into law that streamlines complex procedures while protecting the rights of every Missourian.”

    SB 22, sponsored by Senator Rick Brattin and Representative Ben Keathley, modifies provisions relating to statewide ballot measures.

    • Establishes a timely revision process to ensure summary statements are clear, accurate, and informative for voters, protecting against judicial overreach.
    • Sets a clear deadline for filing legal challenges to ballot measures ahead of the general election.
    • Empowers the attorney general to appeal certain preliminary injunctions, ensuring prompt review of overreaching rulings.

    SB 47, sponsored by Senator Curtis Trent and Representative Dane Diehl, amends Supreme Court Rule 52.08 relating to class actions.

    • Aligns Missouri’s civil procedures with federal rules, promoting efficiency and fairness in the judicial process.
    • Protects Missourians from predatory legal practices through stricter rules for counsel appointments, improving effective representation in class actions.
    • Supports businesses by reducing litigation costs and limiting frivolous class actions through earlier certification and stronger defense appeal options.

    For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law, visit senate.mo.gov. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Escalation of violence against Christian minorities in Syria and the need for EU intervention – P-001149/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement on behalf of the EU[1], strongly condemning the horrific crimes committed against civilians.

    The EU has called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. It welcomed the transitional authorities’ commitments in this regard, in particular the establishment of an independent investigative committee and called on them to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations.

    The EU is in contact with interim authorities and local actors, including civil society, and consistently advocates for an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition that protects Syrians from all ethnic and religious background without discrimination.

    In this context, it welcomes the commitments of the transitional authorities in this respect, stressing the importance of these commitments to be followed up with actions.

    The National Dialogue process launched in February 2025 as well as the new Constitutional Declaration, whose implementation must build on standards of equal rights, and the new government appointed end of March 2025, should ensure that the transition process meets the aspirations of all Syrians and is grounded on the respect of international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance as well as on the values of rule of law and accountability.

    Since 2011, the EU and the Member States have mobilised nearly EUR 37 billion in response to the Syrian crisis, representing the largest donors of humanitarian and stabilisation assistance to Syria and the region.

    EU humanitarian aid is delivered through humanitarian partners based on people’s needs, accountability to the affected populations, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.

    • [1] Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the recent wave of violence, 11 March 2025: 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/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The conduction of the Himara election and protection of  the properties of the ethnic Greek minority – E-001482/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission took note that the repeat municipal election took place in Himara on 4 August 2024. Holding transparent, inclusive and credible elections in line with international standards is a key requirement for any country aspiring to join the EU.

    The Commission also took note that the Central Election Commission’s Sanctions and Complaints Committee ruled to reject the request to invalidate the results of the Himara by-elections, since no discrepancy was identified between the electoral material and the number of people who turned up at the voting centres.

    The EU will continue to follow electoral developments in Albania and encourage Albanian authorities to address all outstanding recommendations from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and from the Venice Commission.

    The Commission attaches the highest importance to the respect of rule of law and fundamental rights, including the protection of property rights in Albania.

    Through the stabilisation and association process and the enlargement process, the Commission closely follows the consolidation of property rights in Albania and assesses progress through its annual report[1].

    • [1] SWD(2024) 690 final, https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a8eec3f9-b2ec-4cb1-8748-9058854dbc68_en?filename=Albania%20Report%202024.pdf
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Inquiry into the Chinese Government’s role in financing and running DeepSeek, and in applying censorship – E-000394/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission monitors developments related to potential distortions in the Single Market to ensure its integrity, protect investors, and maintain a level playing field for all businesses.

    Regarding China, the Commission is indeed concerned about broad ranging distortions in the economy as documented in the Commission Staff Working Document of 10 April 2024[1].

    The Digital Services Act[2] (DSA) protects freedom of expression and information, regulating intermediary service providers in the EU. DeepSeek models are subject to ideological censorship and is therefore in conflict with EU’s principles.

    Large Language Models (LLMs) would not by themselves constitute a separate service regulated under the DSA, but intermediary services using LLMs like DeepSeek may be regulated by the DSA, depending on their features.

    The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act[3] covers general-purpose AI (GPAI) models, such as DeepSeek, which must provide technical documentation, with further obligations for GPAI with systemic risk. GPAI models released prior to 2 August 2025 shall comply by 2 August 2027. The Commission will continue to take a vigilant and proactive approach to address any arising issues.

    The AI Continent Action Plan addresses supply and demand aspects to position the EU as a leader of AI development and take-up, which is critical to ensure EU competitiveness.

    This will leverage full deployment of AI Factories, which bring together AI-optimised supercomputers, data, and human talent. It will establish the AI Gigafactories to harness vast computational power to develop and deploy the next generation of AI models.

    The announced European AI Research Council will further support AI research, building on more than EUR 1 billion annual investment under Horizon Europe.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=SWD(2024)91&lang=en
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Syria, Haiti & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (24 April 2025) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:

    – Syria
    – Briefings Tomorrow
    – Secretary-General
    – Deputy Secretary-General
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – U.N.I.F.I.L.
    – Yemen
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Haitian Migrants
    – Haiti
    – Ukraine
    – Myanmar
    – Immunization Week
    – International Days

    SYRIA
    Tomorrow at 8 a.m., the new three-starred Syrian flag will be raised, next to the flags of the other 193 Member States and the two permanent observers. If you have any questions about media coverage, please ask the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit (MALU). They will facilitate that. And just to stay on Syria, Geir Pedersen will be here to brief the Council tomorrow and he will be speaking to you at the stakeout afterwards.

    BRIEFINGS TOMORROW
    Tomorrow at 11:00 a.m., there will be a hybrid press briefing by Ambassador Jürg Lauber, the President of the Human Rights Council.
    And our Noon Briefing guest will be Ulrika Richardson, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Haiti, who also serves as the Deputy Special Representative and Resident Coordinator for Haiti. She will brief us virtually on Haiti.

    SECRETARY-GENERAL
    This evening, the Secretary-General will be traveling this evening to Rome, where on Saturday he will attend the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica.
    This afternoon, the Secretary-General will sign the Book of Condolences for the Pope at the Observer Mission of the Holy See.
    On Tuesday, the UN flag will fly at half-mast to honour the passing of the late Pontiff.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
    Our Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, continues her visit to Washington, D.C., for the World Bank/IMF Annual Spring Meetings.
    This morning, she took part in a Women Lead Breakfast with over 50 female leaders, which was hosted by the World Bank Managing Directors. Amina Mohammed highlighted women’s labour and economic participation as one of the most powerful forces driving inclusive and sustainable development, and she called for women’s leadership to be placed at the centre of decision-making.
    Later, she participated in the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, where she underscored the importance of advancing reforms to the international financial architecture to make it more inclusive and responsive.
    This afternoon, she will deliver remarks at the 111th meeting of the World Bank/IMF Development Committee and continue her engagements with senior government officials and other key stakeholders. She will be on her way back later today.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=24%20April%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VIPt0O88YQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Indigenous Peoples’ rights are non-negotiable | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Representing the largest international annual gathering of Indigenous Peoples with around 1,000 participants, the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) opened at UN Headquarters in New York, putting a spotlight on some of the most urgent and interconnected issues facing Indigenous Peoples today.
    Bringing together Indigenous Peoples, government representatives, UN agencies, and civil society from around the world, the Forum will run until 2 May 2025.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xM2shUsfHc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Second urgent and primary care centre opening in Nanaimo

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People living in and around Nanaimo will have more access to team-based primary care as a second urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) opens on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

    The Central Nanaimo UPCC is at 3260 Norwell Dr.

    “This new UPCC is great news for people in the vibrant and fast-growing Nanaimo region,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Access to primary care is so important to maintaining a good quality of life, and this second UPCC will facilitate more than 86,000 patient visits each year and builds on the success of the first Nanaimo UPCC, opened in 2018. This is one more action we are taking to ensure that people get the health care they need when and where they need it.”

    This second UPCC in Nanaimo is expected to connect 4,770 people to primary-care providers in the region. The Central Nanaimo UPCC will provide same-day access for people who need support for their primary health-care needs within 12 to 24 hours, but do not require an emergency department. Conditions such as sprains, cuts, high fevers and minor infections are appropriate for care at the UPCC.

    “The development of this new UPCC in Nanaimo is the result of extensive collaboration between our partners, including the Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice,” said Leah Hollins, board chair, Island Health. “Nanaimo residents will receive patient-centred, culturally safe care delivered by a compassionate and dedicated team of health-care professionals within a welcoming, trauma-informed space.”

    The UPCC includes a separate entrance at the side of the building for patients who require discreet, culturally safe access to the clinic. The Thunderbird Wing of the UPCC, which has two private examination rooms, was developed in close consultation with members of the Snuneymuxw First Nation to ensure that everyone who visits the clinic feels welcomed and supported. Additional contributions from Snaw-Naw-As First Nation, Mid Island Métis Nation and Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre have helped create a culturally safe and welcoming space for all Indigenous community members.

    “Expanding access to health care and connecting more people with primary health-care providers is great news for people in Nanaimo,” said George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville. “This new UPCC will ensure residents benefit from high-quality, team-based care that’s built to meet the growing health-care needs in our region.” 

    The Nanaimo Outpatient Stabilization Service, which started out as a pilot project in May 2024, has become a permanent success. This service will now be expanding and moving to the Central Nanaimo UPCC as of May 1, 2025. Patients who do not have a primary-care provider and who have a new or suspected cancer diagnosis or an unstable chronic disease, which meets specific referral criteria, can be referred to the program. The UPCC will attach people to a family physician or nurse practitioner via the provincial attachment system, pending ongoing recruitment efforts.

    The UPCC will be open seven days a week for urgent primary-care needs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Access to the UPCC will be through appointments booked in advance by calling 1 833 688-8722, and up to 20% of services may be offered through virtual care.

    Once fully operational, the UPCC will have a clinical staffing complement of approximately 35.71 full-time equivalent (FTE) health-care workers, including 9.80 FTE of family physicians and 2.32 FTE of nurse practitioners, 14.86 FTEs of registered nurses, 6.98 FTEs comprised of social workers and mental-health and substance-use clinicians, and 1.75 FTE of community health worker. This clinical team is supported by several non-clinical roles, including a clinic manager and medical office assistants.

    As of April 2025, the ministry has committed $8.8 million in annual operating costs and a one-time amount of $200,000 for Central Nanaimo UPCC. 

    Additionally, the total capital cost for the Central Nanaimo UPCC is estimated to be approximately $8.2 million.

    Quotes:

    Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island –

    “It’s clear that the investment in the new UPC centre by the government will make a real difference to Nanaimo families by building on attachments to primary-care providers and reducing the wait times for urgent care.”

    Teltitelwet, registered nurse, Snuneymuxw First Nation Health Centre –

    “The Thunderbird Wing of the Central Nanaimo UPCC was born from a relationship built on respect and truth. It stands as a living act of reconciliation, shaped by deep consultation with First Nation voices, offering sacred space for the most vulnerable. Here, clients do not enter under the weight of judgment, but through a door of privacy, dignity and care. No longer made to walk through the eyes of the community, they are met with quiet strength, cultural safety and the healing power of being truly seen.”  

    Dr. Diane Wallis, chair, Nanaimo Division of Family Practice –

    “We are thrilled at the opening of this new primary-care resource for the community. This centre is a testament to the power of collaboration between the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice, Island Health and Indigenous community partners. By working together, we are ensuring that the people of Nanaimo have access to safe, comprehensive and timely urgent and primary care.”

    Quick Facts:

    • Including the new Central Nanaimo UPCC, there are 43 announced UPCCs in B.C., with 41 delivering services and nine operating in the Island Health region.
    • The Medical Arts UPCC at 103-650 South Terminal Ave. was the first UPCC established in Nanaimo.
    • The Medical Arts UPCC is open seven days a week, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and provides same-day treatment for non-emergency injuries and illnesses when people are unable to see a family doctor or care provider at a regular clinic.
    • The Medical Arts UPCC was established in September 2019 and has provided more than 150,245 patient visits to date.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the Province’s Primary Care Strategy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0034-001010

    To learn about the Province’s Health Human Resources Strategy, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0059-001464

    To learn more about the urgent and primary care centres and other health-care facilities in Island Health, visit: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-locations/hospitals-health-centre-locations

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh hails a decade of Panchayati Raj Reforms under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership on Panchayati Raj Diwas, in Bihar

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh hails a decade of Panchayati Raj Reforms under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership on Panchayati Raj Diwas, in Bihar

    Finance Commission Grants for Gram Panchayats increased sevenfold  in the last 10 years; Panchayat Representatives being trained in Premier Institutions: Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh

    Centre Awards Six Panchayats, Three Institutions; Women Sarpanches of Motipur ( Bihar) , Dawwa S (Maharashtra) & Hatbadra (Odisha) Lead the Spotlight

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 6:45PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, 24th April 2025, a historic  event was organized at Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat in Madhubani District of Bihar in the august presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The national commemoration was marked by vibrant participation from elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), beneficiaries of several government schemes, and local residents. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on this occasion launched/ laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects amounting to over Rs.13,480 crores. These initiatives spanned across key sectors including housing, rural development, power, transportation, and connectivity. In his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and empowering Panchayats as the driving force behind rural transformation. Addressing from the soil of a Gram Panchayat, Shri Modi underlined the spirit of Gram Swaraj and the role of Panchayats in building a developed and inclusive India.

    Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in his address highlighted the transformation witnessed by Panchayats across India over the past decade. He emphasized how digital tools such as eGramSwaraj have empowered local self-governments, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and ease of living in rural India. The Union Minister underlined the significant increase in financial devolution to PRIs that is nearly seven times more compared to the 13th Finance Commission in the last ten years.

    “A truly developed India cannot be imagined until its villages and Panchayats are fully developed,” stated Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The  event was also graced by Bihar Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Nitish Kumar, and several Union Ministers, public representatives and senior officials, including Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

    In his address, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj outlined the transformative progress made under the leadership of the Prime Minister in empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions over the last decade. He highlighted a seven-fold increase in fund devolution to Panchayats, advancements like the e-Gram Swaraj portal for enhanced transparency, weather forecasting at the Panchayat level, and leadership development through training at prestigious institutions like IIMs. The Union Minister emphasized the special focus on strengthening women’s leadership in Panchayats through targeted skill development initiatives. Shri Singh said that Prime Minister’s decision to address the nation from a Gram Panchayat underscores the government’s commitment to grassroots democracy. He called the national celebration at Lohna Uttar a historic moment in India’s journey towards a self-reliant, inclusive, and sustainable rural governance system – a solid foundation for a truly Viksit Bharat.

    A major highlight of the event was the conferring of the Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA), Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), and Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP), recognizing exemplary contributions in Climate Action (CASPA), Self-Reliance (ANPSA), and Capacity Building (PKNSSP). A total of six Gram Panchayats and three institutions from eight States were felicitated. Notably, three award-winning Panchayats – Motipur (Bihar), Dawwa S (Maharashtra), and Hatbadra (Odisha) are headed by women Sarpanches, exemplifying the role of women leadership in driving local development. 

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    Aditi Agrawal

    (Release ID: 2124144) Visitor Counter : 24

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong celebrates World Intellectual Property Day 2025 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong celebrates World Intellectual Property Day 2025  
         Addressing the reception, Mr Lam emphasised that Hong Kong is taking active steps to develop itself into an international innovation and technology centre. To achieve this goal, it is essential to ensure that the legal system offers sufficient protection to IP right as intangible assets, and regulate their use and transfer. This underscores Hong Kong’s unique advantages as the only common law jurisdiction in China under the principle of “one country, two systems”.
     
         Mr Lam pointed out that Hong Kong’s highly regarded common law system plays two important roles in IP development — serving as a dispute resolution centre and a hub for IP trading. With the rapid growth of the IP industry in both Hong Kong and the Mainland, there is increasing demand for services related to IP disputes and trading. Hong Kong’s user-friendly bilingual common law system and an abundant supply of high quality legal professionals create an ideal environment for IP trading in any form.
     
         Mr Lam said, “China has become the global technological giant and powerhouse. Hong Kong is also taking active steps to develop itself into an international innovation and technology centre. I am very confident that Hong Kong can and will play a more significant role in future in the area of IP protection and trading, which will in turn contribute to the innovation and technology development of not just Hong Kong but our country as a whole.”
     
         Echoing the theme of this year’s World IP Day, namely, “IP and music: Feel the beat of IP”, the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, in his welcoming remarks cited music as a perfect example of how IP fuels creativity, adding that the vibrant music landscape worldwide owes much to strong copyright protection that rewards originality and entrepreneurial efforts. He stressed that the Government is committed to enhancing the copyright law to encourage creativity and support innovation.
     
         The pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI) development globally has prompted sea change. In order to enhance the Copyright Ordinance for addressing the copyright issues arising from the rapid development of AI, the Government, having conducted a public consultation, is putting forward a legislative proposal for introducing a new text and data mining exception into the copyright law. This exception will be subject to stringent conditions to ensure a careful balance between the interests of copyright owners in exploiting their works and the public interest in supporting innovation. Importantly, the rights reservation mechanism would be paramount for protecting copyright owners’ legitimate interests.
     
         About 180 guests including the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Maggie Wong, stakeholders from the legal community and IP-related associations, academics, consulate representatives, government officials and representatives from the public and business sectors attended the reception.
     
         Celebrated annually on April 26, the World IP Day aims to increase general understanding of IP, pay tributes to inventors and creators, and explore how IP helps shape the world. The IPD promoted the World IP Day and related activities through various channels, including sponsoring the “Licensing Academy” workshops of the Asian Licensing Conference to offer industry players insights into new developments in IP licensing.
    Issued at HKT 21:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SUFALAM 2025: Set to Ignite Innovation in Food Processing Sector

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in collaboration with NIFTEM Kundli, is pleased to announce the second edition of SUFALAM (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors), scheduled for April 25–26, 2025, at NIFTEM-K campus. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this year’s conclave reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to fostering a vibrant start-up ecosystem in line with the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The event aims to strengthen the food processing sector by promoting innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives.

    The two-day program will feature a series of activities designed to empower startups, facilitate knowledge sharing and create networking opportunities. Union Cabinet Minister, MoFPI Shri Chirag Paswan will inaugurate the conclave with a focus on enhancing ease of doing business for young entrepreneurs through government schemes and subsidies. NIFTEM-K will play a key role by providing mentorship, consultancy services and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to support emerging startups.

    The event will commence with keynote address by Prof. Harpal Singh from IIT Delhi, who will share insights from his entrepreneurial journey. Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi will join as the special guest for the occasion. Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

     The events on first day will feature experience-sharing sessions where industry leaders and startups will share their entrepreneurial journeys and insights. A series of expert-led sessions will cover critical themes such as sustainable growth in food sector, branding, digital outreach, and government support. Highlights include a panel discussion on scaling businesses responsibly, featuring industry leaders like Mr. Abhishek Kakkar, Indian Angel Network and Mr. Durlabh Rawat, Barosi Foods. Another session on digital marketing strategies for food startups will be led by senior officials from MeitY and marketing experts such as Ms. Yashna Garg from Zeon Life Sciences.

     On the second day, young entrepreneurs will share their experiences in a session titled “Pep Talk by Budding Startups.” Speakers include Ms. Isha Jhawar of Reipeat Gud Pvt Ltd. known for her work in healthy, preservative free tomato ketchup and mayonnaise and Mr. Romi Kulthia of Atpata, who combines traditional knowledge with modern technology. Other participants, such as Mr. Priyanshu Raj of Aromaé and Ms. Palak Arora of SatGuru Superfoods, will discuss challenges in scaling and rural-urban market linkages. Sustainability-focused innovators like Mr. Anagh Goyal of 1.5 Degree will also share insights on climate-resilient business models.

    Over 250 startups from 23 states across the country including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Manipur, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand have already registered, showcasing the diverse innovation landscape of India. Some of the startups are likely to exhibit innovative technologies, such as cell cultured meat, plant-based foods, functional foods and rapid detection kits for contaminants and adulterants required for strengthening food processing and safety eco system in the country. Around 35 startups have registered to   pitch their ground-breaking ideas to esteemed evaluators from leading organizations such as Nestlé, Bühler Group, Eureka Analytical Systems Pvt. Ltd. and the Indian Angel Network. A dedicated session on sustainable food solutions, moderated by Dr. Siddharth Manvati of Clear Meat, will feature perspectives from industry veterans like Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, Former Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nestle India and Mr. Hemendra Mathur, Bharat Innovation Fund.

    Beyond formal sessions, the event will include networking opportunities through a Mentor Lounge and an exhibition showcasing innovations by startups and MSMEs. Reflecting on the conclave’s importance, Union Cabinet Minister, MoFPI Shri Chirag Paswan remarked, “SUFALAM 2025 underscores our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in the food sector. By equipping startups with the right tools and networks, we are paving the way for a more self-reliant India.” With over 300 participants, over 65 exhibitors representing 20 states across the country including entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers, the conclave aims to drive collaboration and accelerate growth in India’s food processing industry.

    *****

    Shahid

    (Release ID: 2124088) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE: Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism advances mutual benefits to new levels (with photos/videos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE: Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism advances mutual benefits to new levels (with photos/videos) 
    In the morning, Mr Lee and the Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Hao, jointly attended the High-Level Meeting cum the First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference, witnessing the establishment of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism, symbolising a new stage of comprehensive exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, also attended the meeting.
     
    Officials of the HKSAR Government that attended the meeting included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.
     
    During the meeting, Mr Wang, Mr Lee, and the Governor of Zhejiang Province, Mr Liu Jie, witnessed the signing of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism and the Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference, as well as four co-operation agreements signed by representatives of government departments and institutions of the two places, covering areas of innovation and technology (I&T), housing, economic and trade co-operation, and youth development. Hong Kong and Zhejiang established the new Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism and reached consensus on 13 co-operation areas.
     
    Mr Lee noted that the new co-operation conference mechanism symbolises a new stage of comprehensive exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang, which is of great significance. He expressed gratitude to Zhejiang Province and the Zhejiang Provincial Government for its importance and support attached to the new co-operation conference mechanism. He said he looks forward to Hong Kong and Zhejiang continuing to work together and deepen co-operation on all fronts for mutual benefits. He added that Hong Kong and Zhejiang will seize national opportunities and leverage their respective strengths to make new and greater contributions to the further reform and opening up of the country, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
     
    Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has long been the largest source of external investment in Zhejiang, as well as a favourable platform for Zhejiang enterprises to expand into overseas markets. Hong Kong will give full play to its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to continue serving Zhejiang in expanding international markets.
     
    Mr Lee then met with the Mayor of the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government, Mr Yao Gaoyuan, and attended a luncheon hosted by Mr Yao. Mr Lee said that Hangzhou has made rapid achievements in the fields of the digital economy and AI in recent years, while the HKSAR Government is also developing the AI industry proactively and has been implementing a series of measures to support AI development. Mr Lee expressed his confidence in the huge potential for co-operation between Hong Kong and Hangzhou in I&T, adding that under the new co-operation mechanism established between Hong Kong and Zhejiang, exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and cities in Zhejiang, including Hangzhou, will be even closer.
     
    In the afternoon, Mr Lee arrived in Ningbo to continue his visit. He first visited a local high-end scientific instrument manufacturing enterprise to learn more about its business development and projects in the manufacturing and research of optical instruments.
     
    Mr Lee then met with entrepreneurs of Ningbo descent. Mr Lee commended Ningbo entrepreneurs for their significant contributions to Hong Kong’s economic and social development over the years, as well as acting as a bridge to promote economic and trade co-operation and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Ningbo.
     
    In the evening, Mr Lee met with the Secretary of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee, Mr Peng Jiaxue, and attended a dinner hosted by Mr Peng. Mr Lee highlighted that Ningbo is a major city in the Yangtze River Delta region, while Hong Kong, the world’s freest economy and the third-largest international financial centre which possesses the advantages of the “one country, two systems” principle, is proactively developing into an international I&T hub. He said he believes that entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and Ningbo will continue to scale new heights and forge closer ties and co-operation, and that Hong Kong and Ningbo can achieve complementarity to make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development.
     
    Mr Lee will continue his visit tomorrow (April 25). He will attend the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum cum Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum.
    Issued at HKT 19:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Issuance of Sports Certificates via DigiLocker

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Issuance of Sports Certificates via DigiLocker

    Inaugurates National Centre for Sports Science and Research at IG Stadium

    All sports initiatives undertaken by Modi Government are athlete-centric – Dr. Mandaviya

    NCSSR will serve as a hub for high-level research, education, and innovation aimed at enhancing elite athlete performance: Union Minister

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 4:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today launched the issuance of sports certificates via DigiLocker at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

    Prior to the launch, he inaugurated the National Centre for Sports Science and Research (NCSSR) at the same venue.

    Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to athlete welfare, stating that all sports initiatives undertaken by Modi Government are athlete-centric. Citing examples of the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024, Draft National Sports Policy 2024, and the Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025, the Minister said these reflect the Government’s resolve to ensure transparency, fairness and good governance in the Indian sports ecosystem.

    He announced that sports certificates issued via DigiLocker will soon be integrated with the National Sports Repository System (NSRS), enabling automatic disbursal of Government cash rewards directly into athletes’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), eliminating the need for paper applications.

    “In the past what used to happen is that a sportsperson had to apply for Government cash rewards after winning medals in international competitions. I don’t want that the athletes have to suffer or face any roadblocks in getting their well-deserved reward. So, these initiatives are meant to make it smooth for them. If everyone has watched him/her win a medal internationally why do they need to apply,” Union Minister said.

    Highlighting future plans, Dr. Mandaviya spoke about the comprehensive roadmap being implemented to support India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics. He also reiterated India’s interest in hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030.

    Calling on National Sports Federations (NSFs) to prioritize good governance and athlete welfare, Union Minister urged collective efforts from athletes, federations, and the Government to strengthen the sports ecosystem. As a step in this direction, he announced that office space at IG Stadium in Delhi will be made available to interested NSFs.

    Dr. Mandaviya also announced the forthcoming launch of a ‘One Sport–One Corporate’ policy aimed at facilitating federation handholding and attracting financial support for sports development. Additionally, Olympic training centres for high-priority sports disciplines will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, he added.

    Speaking on the inauguration of the NCSSR, Dr. Mandaviya said the Centre will serve as a hub for high-level research, education, and innovation aimed at enhancing elite athlete performance. He emphasized that such initiatives will be instrumental in fulfilling India’s long-term sporting vision under Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    “Let us all work together to build a strong sports culture for a new India,” Dr. Mandaviya concluded.

    Praising the initiative by the government, Olympic silver medallist and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awardee Mirabai Chanu said: “This is a really good scheme for players. The issuance of sports certificates by DigiLocker will take a lot of stress away from all sportspersons like me. Many times sportspersons have to rush back home for certain documents – for government jobs, visa etc. – as we don’t carry them with us always. I want to thank our Sports Minister on behalf of all players for this initiative.”

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2124076) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani inaugurates the state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani inaugurates the state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh

    The facility is dedicated to packaging pulses and organic products while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and quality

    Cooperation Secretary termed it as a major milestone in NCOL’s journey to promote and distribute high quality, organic products under the brand ‘Bharat Organics’

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a greater role for cooperatives in making India the largest organic producer in the world

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Ministry is taking several initiatives to increase market access for organic produce of farmers

    NCOL is passing on the benefits of its venture to its member farmers, thereby encouraging them to adopt organic farming in greater numbers

    NCOL aims to ensure premium prices to farmers for their hard work towards organic farming and make organic food affordable and accessible to Indian consumers

    Mother Dairy is committed to make ‘Bharat Organics’ available across its channels to benefit accessibility to the customer and it stands for purity & trust

    Posted On: 24 APR 2025 7:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani today addressed the inauguration of the state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the facility is designed to optimize efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and quality. It is dedicated to the packaging of pulses and a wide range of organic food products.

    Speaking at the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani said that the inauguration marks a major milestone in NCOL’s journey to promote and deliver high-quality, sustainable organic products under the ‘Bharat Organics’ brand.  He said that the NCOL has a huge role to play in empowering farmers and expanding access of market to genuine organic produce across India. He said Bharat Organics is making healthy food accessible to all for a healthier India.

    Dr Bhutani said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Ministry is taking several initiatives to increase market access for organic produce of farmers. Cooperation Secretary said that the inauguration of the packaging facility of NCOL marks a critical step in the organisation’s efforts to scale operations and expand the reach of certified organic produce, while delivering fair value to primary producers.

    Dr Bhutani said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a greater role for cooperatives in making India the largest organic producer in the world. Being in the cooperative sector, NCOL is passing on the benefits of its venture to its member farmers, thereby encouraging them to adopt organic farming in greater numbers.

    With 21 organic products, including pulses, cereals, spices and sweetners, already launched, Bharat Organics is available through 200+ SAFAL outlets in Delhi NCR, It is also being launched across major e-commerce & Q-Com platforms like Swiggy, Blinkit, BigBasket, Amazon, Flipkart, etc. It is also available at all NCCF and NAFED, outlets, who also happen to be our promoter members. Bharat Organics shall soon be available across all Reliance outlets.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of NCOL Shri Meenesh Shah said that NCOL aims to ensure premium prices to farmers for their hard work towards organic farming and make organic food affordable and accessible to Indian consumers. He said NCOL lays extra emphasis on the authenticity of certified organic products under the Bharat Brand name, by mandatorily testing each batch for 245+ pesticide residues.

    Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director of NCOL, Shri Vipul Mittal said that it is our proud privilege to launch this range of ‘Bharat Organics’ pulses, while celebrating the international year of cooperation, chaired by India in 2025. The packaging carries this logo along with a QR code to test authenticity of the product. The consumer can scan this code and check the PR test report of the said batch.

    Addressing the event, the Managing Director of Mother Dairy Shri Manish Bandlish, emphasized that Mother Dairy is committed to make ‘Bharat Organics’ available across its channels to benefit accessibility to the customer. Mother Dairy stands for purity & trust for the last 50 years for the customers of Delhi.

    NCOL was established by the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, in 2023 as an umbrella organization for the aggregation, procurement, certification, testing, branding, and marketing of organic products produced by the cooperative sector. NCOL operates with the support of relevant government ministries, following a “Whole of Government” approach, and is aligned with the national vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”.

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    RK/VV/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2124157) Visitor Counter : 36

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Panel on Security conducts duty visit to Guangzhou (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
     
    The Legislative Council Panel on Security conducted a duty visit to Guangzhou today (April 24) to learn about the work experience in areas related to enhancing crime prevention and law enforcement efficiency. The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, also led government officials to join the visit.
     
    Members went to Tianhe District of Guangzhou in the morning to observe a minimum emergency unit drill in Tianhe City Central Business District. Minimum emergency units are formed by various entities or premises in the city, and under the supervision of local police stations. They are responsible for taking initial actions in response to emergencies that endanger public safety, as well as assisting public security authorities in maintaining daily law and order. Members noted from the drill that minimum emergency units help prevent and curb illegal and criminal acts at an early stage and effectively enhance community safety. Members also exchanged views with representatives of relevant Mainland authorities on, among others, ways to consolidate and leverage community resources and forces to ensure public safety.
     
    Members then visited the Huale Police Station of the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau. The Police Station has received numerous national and provincial honours, including the title of People’s Satisfaction Police Station awarded by the State Council. During the visit, Members exchanged views with representatives of the Police Station on enhancing public satisfaction with police work, leveraging technology to enhance crime prevention and law enforcement efficiency, etc.
     
    Members visited the integrated service hall of the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau in the afternoon to better understand the “one service window” arrangements provided therein and the measures to offer convenient services to the public through the use of technology and self-service facilities, as well as to receive a briefing on the city’s experience in providing facilitation to citizens by streamlining workflows and leveraging technology. Members also toured the police history museum of the Guangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau to gain further insight into the development of public security services.
     
    Through the duty visit, Members obtained first-hand knowledge of Guangzhou’s effort in crime prevention, law enforcement and facilitation measures for citizens, and exchanged views with representatives of the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department on related issues. The experience and information obtained through the duty visit will facilitate the Panel in performing duties pursuant to its terms of reference for building a safer and more liveable community together.
     
    A total of 14 members and non-members of the Panel on Security participated in the duty visit and they returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference held in Hangzhou (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Mr Wang Hao, leading the delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Zhejiang respectively, held the High-Level Meeting cum the First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference (the meeting-cum-plenary) in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, today (April 24). Both sides witnessed the establishment of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism, symbolising a new stage of all-round exchanges and co-operation between the two places. The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, also attended the meeting-cum-plenary.

         Officials of the HKSAR Government that attended the meeting-cum-plenary included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.

         Hong Kong and Zhejiang reached a consensus on the following 13 co-operation areas at the meeting-cum-plenary:

    Joint pursuit of the Belt and Road development and business investment
    ———————————————————————-

         Strengthen co-operation on the Belt and Road Initiative between the two places. Encourage Zhejiang enterprises to actively participate in the Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong. Encourage Zhejiang enterprises to actively participate in relevant exchange and interface sessions organised by relevant authorities in Hong Kong.
     
         Promote the co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in the field of professional services. Support the introduction of Hong Kong management consulting, accounting, design, legal and dispute resolution service agencies.
     
         Continue to actively promote collaboration and exchanges on intellectual property between the two places through publicity initiatives and seminars.
     
    Finance
    ———-

         Support Zhejiang Province in collaborating with the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and relevant securities institutions to organise and conduct business training to address enterprises’ inquiries regarding listing in Hong Kong.

         Encourage enterprises in Zhejiang Province and financial institutions in Hong Kong to engage in exchanges and co-operation.

    Innovation and technology
    ——————————

         Jointly promote co-operation in technology research and development between Hong Kong and Zhejiang. Support higher education institutions, research institutes and enterprises in Hong Kong and Zhejiang to jointly launch research initiatives to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, develop strategic emerging industries, and foster the development of future industries.

         Actively establish a two-way sci-tech financial investment and financing channel, and actively support Zhejiang’s high-tech enterprises in listing and raising funds, issuing local and foreign currency bonds in Hong Kong, etc.

         Encourage and support technology entities in Hong Kong and Zhejiang to take the lead in the establishment of technology co-operation platforms, and set up research and development centres, etc.

    Aviation
    ———-

         Increase the frequency of flights between Hong Kong and the three airports in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou in accordance with the market situation.

         Enhance the exchange of advanced airport management experience between airport personnel in Hong Kong and Zhejiang.
     
    Legal and dispute resolution
    ——————————

         Continue to proactively support law firms of the two places to establish partnership associations and set up branches in each other’s places.

         Promote co-operation between the arbitral institutions of the two places in the arbitration of civil and commercial disputes in the areas of international trade, investment, maritime commerce, etc.

         Support and promote the expansion of exchange platforms for legal, arbitration, mediation, and other professional services between the two places.

    Cultural exchange and tourism
    ——————————

         Strengthen cultural and tourism exchanges between the two places.

         Strengthen the exchanges and collaboration between the museums and arts and cultural institutions of Hong Kong and Zhejiang, and jointly organise international exhibitions.

    Education
    ———-

         Promote the development of the Zhejiang-Hong Kong Vocational Education Alliance. Effectively carry out visits to Zhejiang for Mainland study tours of the senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development and Mainland study tours for teachers.

         Facilitate more schools in the two places in forming sister school pairs for conducting exchange activities in diverse forms.

         Encourage higher education institutions in Zhejiang Province to further deepen co-operation with higher education institutions in Hong Kong and carry out various forms of collaborative projects, such as joint scientific research, academic seminars, and teacher-student exchanges.

    Youth development
    ——————–

         Actively explore the introduction of a quality internship programme in Zhejiang under the Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland.
     
        Support Hong Kong youths to participate in short-term experiential programmes at innovation and entrepreneurial bases in Zhejiang.
     
         Encourage and support Hong Kong youth entrepreneurial teams funded under the Youth Development Fund of the Government of the HKSAR to expand their businesses to Zhejiang.
     
    Health and Chinese medicine
    ——————————

         Strengthen exchanges and co-operation between the two sides in areas such as clinical talents, primary healthcare and hospital management.

         Support Hong Kong service providers to develop Hong Kong-Zhejiang joint ventures, co-operative medical institutions and wholly owned medical institutions in accordance with the law.

         Expedite academic and talent exchanges in Chinese medicine between the two places, and strengthen co-operation in the area of international standardisation of Chinese medicine.

    Environmental protection
    ——————————

         Promote the implementation of the co-operation agreement signed between the Radiation Monitoring Technical Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Hong Kong Observatory. Support technical staff of both sides in conducting regular technical discussions.

         Strengthen technical exchanges and co-operation in the field of carbon monitoring.

         Strengthen exchanges and discussions between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in areas such as environmental protection-related industry and technological innovation.

    Housing
    ———-

         The two parties will engage in collaborative exchanges encompassing innovative housing technologies, intelligent construction, resource conservation, as well as low-carbon and emission-reduction initiatives.

         The two parties will strengthen collaboration in innovative housing technologies, smart estate management, and the development of harmonious communities through reciprocal visits and professional training exchanges.

    Talent and civil service exchange
    ——————————

         Strengthen communication and connections with renowned schools in Hong Kong.
     
         Continue to promote and deepen exchanges between civil servants from both sides, and launch a new round of the exchange programme under the guidance of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    Facilitation measures for Hong Kong people on the Mainland
    ————————————————————

         Fully implement the policies and measures introduced by the relevant Central Government departments to facilitate the development of Hong Kong and Macao residents on the Mainland, and facilitate Hong Kong people studying, working and living in Zhejiang.

         Explore the expansion of the scope of application of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents in various government and public services in Zhejiang.

    Co-operation memorandum signing ceremony
    —————————————-

         At the meeting-cum-plenary, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government Mr Lu Shan, signed the “Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference Mechanism” and the “Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Zhejiang Co-operation Conference”. The documents (Chinese only) are in Annex 1 and Annex 2.

         In addition, four co-operation agreements were signed by government departments and statutory bodies of the two places:

    (i) Memorandum of Understanding on Enhancing Zhejiang/Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation;
    (ii) Letter of Intent on Strengthening Exchanges and Co-operation in Innovative Housing Technologies, Smart Estate Management and Well-being Community;
    (iii) Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting High-Quality Economic and Trade Co-operation; and
    (iv) Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Promoting Youth Development Co-operation.

         The co-operation agreements (i), (ii) and (iv) signed by the government departments of the two places (Chinese only) are in Annexes 3 to 5.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Launching the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan to establish a statewide framework to align ongoing State climate adaptation planning and implementation efforts throughout New York communities. Over the course of the next year, this initiative will equip State and local partners with shared direction and foster collaboration across every region of the State, ensuring New Yorkers are better equipped and prepared for the devastating storms that cause more than $1 billion in damages for New York annually.

    “As Governor, I have made major investments to prepare local leaders and protect communities across New York from the increasingly severe weather events that have cost us billions of dollars in damages and routinely threaten our safety,” Governor Hochul said. “By developing this statewide initiative to guide our ongoing climate resiliency efforts, we are solidifying a commitment to a safe, affordable and sustainable future that all New Yorkers need and deserve.”

    The plan will create a collective vision, principles, planning resources and a gap analysis of existing State agency initiatives, which include a wide array of project types, such as: shoreline restoration, the relocation of critical infrastructure to reduce flood risk, the relocation and raising of flood-prone roadways, and right-sizing dams, bridges and culverts. The coordination initiative for this plan is being led by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of State (DOS), Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in partnership with other State agencies.

    As part of the first phase of the plan, the State will host a series of webinars in summer 2025. This initial outreach will be followed by more comprehensive engagement opportunities throughout the development of the plan, including additional in-person and virtual events and direct engagement with local governments and key stakeholders such as community-based organizations. Additional information, as well as upcoming opportunities to get involved, will be shared on the plan’s website.

    Recognizing the need for innovative and cross-sector partnerships, the plan will create a unified adaptation and resilience strategy that builds upon and strengthens existing efforts while identifying new options for taking action. New York State will continue to advance investments and initiatives to support local planning and implementation of climate adaptation and resilience actions. Resources immediately available include:

    • Funding through the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, Green Resiliency Grant Program, Resilient Watershed Grants and other Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act-supported programs;
    • Targeted climate research through the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment;
    • Supporting local and regional planning through programs such as the Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning program, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency programs;
    • Hazard-focused statewide planning such as the implementation of the Extreme Heat Action Plan.

    Additional resources and funding opportunities to support state and local adaptation and resilience are available here and through the Environmental Bond Act Funding Finder.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New Yorkers know all too well how flooding and severe weather driven by climate change can wreak havoc on our communities and the environment. At Governor Hochul’s direction, we are taking action to make sure our communities and natural resources are resilient now and in the future. DEC is proud to lead this multi-agency effort to build, collaborate, and streamline New York State’s collective efforts on adaptation and resilience to ensure our state, communities, and partners are armed with the tools and resources needed to adapt to and prepare for the many impacts of climate change.”

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “This comprehensive resiliency plan is yet another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, businesses and infrastructure from the ravages of climate change. The Department of State stands ready and eager to contribute to this statewide effort to ensure that all corners of the State are prepared for and resilient against a rapidly changing climate.”

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Over the last year alone, we’ve seen the toll that weather events like flooding and tornadoes can take on communities. By bringing together multiple State agencies to collaborate on methods to mitigate the impacts of climate change, we are taking a proactive approach to address Governor Hochul’s focus on prevention and resiliency. Investing in this work now will help the residents of New York respond and recover quickly and efficiently from storms.”

    NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Governor Hochul’s leadership on protecting New Yorkers from the impacts of rising temperatures and extreme weather events is evident through this multi-agency planning process that will advance statewide efforts. NYSERDA looks forward to engaging in this highly collaborative undertaking, which provides for the most efficient and coordinated use of State resources to meet future challenges in a strategic, sustainable way.”

    As part of the 2025 State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul also announced a historic $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, a critical investment designed to rapidly generate thousands of jobs, slash energy bills for households and cut harmful pollution.

    New York State’s Climate Agenda 
    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation and waste sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU-UK trade flows: Continuities, changes and trends – 24-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK), which entered into force in May 2021, governs the EU’s relationship with the UK, following its withdrawal from the EU. In addition to the European Commission evaluating the implementation of the TCA on an annual basis, Article 776 of the TCA provides for a joint review of the deal’s implementation five years after its entry into force, in 2026. On 20 November 2024, the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents approved a joint request from the Committees on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and on International Trade (INTA) to draw up an implementation report in response to the European Commission’s 21 March 2024 report on the implementation and application of the EU-UK TCA. This briefing seeks to inform the drafting of the joint AFET–INTA implementation report. The briefing provides an analysis of the data on trade flows between the EU and the UK in the last two years (2023 and 2024), in the context of the implementation of the TCA. It should be read in tandem with the European Implementation Assessment on the EU-UK TCA, published by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) in December 2023, which analyses EU-UK trade flows in the first two years of the TCA’s implementation. That EPRS study was requested by AFET and INTA to inform their 2023 joint implementation report on the same subject. Similar to the 2023 EPRS study, this briefing concludes that the TCA continues to have a stronger impact on the UK than on the EU in the trade relationship. Trade between the EU and the UK continues to be more complex and challenging compared to when the UK was an EU Member State, even if the implementation of the TCA in the last four years has been generally smooth, with some exceptions. The UK has managed to bounce back from COVID and Brexit less successfully than the EU and has, like the EU-27, been affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine and inflation. EU-UK trade in goods decreased slightly in 2023 and 2024, and it is still below pre-Brexit levels. EU-UK trade in services (the TCA does not cover financial services), continues to be less disrupted, and surpassed pre-COVID 19 levels as of 2023. At a time of uncertainty on the future direction of trade policy, geopolitical upheaval, and the United States administration’s (potential) new tariffs on imports from its trading partners (including the UK and the EU), the TCA offers an opportunity to deepen EU-UK trade relations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Thierry Breton’s statements to the media – E-000278/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission does not comment about statements that former Commissioners make in their private capacity.

    Elections are at the core of democracy, which is a founding value of the EU.

    The conduct and the organisation of elections are the competence and responsibility of the Member States, in accordance with their national constitutional and legislative rules, as well as with their international obligations and EU law. National competent authorities and courts have the primary responsibility of ensuring compliance with these rules.

    The Commission supports Member States on electoral matters, notably through the framework of the European cooperation network on elections[1], which brings together national authorities with competences in electoral matters and facilitates the exchanges of information and best practices.

    The Commission is also working with Member States to support the application of EU law provisions which are relevant in national electoral contexts within the EU, such as under the Digital Service Act[2], the regulation on the transparency and targeting of political advertising[3] (which will become fully applicable in October 2025), the General Data Protection Regulation[4] and the Artificial Intelligence Act[5].

    In 2023, the Commission also published a recommendation on inclusive and resilient electoral processes in the Union[6].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/democracy-eu-citizenship-anti-corruption/democracy-and-electoral-rights/european-cooperation-network-elections_en
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2065. In 2024, the Commission issued Guidelines for providers of Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines on the mitigation of systemic risks for electoral processes, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024XC03014&qid=1714466886277
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/900/oj/eng
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj/eng
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2023/2829/oj/eng
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The EU’s position on Hamas – E-000797/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Hamas has been listed on the EU terror list since 2001 and continues to be so. Following the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October 2023, a new dedicated sanctions regime against Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad was set up in January 2024[1]. Since then, two packages of listings have been adopted.

    The EU has also made use of the CP931[2]/EU Terrorist List to designate leading figures of Hamas as terrorists[3]. The EU also adopted sanctions under the Global Human Rights sanctions regime in response to sexual violence committed by Hamas[4].

    The EU has been clear that there must be no future role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza, and that Hamas should no longer be a threat to Israel.

    The EU will continue its political and financial support to the Palestinian Authority and its reform programme to help it prepare for its return to govern Gaza[5].

    • [1] Sanctions against terrorism: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions-against-terrorism/
    • [2] Common Position 931′ (CP931) is the Council Common Position of 27 December 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and designating entities as terrorist organisations. CP931 mandates EU Member States to enforce specific measures against groups involved in terrorism.
    • [3] See footnote 1.
    • [4] Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council extends restrictive measures by one year: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/01/13/hamas-and-palestinian-islamic-jihad-council-extends-restrictive-measures-by-one-year/
    • [5] Statement by the High Representative on the Arab Plan for Gaza: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/statement-high-representative-arab-plan-gaza_en
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Injection of EU funding for Moldova – legitimate support or election meddling? – E-002252/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 20 October 2024, the people of the Republic of Moldova voted in a referendum on Moldova’s EU path. Despite massive interference and hybrid campaigns by Russia, including blatant vote-buying, they expressed majority support for anchoring their future within the EU.

    The Commission took note of the results reflecting diverse opinions among Moldova’s citizens and will keep working closely with the country to build consensus on its path towards EU membership.

    Moldova has continued to make progress as recognised by the EU leaders during the European Council in March 2024. However, since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Moldova has been tackling challenges related to slow economic growth, supporting a large number of Ukrainian refugees, inflation, disruption to its energy supplies and cyber-attacks.

    For this reason, in October 2024, the President of the Commission announced the Commission’s proposal for a Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova[1]. Its aim is to support the Moldovan economy with EUR 1.8 billion between 2025 and 2027.

    It also provides Moldova with similar financial support to that offered to Western Balkan countries and to Ukraine, reflecting their aspirations to join the EU.

    The co-legislators adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 March 2025 establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova[2].

    The EU condemns the unprecedented malign interference by Russia into Moldova’s elections and will continue supporting Moldova’s resilience and progress on its EU accession path.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_5124
    • [2] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/regulation-eu-2025535-european-parliament-and-council-18-march-2025-establishing-reform-and-growth_en
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU support for investigations of the crime at Tempi – P-001585/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001585/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    With regard to the crime that took place at Tempi (on 28 February 2023), the government’s narrative refers to the fatalities as a result of the crash. Investigations have shown that the hydrocarbons benzene, toluene and xylene, weighing 3.8-5.4 tonnes, were to blame for the fatal fireball. It was found that passengers who survived the crash were burnt to death, with the fire starting 1.5-3 minutes after the crash. It is estimated that 8.9-12.6 tonnes of aromatic hydrocarbons spilled onto the soil, with their evaporation creating dangerous conditions for those who later ventured onto the site. The fact that the smuggled cargo is to blame for the fireball, and thus for most of the deaths, is being covered up by the government – presumably at the request of the smugglers.

    The government’s manipulation of justice clearly results in the failure to investigate the identity of the smuggler and his connection to the government. Since 2014, the EU has provided almost EUR 700 million in funding towards 16 transport projects in Greece, and the crime at Tempi presents an – indirect – insult to it.

    In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Could it request that a European agency, such as the European Railway Agency (ERA), carry out an independent investigation of the accident?
    • 2.Is there a possibility for EU action to ensure that the Greek Government takes all the necessary measures to hold those responsible to account?
    • 3.Has the decision been taken to monitor Greece more closely with regard to the investigation of the case and the implementation of security measures following the crime at Tempi?

    Submitted: 21.4.2025

    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU interference in Romanian political affairs – E-000256/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

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

    The Commission has no competence to intervene in the organisation and conduct of elections.

    The Commission supports Member States on electoral matters, mainly through the framework of the European cooperation network on elections[1]. This brings together national authorities with relevant competence and facilitates the exchanges of information and best practices.

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

    In 2023, the Commission issued the recommendation on inclusive and resilient electoral processes in the EU[6] aiming to promote high democratic standards for elections in the EU, supporting high turnout, inclusive participation, easy and equal exercise of electoral rights and resilient electoral processes.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/democracy-eu-citizenship-anti-corruption/democracy-and-electoral-rights/european-cooperation-network-elections_en
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2065. In 2024, the Commission issued Guidelines for providers of Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines on the mitigation of systemic risks for electoral processes, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024XC03014&qid=1714466886277
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/900/oj/eng
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj/eng
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2023/2829/oj/eng
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU financing for the International Planned Parenthood Federation – E-000629/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission carries out rigorous selection processes, including checks on grant beneficiaries. To protect the financial interests of the Union, the Commission makes sure that the action is implemented in accordance with the applicable financial rules and the grant agreement signed with the beneficiary. Any breach of obligation of the terms of the grant agreement can lead to measures including grant agreement suspension and termination.

    The monitoring of the implementation of the grants, in which the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) European Network was a beneficiary, did not reveal any activities that would not be in line with the requirements for EU funding nor the need to review the allocation of funding.

    Further, the Commission notes that the IPPF is no t currently implementing any EU funding either.

    The Commission is aware of the allegations related to the tissue donation programme of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (IPPFA), which is a member association of IPPF. As the Commission pointed out in its replies to written questions E-011611/2015[1], E-12709/2015[2] and P-012161/2015[3], the IPPFA is not a recipient of EU funding either.

    Any information about alleged illegal activities taking place in the EU should be reported to the appropriate national law enforcement for further investigation, and, if necessary, for prosecution under the national legislative provisions.

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2015-011611-ASW_EN.html
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2015-012709-ASW_EN.html
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2015-011611-ASW_EN.html
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – TikTok platform – E-000503/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the context of the Romanian presidential elections held on 24 November 2024, the Commission sent to TikTok requests for information on 29 November[1] and 6 December 2024 regarding its measures to address risks from inauthentic activity, automated exploitation, and its recommender systems.

    Additionally, on 5 December 2024, the Commission adopted a decision imposing on TikTok an obligation to retain all information relevant to its management of the risks of any actual or foreseeable negative effects to electoral processes and civic discourse in the context of national elections held between 24 November 2024 and 31 March 2025[2]. On 17 December 2024, the Commission decided to open a third set of formal proceedings against TikTok[3].

    These proceedings focus on TikTok’s compliance with its obligation to diligently assess and mitigate systemic risks related to civic discourse and electoral processes stemming from: (1) the intentional manipulation of TikTok’s services and its related systems, including its recommender systems, and (2) the amplification and potentially rapid and wide dissemination of political advertisements and paid-for political content that is incompatible with TikTok’s terms and conditions. This investigation is ongoing: the Commission is currently gathering and analysing evidence.

    Furthermore, the Commission published in March 2024 guidelines on recommended measures under the DSA to mitigate systemic risks online for election[4], and released, in February 2025, the DSA elections toolkit for Digital Services Coordinators[5].

    In addition, certain very large online platforms (VLOPs), together with the Commission, took part in an election stress test in March 2025, organised by the Romanian authorities[6].

    • [1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-sends-additional-request-information-tiktok-under-digital-services-act
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_6243
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_6487
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1707
    • [5] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/dsa-elections-toolkit-digital-services-coordinators
    • [6] See also the European Board for Digital Services’ post-election report on the EU elections: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/european-board-digital-services-publishes-post-election-report-eu-elections
    Last updated: 24 April 2025

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