Category: Russian Federation

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Fourth and Final Reviews of Kosovo’s Stand-By Arrangement and Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement
Source: IMF – News in Russian

IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Fourth and Final Reviews of Kosovo’s Stand-By Arrangement and Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement

March 20, 2025

End-of-mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
- The IMF staff and Kosovo authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the Fourth and final Reviews under the Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement. Completion of the Reviews will make available SDR 13.35 million (€16.34 million) under the SBA and SDR 7.74 million (€9.48 million) under the RSF. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, with Board consideration expected in May. The authorities intend to continue treating the SBA as precautionary, not drawing on the resources.
- Program performance has also been strong. The authorities met all quantitative performance criteria, indicative targets (ITs) and structural benchmarks for the Reviews. Reforms and implementation of the green agenda, supported by the SBA and the RSF, have progressed
- Economic performance has remained strong with robust GDP growth and disinflation. Outlook is favorable but is subject to uncertainty, including from international geopolitical developments.
Pristina, Kosovo – March 20, 2025:An IMF mission, led by David Amaglobeli, visited Pristina during March 12–21, to hold discussions on the Fourth Reviews of Kosovo’s Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement. At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Amaglobeli issued the following statement:

“The authorities have maintained strong performance under the SBA and RSF. All end-December quantitative and indicative targets (ITs) for the Fourth Reviews have been met, and all end-March ITs are on track to be met. The authorities have been advancing on structural reforms by strengthening liquidity forecasting capacity at the Ministry of Finance and embarking on a major reform to modernize financial sector supervision. The authorities have also implemented, with a short delay, the remaining RSF reform measure—launch of the wind power tender.”

“The two-year IMF-supported programs have yielded significant results. Macroeconomic fundamentals have been strengthened by sustaining robust growth despite a challenging external environment, curbing inflation after the post-pandemic surge, and enhancing formal sector employment. Growth reached 4.4 percent in 2024 driven by private consumption and investment, which helped offset the effects of a widening trade deficit and slowing remittances. Growth is expected to remain at 4 percent in 2025. After two years of elevated pressures, inflation fell in 2024, averaging 1.6 percent, as food and transport inflation eased. The external current account deficit widened to 9 percent of GDP in 2024, up from 7.5 percent in 2023, reflecting increased imports driven by strong domestic demand.”

“Prudent fiscal policy has helped keep deficits and debt low and fiscal buffers strong. Deficits were modest at 0.2 and 0.3 percent of GDP in 2023 and 2024, respectively; public debt fell below 17 percent of GDP in 2024—the lowest level since 2017. Treasury deposits at the CBK—a key buffer against shocks—increased to €575 million by end-2024. Successful fiscal reforms have bolstered revenue collection, with the tax-to-GDP ratio reaching 26½ percent of GDP in 2024—the highest ever. Transparency has improved, including for public enterprises and key institutions, such as tax administration. Public financial management (PFM) reforms have led to more effective execution of the public investment program. Additionally, reforms implemented under the RSF, the first in Europe, have facilitated efforts to double renewable energy generation capacity, improve energy efficiency and cut pollution.”

Looking ahead, the authorities should continue implementing prudent fiscal policies anchored in a sound, rules-based framework to ensure sustainable fiscal outcomes, foster growth, advance social priorities, and enhance resilience. Continued revenue administration reforms will create much-needed fiscal space for increased social and capital investments, while PFM reforms will enhance the efficiency and impact of government spending. EU accession efforts will be key to mobilize additional financial resources to address Kosovo’s large developmental needs. Amid rising uncertainty, strong fiscal buffers and enhanced crisis preparedness remain essential to safeguard stability and resilience.”

“The CBK has made impressive progress in advancing financial sector reforms. These aim at enhancing stability, resilience, and modernization to support activity. The CBK has successfully implemented important internal institutional reforms to boost effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency. The CBK is undergoing an IMF-led Central Bank Transparency Code (CBT) assessment and a governance audit by a peer central bank, underscoring its commitment to best practices. In addition, several major initiatives are underway to modernize the financial sector regulatory framework, aligning it more closely with EU standards. Central to this is the ongoing adoption of the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP)—widely regarded as the most advanced and structured supervisory framework—to enhance risk-based bank supervision. The CBK is also developing and operationalizing a macroprudential policy framework and strengthening crisis preparedness, including through recently-extended ECB backstop (€100 million). Increased premiums from banks to the Deposit Insurance Fund provided additional safety cushion Significant strides were made to integrate with the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and develop the regional TIPS Clone instant payments system. These initiatives will foster a faster, safer, and more cost-effective payments landscape, benefiting businesses and citizens while enhancing regional integration.”

These reforms have supported rapid, healthy expansion of the financial sector. After growing by 17 percent in real terms in 2024, private sector credit peaked in 2024, exceeding 56 percent of GDP. Financial inclusion also improved, with bank or e-money account ownership and settlement via the Kosovo Interbank Payment System (KIPS) increasing. The newly launched Platform for Comparison of Financial Products and Services should help enhance financial literacy and transparency. Against this backdrop, the banking sector remains profitable and well-capitalized with low levels of NPLs. Maintaining this stability will require continued vigilance and proactive risk management.”

“The mission met with Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi, Minister of Finance, Labor, and Transfers Murati, Minister of Economy Rizvanolli, Central Bank Governor Ismaili, and other senior officials, civil society, private sector and international partners. The mission thanks them and their technical staff for constructive discussions and cooperation during this mission.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

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

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/20/pr2571-kosovo-review-sba-rsf

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MIL OSI Russia News –
March 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Belgium

Source: IMF – News in Russian

March 20, 2025

Washington, DC: On March 18, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Belgium, and considered and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting.^{^[1]}

The Belgian economy was resilient to a series of shocks, but growth has been slowing, and core inflation remains persistent. Labor productivity growth remained sluggish, and labor-cost competitiveness has declined. Successive shocks have increased structural fiscal deficits and public debt. Risks arising from deepening geoeconomic fragmentation and intensification of regional conflicts affecting energy, trade and financial spillovers could worsen the outlook.

Executive Board Assessment^[2]

In concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Belgium, Executive Directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:

Notwithstanding its resilience, the Belgium economy faces significant challenges. In the short term, in an increasingly uncertain environment, policies need to see disinflation through while preserving growth and financial stability. From a longer perspective, policies need to rebuild buffers, reduce vulnerabilities associated with high and rising public debt, address spending pressures from aging and the green transition, foster higher growth, and improve the external position which, in 2024, was weaker than implied by medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies based on preliminary assessment. The policy agenda of the new government, which includes significant structural reforms and fiscal consolidation, is an opportunity to make headway. Steady and timely implementation of intended reforms will be key.

Sustained and significant fiscal consolidation is needed. Considering the magnitude of the needed adjustment to bring the deficit durably below 3 percent of GDP and put debt solidly on a downward path, staff supports the government’s intention to pursue a seven-year adjustment under the EGF, which should be accompanied by credible and front-loaded growth-enhancing reforms. An annual reduction in the structural primary balance of about 0.6 ppt of GDP until 2031 will be necessary. The forthcoming MTFSP should be built on sufficiently conservative assumptions to lower the risk of deviating from the intended path of deficit reduction.

The adjustment should rationalize current spending, make room for more public investment, and be supported by increased efficiency of spending. Rationalizing social benefits and the public wage bill is crucial to achieve savings. Public investment should be preserved, or ideally, increased to bolster potential growth and support green transition. Amid competing demands for resources and reduced fiscal space, improving the efficiency of spending, is critical, notably with respect to investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Fiscal reforms are crucial to support the adjustment. Staff welcomes the government’s intention to reduce the tax burden on labor while introducing capital gain taxation and reducing tax expenditure. Considering the needed overall fiscal adjustment, tax reforms should not result in lower revenue. Similarly, staff welcomes the planned reforms aimed at raising the effective retirement age and reviewing eligibility to specific pension regimes. This is necessary to preserve the sustainability of the pension system despite aging. Staff also encourages the authorities to strengthen the overall fiscal framework, through a revitalized fiscal council and greater accountability of the federal and all federated entities in sharing the burden of fiscal adjustment.

Overall systemic risks in the financial sector remain moderate and current capital buffer requirements and prudential limits on mortgage loans should be maintained. Recent progress in strengthening systemic risk assessment, supervision, the macroprudential framework, and crisis management and resolution preparedness is welcome. With a new government in place, pending measures that required legislative action should now proceed.

Labor market and education reforms are essential to foster higher labor participation and better adequation of skills. The government’s intended reforms to widen the income gap between work and nonwork, limit the duration of unemployment benefits, and reduce the cost of hiring and dismissal go in the right direction. Fostering a labor market more inclusive of low-skilled workers, older workers, women, and individuals with an immigration background, or disabilities, notably through lifelong learning and reskilling and active labor-market policies, will enhance overall economic performance. Education reforms are also necessary to upskill the labor force. They should focus on aligning curricula with the skills companies need, better leveraging teachers’ time, and strengthening support to students in difficulty.

Reforming the wage-setting mechanism will help increase labor-market efficiency and improve competitiveness. Automatic wage and social benefit indexation protected household purchasing power during the inflation shock but increased fiscal deficits and undermined competitiveness. Consideration should be given to abolishing automatic indexation and the 1996 wage law which, together, prevent an optimal allocation of labor and higher employment. At a minimum, the labor market would already benefit from technical reforms to the existing system.

Further product market reforms and efforts with EU partners to deepen the single market and advance the capital market union will support firms’ productivity. Reforms should focus on reducing regulatory and administrative barriers and improving the insolvency regime. Removing remaining barriers to trade within the EU and harmonizing regulations and bankruptcy frameworks would give Belgian firms’ access to a larger customer base, improve competition, and provide buffers against risks from geo-fragmentation. Developing venture capital at the EU level would help widen Belgian firms’ options to finance their growth.

Despite progress, much effort remains needed to achieve climate objectives. The planned expansion of the EU ETS should be complemented by carbon taxation and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies, while ensuring support for vulnerable population. The consolidation of federal and regional climate efforts into a coherent and cohesive national strategy is essential.

Belgium: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–30


			Projections
			Projections

	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030

	(Percent change, unless otherwise indicated)
Real economy
Real GDP 1/	4.2	1.3	1.0	1.1	1.1	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3
Domestic demand	4.2	1.8	1.0	1.4	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.4	1.5
Private consumption	3.6	0.6	1.8	1.2	1.2	1.5	1.3	1.2	1.1
Public consumption	3.3	3.2	3.2	1.4	1.9	1.6	1.7	1.7	1.7
Gross fixed investment	1.7	3.5	0.9	0.6	1.7	1.5	1.6	1.7	2.0
Stockbuilding 2/	1.1	-0.1	-1.0	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Foreign balance 2/	0.1	-0.5	0.1	-0.3	-0.4	-0.2	-0.2	-0.1	-0.1
Exports, goods and services	5.8	-7.1	-4.0	0.0	2.6	3.2	3.2	3.1	3.1
Imports, goods and services	5.8	-6.8	-4.2	0.4	3.3	3.6	3.5	3.3	3.3
Household saving ratio	12.7	14.1	13.6	13.7	13.7	13.7	13.8	14.0	14.3
Potential output growth	2.0	1.8	1.6	1.4	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3
Potential output growth	1.3	1.2	1.0	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.3	1.4	1.3
per working age person
Output gap (in percent)	1.6	1.0	0.5	0.2	0.0	0.0	-0.1	0.0	0.0
Employment
Unemployment rate (in percent)	5.6	5.5	5.8	5.7	5.7	5.5	5.6	5.7	5.8
Employment growth	1.9	0.8	0.3	0.2	0.3	0.6	0.3	0.2	0.4
Prices
Consumer prices (HICP)	10.3	2.3	4.3	3.5	2.2	2.0	2.0	1.9	1.9
Core CPI (HICP)	4.0	6.0	3.4	3.0	2.6	2.2	2.1	1.9	1.9
GDP deflator	6.8	4.5	2.7	2.5	1.7	1.5	1.7	1.6	1.6
	(Percent of GDP; unless otherwise indicated)
Public finance
Revenue	48.6	49.1	49.6	49.5	49.5	49.5	49.5	49.6	49.7
Expenditure	52.2	53.3	54.0	54.3	55.0	55.3	55.7	56.3	56.9
General government balance	-3.6	-4.2	-4.4	-4.8	-5.5	-5.8	-6.2	-6.7	-7.2
Structural balance	-4.3	-4.4	-4.5	-4.8	-5.5	-5.8	-6.1	-6.8	-7.2
Structural balance (excl. Covid measures)	-3.7	-4.3	-4.4	-4.8	-5.5	-5.8	-6.1	-6.8	-7.2
Structural primary balance	-2.7	-2.4	-2.2	-2.5	-3.0	-3.0	-3.2	-3.5	-3.7
Primary balance	-2.0	-2.2	-2.2	-2.4	-3.0	-3.0	-3.3	-3.4	-3.7
General government debt	102.6	103.1	104.1	105.4	108.6	111.9	115.2	118.9	123.0
External Sector
Goods and services balance	-1.5	-0.6	-0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.3	0.5	0.7
Current account	-1.3	-0.7	-0.3	-0.3	-0.3	-0.3	-0.1	0.1	0.2
Exchange rates
Euro per U.S. dollar, period average	0.9	0.9	0.9	…	…	…	…	…	…
NEER, ULC-styled (2005=100)	96.3	97.6	97.8	…	…	…	…	…	…
REER, ULC-based (2005=100)	99.7	103.8	105.5	…	…	…	…	…	…
Memorandum items
Gross national savings (in percent of GDP)	25.6	24.6	23.8	23.9	23.9	23.9	24.1	24.3	24.5
Gross national investment	26.9	25.3	24.1	24.2	24.3	24.3	24.2	24.2	24.3
(in percent of GDP)
Nominal GDP (in billions of euros)	563.5	596.3	618.6	640.9	658.7	677.3	697.8	718.4	739.8
Population (in millions)	11.6	11.7	11.8	11.8	11.9	11.9	11.9	12.0	12.0

Sources: Haver Analytics, Belgian authorities, and IMF staff projections.
1/ Based on national accounts data available as of January 29, 2025.
2/ Contribution to GDP growth.

[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

[2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Eva Graf

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

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/19/pr25070-belgium-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation-with-belgium

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MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Guterres welcomes deals to halt energy attacks in Ukraine, Russia

Source: United Nations 4

20 March 2025 Peace and Security

UN chief António Guterres on Thursday hailed positive announcements from the White House, Kremlin and Kyiv aimed at stopping crippling attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia, linked to Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour.

“Any ceasefire is welcome because it saves lives, but it is essential that a ceasefire paves the way for a just peace in Ukraine,” the UN Secretary-General said, speaking in Brussels, on the sidelines of high-level meetings and discussions with European partners.

A “just peace” in Ukraine “is a peace that respects the UN Charter, international law and Security Council resolutions, namely about the territorial integrity of Ukraine”, the UN chief stressed.

His comments followed an earlier statement in which he welcomed further declarations by President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine seeking to extend the ceasefire to the Black Sea – a crucial trade route for food and fertilizer exports to the wider world.

“Reaching an agreement on safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, with security commitments and in line with the UN Charter and international law would be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains,” the Secretary-General said, in a statement issued by his spokesperson’s office. “It would reflect the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets.”

Key shipping lane

The UN has been heavily invested in ensuring that Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea can happen safely, along with the transport of Russian food and fertilizer, to halt spiralling food prices worldwide and stave off famine in vulnerable countries.

The UN-brokered Black Sea Initiative was agreed by Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the UN in Istanbul in July 2022. It allowed more than 30 million tonnes of grain and other foodstuffs to leave Ukraine’s ports and played an “indispensable role” in global food security, Mr. Guterres said at the time.

A parallel accord was also agreed between the UN and Moscow on grain and fertilizer exports from Russia, known as a Memorandum of Understanding.

In July 2023, the UN Secretary-General expressed his deep regret at Russia’s decision to terminate its involvement in the grain initiative.

“The Secretary-General has consistently supported the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” his statement continued, adding that he remains “closely engaged in the continued implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation on global food security”.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai attends AmCham Taiwan 2025 Hsieh Nien Fan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-03-18
President Lai meets Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. In remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Arizona enjoy close economic and trade relations, and expressed hope that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-United States high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. The president indicated that the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome for Taiwan-US relations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome you all to the Presidential Office. Governor Hobbs previously visited Taiwan after taking office in 2023. Her leading a delegation to Taiwan once again demonstrates Arizona’s continued friendship and the importance Arizona attaches to Taiwan. For this, I express my sincerest gratitude, and I welcome you again. In recent years, ties between Taiwan and Arizona have continued to expand and progress. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s investment in Arizona is the largest greenfield investment in US history. This month, TSMC announced that it would increase its investment in the US by US$100 billion. It plans to build more semiconductor fabrication and research and development facilities in greater Phoenix, transforming the area into a US semiconductor hub. Due to our close industrial engagement, we now have more than 30,000 Taiwanese living in Arizona. I would like to thank Governor Hobbs for taking care of Taiwanese businesses and people. I believe that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-US high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. Taiwan and Arizona also enjoy close economic and trade relations. Taiwan is Arizona’s eighth largest export market and fifth largest source of imports. Last December, the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade officially came into effect. I believe this will help further deepen our trade and economic ties. At present, the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation. I hope that we can work together to achieve this goal as soon as possible. This would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive local industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome. With Governor Hobbs’s support, we look forward to continuing to advance Taiwan-US relations and promoting further cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Arizona across all domains. I understand that during this visit, you have visited many important companies and exchanged opinions with government agencies on how to strengthen bilateral relations. These efforts all go toward building an even more solid foundation for future Taiwan-US cooperation. Once again, I thank you all for supporting Taiwan and welcome you to visit us often in the future. Governor Hobbs then delivered remarks, stating that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan continues to thrive as a global hub for technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. She said that she is proud to be back in Taiwan alongside her secretary of commerce, Sandra Watson, as part of a diplomatic and economic delegation from Arizona. Since arriving, she said, they’ve hit the ground running, meeting with key partners, businesses, and leaders, noting that the takeaway from their meetings has been incredibly positive, and that they underscore the strong and enduring partnership between Arizona and Taiwan. Adding that our partnership that is built on shared values, mutual cultural appreciation, and commitment to innovation and economic growth, Governor Hobbs indicated that Arizona and Taiwan’s partnership extends back decades, as Taiwanese fighter pilots have been training at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix since 1996. She said that we have built a strong base of collaboration across many areas, including technology, workforce, and cultural exchange, and that Arizona is even slated to get its own Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), which she expressed she is very thrilled about. Governor Hobbs went on to say that Arizona’s relationship with Taiwan is anchored by its ongoing partnership with TSMC and many Taiwan-based companies in semiconductor and other industries, and that TSMC’s US$165 billion investment in Arizona will help power development of the world’s most advanced technology, such as AI, and promises to cement an unbreakable bond between our two economies. She stated that as governor, she can say with confidence that her administration is fully committed to strengthening this relationship in every way possible, because when Arizona and Taiwan succeed, we all succeed. Lastly, Governor Hobbs once again expressed gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality. She then invited President Lai to Arizona to continue their productive conversations and further strengthen ties between our people and our economies, adding that she knows there is no limit to what we can achieve together, and that she is looking forward to what is to come. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

Details
2025-03-18
President Lai meets delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas of Saint Christopher and Nevis
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. In remarks, President Lai thanked St. Kitts and Nevis for speaking up for Taiwan at major international venues and supporting Taiwan’s international participation. The president expressed hope that our two countries continue to achieve remarkable results through cooperation in such fields as education and training, agricultural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability, and create even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome Minister Douglas and our esteemed guests to Taiwan. Last June, Minister Douglas accompanied Prime Minister Terrance Drew and his wife on their trip to Taiwan. I am delighted to be able to meet and exchange views with Minister Douglas again less than one year later. Your presence fully demonstrates the profound bond between Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis. I look forward to the further deepening of our partnership through our exchanges during this visit. Although our two nations are separated by a great distance, we share such universal values as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. We also continue to achieve remarkable results through cooperation in such fields as education and training, agricultural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Given that Prime Minister Drew, Minister Douglas, and I all share medical backgrounds, we deeply understand the importance of people’s health. I thus look forward to St. Kitts and Nevis’s climate-smart JNF General Hospital commencing operations as soon as possible thanks to our cooperation. The provision of even higher-quality public health and medical services will yield benefits for many more people. I also believe that by having Taiwan share its experiences in renewable energy and energy-saving technologies, our two countries will jointly drive green industrial transformation and stimulate sustainable development together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank St. Kitts and Nevis for actively speaking up for Taiwan and supporting Taiwan’s participation at such major international venues and organizations as the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. In the future, Taiwan will continue to make critical contributions to the international community. With the support of Minister Douglas and our guests, I look forward to our two countries backing each other on the global stage and continuing to build an even stronger foundation for bilateral cooperation. Let us work together to address the various challenges we face and create even greater well-being for our peoples. Minister Douglas then delivered remarks, first conveying greetings from Prime Minister Drew to President Lai, the government, and the people of Taiwan. He then stated that over the last 41 years since the dawn of their nationhood, the Republic of China Taiwan has steadfastly walked beside St. Kitts and Nevis as a strong and immovable partner. As we reflect on four decades of our journey together, he said, we recognize the unswerving and unwavering spirit that has guided both our nations through trials and challenges. The minister then acknowledged the generous support of Taiwan’s government that has helped St. Kitts and Nevis in its own economic and social development. He went on to say that Taiwan’s partnership with St. Kitts and Nevis has been instrumental in helping them achieve the goals of their sustainable island state agenda. Whether in enhancing food security through the diversification of their agricultural sector, fostering clean energy solutions through the solar PV farm, or advancing healthcare through assistance in building their smart hospital, he said, Taiwan has been a steadfast partner in shaping a much more resilient and sustainable future for the people of their federation. In the spirit of reciprocity and solidarity, Minister Douglas said, St. Kitts and Nevis continues to leverage opportunities on the global stage to request incessantly that Taiwan be given its rightful place in international organizations, where it can make a meaningful contribution to resolving the world’s most critical issues. Minister Douglas indicated that the global challenges we face today demand collective action, and that Taiwan has the innovation, the technology, the knowledge, and the expertise to make a tremendous positive impact on some of the world’s most urgent issues. He said that St. Kitts and Nevis will never grow weary in their own support, but shall continue to sound the clarion call of “let Taiwan in,” as well as advocate for peace to be maintained in the Taiwan Strait. To close, Minister Douglas expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality bestowed upon him and his delegation by Taiwan’s government, remarking that the engagements they had thus far were pregnant with promise, and that they are confident in witnessing a fruitful outcome as we work together to build a prosperous and sustainable future for our peoples. The delegation also included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Adina Richards, and Director in the Ministry of International Trade Sean Lawrence. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Donya L. Francis.

Details
2025-03-18
President Lai meets 2025 Yushan Forum participants
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with participants in the 2025 Yushan Forum. In remarks, President Lai thanked the guests for gathering here in Taiwan and discussing ways to enhance regional cooperation, demonstrating that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. The president reiterated that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. He stated that Taiwan will continue to work with international partners to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, the president emphasized, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to begin by thanking Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former prime minister of Denmark and chairman of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, for inviting then-President Tsai Ing-wen to address the Copenhagen Democracy Summit via video over five consecutive years since 2020, and for inviting myself to give remarks via video last year. Those opportunities allowed Taiwan to share with the world our motivation for, and our work toward, safeguarding freedom and democracy. I would also like to thank Mr. Janez Janša, former prime minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who has visited Taiwan many times already, for actively elevating the cordial ties between Taiwan and Slovenia during his term as prime minister, helping expand friendship for Taiwan throughout Europe. Today’s guests have traveled a long way to show their strong backing for Taiwan. For this, I express my deepest gratitude. Yesterday was my first time attending the Yushan Forum as president. I saw political leaders and representatives gather here in Taiwan and discuss ways to enhance regional cooperation. The event demonstrated that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. It was truly moving. As I stated at the opening ceremony, Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. Our government will help guide Taiwanese small- and medium-sized enterprises as they expand into the international market and extend Taiwan’s economic power. I hope that during this visit, our guests will be able to explore more opportunities for cooperation in such fields as AI, smart healthcare, and advanced technologies, and join hands in contributing to the prosperity and development of our democratic allies and friends. Taiwan will continue to work with international partners, building upon the shared values of freedom and democracy, to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. And I hope, with the assistance of our guests here today, that we can further strengthen the ties between Taiwan and Europe so that we can all take up the work of maintaining global peace and stability. Once again, I welcome our guests to Taiwan. I look forward to hearing your thoughts in a few moments. I also hope you will visit Taiwan often in the future and continue to experience our vibrant democratic society and culture. Chairman Rasmussen then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great pleasure to be back here in Taipei after meeting with President Lai in 2023. He then thanked President Lai for the Taiwanese hospitality on behalf of the Yushan Forum international visitors and participants, who represent four continents and very different political parties but who are united by one thing – the commitment to democracy. Chairman Rasmussen mentioned that over the past few days, they have met with members of the government, legislature, and civil society in Taiwan. He said that he is more convinced than ever that in a very uncertain world, Taiwan continues to stand as a beacon of democracy, from which people in Europe and in the rest of the world have a lot to learn. Over the past eight years, he has been proud to step up his engagement with Taiwan, he said, as he has always subscribed to the view that freedom must advance everywhere, or else it is in decline everywhere. Chairman Rasmussen noted that they have many interests in making sure Taiwan remains free and that we must always stand up for freedom when it is under assault by a dictator. This is why Ukraine’s fight is also everyone’s fight, he explained. He then praised Taiwan for all of the support it has given to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion and honored the two Taiwanese volunteer soldiers who gave their lives for freedom in Ukraine. Chairman Rasmussen remarked that Taiwan is a strong feature of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit that he convenes each year. His foundation, the Alliance of Democracies, has even been sanctioned by the Chinese government due to its support of Taiwan, he said, which is something he takes as a badge of honor. He added that this year’s Copenhagen Democracy Summit in May will be no different, as they plan to focus on the new world order, urgent measures to strengthen Europe’s military, and the situation in Ukraine. But as the United States pulls back from the transatlantic alliance and Europe focuses more on its own defense, he said, Europe should not retreat from the world. He added that to ensure European security, we need more Europe in the Indo-Pacific, and that is why he has been making the argument for more political and economic cooperation with Taiwan. Chairman Rasmussen praised President Lai’s recent decision to increase Taiwan’s national defense budget to more than 3 percent of GDP, adding that it is important that each nation does what it can for its own defense. The chairman once again thanked President Lai for meeting with them today and for the opportunity to visit Taiwan, a beacon of democracy and liberty in Asia. Also in attendance at the meeting were Chairman of the Czech Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Pavel Fischer; Member of the National Security Advisory Board to India’s National Security Council Anshuman Tripathi; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Anna Fotyga; former Minister of Health of Canada Tony Clement; and former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and current Secretary General of the Polish-based Community of Democracies Mantas Adomėnas.

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2025-03-17
President Lai meets Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji
On the afternoon of March 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Japanese House of Representatives Member and Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Consultative Council for doing its utmost to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. He also stated that Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense, and in addition to continuing to bolster its economic strength and enhance its self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will work together with Japan and other like-minded countries to promote regional and global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to extend a warm welcome to Chairman Furuya, who is visiting us once again. I am also delighted to meet House of Councillors Member Yamamoto Junzo and House of Representatives Member Hiranuma Shojiro today. Although the Japanese Diet is currently in session, our distinguished guests overcame many hurdles and organized a delegation to attend the 2025 Yushan Forum and deliver speeches, providing valuable insights into issues of mutual concern in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrating the support for Taiwan in the Diet. Here, I would like to express my deepest gratitude. During the Yushan Forum, it was especially inspiring when Chairman Furuya spoke Taiwanese when he emphasized that “if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” Over the past few years under Chairman Furuya’s leadership, the Consultative Council has done its utmost to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. In addition to passing resolutions every year supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the council has established four internal research groups regarding the CPTPP, exchanges for women legislators, encouraging local-level exchanges, and the Taiwan Relations Act, using an issue-oriented approach to deepen Taiwan-Japan relations. Thanks to the Consultative Council’s long-term assistance and promotional efforts, the Japanese Ministry of Justice has announced that beginning this May, members of the Taiwanese overseas community in Japan included in the country’s family registry system may list “Taiwan” in the field designating their nationality or region of origin. This demonstrates the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan, and the Taiwanese people will always remember the council’s continued concrete actions in support of Taiwan. In his remarks at the Yushan Forum today, Chairman Furuya mentioned that there are many areas in which Taiwan and Japan can engage in industrial cooperation. We can continue to deepen our partnership in semiconductors, energy, AI, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other areas related to economic security and supply chain resilience, all of which have significant room for cooperation, creating win-win situations for both Taiwan and Japan. As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity. Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense. In addition to bolstering our economic strength and enhancing our self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will also work with Japan and other like-minded countries to promote regional and global democracy, peace, and prosperity. All of our distinguished guests are good friends of Taiwan, and are very familiar with Taiwan. I hope to continue working together with you all to carry Taiwan-Japan relations to an even higher level. Chairman Furuya then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking time out of his busy schedule to see them. He then noted that Japan, Taiwan, and quite a few other nations around the world changed leaders last year, and conditions around the world are becoming increasingly unstable. One cannot see what the world will be like a few years from now, he said, which is why he is counting so heavily on the strong leadership of President Lai. Chairman Furuya said that, in addition to collaboration in foreign affairs and security matters, economic cooperation between Taiwan and Japan is also very important. He mentioned new technologies, and said he had spoken quite a bit on the topic that very morning at the Yushan Forum. The clearest example, he said, is the establishment by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company of a wafer plant in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, which has sparked robust economic activity. He added that cooperation addressing such matters as cyberattacks and supply chain resilience is also very important. Chairman Furuya noted that President Lai had mentioned in his remarks that beginning from May, Taiwanese overseas community members in Japan will be able to list “Taiwan” on their family registers. The chairman expressed his view that this is not a foreign affairs issue, but rather a human rights issue for the Taiwanese people, and an excellent way to show respect for Taiwan. He further noted President Lai’s mentioning of the four research groups that the Consultative Council has established, and said that these groups will ramp up their work. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will work together to address challenges that face both countries, such as issues pertaining to democracy and peace in the Taiwan Strait, so that they can together push for international peace and stability. Chairman Furuya stated that reciprocal visits by Taiwanese and Japanese people reached an all-time high last year. He said that in the future, in addition to further promoting local exchanges between the two countries, he also hopes that Japanese middle school and high school students planning to go on overseas study trips will choose Taiwan as their destination, because he feels that any student who visits Taiwan will become a fan of this place. Also in attendance was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

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2025-03-17
President Lai addresses opening of 2025 Yushan Forum
On the morning of March 17, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2025 Yushan Forum, the theme of which was “New Southbound Policy+: Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and a New World.” In remarks, President Lai stated that the New Southbound Policy has led to great success in economic and trade cooperation, professional exchanges, resource sharing, and building regional links. He said that in the past, Taiwanese industries went from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer with the north, but that now, Taiwan is confidently stepping across the Pacific, reaching eastward, to the Americas and other regions. While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, he said, Taiwan’s enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. The president stated that Taiwan will strive alongside its partners in democracy to bolster non-red supply chains and digital solidarity, and together respond to the threats and challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. He indicated that the Yushan Forum is a place to share experiences, and more importantly, lay down firm foundations for exchanges and cooperation among participants’ countries to create greater stability for the region and greater prosperity for the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I want to welcome our good friends joining us from around the world. Your presence shows support for a peaceful and stable Taiwan and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Yushan Forum has become more than just an important platform for the New Southbound Policy. Over these eight years, more than 3,600 participants from Taiwan and 28 other countries have helped deepen Taiwan’s connections with nations around the world. The New Southbound Policy has led to great success in economic and trade cooperation, professional exchanges, resource sharing, and building regional links. Looking ahead, the Yushan Forum will be taking on the important mission of carrying its legacy forward and transforming it into action. Not only must we turn consensus into action plans for close cooperation among countries in the region; we must also work with partners around the world to forge ahead with cooperative plans for mutual prosperity. We hope to envision a new world from Taiwan – and see Taiwan in this new world. We are also embracing an era of smart technology. The government sessions of this Yushan Forum are therefore centered around topics including smart healthcare, smart transportation, and resilient supply chains for semiconductors. Taiwan is intent on working side by side with other countries to face the challenges of this new era. Today’s Taiwan celebrates not only the democratic achievements that are recognized by the international community, but also our strengths in the semiconductor and other tech industries, which enable us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. We are building on Taiwan as a “silicon island” for semiconductors while accelerating innovation and AI applications for industry. These efforts will help Taiwan become an “AI island” as well. We are also developing forward-looking fields such as quantum technology and precision medicine, which will create an industry ecosystem that is highly competitive and innovative. The government will also develop economic models powered by innovation. This will help SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) upgrade and transform through the power of digital transformation and net-zero transition. In the past, Taiwanese industries went from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer with the north. But now, we are confidently stepping across the Pacific, reaching eastward, to the Americas and other regions. While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. As we gather here today, I am confident that we share the same goal: Through international cooperation, we hope to build an even more inclusive, resilient, prosperous Indo-Pacific, while jointly defending the democracy, freedom, and peace we so firmly believe in. I want to thank you all once again for supporting Taiwan. We will strive alongside our partners in democracy to bolster non-red supply chains and digital solidarity, and together respond to the threats and challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. Yushan is also known as Jade Mountain. It is Taiwan’s highest peak and stands as firm as our unwavering spirit. During this critical time of global change and transformation, the Yushan Forum is a place where we can share our experiences, and more importantly, lay down firm foundations for exchanges and cooperation among our countries. This way, we can create greater stability for the region and greater prosperity for the world. I wish everyone a successful forum. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were former Prime Minister of Denmark and Alliance of Democracies Foundation Chairman Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša, Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, and American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

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2025-03-13
President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
On the afternoon of March 13, President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security meeting, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai introduced 17 major strategies to respond to five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces: China’s threat to national sovereignty, its threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting Taiwan’s military, its threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan, its threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges, and its threats from using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth. President Lai emphasized that in the face of increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and expressed hope that all citizens unite in solidarity to resist being divided. The president also expressed hope that citizens work together to increase media literacy, organize and participate in civic education activities, promptly expose concerted united front efforts, and refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, he said, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: At many venues recently, a number of citizens have expressed similar concerns to me. They have noticed cases in which members of the military, both active-duty and retired, have been bought out by China, sold intelligence, or even organized armed forces with plans to harm their own nation and its citizens. They have noticed cases in which entertainers willingly followed instructions from Beijing to claim that their country is not a country, all for the sake of personal career interests. They have noticed how messaging used by Chinese state media to stir up internal opposition in Taiwan is always quickly spread by specific channels. There have even been individuals making careers out of helping Chinese state media record united front content, spreading a message that democracy is useless and promoting skepticism toward the United States and the military to sow division and opposition. Many people worry that our country, as well as our hard-won freedom and democracy and the prosperity and progress we achieved together, are being washed away bit by bit due to these united front tactics. In an analysis of China’s united front, renowned strategic scholar Kerry K. Gershaneck expressed that China plans to divide and conquer us through subversion, infiltration, and acquisition of media, and by launching media warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare. What they are trying to do is to sow seeds of discord in our society, keep us occupied with internal conflicts, and cause us to ignore the real threat from outside. China’s ambition over the past several decades to annex Taiwan and stamp out the Republic of China has not changed for even a day. It continues to pursue political and military intimidation, and its united front infiltration of Taiwan’s society grows ever more serious. In 2005, China promulgated its so-called “Anti-Secession Law,” which makes using military force to annex Taiwan a national undertaking. Last June, China issued a 22-point set of “guidelines for punishing Taiwan independence separatists,” which regards all those who do not accept that “Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China” as targets for punishment, creating excuses to harm the people of Taiwan. China has also recently been distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, showing in all aspects China’s increasingly urgent threat against Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lately, China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan’s freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within. A report from the National Security Bureau indicates that 64 persons were charged last year with suspicion of spying for China, which was three times the number of persons charged for the same offense in 2021. Among them, the Unionist Party, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government formed treasonous organizations to deploy armed forces for China. In a democratic and free society, such cases are appalling. But this is something that actually exists within Taiwan’s society today. China also actively plots ways to infiltrate and spy on our military. Last year, 28 active-duty and 15 retired members of the armed forces were charged with suspicion of involvement in spying for China, respectively comprising 43 percent and 23 percent of all of such cases – 66 percent in total. We are also alert to the fact that China has recently used widespread issuance of Chinese passports to entice Taiwanese citizens to apply for the Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, permanent residency, or the Resident Identity Card, in an attempt to muddle Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity. China also views cross-strait exchanges as a channel for its united front against Taiwan, marking enemies in Taiwan internally, creating internal divisions, and weakening our sense of who the enemy really is. It intends to weaken public authority and create the illusion that China is “governing” Taiwan, thereby expanding its influence within Taiwan. We are also aware that China has continued to expand its strategy of integrated development with Taiwan. It employs various methods to demand and coerce Taiwanese businesses to increase their investments in China, entice Taiwanese youth to develop their careers in China, and unscrupulously seeks to poach Taiwan’s talent and steal key technologies. Such methods impact our economic security and greatly increase the risk of our young people heading to China. By its actions, China already satisfies the definition of a “foreign hostile force” as provided in the Anti-Infiltration Act. We have no choice but to take even more proactive measures, which is my purpose in convening this high-level national security meeting today. It is time we adopt proper preventive measures, enhance our democratic resilience and national security, and protect our cherished free and democratic way of life. Next, I will be giving a detailed account of the five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces and the 17 major strategies we have prepared in response. I. Responding to China’s threats to our national sovereignty We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty, and we have the Republic of China insofar as we have Taiwan. Just as I said during my inaugural address last May, and in my National Day address last October: The moment when Taiwan’s first democratically elected president took the oath of office in 1996 sent a message to the international community, that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Among people here and in the international community, some call this land the Republic of China, some call it Taiwan, and some, the Republic of China Taiwan. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan resists any annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. The future of the Republic of China Taiwan must be decided by its 23 million people. This is the status quo that we must maintain. The broadest consensus in Taiwanese society is that we must defend our sovereignty, uphold our free and democratic way of life, and resolutely oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (1) I request that the National Security Council (NSC), the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and the administrative team do their utmost to promote the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to demonstrate the people’s broad consensus and firm resolve, consistent across the entirety of our nation, to oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (2) I request that the NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs draft an action plan that will, through collaboration with our friends and allies, convey to the world our national will and broad social consensus in opposing annexation of Taiwan by China and in countering China’s efforts to erase Taiwan from the international community and downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. II. Responding to China’s threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting our military (1) Comprehensively review and amend our Law of Military Trial to restore the military trial system, allowing military judges to return to the frontline and collaborate with prosecutorial, investigative, and judicial authorities in the handling of criminal cases in which active-duty military personnel are suspected of involvement in such military crimes as sedition, aiding the enemy, leaking confidential information, dereliction of duty, or disobedience. In the future, criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel who are suspected of violating the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces will be tried by a military court. (2) Implement supporting reforms, including the establishment of a personnel management act for military judges and separate organization acts for military courts and military prosecutors’ offices. Once planning and discussion are completed, the MND will fully explain to and communicate with the public to ensure that the restoration of the military trial system gains the trust and full support of society. (3) To deter the various types of controversial rhetoric and behavior exhibited by active-duty as well as retired military personnel that severely damage the morale of our national military, the MND must discuss and propose an addition to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces on penalties for expressions of loyalty to the enemy as well as revise the regulations for military personnel and their families receiving retirement benefits, so as to uphold military discipline. III. Responding to China’s threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan (1) I request that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), and other relevant agencies, wherever necessary, carry out inspections and management of the documents involving identification that Taiwanese citizens apply for in China, including: passports, ID cards, permanent residence certificates, and residence certificates, especially when the applicants are military personnel, civil servants, or public school educators, who have an obligation of loyalty to Taiwan. This will be done to strictly prevent and deter united front operations, which are performed by China under the guise of “integrated development,” that attempt to distort our people’s national identity. (2) With respect to naturalization and integration of individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau into Taiwanese society, more national security considerations must be taken into account while also attending to Taiwan’s social development and individual rights: Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan must, in accordance with the law of Taiwan, relinquish their existing household registration and passport and may not hold dual identity status. As for the systems in place to process individuals from Hong Kong or Macau applying for residency or permanent residency in Taiwan, there will be additional provisions for long-term residency to meet practical needs. IV. Responding to China’s threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges (1) There are increasing risks involved with travel to China. (From January 1, 2024 to today, the MAC has received reports of 71 Taiwanese nationals who went missing, were detained, interrogated, or imprisoned in China; the number of unreported people who have been subjected to such treatment may be several times that. Of those, three elderly I-Kuan Tao members were detained in China in December of last year and have not yet been released.) In light of this, relevant agencies must raise public awareness of those risks, continue enhancing public communication, and implement various registration systems to reduce the potential for accidents and the risks associated with traveling to China. (2) Implement a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public officials at all levels of the central and local government. This includes everyone from administrative officials to elected representatives, from legislators to village and neighborhood chiefs, all of whom should make the information related to such exchanges both public and transparent so that they can be accountable to the people. The MOI should also establish a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public welfare organizations, such as religious groups, in order to prevent China’s interference and united front activities at their outset. (3) Manage the risks associated with individuals from China engaging in exchanges with Taiwan: Review and approval of Chinese individuals coming to Taiwan should be limited to normal cross-strait exchanges and official interactions under the principles of parity and dignity, and relevant factors such as changes in the cross-strait situation should be taken into consideration. Strict restrictions should be placed on Chinese individuals who have histories with the united front coming to Taiwan, and Chinese individuals should be prohibited from coming to Taiwan to conduct activities related in any way to the united front. (4) Political interference from China and the resulting risks to national security should be avoided in cross-strait exchanges. This includes the review and management of religious, cultural, academic, and education exchanges, which should in principle be depoliticized and de-risked so as to simplify people-to-people exchanges and promote healthy and orderly exchanges. (5) To deter the united front tactics of a cultural nature employed by Chinese nationals to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, the Executive Yuan must formulate a solution to make our local cultural industries more competitive, including enhanced support and incentives for our film, television, and cultural and creative industries to boost their strengths in democratic cultural creation, raise international competitiveness, and encourage research in Taiwan’s own history and culture. (6) Strengthen guidance and management for entertainers developing their careers in China. The competent authorities should provide entertainers with guidelines on conduct while working in China, and make clear the scope of investigation and response to conduct that endangers national dignity. This will help prevent China from pressuring Taiwanese entertainers to make statements or act in ways that endanger national dignity. (7) The relevant authorities must adopt proactive, effective measures to prevent China from engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan or endangering cybersecurity through the internet, applications, AI, and other such tools. (8) To implement these measures, each competent authority must run a comprehensive review of the relevant administrative ordinances, measures, and interpretations, and complete the relevant regulations for legal enforcement. Should there be any shortcomings, the legal framework for national security should be strengthened and amendments to the National Security Act, Anti-Infiltration Act, Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong & Macao Affairs, or Cyber Security Management Act should be proposed. Communication with the public should also be increased so that implementation can happen as soon as possible. V. Responding to threats from China using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth (1) I request that the NSC and administrative agencies work together to carry out strategic structural adjustments to the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and China based on the strategies of putting Taiwan first and expanding our global presence while staying rooted in Taiwan. In addition, they should carry out necessary, orderly adjustments to the flow of talent, goods, money, and skills involved in cross-strait economic and trade relations based on the principle of strengthening Taiwan’s foundations to better manage risk. This will help boost economic security and give us more power to respond to China’s economic and trade united front and economic coercion against Taiwan. (2) I request that the Ministry of Education, MAC, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other relevant agencies work together to comprehensively strengthen young students’ literacy education on China and deepen their understanding of cross-strait exchanges. I also request these agencies to widely publicize mechanisms for employment and entrepreneurship for Taiwan’s youth and provide ample information and assistance so that young students have more confidence in the nation’s future and more actively invest in building up and developing Taiwan. My fellow citizens, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. History tells us that any authoritarian act of aggression or annexation will ultimately end in failure. The only way we can safeguard freedom and prevail against authoritarian aggression is through solidarity. As we face increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and to ensure that the freedom, democracy, and way of life of Taiwan’s 23 million people continues on as normal. But relying solely on the power of the government is not enough. What we need even more is for all citizens to stay vigilant and take action. Every citizen stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy and freedom. Here is what we can do together: First, we can increase our media literacy, and refrain from spreading and passing on united front messaging from the Chinese state. Second, we can organize and participate in civic education activities to increase our knowledge about united front operations and build up whole-of-society defense resilience. Third, we can promptly expose concerted united front efforts so that all malicious attempts are difficult to carry out. Fourth, we must refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. The vigilance and action of every citizen forms the strongest line of defense against united front infiltration. Only through solidarity can we resist being divided. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/20/2025, 12:31 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A0JWVL2 security (EuroplanB7) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

03/20/2025

12:31

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 20.03.2025, 12-31 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 115.79) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1303.52 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) of the RU000A0JWVL2 (EuroplanB7) security were changed.

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N78676

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/20/2025, 13-43 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the OZON security (OZON-adr) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

03/20/2025

13:43

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on March 20, 2025, 13:43 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -20.0%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -2.88 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 47.59%) of the OZON security (OZON-adr) were changed.

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s phone call with Putin fails to deliver a full ceasefire – here’s what could happen next

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

After more than two hours on the phone on Tuesday, March 17, the US president, Donald Trump, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreed only to confidence-building measures, not a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. The two leaders came away from the call having agreed on a limited prisoner exchange, a suspension of attacks on energy infrastructure, and the creation of working groups to explore further steps towards a ceasefire and ultimately a peace agreement, a proposal which Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky has since agreed to in his call with the US president.

A less charitable way of looking at the outcome of the second call between the two presidents since Trump returned to the White House would be that the ball is now back in America’s court. Putin made it crystal clear to Trump that he is not (yet) in the mood for any compromise.

This is hardly surprising given recent events.

The US has pressured Ukraine mercilessly into accepting a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which Trump hoped Russia would also agree to. But apart from a vague statement by Trump that he might consider sanctions against Russia, he has so far seemed unwilling to contemplate putting any meaningful equivalent pressure on Putin.

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On the ground, Russia has gained the upper hand in the Kursk region where Ukrainian troops have ceded most of the territory they captured after a surprise offensive last summer. Once Putin’s forces, assisted by thousands of North Korean soldiers, have succeeded in driving the Ukrainians out of Russia, Kyiv will have lost its most valuable bargaining chip in negotiations with Moscow.

Meanwhile, Russia has also made further gains on the frontlines inside Ukraine especially in parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. These are two of the four regions (the other two are Donetsk and Luhansk) that Putin has claimed for Russia in their entirety since sham referendums in September 2022, despite not yet having full control of them.

If Russia were to capture yet more Ukrainian territory, Putin would probably find it even easier to convince Trump that his demands are reasonable. The fact that Trump already hinted at a “dividing of assets”, including the nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia – Europe’s largest before its forced shutdown in September 2022 – is a worrying indication of how far the Russian president has already pushed the envelope.

Ukraine war: territory occupied by Russia as at March 18 2025.
Institute for the Study of War

But a deal solely between Russia and the US is not going to work. In that sense, time is not only on Putin’s side but also on Zelensky’s.

The Russian readout of the call between the two presidents claimed that they had discussed “the complete cessation of foreign military assistance and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv” as a key condition for moving forward – something that Trump subsequently denied in an interview with Fox. This means that, for now, Kyiv is likely to continue to receive US aid.

Europe at the ready

Perhaps more importantly in the long term, Europe is also doubling down on support for Ukraine. While Trump and Putin were discussing a carve-up of Ukraine over the phone, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, left no doubt on where the EU stands.

In a speech at the Royal Danish Military Academy foreshadowing the publication of the commission’s Readiness 2030 white paper on bolstering European defences, she recommitted to developing European “capabilities to have credible deterrence” against a hostile Russia.

A few hours later, the German parliament passed a multi-billion Euro package that loosens the country’s tight borrowing rules to enable massive investments in defence. This follows announcements of increased defence elsewhere on the continent, including in the UK, Poland, and by the EU itself.

Meanwhile, the UK and France are leading efforts to assemble a coalition of the willing to help Ukraine. Representatives of the 30-member group gathered in London on March 15 for further talks.

Afterwards, the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, released a statement saying that Ukraine’s western partners “will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine and keep tightening the restrictions on Russia’s economy”.

Undoubtedly, these measures would be more effective if they had Washington’s full buy-in – but they send a strong signal to both the Kremlin and the White House that Ukraine is not alone in its fight against Russia’s continuing aggression.

Putin’s options

Putin, meanwhile, may have time on his side in the short term – but he should take note of this. Russian manpower and firepower may dwarf that of Ukraine, but it would be no match for a Ukraine backed by such a coalition of the willing.

Putin’s apparent plan to drag Trump into the minutiae of negotiating a comprehensive deal may eventually backfire in more ways than one. For a start, really detailed discussions will test the US president’s notoriously short attention span.

But this will also buy time for Ukraine and its supporters to strengthen Kyiv’s position in future negotiations. And it will continue to strain – but not immediately break – Russia’s economy.

For now, Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine have stalled. He is attempting to broker a complex ceasefire deal that involves separate agreements with Kyiv and Moscow, pressure on Nato allies, and an attempt to drive a wedge between Russia and China. It’s not clear how this will succeed or indeed where it will end.

The only certainty is that they are not bringing a just and stable peace for Ukraine any closer.

Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

Tetyana Malyarenko 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. Trump’s phone call with Putin fails to deliver a full ceasefire – here’s what could happen next – https://theconversation.com/trumps-phone-call-with-putin-fails-to-deliver-a-full-ceasefire-heres-what-could-happen-next-252417

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine war: how Zelensky rebuilt his relationship with Trump to turn the tables on Putin

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

After Donald Trump’s “very good and productive” phone call with Vladimir Putin earlier this week, all eyes were on his subsequent call with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Would it, when they last met in the flesh on February 28 at the White House, descend into disastrous acrimony? Or would Zelensky manage to engage with the US president in a cooperative way that encourages him to see Ukraine and its leader in a more favourable light?

The latter, it seems. In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump referred to their “very good telephone call”, which got the two leaders “very much on track”. Zelensky for his part, talked of a “very good” and “frank” phone call and seemed to agree with everything the US president had to say, taking pains to emphasise and praise Trump and America’s leadership.

With his vocal support of Trump’s proposal for peace, Zelensky has put the attention back on Putin. He clearly wants to appear to be the more reasonable negotiating partner by going along with the US president’s proposals.

In spite of Zelensky’s misgivings about how trustworthy Putin is, he has agreed to a limited ceasefire with Russia on energy infrastructure (while stressing that, unlike Putin, he agrees with Trump’s aim for a complete ceasefire).

Zelensky clearly knows that Russia has a great deal to gain from a pause on attacks on energy grids and oil refineries, given Ukraine’s increasing capacity to use long-range drone attacks. And a maritime ceasefire, if agreed, would also favour Russia.

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But by publicly voicing Ukraine’s support for Trump’s plan for a ceasefire, Zelensky has exposed Putin’s disinterest in stopping hostilities.

In the call, Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine was happy to support the US call for a ceasefire, without conditions. Putin, meanwhile, in his call with Trump laid out a set of frankly unreasonable demands.

These included the complete cessation of military aid and intelligence sharing by Ukraine’s allies, including the US. He also demanded a complete halt on Ukrainian troop mobilisation and rearmament.

The demands were so ridiculous, they were designed to get Ukraine to reject them. Interestingly Trump, when he was interviewed after his phone call with Putin, denied that the pair had discussed aid. Crucially, he didn’t say whether this was something he would agree to.

But the fact that the two leaders discussed the possibility of an ice hockey match between their two countries is an indication of how Putin is able to manipulate the US president with flattery. It helps that Trump clearly admires Putin and has repeatedly said that he trusts the Russian leader.

Has Putin overplayed his hand?

But this could come with a time limit. Trump, who wants a peace deal to trumpet as a crowning achievement, could well get tired of the fact that Putin has made no concessions to allow that deal to progress.

The Russian leader is clearly hoping that by seeming to engage with the “peace” process, while at the same time dangling the prospect of doing business with Russia – for example by offering the US the chance to explore Russia’s own reserves of rare earth minerals – he can keep Trump on side.

But while Trump still leans toward Putin, his relationship with Zelensky seems to have improved. The Ukrainian president appears to have learned that Trump doesn’t have a long memory and that flattery goes a long way with the US president.

Trump, meanwhile, is no longer calling Zelensky a dictator, and as yet there is no mention of halting US military aid or intelligence to Ukraine. There is the opposite, in fact, as the US has said it will assist in finding more Patriot missile defence systems after Zelensky mentioned that they were sorely needed.

By giving Trump credit for the ceasefire initiative, Zelensky is putting the ball in Russia’s court. And his apparent receptiveness to Trump’s idea about the US taking over Ukraine’s nuclear power plants will appeal to Trump’s transactional instincts. In addition to offering Trump business deals, Zelensky is now consistently offering Trump praise for his peace efforts.

And it’s clear from the tone of the briefing given by White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, after the call that the US was happy with how it went. Leavitt stressed Zelensky’s praise for Trump’s leadership several times.

The White House reports on a “fantastic” phone call between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky has also successfully turned Trump’s attention to the 35,000 missing children abducted from Ukraine into Russia during the war. The US state department had stopped tracking them and had deleted the evidence it had gathered, but Trump is now vowing to return the children home.

Putin is generally thought to be stringing these negotiations out as long as possible in order to maximise the amount of Ukrainian territory his army occupies. This could be a risky strategy.

Ending the war in Ukraine as quickly as possible was one of Trump’s repeated campaign promises. So the question is how long Trump can remain distracted or satisfied by Putin’s false engagement with the peace process.

The American president seems to be changing his tune on Ukraine more generally. His disastrous Oval Office press conference last month with Zelensky was viewed by some as a ploy to portray Ukraine as a difficult and ungrateful partner compared to Russia who he maintained was only interested in achieving a peaceful end to the war. Now, with Zelensky seemingly agreeing with whatever Trump says, it’s become harder for him to take that line.

For now, at least, the pressure is back on Putin.

Natasha Lindstaedt 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. Ukraine war: how Zelensky rebuilt his relationship with Trump to turn the tables on Putin – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-war-how-zelensky-rebuilt-his-relationship-with-trump-to-turn-the-tables-on-putin-252693

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro – Driverless Train in the Capital’s Metro: Launch of the First Stage

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Metro

Preparations have begun for the launch of a driverless train in the Moscow metro. At the first stage, it will run at night with a driver and without passengers, said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Driverless Trains on the Moscow Metro.

This year, we are just beginning the long journey of transferring the metro to an unmanned mode of operation. This will be a train with a driver and without passengers. This is only the beginning of the first stage of a long and difficult journey, given the high traffic intensity. At the first stage, the train will run at night so as not to interfere with regular metro traffic, Liksutov said.

He noted that at the first stage, a specially equipped train, Moscow-2020, will be used.

The first stage of the innovative train launch is planned to begin on the Big Circle Line in 2025, on the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. To operate without a driver, a 5th generation (5G) technological network will be created on the BCL, providing reliable and ultra-fast communication with the infrastructure.

The launch of unmanned traffic will be a historic event for the capital’s metro.

This innovative project has significant potential. It will serve as a platform for new technological solutions. Our priorities are safety and maintaining the shortest peak hour intervals in the world. After the BCL, we will gradually introduce the technology on other lines, – added Maxim Liksutov.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/20/2025, 10:06 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A105898 (IADOM 1P21) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

03/20/2025

10:06

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 20.03.2025, 10-06 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 73.23) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 567.34 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the security RU000A105898 (IADOM 1P21) were changed.

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/20/2025, 10-15 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

03/20/2025

10:15

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on March 20, 2025, 10:15 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 80.08) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 776.14 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) security were changed.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/20/2025, 10:25 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0ZYJ91 (FSK RS B4) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

03/20/2025

10:25

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 20.03.2025, 10-25 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 106.89) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1112.15 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A0ZYJ91 (FSK RS B4) were changed.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/20/2025, 10:32 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JT403 (VEB.RF 18) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

03/20/2025

10:32

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 20.03.2025, 10-32 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 103.57) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1153.8 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 6.25%) of the security RU000A0JT403 (VEB.RF 18) were changed.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/20/2025, 10:42 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0ZZ1N0 (DOM 1P-3R) were changed.

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

03/20/2025

10:42

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 20.03.2025, 10-42 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 107.37) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1197.01 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A0ZZ1N0 (DOM 1P-3R) were changed.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: 90 international friendship clubs unite young Russians and representatives of more than 140 countries

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

March 20, 2025

International friendship clubs have opened all over Russia.

International friendship clubs have opened all over Russia – in 89 regions of the country and in the federal territory of Sirius. The flagship project of the World Youth Festival (WYF) Directorate is aimed at strengthening international cooperation between young people from regions of Russia and foreign countries.

According to the instructions of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, international friendship clubs became a continuation of the program “Cultural Patronage”, during which at the 2024 WFM each foreign delegation was assigned a supervising region of the Russian Federation. Young Russians helped representatives of foreign delegations to get to know the history, traditions and culture of the peoples of our country better. Russian participants of international friendship clubs are establishing cooperation with representatives of 142 countries.

“International friendship clubs make an important contribution to the development of the federal project “Russia in the World”, the national project “Youth and Children” and the preservation of the legacy of the World Youth Festival, which was held with the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In total, 90 international friendship clubs have opened in our country since 2024. They have united young Russians and representatives of more than 140 countries. During this period, the clubs held 580 events, in which about 30 thousand people took part. Such results show that young people from various countries want to develop joint projects with children from Russia,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

The work of international friendship clubs is structured along five tracks: media, entrepreneurship, civic activity, regional specifics, and the creation of youth communities.

“The importance of developing international youth cooperation is confirmed by the steady interest in joint activities of representatives of the younger generation from different countries. We see how young people from Russia and abroad strive to communicate, establish friendly and partnership ties, and create joint projects and initiatives. International friendship clubs began to form in the regions of Russia in August last year, and during this time, about 17 thousand Russians and more than 12 thousand young people from abroad have joined them. This once again confirms that, despite any difficulties, young people strive to establish contacts for the sake of the future and a just world,” said the head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov.

The final openings took place in the Kursk and Bryansk regions. Thus, as part of the ceremonial event, the youth of Bryansk were addressed by their peers from partner countries – Pakistan and Belarus.

“Today marks a milestone in our journey to strengthen people-to-people ties. Our club aims to foster constructive relationships, promote cultural understanding and celebrate the diversity of our countries. This is a wonderful way to build mutual understanding, respect and trust,” said International Friendship Club member Mustafa Aamir from Pakistan.

The participants of the grand opening were representatives of the region’s creative youth, foreign citizens, volunteers and participants of the World Youth Festival and honored guests. During the event, representatives of creative youth from Russia and abroad performed dance and vocal numbers.

“This event symbolizes the beginning of a new stage in the development of our international relations, cultural exchange and mutual understanding between peoples. Bryansk region has always been known for its openness and hospitality. We believe that this club will become a meeting place for people united by common interests and goals,” noted the representative of Belarus Maria Yurkova.

The opening of the International Friendship Club of Kursk Region was attended by specialists implementing events on international cooperation, representatives of student communities, including foreign students, and activists from various fields. Within the framework of the International Friendship Club, the youth of Kursk Region interacts with young leaders from Bolivia.

In addition, during the opening of the friendship clubs of the Kursk and Bryansk regions, ceremonies were held to award commemorative medals for contributions to the preparation and holding of the 2024 WFM.

The World Youth Festival was held from March 1 to 7, 2024, in Sirius with the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Its key goal is to develop international youth cooperation. 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries took part in the WYF-2024.

According to the instructions of the head of state, the WFM will be held in Russia on a regular basis – once every six years, and every six years 10 thousand young people from all over the world will gather at the forum. Between these events, international thematic gatherings will be held under the auspices of the WFM.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: Among the priority tasks of Roshydromet is deepening integration with other departments

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

March 20, 2025

Dmitry Patrushev spoke at a meeting of the Roshydromet board “On the activities of Roshydromet in 2024 and tasks for 2025.”

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev spoke at a meeting of the Roshydromet board “On the activities of Roshydromet in 2024 and tasks for 2025”. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that many areas depend on the timeliness and accuracy of Roshydromet information, so it is necessary to constantly build up competencies, improving the quality of forecasting.

“Over the years of its work, Roshydromet has built a multifunctional structure that combines human, scientific and technological potential. As a result, today the federal service is among the top five in the world. Such recognition from the professional community is very significant. You are truly implementing unique projects that have no analogues. Among your priority tasks for 2025 and for the future should be deepening integration with other departments and taking into account their needs when forming forecasts. The ability to quickly respond to adverse natural phenomena – including floods, fires, abnormal precipitation or drought – is a matter of ensuring the safety of the population and the stable functioning of the economy,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

Speaking about the development of the Strategy for Activities in the Field of Hydrometeorology for the Period up to 2036, the Deputy Prime Minister recommended involving experts from the maximum number of industries interested in forecasts.

In addition, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, digitalization provides opportunities for the development of interdepartmental dialogue. Roshydromet operates more than 85 software products, and a single platform of industry services is also being created.

Dmitry Patrushev emphasized the importance of continuing the modernization of the state monitoring network. The relevant measures were previously included in the national project “Ecology”, and individual areas are included in the new national project “Ecological Well-being”.

“The improvement of your observation methods should be based as much as possible on your own scientific and practical base. Roshydromet is quite active in this area. In particular, the ice-resistant self-propelled platform “North Pole” was built at the Admiralty Shipyards using federal funds. This is one of the unique projects that has no analogues in the world. In 2024, the first drifting Arctic polar expedition was completed on its basis, and now the platform is on its second expedition. It will provide an opportunity to obtain additional data on territories that have never been surveyed by Russian scientists before,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

In 2025, specialists from the Russian Antarctic expedition have already completely moved to the new wintering complex of the Vostok station in Antarctica. The station is equipped with the most modern equipment, thanks to which polar explorers can work comfortably, fully providing scientific research in Antarctica. In October last year, the vessel Ivan Frolov was laid down. It should become the world’s largest scientific expedition vessel for Antarctica.

In 2024, six meteorological satellites were launched, bringing the total to 20. In 2025, preparations are planned for flight tests of several more spacecraft.

Roshydromet, as part of the implementation of the order of the President of Russia, has created a state system of instrumental monitoring of permafrost. Thanks to this, it has become possible for the first time to monitor its dynamics.

Dmitry Patrushev particularly noted that, on the instructions of the President of Russia, 24 billion rubles will be allocated to increase the salaries of Roshydromet employees in the coming years, and a separate “road map” is being developed to create a system of high-quality personnel training on the instructions of the Government. Its implementation will lead to an increase in enrollment in specialized educational institutions and will help the industry to train real professionals.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro – Driverless Train in the Capital Metro: Launch of the First Stage

Source: Moscow Metro

Preparations have begun for the launch of a driverless train in the Moscow metro. In the first stage, it will operate at night with a driver and without passengers, reported Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Driverless Trains on the Moscow Metro.

We are just starting this year on a long journey to transition the metro to driverless operation. This will involve a train with a driver and no passengers. This is just the starting first stage of a long and challenging path, considering the high intensity of traffic. In the first stage, the train will operate at night to avoid interfering with the regular metro service, – said Liksutov.

He noted that a specially equipped train Moskva-2020 will be used for the first stage.

The first stage of the innovative train launch is planned to begin on the Big Circle Line in 2025, as instructed by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. A 5th generation (5G) technological network will be created to facilitate driverless operation on the BCL, ensuring reliable and ultra-fast communication with the infrastructure.

The launch of driverless operation will be a historic event for the capital metro.

This innovative project has significant potential. It will serve as a platform for new technological solutions. Our priorities are safety and maintaining the shortest peak-hour intervals in the world. After the BCL, we will gradually implement the technology on other lines, – added Maksim Liksutov.

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the General Debate Under Agenda Item 4

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the General Debate Under Agenda Item 4

UK Statement for the General Debate Under Agenda Item 4. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Thank you, Mr Vice President,

Just yesterday, we heard in this hall the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine conclude, for the first time, that enforced disappearances committed by Russia amount to a crime against humanity. And that Russian authorities arbitrarily detain civilians, torture and execute prisoners of war and civilians, steal and indoctrinate Ukrainian children. There must be accountability and a just and lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

China continues to persecute and arbitrarily detain Uyghurs, Tibetans, activists, lawyers and journalists like Sophia Huang. In Hong Kong, the sentencing of 45 activists and former politicians under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, and the ongoing prosecution of Jimmy Lai, underline how rights continue to be eroded. Once again, we call for their release.

In Iran, women, girls and minorities face sustained repression. Freedom of expression is curtailed, journalists silenced. Executions have reached appalling levels.

Finally, we urge all parties to return to the Gaza ceasefire talks. All hostages must be released. Aid must restart. The recent civilian casualties are appalling. Our thoughts are also with the victims and families of those killed and injured in the UN compound yesterday. The Israeli and Palestinian people deserve a peaceful and secure future based on a two-state solution.

Updates to this page

Published 20 March 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft supported the main festival of the indigenous peoples of Yamal

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

With the support of RN-Purneftegaz and Kharampurneftegaz (part of the oil and gas production complex of NK Rosneft), the village of Kharampur celebrated the holiday of the indigenous people of the North – Reindeer Herder’s Day. Reindeer herders and fishermen from all over the Purovsky District of Yamal, as well as guests from the cities of Gubkinsky and Tarko-Sale, gathered in the national village, where more than 800 forest Nenets currently live.

Traditional reindeer sled races were held on the banks of the Aivasedapur River. The fastest participants received gifts from the oil workers. A spectacular part of the festival was the reindeer sled parade, for which the residents of the national village also decorated the reindeer with beads and ribbons of multi-colored cloth. Reindeer herders also competed in national sports – wrestling, jumping over sleds, throwing a tynzyan on a khorey (tynzyan is a lasso, and a khorey is a long pole used to drive reindeer). Women took part in a competition for the best traditional outfit. In the boarding school built by Rosneft in Kharampur, the traditions and techniques of this craft and sewing of national costumes are passed on to young people in the beading circle.

Guests of the festival were treated to traditional Nenets cuisine: stroganina, lightly salted fish, shurpa made from reindeer meat and desserts made from tundra berries. The culmination of the festival was a concert by Yamal creative groups.

Preservation of the national culture of the indigenous peoples of the North and their traditional way of life is one of the significant areas of Rosneft’s social policy. The Company’s enterprises implement many projects in the regions of their operations, develop the infrastructure of northern villages, help reindeer herder families, improve the material and technical base of educational institutions and social facilities in the areas of original residence of indigenous peoples.

Reference:

The settlement of Kharampur (translated from Nenets as “Larch on a noisy river”) was founded in the 1920s as a permanent trading post. With the support of Rosneft, the settlement was revived as a national village in 2002. Thanks to the Company’s patronage, Kharampur became the cultural center of the Forest Nenets. Oil workers built the communal and social infrastructure of the settlement, a cultural and leisure center, a library and a boarding school, where children of reindeer herders and fishermen, in addition to the general education program, study their native language and traditional crafts. Two-story octagonal cottages, stylized as a Nenets chum dwelling, were built for the residents.

RN-Purneftegaz is implementing a grant project aimed at preserving the unique language and national identity of the Forest Nenets.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 20, 2025

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Statement to the Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

World news story

UK Statement to the Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management

Delivered at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 19 March 2025
President,

The United Kingdom remains gravely concerned about the nuclear safety risks associated with Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, including its continued control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which is preventing the competent authorities of Ukraine from upholding their commitments and responsibilities as a Contracting Party to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management.

We reject the Russian Federation’s claims of ownership of ZNPP and its reporting of Ukrainian civil nuclear facilities in its national report and presentation to the Joint Convention Review Meeting. We endorse the consistent position of the International Atomic Energy Agency that the ZNPP is a Ukrainian power plant.

Only Ukraine’s competent authorities are entitled to report on ZNPP. The Russian Federation’s inclusion of nuclear and radiation facilities that form part of the territory of Ukraine should be rejected outright by the 8th Review meeting and as President to the Review Meeting, we ask that you ensure this is achieved.

We commend Ukraine for its continued commitment to participate in the 8th Review Meeting and meet the obligations of the Joint Convention for the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management in what are exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Russia’s actions have demonstrated a blatant disregard for international nuclear safety and the objectives of the Joint Convention. Russia’s reckless activity in the vicinity of all of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities has created unacceptable risks. It is clear that Russia, in the context of the Joint Convention, is acting counter to the principles of Article 1 on maintaining levels of safety, effective defences against potential hazards and the prevention of accidents.

We express our full support to the IAEA for its work with Ukraine to help decrease the risk of a nuclear accident and ensure the safety of nuclear material and facilities in Ukraine. We are grateful to IAEA personnel who continue to operate under the most challenging of circumstances.

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Published 20 March 2025

Invasion of Ukraine

UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals

Move to the UK if you’re coming from Ukraine

Homes for Ukraine: record your interest

Find out about the UK’s response
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Conducted 40-Stage Hydraulic Fracturing at Samotlor Field in Record 24 Hours

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Samotlorneftegaz, one of Rosneft’s largest production assets, has carried out 40-stage hydraulic fracturing (HF) for the first time. The operation at the Samotlor field on a horizontal well was completed in 24 hours, which is a record in the industry. Its productivity coefficient exceeds the average indicators of neighboring wells by up to four times.

The wellbore depth was 3,469 meters, the horizontal section length was about 1,200 meters. During the operation, 2,100 m3 of reservoir pressure maintenance system water were pumped in, and new generation domestic couplings were used.

The unique operation was carried out by specialists from Samotlorneftegaz and the corporate service company RN-GRP, which carries out all hydraulic fracturing work at the Samotlor field. Currently, the share of wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in the total volume of drilling of the enterprise exceeds 86%.

Over the course of several years, Samotlorneftegaz specialists have adapted and selected the most effective methods for conducting multi-stage hydraulic fracturing to the conditions of the Samotlor field. The company’s specialists have conducted pilot industrial work on 20-stage multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. The positive results of this work have allowed us to quickly reach a new milestone, increasing the number of stages to 29, and now to 40 stages.

Systematic work to improve production efficiency is one of the key elements of Rosneft’s strategy. The company carries out large-scale work aimed at introducing advanced technologies and reducing operating costs. Developments of corporate scientific institutes and equipment from domestic manufacturing plants are actively implemented at production sites.

Reference:

JSC Samotlorneftegaz, one of the key production enterprises of NK Rosneft, conducting production activities in the Nizhnevartovsk region of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra.

Develops the largest Samotlor field in Russia, the industrial exploitation of which began in 1969. The total area of the enterprise’s licensed sites exceeds 2.9 thousand square kilometers.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 20, 2025

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament Press Kit for the European Council of 20 March 2025

Source: European Parliament

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 11.00 and hold a press conference after her speech.

When: Press conference at around 11.45 on 20 March

Where: European Council press room and via Parliament’s webstreaming or EbS.

At their meeting in Brussels, the heads of state or government will focus on ways to bolster the EU’s competitiveness. They will also discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression – with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the situation in the Middle East. Leaders will also have a first exchange of views on the EU’s next long-term budget (multiannual financial framework – MFF) and discuss migration.

Competitiveness

On 12 March, MEPs adopted two resolutions outlining their priorities for the next cycle of economic and social coordination between member states.

On economic policy coordination, MEPs focus on the need to increase public and private investment, to address the investment gap, improve competitiveness and entrepreneurship, and continue fiscal consolidation. They say the EU should pursue these objectives while ensuring social cohesion and a high standard of living. MEPs are worried about slow growth and that more turbulent economic times are on the horizon. They call on member states to reduce excessive government deficits. They also warn about rising house prices.

In the resolution on the EU’s employment and social priorities, MEPs emphasise the importance of reducing the administrative burden for companies, whilst safeguarding labour and social standards. They believe better support for small and medium-sized enterprises can foster innovation and better-quality jobs, and that stronger social economy enterprises can promote quality employment opportunities and the circular economy. The resolution states that fiscal policies under the European Semester must ensure investments align with sustainable growth and the European Pillar of Social Rights, in particular on affordable housing, healthcare, and education.

During the 10-13 March plenary session, MEPs held debates on three recent Commission proposals on the clean industrial deal, the action plan for affordable energy and the automotive industry action plan.

The clean industrial deal, announced by the Commission on 26 February 2025, is about enhancing EU competitiveness and decarbonisation by addressing high energy costs and fostering global cooperation. It includes measures to boost demand for clean products, mobilise funding for clean manufacturing, secure critical raw materials, and strengthen global partnerships. It also focuses on developing skills for a low-carbon economy, creating quality jobs, cutting red tape, and improving EU policy coordination. You can watch the debate here.

The recently proposed automotive industry action plan, announced on 5 March 2025, is intended to support the European automotive sector as it deals with high manufacturing costs, the low-carbon transition, and increased competition from China. A resolution will be put to a vote during the April plenary session. You can watch the debate here.

The action plan for affordable energy, which addresses high energy costs experienced by EU citizens and businesses, seeks to make electricity bills more affordable by reducing network charges and taxes, promoting energy efficiency, and improving the functioning of gas markets. You can watch the debate here.

On 10 March, MEPs reviewed the Commission’s recent proposals to cut red tape and simplify legislation for EU businesses and citizens. The Commission is proposing to ease the administrative burden for all EU businesses, in particular for small and medium-sized companies. The main focus of compliance with EU rules will shift to the EU’s largest companies – those more likely to have a disproportionate impact on the climate and environment – while all businesses will continue to have access to sustainable finance for their clean transition. Areas covered under these ‘omnibus’ proposals include sustainability reporting, due diligence rules, the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), and InvestEU. You can watch the debate here.

Further reading

MEPs call for a more competitive EU that respects social and labour standards

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament says the EU is now Ukraine’s primary strategic ally and must help the country uphold its right to self-defence.

Following an “apparent shift” in the US position on Russia’s war of aggression, “which has included openly blaming Ukraine for the ongoing war”, the EU and its member states are now Ukraine’s primary strategic allies and must maintain their role as its largest donor, according to MEPs. To uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence, the EU and its member states must ramp up their much-needed assistance to the country.

The resolution also states there can be no negotiations on European security without the presence of the EU, and MEPs welcome the launch of a ‘coalition of the willing’ for the potential Europe-led enforcement of an eventual peace agreement. MEPs are dismayed by the US administration’s appeasement of Russia and targeting of its allies.

On 24 February 2025, the President of the European Parliament, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission issued a joint statement, saying “Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.”

The three presidents stressed that “Ukraine is part of our European family” and that “the future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.” They emphasised “the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.”

Further reading

The EU must contribute to robust security guarantees for Ukraine

Joint statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine

How the EU is supporting Ukraine

EU stands with Ukraine

European defence and security

In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament calls on the EU to act urgently and ensure its own security. This will mean, MEPs say, strengthening relationships with like-minded partners, and strongly diminishing reliance on non-EU countries.

The EU needs “truly ground-breaking efforts” and actions “close to those of wartime”, say MEPs, also welcoming the recently tabled ReArm plan.

To achieve peace and stability in Europe, the EU must support Ukraine and become more resilient itself, MEPs argue. The resolution states, “Europe is today facing the most profound military threat to its territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War”. It calls on member states, international partners, and NATO allies to lift all restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against military targets on Russian territory.

The text says the EU must enable its administration to “move much faster through the procedures”, in the event of war or other large-scale security crises. While stressing the importance of EU-NATO cooperation, MEPs also call for the development of a fully capable European pillar in NATO that is able to act autonomously whenever necessary.

At the special European Council meeting on 6 March, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola reassured leaders that the EP can move quickly and efficiently to meet today’s unprecedented security challenges. She called on the EU to invest more in defence: “Our ambition must match the unprecedented threat, the boldness of our proposals, and the speed at which they are put into action.” She reassured leaders that the European Parliament can adjust to demanding circumstances by moving quickly, efficiently and effectively. President Metsola highlighted that “our ambition must match the unprecedented threat, the boldness of our proposals, and the speed at which they are put into action.”

During the 31 March to 3 April plenary session, MEPs will discuss with High Representative Kaja Kallas the EU’s common foreign, defence, and security policy objectives for 2025. MEPs are set to urge the EU to invest more in its defence sector, including an increase of military and political support for Ukraine. They are also expected to call on the EU to expand its presence in the Middle East, foster closer ties with like-minded partners, and support enlargement countries in their efforts to advance towards EU membership. The draft texts on the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy and on EU Common Security and Defence Policy will be voted on by MEPs on 2 April.

Further reading

MEPs urge the EU to ensure its own security

“We cannot afford to depend on others to keep us safe”, Metsola tells EU leaders

“Europe must be responsible for its own security”, Metsola tells EU leaders

MEPs call on Europe to strengthen its defence capacity

Rutte to MEPs: “We are safe now, we might not be safe in five years”

The EU’s long-term budget and new own resources

Parliament is working on a draft report outlining its priorities for the next long-term EU budget post-2027, also known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The Committee on Budgets is expected to vote on this draft report at a meeting on 23-24 April, and plenary is set to vote on it during the 5-8 May plenary session.

Parliament’s consent is needed (with an absolute majority) for the adoption of the MFF. MEPs may approve or reject the Council’s position (which is adopted by unanimity) but they may not make amendments to it. Parliament’s two co-rapporteurs, Siegfried Mureşan (EPP, Romania) and Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal), expect MEPs to be involved from the start of the process, that during the negotiations, in its adoption, and in the implementation phase of the long-term EU budget.

So-called EU own resources are the main sources of revenue for the EU budget. During the previous long-term budget negotiations, EU institutions agreed on a legally binding roadmap for the introduction of new sources of EU revenue. In 2023, the Commission proposed three new sources, linked to greenhouse gas emissions, company profits, and money generated by the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism. However, their adoption has stalled due to the reluctance of EU governments – right when new revenue streams are more important than ever, as debts accrued through the Next Generation EU (NGEU) recovery instrument will have to be repaid by 2058. The total costs for capital and interest repayments of the NGEU are projected to reach around €20-30 billion a year from 2028. The co-rapporteurs have argued that their repayment should come at the expense of existing EU policies.

The own resources decision also requires a unanimous decision in Council, an opinion of Parliament, and ratification by every member state before it enters into force.

Further reading

Parliament’s draft report on the long-term EU budget

Recording of the presentation of the draft report in the Budgets Committee (19.02.2025.)

Recording of a press conference by the MFF co-rapporteurs (18.12.2024.)

EPRS Briefing: Future of EU long-term financing (February 2025)

Press release: “Own Resources”: Parliament’s position on new EU revenue

Migration

On 11 March, MEPs and the Commission debated changes to EU rules on the return of people who have no legal right to remain in Europe. The proposal for a new legal framework on “returns”, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2024, was formally unveiled by the European Commission on 11 March.

During the plenary debate, MEPs scrutinised the proposal, which is intended to increase the return rate of third-country nationals not entitled to stay in the EU. Parliament emphasised the importance of cooperation with third countries, including on the readmission of their own nationals, as well innovative measures such as the establishment of return hubs in third countries. You can watch the debate here.

Middle East

In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament urges the EU and members states to support Syria’s transitional forces and calls on Damascus to end historical alliances with Tehran and Moscow. Concerned about stability in Syria and in the Middle East, MEPs want the EU to “seize this historic opportunity to support a Syrian-led political transition in order to unite and rebuild the country”. They call on the EU and member states to help Syria’s authorities in the country’s reconstruction. MEPs also want the EU to explore the use of frozen assets of the Assad regime to fund reconstruction, rehabilitation, and the compensation of victims.

MEPs want Syria’s new authorities in Damascus “to break free from its notorious long-standing alliances with Tehran and Moscow, which “have brought suffering to the Syrian people and destabilisation to the Middle East and beyond”. They appeal to the Syrian authorities to revoke Russia’s military presence in Syria and condemn Moscow for hosting Bashar al-Assad and his family, shielding them from justice.

Further reading

The EU must support the political transition and reconstruction of Syria

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Penalty issued against subsidiary of major law firm for breaches of sanctions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Penalty issued against subsidiary of major law firm for breaches of sanctions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a monetary penalty against Herbert Smith Freehills CIS LLP (“HSF Moscow”).
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a monetary penalty against Herbert Smith Freehills CIS LLP (“HSF Moscow”) for breaches of UK financial sanctions imposed on Russia, linked to its illegal invasion of Ukraine.

HSF Moscow was the subsidiary office to the UK registered Herbert Smith Freehills LLP (“HSF London”) until its closure by HSF London on 31 May 2022 as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The monetary penalty relates to six payments made by HSF Moscow with a collective value of £3,932,392.10 to designated persons subject to an asset freeze. The designated persons were JSC, PJSC Sovcombank, and PJSC Sberbank. In committing the breaches, the firm made funds directly available to sanctioned entities. The payments, which took place over a period of seven days as the firm wound down its Russian offices, demonstrated a pattern of failings.

As a result of these breaches, OFSI has imposed a penalty of £465,000 on HSF Moscow.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds said:

Our commitment to robust enforcement of UK financial sanctions is steadfast.

A just and lasting peace in Ukraine must be our priority, and UK financial sanctions continue to be essential to disrupting Russia’s war machine and putting Ukraine on the strongest footing possible.

HSF London, on behalf of HSF Moscow, voluntarily disclosed the breaches to OFSI, and therefore a 50% reduction has been applied to the final penalty amount.

This penalty demonstrates OFSI’s firm commitment to pursuing financial sanctions breaches wherever they occur. From the largest institutions to the smallest, everyone has an obligation to comply with the UK’s financial sanctions regime. OFSI is prepared to utilise the full extent of its statutory powers to pursue those who commit serious breaches of financial sanctions.

Financial sanctions are essential to the UK’s efforts to hold Russia accountable and place Ukraine on the strongest footing possible. As part of the UK’s commitment to robust enforcement of financial sanctions, OFSI has made transformative improvements in its tools, processes, and intelligence. The results are coming to fruition, with this case and the monetary penalty imposed on Integral Concierge Services Limited (ICSL) in August 2024 marking the first of several in OFSI’s pipeline linked to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The UK will continue to prioritise sanctions enforcement, including through public actions, such as monetary penalties, and actions which are not made public, such as warning letters and referrals to regulators.

Notes to editors:

OFSI stressed in its public penalty notice that it was issuing the monetary penalty against HSF Moscow, and that it had found no fault with the actions of the parent company, HSF London.

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University scientists propose a new comprehensive approach to cancer therapy

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

A new combination approach to antitumor therapy has been developed at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Studies on tumor models have shown its advantage over monotherapy. Scientists used the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin and nanoparticles to deliver radium-223 (²²³Ra) directly to the tumor. A scientific article describing the results was published in the international scientific journal Biomaterials scene.

According to experts, the results obtained during the experiments bring us closer to solving the problem of tumor resistance to the standard treatment methods used today – chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

Despite promising results in cancer treatment, standard monotherapy remains insufficient for a wide range of cancers. Combination therapy can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes compared to single agent treatment.

However, determining the optimal scheme can be a difficult task. For this purpose, scientists from the Polytechnic University are developing new approaches to the treatment of oncological diseases. The specialists created and studied the properties of new pharmacological combinations, and also conducted tests for the safety and compatibility of such systems with the body. In addition, the scientists proposed several therapeutic schemes at once that could become an alternative to existing ones. The Polytechnics worked with models of the most common types of cancer according to WHO: colorectal cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer.

Our results showed that each tumor model studied demonstrated a clear response to combination and monotherapy. In particular, combination chemo- and radionuclide therapy using doxorubicin and the isotope Radium-223 demonstrated a significantly higher therapeutic result than monotherapy. The average therapeutic response was more than 35% for monotherapy and over 60% – 80% for combination therapy. This means that the combination of active substances that we proposed is twice as effective as the standard treatment protocol, – noted Daria Akhmetova, Junior Researcher at the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances at SPbPU.

Scientists used a combination of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and nanoparticles based on polylactic acid and calcium carbonate (PLA and CaCO₃) to deliver radium-223 (²²³Ra). The radioactive isotope can be administered to the body either systemically into the bloodstream or by injection directly into the tumor. In the case of local delivery, the isotope is distributed most effectively throughout the tumor volume.

This approach can solve the problem of tumor resistance to the standard treatment methods used today. It is when using a combined treatment regimen that toxicity for healthy tissues and organs will be reduced and the burden on the patient’s health will be reduced, said Vladislava Rusakova, a research assistant at the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances at SPbPU.

According to the scientists, the main difference between the proposed approach and other protocols for combined cancer treatment is the simplicity and low cost of synthesizing the nanoparticles needed to deliver the radioactive isotope to the tumor. The novelty of the study is in using the clinical method of chemotherapy with doxorubicin and supplementing it with gentle alpha-radionuclide therapy of targeted action.

Experts noted that the combination therapy is not toxic to living organisms. This is evidenced by the data of laboratory and instrumental studies that were conducted during animal testing. The therapeutic effect of the action was assessed by regularly measuring the volume of tumors and the weight of laboratory mice. In addition, the morphological state of the tumors and organs of the animals was assessed using histological analysis.

Our team plans to further improve the efficiency of nanoscale delivery systems with an emphasis on radionuclide therapy. Modern technologies for creating nanoplatforms for delivering therapeutic radionuclides have significant potential and can save lives, shared Alisa Postovalova, a junior researcher at the Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances at SPbPU.

The work was supported by the grant of the Russian Science Foundation “Development of a new dosage form based on nanosized vaterite for systemic combined photodynamic therapy of breast cancer” (number 22-75-10011). The research is carried out within the framework of agreement No. 075-15-2021-1360 of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Synchrotron and Neutron Research “Development of a domestic innovative theranostic drug based on terbium isotopes for radioimmune therapy of malignant neoplasms of various histological types.”

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Slavic Universities: Polytechnic University helps KRSU develop relations with industrial partners

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

In March, a working visit of the expert group of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) to the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU) took place. At the invitation of the acting rector of KRSU Sergey Volkov, representatives of the Polytechnic University and a number of other Russian universities took part in business meetings with industrial partners of KRSU and conducted expert work with the university development team.

On behalf of Polytechnic University, the expert group included Nikita Golovin, Deputy Head of the International Cooperation Department, Head of the Slavic Universities Project Office, Maxim Dyuldin, Head of the Quality Control Department, Associate Professor Anton Kuznetsov, Senior Lecturer of the Higher School of Electric Power Systems of the Institute of Power Engineering Maria Lyulina, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems Management of the Institute of Cybernetics and Science, Director of the North-West Interuniversity Regional Educational and Scientific Center Polytechnic-Cyberphysics Vyacheslav Potekhin. The main goal of the visit was working meetings and negotiations between SPbPU representatives and industrial partners of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University.

The business program began with a visit to the office of the Alliance Altyn company, a key industrial partner of KRSU. During the meeting with the company’s representatives, the implementation of the roadmap for cooperation between KRSU and Alliance Altyn for 2024-2026 was discussed. Alliance Altyn is the first industrial partner of the university, and this opens up new opportunities for long-term scientific and educational cooperation. The roadmap provides for the development of more than ten educational courses for the managers and engineering and technical staff of Alliance Altyn. The participation of Russian universities, in particular SPbPU, in the implementation of the roadmap will strengthen the scientific and educational potential of the project. Joint efforts are aimed at training highly qualified specialists for the mining industry of Kyrgyzstan, as well as conducting scientific research in the field of improving the efficiency of mining operations and developing environmentally friendly technologies.

In addition to the meeting at the company’s head office, the experts visited the largest gold ore deposit in the Kyrgyz Republic, Jerooy, which is being developed by Alliance Altyn. The specialists familiarized themselves with the technological processes of gold mining, working conditions and development prospects of the enterprise, assessed the scale of production, talked to employees and discussed the possibilities of organizing internships for students and the need to implement modern technologies to improve the efficiency of the deposit.

Practice-oriented training is the most important aspect of modern training of specialists. We strive to ensure that KRSU students have the opportunity to undergo internships in leading industrial companies, such as “Altyn Alliance”. This will ensure their competitiveness in the labor market, – noted Sergey Volkov.

The results of the expert work were summed up at the final meeting at KRSU. The participants discussed promising areas of joint research and educational projects in the interests of Alliance Altyn, mechanisms and possible formats for their implementation. Among the most relevant project areas were automation and digitalization of production (operation analysis, technology implementation, process optimization), energy audit (energy consumption analysis, identification of deficiencies, recommendations for improving energy efficiency), modernization of pumping units (equipment analysis, recommendations for improving efficiency, implementation of innovations), examination of the hydroelectric power station construction project (assessment of design solutions, compliance with standards, risk analysis, optimization), organization of courses on Lean Manufacturing (development of a curriculum, trainings, seminars on process optimization), examination of labor protection and safety (comprehensive assessment of workplaces, risk identification, PPE inspection, safety analysis).

There is a lot of work ahead to coordinate, approve and implement joint projects. With such support, KRSU is obliged to become the flagship of Russian education and science in the region, emphasized Sergey Volkov.

For the Polytechnic University, the task of supporting KRSU in terms of developing a scientific and technological partnership with the Alliance Altyn company is also one of the key ones – the parties agreed to develop a comprehensive applied engineering and technological project by the end of 2025.

In addition to working on the formation of a potential portfolio of KRSU projects with industrial partners, SPbPU experts held a number of working meetings with the heads of KRSU scientific schools and expert sessions with the university development team. Thus, at the project and analytical session on the formation of the KRSU development strategy until 2036, recommendations were developed to supplement and focus the strategic goals and key areas of the university’s development. At a meeting with research groups and laboratories, potential areas of cooperation in the field of scientific research were discussed: joint projects, grants, internships. A meeting was also held to agree on and approve specific terms and conditions for the implementation of the SPbPU-KRSU work plan in 2025.

The agreements reached during the visit will allow us to systematically move forward in fulfilling the key tasks of 2025. Activation of cooperation with the industry, launching real projects at the request of industrial partners are in line with the general task of increasing the competitiveness of KRSU, contribute to the modernization of engineering education and the formation of a system for training highly professional engineering personnel in KRSU, – summed up the results of the visit the head of the Project Office “Slavic Universities” Nikita Golovin.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Sky News Afternoon Agenda with Ashleigh Gillon

Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

ASHLEIGH GILLON, HOST: Well, Peter Dutton has addressed the Lowy Institute, outlining his foreign policy agenda. The Opposition Leader discussed the wars between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, and he also said the Coalition will grow Australia’s trading relationships and nurture international relationships.

Joining us live with reaction is the Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Minister, thank you for your time. Mr Dutton said earlier that one of his first acts as Prime Minister would be to call the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to affirm Australia’s support for Israel. He attacked your handling of this relationship, saying instead of treating Israel like the ally it is, this government, he said, has treated Israel like an adversary. As a friend of Israel, do you support the strikes that’s carried out on the Gaza Strip in recent days, which has led to hundreds of people dying?

PENNY WONG, FOREIGN MINISTER: That’s a very long question and first, it’s good to be with you, Ashleigh. And I think what we saw from this speech from Peter Dutton is, as he said, you know, past behaviour is the best indicator of future behaviour. And I’d agree with him, because what we know about Peter Dutton is he’s lost in our region. We know that he made fun of the Pacific. He was part of the government that withdrew from the Pacific, leaving a vacuum for others to fill. We’ve seen him both in opposition and also in government, beating the drums of war. This is a man lost in our region. In terms of what we are seeing in the Middle East, where we are seeing, unfortunately, the ceasefire that Mr Dutton opposed has broken. We continue to urge all parties to observe the ceasefire for hostages to be returned, we want humanitarian aid to flow. We have been clear in that position alongside the majority of the international community, and it was Mr Dutton who is out of step.

GILLON: Let’s turn to Mr Dutton’s comments on Ukraine. He again criticised your government’s willingness to send Australian peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, saying Australia doesn’t have the ability to have a presence in multiple theatres. Why would Australia send troops halfway around the world to Ukraine when the US has said it won’t? And Russia has made it very clear any such move would lead to grave consequences, in its words, for Australia.

FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, first, I’d say a few things about what Mr Dutton said. He made a lot of criticism in relation to Ukraine, and I think everyone can see what he’s trying to do, which is, he’s trying to back up an argument which the facts don’t support. The reality is, if you ask President Zelenskyy what sort of friend and supporter he has in Australia and in this government, I think he’d be very clear about that, and he has been very clear about that. What I’d say is that the Prime Minister has articulated very clearly the reason why we want to back Ukraine, why it is something that matters to us. It’s because Russia’s behaviour is both illegal and immoral and is a breach of the UN Charter. And a permanent member of the Security Council has used its veto to justify a breach of the UN Charter. Now, that matters to middle powers like Australia. Now, what we have said is that if a request is made, we would consider it. Unfortunately, Mr Dutton, he had a chance to back Australia again, but as always, he wants to pick a political fight. Back Australia – he never chooses that path, always wants to pick a political fight.

GILLON: I’m sure you were pleased to hear Mr Dutton say the PBS wouldn’t be up for negotiation with the Trump Administration if he does become Prime Minister. But what actually can Australia do to avoid potential tariffs on Australian medicine exports to the US? Our efforts, as we know so far, when it’s come to aluminium and steel, have failed.

FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, first on the PBS, you can never trust Mr. Dutton on the PBS. We know that the only reason the PBS was protected when the US Free Trade Agreement was first struck was because of the Labor Party back in 2004. We know what Mr Dutton’s record is when it comes to health. And what the Prime Minister has said is this government, this Labor Government, is very clear. We are not up for negotiation on the PBS. We will fight to protect it. Full stop and end of story.

In terms of the position of President Trump and the administration, I think every Australian can see President Trump’s second administration is taking a much harder position. A much harder position. In excess of 30 countries got exemptions the last time around, in the first Trump Presidency, on steel and aluminium, not one now. So, it’s very clear from that they’ve taken a much harder position. We will continue to engage, we will continue to negotiate, and we also continue to be very clear that the American pharmaceutical companies may be doing what they did some 20 years ago where they came after the PBS, this government is not for moving.

GILLON: I’m keen for your thoughts on a developing story today. Malaysia has just announced it’s come to an agreement with the exploration firm Ocean Infinity. It’s going to be resuming the search for the wreckage of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Has Australia received a briefing from either Malaysia or Ocean Infinity on where exactly they’re searching? Is there any support that we can be providing via the Australian Transport Safety Bureau?

FOREIGN MINISTER: Oh, look, we have been part of the engagement on the search for MH370 for a very long time. We’ll continue to engage as Malaysia requires. Obviously, this is a tragedy, and it was a tragedy that so many families still carry with them. And so we continue to look for justice and resolution for those who lost their loved ones on that flight.

GILLON: Well, considering our prolonged involvement in this, does the government have a view as to where it would be best to begin this search? As you know, there’s been a lot of speculation that the wreckage lies in the Seventh Arc in the Indian Ocean.

FOREIGN MINISTER: Look, I’m not going to speculate about the location of this aircraft. Obviously, there’s been a lot of years, a lot of experts involved. What we hope is that it can be found and that there can be some closure for those who lost loved ones and for whom the lack of resolution here is a continued source of pain.

GILLON: Foreign Minister Penny Wong, really appreciate you making the time. Thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER: Great to speak with you, Ashleigh.

MIL OSI News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Commission delivers a further €1 billion to Ukraine under its part of the G7 loan, to be repaid with proceeds from immobilised Russian assets

Source: European Commission – Justice

European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 Mar 2025 Today, the European Commission has disbursed an additional €1 billion tranche of its exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine, to be repaid with proceeds from immobilised Russian State assets in the EU, reinforcing the EU’s role as the largest donor since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The renovation of the large physical auditorium will be financed from the Polytechnic Endowment Fund

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

In 2024, as part of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the university, the Polytechnic University Endowment Fund took the initiative to implement an infrastructure project using funds from the management of endowment capital in the amount of 5 million rubles.

In December 2024, the Foundation Board announced a call for applications, inviting the directorates of all SPbPU institutes to participate. The commission for the distribution of income from the management of the Foundation’s endowment capital received 12 projects, each of which was of particular importance and was highly appreciated by the commission.

According to the results of the competition, the most important project for the university was the renovation of the large physics auditorium of the Main Academic Building, which has enormous historical and symbolic significance for SPbPU. Such great Russian and Soviet scientists as V. V. Skobeltsyn, A. F. Ioffe, P. L. Kapitsa, N. N. Semenov, A. A. Fridman, Yu. B. Khariton, A. I. Alikhanov, B. P. Konstantinov and many others gave and listened to lectures there.

The renovation will be completed after classes end in the summer of 2025.

Director of the Institute of Physics and Mathematics Pavel Zakharov noted: The Large Physics Auditorium is not only the heart of the Physics Department, where demonstrations and lectures have been held since the university was founded, but also one of the largest and most legendary auditoriums. Thousands of our students pass through it every year. We are grateful to the Foundation for the opportunity to carry out repair work in the auditorium.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: GlobalData Country Risk Index shows slight drop in Q4 2024

Source: GlobalData

The global economy stands at a crossroads, balancing trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions against easing price pressures. The latter is supporting a revival in domestic demand and providing central banks with room for potential rate cuts. Against this backdrop, GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, reports a slight drop in the GlobalData Country Risk Index (GCRI) from 55.6 in Q3 2024 to 55.0 in Q4 2024.

GlobalData’s latest, “Global Risk Report Quarterly Update – Q4 2024,” highlights that the Americas and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) face high risk scores due to economic instability and geopolitical conflicts. The Asia-Pacific region, while risky, has a lower score than the Americas and MEA, buoyed by strong growth in emerging economies. In contrast, Europe is the least risky region, benefiting from a solid economic recovery and improved investment sentiment.

Annapurna Pillutla, Economic Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Global economic growth is projected to reach 3.1% in 2024, slightly down from 3.3% in 2023, reflecting both resilience and ongoing challenges. While the US economy continues to expand steadily, China’s real estate turmoil and potential US tariff hikes present key risks. Inflation remains above central bank targets in some regions, adding to the economic uncertainty. Growth in 2025 is expected to follow a similar trajectory, constrained by geopolitical tensions and policy unpredictability.”

The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs are likely to disrupt the global supply chains and raise business costs. By 2025, these measures could reduce production efficiency and alter trade patterns as companies face higher prices for imported goods and raw materials.

Europe – Steady recovery amid persistent challenges

Europe continues to be the world’s least-risk region, with its risk score improving slightly from 41.4 in Q3 2024 to 41.0 in Q4 2024. The region’s economic recovery is marked by a gradual decline in inflation, improved labor markets, and supportive policy rate cuts by the ECB. However, geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Russia and Ukraine, along with political shifts to the far right, an aging population and labor shortages, present ongoing challenges. In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Switzerland, Denmark, and Ireland were identified as the least risky countries, while Ukraine, Turkiye, and Belarus, faced the highest risks.

Asia-Pacific – Resilience amidst geopolitical challenges

The Asia-Pacific region’s risk score decreased from 54.0 in Q3 2024 to 53.4 in Q4 2024, indicating ongoing economic recovery. Projected to account for more than half of global growth in 2025, the region benefits from strong domestic demand and increased exports. However, risks persist due to geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and economic slowdown in China. China’s stimulus measures may offset some impact of US tariffs, while easing inflation and resilient consumption in other emerging economies improve the outlook. Strong growth prospects in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia further enhance regional stability.

In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, the highest-risk countries included Pakistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Conversely, the countries with the lowest risk were Singapore, Taiwan (Province of China), and Hong Kong (China SAR).

Americas – Risk decline amid economic gains and political shifts

Americas’ risk score decreased slightly from 57.0 in Q3 2024 to 56.6 in Q4 2024, reflecting benefits from policy rate cuts and strong consumer spending, particularly in the US. However, high US debt and fiscal challenges in Latin America persist, alongside political instability marked by protests and governance issues. Donald Trump’s return to the presidency adds to the region’s volatility, potentially affecting economic strategies and stability.

In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Canada, the US, and Costa Rica were the least risky, while Haiti, Venezuela, and Argentina remained the highest-risk nations.

MEA – Persistent risks amid geopolitical tensions

The MEA regions risk score slightly decreased from 66.3 in Q3 2024 to 65.4 in Q4 2024, driven by growth in the non-oil sector. However, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and humanitarian crises continue to pose significant challenges. Africa faces rising debt and natural disasters, exacerbating food insecurity and displacement. In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Yemen, Syria, and Burundi were among the highest-risk nations globally, highlighting the region’s persistent instability.

Pillutla concludes: “Geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and market volatility present significant challenges for both policymakers and investors. To effectively manage these risks, a sophisticated approach is necessary, emphasizing adaptation and diversification.”

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology, and professional services sectors.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: NSU Receives License for New Master’s Program “Industrial Pharmacy”

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

Novosibirsk State University has received a license for a new master’s program “Industrial Pharmacy”, the first intake of students will be in September 2025. This is a network educational program implemented jointly with the Engineering School of Moscow State University, the industrial partners are the companies “Generium”, “Pharmstandard” and “Medico-Biological Union”. This is the first such educational program beyond the Urals. It is planned that up to 20 people will study in the master’s program.

The new master’s program will be implemented on the basis of the infrastructure new campus of NSU, which is being built within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”. The master’s degree will combine fundamental scientific knowledge concentrated in the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the industrial experience of industrial partners. Students will also undergo practical training at Moscow State University and Sechenov University.

— The buildings of the educational and scientific center of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (IMMT) of NSU and the scientific research center of NSU, which are related to the objects of the second stage of the new campus, will house both educational sites and pilot industrial production in various areas, including pharmaceutical ones, which will allow young specialists to obtain and hone their skills in a licensed production facility located directly at the place of their studies. No university beyond the Urals offers such an opportunity, — commented Mikhail Khvostov, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Cybernetics of IMMT NSU.

Bachelors of natural science and medical fields will be able to enroll in the master’s program. Within the framework of the program, it will be possible to receive education in two tracks. The first is pharmaceutical development. The educational process will include training in basic, fundamental disciplines, and special courses that provide additional knowledge and develop skills required in scientific research work specifically in pharmacy. The second direction is biotechnology and the production of high-tech drugs, primarily gene therapy and based on human somatic cells. There are only a few such specialists in Russia now.

— There is a major shortage of personnel in the pharmaceutical industry, including research, expert analysis and production. The new master’s program at NSU will allow training professionals in areas that are currently actively developing in our country. Thus, regenerative medicine and health preservation are important elements of the new national project. Therefore, the demand for specialists working in this area will grow every year, — emphasized Mikhail Khvostov.

Master’s students of the new educational program will also participate in the development of products, the creation of which is supported by the Priority 2030 program.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 20, 2025

Category: Russian Federation

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