Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: 100 Days of Secretary Noem: Making America Safe Again

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: 100 Days of Secretary Noem: Making America Safe Again

    lass=”text-align-center”>“I will continue fighting every day alongside President Donald Trump to secure our border and keep American communities safe

    This is just the beginning of the Golden Age of America

    ” – Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem 
    WASHINGTON – In her first 100 days on the job, Secretary Kristi Noem returned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to its core mission of securing the homeland

     
    Under Secretary Noem’s strong leadership, DHS is hard at work securing our borders, arresting and removing criminal aliens, safeguarding the U

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    cyber infrastructure, protecting America’s leaders, deterring terrorism, and keeping America safe

      
    Below are just some of Secretary Noem’s accomplishments from her 100 Days:
    Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history

    Daily border encounters have plunged 95% since President Trump and Secretary Noem took office

    Migrants are turning BACK before they even reach our border— migration through Panama’s Darien Gap is down 99

    99%

    Secretary Noem launched a multimillion-dollar nationwide and international ad campaign, urging illegal aliens to leave the U

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    voluntarily or face deportation with no chance of return and warning criminals to stay out

    The data shows the world is hearing our message

    Secretary Noem and Secretary Kennedy have reunited nearly 5,000 unaccompanied children with a safe relative or guardian

    Secretary Noem is finishing the border wall

    DHS already has 85 miles of new construction either planned or under construction

    United States (U

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    ) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U

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    Coast Guard (USCG) have seized nearly 232,000 pounds of fentanyl and other illicit drugs—stopping them from ever reaching American communities

    Secretary Noem is fulfilling President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations—starting with the worst of the worst

    Secretary Noem unleashed the U

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    Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to target the worst of the worst, 75% of their arrests are criminal illegal aliens with convictions or pending charges

    Secretary Noem rode with ICE agents on an operation in New York City that resulted in the arrest of a Tren de Aragua ringleader

    The Secretary went on a successful operation in Northern Virginia that got MS-13 gang members, 18th Street gang members, and perpetrators of sexual crimes off our streets

    Additionally, Secretary Noem went on an ICE operation in Phoenix that resulted in the arrest of human traffickers, drug smugglers, and 18th Street gang members

    DHS has secured 598 signed agreements with state and local partnerships under 287(g)

    Last week, the first 287(g) enforcement operation coordinated with state and federal law enforcement—Operation Tidal Wave—resulted in 1,120 arrests across Florida

    Secretary Noem deputized the Texas National Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Prisons, U

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    Marshals, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, members of the State Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help with immigration operations

       
    Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS has arrested over 168,000 illegal aliens in 2025 alone, including more than 600 members of Tren de Aragua

    To fulfill President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations, DHS and Department of  Defense (DOD) are detaining some of the most dangerous illegal aliens, including violent criminals and members of terrorist gangs, at Guantanamo Bay

     Secretary Noem was the first Cabinet Secretary to visit Guantanamo Bay and see the facilities where the worst of the worst are being held

    At President Trump’s direction, DHS deported nearly 300 Tren de Aragua and MS-13 terrorists to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) Prison in El Salvador, where they no longer pose a threat to the American people

    While in El Salvador, Secretary Noem signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to update the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) between the U

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    and El Salvador

    This agreement ensures fugitives’ criminal records are shared between America and El Salvador, so that criminals are not inadvertently released into American communities

    While in Colombia, Secretary Noem signed a Statement of Intent for Biometric Cooperation

    This agreement facilitates the sharing of biometric data between our nations to better identify and prevent criminals and terrorists from our crossing borders

    Biometric data sharing has already led to over 1,700 deportations and 1,000 arrests

    President Trump ended the CBP One app that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U

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    Secretary Noem replaced this disastrous program with the CBP Home app, which has a new self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country

    So far, thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport

    The Trump Administration is enforcing the Alien Registration Act which requires aliens to register with the federal government

    If illegal aliens fail to comply, they face fines and imprisonment

     
    Deportations have already exceeded 152,000—this is just the beginning

    Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS partnered with the Government of Uzbekistan to successfully deport over 100 illegal aliens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan

    This operation, in which Uzbekistan fully funded the deportation of their own nationals, underscores the deep security cooperation between our nations and sets a standard for U

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    alliances

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are putting the safety of Americans first and delivering justice for victims of illegal aliens and drug cartels

    Under the Secretary’s leadership, DHS is enforcing President Trump’s first major piece of legislation, the Laken Riley Act

    This law mandates the federal detention of illegal aliens who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or any crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury

    President Trump designated international drug cartels and other criminal gangs, such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

    This enables a whole-of-government approach to dismantle their drug and human trafficking operations

    The days of unchecked cartel and gang violence are over

       
    Following the Secretary’s meeting with the Honduran Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Trump Administration extradited Eswin Mejia, an illegal alien arrested for killing 21-year-old Sarah Root in a drunk driving crash, from Honduras

    President Trump and Secretary Noem reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, which was shuttered by the Biden Administration

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve

    Secretary Noem has met with Angel families—including Alexis Nungaray, Sabine Durden-Coulter, Tammy Nobles, Maureen Maloney, and Agnes Gibboney—to hear their tragic stories and offer support from the Trump Administration

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are restoring integrity and common sense to our legal immigration system

    DHS has returned the Temporary Protected Status immigration program to its original status: temporary

    No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens

     Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration’s extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, and Afghan TPS

         
    President Trump is returning common sense to our legal immigration system and national security by revoking visas of terrorist sympathizers

    Those who glorify and support terrorists who kill Americans are not welcome in the U

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    Some examples include:

    ICE arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student who led activities aligned with Hamas and passed out pro-Hamas propaganda flyers

    Dr

    Rasha Alawieh was deported after she admitted to attending the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, a brutal terrorist who led Hezbollah and was responsible for killing hundreds of Americans

    ICE arrested Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown foreign exchange student whose father-in-law is a senior advisor to Hamas

    To keep America safe, DHS is now conducting enhanced vetting of visa applicants, including monitoring foreign aliens’ social media accounts to identify any support for terrorist organizations

    Under President Trump, Secretary Noem refocused DHS to its core mission of protecting the American homeland and eliminating government waste

    Secretary Noem has empowered our brave men and women in ICE, Border Patrol, and the Coast Guard to use common sense to do their jobs effectively

    DHS ensured a safe and secure Super Bowl for the more than 100,000 fans celebrating in New Orleans

    Secretary Noem is embracing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts to make sweeping cuts that eliminate government waste, return DHS to its core mission of protecting the homeland, and fulfill the Founders vision of returning power to the states

    The USCG eliminated an ineffective information technology (IT) program, saving nearly $33 million, and is now focusing resources where they’re most needed to protect our homeland

    The Trump Administration stopped aliens on the Terror Watchlist from receiving Medicaid benefits

    Secretary Noem stopped the construction of a new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency headquarters building that was going to cost American taxpayers more than half a billion dollars

    Secretary Noem ended the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) FEMA grant program that was wasteful and ineffective

    This resulted in nearly a billion dollars being directed to the Disaster Relief Fund

       
    To stop policies that were magnets for illegal immigration, DHS froze all funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U

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    Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars do not go to housing illegal aliens

    Secretary Noem ended collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which constrained TSA’s chief mission to safeguard our transportation systems and keep Americans safe

    Bottom Line: Secretary Noem will continue fighting alongside President Trump every day to secure our border and keep American communities safe

    This is just the beginning of a new Golden Age of America

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Visit to Azerbaijan by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – E-001660/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001660/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Gerolf Annemans (PfE)

    At a time when the Armenian Genocide is being commemorated, and there are continuing tensions and border disputes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) is visiting Baku on 25 April.

    President Ilham Aliyev has threatened the EU Mission in Armenia in the past and seems to care little about EU criticism. It nonetheless appears that the VP/HR is planning the visit in order to achieve short-term energy gains, disregarding the rule of law and international law in the process.

    • 1.Why is the VP/HR choosing this precise juncture to visit the regime that is threatening her own mission when she is not going to Armenia at the same time?
    • 2.Will the VP/HR, in Azerbaijan, raise the criticism voiced by Parliament in its resolution of 13 March 2025 on the unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan?
    • 3.Will the VP/HR convey the message that the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy will be suspended as long as Azerbaijan remains deaf to the EU’s concerns?

    Submitted: 24.4.2025

    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Is the Commission abandoning the objectives of the Farm to Fork Strategy? – P-001086/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission remains committed to the objectives of reducing the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides, cutting nutrient losses, reducing overall EU sales of antimicrobials for farmed animals and in aquaculture, and increasing the level of organic farming as well as organic aquaculture.

    The Vision for Agriculture and Food[1] underlines that farmers need appropriate support of various kinds to help them make their contribution to achieving these objectives — in an approach which addresses the need for environmental, economic and social sustainability.

    The quantified targets referred to by the Honourable Members are not legally binding. However, the underlying indicators are part of the Commission’s established set of context indicators on the Common Agricultural Policy[2], and on that basis will continue to be monitored alongside the Commission’s various other indicators which relate to the farming and food sectors.

    Regarding animal transport, on 7 December 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal[3] for a new Regulation on the protection of animals during transport. This proposal is now being examined by the European Parliament and the Council.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0075
    • [2] https://agridata.ec.europa.eu/extensions/DataPortal/context_indicators.html
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM:2023:770:FIN
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Safeguarding European industry: confronting the European Green Deal’s economic and industrial consequences within the framework of the Competitiveness Compass – E-000553/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Green Deal[1] aims at positioning Europe as the first climate-neutral continent in a fair, cost effective and competitive way. The Clean Industrial Deal[2] has continued this path by strengthening the business case for decarbonisation and competitiveness in the EU[3] through actions to improve access to affordable energy, lead markets, public and private investments, materials and resources, global markets, skills and quality jobs. To tailor actions to the needs of individual industries, work goes on with the preparation of sector specific plans, such as those for the automotive[4], steel, and metal[5] sectors. The recent simplification package[6] shows the Commission’s focus also on horizontal enablers necessary for a competitive economy.

    2. EU’s industry faces higher energy prices than those of our trading partners and unfair global competition due to overcapacities from other countries. To address this and support the green transition, the Commission adopted the Affordable Energy Action Plan[7]. Reducing dependency on hydrocarbons and expanding clean technologies is key for EU’s energy security. The Clean Industrial Deal targets 100 GW of renewable electricity generation and boosting recycling and use of secondary materials that require less energy than extraction and processing of virgin materials. The EU remains committed to its decarbonisation objectives.

    3. In addition to strengthening its domestic supply chains and resilience, the EU remains committed to the effective implementation of critical raw materials policies through strategic partnerships with countries rich in these resources and boosting recycling.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/delivering-european-green-deal_en
    • [2] COM(2025) 85 final of 26.2.2025.
    • [3] See also the Competitiveness Compass communication, COM(2025) 30 final of 29.1.2025.
    • [4] See the Industrial Action Plan for an Automotive Sector, COM(2025) 95 final of 05.3.2025.
    • [5] See the Steel and Metals Action Plan, COM(2025) 30 final of 19.3.2025.
    • [6] https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-simplifies-rules-sustainability-and-eu-investments-delivering-over-eu6-billion_en
    • [7] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Restoring the competitiveness of the steel industry – E-000575/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The steel safeguard review investigation has concluded that the EU steel industry is under significant pressure caused by increasing global overcapacity, stalling domestic demand for steel and additional trade measures on steel imports adopted by third countries.

    To ensure that the safeguard measure remains effective in the present context, and taking into account the overall EU interest, the Commission considers that a number of adjustments to tariff rate quota management are necessary. These adjustments entered into force on 1 April 2025.

    The Steel and Metals Action Plan[1] foresees that, by the third quarter of 2025 at the latest, the Commission will propose a long-term measure providing a highly effective level of protection to the EU’s steel sector.

    Resource shuffling refers to the export of less emissions-intensive materials production towards markets with higher carbon costs, while the overall carbon intensity of production remains constant.

    The Commission is assessing the risk and magnitude of resource shuffling and will, as part of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Anti-Circumvention strategy, identify policy options to minimise this risk.

    As announced in the Steel and Metals Action Plan, the strategy will be part of a legislative proposal for a CBAM revision by the fourth quarter of 2025.

    • [1] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/european-steel-and-metals-action-plan_en
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Newsletters – April 2025 – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Among the topics of this edition:

    • New Regulation on a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying irregularly in the Union
    • The EU Agenda and Action Plan on Drugs and the EU Drugs strategy: state of play and future initiatives
    • The European Ports Alliance and its Public-Private Partnership: joint fight against drug trafficking and organised crime

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom honors fallen California peace officer heroes

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 5, 2025

    What you need to know: The Governor honored the contributions of fallen California law enforcement officers at the annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony. 

    Sacramento, California – Honoring the contributions of fallen California peace officers, Governor Gavin Newsom today joined hundreds of law enforcement officers, state and local leaders, and community members at the annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony. 

    We honor the lives and legacy these officers leave behind. They bravely served our communities, putting the needs of others before all. We thank them today and every day for their everlasting courage.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The memorial ceremony included a “Walk of Honor” for surviving family members from the west steps of the Capitol to the memorial monument for the Enrollment Ceremony, where the names of newly enrolled officers were formally added to the Memorial Monument. 

    The following fallen officers were recognized: 

    Distant Past

    • Officer Terry D. Long, El Monte Police Department, EOW: August 22, 2004

    Recent Past and Current Year

    • Deputy Alfredo M. Flores, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, EOW: April 20, 2024
    • Officer Matthew Bowen, Vacaville Police Department, EOW: July 11, 2024
    • Officer Austin Christopher Machitar, San Diego Police Department, EOW: August 26, 2024
    • Officer Chad E. Swanson, Manhattan Beach Police Department, EOW: October 4, 2023

    This solemn ceremony incorporates many law enforcement traditions, including a riderless horse presentation, the folding of the flag of the United States, releasing of doves, and concludes with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.

    In memorial, Governor Newsom ordered flags to be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space.

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: California applied to the federal government today to update the state’s benchmark plan, which would expand coverage requirements for essential health benefits (EHBs) like hearing aids and wheelchairs in the individual and small group…

    News What you need to know: California remains the #1 state for tourism, with record-high tourism spending reaching $157.3 billion in 2024. However, the Trump administration’s policies and rhetoric are driving away tourists, killing tourism and hospitality jobs, and…

    News SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after the University of California Board of Regents named James Milliken the new president of the University of California: “California’s future depends on the strength of our institutions,…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: California applies to expand essential health benefits to include IVF, hearing exams

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 5, 2025

    What you need to know: California applied to the federal government today to update the state’s benchmark plan, which would expand coverage requirements for essential health benefits (EHBs) like hearing aids and wheelchairs in the individual and small group markets starting in 2027.

    Sacramento, California – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom, through the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC), submitted an application to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to update California’s benchmark plan. The new benchmark plan would expand coverage requirements for essential health benefits (EHBs) in the individual and small group markets starting in 2027, following CMS approval. That expanded coverage would include services to such fertility treatments, annual hearing exams and hearing aids, and mobility devices such as walkers, manual and power wheelchairs, and scooters.

    “Quality health care should be available for all Californians, and one way we are working to achieve this goal is by updating the state’s benchmark plan for required health benefits. My administration has been working over the last year, in collaboration with the state Legislature, to expand coverage for important and needed health care services, including fertility services, hearing aids and wheelchairs. These new coverage requirements will have life-changing impacts for millions of Californians.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Support from California’s leaders 

    Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley), MSW, Chair of the Senate Health Committee: “Moving towards expanding California’s Essential Health Benefits marks a huge step forward for people with hearing loss, disabilities, and those struggling with infertility. The new proposed benchmark plan means children who are hard of hearing or deaf will have coverage for the hearing aids that make a significant difference in their development and well-being. Folks who are currently cut off from family-building because of financial barriers will be able to make this important reproductive decision for themselves. And those whose mobility relies on access to durable medical equipment will have increased coverage for their means of independence. This additional coverage would be life-altering and I am thankful to the Administration, experts, and community stakeholders who came together to craft a benchmark plan that serves Californians.”

    Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee: “Expanding coverage to in vitro fertilization, annual hearing exams, hearing aids, and durable medical equipment in our state’s benchmark plan shows our statewide commitment to prioritizing meaningful access to care. I was proud to invest the time needed in a thorough, collaborative, and thoughtful process that is yielding real results for our constituents, who see the future of their coverage as more uncertain than ever. For the young couple who will finally be able to start their family, a child who will be able to hear their teacher, and someone with mobility limitations looking to remain independent, these changes will have impacts they feel every day. I’m thankful to everyone who made this possible.”

    California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson: “The updates to California’s benchmark plan and essential health benefits will close coverage gaps for millions while enhancing access to fertility services, hearing aids, and wheelchairs, easing the burden on families seeking these vital health care services.”

    DMHC Director Mary Watanabe: “Selecting a new benchmark plan sets a new standard for commercial health coverage in California. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the state Legislature, health plans, providers, advocates and members of the public who participated in the process and provided thoughtful feedback and comments. This input has been essential, and was carefully considered, as we examined new opportunities to improve and expand health care coverage requirements under a new benchmark plan.”

    How we got here

    The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health plans in the individual and small group markets to offer a comprehensive package of services, known as EHBs. EHBs must cover 10 broad categories of services including primary care, hospital services, prescription drugs, and emergency and urgent care services. Within these broad categories, a state can decide what specific services plans must cover by selecting its benchmark plan, which sets forth the EHB coverage requirements.

    The DMHC has been working over the last year with the Newsom administration and Legislature to update California’s benchmark plan, including holding public meetings to share information on expanding the EHBs and the process to update the state’s benchmark plan. These public meetings provided opportunities for the public to comment about the benefits that should be considered for inclusion in the new benchmark plan. In addition to the public meetings, the DMHC issued public notices on California’s work to update the benchmark plan and accepted public comments on the state’s draft benchmark plan summary. If approved by CMS, the new benchmark plan requirements would take effect January 1, 2027.

    Health care, Press Releases

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: California remains the #1 state for tourism, with record-high tourism spending reaching $157.3 billion in 2024. However, the Trump administration’s policies and rhetoric are driving away tourists, killing tourism and hospitality jobs, and…

    News SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after the University of California Board of Regents named James Milliken the new president of the University of California: “California’s future depends on the strength of our institutions,…

    News What you need to know: As part of the California Jobs First initiative, the state is awarding $30.5 million in tax credits to seven companies committed to creating new jobs and investing over $2.1 billion across key industries like clean energy, advanced…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of projected “Trump Slump,” Governor Newsom announces record-high tourism — again

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 5, 2025

    What you need to know: California remains the #1 state for tourism, with record-high tourism spending reaching $157.3 billion in 2024. However, the Trump administration’s policies and rhetoric are driving away tourists, killing tourism and hospitality jobs, and already leading to decreased tourism projections.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Newsom and Visit California today announced that California’s tourism spending continued to grow in 2024, reaching a record-high of $157.3 billion in tourism spending throughout the state — an increase of 3% from 2023, another record-spending year.  This comes after recent news that California’s economy is now the fourth-largest economy in the world and experienced a population increase for the second year in a row.

    “California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation, and around the globe. With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The announcement comes with the release of Visit California’s 2024 Economic Impact Report and revised 2025 forecast released today. According to Visit California’s report, in 2024:

    • Visitors spent $157.3 billion at businesses across the state.
    • Tourism spending supported 1.2 million jobs and created 24,000 new jobs.
    • $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenues was generated from tourism.

    Economic progress at risk of Trump Slump

    However, the forecast also anticipates a 1% dip in overall visitation and a 9.2% decline in international visitation in 2025, in direct response to federal economic policy and an impending “Trump Slump.” Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to be more challenging, particularly due to global economic pressures and a slowdown in international tourism, the direct result of declining global sentiment about travel to the United States. California is already seeing the impact, with a sharp year-over-year decline in March of this year.

    In anticipation of the slump caused by the Trump administration, Governor Newsom and Visit California are encouraging Californians to continue to travel within the state to help support the booming tourism industry. The Governor has also launched a new campaign encouraging Canadian consumers to continue to travel to the Golden State.

    More people moving to California 

    In addition to record-breaking tourism, California is welcoming more new residents. Governor Newsom recently announced California’s population increased for the second year in a row. The announcement also noted that previous reports that California’s population had declined by hundreds of thousands of people in 2021 and 2023 were found inaccurate, and since 2021, California’s population has increased by nearly 275,000 people. 

    California’s economic leadership

    With a nation-leading GDP and more Fortune 500 companies than any other state, California’s economy remains a global powerhouse driven by diversity, creativity, and opportunity.

    • 4th largest economy in the world: California’s $4.1 trillion GDP recently surpassed Japan.
    • #1 in the nation: Leads the U.S. in Fortune 500 companies, new business starts, venture capital access, manufacturing output, high-tech industries and agriculture.
    • Major trade powerhouse: Over $675 billion in two-way trade, making California the largest importer among U.S. states and a key driver of job creation.
    • Manufacturing hub: Home to 36,000+ manufacturing firms, employing over 1.1 million workers, with strengths in aerospace, electronics, and zero-emission vehicles.
    • AI & innovation leader: California hosts 32 of the world’s top 50 AI companies and produces 25% of global AI patents and conference papers.

    Recent news

    News SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today after the University of California Board of Regents named James Milliken the new president of the University of California: “California’s future depends on the strength of our institutions,…

    News What you need to know: As part of the California Jobs First initiative, the state is awarding $30.5 million in tax credits to seven companies committed to creating new jobs and investing over $2.1 billion across key industries like clean energy, advanced…

    News LOS ANGELES — California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, mental health professionals, and athletes at two schools in Pasadena and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula’s East Palo Alto Clubhouse to celebrate Move Your Body, Calm…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PPTA calls on Minister Stanford to come clean on Kāhui Ako

    Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)

    Kāhui Ako, or Communities of Learning, bring together schools with the aim of helping students to achieve their full potential. They give highly skilled and experienced teachers the opportunity to lead projects in and across schools, providing support and advice to teachers on agreed priorities such as attendance, transitions and implementation of new government initiatives.

    “Kāhui Ako provide an alternative and greatly valued career path for about 4000 teachers around the motu and they need clarity about their future,” says Chris Abercrombie PPTA Te Wehengarua president.

    “At the moment the Minister seems to be making unilateral decisions about the programme without any consultation.

    “There has also not been any consultation on where the funding could be reallocated for learning support especially in the secondary sector where students’ learning needs are quite different from primary school students’.” 

    Last modified on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 11:23

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Politics and Health – Mental health workforce crisis exposed – urgent action needed now – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Government must take urgent action on the acute shortage of mental health workers after revelations of the scale of problem.
    The PSA is demanding the Government:
    1. Immediately fill all vacancies
    2. Lift the hiring ban across the country
    3. Reinstate police support for all mental health call outs
    3 News has obtained a draft report showing the scale of the workforce crisis, but the official report to the Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey removed the numbers. The draft report said 1,485 more frontline mental health and addiction workers were needed right now, including 470 specialist nurses, 145 psychiatrists and 145 clinical psychologists.
    “This is stark evidence of the Government failing to get on top off the workforce crisis and the public will be rightly shocked at the scale of the problem exposed by the media,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This not news to us. The PSA has been well aware of the scale of the problem for a long time. That’s why we have been repeatedly demanding that Health NZ Te Whatu Ora accelerate recruitment, but these numbers show that it’s not solving the problem fast enough.”
    The PSA represents most mental health workers including mental health nurses, community mental health workers, psychologists, social workers, and child and adolescent specialists.
    “There is a crisis in ever hospital where mental health workers are under more pressure than ever. The phased withdrawal of police support is compounding the problem.
    “But recruitment is happening at a snail’s pace. It can often take months for Health NZ to sign off on hiring even one worker, who is often lost to the private sector or to higher paying jobs overseas because of these long delays.
    “It’s just not good enough. We have a dedicated Minister for Mental Health for the first time and the Government promised New Zealanders it would get on top of the problem.
    “The buck stops with the Minister. But unless the Government properly funds and resources mental health, patient care will suffer. This is a critical frontline service and New Zealanders deserve better.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Opening of the 5-8 May plenary session

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola opened the 5-8 May plenary session with a minute’s silence in memory of His Holiness Pope Francis

    President Roberta Metsola said Pope Francis would be remembered for his “inspirational leadership, his moral authority, and his kindness, taking every opportunity to speak up for a more humane, more peaceful and unified world”. President Metsola remembered the late Pope’s message to MEPs to “work together every day for a better, more compassionate, and more courageous European Parliament”.

    MEPs then held a minute’s silence in memory of Pope Francis, after which political group speakers held a round of short statements.

    World War II Anniversary

    President Metsola announced that, to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, there would be a wreath laying ceremony at 10:30 on Wednesday in front of the Louise Weiss building, followed by a ceremony in the hemicycle including testimonies from three WWII veterans, at 11:30.

    Security Action for Europe (SAFE) Regulation

    President Metsola announced that in accordance with Rule 138 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, the Legal Affairs Committee had verified the legal basis of the Commission’s SAFE regulation proposal to reinforce Europe’s defence industry and found unanimously, on 23 April 2025, that Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union was not the appropriate legal basis. President Metsola agreed to write to the Presidents of the Council and of the European Commission accordingly.

    Changes to the agenda

    Tuesday

    The President announced three requests to fast track files under Rule 170(6): CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles for 2025 to 2027; the protection status of the wolf; and amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation as regards securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio. The votes on these requests will take place on Tuesday.

    Wednesday

    A Commission statement on the fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms is added to the agenda before the debates on Rule 150 on Wednesday afternoon.

    Council and Commission statements on the illegal visit of President Erdogan to the occupied areas of Cyprus are added as the last item on Wednesday afternoon, with one round of group speakers and no resolution.

    As a result of these additions, Wednesday’s sitting will be extended to 23:00.

    Incoming MEPs

    Wolker Schnurrbusch (NI, DE) has replaced Maximilian Krah (NI, DE) as of 4 April 2025.

    Parliamentary immunity

    Hungarian authorities have asked for the Parliamentary immunity of Péter Magyar (EPP, HU) to be waived, and referred the matter to the Legal Affairs Committee.

    Interinstitutional negotiations

    The LIBE, PECH, and jointly, the SEDE and ITRE committees have decided to enter into interinstitutional negotiations, pursuant to Rule 72, paragraph 1 of the Rules of procedure, on the basis of the reports available on the plenary website.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Absorption of Recovery and Resilience Facility funds by Greece – E-000948/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Recovery and Resilience Facility[1] (RRF) supports 103 investments and 76 reforms in Greece as set out in a national plan (Greece 2.0) submitted by the Greek authorities to the Commission.

    Disbursement of funds is based on satisfactory fulfilment of related milestones and targets following an assessment carried out by the Commission[2].

    This assessment concerns the fulfilment of the requirements set out in the Council Implementing Decision[3] and verification is based on related evidence submitted by the Greek authorities (e.g. adoption of a law).

    So far, 51% of RRF funds has been disbursed to Greece, and following the recent endorsement by the Commission of the fifth payment request for EUR 3.1 billion, total disbursements to the country will reach 59% in the next months.

    The Greek authorities have adopted measures to facilitate the smooth implementation of the plan and boost administrative capacity, including through the establishment of a dedicated agency (EYSTA) that is part of the Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance.

    In the Council’s country-specific recommendations to Greece of July 2024[4], Greece is further recommended to strengthen administrative capacity to manage EU funds, including RRF funds, accelerate investments, and maintain momentum in the implementation of reforms.

    Greece is notably recommended to address challenges related to: (i) lengthy litigation processes in public procurement procedures that risk causing delays in investments; (ii) slow transfer of property rights; and (iii) weak coordination among Ministries.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/803810c9-c307-412e-8e9e-238ae6e76734_en?filename=COM_2024_591_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v4.pdf
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/96abbf09-3934-40a6-b234-f60c93928a87_en?filename=com_2024_608_1_en.pdf
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: WTO report highlights improved impact of technical assistance activities in 2024

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO report highlights improved impact of technical assistance activities in 2024

    The report reveals that the WTO delivered more than 300 technical assistance activities in 2024, the highest number in the past decade. Over 19,000 government officials were trained in various trade-related areas, including more than 5,000 from least-developed countries (LDCs).
    This represents a 19 per cent rise in the number of technical assistance activities compared to 2023. The increase was largely driven by a significant shift towards e-Learning, which saw the number of participants soar by 45 per cent, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all participants.
    The report notes the sustained effectiveness of the activities in assisting beneficiaries in expanding their knowledge and skills. This is reflected by the three percentage point increase in fully or partially met performance targets compared to 2023.
    The year was also marked by the successful completion of the WTO accession processes of Comoros and Timor-Leste, both of which benefited from extensive technical assistance throughout their negotiations.
    “This support was instrumental in strengthening their capacity to navigate the complexities of WTO accession, which took 17 years for Comoros and nearly eight years for Timor-Leste,” WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang notes in the foreword to the report. “Their successful accession highlights the critical role of technical assistance in building the expertise and institutional frameworks necessary for developing economies to fully participate in global trade.”
    WTO technical assistance continued to combine virtual, in-person and e-Learning formats in 2024 in order to provide targeted support aligned with beneficiaries’ evolving priorities. Standards, agriculture, market access for goods (including trade facilitation), trade in services, trade remedies and fisheries subsidies were among the top ten topics covered by technical assistance activities. Meanwhile, existing offerings exploring other WTO topics or responding to emerging challenges and opportunities, such as digital trade and trade and environment, continued to be developed.
    However, the report struck a note of caution with regard to increasing financial constraints, as 2024 saw voluntary contributions to WTO technical assistance reach their lowest level in 25 years, with unearmarked funds falling to below CHF 3 million. While the cost-saving measures implemented by the WTO Secretariat have so far ensured that technical assistance delivery levels and quality are preserved, cash reserves are nearing exhaustion. Should the current low level of voluntary contributions persist, activities will inevitably suffer in volume and quality, leading to reduced impact over time.
    The full report is available here.
    Background
    A core function of the WTO, technical assistance and capacity-building activities aim to enhance professional and institutional trade capacities in developing and least-developed WTO members and observers. These activities equip beneficiaries with the know-how to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the rules-based multilateral trading system, and to address related challenges. Within the WTO Secretariat, the Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC) oversees these activities.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Transparency remains a central focus at subsidies committee discussions

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Transparency remains a central focus at subsidies committee discussions

    The Chair referred to the most recent WTO Secretariat update, noting that 82 members have yet to submit their 2023 and 2021 subsidy notifications, and that  72 members have still not submitted their 2019 notifications. He reiterated his call for members to submit their notifications promptly, emphasizing that all members benefit from the collective effort of timely and complete notifications. Eight members echoed these calls and commended the Secretariat’s continued efforts to support members in preparing and submitting their notifications, including through targeted technical assistance.
    Review of members’ subsidy notifications
    During the special meeting, the Committee examined 2023 new and full subsidy notifications submitted by Albania, Bahrain, Ecuador, India, Kazakhstan and Montenegro. Additionally, it reviewed outstanding notifications from earlier cycles, notably from Madagascar (2019). The Committee also continued its review of 2023 subsidy notifications from Australia, Brazil, China, Eswatini, Nepal, Norway, Türkiye, the United States and Vanuatu. It also continued its review of a 2019 notification from the Russian Federation.
    National legislation
    The Committee reviewed legislative notifications submitted by Armenia, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. It also continued its review of the legislative notifications of the European Union, Ghana, the Kyrgyz Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Solomon Islands.
    Reports of members on countervailing duty actions
    Members reviewed semi-annual reports on countervailing duty actions submitted by Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, the European Union, India, Mexico, Peru, Chinese Taipei, Türkiye,  the United States and Viet Nam for the period July to December 2024.
    The Committee also considered notifications on preliminary and final countervailing duty actions from members including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
    The Chair emphasized the need for regular and timely submissions of these reports to ensure ongoing transparency and effective oversight by the Committee.
    Other matters
    The Chair recalled the 31 December 2015 deadline for the elimination of export subsidies by members that received “fast track” extensions under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement. He noted that only 15 of the 19 members that had received extensions have provided the final required notifications. He called on the remaining members to comply without delay.
    The Committee reviewed the updated GNI per capita calculations for members listed in Annex VII(b) of the SCM Agreement. According to the latest figures, Senegal graduated from Annex VII(b) while the following members did not: Congo, Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan and Zimbabwe. They therefore remain on the list until their GNP per capita exceeds US$ 1,000 (in constant 1990 dollars) for three consecutive years.
    The Committee also discussed, and members exchanged views on, a range of issues under the following separate agenda items: “discriminatory subsidies policies and measures of the United States” (item sponsored by China); “France’s electric vehicle subsidies programme” (sponsored by the Republic of Korea); and “subsidies and overcapacity” (sponsored by the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States).
    The Committee elected Mr Kazumochi Kometani from Japan as the new member of the Permanent Group of Experts replacing Ms Tomoko Ota, also from Japan. 
    The Committee conducted a scheduled review of its trial use of the e-Agenda platform, originally agreed in October 2023, to streamline meeting procedures by enabling the upload of delegations’ statements. The Committee agreed to extend the current trial arrangement for an additional two years. A formal review will take place at the Committee’s spring 2027 meeting.
    Next meeting
    The Chair reminded members that the autumn 2025 meetings of the SCM Committee are scheduled to take place in the week of 27 October 2025.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for the 100 climate-neutral cities under the Green Deal – E-000580/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In Greece there is a momentum for the EU Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission[1]; of the six Greek cities selected for the Cities Mission, five have already received the Mission Label.

    These cities established the ‘Climanet’ network, and the Greek Government announced EUR 20 million to be allocated to these cities for the preparation of studies and the financing of projects[2].

    At European level, 53 Cities have so far been awarded with a Mission Label. A further 33 Climate City Contracts are now under review. 80 more cities have joined the Twinning Learning Programme[3] to replicate good practices: nine are Greek cities[4].

    The Climate City Capital Hub[5], launched in June 2024, helps labelled cities[6] to get projects ready for investment. It offers advice on financing solutions, in cooperation with existing advisory services, such as those offered by the European Investment Bank (EIB), and puts cities in touch with investors.

    Through the ‘Enabling City Transformation Programme’ under Horizon Europe, EUR 21 million were secured in 2024 to deploy advisory services of the EIB[7]. In addition, the EIB ringfenced a lending envelope of EUR 2 billion for the labelled cities to support the implementation of their decarbonisation strategies.

    Greek Mission cities will also receive support from EU Cohesion Policy and, in line with the European Regional Development Fund/Cohesion Fund Regulation[8], they are implementing their sustainable urban development strategies, to support energy efficiency, climate adaptation, smart cities and green transport projects.

    Finally, EU actions, such as the Covenant of Mayors[9], the Green City Accord[10], the European Urban Initiative[11], the URBACT IV programme[12] and others, support cities in capacity-building and knowledge exchange.

    • [1] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/climate-neutral-and-smart-cities_en
    • [2] https://2030.ioannina.gr/?page_id=1121
    • [3] https://netzerocities.eu/twinning-learning-programme/
    • [4] These are Penteli, Palaio Faliro, Mytilene and Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni (selected for Cohort 1); Chalkida and Chios (in Cohort 2); Fyli, Heraklion and Larisa (in Cohort 3).
    • [5] https://netzerocities.eu/capital-hub/
    • [6] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/942e747e-3ccf-4121-a973-9cc8032fc421_en
    • [7] Including European Local ENergy Assistance (https://www.eib.org/en/products/advisory-services/elena/index)
      and the InvestEU Advisory Hub (https://investeu.europa.eu/investeu-programme/investeu-advisory-hub_en).
    • [8]  OJ L231, 30/06/2021, Article 11.
    • [9] https://eu-mayors.ec.europa.eu/en/home
    • [10] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/urban-environment/green-city-accord_en
    • [11] https://www.urban-initiative.eu/
    • [12] https://urbact.eu/

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EMA’s role in COVID-19 vaccine approval procedures, inspections and good clinical practice checks – P-001695/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001695/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    A recently published investigation by a German newspaper[1] has revealed that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) omitted or avoided crucial checks to test for side effects during the approval procedures for COVID-19 vaccines. Statutory good clinical practice checks by inspectors to review manufacturers’ clinical studies either did not take place or were limited in scope.

    • 1.Was the Commission aware of what happened? If so, when did it become aware and why did it not intervene?
    • 2.What inspection rules are in place for emergency use authorisation – particularly with regard to studies in non-EU countries – to make sure medicines are safe, the duty of care is upheld and patients are protected?
    • 3.Was the Commission informed by the EMA about occurrences of myocarditis (inflammation of the cardiac muscle) in Israel? If so, when (what date) and by whom (names of those involved), and how did the Commission handle this information on safety signals after mRNA vaccines were administered?

    Submitted: 28.4.2025

    • [1] https://www.welt.de/politik/plus256010158/Impfstoff-Kontrollen-Das-war-politisch-nicht-gewuenscht.html
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Pakistan: Climate disasters increasing risks of death and disease amongst children and older people – new report

    Source: Amnesty International –

    • Healthcare and disaster response failing during floods and heatwaves
    • Collaboration with Indus Hospital & Health Network reveals extent of problem
    • Children and older people most likely to suffer; least likely to be counted

    Pakistan’s healthcare and disaster response systems are failing to meet the needs of children and older people who are most at risk of death and disease amid extreme weather events related to climate change, Amnesty International said in a new report.

    Uncounted: Invisible deaths of older people and children during climate disasters in Pakistan documents how increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves are overwhelming Pakistan’s underfunded healthcare system, leading to preventable deaths among young children and older adults in particular.

    Pakistan, which contributes about 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, is the world’s fifth-most vulnerable country to climate disasters. In collaboration with Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), a charity hospital that provides free healthcare in Pakistan, Amnesty International investigated how spikes in deaths often followed extreme weather events.

    Children and older people in Pakistan are suffering on the front line of the climate crisis.

    Laura Mills, researcher with Amnesty International’s Crisis Response Programme

    “Rising temperatures drive ever more intense and unpredictable weather. Children and older people in Pakistan are suffering on the front line of the climate crisis, exposed to extreme heat or floods that lead to disproportionate levels of death and disease,” said Laura Mills, researcher with Amnesty International’s Crisis Response Programme.

    “Pakistan’s healthcare system is woefully underfunded and overstretched, even in non-emergency times. The climate emergency creates an extra strain that is unbearable and the system is failing to deliver adequate care to those in need.”

    Floods often foster the spread of water- and mosquito-borne diseases and respiratory illnesses, which pose a major threat to older people and young children. Similarly, extreme heat is most dangerous for older adults, particularly those with preexisting health conditions, as well as infants. Pakistan collects virtually no mortality data on these impacts, limiting its ability to respond adequately and save lives.

    To understand the impact of extreme weather patterns on health, IHHN conducted a quantitative study, analysing deaths across three of its facilities in 2022: Badin (in Sindh province, most affected by floods), and Muzaffargarh and Bhong (in Punjab province, most affected by heatwaves). IHHN compared the relationship between mortality rates and climate indicators, including precipitation and temperature.

    To build on IHHN’s quantitative investigation, Amnesty International conducted qualitative interviews to further understand the situation. Amnesty International visited Sindh and Punjab provinces four times between April 2024 and January 2025, and conducted remote interviews in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. In total, the organization interviewed 210 people, including 90 relatives of people whose deaths could credibly be explained by heatwaves or flooding.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Liver damage as a side effect of COVID-19 vaccination – E-001675/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001675/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerald Hauser (PfE)

    Scientific publications document cases of liver damage following vaccination against COVID-19, including immune-mediated hepatitis, acute liver cell injury and liver impairment in transplant patients. Here are a few examples:

    – Liver injury following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: A multicenter case series[1]

    – Liver injury after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: Features of immune-mediated hepatitis, role of corticosteroid therapy and outcome[2]

    – Histological and serological features of acute liver injury after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination[3]

    – Risk of acute liver injury following the mRNA (BNT162b2) and inactivated (CoronaVac) COVID-19 vaccines[4]

    – Severe de novo liver injury after Moderna vaccination – not always autoimmune hepatitis[5]

    Not only can liver damage be caused by mRNA vaccination, but the vaccines also have a wide range of other side effects.

    • 1.In hindsight, what does the Commission make of the scientific diligence shown in authorising the mRNA vaccines in view of the wide range of side effects they have?
    • 2.Are any investigations currently being carried out by the Commission or subordinate EU authorities into the safety of mRNA vaccines?
    • 3.Were potential hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, cardiotoxic effects, immunotoxicity, neurotoxic effects and possible long-term effects on liver function and genetic integrity investigated when the mRNA vaccines were authorised?

    Submitted: 25.4.2025

    • [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34339763/
    • [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35567545/
    • [3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36440259/
    • [4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35817224/
    • [5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35439566/
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The need to protect entrepreneurship in the European countryside and islands in the face of the tariff war – E-001674/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001674/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fredis Beleris (PPE)

    The new reality of the tariff war that has broken out is changing the way businesses operate, since it creates major challenges, especially for the developing peripheries of Europe. The industries and crafts that were active in the countryside and on islands constituted the ‘lungs’ of local economies and allowed residents to remain in situ.

    The complexity of European rules and deficiencies in infrastructure remain significant difficulties, which prevent entrepreneurship in remote and island areas, leading to the closure of industries in many of them. This has led to the transfer of a large part of the production of many companies to non-EU countries, whether bordering the EU or not, which are naturally outside the regulatory framework. It is telling that many everyday products reach the European market with a ‘European stamp’, without however being produced in the EU, making our continent dependent on non-EU countries and affected by possible trade tariffs.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to carry out an assessment of the impact of de-industrialisation on the local economy of remote and island regions?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to provide financial incentives for the development of the primary and secondary sectors in areas on the verge of economic and productive decline, and in particular in remote and island regions?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to introduce into European industrial policy the management of the challenges of de-industrialisation of remote and island regions?

    Submitted: 25.4.2025

    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU export credit strategy and rail investment – E-000938/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In its communication of 18 February 2021[1], the Commission undertook ‘to explore options for an EU strategy for export credits’.

    After a feasibility study[2] of May 2023, produced for the Commission by independent consultants, the Commission started work in three areas: encouraging a whole-of-government approach to external financial tools; exploring a potential EU financial tool to work with export credit agencies (ECAs) in support of EU policy priorities; and promoting sustainability.

    In addition, agreement was reached at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in 2023 to modernise the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits (‘the Arrangement’), streamlining the rules so that ECAs can better support competitiveness goals, and incentivising ECAs to scale-up their support for zero and low-emission investments, including rail.

    Regarding the Luxembourg Rail Protocol, the premium levels set by ECAs are determined according to the Arrangement. Protocols under the Cape Town Convention (CTC) regarding the recovery of assets in the case of default, can play a role in those procedures, as it does in the case of aircraft.

    However, the Luxembourg Rail Protocol of the CTC offers less important practical possibility to recover the value of the asset due to important technical differences between air and rail transport, in particular in relation to interoperability and accessibility .

    Furthermore there are currently few contracting parties to the Luxembourg protocol. The Commission will nevertheless follow further developments.

    • [1] Trade Policy Review — An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52021DC0066
    • [2] Paul Mudde, Henri d’Ambrières, Arnaud Dornel, Federico Bilder, Feasibility study on an EU strategy on export credits, Final report: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/4aa03d2a-08cc-11ee-b12e-01aa75ed71a1
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Digital Trade Agreement with Singapore – E-000906/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Negotiations on the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) were concluded in July 2024[1]. When ratified, the DTA w ill complement the existing EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA)[2] that was concluded at a time when the EU had not yet developed a modern digital trade chapter for its FTAs.

    The DTA contains state-of-the-art digital trade rules and builds on the EU-Singapore Digital Partnership[3], which focuses on regulatory cooperation on digital policies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

    The DTA’s rules on the protection of software source code follow the EU’s approach that carefully balances, on the one hand, the need to uphold EU’s competitiveness by ensuring protection against forced technology transfers by means of mandating source code disclosure as a condition for market access, and, on the other hand, the need to ensure space for legitimate and effective regulatory oversight, in line with EU’s competition and digital acquis.

    These rules focus on eradicating market distortive practices that threaten to erode the EU’s industrial base and that cannot be effectively addressed solely by the rules on the protection of intellectual property.

    The Commission considers this approach consistent with EU law, including the AI Act[4]. In this regard, the text agreed with Singapore specifically references the need to ensure safe and trustworthy AI as a legitimate public policy objective, ensuring the possibility for competent authorities to require access to source code where justified and subject to safeguards against unauthorised disclosure.

    This includes inter alia requirements to access source code for conformity assessment procedures for AI systems.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_24_3983
    • [2]  OJ L 294, 14.11.2019; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL%3A2019%3A294%3ATOC
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/eu-singapore-digital-partnership
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2024/1689; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Beneficiaries and amounts invested under the MediaInvest instrument? – E-000858/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    MediaInvest[1], a part of the InvestEU[2] programme, is a dedicated equity investment vehicle aimed at stimulating private investment in the audiovisual and gaming sectors. It is implemented by the European Investment Fund[3] (EIF) on behalf of the Commission.

    To date, the EIF has signed four deals under MediaInvest ( Logical Content Ventures (France), focusing on content production; Behold Ventures (Sweden) focusing on video games sector; IPR.VC (Finland) focusing on European films and TV series; Together S.L.P (France), focusing on audiovisual small and medium enterprises).

    The EIF publishes once a year on its website a list of (i) financial intermediaries[4] being supported via InvestEU, including MediaInvest; and (ii) final beneficiaries[5] that have received financial support via InvestEU for an amount of at least EUR 500 000.

    As announced in the communication ‘The Road to the next multiannual financial framework’[6], the Commission intends to present its proposal for the next multiannual financial framework in July 2025.

    InvestEU aim at ensuring that financial intermediaries commit to invest a minimum amount into EU eligible companies. In addition, MediaInvest requires that a significant percentage of the investments targets audiovisual projects based in the EU.

    • [1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/mediainvest
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM:4516649
    • [3] eif.org/index.htm
    • [4] www.eif.org
    • [5] https://www.eif.org/InvestEU/equity_products/ieu-equity-visibility-report-final-recipients.pdf
    • [6] COM(2025) 46 final.
    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Incompatibility of Hungarian constitutional amendment with EU law – E-001658/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001658/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alessandro Zan (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Dario Nardella (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Antonio Decaro (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D)

    With Section 13/A of the Right of Assembly Act and Amendment No 15 to the Constitution on the protection of minors, the Hungarian Government has imposed a ban on the LGBTIQA+ community from peaceful assembly and demonstration during Budapest Pride, and allowed for the use of facial recognition technologies during demonstrations.

    In view of Articles 2, 3 and 7 TEU, CJEU judgment C-76/05 of 11 September 2007 and the position of the European Commission in Case C-769/22 EC v Hungary, where it is clarified that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Treaties is contrary to EU law, can the Commission state whether it intends to trigger the Article 7 TEU procedure against Hungary, for serious and persistent violations of the values guaranteed by Article 2 TEU?

    Submitted: 24.4.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Effects of US tariffs and EU countermeasures on the North of Ireland – E-001175/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom’s (UK) customs territory. Exports from Northern Ireland are therefore subject to tariffs imposed on the UK by other countries.

    The EU countermeasures taken in response to the United States (US) tariffs only concern imports of US originating goods into the EU.

    They were not envisaged to target Northern Ireland. Therefore, no impact assessment has been carried out on the specific effects of the tariffs and countermeasures on Northern Ireland.

    For goods imported into Northern Ireland, EU customs and trade rules apply under the Windsor Framework — avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland.

    It is to be noted that if traders in Northern Ireland can prove that the goods did not enter the EU market, they can claim reimbursement of the duty paid to the UK, from the UK. This is a solution foreseen under the Windsor Framework.

    The Commission and relevant UK authorities are in contact and continue to exchange regularly.

    Last updated: 5 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding, payments and learner fees – Youth Guarantee

    Source:

    For the full requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
    Funding mechanism
    The Minister responsible for tertiary education issues the YG funding mechanism. The funding mechanism outlines the general form and essential components of the fund. It provides the mandate for the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to allocate the funding and what the funding can be used for, and details how we administer the fund.
    Funding is agreed through a tertiary education organisation’s (TEO’s) Investment Plan. For more information see Plan guidance and toolkit.
    A TEO that receives YG funding is required to:

    The overall amount of YG funding available is set through the Government’s annual budget process. We determine the appropriate amount of YG funding for a TEO through the annual investment process and in-year additional funding requests (if available). 
    Funding allocation and payments
    Funding allocations, including any amendments, are available through the My Allocations and Payments app on Ngā Kete.
    YG funding is paid in equal monthly instalments.
    After each Single Data Return (SDR) submission we pay (and recover) Youth Guarantee Exceptional Circumstances Travel Assistance funding.
    For the calculation of indicative allocations see the methodology from the relevant year. The most recent information is at the top.
    For more details regarding your specific allocation, please contact customerservice@tec.govt.nz or your Relationship Manager.
    Funding rates
    There are two funding rates for all YG provision – the trades and non-trades rates per EFTS.
    The trades funding rate applies to trades provision at Levels 2 and 3 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
    The non-trades rate applies to all other provision at Levels 1 to 3 on the NZQCF.
    This page provides information on the YG funding rates.
    Funding wash-ups
    For the calculation of funding wash-ups see the methodology and technical specifications from the relevant year.
    Premium allocation
    We will allocate the 50% funding premium for the Level 1 and 2 programmes in your Level 1 and 2 commitment
    We will allocate the YG premium based on your Level 1 and 2 commitments in your YG Mix of Provision (MoP).
    We will calculate your final delivery against your total YG allocation, including the Level 1 and 2 premium and recovery if you were overpaid.
    We will adjust your premium allocation, if required, due to other significant Plan changes
    Significant Plan changes during the year may affect the amount of Level 1 and 2 premium required, for example if we have agreed a change in the total allocated, or there is a change in the distribution of your commitments within the allocation. If necessary, we will recalculate and adjust your premium allocation.
    We will carefully review your submitted MoP to ensure we allocate the correct amount
    We will monitor closely to ensure you allocate accurately as agreed with TEC in your MoP. This includes any changes agreed within the year. We will only accept and approve the MoP if the commitment is within the MoP tolerance (tolerance value identified in MoP instructions tab), and the distribution of the funding is in line with what was agreed and approved by the TEC. MoPs must be submitted in a timely matter.
    We will take into account previous delivery patterns, and any specific agreements you have with us regarding changes to your MoP.
    Wellbeing and pathways support subsidy
    The wellbeing and pathways support subsidy is intended to fund a range of services tailored to the needs of individual learners. This may include:

    career planning and advice
    specific cultural and learning support that is easy for the learner to access
    an orientation programme that informs learners about access to financial assistance
    extra-curricular activities
    regular activities with other YG learners
    building workplace connections, and/or

    From 2023, TEOs are expected to work with learners and their whānau to develop a pathway plan to map “where to from here”. The plan should support each learner’s needs to move to further study and/or employment. For more information on what should be included in the pathway plan refer to the YG funding conditions
    We will allocate the wellbeing and pathways support allocation based on your total EFTS commitment in your MoP
    We will calculate and pay the subsidy separately to your other YG funding.
    We will not recover any of the subsidy where under-delivery occurs.
    We will pay the subsidy on all eligible Flexible Funding over-delivery (up to 102% of your allocation) based on your December SDR reporting.
    We will adjust your wellbeing and pathways support allocation, if required, due to other significant Plan changes
    Significant Plan changes during the year may affect the amount of wellbeing and pathways support allocation you are entitled to, for example if we have agreed a change in the total allocated. If necessary, we will recalculate and adjust your wellbeing and pathways support allocation.
    Travel assistance funding
    For the full travel assistance funding requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
    Travel assistance funding must only be used to pay for the actual cost of transport. We expect TEOs to take an “actual and reasonable” approach to the reimbursement of learner travel costs. This means if a learner uses:

    public transport, the reimbursement of the student must be based on the appropriate concession rate, or
    private transport, where suitable public transport is not available, a reasonable reimbursement rate should be established by the TEO on a case-by-case basis.

    If the TEO supplies the transport, the cost of the travel must not exceed 80 cents per kilometre travelled.
    Travel assistance funding that is paid directly to a learner must only be used to cover or reimburse costs associated with travel to and from the YG course.
    Records
    The TEO must keep records of all learner travel expenses and TEO reimbursements to learners.
    If the TEO supplies transport to learners, it must keep records of travel expenses. All travel records are to be made available to us on request. Records must include:

    a daily travel logbook that sets out the kilometres travelled in relation to each learner, and
    the source of funding for each learner’s enrolment at the TEO (for example, whether the learner is enrolled in a YG funded programme or otherwise).

    Inland Revenue
    If the TEO supplies transport, the TEO must keep records of travel expenses in line with Inland Revenue requirements.
    There may be tax implications in the way that travel reimbursements are administered. Contact Inland Revenue directly for further information.
    When reimbursing learners for travel, in general, TEOs are not able to claim GST input tax on this cost because the payments are made to individuals who are not registered for GST. GST input tax can only be claimed if the TEO has incurred the cost itself and can produce a GST invoice in support of the claim.
    Travel subsidy
    The travel assistance subsidy is expected to adequately meet the costs associated with normal learner travel needs.
    As the travel subsidy is allocated per EFTS, the TEO may cross-subsidise by using more than the per EFTS rate for some learners (ie, where they have particularly high travel expenses), and less than the per EFTS rate for others (where they do not require the full amount).
    The TEO must reimburse each learner within a reasonable time after they have incurred the cost.
    Exceptional Circumstances Transport Assistance funding
    Exceptional Circumstances Transport Assistance (ECTA) funding is to provide additional transport assistance to learners who live in relatively isolated areas who may have higher transport needs.
    For the full exceptional circumstances transport assistance funding requirements, see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
    ECTA funding is based on EFTS delivered, and the rural isolation of the site where the delivery took place. The rural isolation of TEOs’ delivery sites uses a classification system developed by Statistics New Zealand. 
    Based on the urban/rural classification we provide a “top-up” payment per YG EFTS at each delivery site as reported in each SDR submission.
    Funding calculation
    Disaggregated courses must add up to the total credit value of the qualification, but unlike Delivery Qualification (DQ) funding, Youth Guarantee is not funded at the course level.
    For a trades programme at Levels 2 and 3 the funding calculation is: trades rate per EFTS x programme EFTS value. Trades programmes include NCEA where at least 50% of the courses are classified under Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) and above on the NZQCF delivery classification codes – alphabetic and numeric – as C1, L1, or P1. 
    For a non-trades programmes the funding calculation is: non-trades rate per EFTS x programme EFTS value. Non-trade programmes include NCEA where less than 50% of the courses are classified as trades courses.
    Specifically, we calculate a TEO’s consumed funding using:

    the number of valid domestic student enrolments, measured by equivalent full-time students (EFTS), and
    the programmes, and their component courses, in which a valid domestic student is enrolled.

    To calculate a TEO’s consumed Youth Guarantee funding, we use the following elements:

    the metric (EFTS value)
    delivery classification
    funding category (trades/non-trades, which may also depend on level on the NZQCF), and
    funding rate. 

    Example only (rates may differ depending on year):

    Step

    Funding calculation 

    Example

    1

    Assign the programme an EFTS value

    A TEO’s NZ2104 New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage (Level 3) obtained through half a year of academic year study has a value of 0.5 EFTS.
    Note: We use 120 credits per EFTS for all programmes in STEO.

    2

    Assign the programme a funding rate

    This is determined in conjunction with us. The rate will be trade or non-trade, depending on whether the majority of course EFTS are trades or non-trades.

    3

    Disaggregate the programme into courses
    Calculate the EFTS factor of each course (Note: We use 120 credits per EFTS for all courses in STEO)
    Classify the courses

    The programme is disaggregated into three courses.
    Each course has an EFTS factor of 0.1667 EFTS.
    The subject matter of these courses is classified as #22 (Trades) in the Delivery Classification Guide.

    4

    Apply the funding category

    Refer to Funding category (CATEGORY) under information about courses:
    The funding category alphabetic code is used to determine the category of the course as P (Trades #22).
    The funding category numeric code is used to determine the category of the course as 1 (non-degree course with no research requirement, including certificates and diplomas). 

    5

    Apply funding rates

    The funding rate for provision towards a trade programme, including transport subsidy, is $14,981 per EFTS, plus $2,000 per EFTS wellbeing and pathways support subsidy.

    6

    Multiply the funding rate by the number of valid enrolments

    For 10 students on each of the 3 courses, each course attracts Youth Guarantee funding of $28,307.33 (excl. GST) calculated as (0.1667 x $14,981 x 10 = $24,973.33) + (0.1667 x $2,000 x 10 = $3,334.00).
    This means the programme attracts $84,921.99 funding if 10 students enrol in each of the 3 programme courses.
    Note: From 2023, for Level 1 and 2 programmes, we pay a 50% premium in addition to each EFTS reported in your Single Data Return (SDR). This is to acknowledge our YG definition of an EFTS being 80 credits for Level 1 and 2 programme delivery.

    Calculating funding for Level 1 and 2 provision
    From 2023 onwards, we recognise that 80 credits is a full-time, full-year workload for a learner enrolled in a Level 1 or 2 Youth Guarantee programme (or programmes) (one EFTS).
    As a result TEOs will receive 50% more funding for delivery of EFTS towards Level 1 and 2 programmes.
    The amount paid will be determined by the volume of Levels 1–3 course enrolment EFTS that lead towards Level 1 and 2 Youth Guarantee qualifications, as reported in the SDR.
    We will fund up to 120 credits worth of delivery per learner in a calendar year.
    You must not enrol a learner in more than:

    1.5 EFTS (120 credits) for programmes leading to Level 1 and/or 2 Youth Guarantee qualifications; and
    1.0 EFTS (120 credits) for programmes leading to Level 3 Youth Guarantee qualifications.

    We will continue to fund up to 120 credits worth of delivery per learner in a calendar year.

    Student’s 2023 enrolments

    Credits

    2023 EFTS

    Credits ‘funded’

    Definition

    Delivered

    Reported in the SDR

    Funded (includes premium payment)

    New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2)

    60

    80 credits

    0.7500

    0.5000

    0.7500*

    60

    New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)

    65

    120 credits

    0.5417

    0.5417

    0.5417

    65

    Total

    125

    N/A

    1.2917

    1.0417

    1.2917

    125

    *  0.500 Level 2 EFTS reported in the SDR plus the 50% premium = 0.750 Level 2 EFTS funded.
    Re-enrolling a Youth Guarantee student
    Where a YG learner requires further study to complete their programme, their study can only be to complete courses that they have not yet passed. This can include content not yet studied or content studied and assessed, but requiring a re-sit. 
    Note: A learner who turns 25 years old while enrolled is not eligible to re-enrol.
    For example:
    A TEO enrols a learner in all courses linked to a 60-credit (0.5 EFTS) Level 3 programme. The sum of the course EFTS factors is 0.5 EFTS.
    The learner passes/achieves 30 credits from the 60-credit course enrolments. The TEO is funded 0.5 EFTS, for the 60 credits of courses the learner was enrolled in.
    The TEO re-enrols the learner in a second period of study for the remaining 30 credits not yet achieved. The TEO is funded 0.25 EFTS for the 30 credits of courses the learner was re-enrolled in.
    The learner successfully completes the courses and is awarded the qualification.
    The learner will have received 0.75 EFTS worth of provision (90 credits), and the TEO will be funded for 0.75 EFTS delivery (0.5 + 0.25 EFTS) (assuming funding conditions are met for each course enrolment). 
    Note: The TEO will report 0.25 EFTS (30 credits) unsuccessful course completions, and 0.5 EFTS (60 credits) successful course completions.
    Calculating EFTS remaining vs consumed
    To determine the exact value of the EFTS remaining for a returning learner, the following formula should be used:

    Qual EFTS value – (credits completed/total qual credits x qual EFTS value) = remaining EFTS

    For example:
    0.5 – (30/60 x 0.5)
    = 0.5 – 0.25
    = 0.25 remaining EFTS

    Notes: 
    You will need to ensure that when a learner needs more time to complete their programme, other learners are enrolled to ensure you deliver fully on your Mix of Provision (MoP) EFTS commitment and consume all funding for the year. 
    Consider a learner’s course re-enrolments before you enrol them in a further programme. Where a learner does not complete a course successfully and you re-enrol them and claim funding, the learner is consuming additional EFTS towards their entitlements.
    Flexible funding
    We fund eligible TEOs for eligible Youth Guarantee provision above the amount the TEO has been approved to deliver. This is to provide TEOs with flexibility to meet additional learner demand. 
    For further information about flexible funding, please see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year.
    Flexible funding:

    is payable for provision towards qualifications that we have agreed to fund in your Mix of Provision (MoP)
    does not mean we have changed your approved funding allocation, and
    is subject to the conditions that we have imposed on your funding.

    The external evaluation and review (EER) category referred to in the funding conditions will be the highest published EER category for the TEO during the funding year to which flexible funding is being applied.
    Flexible funding is calculated using the December Single Data Return (SDR). Payments are made in March of the following year.
    Suspending or revoking funding
    Under clause 16 of Schedule 18 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act), we may suspend or revoke some or all funding given under section 425 of the Act if we are satisfied on reasonable grounds that:

    when measured against performance indicators, the TEO has not achieved, or is not achieving, an outcome anticipated in its Investment Plan for a tertiary education programme or activity in relation to which funding has been given under section 425 of the Act, or
    the TEO has not complied, or is not complying, with a condition on which funding has been given under section 425 of the Act, or
    the TEO has not provided, or is not providing, adequate and timely information required by the TEC or Ministry of Education under section 425 of the Act.

    If a TEO has its funding approval revoked in accordance with clause 16 of Schedule 18 of the Act, the unspent portion of funding is repayable to us on demand (see the Youth Guarantee funding conditions for the relevant year). We may offset the amount against any funding payable to the TEO. 
    Subcontracting
    Subcontracting refers to a situation in which a TEO uses TEC funding to pay another organisation to deliver teaching or assessment on its behalf. This excludes:

    teaching and learning activities contracted to individuals or organisations that are not TEOs (for example, an employee on a fixed-term contract, an honorary staff member, or a contract for teaching and learning services with a subject-matter expert for part of the programme such as for First Aid provision)
    research activities or postgraduate research supervision, and
    learning that occurs within vocational placements such a workplace placement or practicum.

    A TEO must not subcontract delivery of any YG funded programme without the prior written approval of NZQA and without prior written consent from us.
    Note: To gain approval, you must demonstrate how the subcontracting arrangement would benefit the YG programme.
    If we approve a subcontract arrangement
    Subcontracting can be agreed in two ways
    If we approve a subcontract arrangement, the subcontracting can be agreed to within a TEO’s Investment Plan (Plan). The subcontracting specified in the Plan will be permitted for the period of the Plan. If the Plan expires then approval will need to be obtained from us again.
    Subcontracting can also be agreed outside of a Plan. Again, the subcontracting specified will be permitted for the period agreed with us.
    At any time, TEOs can contact us to discuss proposed subcontracting.
    Subcontracting TEO obligations
    As specified in section 425 of the Education and Training Act 2020, it is a condition of a TEO receiving funding under section 425 that the TEO will supply to us, from time to time as required by us, and in a form specified by us, any financial, statistical, or other information that we require the TEO to supply.
    Therefore, at any time, we can request information regarding subcontracted activities from the TEO (that has subcontracted another party to carry out the activities).
    In addition, a TEO that has subcontracted another party to carry out its activities:

    must comply with any conditions imposed by us within a consent to subcontract; and
    must ensure that the subcontracted party does not further subcontract any functions; and
    will be accountable to us for the use of the YG funding, including in respect to legislative and funding condition requirements.

    Student Allowance and Student Loan Scheme payments
    A programme must be approved for TEC funding before a learner can access the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes. YG learners are only eligible for some aspects of the Student Loan Scheme. For further information on eligibility visit StudyLink.
    Programmes delivered full-time
    We will only approve a YG funded programmes for learner access to Student Allowance Student Loan Schemes if the programme:

    is delivered full-time
    runs for a minimum of 12 weeks, and
    has an EFTS value of at least 0.3.

    A full-time YG programme must be made up of at least 0.5 EFTS, comprising one or more qualifications. Where there is recognition of prior learning (RPL) for some of the programme, the learner’s individual programme following RPL must be at least 0.5 EFTS.
    Programmes delivered part-time
    A programme of less than 0.3 EFTS is classified as part-time regardless of the number of weeks over which it is delivered. A part-time programme is not eligible for learner access to the Student Allowance Scheme.
    For a YG funded part-time programme leading to a qualification, we will only approve learner access to the Student Loan Scheme if the programme meets one of the following criteria:

    it runs for 32 weeks or more and has an EFTS value of at least 0.3 EFTS, or
    it runs for fewer than 32 weeks with an EFTS value of between 0.25 and 0.3 EFTS.

    Loan entry threshold
    The loan entry threshold (LET) is used to identify the minimum EFTS value required for a learner’s individual study programme to be deemed full-time. This affects learner eligibility for the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes. A programme that is not deemed to be full-time (ie, not approved for access to the Student Allowance and Student Loan Schemes) can nevertheless be funded through YG. 
    The LET is determined by matching a range of gross weeks to a range of EFTS values. A gross week is the total length of enrolment in a programme, including holiday weeks.
    The table below shows this relationship. Programmes of less than 0.3 EFTS may still be eligible for learner access to the Student Loan Scheme.

    Loan entry threshold table

    Length of enrolment(Gross weeks)

    Loan entry threshold(EFTS)

    12

    0.3

    13

    0.3

    14

    0.3

    15

    0.3

    16

    0.4

    17

    0.4

    18

    0.4

    19

    0.4

    20

    0.5

    21

    0.525

    22

    0.55

    23

    0.575

    24

    0.6

    25

    0.625

    26

    0.65

    27

    0.675

    28

    0.7

    29

    0.725

    30

    0.75

    31

    0.775

    32–52

    0.8

    53 or more

    1.0

    Student allowances – paid practical work
    Learners that undertake paid practical work as part of their course of study are not entitled to any student allowance payments for the week(s) they undertake that work. It is important that you discuss this with your learners.
    For more information on student allowance entitlements and paid practical work please see StudyLink.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland Transport seeks feedback on unclogging Dominion Road congestion

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    Auckland Transport (AT) is asking for feedback to change the operating hours of Dominion Road’s southbound bus lane by one hour, to help improve congestion and keep your city moving.

    AT is also proposing to install a peak time right hand turn ban at certain bottleneck intersections to improve traffic flow.

    “Dominion Road is long, but quite narrow, and we simply can’t fit any more vehicles down it – it’s reached its peak,” Chris Martin, AT’s Road Network Optimisation Manager says.

    “More Aucklanders are on the move earlier in the afternoon, and this, combined with school traffic, means the peak travel time home on Dominion Road now starts at 3pm rather than 4pm. We need to keep pace with this, and make the appropriate amendments to keep it moving,” Mr Martin says.

    “The only things we can do to speed up travel is to make the most of the space already on the road, and this means using the existing bus lane more, and to restrict right hand turns at key intersections.

    “We believe this change will save the average bus passenger up to three minutes in travel time between 3pm-4pm along Dominion Road. That’s up to 15 minutes every week,” he says.

    People who travel along Dominion Road will know all too well that it is often congested in peak times.

    It’s been this way for more than a decade. While Auckland’s population has grown rapidly since, the number of vehicles that can fit down the road, around 25,000, has remained the same.

    “Making better use of the existing bus lane is one of our most effective ways of beating congestion, helping more Aucklanders travel to and along the road,” Mr Martin says.

    “By increasing the operating hours of the bus lane, we can increase the number of people who are able to travel down Dominion Road by bus.

    “One double-decker bus can hold up to 100 people. If more people experience a faster bus journey, that’s potentially up to 100 fewer vehicles squeezing their way down this road.”

    Feedback on intersection changes

    AT wants to make other changes to Dominion Road to improve congestion, including restricting right hand turns at two specific intersections in peak time traffic.

    “Balmoral is especially prone to congestion on Dominion Road in peak times, and part of the problem is the number of motorists turning right down Wiremu Street looking for a park,” Mr Martin says.

    “This turning traffic must wait a while for northbound traffic to clear and means other southbound vehicles on Dominion Road back up behind causing big delays down through to the intersection with Balmoral Road, and beyond.”

    AT is proposing to restrict right-hand turns from Dominion Road onto Wiremu Street and also Memorial Drive in peak hour traffic between 7am–10am and 3pm-7pm on weekdays.

    We are also proposing to implement a permanent no right turn ban onto George Street.

    “Restricting right turns at these bottlenecks during the peak period will help to unclog the busy through traffic approaching major intersections and reduce delays, as well as reducing turning crash risks,” Mr Martin says.

    AT invites you to provide feedback on the proposed changes for Dominion Road at haveyoursay.at.govt.nz. Feedback is open until 25 May 2025. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Monte Vista Drug Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years of Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DURANGO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Blas Villa, 41, of Monte Vista, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

    According to the plea agreement and information presented at sentencing, Villa is a well-known drug dealer in the San Luis Valley. Villa possessed close to a pound of pure methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills over three incidents in 2023. In August 2023, Villa and an associate were found at a home in Monte Vista with significant amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine, a handgun, five cell phones, a scale with drug residue, and $13,400 in cash. A search of Villa’s phone revealed photos of Villa posing with firearms, as well as many photos of fentanyl pills associated with a pill counting app. Villa was originally charged in state court and bonded out of custody. While on bond, Villa was arrested again for possessing heroin and methamphetamine in November 2023. Villa bonded out of state custody again. In December 2023, law enforcement pulled over a car driven by Villa and found over 2,500 fentanyl pills and distribution amounts of methamphetamine. Prior to this case, Villa had fifteen prior convictions, including several felonies.   

    “Mr. Villa is a serial offender,” said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado J. Bishop Grewell. “I thank our law enforcement partners for removing him and his deadly wares from the San Luis Valley.”

    “Villa consistently brought harm and poison to Colorado, and with his sentencing the state is that much safer,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. “The men and women of DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue to take down people and organizations causing harm to Coloradans and those around the country.”

    “The removal of these dangerous drugs is a testament to the tireless efforts of the Monte Vista Police Department, specifically the dedicated work of our Detective, in collaboration with key federal partners,” said Interim Monte Vista Police Chief Tyler Harford. “This operation represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We remain committed to addressing this issue and protecting our residents.”

    United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the sentencing in Durango, Colorado.  The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Monte Vista Police Department handled the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey K. Graves handled the prosecution.

    Case Number: 24-cr-00046-GPG-JMC

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vermilion County Man Sentenced to Five and a Half Years in Prison for Counterfeiting and Violating Supervised Release

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    URBANA, Ill. – A Bismarck, Illinois, man, Jacob R. Kirkley, 48, was sentenced on May 2, 2025, to four years in prison for his second federal counterfeiting conviction, as well as an additional 18 months in prison for violating his federal supervised release, which was imposed following his first counterfeiting conviction. When Kirkley completes his combined five-and-a-half year sentence, he will be required to serve three years of federal supervised release.

    The sentences followed a trial last December in Urbana where a federal jury convicted Kirkley of manufacturing, selling, and possessing counterfeited United States currency. During two days of trial testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that, on December 7, 2023, Kirkley sold an undercover officer with the Illinois State Police $1000 of counterfeited U.S. currency that he had made for $250. On December 13, 2023, and January 8, 2024, Kirkley sold the same undercover officer another $1000 and $5000 in counterfeit U.S. currency that he had made, respectively. On January 11, 2024, agents of the U.S. States Secret Service and Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group executed a federal search warrant at Kirkley’s residence in Bismarck and recovered additional counterfeit currency, as well as various items used to counterfeit the currency.

    At the time Kirkley committed those offenses, he was on federal supervised release for a previous federal counterfeiting conviction. In 2022, Kirkley was convicted of one count of manufacturing U.S. currency and two counts of passing U.S. currency after a 2020 incident where a Vermilion County Sheriff’s Deputy found over $20,000 of counterfeit U.S. currency in his truck and then learned Kirkley had passed counterfeit currency at Carnaghi’s Towing and McDonald’s in Danville, Illinois, and Dollar General in Tilton, Illinois. At the time, the Deputy also found over $20,000 counterfeit U.S. currency, plus four printers, a paper cutter, and numerous counterfeit-making implements in Kirkley’s hotel room at the Budget Inn in Danville. Kirkley served 27 months in federal prison for those offenses and was serving a three-year term of federal supervised release at the time that he committed his latest counterfeiting offenses. Kirkley was released from federal prison in May 2023, six months before committing these offenses.   

    At the time of sentencing, the government presented evidence that Kirkley violated his federal supervised release not only by committing a new counterfeiting offense, but also by testing positive for methamphetamine use on eight separate occasions. The government also presented evidence that Kirkley had told the undercover officer during a covertly recorded conversation that “my name’s a red flag for any kind of . . . counterfeit material at all,” that he learned how to use “Bible paper” to counterfeit currency when he was in federal prison the first time, and that he believed he would “be screwed” and would have “the book” thrown at him if he were caught counterfeiting again.

    Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce found that Kirkley had not accepted responsibility for his criminal conduct. Judge Bruce followed the government’s recommendation to impose a sentence above the range recommended by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines because Judge Bruce was troubled by Kirkley committing his offense while on federal supervised release for the same crime and so soon after being released from federal prison.

    The maximum statutory penalties for each of Kirkley’s five counts of conviction are up to twenty years of imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalty for Kirkley’s violation of his conditions of supervised release is up to two years of imprisonment.

    “Counterfeiting offenses undermine the integrity and stability of our financial system and leave hardworking business owners who receive these false payments in the lurch,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois Gregory M. Gilmore. “Repeat offenses are particularly problematic. We are grateful to our federal and local law enforcement partners for their dedicated investigative work.”

    “Protecting the nation’s currency and financial infrastructure have long been key missions for the U.S. Secret Service, along with safeguarding our country’s leaders,” said Resident Agent in Charge Michael Kurzeja, of the U.S. Secret Service Springfield Resident Office. “The Secret Service goes to extraordinary lengths to detect, investigate, and stop those who manufacture and try to profit from counterfeit currency, and attempt to weaken the nation’s financial infrastructure. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of Illinois, as well as all our local partners who helped in this case.”

    “The impact of counterfeiting can be widespread with the potential of hurting both businesses and individuals as false currency circulates,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels to help protect the integrity of our U.S. currency and hold those who break the law accountable.”

    The case investigation was conducted by the Springfield Division of the United States Secret Service, Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and Illinois State Police. Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Eugene L. Miller represented the government at trial.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Chop Shop Operator Pleads Guilty

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man on Monday admitted running a “chop shop” that aided car thieves connected to a local gang.

    Jorge Alberto Luviano-Martinez, 41, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of operating a chop shop. As part of his plea, he admitted running a chop shop in the 2900 block of Cass Avenue in St. Louis. Members of a local gang, “Big 5,” discussed obtaining electronic keys for stolen vehicles from Luviano-Martinez and switching vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on stolen vehicles. Investigators conducted a court-approved search of the shop on June 10, 2024, finding eight stolen vehicles. One vehicle had its VIN replaced with a new VIN and another vehicle had a VIN removed.

    Before the search warrant was served, investigators saw Luviano-Martinez leaving the property in a stolen Jeep. He refused to stop for police, instead leading officers on a chase that lasted about 15 minutes. After driving down a dead end street, Luviano-Martinez jumped out of the Jeep and over a fence, but was arrested.

    “Our investigation shut down two chop shops, disrupting a scheme in which gang members were able to easily profit from vehicle thefts,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “The impact should help stem the flow of rising vehicle thefts across the region.”

    Luviano-Martinez, also known as “Charlie Cruz,” is scheduled to be sentenced in August. The charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both prison and a fine. 

    The FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case.

    The investigation was conducted by the St. Louis Gateway Strike Force, which is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. The OCDETF strike forces are permanent, multi-agency, prosecutor-led teams that conduct intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI