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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) Sector in Focus as Isondo Precious Metals Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW)


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    Vinay Somera, CEO of South African fuel cell component manufacturer Isondo Precious Metals has joined the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – as a speaker.

    Somera will join a high-level panel, South Africa’s Strategic Influence in the Global Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) Market, where he is expected to highlight efforts to maximize PGM production in South Africa. With the country supplying roughly 80% of the world’s PGMs –essential for electric vehicle and clean energy development – AMW 2025 will unpack the country’s strategic position in the global market, especially as the world enters its third consecutive year of supply deficits – expected to reach 848,000 ounces in 2025.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    At AMW 2025, Somera is set to showcase how Isondo Precious Metals is producing membranes for green hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers using South African-sourced PGMs. Under his leadership, the company is scaling its fuel cell manufacturing capabilities and working with international partners on infrastructure development and workforce training. Isondo Precious Metals recently acquired hydrogen reduction equipment from U.S.-based Camco Furnaces and two test stations from Greenlight Innovations, where it is also conducting workforce development initiatives.

    As such, AMW 2025 represents an ideal platform for Somera to provide an update on Isondo Precious Metals’ strategy to deploy hydrogen refueling stations for hydrogen-powered buses and vehicles in South Africa. As Isondo Precious Metals advances its proof of concept for a new ammonia cracking generator, AMW 2025 offers a strategic platform for Somera to present the company’s investment and expansion plans to a targeted audience of South African, regional and global investors and partners.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New police chief to lead response to VAWG

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Helen Millichap, is the new national policing lead for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

    “I want the prevalence of these crimes reduced and harm prevented”, said Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Helen Millichap, the new national policing lead for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), who wants to encourage more victims to take that brave step and come forward. 

    DAC Millichap, who is also the Director of the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) added: “We know VAWG is underreported which is something I find deeply distressing. At the heart of every investigation there is a victim. I want them to have the confidence to come forward and I want to ensure that when they do, they are treated with empathy by an officer who not only listens but has that professional curiosity to look beyond what’s in front of them.”

    The NCVPP was launched in April, a year after police chiefs declared VAWG a national emergency and committed to the introduction of a centre which will give forces a clear way of working, reduce duplication and improve training so that we become more consistent. 

    The centre has combined the experience and knowledge from various teams whose expertise and skills have been achieving great results, and who will now work together under a single national leadership with clear national standards. 

    DAC Millichap added: “Officers work tirelessly every day to protect victims; now we need to support them and equip them to meet the highest possible standards to tackle the increasing risk posed by perpetrators. This can’t be about increasing the pressure on the busy frontline or adding to the task list. We also need to look after their welfare and be really clear on their mission, so they can carry out their job effectively, and we can remove the postcode lottery for victims.” 

    DAC Millichap is also calling for continued support and a more collaborative approach to reduce the risk to victims.  She said: “The challenge with VAWG offences is the sheer scale and complexity of the crimes. The volume could be seen as overwhelming but if we were able to identify patterns of behaviour early, interventions can also take place way before the police are involved, stopping future perpetrators and preventing new victims. The whole system needs to step into this threat, and it starts early. I will work with partners to achieve this rightly ambitious goal collectively.

    DAC Millichap believes a real shift in attitudes is a must if we are to see real change. She added: “We need to keep these issues at the top of the agenda, and the societal outrage we see in response to these crimes needs to remain. We need to challenge misogynistic views that only serve to drive these crimes.

    “Policing has a role to play, and we are up for the challenge, but we are only one part of a wider system that must play their part. 

    “The work we have done over the last few years has been steadily creating a new culture in policing where I truly believe the scale of the harm and the focus required is not in doubt. What I want, is to show the public that progress is happening and for them to be confident that it is happening everywhere.” 

    DAC Helen Millichap takes ownership of the national portfolio from T/CC Maggie Blyth who led this work for four years and is now the temporary Chief Constable at Gloucestershire Constabulary. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian criminals stealing fertilisers and pesticides in western France stopped in tracks

    Source: Eurojust

    Following close cooperation between the French and Romanian authorities, criminals stealing agrochemical products across western France have been stopped in their tracks. The network was also involved in transporting and concealing the stolen goods. During a coordinated action this week, 12 suspects were arrested or identified in both countries.

    Eurojust supported the judiciary in both countries by facilitating the execution of European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) and European Investigation Orders and provided further cross-border judicial support.

     The criminal network was well organised and structured, specialising in the theft of fertilisers and pesticides, for instance. The action day in France and Romania targeted three teams of thieves, two carriers and two fences. Three suspects were arrested in France, and nine more were identified in Romania, based on EAWs issued by the French authorities.

    Over the past two years, at least sixty farms, agricultural storage facilities and enterprises have been burgled. The value of the stolen goods and the damage caused by the thefts is estimated at EUR 3 million. The thefts were not without risk, as certain products were highly flammable and posed a health hazard if not handled properly. The stolen goods were transported and stored by the network for onward sale via illegal channels in Romania.

    Investigations coordinated by the investigative judge of the Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Rennes in France indicated that a Romanian-led organised crime group was behind the large-scale thefts. In November of last year, the JIRS contacted the French National Desk at Eurojust to arrange for cooperation with the Romanian authorities. Following a coordination meeting at the Agency, joint actions in both countries were organised this week.

    In Romania, 17 places were searched, where cash in different currencies was seized, estimated to be worth EUR 200 000. Four vehicles and various quantities of liquid and solid agrochemical products were also seized.

    The coordinated action this week was carried out by and at the request of the following authorities:

    • France: Investigative Judge JIRS Rennes; Gendarmerie Nationale – Section de Recherches Caen
    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police – Criminal Investigations Directorate

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian criminals stealing fertilisers and pesticides in western France stopped in tracks

    Source: Eurojust

    Following close cooperation between the French and Romanian authorities, criminals stealing agrochemical products across western France have been stopped in their tracks. The network was also involved in transporting and concealing the stolen goods. During a coordinated action this week, 12 suspects were arrested or identified in both countries.

    Eurojust supported the judiciary in both countries by facilitating the execution of European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) and European Investigation Orders and provided further cross-border judicial support.

     The criminal network was well organised and structured, specialising in the theft of fertilisers and pesticides, for instance. The action day in France and Romania targeted three teams of thieves, two carriers and two fences. Three suspects were arrested in France, and nine more were identified in Romania, based on EAWs issued by the French authorities.

    Over the past two years, at least sixty farms, agricultural storage facilities and enterprises have been burgled. The value of the stolen goods and the damage caused by the thefts is estimated at EUR 3 million. The thefts were not without risk, as certain products were highly flammable and posed a health hazard if not handled properly. The stolen goods were transported and stored by the network for onward sale via illegal channels in Romania.

    Investigations coordinated by the investigative judge of the Interregional Jurisdiction (JIRS) of Rennes in France indicated that a Romanian-led organised crime group was behind the large-scale thefts. In November of last year, the JIRS contacted the French National Desk at Eurojust to arrange for cooperation with the Romanian authorities. Following a coordination meeting at the Agency, joint actions in both countries were organised this week.

    In Romania, 17 places were searched, where cash in different currencies was seized, estimated to be worth EUR 200 000. Four vehicles and various quantities of liquid and solid agrochemical products were also seized.

    The coordinated action this week was carried out by and at the request of the following authorities:

    • France: Investigative Judge JIRS Rennes; Gendarmerie Nationale – Section de Recherches Caen
    • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT); National Police – Criminal Investigations Directorate

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Granite Merchant Funding Now Offers Financing from $750,000 to $2 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Granite Merchant Funding, a leading provider of revenue-based working capital solutions, is proud to announce an expansion of its funding capabilities. The company now offers financing for deals ranging from $750,000 to $2 million, providing more robust support for growing businesses across various industries.

    With this, Granite Merchant Funding strengthens its commitment to delivering accessible, flexible funding that helps business owners scale with confidence. Known for its fast approvals, personalized service, and cash-flow-based qualification process, the company is a trusted partner for entrepreneurs looking to invest in growth opportunities without the red tape of traditional lending.

    Granite Merchant Funding specializes in helping small and mid-sized businesses secure the capital they need to purchase equipment, expand operations, launch marketing campaigns, manage cash flow, or hire additional staff. Unlike conventional lenders that rely heavily on credit history, Granite Merchant Funding evaluates a business’s current revenue performance, enabling faster decision-making and higher approval rates.

    “Expanding our deal size to $2 million is a reflection of the growing needs of the businesses we serve,” said Senior Marketing Manager Anthony Parker. “We’re seeing more demand from companies ready to take the next big step, and we want to be there to support them with fast, reliable capital when it matters most.”

    The company’s efficient and user-friendly funding process allows qualified businesses to access capital in as little as 24 hours after approval. This level of speed and responsiveness ensures that business owners can act quickly on time-sensitive opportunities or address urgent operational needs without delay.

    Granite Merchant Funding serves various industries, including construction, retail, professional services, healthcare, and more. Every funding solution is customized to align with the client’s cash flow and growth strategy, making the process fast, innovative, and strategic.

    With this new funding range, Granite Merchant Funding is poised to significantly impact businesses seeking larger-scale capital solutions. The company continues to set the standard in alternative business financing by delivering exceptional service and personalized attention.

    About Granite Merchant Funding

    Granite Merchant Funding provides revenue-based financing to established business owners seeking to scale. Through professional services, it serves various industries, from construction to retail, helping clients access $750K to $2MM in working capital to grow, invest, or manage operations. Granite Merchant Funding combines expertise with a streamlined process, offering reliable and transparent funding solutions, along with high-quality service and guidance from its professionals.

    Media Contact
    Anthony Parker
    anthony.parker@granitefunding.com
    (888) 912-4243

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sectoral Deployment of Bank Credit – May 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Data on sectoral deployment of bank credit for the month1 of May 2025 collected from 41 select scheduled commercial banks (SCBs), accounting for about 95 per cent of the total non-food credit by all SCBs, are set out in Statements I and II.

    On a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis, non-food bank credit2 as on the fortnight ended May 30, 2025, grew3 by 9.8 per cent as compared to 16.2 per cent during the corresponding fortnight of the previous year (i.e., May 31, 2024).

    Highlights of the sectoral deployment of bank credit3 as on the fortnight ended May 30, 2025 are given below:

    • Credit to agriculture and allied activities registered a y-o-y growth of 7.5 per cent (21.6 per cent in the corresponding fortnight of the previous year).

    • Credit to industry recorded a y-o-y growth of 4.9 per cent, compared with 8.9 per cent in the corresponding fortnight of the previous year. Among major industries, outstanding credit to ‘all engineering’, ‘construction’ and ‘rubber, plastic and their products’ recorded an accelerated y-o-y growth.

    • Credit to services sector moderated to 9.4 per cent y-o-y (20.7 per cent in the corresponding fortnight of the previous year), primarily due to decelerated growth in credit to ‘non-banking financial companies’ (NBFCs). Credit growth to ‘computer software’ segment remained robust.

    • Credit to personal loans segment registered a decelerated y-o-y growth of 13.7 per cent, as compared with 19.3 per cent a year ago, largely due to moderation in growth of ‘other personal loans’, ‘vehicle loans’ and ‘credit card outstanding’.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/623

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ECB’s Governing Council updates its monetary policy strategy

    Source: European Central Bank

    30 June 2025

    • Governing Council confirms symmetric 2% inflation target over the medium term
    • Symmetry requires appropriately forceful or persistent policy response to large, sustained deviations of inflation from target in either direction
    • All tools remain in toolkit and their choice, design and implementation will enable an agile response to new shocks
    • Structural shifts such as geopolitical and economic fragmentation and increasing use of artificial intelligence make the inflation environment more uncertain

    The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) today published the results of its strategy assessment, which are set out in an updated monetary policy strategy statement.

    Following the strategy review carried out in 2020-21, the Governing Council announced that it would periodically assess the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy. The assessment published today meets this commitment, ensuring that our framework, toolkit and approach remain fit for purpose.

    The monetary policy strategy enables the Governing Council to respond effectively to major changes in the inflation environment. This is especially important as ongoing structural shifts, such as geopolitical and economic fragmentation, increasing use of artificial intelligence, demographic change and the threat to environmental sustainability, suggest that the inflation environment will remain uncertain and potentially more volatile, with larger deviations from the symmetric 2% inflation target.

    To maintain the symmetry of the target, appropriately forceful or persistent monetary policy action in response to large, sustained deviations of inflation from the target in either direction is important. This will help to avoid inflation expectations becoming de-anchored and inflation deviations from the target becoming entrenched.

    “I am happy to announce that the Governing Council during its latest meeting approved the ECB’s updated monetary policy strategy”, said ECB President Christine Lagarde. “This assessment was a valuable opportunity to challenge our thinking, check our policy toolkit and fine-tune our strategy. It provides us with an even stronger basis to conduct monetary policy and fulfil our mandate of price stability in an increasingly uncertain environment.”

    All monetary policy tools currently available to the Governing Council will remain in its toolkit. Their use at any time will continue to be subject to a comprehensive proportionality assessment. Their choice, design and implementation will be sufficiently flexible to enable an agile response to changes in the inflation environment.

    In monetary policy decisions the Governing Council takes into account not only the most likely path for inflation and the economy but also surrounding risks and uncertainty, including through the appropriate use of scenarios and sensitivity analyses.

    The first regular monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council applying the updated strategy will be held on 23-24 July 2025. The Governing Council intends to assess periodically the appropriateness of its monetary policy strategy, with the next assessment expected in 2030.

    For media queries, please contact Stefan Ruhkamp, tel.: +49 69 1344 5057.

    Notes

    • Prior to the 2025 strategy assessment, the Governing Council concluded strategy reviews in 2003 and 2021.
    • Over the last 12 months the Governing Council has held seminars, presentations, discussions and meetings dedicated to the strategy assessment.
    • The strategy assessment is the result of a significant collaborative effort over this period. It involved staff of the ECB and national central banks across the euro area and was organised into two separate workstreams.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Public sends clear message that ‘PIP cuts are cruel’ and unjust – new poll

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Polling suggests a staggering 75% of the UK believe the Government’s plan to take   PIP away from people who need it is cruel  

    69% of respondents prefer the UK government to tax the super-rich rather than cut social security  

    ‘The message from the public is clear: poverty is a political choice, and this Government is dangerously close to choosing poverty and party politics over people’s rights’ – Jen Clark 

    New polling reveals that the vast majority of the UK public opposes the UK government’s plans to cut disability benefits, as Amnesty International UK warns the proposed changes to PIP are discriminatory and fundamentally out of step with public opinion. 

    Polling by Savanta, commissioned by Amnesty, reveals that 75% agree that taking PIP away from people who may need help is cruel – a view held consistently across all political, gender and age groups. 

    The findings come as Parliament considers a Bill that Amnesty says would entrench poverty, discriminate against disabled people, and fail to meet basic human rights standards. 

    Other key polling findings: 

    • 94% of people living with a disability say cutting PIP is cruel. 
    • 69% of respondents would prefer it if the UK government raised money through wealth taxes on the super-rich compared tocuts to social security. 
    • 59% believe that cutting PIP will not help more people get into work – undermining one of the UK government’s stated goals. 
    • 54% of UK adults say they do not support the UK government’s changes to PIP eligibility. 

    Jen Clark, Amnesty International UK’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Lead, said: 

    “The message from the public is clear: poverty is a political choice, and this Government is dangerously close to choosing poverty and party politics over people’s rights. 

    “Across every age group, background, and political belief, people agree that cutting PIP is cruel and they can see these proposals for what they are – unfair, unnecessary, and unjust.  

    “Disabled people are being targeted with harmful, ill-conceived changes that the majority of the public do not support. Taking vital support away from those who need it isn’t reform – it’s cruelty by policy. 

    “We’ve said it before: poverty is a visible sign of a failing social security system. When the Government knowingly pursues policies that make poverty worse, it is deliberately violating people’s basic human rights. The Government is steering us even further away   from being a society that support those most in need.   

    “Parliament must stand firm and refuse to back a Bill that risks rolling back disabled people’s rights and driving more people into poverty.” 

    Despite some proposed changes limiting the cuts to new claimants, Amnesty is calling on all MPs to stand firm and reject the current version of the Bill and demand a full human rights impact assessment, meaningful consultation with disabled people, and genuine reforms that reduce poverty rather than deepen it. 

    Amnesty’s key concerns with the Bill are: 

    • Cuts and freezes will push people into poverty, especially disabled people and those on low incomes. 
    • The Bill creates a two-tier system of support that deepens generational and economic inequality. 
    • The Government has failed to consult with disabled people and has not published a human rights impact assessment. 
    • PIP assessments remain discriminatory and unfit for purpose, with no guarantee that the upcoming review will address the reality. 

    ‘Consciously cruel’ – UK’s social security system  

    Amnesty’s recent report took a deep dive into the murky and divisive world of the UK’s social security system from the perspective of people’s human rights. The unique research examines violations of people’s basic rights to housing, food, education, healthcare and social security.   

    The report ‘Social Insecurity’ was a collaboration with over 700 benefit claimants and advisors to provide a platform for the people most gravely affected and show how politicians are playing with people’s lives and ignoring our most basic rights.  

    Regional polling results 

    Across the UK, people agree that taking PIP away from those who need it is cruel (the regions are polled as subsets within the wider poll): 

    • The North-West had the highest percentage of people in agreement, with a staggering 82% believing that PIP cuts are cruel.  
    • This was closely followed by 80% of people in the South-East.  
    • Of those polled in both Scotland and Wales, 77% believed that taking payments away from those who needed it is cruel and in Northern Ireland, the statistic was 74%.  
    • Other results included 76% in Yorkshire & Humber and in the East, 75% in West Midlands, 72% in East Midlands, 71% in London and 67% in both the North-East and South-West.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Hong Kong: National Security Law analysis shows vast majority unjustly arrested

    Source: Amnesty International –

    More than 80% of people convicted under Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL) have been wrongly criminalized and should never have been charged in the first place, according to new research by Amnesty International published on the fifth anniversary of the law being enacted.

    The organization’s analysis of 255 individuals targeted under national security legislation in Hong Kong since 30 June 2020 also showed that bail was denied in almost 90% of cases where charges were brought, and that those denied bail were forced to spend an average of 11 months in detention before facing trial.

    “Five years after the enactment of the National Security Law, our alarming findings show that the fears we raised about this law in 2020 have been realized. The Hong Kong government must stop using the pretext of ‘national security’ to punish legitimate expression,” Amnesty International’s China Director Sarah Brooks said.

    “This draconian law, and the other national security legislation it spawned, has corroded key legal safeguards that once formed the foundation for protecting human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong. The result has been a devastation of Hongkongers’ ability to express themselves without fear of arrest.”

    Amnesty’s briefing paper analyses patterns in arrests, bail decisions and prosecutions under the NSL and other national security legislation. In particular, the research highlights three major concerns: the criminalization of the legitimate exercise of the human right to freedom of expression, the low bail grant rates in these cases, and the de facto long-term incarceration of most accused.

    The analysis found that of the 78 concluded cases under the NSL at least 66 (84.6%) involved legitimate expression that should not have been criminalized according to international standards, with no evidence of violent conduct or incitement.

    When concluded cases under Article 23 and pre-Article 23 “sedition” offences are also counted, at least 108 out of a total of 127 cases (85%) involved similarly legitimate forms of expression which were unjustly prosecuted. These cases fall well short of the high threshold required for criminalization under international standards.

    Meanwhile, according to Amnesty’s data, the courts denied bail in 129 national security cases, or 89% of those in which individuals were charged.

    Among the 129 cases where bail was denied, the average length of detention was 328 days. Fifty-two cases (40.3%) involved detentions lasting one year or more before trial or a guilty plea.

    “In five years, the National Security Law has transformed Hong Kong from a city of tolerance and open debate into a city of repression and self-censorship. Our analysis shows that Hong Kong’s national security framework is not just a flagrant violation of international human rights standards on paper but that authorities misuse it to target opposition voices and foster an environment of fear,” Sarah Brooks said.

    “This research demonstrates that the vast majority of those charged with national security offences have acted entirely within their rights. Meanwhile, prosecutors have continued to bring cases under this flawed national security architecture and appealed the rare acquittals awarded by courts. Other governments should step up and use their influence to urgently press the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to repeal the law.

    “In the interim, the Hong Kong government should stop applying national security legislation immediately. At the very least they need to reinstate the presumption of bail in favour of release pending trial. No one should be made to languish in jail simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: In Struggle and Solidarity: The Enduring Legacy of Joaquín Domínguez Parada

    Source: Council on Hemispheric Affairs –

    By Fred Mills and Evelyn Gonzalez Mills

    Silver Spring, MD

    Joaquín Domínguez Parada, a renowned Salvadoran attorney and tireless advocate for refugees of war and persecution, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, four days after his 77th birthday in El Salvador, leaving a legacy of love, integrity, and moral courage.  He lived a relatively short period of time in the United States, about ten years, but left an indelible mark on our lives and communities.  

    In the 1980’s, at a time when tens of thousands of Central American refugees were being denied asylum and deported back to the violence of civil war, Joaquín stood as a steadfast advocate. Through his tireless efforts, a generation of migrants found not only dignity, protection, and legal defense, but also a voice to fight for their human rights, to end the repression in El Salvador, and to challenge  U.S. intervention in the region.

    For those of us in the solidarity movement, Joaquín set a lasting example. He was a guiding light, comrade and friend, advisor and mentor, and a talented artist. He made clear that it was time to assume co-responsibility for the safety of Central American refugees, and to oppose U.S. support for the oligarchic forces in El Salvador responsible for massive human rights violations and the forced displacement of tens of thousands of Salvadorans.

    We remember Joaquín not only for his courageous work, but for the moral clarity with which he carried it out. Despite the relentless pressure of adversity and what appeared to be insurmountable odds, he retained a sense of humor and unwavering commitment that inspired others to fight on.

    In 1980, Domínguez Parada was among the thousands of Salvadoran refugees who fled the escalating civil violence, settling in Washington DC. In 1981, he joined forces with attorney Patrice Perillie, who had recently graduated from the American University Washington College of Law, to form the non-profit Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN). As co-director, Domínguez Parada provided pro bono legal services to thousands of Central American refugees as part of an intense struggle to stem the tide of deportations perpetrated by the Reagan administration.

    As CARECEN launched its legal fight for justice and dignity for refugees, a broad-based solidarity movement—including labor, faith, student, and human rights advocates—mobilized to oppose U.S.-backed wars in Central America. CARECEN not only defended asylum seekers but also pushed for broader immigration reform and an end to U.S. intervention in El Salvador’s civil war, contributing to outcomes like Temporary Protected Status for Salvadorans. Recognizing the  need to expand its urgent mission, CARECEN offices were established in other major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Houston.

    In 1982, on the second anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Óscar Romero, he participated in a hunger strike in Lafayette Park, alongside other prominent human rights activists, to draw attention to the atrocities being committed both at home and abroad because of U.S. intervention in El Salvador.

    Domínguez Parada was a tireless leader in the community. As CARECEN carried forward its vital work on a limited budget, it helped lay the foundation for other essential grassroots initiatives. Among these were the founding of the Central American Refugee Committee (CRECEN)—with Evelyn Gonzalez elected as its first Coordinator—and, in partnership with Plenty International, La Clínica del Pueblo in 1983, where both of us, along with many others, served as volunteers. This free health clinic, established to serve Central American refugees and staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, and community members, provided a safe and dignified space for medical care. Guided by the classic training manual Donde No Hay Doctor, La Clínica expanded its corps of community health promoters, who became the heart of its mission. To this day, La Clínica remains a beacon of community-based health services.

    After the civil war in El Salvador, Domínguez Parada returned home to help rebuild the country’s legal institutions. In 1994 his doctoral thesis titled La ley Simpson-Rodino, consecuencias jurídicas y sociales para los salvadoreños en Estados Unidos (The Simpson-Rodino Law: Legal and Social Consequences for Salvadorans in the United States) was published by the University of El Salvador. He served as a municipal judge in San Salvador, helped implement the city’s first ordinance on minor infractions, and later led the Police Appeals Tribunal, promoting accountability within the post-war Civil National Police. In keeping with his commitment to community, he was a strong advocate for the preservation of the historic Shangri La neighborhood where he used to live.

    In March 2025, we had the privilege of visiting Joaquín in San Salvador, sharing moments of reflection on a life devoted to social justice—especially during those harrowing years when so many of our Central American brothers and sisters faced persecution and exile. He expressed a deep serenity in knowing he had given his all to the struggle for human dignity. Joaquin expressed gratitude to his first wife Marta Castrillo, her sister, Carolina, and their mother, Maria Pineda, for their unconditional support and love upon his return to El Salvador.  He reminisced about his late beloved son, Camilo; remembered with much affection his mother, Alicia Ulloa de Dominguez, an elementary school teacher who worked hard to raise her three children after losing her husband; and he evoked his life with Patrice Perillie, his second wife and companion in the struggle for refugee rights. He expressed a heartfelt desire to visit the United States—to learn about CARECEN’s continuing successes, reconnect with old friends, meet the new stewards of its legacy, and once more walk the familiar streets of Columbia Road and Mount Pleasant in Washington, DC.

    With Joaquín’s passing, El Salvador and its diaspora has lost one of their most steadfast champions. We ask his family and friends to accept our deepest condolences. We take his legacy to heart as we navigate today’s perilous crossroads. Joaquín’s moral courage in confronting state violence and repression continues to guide our path, especially now, as we witness, in the United States, a campaign of state-sanctioned terror, where masked agents—unidentified and unaccountable—storm homes and workplaces, even court houses, sweeping up immigrants en masse and vanishing them into the machinery of deportation.  In honoring Joaquín Domínguez Parada, we renew our commitment to the world he struggled to bring forth—a world where no human being is illegal, and every sacred life holds the weight and wonder of a universe.

    San Salvador 03-21-25. Evelyn Gonzalez, Joaquín Domínguez Parada, Fred Mills

    Photo of Joaquín Domínguez Parada: Credit Corolina Castrillo

    Photo of Joaquín Domínguez Parada with first wife Marta Castrillo, Maria Pineda, and Carolina Castrillo: Courtesy of  Carolina Castrillo

    Banner Photo of Joaquín Domínguez Parada and Patrice Perillie ca. 1981: From Carlos E. Vela Facebook.

    Fred Mills is professor of philosophy at Bowie State University and English Language Editor for COHA.

    Evelyn Gonzalez Mills is academic counselor at Montgomery College.  She met Joaquín Domínguez Parada and Patrice Perillie in 1981 and became a volunteer receptionist for CARECEN when it first opened. She later served as a board member of CARECEN.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “The Character of the Country is on the Line” Warnock Calls for GOP to Protect 16 Million Americans Who Risk Losing Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    “The Character of the Country is on the Line” Warnock Calls for GOP to Protect 16 Million Americans Who Risk Losing Health Care

    Watch the full floor speech  HERE
     Senator Reverend Warnock: “Your health care is about to go up. Your hospital might close because they’re cutting these clean energy tax cuts, your utility bills are about to go up. And so I have a question tonight, who voted for that?”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) went to the floor of the United States Senate to call on his GOP colleagues to reject the GOP tax bill that will kick over 16 million Americans off their health care. Full video is available  HERE.
    “And in some ways, this is the same bill eight years later, just worse,” said Senator Reverend Warnock, comparing this moment to the 2017 tax bill. “Like most horror movies, the sequel tends to be worse. We were here eight years ago. Washington politicians were trying their best to gut the Affordable Care Act. Remember that? They were trying to gut Obamacare out of political motives. Millions of Americans were spared. But tonight is the sequel to that horror movie. They are back to their own political tricks, trying to dismantle the ACA again, with this legislation. It’s the same fight, just worse this time.”
    “If they enact these deep cuts to Medicaid, as they are positioned not to extend these tax credits, they are raising the cost of health care for all of us,” continued Senator Reverend Warnock. “Even if you are on private insurance, you are not safe. Your health care is about to go up. Your hospital might close because they’re cutting these clean energy tax cuts, your utility bills are about to go up. And so I have a question tonight, who voted for that?…Who voted for everybody’s health care premiums to go up and their hospitals to be closed? Here’s what I know. Folks back in Georgia didn’t vote for that. They voted for me, and they voted for Donald Trump, but they didn’t vote for that.”
    “This is symptomatic of the ways in which the people’s voices have been squeezed out of their democracy,” continued Senator Reverend Warnock. “This is not just a health care fight, it is that. It is not just a fight for food security, for SNAP, it is that. But in a real sense, it is a fight for our democracy. Whose voice gets to be heard in this chamber? That’s what this is about—the character of the country.”
    Now, let me be clear, I’m all for tax cuts. I believe working families deserve a tax cut, and I certainly don’t want to see them face a tax hike this year,” continued Senator Reverend Warnock. “That’s why I want to nearly double the child tax credit. I believe in tax cuts for hard-working families, for middle-class people, for working-class families. But instead of doing that, instead of helping working-class families who are struggling now against a 10% tax on everything, rising costs, we’re now burdening our children by adding $3 trillion to the debt. We’re taking away health care from kids and then burdening them with the debt.
    “When the people hear about what’s in this Big Ugly Bill, they don’t like it…” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “The American people do not want to rob our children of food and health care, and then burn them with trillions in debt to give billionaires and wealthy corporations another tax cut….And so if the people do not want this bill, if they are trying to pass it. Here’s the question you got to ask yourselves at home, you have to ask yourselves, well, who are they working for? Who are they fighting for? Who do they think matters? Do you think they are working for you?”
    The Senator’s speech comes a day after he held a vigil with a multi-faith coalition of clergy to pray that GOP lawmakers have the courage to stand up for their constituents and vote against the GOP tax bill. The Senator was arrested in 2017, before he was elected to the Senate, along with a coalition of multi-faith leaders, while protesting the GOP tax bill during the first Trump Administration. 
    A full and unofficial transcript is availabe below. Watch the full speech  HERE.
    Madam President, I rise tonight in a moral moment in our nation. As we debate this bill, so much is on the line. The health care of over 16 million Americans, 750,000 of them Georgians, is on the line. Food for hungry children in a wealthy nation where one in five children are already food insecure—they don’t know where the next meal is coming from—their livelihood, their welfare, is on the line. The well-being of seniors in nursing homes and the disabled who rely on Medicaid and those who care for them is on the line. The state of rural hospitals in Georgia, in Alaska, in Louisiana, in little towns all over this nation that are right now barely hanging on is on the line, and the scraps that they are throwing them while cutting them will not save them.
    My friends on the other side of the aisle know it. They know that these scraps that they’re throwing at rural hospitals will not save them. And so in a very real sense, lives are on the line.
    We are in a moral moment because something else is on the line. I submit that the character of the country is on the line.
    In a real sense, the question tonight is, who are we? Not who we tell ourselves we are, but who are we really? What and who do we care about? What kind of nation are we? What kind of people do we want to be? Who matters and who doesn’t? What do we think is dispensable?
    In no place is the answer to that question clearer than in a nation’s budget. I submit that a budget is not just a fiscal document, a budget is a moral document. Show me your budget, and I’ll show you who you think matters and who doesn’t.
    If this awful budget were an EKG, it would suggest that our nation has a heart problem and is in need of moral certainty.
    And so I’m clear tonight. I understand the nature of what we are engaged in. This is a political process, it is, but it is also a moral exercise, not only for the nation, but for each of us, individually, and especially for the mere 100 of us out of a nation of 300 million who get to vote, perhaps in a matter of hours.
    We have the rare privilege of standing up for the people who have entrusted with us the covenant of centering their families. It’s a real privilege for the people of your state to say that since we can’t all go to Washington, we’re going to trust you in rules of power to be thinking about our children, to be thinking about our parents as they deal with the blessings and the burdens of growing old.
    So the question for me tonight is, how will we show up in this moment?
    That’s why yesterday, I gathered in the Russell Rotunda with a multi-faith coalition of clergy to pray that lawmakers might have the courage to stand up to their party, stand up to the special interests and protect seniors in nursing homes and pregnant mothers on Medicaid and children who risk going to school hungry every single day in this country. One in five children in the wealthiest nation on the planet already food insecure, and with these SNAP cuts, this body is about to make it worse.
    And so, surrounded by clergy of many faith traditions, yesterday, I prayed that we would have the courage, prayed that we would have the grace to stand as voices for the voiceless. And as I stood there, I could not help but feel a sense of deja vu. This is not the first time I’ve been in our nation’s Capitol speaking out against these policies that betray hard-working families. It was eight years ago, almost to the day in 2017 when Washington Republicans were trying to pass a tax bill that favored wealthy Americans over working families, that I came to this building, not as a senator, but as a pastor. I had no idea that eight years later I would be serving in this body. I had no notion that I would even run for the Senate. I came as a citizen, standing with a multi-faith coalition. We were praying for our nation’s leaders. We were gathered in the rotunda of the Russell building, and as we were singing and praying, the Capitol Police said, “I’m sorry, pastors, you can’t sing and pray in the rotunda. If you do not disperse, we will have to arrest you.”
    And let me say that the Capitol Police did not mishandle us that day. They were first-rate professionals. They said that if you don’t disperse, we will have to arrest you. What they didn’t understand is that I had already been arrested. My conscience had been arrested, my heart and my imagination, my moral imagination, had been arrested by this idea that we as a country are better than this.
    I come from a tradition where you don’t just pray with your lips, you pray with your legs, put your body in the struggle for other struggling bodies. So here I am tonight, eight years later, having transformed my agitation into legislation, I was arrested that day, but I have transformed my protest into public policy.
    Eight years ago, I was on the outside. Tonight, I’m on the inside, but it’s the same fight. Some of us fight on the inside, some of us fight on the outside. Some of us get to serve in the Senate or in the House. Others are just watching at home tonight, but be really clear that we are in the same fight—whether we are on the streets or in the suites, same fight.
    And in some ways, this is the same bill eight years later, just worse. Like most horror movies, the sequel tends to be worse. We were here eight years ago. Washington politicians were trying their best to gut the Affordable Care Act. Remember that? They were trying to gut Obamacare out of political motives. Millions of Americans were spared. But tonight is the sequel to that horror movie. They are back to their own political tricks, trying to dismantle the ACA again, with this legislation. It’s the same fight, just worse this time.
    Instead of extending tax credits that would lower health insurance costs for the middle class, my friends on the other side are giving billionaires and the richest of the rich a tax cut. They are working real hard tonight to help billionaires, because God knows that they are having a hard time, apparently.
    What that means is that 1.2 million Georgians and nearly 20 million Americans are going to see their health care premiums rise. That’s what’s at stake tonight.
    If they enact these deep cuts to Medicaid, as they are positioned not to extend these tax credits, they are raising the cost of health care for all of us. Even if you are on private insurance, you are not safe. Your health care is about to go up. Your hospital might close because they’re cutting these clean energy tax cuts, your utility bills are about to go up. And so I have a question tonight, who voted for that?
    Some of us are Democrats, some of us are Republicans, some of us are independent. Some voted for one party, some voted for the other party. I get it, but who voted for that? Who voted for everybody’s health care premiums to go up and their hospitals to be closed?
    Here’s what I know. Folks back in Georgia didn’t vote for that. They voted for me, and they voted for Donald Trump, but they didn’t vote for that.
    Ordinary folks don’t want this. There’s ordinary, everyday people who who barely pay attention to politics. They don’t want this. Even a Fox News poll, and you won’t often hear me say that, but even a Fox News poll from this month found that Americans don’t support this Big Ugly Bill.
    This is symptomatic of the ways in which the people’s voices have been squeezed out of their democracy. This is not just a health care fight, it is that. It is not just a fight for food security, for SNAP, it is that. But in a real sense, it is a fight for our democracy. Whose voice gets to be heard in this chamber? That’s what this is about—the character of the country.
    Ordinary Americans don’t want to do this to our children. That’s why they need to know that 71% of all Medicaid enrollees in Georgia are children. 71%. Taking away health care from kids to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.
    Now, let me be clear, I’m all for tax cuts. I believe working families deserve a tax cut, and I certainly don’t want to see them face a tax hike this year. That’s why I want to nearly double the child tax credit. I believe in tax cuts for hard-working families, for middle class people, for working-class families.
    But instead of doing that, instead of helping working class families who are struggling now against a 10% tax on everything, rising costs, we’re now burdening our children by adding $3 trillion to the debt. We’re taking away health care from kids and then burdening them with the debt. We are engaged in Robin Hood in reverse, this body, of stealing from the poor in order to give to the rich. This massive transfer of wealth from the bottom to the to the top. This is socialism for the rich.
    When the people hear about it, guess what? They don’t like it, Democrats and Republicans and Independents. When the people hear about what’s in this Big Ugly Bill, they don’t like it. That’s why the folks on the other side are trying their best to fast-track it. That’s why they’re trying to pass it and they haven’t even finished writing it—twisting themselves in knots, making their members walk the plank under the threat of a primary to pass this Big Ugly Bill.
    The American people do not want to rob our children of food and health care, and then burn them with trillions in debt to give billionaires and wealthy corporations another tax cut. The people do not want this bill.
    And so if the people do not want this bill, if they are trying to pass it. Here’s the question you got to ask yourselves at home, you have to ask yourselves, well, who are they working for? Who are they fighting for? Who do they think matters? Do you think they are working for you?
    This is a moral moment and a budget is a moral document. We have been summoned to this moment, people of faith and people of moral courage who claim no particular faith at all. Maybe because I was here yesterday and eight years ago for a similar fight with faith leaders. Maybe because I’m a preacher, and it’s Sunday, and I’ve been here instead of church, I have especially been thinking about those of us who are people of faith. People whose lives are informed by scripture, people of the book. And maybe those of us who have different politics but read from the same book ought to spend some time together reading the book, because I do sometimes wonder, and I say this with all humility, none of us owns the truth. But if I’m honest, there are days when I have to ask people of my faith tradition as a Christian, are we reading the same book?
    The book I know says, I was hungry and you fed me. I was sick, I was in prison, and you visited me. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. In as much as you’ve done it to the least of these, you’ve done it also unto me. The book that I love says, learn to do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow, speak out for those who cannot. Speak for the rights of the destitute. Speak out. Judge righteously. Defend the rights of the poor and the needy. My book says whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and will be repaid in full. The prophet Amos condemns those who buy the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. They sell the poor out and working class people for cheap.
    For those of us who have a vote in this moment, my colleagues, who are swinging on a moral dilemma, I hear the prophet Micah say he has already told you what is good. What does the Lord require that you do justice, love, kindness, walk humbly with your God.
    May God be with our nation and grant us grace, wisdom and courage for this moment.
    Madam President, I yield the floor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Convicted supplier of fake tobacco in Portsmouth has been ordered to pay

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Two members of staff from Fratton Food Store in Portsmouth have been convicted for their roles in supplying counterfeit and smuggled tobacco products.

     

    Following the previous sentencing, Portsmouth City Council Trading Standards carried out a financial investigation into the two store owners, Mr. Salar Karim Karam and Mr. Ali Kader Ismi to find out how much financial gain had been made from the illegal activities, leading to final conviction.

    On Wednesday 11 June 2025, at Portsmouth Crown Court, Mr Salar Karim Karam was handed a Proceeds of Crime Act ‘Confiscation Order’ totalling £27,260.20 for contributing to the supply of over 45,000 counterfeit cigarettes from Fratton Food Store in Portsmouth. Karam has 3 months to pay this order or face 12 months in prison. Portsmouth City Council’s Trading Standards service brought this action and were subsequently awarded £5,248.28 in costs. The financial enquiries into Mr Ali Kader Ismil are ongoing.

    Cllr Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure, and Sport, said:

    “Portsmouth City Council will use the full weight of the law to pursue criminal trading. We have a highly motivated and skilled Trading Standards team constantly investigating premises and individuals who break the law; we will catch them just as we have been able to bring these individuals to justice.  Those selling counterfeit items and tobacco products will be caught and risk severe penalties.”

    The Council’s trading standards team helps to protect residents from unscrupulous traders and ensure that businesses comply with the law. The team works with trained tobacco detection dogs to sniff out illegal tobacco at premises across the city, often based on information provided by members of the public or other businesses.

    If you know or suspect businesses in Portsmouth are supplying illicit tobacco, you can report it at trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. For more information search ‘trading standards’ at portsmouth.gov.uk

    The Council’s wellbeing service provides free support to help Portsmouth residents to stop smoking. Visit www.wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk or call 023 9229 4001 to find out more.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council to repair more than 7,500 potholes in drive to improve roads across city

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Resurfacing works are also taking place on some of the busiest roads to keep them in good condition for longer – which will mean fewer pothole repairs are needed in the future. 

    By using data to identify where preventative work will have the biggest impact, the council has reduced the number of roads in need of urgent maintenance.

    The council is building on this with more improvements across the city, including resurfacing and surface dressing alongside timely pothole repairs.

    A highways maintenance transparency report has been published here with more about the strategy and work done so far.
     
    The council is responsible for maintaining 480 miles of roads and nearly 800 miles of footpaths that keep communities connected and support economic growth.

    Over the past five years, approximately 32,000 potholes have been filled across the network, ensuring safer and smoother journeys for all road users.

    Moving forward the council’s strategy is focused on preventative maintenance to reduce the need for reactive repairs.

    The highways maintenance programme for 2025 to 2026 is centred on:
     

    • Resurfacing – Including key routes such as Cannock Road and Neachells Lane this July and August and more in the coming weeks. Much of the resurfacing takes place at night to minimise traffic disruption including Wellington Road and Lichfield Street, Bilston, which have been resurfaced recently.
       
    • Surface dressing and other improvements – Quick to do with little disruption. It prevents potholes forming and prolongs the life of roads. First stage repairs have been taking place on roads across the city before crews will return to give them new surfaces from August.
       
    • Reactive repairs – Permanent pothole repairs and emergency pothole repairs, when the size and location of the pothole is a risk to safety.
       
    • Footpath resurfacing – New footpath surfacing at many sites across the city.

    Councillor Qaiser Azeem, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “By working smarter and focusing on preventative maintenance, we will not only improve road quality but also lower carbon emissions and deliver better value for money.

    “Fixing roads and tackling potholes is a priority for us and there is a wide programme of work taking place that we will be keeping people up to date with.”

    Maintenance of the highways network falls under the council’s £9.7m capital highways programme, which also funds improvements and maintenance to street lighting, bridges and other highways structures, highways management, car park upgrades and more.

    It was announced in May that the council has also secured an additional £2m from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement CRSTS, meaning even more potholes can be filled and preventative maintenance works undertaken.

    Work is already well underway on the road resurfacing programme for 2025/26 which includes: Cannock Road, Neachells Lane, Merridale Road, Wellington Road, Millfields Road, Lichfield Street in Bilston, Wood End Road, Hall Lane, Wrottesley Road, Ruskin Avenue, Prestwood Road, Rookery Street and Cumberland Road with more to follow.

    First stage repairs have also been taking place in roads across the city ahead of a programme of surface dressing from August. They include: Fairview Road, further sections of Penn Road, Birches Barn Road, Bhylls Lane, Pear Tree Lane, Bilston Road, Elston Hall Lane, further sections of Millfields Road, more of Wellington Road, Moseley Road, Dudley Road, Birmingham Road, Darlaston Lane, Warstones Road, Henwood Road and Salop Street.

    You can search your road via Causeway one.network to see updates on planned work, road closures and traffic diversions.

    Report a pothole by downloading our Love Clean Streets app at Report a pothole  or via the website.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches freight train linking Beijing to Baku of Azerbaijan

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

    China launches freight train linking Beijing to Baku of Azerbaijan

    Updated: June 30, 2025 17:36 Xinhua
    A China-Europe freight train waits for departure at Beijing International Land Port in Fangshan District of Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2025. A new China-Europe freight train route linking Beijing to Baku of Azerbaijan was launched Monday. Riding on the “rail-sea-rail” multimodal transport, the payload is scheduled to get across the Caspian Sea by ship, and arrive in Baku in 15 days. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A China-Europe freight train departs from Beijing International Land Port in Fangshan District of Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A crane loads a container onto a China-Europe freight train at Beijing International Land Port in Fangshan District of Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows a China-Europe freight train waiting for departure at Beijing International Land Port in Fangshan District of Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo shows a China-Europe freight train departing from Beijing International Land Port in Fangshan District of Beijing, capital of China, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sea patrol staff to use body cameras

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Marine Department today said its frontline officers in the Harbour Patrol Section will make full use of body-worn video cameras from tomorrow when performing duties in Hong Kong waters.

     

    The measure aims to assist in investigations, enhance officers’ ability to collect evidence when performing their duties, and allow recording of situations during major events at sea to ensure marine safety.

     

    The department conducted a field trial in the waters around Victoria Harbour between January and June to evaluate the effectiveness of using body-worn video cameras.

     

    Results showed that frontline officers’ use of the cameras in discharging their duties can help enhance evidence collection, providing practical information for future investigations.

     

    It can also enable frontline officers to discharge their duties in a more effective manner, the department said.

     

    The department has formulated guidelines to optimise use of the cameras.

     

    When carrying out their duties, frontline officers are required to mount the body-worn video cameras in a conspicuous position on their uniforms.

     

    As far as is practicable, they should also give any person concerned reasonable and public advance notice before commencing recording.

     

    The department stressed that it will take all necessary steps to comply with the requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance when handling collected personal data.

     

    Any video footage that carries no investigative or evidential value, or that constitutes no other legitimate purpose, will be deleted 31 days after the date on which it was recorded, to ensure that no excessive personal data are kept.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Invest in the Future: Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 – UN Chief | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Opening of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 (Sevilla, Spain).

    “Your Majesties,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    I thank the Government and people of Spain for welcoming us to Sevilla for this important conference.

    For decades, the mission of sustainable development has united countries large and small, developed and developing.

    Together, we achieved progress.

    Reducing global poverty and hunger.

    Saving lives with stronger health care systems.

    Getting more children into school.

    Expanding opportunities for women and girls.

    And strengthening social safety nets.

    But today, development and its great enabler — international cooperation — are facing massive headwinds.

    We are living in a world where trust is fraying and multilateralism is strained.

    A world with a slowing economy, rising trade tensions, and decimated aid budgets.

    A world shaken by inequalities, climate chaos and raging conflicts.

    The link between peace and development is clear.

    Nine of the ten countries with the lowest Human Development Indicators are currently in a state of conflict.

    Excellencies,

    Financing is the engine of development.

    And right now, this engine is sputtering.

    As we meet, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — our global promise to transform our world for a better, fairer future — is in danger.

    Two-thirds of the Sustainable Development Goals targets are lagging.

    Achieving them requires an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.

    But this is not just a crisis of numbers.

    It’s a crisis of people.

    Of families going hungry.

    Of children going unvaccinated.

    Of girls forced to drop out of school.

    We are here in Sevilla to change course.

    To repair and rev up the engine of development to accelerate investment at the scale and speed required.

    And to restore a measure of fairness and justice for all.

    Excellencies,

    The Sevilla Commitment document is a global promise to fix how the world supports countries as they climb the development ladder.

    I see three areas of action.

    First — we must get resources flowing. Fast.

    Countries must lead by mobilizing domestic resources and investing in areas of greatest impact: schools, health care, social protection, decent work, and renewable energy.

    Unlocking these investments requires strengthening tax systems, and tackling illicit financial flows and tax evasion.

    And helping developing countries dedicate a greater share of their tax revenues to the systems people need.

    The Sevilla Commitment’s call on developed countries to double their aid dedicated to domestic resource mobilization can support this.

    Multilateral and national development banks must unite to finance major investments.

    This includes tripling the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks — and rechanneling Special Drawing Rights that can unlock lending capacity and help developing countries boost investment.

    We also need innovative financing solutions to unlock private capital.

    Solutions that mitigate currency risks;

    That combine public and private finance more effectively, and ensure the risks and rewards of development projects are shared by both the public and private sectors;

    And that ensure financial regulations assess risk appropriately and support investments in frontier markets.

    Second — we must fix the global debt system which is unsustainable, unfair and unaffordable.

    With annual debt service at $1.4 trillion, countries need — and deserve — a system that lowers borrowing costs, enables fair and timely debt-restructuring, and prevents debt crises in the first place.

    The Sevilla Commitment lays the groundwork:

    By creating a single debt registry for transparency, and promoting responsible lending and borrowing;

    By lowering the cost of capital through debt swaps and debt management support;

    And through debt service pauses in times of emergency.

    And third — we must increase the participation of developing countries in the institutions of the global financial architecture. The present major shareholders have a role to play recognizing the importance of correcting injustices and adapting to a changing world.

    A new borrowers forum will give voice to borrowers for fairer debt resolution and can foster transparency, shared learning and coordinated debt action.

    And we need a fairer global tax system shaped by all, not just a few.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    This conference is not about charity.

    It’s about restoring justice and lives of dignity.

    This conference is not about money.

    It’s about investing in the future we want to build, together.

    Thank you all for being part of this important and ambitious effort”.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jX8dA1w0L4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Invest in the Future: Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 – UN Chief | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Opening of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development FFD4 (Sevilla, Spain).

    “Your Majesties,
    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    I thank the Government and people of Spain for welcoming us to Sevilla for this important conference.

    For decades, the mission of sustainable development has united countries large and small, developed and developing.

    Together, we achieved progress.

    Reducing global poverty and hunger.

    Saving lives with stronger health care systems.

    Getting more children into school.

    Expanding opportunities for women and girls.

    And strengthening social safety nets.

    But today, development and its great enabler — international cooperation — are facing massive headwinds.

    We are living in a world where trust is fraying and multilateralism is strained.

    A world with a slowing economy, rising trade tensions, and decimated aid budgets.

    A world shaken by inequalities, climate chaos and raging conflicts.

    The link between peace and development is clear.

    Nine of the ten countries with the lowest Human Development Indicators are currently in a state of conflict.

    Excellencies,

    Financing is the engine of development.

    And right now, this engine is sputtering.

    As we meet, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — our global promise to transform our world for a better, fairer future — is in danger.

    Two-thirds of the Sustainable Development Goals targets are lagging.

    Achieving them requires an investment of more than $4 trillion a year.

    But this is not just a crisis of numbers.

    It’s a crisis of people.

    Of families going hungry.

    Of children going unvaccinated.

    Of girls forced to drop out of school.

    We are here in Sevilla to change course.

    To repair and rev up the engine of development to accelerate investment at the scale and speed required.

    And to restore a measure of fairness and justice for all.

    Excellencies,

    The Sevilla Commitment document is a global promise to fix how the world supports countries as they climb the development ladder.

    I see three areas of action.

    First — we must get resources flowing. Fast.

    Countries must lead by mobilizing domestic resources and investing in areas of greatest impact: schools, health care, social protection, decent work, and renewable energy.

    Unlocking these investments requires strengthening tax systems, and tackling illicit financial flows and tax evasion.

    And helping developing countries dedicate a greater share of their tax revenues to the systems people need.

    The Sevilla Commitment’s call on developed countries to double their aid dedicated to domestic resource mobilization can support this.

    Multilateral and national development banks must unite to finance major investments.

    This includes tripling the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks — and rechanneling Special Drawing Rights that can unlock lending capacity and help developing countries boost investment.

    We also need innovative financing solutions to unlock private capital.

    Solutions that mitigate currency risks;

    That combine public and private finance more effectively, and ensure the risks and rewards of development projects are shared by both the public and private sectors;

    And that ensure financial regulations assess risk appropriately and support investments in frontier markets.

    Second — we must fix the global debt system which is unsustainable, unfair and unaffordable.

    With annual debt service at $1.4 trillion, countries need — and deserve — a system that lowers borrowing costs, enables fair and timely debt-restructuring, and prevents debt crises in the first place.

    The Sevilla Commitment lays the groundwork:

    By creating a single debt registry for transparency, and promoting responsible lending and borrowing;

    By lowering the cost of capital through debt swaps and debt management support;

    And through debt service pauses in times of emergency.

    And third — we must increase the participation of developing countries in the institutions of the global financial architecture. The present major shareholders have a role to play recognizing the importance of correcting injustices and adapting to a changing world.

    A new borrowers forum will give voice to borrowers for fairer debt resolution and can foster transparency, shared learning and coordinated debt action.

    And we need a fairer global tax system shaped by all, not just a few.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    This conference is not about charity.

    It’s about restoring justice and lives of dignity.

    This conference is not about money.

    It’s about investing in the future we want to build, together.

    Thank you all for being part of this important and ambitious effort”.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jX8dA1w0L4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Minister of State at UK Department for Business and Trade Douglas Alexander  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-06-27
    President Lai confers decoration on former Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Ohashi Mitsuo
    On the morning of June 27, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon former Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Ohashi Mitsuo in recognition of his firm convictions and tireless efforts in promoting Taiwan-Japan exchanges. In remarks, President Lai stated that Chairman Ohashi cares for Taiwan like a family member, and expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan continue to deepen their partnership, bring about the early signing of an economic partnership agreement (EPA), and jointly build secure and stable non-red supply chains as we boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies and jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Every meeting I have with Chairman Ohashi, with whom I have worked side by side for many years, is warm and friendly. I recall that when we met last year, Chairman Ohashi said that he often thinks about what Japan can do for Taiwan and what Taiwan can do for Japan, and that it is that mutual concern that makes us so close. This was a truly moving statement illustrating the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. Chairman Ohashi has also said numerous times that our bilateral relations may very well be the best in the entire world, and that in fact they may serve as a model to other countries. Indeed, Chairman Ohashi is himself an exemplary model for friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan. His spirit of always working tirelessly to promote Taiwan-Japan exchanges is truly admirable. Assuming the position of chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in 2011, he served during the terms of former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen, continuously making positive contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. Over these past 14 years, Taiwan and Japan have signed over 50 major agreements, spanning the economy and trade, fisheries, and taxes, among other areas. In 2017, the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association underwent name changes, strengthening the essence and significance of Taiwan-Japan relations. These great achievements were all made possible thanks to the firm convictions and tireless efforts of Chairman Ohashi. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I am delighted to confer upon Chairman Ohashi the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to express our deepest thanks for his outstanding contributions. Chairman Ohashi is not just a good friend of Taiwan, but someone who cares for Taiwan like a family member. When a major earthquake struck in 2016, he personally went to Tainan to assess the situation and meet with the city government. This outpouring of friendship and support across borders was deeply moving. As we look to the future, I hope that Taiwan and Japan can continue to deepen our partnership. In addition to bringing about the early signing of an EPA, I also hope that we can expand collaboration in key areas such as semiconductors, energy, and AI, continue building secure and stable non-red supply chains, and boost the resilience and competitiveness of our economies as well as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. As Chairman Ohashi has said, the close bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Japan is one the world can be proud of. I would like to thank him once again for his contributions to deepening Taiwan-Japan ties. Taiwan will continue to forge ahead side by side with Japan, jointly safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy and mutually advancing prosperous development. I wish Chairman Ohashi good health, happiness, peace, and success in his future endeavors, and invite him to return to Taiwan often to visit old friends. Chairman Ohashi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his kind words. He stated that the Taiwan-Japan relationship is not only worthy of praise; it can also serve as a superb model in the world for bilateral relations that is worthy of study by other countries. He added that this is the result of the collective efforts of President Lai as well as many other individuals. Chairman Ohashi said that the current international situation is rather severe, with wars and conflicts occurring between many neighboring countries. He said that there is a growing trend of nuclear weapon proliferation, emphasizing that use of such weapons would cause significant harm between nations. He also pointed out that some countries even use nuclear weapons as a threat, leading to instability and impacting the global situation. Chairman Ohashi said that neither Taiwan nor Japan possesses nuclear weapons, which is something to be proud of. That is why, he said, we can declare that a world without nuclear weapons is a peaceful world. He also mentioned that during his tenure as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, he consistently upheld this principle in his work. Chairman Ohashi said that the mission of the World Federalist Movement (WFM) is to promote world peace. He said that the WFM has branches in countries worldwide, with the WFM of Japan being one of the most prominent, and that it also aspires to achieve the goal of world peace. Having served as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association for 14 years, he said, he is now stepping down from this role and will serve as the chairman of the WFM of Japan, aiming to promote peace in countries around the world. Chairman Ohashi said that both Taiwan and Japan can take pride in our friendly bilateral relationship, emphasizing that if the good relationship between Japan and Taiwan could be offered as an example to countries around the world, there would be no more wars. He expressed his sincere hope that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan and Japan can work together to jointly promote world peace. Also in attendance at the ceremony was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-06-25
    President Lai meets Japan’s former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki
    On the afternoon of June 25, President Lai Ching-te met with Kobayashi Takayuki, Japan’s former economic security minister and a current member of the House of Representatives. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope to combine the strengths of the democratic community to build resilient, reliable non-red supply chains, and ensure a resilient global economy and sustainable development. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan can bring about the early signing of an economic partnership agreement (EPA), and that Japan will continue supporting Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), enhancing our own bilateral partnership, as doing so would create win-win situations and further contribute to regional economic security and stability. The following is a translation of President Lai’s remarks: I welcome Representative Kobayashi back to Taiwan for another visit after seven years. During his last visit, he was with a delegation from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth Division, and we met at the Executive Yuan. I am very happy to see him again today. Representative Kobayashi has long paid close attention to matters involving economic security, technological innovation, and aerospace policy. He also made a stunning debut in last year’s LDP presidential election, showing that he is truly a rising star and an influential figure in the political sphere. With this visit, Representative Kobayashi is demonstrating support for Taiwan with concrete action, which is very meaningful. Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense. We thank the many Japanese prime ministers, including former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as current Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, for the many times they have highlighted the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at important international venues, and for expressing opposition to the use of force or coercion to unilaterally change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. I hope that Taiwan and Japan can engage in more cooperation and exchanges to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region in all aspects. In particular, China in recent years has been actively expanding its red supply chains, which threaten the global free trade system and advanced technology markets. Taiwan hopes to combine the strengths of the democratic community to build resilient, reliable non-red supply chains. In the semiconductor industry, for example, Taiwan has excellent advanced manufacturing capabilities, while Japan plays an important role in materials, equipment, and key technologies. I am confident that, given the experience that Taiwan and Japan have in cooperating, we can build an industrial supply chain composed of democratic nations to ensure a resilient global economy and sustainable development. I hope that Taiwan and Japan can bring about the early signing of an EPA in order to deepen our bilateral trade and investment exchanges and cooperation. I also hope that Japan will continue supporting Taiwan’s bid to join the CPTPP, enhancing our own bilateral partnership, as doing so would create win-win situations and further contribute to regional economic security and stability. Taiwan and Japan are democratic partners that share the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. I firmly believe that so long as we work together, we can certainly address the challenges posed by authoritarianism, and bring prosperity and development to the Indo-Pacific region. In closing, I welcome Representative Kobayashi once again. I am certain that this visit will help enhance Taiwan-Japan exchanges and deepen our friendship. Representative Kobayashi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with him, and noting that this was his second visit to Taiwan following a trip seven years prior, when he came with his good friend from college and then-Director of the LDP Youth Division Suzuki Keisuke, now Japan’s minister of justice. Representative Kobayashi mentioned a Japanese kanji that he is very fond of – 絆 (kizuna) – which means “deep ties of friendship.” He emphasized that a key purpose of this visit to Taiwan was to reiterate the deep ties of friendship between Taiwan and Japan. In addition to deep historical ties, he said, Taiwan and Japan also enjoy a like-minded partnership in terms of economic, personnel, and friendship-oriented exchanges. He went on to say that at the strategic level, Taiwan and Japan also have deep ties of friendship, and that for Japan, it is strategically important that Taiwan not be isolated under any circumstances. Representative Kobayashi emphasized that cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, and even cooperation among Taiwan, Japan, and the United States, are more important now than ever, and that another important focus of this visit is the non-red supply chains referred to earlier by President Lai. He said that as Japan’s first economic security minister and the person currently in charge of the LDP’s policy on economic security, he is acutely aware of the important impact of economic security on national interests, and therefore looks forward to further exchanging views regarding Taiwan’s concrete steps to build non-red supply chains. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Deputy Representative Takaba Yo.

    Details
    2025-06-16
    President Lai meets delegation led by Representative Bera, co-chair of US Congressional Taiwan Caucus
    On the morning of June 16, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Representative Ami Bera, co-chair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus. In remarks, President Lai thanked the representatives in Congress for actively voicing support for Taiwan and proposing numerous Taiwan-friendly initiatives to strengthen Taiwan-US ties, helping expand Taiwan’s international space and continuing to place focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president said that we will continue to strengthen bilateral investment and industrial cooperation and create a more comprehensive environment for economic and trade exchanges to jointly enhance economic and developmental resilience. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet with the delegation and welcome Congressman Bera back to the Presidential Office. Last January, he visited after the presidential election, demonstrating the steadfast backing of the US Congress for democratic Taiwan. This time, as head of a delegation of new members of the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, he is continuing to foster US congressional support for Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a sincere welcome to Congressman Bera and all our esteemed guests. Over the years, staunch bipartisan US congressional backing of Taiwan has been a key force for steadily advancing our bilateral relations. I thank the representatives in Congress for actively voicing support for Taiwan and proposing numerous Taiwan-friendly initiatives, thereby strengthening Taiwan-US ties, helping expand Taiwan’s international space, and continuing to place focus on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. I want to emphasize that Taiwan has an unwavering determination to safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience and accelerate reform of national defense. The government is also prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP this year. I hope that Taiwan-US security cooperation will evolve beyond military procurement to a partnership that encompasses joint research and development and joint production, further strengthening cooperation and exchange in the defense industry. Regarding industrial exchanges, last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) each visited Texas to see firsthand Taiwan-US collaboration in AI and semiconductors. And the delegation led by Executive Yuan Secretary-General Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) sent by Taiwan to this year’s SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, was again the largest of those attending. All of this demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to working alongside the US to create mutual prosperity. In the future, we will continue to strengthen bilateral investment and industrial cooperation. And I hope that the legislation addressing the issue of Taiwan-US double taxation will become law this year. I want to thank Congressman Bera for co-leading a joint letter last November signed by over 100 members of Congress calling for such legislation. I believe that by creating a more comprehensive environment for economic and trade exchanges, Taiwan and the US can enhance economic and developmental resilience. In closing, I thank you all for making the long journey here to advance Taiwan-US relations. Let us continue working together to promote the prosperous development of this important partnership. Congressman Bera then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the delegation, it is an honor for him to be here once again, it being last January that he and Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart visited and congratulated President Lai on his election victory, noting that theirs was the first congressional delegation to do so. Congressman Bera said that this is an important time, not just for the US and Taiwan relationship, but for all relationships around the world. When we look at conflicts in Europe and in the Middle East, he said, it is incumbent upon democracies to hold the peace in Asia. He emphasized that is why it is important for them to bring a delegation of members of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee, adding that he believes for all of them it is their first trip to Taiwan.  Congressman Bera said that while this is a delegation of Democratic members of Congress, in a bipartisan way all of Congress continues to support the people of Taiwan. As such, in this visit he brings support from his co-chairs on the Taiwan caucus, Congressman Díaz-Balart and Congressman Andy Barr. He also took a moment to recognize the passing of Congressman Gerald Connolly, who was a longtime friend of Taiwan and one of their co-chairs on the caucus. Congressman Bera mentioned that there is always a special bond between himself and President Lai because they are both doctors, and as doctors, their profession is about healing, keeping the peace, and making sure everybody has a bright, prosperous future. In closing, he highlighted that it is in that spirit that their delegation visits with the president. The delegation also included members of the US Congress Gabe Amo, Wesley Bell, Julie Johnson, Sarah McBride, and Johnny Olszewski.

    Details
    2025-06-13
    President Lai meets delegation led by French National Assembly Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Marie-Noëlle Battistel
    On the morning of June 12, President Lai Ching-te met a delegation led by Marie-Noëlle Battistel, chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the National Assembly for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait, helping make France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The president also said that exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France are becoming more frequent, and that he hopes this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations and help build closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to welcome Chair Battistel, who is once again leading a visiting delegation. Last year, Chair Battistel co-led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. This is her fourth visit, and first as chair of the Taiwan Friendship Group, which makes it especially meaningful. This delegation’s visit demonstrates strong support for Taiwan, and on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincerest welcome and thanks. France is a pioneer in promoting free and democratic values. These are values that Taiwan cherishes and is working hard to defend. I want to express gratitude to the French Parliament for their long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation, and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait. The French Parliament’s two chambers have continued to strongly support Taiwan, with the passage of a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations in 2021, as well as the passage of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023. This has made France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Through it all, the Taiwan Friendship Group has played a key role, and I want to thank all of our distinguished guests for their efforts. Over the past few years, Taiwan and France have continued to deepen cooperation in areas including the economy, technology, culture, and sports. At the Choose France summit held in Paris last month, Taiwanese and French enterprises also announced they will launch cooperation in the semiconductor and satellite fields. The VivaTech startup exhibition, now being held in France, also has many Taiwanese vendors participating. Exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France, whether official or people-to-people, are becoming more and more frequent. I hope that this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations, building closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security.  To address current geopolitical and economic challenges, Taiwan will continue to join forces with France and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and contribute our concerted efforts to global prosperity and development. Once again, I want to welcome our visitors to Taiwan. I hope to continue our joint efforts to create a more prosperous future for both Taiwan and France.   Chair Battistel then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for extending this invitation. Last year on May 20, she said, she and her delegation attended the presidential inauguration ceremony, so she was delighted to visit Taiwan once again with the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group and bear witness to their friendship with Taiwan. Chair Battistel noted that this visit has given them an opportunity to strengthen Taiwan-France relations in areas including the economy, culture, the humanities, and diplomacy, and conduct exchanges with numerous heads of government agencies and research institutes. It has also been an opportunity, she said, to witness the importance of exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in areas including energy, semiconductors, youth, and culture, and the impact created by important issues of mutual concern, including AI and disinformation, on the security of many countries. Chair Battistel praised Taiwan for its youth development efforts, and said that under the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, 30 Taiwanese young people have embarked on a visit to France, with itineraries including the United Nations Ocean Conference and the VivaTech exhibition, as well as the city of Toulouse, which is strategically important for the aerospace industry. Members of the group are also conducting exchanges at the French National Assembly, she said.  Chair Battistel stated that the Taiwan-France partnership is growing closer, and that she hopes to continue to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation, as supporting peace for Taiwan supports peace around the world.  The delegation also included Taiwan Friendship Group Vice Chair Éric Martineau, as well as National Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs Vice Chair Laetitia Saint-Paul and Deputies Marie-José Allemand and Claudia Rouaux. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by French Office in Taipei Deputy Director Cléa Le Cardeur.

    Details
    2025-06-05
    President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala  
    At noon on June 5, President Lai Ching-te hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office for President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife. In his remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process, and therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, must join hands in brotherhood and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. President Lai also expressed hope that both countries will work together and continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Once again, I would like to offer a warm welcome to President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado, who are leading this delegation to Taiwan. President Arévalo’s previous visit to Taiwan was 31 years ago. Back then, Taiwan did not have direct presidential elections, and the nation was continuing to make progress toward democratization. Today, 31 years later, Taiwan has conducted direct presidential elections eight times, with three transfers of power between political parties. On this visit, I am sure that President Arévalo will gain a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s free and democratic atmosphere.  Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process. A little over 200 years ago, the people of Guatemala took a stand against colonial oppression, seeking national dignity and the freedom of its people. Eighty-one years ago, President Arévalo’s father, Juan José Arévalo, became Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, establishing an important foundation for subsequent democratic development.  Our two peoples have democracy in their blood. Both know the value of freedom and democracy and are willing to take a stand for those values. Therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, our two countries must join hands in brotherhood to respond to threats and challenges, and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. I hope that both countries will work together to continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. I hope that on this visit, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development, President Arévalo can also reacquaint himself with the democratic vitality and cultural diversity of Taiwan by sampling various gourmet delicacies and once again experiencing the beauty of our scenery and warmth of our people. Guatemala is a very beautiful country. In the future, I hope to have a chance to personally experience that beauty, explore Mayan civilization, and savor local Guatemalan coffee. In closing, I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip, and beautiful, unforgettable memories. May President Arévalo enjoy the best of health, and may the diplomatic friendship between our two countries endure. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, stating that at different times and by different means, the people of Taiwan and Guatemala have relentlessly sought to defend freedom and democracy. We share the same expectations, he said, and are walking the right path amid today’s complex international circumstances.  President Arévalo stated that Taiwan and Guatemala are true democratic nations, where the government’s goal is to serve all the people. He noted that this is far from easy under current circumstances, as many authoritarian regimes use their long-term hold on power to safeguard the interests of select groups and neglect the wellbeing of the population as a whole. President Arévalo said that last week Guatemala commemorated the 40th anniversary of its constitution, which was enacted in 1985 and is Guatemala’s ultimate guide, setting the foundation for democracy and clearly outlining the path ahead. He said that over the past 40 years, Guatemala has continued to follow the democratic blueprint established by the constitution and end the civil war so that the nation could make the transition to real democracy. Although more than a few ambitious people have attempted to destroy that process from within, he noted, the people of Guatemala have never given up the pursuit of democracy as an ideal. President Arévalo stated that our two sides’ coming together here is due to such shared values as freedom and democracy as well as the idea of serving all the people. He underlined that the governments of both countries will continue to work hard and provide mutual support to smooth out each other’s path of democracy, freedom, and justice. President Arévalo emphasized that the government of Guatemala will always be Taiwan’s ally, and that he firmly believes Taiwan is Guatemala’s most reliable partner on the path of democracy and economic prosperity and development. The president said he hopes this visit will be the first step towards setting a new course for the governments and peoples of both countries. Also in attendance at the banquet were Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Minister of the Economy Gabriela García, and Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.  

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces appointments to four committees under Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Government today (June 30) announced the appointments to the four committees under the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB). The appointments will be effective from tomorrow (July 1), for a term of three years.

    The HKMPDB will be established tomorrow as a high-level advisory body to assist the Government in formulating policies and long-term development strategies. In a press release issued on June 13, the Government announced the appointment and terms of reference of the HKMPDB, and the setting up of four committees under the HKMPDB to focus on specific areas of work, namely the Port Development Committee, the Maritime Services Development Committee, the Promotion and External Relations Committee and the Manpower Development Committee.————
    Dr Moses Cheng Mo-chi————
    Mr Mohamed Butt
    Mr Ivor Chow
    Mr Horace Lo Wai-man
    Ms Ma Xiaoli
    Mr Simon Wong Kwong-yeung
    Mr Yim Kong
    Professor Zou Ying-ying————
    Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators Association
    Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association
    Hong Kong Shippers’ Council
    Guangdong and Hong Kong Feeder Association————
    Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics
    Commissioner for Maritime and Port Development
    Representative from Marine Department
    Representative from Invest Hong Kong————
    Ms Sabrina Chao Sih-ming————
    Mr Feng Xiongya
    Dr David Fong
    Mr Bjorn Hojgaard
    Mr Timothy Lee Kwok-lam
    Mr Clarence Leung Ka-fai
    Mr Brad Wang
    Mr Paul Yeung Wai-keung————
    Hong Kong Shipowners Association
    Hong Kong Chamber of Shipping————
    Commissioner for Maritime and Port Development
    Representative from Marine Department
    Representative from Invest Hong Kong————
    Mr Angad Banga————
    Mr Ryan Ip Man-ki
    Mr Wilson Kwong Wing-tsuen
    Mr Edward Liu Yang
    Ms Tabitha Logan————
    Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators Association
    Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association
    Hong Kong Shipowners Association
    Hong Kong Maritime Museum————
    Commissioner for Maritime and Port Development
    Representative from Hong Kong Trade Development Council
    Representative from Marine Department
    Representative from Invest Hong Kong————
    Mr Wellington Koo Tse-hau————
    Mr Cheung Tai-kee
    Mr Lothair Lam Ming-fung
    Mr Kenneth Lam Sze-ken
    Mr Joseph Li
    Dr Venus Lun Yuen-ha
    Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi
    Mr Alan Tung Lieh-sing
    Ms Cherry Xu Qili
    Professor Yip Tsz-leung
    Mr Chris Zhao Peng————
    Hong Kong Shipowners Association
    Hong Kong Seamen’s Union
    Institute of Seatransport
    Hong Kong Federation of Insurers
    The Law Society of Hong Kong————
    Commissioner for Maritime and Port Development
    Representative from Vocational Training Council
    Representative from Marine Department

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mable Chan attends meeting in GZ

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan visited Guangzhou today to attend a meeting of the task force for collaboration on Guangdong-Hong Kong transportation with officials of Guangdong Province. Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee also joined the visit.

    During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to promulgate the implementation of the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles and optimise the Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles.

    Ms Chan said since the launch of the Northbound Travel Scheme on July 1, 2023, over 100,000 vehicles have participated in the scheme. The usage of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) has also recorded new highs, with its two-way vehicular flow reaching a total of 450,000 vehicles in May 2025, ie a daily average of about 15,000 vehicles.

    She said: “Holding this meeting on the second anniversary of the innovative Northbound Travel Scheme is indeed very meaningful.”

    The transport chief also highlighted that Guangdong and Hong Kong have been committed to promoting various cross-boundary transport measures to strengthen greater integration of people in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    Over the past two years, the governments of both sides have been enhancing the arrangements for the Northbound Travel Scheme while proactively preparing for the Southbound Travel Scheme, including the use of two automated carparks near the HZMB Hong Kong Port for passengers to transfer flights in Hong Kong or go through immigration clearance to enter Hong Kong as well as allowing Guangdong vehicles to enter Hong Kong urban areas.

    She added that under orderly and controllable circumstances, the Southbound Travel Scheme aims to provide options for tourists from Guangdong Province, meeting the keen expectations of the public on two-way travel and bringing new visitor segments to Hong Kong, which will benefit various industries.

    Ms Chan also took the opportunity to visit a local vehicle examination centre arranged by the Transport Department to learn about its operation, making good preparations for the Southbound Travel Scheme.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Passenger rights in the context of multimodal journeys – Committee on Transport and Tourism

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) voted on the draft reports of two of the proposals of the Passengers Rights Package: the Enforcement/Omnibus proposal and passenger rights in the context of Multimodal journeys. Both proposals seek to improve the experience of passengers and travellers by strengthening their rights. The enforcement/omnibus proposal, aims at strengthening the enforcement mechanisms and

    introduces rules for air passengers who have booked their flights through an intermediary, including on reimbursement.

    The multimodal proposal addresses the current absence of EU legislation guaranteeing the rights of passengers combining different transport modes during a journey. The aim is to ensure non-discrimination between passengers with regard to transport conditions and the provision of tickets; to set minimum and accurate information to be provided to passengers in an accessible format and in a timely manner; to set passengers’ rights in the event of disruption, in particular in the context of a missed connection between different transport modes.

    The rapporteurs of the two files, Mr Matteo Ricci (Enforcement) and Mr Jens Gieseke (Multimodal), together with the Shadow Rapporteurs, have negotiated a comprehensive set of compromise amendments.

    The vote on the draft reports took place on Tuesday morning 24 June 2025 and it was webstreamed..

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: What is the potential of the “atmospheric mine”? – Concrete as a carbon store

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Mining the Atmosphere, a new Empa research initiative, aims at capturing excess CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it in building materials such as concrete. Empa researchers have now calculated the potential of this approach for the first time: Five to ten billion tons of carbon could be used annually as concrete aggregates – well enough to permanently store the current excess CO₂ within 100 years after the energy transition and thus to bring atmospheric CO2 back to climate-friendly levels.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lack of effectiveness and transparency in Recovery and Resilience Facility investments in Greece – E-002518/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002518/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    Greece was among the first four Member States to submit national recovery plans in April 2021,[1] securing through the Recovery and Resilience Facility – a critical tool for rebuilding its economy after the pandemic – resources totalling EUR 35.95 billion,[2] a significant financing opportunity for its economic transformation. However, serious concerns have been raised regarding the way in which the resources are allocated, their accessibility, and the overall transparency of the process.[3]

    According to analysts and independent bodies, a large part of the financing is directed to already strong businesses through banking tools with strict credit criteria, resulting in the exclusion of many small and medium-sized enterprises and social initiatives, especially on the periphery. There have been delays in the necessary reforms, proposals for the downgrading of projects and a lack of social consultation and accountability, as the process of evaluating and approving projects is carried out with limited publicity and without civil society playing an active role.

    In view of the above, the Commission is asked:

    • 1.What problems have been identified in the course of implementing the Greek recovery plan and what recommendations have been made?
    • 2.Are there any indications of lack of transparency or exclusion of potential beneficiaries (such as SMEs, local authorities)?
    • 3.What measures are being taken to strengthen civil society participation and democratic accountability in the management of European funds in Greece?

    Submitted: 23.6.2025

    • [1] https://greece20.gov.gr/to-plires-sxedio/
    • [2] https://greece20.gov.gr/me-mia-matia/
    • [3] https://www.ot.gr/2025/06/02/tameio-anakampsis/tameio-anakampsis-se-anammena-karvouna-i-eyropi-ti-perimenei-i-ellada/.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Removing barriers to enable delivery of sustainable aviation fuel to the EU – E-002460/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002460/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jana Nagyová (PfE)

    The current rules on renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO), particularly those related to effective carbon pricing, create obstacles that undermine EU competitiveness. The requirement for a robust carbon pricing mechanism, which is largely absent outside the EU, makes it difficult for non-EU producers to access the European market, restricting supply and increasing cost.

    Meanwhile, less restrictive policies in the UK allow RFNBO production to shift there, diverting investment and weakening the EU’s position in the global market.

    • 1.Since the Commission has already proposed simplification packages in other policy areas, is it planning to review the renewable energy rules, in particular the Delegated Acts under Articles 27 and 28 of Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (RED III)?
    • 2.Considering that the UK and the US are not limiting the sources of CO2, will the Commission follow their example and drop the phase out date for the use of industrial CO2?
    • 3.Will the Commission remove – even temporarily – the requirement for effective carbon pricing, which acts as a de facto ban on imports of US eFuels, or will it commit to finding another solution that directs eFuels to the EU instead of being diverted to the UK, which is more attractive to producers as it does not have the same carbon pricing requirement?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ending the funding for Islamic cultural centres that are actually conducting religious activities – P-002560/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002560/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Anna Maria Cisint (PfE)

    A number of EU Member States, including Italy, have different types of indirect public taxes, such as the ‘eight per thousand’ rule in Italy, whereby taxpayers devolve 0.8 % of their tax to state-recognised religions, or the ‘five per thousand’ rule for third-sector entities.

    It has become evident that many Islamic cultural centres, operating officially as cultural associations, can access the ‘five per thousand’ contributions while carrying out religious activities, including worship, preaching and proselytism.

    These centres do not appear to be subject to the same transparency, oversight and control requirements as state-recognised religions, and in some cases they may be linked to foreign organisations or to ideologies that are incompatible with the fundamental values enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware that, in some Member States, bodies officially presenting themselves as ‘cultural centres’ can receive public taxes, even though they mainly engage in religious activities that are not subject to any specific regulations?
    • 2.Some entities – officially described as cultural bodies – promote ideologies that run counter to the fundamental values of the European Union. Does it believe that public funding for such bodies could be a cause for concern in terms of consistency with the obligations stemming from the Charter of Fundamental Rights and pose a risk in terms of potential radicalisation?

    Submitted: 25.6.2025

    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation of Italy’s NRRP and problems caused by delays – P-002482/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002482/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dario Nardella (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Antonio Decaro (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D)

    As the deadline approaches for Italy’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP), it is clear that many of the innovative investments and practices have produced good results. However, a number of the key measures have encountered problems, which require specific corrective measures in order to avoid a full-scale revision of the plan.

    The government, together with the Commission, is pinpointing solutions to ensure that the deadlines can be met. One strategy is to entrust management of the funds to entities such as ISMEA and GSE. This approach – already provided for in the 2023 revision – applies to financing worth EUR 10.6 billion. In the agri-food sector, 50 % of resources are expected to be under contract by 30 June 2025 and the rest by 2026, but most of the investments will materialise after the plan has ended. Another strategy provides for reporting of partially achieved objectives, with a proportional reduction in funding, to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In addition, while the Commission is carrying out its assessment, that period of time can also be used to finalise the measures, even after the requests have been sent.

    It is important to take into account the link between the NRRP and the fiscal-structural plan: any delays could have a negative impact on the reforms and investments that have been planned.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What common challenges are coming to light in the various Member States in terms of implementation of the plans, and what support measures are envisaged?
    • 2.What actions and corrective measures will be taken to support Italy’s NRRP?
    • 3.What will happen to non-disbursed funds?

    Submitted: 20.6.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation of Italy’s NRRP and problems caused by delays – P-002482/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002482/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dario Nardella (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Antonio Decaro (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D)

    As the deadline approaches for Italy’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP), it is clear that many of the innovative investments and practices have produced good results. However, a number of the key measures have encountered problems, which require specific corrective measures in order to avoid a full-scale revision of the plan.

    The government, together with the Commission, is pinpointing solutions to ensure that the deadlines can be met. One strategy is to entrust management of the funds to entities such as ISMEA and GSE. This approach – already provided for in the 2023 revision – applies to financing worth EUR 10.6 billion. In the agri-food sector, 50 % of resources are expected to be under contract by 30 June 2025 and the rest by 2026, but most of the investments will materialise after the plan has ended. Another strategy provides for reporting of partially achieved objectives, with a proportional reduction in funding, to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In addition, while the Commission is carrying out its assessment, that period of time can also be used to finalise the measures, even after the requests have been sent.

    It is important to take into account the link between the NRRP and the fiscal-structural plan: any delays could have a negative impact on the reforms and investments that have been planned.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What common challenges are coming to light in the various Member States in terms of implementation of the plans, and what support measures are envisaged?
    • 2.What actions and corrective measures will be taken to support Italy’s NRRP?
    • 3.What will happen to non-disbursed funds?

    Submitted: 20.6.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Heads of Multilateral Development Banks commit to strong joint action on development priorities

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    The Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) met today in Paris, hosted by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), which currently chairs the Heads of MDBs Group. The meeting focused on advancing their joint efforts to address  development priorities.

    Amid rising global uncertainty, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to working as a system to deliver greater impact and scale, in line with their Viewpoint Note and the recommendations of the G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger, and More Effective MDBs.  The Roadmap outlines an ambitious vision for MDB reform to better address regional and global challenges, support job creation, and help countries achieve their development aspirations.

    The Heads welcomed ongoing efforts to improve the way MDBs work with clients through operational efficiency and enhanced coordination. In 2025 alone, five mutual reliance agreements  have been signed, helping streamline the preparation and implementation of  co-financed projects across institutions.

    Private capital mobilization remains a system-wide priority, with the last joint report of the MDBs reflecting a positive trend in volumes mobilized. To build on this momentum, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to developing local currency lending and foreign exchange solutions. They also reaffirmed  the importance of adequate risk assessment for private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies; in this context, the valuable contribution of disaggregated statistics on credit risk published through the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) was recognized.

    The Heads reiterated their continued commitment to implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of Multilateral Development Banks’ Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAF).  Further reform efforts by MDBs since mid-2024 have increased the additional lending headroom for development projects in all countries of operation, including high-income ones, over the next decade by more than US$250 billion, thus reaching a total of over US$650 billion.

    The publication in the coming weeks of the Comparison Report by the MDBs’ Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF) will provide metrics and data relating to MDBs’ financial positions, promoting a better understanding of their financial models and supporting both balance sheet optimization and private sector mobilization. 

    The Heads also agreed to continue advancing promising initiatives already underway to strengthen system-wide impact. These include: 1) Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030 through public and private collaboration;  2) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid, which aims to boost energy security, strengthen resilience, and promote decarbonization for the region’s 670 million people by connecting its electricity systems; and 3) Digital Transformation in Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to connect 3.5 million students and train over 250,000 teachers. 

    In addition, MDBs are exploring joint actions to scale up investments in social infrastructure, including health, education, housing, and water and sanitation. Building on structured dialogue led by the CEB, the Heads welcomed progress made through recent cross-MDB consultations and recognized the key role these sectors play in enabling jobs, productivity, and inclusive growth, while noting persistent financing and delivery challenges that constrain impact.

    Meeting in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July, MDBs remain committed to working better as a system, in alignment with country-led development priorities and strategies to promote jobs and prosperity. In view of water’s role in human development, MDBs committed to significantly increasing collective support for global water security by 2030, and will launch the first “Joint Annual MDB Water Security Financing Report” at FfD4. Heads noted the importance of the upcoming COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.

    Today’s meeting in Paris marks a significant step toward effective collaboration and scaled-up collective action for development priorities. MDB reforms are advancing, moving from concept to execution.

    With streamlined operations, better risk tools, and growing financial capacity, MDBs are delivering real impact – from expanding energy access and digital education to scaling investment in water security.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint Statement: Heads of Multilateral Development Banks commit to strong joint action on development priorities

    Source: European Investment Bank

    PARIS (28 June) – The Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) met today in Paris, hosted by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), which currently chairs the Heads of MDBs Group. The meeting focused on advancing their joint efforts to address  development priorities.

    Amid rising global uncertainty, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to working as a system to deliver greater impact and scale, in line with their Viewpoint Note and the recommendations of the G20 Roadmap towards Better, Bigger, and More Effective MDBs.  The Roadmap outlines an ambitious vision for MDB reform to better address regional and global challenges, support job creation, and help countries achieve their development aspirations.

    The Heads welcomed ongoing efforts to improve the way MDBs work with clients through operational efficiency and enhanced coordination. In 2025 alone, five mutual reliance agreements  have been signed, helping streamline the preparation and implementation of  co-financed projects across institutions.

    Private capital mobilization remains a system-wide priority, with the last joint report of the MDBs reflecting a positive trend in volumes mobilized. To build on this momentum, the Heads reaffirmed their commitment to developing local currency lending and foreign exchange solutions. They also reaffirmed  the importance of adequate risk assessment for private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies; in this context, the valuable contribution of disaggregated statistics on credit risk published through the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) was recognized.

    The Heads reiterated their continued commitment to implementing the recommendations of the G20 Independent Review of Multilateral Development Banks’ Capital Adequacy Frameworks (CAF).  Further reform efforts by MDBs since mid-2024 have increased the additional lending headroom for development projects in all countries of operation, including high-income ones, over the next decade by more than US$250 billion, thus reaching a total of over US$650 billion.

    The publication in the coming weeks of the Comparison Report by the MDBs’ Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF) will provide metrics and data relating to MDBs’ financial positions, promoting a better understanding of their financial models and supporting both balance sheet optimization and private sector mobilization. 

    The Heads also agreed to continue advancing promising initiatives already underway to strengthen system-wide impact. These include: 1) Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030 through public and private collaboration;  2) Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid, which aims to boost energy security, strengthen resilience, and promote decarbonization for the region’s 670 million people by connecting its electricity systems; and 3) Digital Transformation in Education in Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to connect 3.5 million students and train over 250,000 teachers. 

    In addition, MDBs are exploring joint actions to scale up investments in social infrastructure, including health, education, housing, and water and sanitation. Building on structured dialogue led by the CEB, the Heads welcomed progress made through recent cross-MDB consultations and recognized the key role these sectors play in enabling jobs, productivity, and inclusive growth, while noting persistent financing and delivery challenges that constrain impact.

    Meeting in advance of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July, MDBs remain committed to working better as a system, in alignment with country-led development priorities and strategies to promote jobs and prosperity. In view of water’s role in human development, MDBs committed to significantly increasing collective support for global water security by 2030, and will launch the first “Joint Annual MDB Water Security Financing Report” at FfD4. Heads noted the importance of the upcoming COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.

    Today’s meeting in Paris marks a significant step toward effective collaboration and scaled-up collective action for development priorities. MDB reforms are advancing, moving from concept to execution.

    With streamlined operations, better risk tools, and growing financial capacity, MDBs are delivering real impact – from expanding energy access and digital education to scaling investment in water security.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: CHF 18 billion invested in R&D in Switzerland in 2023

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    In 2023, business enterprises invested CHF 18 billion in their R&D activities in Switzerland, an annual increase of 3.5% over 2021, which was the last time the survey was carried out. At almost CHF 5.5 billion, the ‘pharmaceuticals’ sector remains the biggest investor, despite an average annual decline of 6%. Nearly 69 000 people took part in R&D activities, a quarter of them women. These are the main results of a study carried out by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in partnership with economiesuisse.

    MIL OSI Europe News –