NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Slams Republican Attempt to Ban Abortion Nationwide, Defund Basic Health Care in Big Ugly Betrayal Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***VIDEO OF SENATOR MURRAY’S REMARKS HERE***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, delivered the following remarks at a press conference on Republicans’ efforts to ban abortion nationwide as part of their One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which they are pushing through Congress via the budget reconciliation process, which only requires a simple majority to pass in each Chamber.

    In addition to kicking 16 million people off their health insurance through massive cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the legislation also seeks to make abortion care impossible to access everywhere by defunding Planned Parenthood—which would threaten the closure of 200 health centers across the country and rip away care from 1.1 million patients—and by banning ACA marketplace health plans from covering abortion services.

    Senator Murray’s full remarks are below and HERE:

    “Well, you know there is a lot to be mad about in Republicans’ big, ugly, betrayal, and I want to make sure one hugely important issue does not get missed.

    “Because I’ve come to know by now there is not a day that ends in Y, where Republicans are nottrying to ban abortion here in Congress. Republicans just can’t help themselves! If they can find a way to attack abortion care—they do it.

    “And wouldn’t you know it? They snuck what essentially amounts to a backdoor abortion ban into the health provisions of this big, ugly, betrayal. That’s right, not only does this Republican monstrosity of a bill make health care more expensive, and harder to get—they are trying to stop health plans from covering abortion care altogether.

    “This bill would effectively ban health insurance on the ACA marketplaces from covering abortion. This would send a shock wave through the country and put abortion care out of reach for countless women.

    “It would be a nightmare for states like mine that require these plans to cover abortion. And it would be yet another blow for women across the country, as abortion access gets pushed farther and farther out of reach by right-wing politicians who think they should get to make deeply personal decisions about women’s health and lives.

    “And the attacks don’t stop there. Because Republicans want to shut the doors of one of the biggest health care providers in the country. They want to defund Planned Parenthood.

    “That is wildly unpopular with the American people. And it is widely dangerous for patients who turn to Planned Parenthood for a wide spectrum of care—including cancer screenings, and pap smears, and birth control.

    “And if it were successful, Republicans would be closing the doors to 200 health centers—and that includes cutting the number of Planned Parenthood health centers in states with abortion access by half—and stripping away people’s access to abortion and other reproductive health care.

    “It is hard to understate how devastating that would be. We are talking clinics shuttering across the country, overwhelmingly in states where abortion is legal. We are talking women left with no options for the care that they need.

    “It doesn’t matter if you are a rape survivor, or you have a medical emergency, or if you simply do not want to become a parent. Whatever your reason—and whatever state you are in—if Republicans get their way, abortion care will be a lot more expensive, and a lot less accessible. For some patients, it will simply be impossible to get the care they need regardless of how badly they need it.

    “We have already seen, with painful clarity, how dangerous abortion bans can be for patients. We have already seen patients pushed to the brink—and even killed—because they could not get the care they needed. And now, Republicans are about to mark the anniversary of the Dobbs decision by taking their extremism to new heights.

    “We are not going to be silent about this big, ugly, betrayal, including what it means for reproductive rights. We are not going to be silent about Republicans’ backdoor efforts to ban abortion nationwide, and we are not going to stop pushing back to make sure this bill goes nowhere—except the garbage bin.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz: Republican Tax Bill Will Raise Energy Costs For Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    Published: 06.16.2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after Senate Republicans released new details on their tax legislation that would raise energy costs for Americans and gut health care and food assistance to fund tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.
    “Democrats took historic action to contain energy costs and fight the climate crisis through the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, Trump’s bill to cut taxes for billionaires will upend our progress – pulling the rug out from under wind and solar projects that are already underway. This bill will jack up people’s energy prices, reduce energy supply, and deny certainty for businesses investing in clean energy – all while dramatically expanding fossil fuel production and selling off millions of acres of public land. Trump and the Republicans are out of touch with regular people’s daily lives, and this existential moment for the planet, and Americans across the country will pay the price, for generations.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping urges China, Uzbekistan to take more measures to liberalize and simplify trade procedures /detailed version – 1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ASTANA, June 17 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on China and Uzbekistan to take more measures to liberalize and simplify trade procedures.

    Xi Jinping made the corresponding statement during a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit.

    The Chairman of the PRC recalled that last year he and Sh. Mirziyoyev met twice – in Beijing and Astana, respectively – and outlined a strategic plan for the further development of bilateral relations.

    The Chinese leader stressed that cooperation between the two countries in all areas is showing favorable dynamics, expanding and gaining strength day by day.

    Xi Jinping noted that China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to strengthen the alignment of development strategies and exchange experience in public administration, implement new cooperation projects for mutual benefit and common gain, promote the development of both countries and jointly build a more meaningful and vibrant Chinese-Uzbek community of shared destiny.

    According to the Chinese President, China and Uzbekistan should expand the scale of bilateral trade and investment, promote high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, form a multi-dimensional interconnectivity architecture, and expand practical cooperation in new areas such as artificial intelligence, new energy, smart agriculture and public health.

    The two sides should actively promote the opening of cultural centers on a reciprocal basis, properly organize the 2nd China-Uzbekistan Education Forum, continue to strengthen cooperation in poverty alleviation and promote stronger ties between the peoples of the two countries, Xi Jinping said.

    He also stressed the need to further deepen cooperation in the areas of law enforcement and security, jointly combat the “three evil forces” (terrorism, separatism and extremism), and join efforts to counter new threats and challenges in order to protect peace and stability in the region.

    Xi Jinping added that the two sides should strengthen cooperation at multilateral platforms, including the China-Central Asia mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to jointly uphold international fairness and justice and maintain the global economic and trade order. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Training for the Moo(n)

    Source: NASA

    A curious cow watches as NASA astronauts Andre Douglas and Kate Rubins perform a simulated moonwalk in the San Francisco Volcanic Field in Northern Arizona on May 14, 2024, in preparation for NASA’s historic Artemis III Moon landing mission. Flight controllers and scientists guided activities during the week-long simulation from mission control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
    Tests like this are critical for NASA’s Artemis science teams because they provide an opportunity to test integration with mission control. In the Science Evaluation Room at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, lunar scientists, geologists, and experts in image analysis and sample science direct and evaluate lunar surface science and geologic observations. They assess and adapt moonwalk traverses, communicating any feedback or changes with the science officer on the flight control team. The science officer conveys those messages to the Capcom officer, who then shares insights and recommendations with the crew during missions.
    Learn why training like this is critical to mission success.
    Image credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA, German Aerospace Center to Expand Artemis Campaign Cooperation

    Source: NASA

    While attending the Paris Air Show June 16, NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro signed an agreement with DLR (German Aerospace Center, or Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) to continue a partnership in space medicine research. This renewed collaboration builds on previous radiation mitigation efforts for human spaceflight. As NASA advances the Trump-Vance Administration’s goals for exploration on the Moon and Mars, minimizing exposure to space radiation is one of the key areas the agency is working to protect crew on long duration missions.
    With this agreement, DLR will leverage its human spaceflight expertise and provide new radiation sensors aboard the Orion spacecraft during NASA’s Artemis II mission, building on previous work in this area during the Artemis I mission. Scheduled for launch no later than April 2026, Artemis II will mark the first test flight with crew under Artemis.
    “In keeping with the historic agreements NASA has made with international partners as a part of Artemis, I am pleased to sign a new NASA-DLR joint agreement today, to enable radiation research aboard Artemis II,” said acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro. “The German Aerospace Center has been a valuable partner in Artemis, having previously worked with NASA to test technology critical to our understanding of radiation on humans aboard an Orion spacecraft on Artemis I and providing a CubeSat as part of Artemis II. Following a productive meeting between President Trump and German Chancellor Merz earlier this month, I am excited to build upon our great partnership with Germany.”
    During the Artemis II mission’s planned 10-day journey around the Moon and back, four of DLR’s newly developed M-42 extended (M-42 EXT) radiation detectors will be on board, contributing vital data to support astronaut safety. This next-generation device represents a new phase of research as NASA and DLR continue working together to safeguard human health in space.
    Under the leadership of President Trump, America’s Artemis campaign has reignited NASA’s ambition, sparking international cooperation and cutting-edge innovation. The continued partnership with DLR and the deployment of their advanced M-42 EXT radiation detectors aboard Artemis II exemplifies how the Trump-Vance Administration is leading a Golden Era of Exploration and Innovation that puts American astronauts on the path to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
    “To develop effective protective measures against the impact of space radiation on the human body, comprehensive and coherent radiation measurements in open space are essential,” says Anke Pagels-Kerp, divisional board member for space at DLR. “At the end of 2022, Artemis I carried 12,000 passive and 16 active detectors inside the Helga and Zohar mannequins, which flew aboard the Orion spacecraft as part of DLR’s MARE project. These provided a valuable dataset – the first continuous radiation measurements ever recorded beyond low Earth orbit. We are now excited to take the next step together with NASA and send our upgraded radiation detectors around the Moon on the Artemis II mission.”
    Through the Artemis campaign, the agency will establish a long-term presence on the Moon for scientific exploration with our commercial and international partners, learn how to live and work away from home, and prepare for future human exploration of Mars.
    For more information about Artemis, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/artemis
    -end-
    Bethany Stevens / Rachel KraftHeadquarters202-358-1600bethany.c.stevens@nasa.gv / rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Researcher’s Guide to: Microgravity Materials Research

    Source: NASA

    June 2025 Edition
    Most materials are formed from a partially or totally fluid sample, and the transport of heat and mass from the fluid into the solid during solidification inherently influences the formation of the material and its resultant properties. The ISS provides a long-duration microgravity environment for conducting experiments that enables researchers to examine the effects of heat and mass transport on materials processes in the near-absence of gravity-driven forces. The microgravity environment greatly reduces buoyancy-driven convection, hydrostatic pressure, and sedimentation. It can also be advantageous for designing experiments with reduced container interactions. The reduction in these gravity-related sources of heat and mass transport may be taken advantage of to determine how material processes and microstructure formation are affected by gravity-driven and gravity independent sources of heat and mass transfer. 
    Materials science experiments on the ISS have yielded broad and significant scientific advancements, including contributing to the development of improved mathematical models for predicting material properties during processing on Earth and enabling a better understanding of microstructure formation during solidification towards controlling the material properties of various alloys. 
    This researcher’s guide provides information on the acceleration environment of the space station and describes facilities available for materials research. Examples of previous microgravity materials research and descriptions of planned research are also provided.
    PDF readers: PDF [4.3 MB]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Lunar Rescue System Challenge Supports Astronaut Safety

    Source: NASA

    by Dary Felix Garcia
    NASA is preparing to make history by sending humans to the Moon’s South Pole. There, astronauts will conduct moonwalks for exploration, science experiments, and prepare humanity for the journey to Mars. Missions of this scale require extensive planning, especially when accounting for emergency scenarios such as a crew member becoming incapacitated.  
    To address this critical risk, the South Pole Safety Challenge invited the public to develop a compact, effective device capable of safely rescuing astronauts during emergency situations on the Moon’s surface. Given the harsh and unpredictable conditions of the lunar South Pole, the rescue system must be lightweight, easy to use, and able to transport an incapacitated crew member weighing approximately 755 lbs. (343 kg), representing the crew member and their suit, without the help of the lunar rover. It must also be capable of covering up to 1.24 miles (2 kilometers) across slopes as steep as 20 degrees. 
    “The initiative saved the government an estimated $1,000,000 and more than three  years of work had the solutions been produced using in-house existing resources,” said Ryon Stewart, acting Program Manager of NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation. “The effort demonstrated how crowdsourcing provides NASA with a wide diversity of innovative ideas and skills.”
    The global challenge received 385 unique ideas from 61 countries. Five standout solutions received a share of the $45,000 prize purse.  Each of the selected solutions demonstrated creativity, practicality, and direct relevance to NASA’s needs for future Moon missions.
    The global challenge received 385 unique ideas from 61 countries. Five standout solutions received a share of the $45,000 prize purse.  Each of the selected solutions demonstrated creativity, practicality, and direct relevance to NASA’s needs for future Moon missions.  

    First Place: VERTEX by Hugo Shelley – A self-deploying four-wheeled motorized stretcher that converts from a compact cylinder into a frame that securely encases an immobilized crew member for transport up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers).  

    Second Place: MoonWheel by Chamara Mahesh – A foldable manual trolley designed for challenging terrain and rapid deployment by an individual astronaut.  

    Third Place: Portable Foldable Compact Emergency Stretcher by Sbarellati team – A foldable stretcher compatible with NASA’s Exploration Extravehicular Activity spacesuit. 

    Third Place: Advanced Surface Transport for Rescue (ASTRA) by Pierre-Alexandre Aubé – A collapsible three-wheeled device with a 1.2 mile (2 kilometer) range.
    Third Place: Getting Rick to Roll! by InventorParents – A rapidly deployable, tool-free design suited for functionality in low gravity settings. 

    NASA is identifying how to integrate some features of the winning ideas into current and future mission designs. Most intriguing are the collapsible concepts of many of the designs that would save crucial mass and volume. Additionally, the submissions offered innovative wheel designs to enhance current concepts. NASA expects to incorporate some features into planning for surface operations of the Moon. 
    HeroX hosted the challenge on behalf of NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program. The NASA Tournament Lab, part of the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program in the Space Technology Mission Directorate, managed the challenge. The program supports global public competitions and crowdsourcing as tools to advance NASA research and development and other mission needs.   
    Find more opportunities at https://www.nasa.gov/get-involved/ 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Spanish National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export U.S. Military-Grade Radios to Russian Government End Users

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Bence Horvath, 47, a Spanish national living in the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with conspiring to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian end users without a license.

    Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully export goods to Russia. U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30.

    According to court documents, beginning at least around January 2023, Horvath and others initiated discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company about procuring and exporting to Russia U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and related accessories. Over the next several months, Horvath continued his efforts to secure those items, which he intended to transship to Russia via a freight forwarder in Latvia.

    As part of the conspiracy, Horvath purchased 200 of the military-grade radios and intended to export them to Russia. But he was not successful, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained the shipment, preventing the radios from falling into the hands of prohibited Russian end users.

    Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $6.5 million in stolen goods seized in 2025, California leads in nationwide organized retail crime crackdown

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 17, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced that this year, the state recovered 113,245 stolen items worth nearly $6.5 million. In May alone, arrests were up almost 130%, stolen assets recovered were up 65%, and the value of the items recovered was up nearly 49% from April.

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that from January to May, the state’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force conducted 331 investigations, 629 arrests, and recovered 113,245 stolen items valued at nearly $6.5 million. 

    Spearheaded by the California Highway Patrol, the Organized Retail Crime Task Force, through coordination with local law enforcement agencies and other partners, has been involved in over 3,800 investigations, resulting in the arrest of more than 4,400 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.4 million stolen goods, valued at over $58 million since 2019.

    In California, we value our public safety and back our business community. Organized retail crimes have no place in our society and I’m proud of the work our CHP officers do up and down the state to protect our families and communities.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Using arresting tools made available in part because of the Governor’s organized retail crime package he passed last year and ongoing commitment to public safety, compared to April, organized retail crime enforcement has gone up in all areas in May:

    • 120 Investigations: Up 131% 
    • 246 Arrests – Up 130%
    • 72,454 stolen assets recovered – Up 66%
    • $2,046,084 in assets recovered – Up 49% 

     Leading the nation

    As part of the coordinated national organized retail crime blitz, from May 26 to 30, the CHP conducted high-visibility enforcement operations throughout the state – arresting 90 individuals, recovering nearly $153,000 worth of stolen merchandise, and identifying multiple suspects linked to organized crime rings operating in and beyond California. 

    The CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies and major retailers for this multi-day effort to investigate and intercept criminal activity in shopping centers, malls, and high-traffic retail areas throughout California.

    “Retail theft doesn’t stop at state lines—and neither do we,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By working together with our law enforcement partners and retailers nationwide, we are sending a clear message: if you come to California to steal, we will be here to stop you.”

    The blitz, coordinated out of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, coordinated an effort across 28 states to seize stolen vehicles, narcotics, weapons and other goods. 

    These efforts reinforced the importance of intelligence sharing, real-time coordination, and proactive enforcement in deterring retail theft.

    Crime dropped significantly last year

    According to an analysis of Real Time Crime Index data by the Public Policy Institute of California, violent crime dropped by 4.6% and property crime dropped by 8.5% in 2024, compared to 2023. Overall, the decreases in violent and property crimes in California were similar to those seen by law enforcement agencies in other states – property crime went down by 8.5% in California and 8.4% elsewhere. 

    Stronger enforcement. Serious penalties. Real consequences.

    California has invested $1.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve public safety. In 2023, as part of California’s Public Safety Plan, the Governor announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in state history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

    Last August, Governor Newsom signed into law the most significant bipartisan legislation to crack down on property crime in modern California history. Building on the state’s robust laws and record public safety funding, these bipartisan bills offer new tools to bolster ongoing efforts to hold criminals accountable for smash-and-grab robberies, property crime, retail theft, and auto burglaries. While California’s crime rate remains at near historic lows, these laws help California adapt to evolving criminal tactics to ensure perpetrators are effectively held accountable.

    As part of the state’s largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime, Governor Newsom announced last year the state distributed $267 million to 55 communities to help local communities combat organized retail crime. These funds have enabled cities and counties to hire more police, make more arrests, and secure more felony charges against suspects. 

    Saturating key areas 

    Working collaboratively to heighten public safety, the Governor tasked the CHP to work with local law enforcement areas in key areas to saturate high-crime areas, aiming to reduce roadway violence and criminal activity in the area, specifically vehicle theft and organized retail crime. Since the inception of this regional initiative, there have been over 7,300 arrests, more than 5,000 stolen vehicles recovered and over 350 firearms confiscated across Bakersfield, San Bernardino and Oakland.

    Recent news

    Jun 17, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Ahead of today’s court hearing in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to stop Trump’s unlawful militarization of Los Angeles, learn more about what Governor Gavin Newsom has done to protect Californians. I’m confident in the rule of law. I’m confident…

    Jun 17, 2025

    News What you need to know: President Trump’s illegal militarization of Los Angeles is hamstringing firefighting resources in California just as peak fire season begins. SACRAMENTO – All 14 Joint Task Force Rattlesnake teams responded to the Los Angeles fires in…

    Jun 17, 2025

    News What you need to know: Against the backdrop of President Trump’s massive and costly bill gutting laws protecting against AI-generated child pornography, scams, and other criminal activity, Governor Newsom is continuing his leadership by releasing a groundbreaking…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales and Turgis Gaillard are developing a 100% French airborne surveillance solution based on the AAROK MALE drone and the AirMaster S radar

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales and Turgis Gaillard are developing a 100% French airborne surveillance solution based on the AAROK MALE drone and the AirMaster S radar

    • Thales and Turgis Gaillard teaming up to offer a fully French MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone solution for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
    • Thales will supply the AirMaster S radar, a multirole AESA1radar with proven operational performance on the French Navy’s Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft, and Turgis Gaillard will supply the AAROK MALE drone. 
    • Thales once again demonstrates its ability to equip drones with a latest-generation, combat-proven radar, entirely developed in France.
    • This collaboration paves the way for the integration of other Thales sensors on the AAROK drone.
    © Alexandre LIGHT EX MACHINA / Thales” id=”image-8f5cd0cc-842a-4d1f-a6ea-beca66d757a8″ data-id=”8f5cd0cc-842a-4d1f-a6ea-beca66d757a8″ data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/8f5cd0cc-842a-4d1f-a6ea-beca66d757a8/-/inline/no/PAS25_Events_MOU-Turgis-Gaillard_LXM_2025-06-17_093917.jpg” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/8f5cd0cc-842a-4d1f-a6ea-beca66d757a8/-/format/auto/” alt=”© Alexandre LIGHT EX MACHINA / Thales”/>
    © Alexandre LIGHT EX MACHINA / Thales

    The AAROK drone designed by Turgis Gaillard, unveiled at the 2023 Paris Air Show, is the first MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone to be entirely developed in France. It is designed for ISR missions in high-intensity conflicts and to conduct maritime surveillance operations.

    To meet these specific mission requirements, Thales’s AirMaster S radar was selected for its exceptional operational capabilities, which have already been proven in combat conditions, both in export markets and in France, most notably on France’s ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft. The radar was also chosen for its compatibility for integration on MALE drones.

    “Thales is delighted to be able to offer forces a 100% French solution based on the AAROK drone, designed for high-intensity operations and incorporating our AI-enhanced radar system,” said Philippe Duhamel, Executive Vice-President, Defence Mission Systems, Thales.

    “This collaboration with Thales reflects our shared objective of providing a 100% French MALE drone solution to meet the exacting requirements of high-intensity conflicts. The choice of the AirMaster S radar expands the operational capabilities of the AAROK drone and marks a major step forward in the strategic autonomy of our industry.” Fanny Turgis and Patrick Gaillard, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, Turgis Gaillard.

    1Active Electronically Scanned Array

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries.

    In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    About Turgis Gaillard

    Founded in 2011, Turgis Gaillard is a French company specialising in the design and production of aerospace and defence systems, industrial maintenance and through-life support for vehicles. The company has 400 employees and generates annual revenues of €75 million.

    Thales Media Library – Live photos from the show

    Paris Air Show | Thales Group

    Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace | Thales Group

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales and Boreal team up to produce long-range loitering munitions

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales and Boreal team up
    to produce long-range loitering munitions

    • Thales has reached an agreement with Boreal, a subsidiary of the the multidisciplinary aerospace and defence Group MISTRAL, specialising in UAV technologies and known in particular for its high-performance long-range Boreal Aerial Vehicle.
    • The cooperation will further strengthen France’s defence industrial and technological base through the development of a comprehensive range of sovereign French long-range loitering munitions offering a unique combination of performance, availability and dependability.
    • Based on mature platform and payload technologies, this innovative solution will be available from 2026.
    © Alexandre LIGHT EX MACHINA / Thales

    This long-range loitering munition (MTO-LP1) will meet the operational requirements of France and other NATO forces. With range capabilities of several hundred kilometres, which technically could be extended even further, the system is designed for easy deployment by two operators in less than 30 minutes. Up to 10 munitions could be launched simultaneously for coordinated operations. This versatile solution can be easily adapted for any use case. The payload offers a high level of safety and security and is platform-agnostic, which reduces transport, storage and other logistical requirements, particularly in the theatre of operations.

    The munition is optimised for target engagements at long range. The incremental development roadmap for the MTO-LP includes an initial operational capability in 2026 with annual production of 1,000 warheads, followed by advanced developments in 2027 to incorporate counter-vulnerability functions, enhanced mission profiles and a varied range of effectors for long-range military strikes. Initial flight tests are scheduled for the summer of 2025.

    The cooperation between Thales and Boreal will strengthen France’s defence industrial and technological base by supporting the ramp-up of industrial operations by Boreal, a medium-sized enterprise, and will offer additional partnership opportunities in Belgium.

    “Thales is excited about this collaboration with Boreal, a pioneer in drone technology whose UAVs are widely recognised for their long endurance capabilities. By combining the agility of Boreal with our industrial capacity, we plan to develop a high-performance solution that meets real operational needs and will be available from 2026,” said Eric Normant, Vice President, Vehicles and Tactical Systems, Thales.

    1 MTO-LP: Munition Télé-Opérée – Longue Portée

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

    Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    About Boreal

    Boreal SAS, a leading specialist in long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), designs and operates robust, field-proven Unmanned Aerial Systems carrying payloads tailored to specific operational requirements. These systems are in service in many different sectors, in particular for surveillance, reconnaissance and military support missions.

    Boreal’s expertise is part of a broader ecosystem including sister companies M3 Systems France and M3 Systems Belgium, which are recognised for their know-how in positioning solutions for critical environments. This unique ecosystem underpins the potential for technological innovation of the family-owned MISTRAL Group, a multi-disciplinary player in the aerospace and defence sector.

    ​Thales Media Library – Live photos from the show

    Paris Air Show | Thales Group

    Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace | Thales Group

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Crime and policing bill an attack on our ‘proud legacy of protest’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty International stages powerful ‘human timeline’ highlighting over 100 years of protest  

    From suffragettes to Bristol Boycott: a legacy of defiant movements  

    The Crime and Policing Bill seeks to further erode right to protest    

    Amnesty International has organised a ‘human timeline’ outside Parliament to highlight Britain’s ‘proud history of defiant movements’, ahead of the Report stage debate on the Crime and Policing Bill on the 17th June. It is the fourth anti-protest bill introduced in Parliament in just four years.  

    The proposed legislation would give police sweeping new powers, including the ability to ban face coverings at protests, impose restrictions on protests based on vague rules around being in the ‘vicinity’ of religious buildings, and compel people, including protesters, on limited visas to leave the country if they receive a police caution.   

    The bill follows last year’s Criminal Justice Bill, part of the former government’s sustained crackdown on peaceful protest. Protesters now face increasing criminalisation, with some receiving prison sentences for nonviolent action that exceed those given for serious violent crimes. 

    The protest outside Parliament today features real-life activists and actors representing key historical movements and holding placards: 

    • The Suffragettes  

    “They told us to stay at home, but we won women the right to vote” 

    “They called us ‘terrorists’ but we helped bring about a fairer society” 

    “They called us naive, but we advocated for a safer world” 

    “They called us ‘irresponsible’, but we helped to make racial discrimination in employment unlawful” 

    “They called us “deviants”, but we won equal rights and respect” 

    “They called us annoying but we tackled discrimination against people with disabilities” 

    “They called us powerless, but we continue to expose the injustice of housing in the UK” 

    “They called us eco-mobs, but we made it impossible to ignore the plight of our planet” 

    • Black Lives Matter  

    “They called us ‘thugs’ but we continue to uncover institutional racism” 

    “They call us hate marches, but we won’t stop campaigning against apartheid and genocide” 

    By demonstrating the breadth of protest over the past 100 years, and the rights and freedoms that were won, the stunt shows their true power in making the world a better, more equitable place. 

    Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International UK’s Director of Campaigns, said:  

    “The UK has a legacy of defiant movements – where demonstrations both large and small, have shaped a fairer and more just society. 

    “From the Suffragettes  and the Anti-Apartheid Movement to the Bristol Bus Boycott or the UK’s first Pride march, these protesters faced fierce resistance in their time. Yet today, we celebrate the rights and freedoms they fought so hard to win. 

    “The new Crime and Policing Bill is the fourth piece of legislation in as many years aimed at clamping down on our right to protest. It’s yet another example of the Government attacking our ability to hold them to account beyond the ballot box – undermining our freedom of speech. Had such laws existed in the past, many of the historic protests we now celebrate might not have been possible. 

    “We have a proud history of protest and we must continue on that path, not follow the tide of authoritarian laws that’s undermining freedom globally.” 

    A spokesperson for Grenfell United, said:  

    “The power of protest should never be forgotten. Our Silent walks serve both to remember those we lost, and to show that Grenfell issues are not localised, they are a national problem. Building safety affects thousands of people across the country, whether leaseholder, private or social housing tenant, and our gatherings show those responsible the pace of change is too slow, and the risk to life too high. 

    “The Crime and Policing Bill is part of a growing trend on the crackdown of the right to protest. This is a deeply concerning trend for communities who turn to protest as a result of the grave injustices they have faced. By walking in our thousands each year, we show those in power we will never forget what was done to us, what needs to happen, and that the nation is behind us in our fight for Justice” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran – B10-0296/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Evin Incir, Chloé Ridel
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0296/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran;

     

    – having regard to its rule of procedure 150(5);

     

    A. whereas since 1 October 2024 over 1000 individuals have been executed in Iran, including political activists, women protesters, and minority group members;

     

    B. whereas Iran systematically denies detainees due process, including access to counsel, use of torture, forced confessions, and extended solitary confinement;

     

    C. whereas Iranian authorities engage in hostage diplomacy by arbitrarily detaining dual and EU citizens;

     

    D. whereas Professor Ahmadreza Jalali, a Swedish-Iranian academic specialist in disaster medicine, has been detained since April 2016, sentenced to death following a grossly unfair trial, denied legal representation and essential healthcare, and remains at imminent risk of execution despite international appeals;

     

    1. Expresses its grave concern over the case of Ahmadreza Jalali; condemns his sentence to death penalty based on a coerced confession obtained under torture, and demands his immediate, unconditional release; calls for his immediate and unconditional release and, in the meantime, for his urgent and permanent transfer to a hospital or clinic where he can receive specialised and regular medical care that is not available in Evin prison;

     

    2. Reiterates its strong opposition to death penalty in all circumstances, urges Iran to introduce an immediate moratorium as a first step toward its abolition, and demands cessation of all executions;

     

    3. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all EU and dual‐citizens detained in Iran, as part of an end to hostage diplomacy;

     

    4. Deplores ongoing practices of torture, including solitary confinement, forced confessions, and denial of legal defence, and urges Iran to uphold its international human rights obligations ;

     

    5. Urges the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, and to expand targeted sanctions under the EU human rights sanctions regime against individuals responsible for abuses, including in Jalali’s case;

     

    6. Demands that Iran grant full access to UN human rights mechanisms, including the UN Special Rapporteur and fact-finding mission, to investigate abuse cases such as Jalali’s;

     

    7. Calls on the High Representative and Member States to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure Jalali’s release, including through raising his case in bilateral negotiations and EU-Iran human rights dialogue;

     

    8. Commends Iran’s women-led “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, and encourages the EU to increase humanitarian and civil society funding aimed at empowering women, minorities, and independent academics;

     

    9. Emphasises that demonstrable human rights improvements and the release of political prisoners must be central to all elements of EU-Iran engagement;

     

    10. Instructs its President to transmit this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative, the government and Supreme Leader of Iran, UN Secretary-General, and the UN Human Rights Council.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The case of Ahmadreza Jalali – B10-0286/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Sebastiaan Stöteler, Marieke Ehlers, António Tânger Corrêa, Nikola Bartůšek, Pierre‑Romain Thionnet, Gerolf Annemans, Hermann Tertsch
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0286/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0286/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0286/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the case of Ahmadreza Jalali

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to previous resolutions on Iran,

    –  having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

    1. whereas Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian lecturer and researcher at the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels (VUB) Belgium and Universita degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale in Italy, was arrested on 25 April 2016 in Tehran while attending academic workshops on disaster medicine in Tehran, Iran; whereas Ahmadreza Djalali was accused for spying for Israel and after a mock trial, was sentenced to death; whereas Ahmadreza Djalali has been arbitrarily detained in the notorious Evin prison and pressured into false confessions under torture;
    2. whereas his situation has been described as inhumane; whereas he suffered a heart attack in May 2025, leading to increased international calls for his release given that his health has sharply deteriorated and described as life-threatening; 
    3. whereas the human rights situation in Iran is increasingly deteriorating, and experts have pointed to a well-documented pattern of unlawful and arbitrary detentions in Iran of dual and foreign nationals or residents, including citizens of EU Member States; whereas European-Iranian dual nationals continue to be arrested, receive unfair trials, are placed in solitary confinement and sentenced on the basis of false and vague espionage charges; whereas Iran routinely uses hostage diplomacy as a foreign policy tool, including in the cases of European citizens, notably Dr Ahmedreza Djalali;
    4. whereas Iranian courts, particularly revolutionary courts, regularly fail to provide fair trials and accept confessions obtained under torture as evidence in court; whereas the authorities also routinely restrict detainees’ access to legal counsel, particularly during the investigation period; whereas the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is included in the US sanctions list for their involvement in grave human rights violations;
       
    1. Calls on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release Ahmadreza Djalali;
    2. Strongly condemns Iran’s policy of hostage diplomacy; expresses grave concern about Ahmadreza Djalali’s situation and firmly calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure that his rights are protected at all times, including access to adequate medical care and full access to his family and lawyers of his own choice;
    3. Reminds the Iranian authorities of their obligation to treat Ahmadreza Djalali in line with human rights standards and that they are ultimately responsible for providing humane conditions of detention and healthcare; 
    4. Strongly condemns the ongoing deterioration of human rights in Iran and condemns the Iranian regime’s use of the death penalty as a means of political repression;
    5. Reiterates its call on the Council to expand the EU sanctions list to all those responsible for human rights violations in Iran;
    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the relevant parties.

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The case of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali’s illegal arrest and detention in Iran – B10-0285/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Abir Al‑Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Bart Groothuis, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0285/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0285/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0285/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the case of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali’s illegal arrest and detention in Iran

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran,

    –  having regard to the Third Geneva Convention and the Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners,

    –  having regard to Articles 32, 37, 38 and 39 of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI),

    –  having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas Iranian regime widely practices a hostage taking policy against foreign nationals and currently holds in detention dozens of innocent EU nationals;

     

    1. whereas on April 25, 2016, Dr. Ahmad Reza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian disaster-medicine expert, was arrested by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence;

     

    1. whereas Djalali has been denied adequate medical care despite severe physical deterioration and the risk to his life, including a recent heart attack that he suffered while being held at Evin prison; whereas Iran has continued to threaten the implementation of his death sentence, including in apparent response to recent developments.
    2. whereas international bodies and human rights organisations have warned that Iranian authorities are holding Djalali hostage and threatening to execute him as a means to put pressure on foreign Governments;

     

    1. Whereas we note a horrific rise in executions in Iran; whereas hundreds of individuals have already been executed in 2025, and in 2024, at least 972 individuals were executed – a 14% increase since 2023;

     

    1. whereas the Iranian government refuses to recognise. Djalali’s legitimate Swedish citizenship;

     

    1. whereas the defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law should be a priority in EU-Iran relations;
    1. Strongly condemns the brutal treatment of  Djalali by the Iranian authorities, amounting to torture and other ill-treatment, as he was arbitrarily detained, subjected to months of interrogation in solitary confinement, and then sentenced to death, following a sham trial based on coerced confessions of espionage extracted under torture;
    2. Calls on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt any plans to carry out the death sentence and to release Djalali to his home country of Sweden without delay;
    3. Urges Iran to provide Djalali with immediate and unrestricted access to necessary specialised medical care at an external hospital, legal representation, and regular contact with his family;
    4. Urges the Iranian authorities to immediately release, safely repatriate and drop all charges against EU nationals;
    5. Calls on Sweden and other EU Member States and the EEAS to intensify diplomatic efforts and consider targeted measures in response to Iran’s continued detention of EU nationals including Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris,  in violation of international law;
    6. Reiterates its call on the Council to designate the IRGC a terrorist organisation and to extend EU sanctions to all those responsible for taking EU nationals hostages, massive executions of opposition voices, and other human rights violations;
    7. Requests the VP/HR to publicly raise Djalali’s case and in all engagements with Iranian counterparts;
    8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the government of Iran, the VP/HR, the Commission, the Member States and the United Nations;

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The case of Ahmadreza Jalali – B10-0284/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Alice Kuhnke, Maria Ohisalo, Mounir Satouri, Nicolae Ștefănuță, Mélissa Camara, Ville Niinistö, Hannah Neumann
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0284/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  The case of Ahmadreza Jalali

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

      having regard to Rules 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish national, is at medical doctor and academic, is at immediate risk of execution;

    B. whereas Mr Djalali was arrested in April 2016, sentenced to death for “corruption on earth,” in a sham trial relying on “confessions” obtained through torture and other ill-treatment and remains arbitrarily detained in Evin prison in inhumane conditions;

    C. whereas Mr Djalali´s health situation is gravely deteriorating. Whereas due to a heart attack in prison, severe physical and psychological ill-treatment and high stress, he is at risk of sudden cardiac death;

    D. whereas there is an alarming surge in executions in Iran, with at least 972 persons killed in 2024 which according to Amnesty International is the highest figure since 2015. Whereas particularly following the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ uprising, authorities have used the death penalty to spread fear and strengthen control;

     

    1. Firmly denounces the Iranian regime’s unrestrained repression of human rights, including the excessive use of the death penalty;

    2. Demands the immediate unconditional release of Ahmadreza Djalali and all other arbitrarily detained foreign and dual nationals, including Olivier Grondeau, Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris; strongly denounces the Iranian government´s hostage diplomacy;

    3. Urges the Iranian government to halt any plans to execute Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali and put a moratorium on all executions and release and retrial persons threatened with execution in a due process, particularly for charges that under international law never result in capital punishment; calls on Iranian authorities to respect their international obligations under the ICCPR;

    4. Expresses its solidarity with Mr. Djalali´s family and friends who have not seen him in 9 years, and to others arbitrarily detained in Iran and their loved ones;

    5.  Reiterates its condemnation of the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd. Urges the Iranian government to provide details on the circumstances of his death and return his remains to his family;

    6. Urges Iranian authorities to provide the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and the UN Fact-Finding Mission with full, unimpeded access to enact their mandates; calls on the EU and Member States to fully support the mission and the renewal of its mandate;

    7. Calls on the HR/VP to denounce the Iranian authorities’ use of the death penalty and raise the case of Mr Djalali, and other detained EU citizens, publicly and bilaterally in all interactions with their Iranian interlocutors;

    8. Calls on the Council to continue identifying and sanctioning perpetrators responsible for serious human rights violations and hostage diplomacy. Reiterates its call to add the IRGC to the EU list of terrorist organisations;

    9. Calls on EU member states to initiate criminal investigations against Iranian officials accountable for serious human rights violations, notably under universal jurisdiction;

    10. Calls on the European Commission to increase financial, technical and capacity support to Iranian civil society;

    11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to EU institutions, HRVP, the Member States, and Iran;

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran – B10-0280/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Jonas Sjöstedt
    on behalf of The Left Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0280/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0280/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0280/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  Case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

     

     

    1. whereas Ahmadreza Jalali a Swedish-Iranian academic and professor at the VUB University in Belgium, was arrested in April 2016 while visiting Iran to attend academic workshops; whereas he was charged with espionage, convicted and sentenced to death; whereas according to UN independent experts the sentence was based on a confession that was extracted under torture and following a trial that allegedly failed to meet international standards; whereas Jalali’s health situation has further deteriorated and resulted in a heart attack in May;

     

    1. whereas in recent years, Iran has arrested dozens of Western nationals, many with dual-citizenship, on charges related to espionage and security;

     

    1. whereas the Iranian authorities have intensified their use of the death penalty; whereas in 2024 executions have increased, with 901 persons executed and at least 578 so far in 2025;

     

     

     

    1. Strongly condemns the increase of executions in Iran; reiterates its strong opposition to the use of the death penalty worldwide and urges to introduce a moratorium as a first step towards the abolition of capital punishment;
    2. Calls on the Iranian authorities to promptly revoke the death sentence against Ahmadreza Jalali, and to review his case as well as those of other death row inmates; requests his release on humanitarian grounds; demands to investigate Jalali´s allegations of torture and denial of fair trial rights and to ensure immediate and adequate medical assistance to him;
    3. Calls on the Iranian authorities to respect the fundamental right of the defendants to access a lawyer of their choice and the right to a fair trial and due process, to grant suspects access to their families, consular visits, as well as full access to medical treatment and health care services in accordance with Iran’s international obligations;
    4. Strongly condemns the use of torture and other ill-treatment and urges Iranian authorities to put an end to the use of torture in places of detention; stresses that any alleged information obtained as a result of torture and ill-treatment should never be admitted as evidence in a judicial proceeding;
    5. Condemns the practice of detaining and prosecuting dual nationals and using them as hostage to achieve foreign affairs aims;
    6. Reiterates its call on Iran to provide the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and the UN Fact-Finding Mission with full, unimpeded access to the country;
    7. Calls on Member States to facilitate visas, asylum and emergency grants for those who need to flee Iran;
    8. Stresses that further isolating Iran at global level can have detrimental consequences, such as strengthening hardliners of the regimen, further degrading women’s right as well as contributing to nuclear proliferation;
    9. Strongly condemns the violent actions taken by the State of Israel against Iran on the night of 13 June, which were in violation of the UN Charter and international law;
    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Iranian authorities.

     

     

     

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali – B10-0281/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0281/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0281/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0281/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali

     

    (2025/2754(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas the Military Junta, in power for five years, has recently dissolved all political parties and organizations and banned political gatherings; whereas it came after opposition groups and human rights organizations condemned the National Conference’s recommendation to extend President Goïta’s term until 2030; whereas political parties had called on the authorities to respect the Transition Charter and organize elections;

     

    1. whereas these measures are part of a broader trend of restrictions on civic space, including the arrest of opposition figures; whereas since 2024 the military authorities have intensified repression; whereas between April and July 2024, the authorities suspended the activities of political parties and political associations;

     

    1. whereas the constitution enacted in 2023 by the transitional authorities, guarantees the existence of political parties and asserts their right to ‘form and operate freely under the conditions determined by law’;

     

     

    1. Supports the aspirations of the Malian people for democracy and changes and strongly rejects the repression of demonstrators and the crackdown on the opposition;
    2. Condemns the dissolution of the political parties and the suspension of political gatherings; highlights that these measures odd with the constitution and are incompatible with Mali’s international human rights obligations including under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights;
    3. Calls on the transitional authorities to refrain from extending the transition period again and to organise credible, free, and fair elections;
    4. Invites to the Malian transitional authorities to engage in peaceful and truly inclusive dialogue with all actors involved in legal reform processes;
    5. Requests to the transitional authorities, to end the escalating crackdown on civic space and to allow the full exercise of freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, association and the media, as well as the right to participate in public affairs, including by ceasing the harassment of critical media, journalists and peaceful dissents; urges them to release those who have been arrested on politically motivated grounds;
    6. Denounces the presence of the Wagner Group and the Africa Corps and urges to hold them accountable as well as members of the Malian security forces, for their abuses against civilians;
    7. Notes the growing rejection of the former colonial power and of European diplomacy on the continent without ignoring attempts to manipulate information by third parties including Russia; insists that the only way to regain the confidence of citizens is to replace relations of domination at military, economic, monetary and political level with relations of equals, respecting international law and the principles of non-interference in internal affairs;
    8. Condemns the economic, social and political interference implemented through the Structural Adjustment Plans of the World Bank and the IMF; reminds that making assistance contingent on general spending cuts have undermined Malian  people’s economic, social and cultural rights; calls on the IMF and  World Bank to cancel the external debt of African countries;
    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU institutions, Member States, and the Malian authorities.

     

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0295/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Adam Bielan, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Reinis Pozņaks, Rihards Kols, Alexandr Vondra, Mariusz Kamiński, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0295/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0295/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0295/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rule 150 (5) of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas the democratic backsliding in Georgia has dramatically accelerated since the flawed parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024; whereas the de facto Georgian Dream authorities systematically subject civil society and independent media to pressure, legal restrictions, and physical violence; whereas at least 138 incidents of media freedom violations have been documented in the context of pro-European protests or related events since November 2024, and a total of 174 media professionals have been the target of state repression; whereas at least 30 reporters have suffered repeated violations, including physical assaults, damage to professional equipment, administrative fines, criminal charges and legal harassment; whereas Georgia’s media landscape is highly politically polarised and characterized by widespread manipulation and disinformation;

     

    1. whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, co-founder and director of the media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was arrested on 12 January 2025 in Batumi during a protest against Georgian Dream and detained on charges of insulting a police officer; whereas her criminal trial is expected to resume soon, in which she could face up to seven years imprisonment;

     

    1. Urges Georgia’s authorities to release Mzia Amaglobeli immediately and to drop all criminal charges against her;

     

    1. Calls on the authorities to immediately cease the intimidation, threats, politically motivated prosecutions and physical assaults against journalists and media workers in Georgia;

     

    1. calls for the Georgian authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists and to investigate all instances of violence and misconduct by law enforcement agencies; emphasises the importance of fostering a democratic environment where media can operate freely without fear of retaliation or censorship;

     

    1. Regrets that media and information space is suppressed and dominated by Georgian Dream supported TV and media outlets, spreading false narratives about the EU integration and thus emulating and playing into Russian-inspired propaganda and facilitating polarisation in the society;

     

    1. Is worried by the Georgian Dream government’s clear alignment with Kremlin-backed narratives, its growing economic and political ties with Russia, and its deliberate obstruction of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, which fundamentally contradicts the country’s constitutional and strategic priorities;

     

    1. Calls for the EU and its Member States to impose individual sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia who are responsible for the democratic backsliding, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Kakha Kaladze, Shalva Papuashvili and Irakli Garibashvili and to extend these sanctions to judges passing politically motivated sentences, as well as to financial enablers supporting the regime and the owners of regime-aligned media outlets for their role in spreading disinformation and seeking to manipulate public discourse;

     

    1. Reiterates its urgent demand for the immediate and unconditional release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds so he can seek medical treatment abroad; emphasises that the Georgian Dream authorities bear full responsibility for his life, health, safety and well-being and must be held fully accountable for any harm that befalls him;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Parliament and Government of Georgia.
    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0290/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Tomas Tobé, Miriam Lexmann, Andrey Kovatchev, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dariusz Joński, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Davor Ivo Stier, Luděk Niedermayer, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Liudas Mažylis, Inese Vaidere, Rasa Juknevičienė
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0290/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0290/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0290/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  the situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    1. whereas since 2024, Georgia has faced a dangerous acceleration of democratic backsliding, marked by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s systematic persecution of political opponents and aggressive crackdowns on civil society and independent media;

     

    1. whereas the adoption of draconian legislation – such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act, amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, Code of Administrative Offences, Law on Grants – constitutes a deliberate authoritarian strategy to silence critical voices and mirror Russian-style governance;

     

    1. whereas the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 were deeply flawed and marked by grave irregularities,

     

    1. whereas, on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced the decision to not pursue EU accession negotiations until 2028 and refuse EU budgetary support, kicking off street protests that have persisted to this day;

     

    1. whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, a respected journalist and co-founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, two independent online publications, was arrested during pro-European protests on 12 January 2025 and now faces four to seven years in prison for a provoked incident involving a police officer;

     

    1. whereas in Amaglobeli’s case, authorities ignored procedural safeguards, imposed pre-trial detention without a clear legal basis, and assigned a presiding judge lacking qualifications in criminal law;

     

    1. whereas Lithuania has imposed personal sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for human rights violations, including police officers that gave false testimonies against Mzia Amaglobeli in court;

     

    1. Strongly condemns the Georgian Dream regime’s systemic assault on democratic institutions, political opposition, independent media, civil society, and judicial independence;

     

    1. Denounces the politically motivated arrest and prosecution of Mzia Amaglobeli and demands her immediate and unconditional release, along with the withdrawal of all charges connected to her journalistic and civic activities;

     

    1. Expresses concern over the increasing use of arbitrary detentions, fines, smear campaigns, legal harassment, and police violence against journalists, which constitute serious breaches of fundamental rights;

     

    1. Denounces the alleged violent abduction of UNM Chair Tina Bokuchava’s husband and the reported threats to the safety of her children; calls for an immediate and effective investigation to address these acts and prevent a climate of impunity; 
    2. Denounces the sentencing of 21-year-old activist Mate Devidze to four years and six months in prison and demands his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze, NIka Melia and Nika Gvaramia;

     

    1. Reiterates its calls for the immediate repeal of all repressive legislation, the restoration of democratic norms, and the full protection of media freedom and civil liberties;

     

    1. Reiterates its call on the EU Member States to impose coordinated bilateral sanctions against the Georgian Dream regime and its enablers, including those responsible for politically-motivated arrest, detention, and trial of Mzia Amaglobeli;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli – B10-0283/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0283/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  The situation of media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case  of Mzia Amaglobeli

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    -having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

     

     

    A. whereas the exercise of freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the Georgian constitution;

     

    B. whereas Georgia, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;

     

    C. whereas UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk recently called on the Georgian authorities to respect and protect the rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly;

     

    D. whereas several international NGOs are expressing growing concern over the media freedom situation in the country, in particular for the amendments introduced to the Law on Broadcasting;

     

    E. whereas Georgian journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder and director of the online newspapers Batumelebi and Netgazeti, is facing charges of assaulting a police officer—carrying a sentence of up to seven years in prison;

     

     

    1. Emphasises that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to peaceful protest are fundamental freedoms and must be respected in all circumstances; expresses concern over reports of the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators; condemns the arrest of the journalist Mzia Amaglobeli;

     

    2. Calls on the Government of Georgia to respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, in particular freedom of press and political rights;

     

    3.  Call for the release of Mzia Amaglobeli and call the Georgian authorities to fully guarantee independent journalists freedom of expression and media pluralism, according to its own constitution and its international obligations; 

     

    4. Stresses that Georgia’s future must be determined by the will of its people, free from external pressure or interference; emphasises that Georgia’s sovereignty and political trajectory should reflect the aspirations of its citizens; condemns any attempts, whether foreign or domestic, to undermine Georgia’s democratic institutions;

     

     

    5. Recalls that the EU accession process is based on objective criteria; regrets the European Council’s decision to suspend financial assistance to Georgia; underlines the benefits of the visa facilitation agreement and the need to maintain it; emphasises the need for a constructive dialogue between the Government of Georgia and the EU;

     

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the UN as well as the President, Government and Parliament of the Georgia.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobel – B10-0282/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Lena Schilling, Mélissa Camara, Mounir Satouri, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Mārtiņš Staķis, Nicolae Ștefănuță, Markéta Gregorová
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    Document selected :  

    B10-0282/2025

    Texts tabled :

    B10-0282/2025

    Texts adopted :

    B10‑0282/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  Media freedom in Georgia, particularly the case of Mzia Amaglobeli

     

    (2025/2752(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

     

    – having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

     

    1. whereas Mzia Amaglobeli, renowned figure in independent journalism and the director of the independent news websites “Batumelebi” and “Netgazeti“, was detained on the night of 11-12 January and ordered to pre-trial detention on January 14; whereas she faces up to seven years in prison; whereas Amaglobeli’s case is considered emblematic for the unrelenting campaign of repression unleashed by the ruling Georgian Dream party against independent journalists, civil society, and peaceful protesters;

     

    1. whereas on during her arrests Amaglobeli was subjected to sexist abuse by police, with Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze allegedly spitting on her and threatening violence; whereas police in Georgia are increasingly using gender-based violence, including degrading strip searches, against women involved in protests; whereas the authorities to date, have failed to investigate any police officers who allegedly ill-treated and otherwise abused her and other protesters;

     

    1. whereas Georgian independent media is expected to be left decimated following the entry into force of the new Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) on 1 June, which grants the state authority to criminally prosecute media for failing to register as a “foreign agent”;

     

    1. whereas the response from the EU and Member States to Georgian Dream’s crackdown against dissenters has been seriously lacking, with only few Member States imposing targeted sanctions on those responsible; whereas HRVP Kallas’ recent proposal for a Black Sea Strategy to boost mutual partnerships in the region also presents plans for enhanced cooperation with Georgia;
    1. Condemns the illegal arrest and politically motivated prosecution of prominent Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli and calls for her immediate and unconditional release; urges the Georgian authorities to halt its harassment of peaceful protesters and release all political prisoners and others illegally detained without delay;

     

    1. Expresses deep concern over reports, including in the case of Amaglobeli, of the systematic use of gender-based violence by the Georgian police to intimidate and punish peaceful protesters;

     

    1. Regrets the persistent lack of action on behalf of the EU and Member States to ensure that their condemnation of Georgian Dream’s actions is not just stated, but felt by those responsible; reiterates its call on the EU and Member States to take coordinated action to surmount the political obstacles to adopting EU-wide sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili; calls similarly for sanctions against public officials and law enforcement that responsible for implementing repressive measures against peaceful protesters;

     

    1. Expresses concern about the extent to which the EU’s plans within the Black Sea Strategy will entail a normalisation of relations with the Georgian authorities;

     

    1. Calls on the EU to step up support for Georgia’s independent media following the entry into force of FARA, including by facilitating operations from EU Member States as needed;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the Georgian authorities.

     

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran – B10-0300/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
    pursuant to Rule 150 of the Rules of Procedure

    Adam Bielan, Reinis Pozņaks, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Mariusz Kamiński, Alexandr Vondra, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Cristian Terheş, Diego Solier, Nora Junco García, Michał Dworczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Marion Maréchal
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0300/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on  case of Ahmadreza Jalali in Iran

     

    (2025/2753(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    —  having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran,

    —  having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    1. whereas Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian lecturer and researcher at the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels (VUB) Belgium and Universita degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale in Italy, was arrested in April 2016 after he visited Iran to attend workshops on disaster medicine and sentenced to death in October 2017 on false charges of espionage, after being severely pressured into false confessions under torture;

     

    1. whereas Djalali has been detained in the Evin prison since 2016 in violation of international law; whereas his health situation has further deteriorated and resulted in a heart attack last month; whereas his case remains under an active death sentence, with no execution date set, and execution threats continue to loom amid political back-and-forth;

     

    1. whereas Iranian courts, and particularly revolutionary courts, regularly fall short of providing fair trials and use confessions obtained under torture as evidence in court; whereas authorities also restrict detainees’ access to legal counsel, particularly during the investigation period;

     

    1. whereas European-Iranian dual nationals continue to be arrested, receive unfair trials, are placed in solitary confinement and sentenced based on false and vague espionage charges;

     

    1. whereas Iran uses arbitrary detentions of dual and foreign nationals or residents as bargaining tools to put pressure on foreign Governments and in prisoner exchanges;

     

     

    1. Calls on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release Ahmadreza Djalali and all others imprisoned on false charges or for solely exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly and human rights activities;

     

    1. Expresses grave concern about the situation of Ahmadreza Djalali and all others unlawfully imprisoned in Iran; firmly calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure that the rights of prisoners are protected at all times, including access to proper medical care, family visits, and chosen legal representation; 

     

    1. Condemns Iran’s hostage diplomacy; calls on Iran to immediately and unconditionally release all detained EU and dual EU nationals; urges the EU and its Member States to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter hostage diplomacy, including with a dedicated task force on Iran to better assist detainees’ families and effectively prevent further hostage-taking;

     

    1. Firmly denounces the Iranian authorities’ weaponization of the death penalty as a tool of intimidation against the population, aimed at silencing dissent and disproportionately targeting women, political opponents, and persecuted ethnic and religious groups;

     

    1. Is deeply concerned by the increasing and systematic repression of ethnic and religious minorities, women and dissidents in Iran – that face arbitrary arrest and detention, unfair trials and lengthy imprisonment – through laws and regulations that severely restrict their freedoms and rights;

     

    1. Reiterates its call on the Council to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, noting that the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court’s ruling on the 2022 Bochum synagogue attack provides the necessary legal grounds;

     

    1. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Parliament and Government of Iran.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Welfare and traceability of dogs and cats – 17-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2023, the Commission introduced a proposal for new rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. The initiative establishes EU-wide minimum standards for the first time, covering – among other things – the accommodation, care, and treatment of these animals. The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position at first reading on the Commission proposal during its June session.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the passing of former President of Nicaragua, Violeta Barrios de Chamorro [scroll down for Spanish]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General laments the passing of former President of Nicaragua, and the first woman to be democratically elected as president in the Americas, Violeta Barrios de Chamorro. Her presidency is remembered for bringing an end to the civil war and initiating a period of peace and democratization in Nicaragua. The Secretary-General extends his condolences to her family, the Government and the people of Nicaragua.

    *****
    El Secretario General lamenta el fallecimiento de la expresidenta de Nicaragua, Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, quien fue la primera mujer presidenta elegida democráticamente en las Américas. Su presidencia es recordada por haber puesto fin a la guerra civil e iniciado un período de paz y democratización en Nicaragua. El Secretario General expresa sus condolencias a la familia, al Gobierno y al pueblo de Nicaragua.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Appoints Grayson Murray to Franklin County Commission Following Father’s Legacy

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced the appointment of Grayson Murray to serve as Franklin County Commissioner for District 1, filling the vacancy left by the passing of his father, Commissioner Michael Murray.

    At just 20 years old, Grayson Murray brings a personal connection to the role, having been inspired by his father’s dedication to public service and commitment to the people of Franklin County. Commissioner Michael Murray was sworn into office November 2024 and served until his passing May 2025.

    “Commissioner Michael Murray was a humble, hardworking public servant who made a strong impression in his short time on the Franklin County Commission,” said Governor Ivey. “It is clear the same spirit of service lives on in his son, Grayson. Grayson is driven, capable and ready to continue the work his father began. I am proud to appoint him to carry on that legacy.”

    Grayson Murray, who is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the University of North Alabama, said he felt a calling to step up after witnessing firsthand his father’s passion for serving others.

    “I am honored to be appointed to continue what my dad started,” said Murray. “Dad was very passionate about Franklin County, and I was lucky to have learned that same passion from him. I am looking forward to getting started in this role, and I want to thank everyone for the support that I have received to get to this point.”

    The appointment is effective immediately.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Boosting European chip manufacturing for AI – how will the Commission ensure equal development across the EU? – E-002385/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002385/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Piotr Müller (ECR)

    The aim of the European Chips Act is to build a resilient, integrated semiconductor ecosystem in the EU, including for AI applications.

    In May 2025, a representative of the Taiwanese firm TSMC – the world’s largest chip manufacturer – publicly declared that it was prepared to support Europe in the development of its AI system production capabilities. TSMC has announced that a design centre will be established in Munich, and that a factory is to be built in Dresden, although the latter will focus on less advanced technologies for the car industry.

    In the light of the foregoing:

    • 1.Has the Commission taken any specific action in response TSMC’s statement on cooperation in the development of AI chips in Europe?
    • 2.How is the Commission intending to ensure that investments in the semiconductor industry are not concentrated in one Member State, but support the sustainable development of the entire EU market?
    • 3.Is the Commission intending to support TSMC’s investments in advanced technologies that will provide a significant boost to the EU’s capabilities in the field of AI?

    Submitted: 13.6.2025

    Last updated: 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Luxembourg: EIB backs Artec 3D’s cutting-edge RDI in 3D scanning technologies

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Luxembourg-based 3D scanning developer lands EIB venture debt financing to advance its RDI in next-generation scanning technologies
    • EIB funding supports Artec 3D’s investments taking place in its research facilities in both Luxembourg and Portugal.
    • The financing marks the EIB’s first venture debt operation in Luxembourg backed under the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative.

    The European Investment Bank and Luxembourg-based 3D scanning developer Artec 3D enter into a long-term partnership with €15 million committed to R&D support over the first three years. The EIB’s venture debt will enable Artec 3D to advance its next-generation 3D scanning technologies and algorithms for processing 3D data, thus supporting critical European technology and innovation. The investments that Artec 3D will pursue into new product and software development activities will also feature the use of AI. The R&D will take place primarily in Luxembourg and partially in Portugal. The EIB financing is supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme.

    The EIB’s financing agreement was ceremonially signed at the Luxembourg Nexus technology exhibition in the presence of H.E. Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, as well as Anne Calteux, Head of the European Commission’s representation to Luxembourg.

    “Companies like Artec 3D showcase Luxembourg as a powerhouse of European innovation.” said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot. “Innovative companies like Artec 3D can get the financing they need to scale-up right here in Europe. The EIB offers funding for critical technology to remain within the EU. That is why initiatives like InvestEU, and our new TechEU programme, are so important. We are happy to put our venture debt behind Artec 3D, to ensure that this advanced technology can grow in Europe.”

    Artec 3D’s innovations are already driving digital transformation across various infrastructures, including energy, transportation, aerospace, healthcare, cultural heritage, education, and defence worldwide. Its in-house developed technologies include advanced 3D scanning equipment as well as the software needed to create digital twins of real-life objects. A key differentiating factor is that Artec 3D scanners are portable, versatile, and integrate seamlessly with its proprietary data processing software. This combination allows users to turn objects of all shapes, sizes, and complexity into high-resolution 3D models, while significantly reducing the time and effort required.

    “Cooperation with the European Investment Bank is, first and foremost, a recognition of Artec 3D’s role as a leader in interdisciplinary R&D, both in AI and computer vision on the high-tech map of Europe,” said Artec 3D CEO and Co-founder Art Yukhin. “For 18 years, our expert team has been developing breakthrough 3D technologies that set new standards in 3D scanning and digital twin capture. With the EIB’s support, we are scaling our R&D and accelerating the development of next-generation, industry-ready solutions that strengthen Europe’s technological leadership in the global arena.”

    “The European Investment Bank’s support for Artec 3D’s innovative work through the InvestEU programme is great news for Luxembourg and Europe. Promoting European excellence in 3D-scanning technologies and strengthening the EU’s technological leadership is very important at a time when the EU is striving to close the innovation gap. This support will directly empower the company to drive innovation and job creation in Luxembourg and across the Union. We look forward to the positive impact of their research and development activities.” added Anne Calteux, Head of the EC representation in Luxembourg.

    On a technical level, the financing will support the development of Artec 3D’s short-range, high-precision 3D scanners and advanced 3D software, enabling fast and accurate data capture for a variety of applications. The Company was the first to introduce “target free” scanning with handheld scanners, making data capture much faster and simpler than with traditional scanners that rely on fixed equipment and reference markers. Artec 3D scanning is designed to meet the varying needs of end users in many applications ranging from jewellery customization to industrial manufacturing. It can also help to preserve cultural heritage, allowing for in-depth study without risking damage to fragile artifacts.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, contribute to peace and security, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality. The Group’s AAA rating allows it to borrow at favourable conditions on the global markets, benefiting its clients within the European Union and beyond. The Group has the highest ESG standards and a tier one capital ratio of 32%.

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable economy. It helps generate additional investments in line with EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal, the digital transition and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient, and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners who invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. This guarantee increases their risk-bearing capacity, thus mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    Luxembourg-based Artec 3D designs and manufactures high-precision 3D scanners and smart 3D software for fast and accurate data capture. This allows customers to quickly, easily create a 3D model of any real-life object, then reverse engineer, inspect, or reproduce that item on-demand. Artec 3D’s products and services can be used in many industries, such as in Engineering, Medicine, Design, Metrology, CGI, Heritage preservation, security technology, and more.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spanish National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export U.S. Military-Grade Radios to Russian Government End Users

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Bence Horvath, 47, a Spanish national living in the United Arab Emirates, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with conspiring to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian end users without a license.

    Horvath pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to unlawfully export goods to Russia. U.S. District Court Judge John D. Bates scheduled sentencing for Sept. 30.

    According to court documents, beginning at least around January 2023, Horvath and others initiated discussions with a small U.S. radio distribution company about procuring and exporting to Russia U.S.-manufactured military-grade radios and related accessories. Over the next several months, Horvath continued his efforts to secure those items, which he intended to transship to Russia via a freight forwarder in Latvia.

    As part of the conspiracy, Horvath purchased 200 of the military-grade radios and intended to export them to Russia. But he was not successful, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained the shipment, preventing the radios from falling into the hands of prohibited Russian end users.

    Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia made the announcement.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service Southeast Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California provided valuable assistance.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Maeghan Mikorski for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Provision Banning Taxpayer Funding of ‘Gender Transition’ Surgeries Included in Senate’s Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after his Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, a bill that would prohibit federal funding from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from going towards gender transition procedures at any age, was included in the Senate Finance Committee’s legislative text for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:

    “No American taxpayer should have to fund radical gender transition surgeries, and I am proud that my bill to prohibit federal dollars from funding these dangerous procedures has been included in the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I will continue to fight alongside President Trump to protect our most vulnerable and ensure taxpayer dollars are no longer used to advance the far left’s woke agenda.”

    Background:

    A recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review of gender dysphoria medical interventions “highlights a growing body of evidence pointing to significant risks—including irreversible harms such as infertility—while finding very weak evidence of benefit.”

    Nearly 30 states have laws or policies that limit access to gender transition procedures for minors, including Texas. Texas prohibits health care providers from prescribing, administering or dispensing hormone or puberty blocking medications or providing gender transition surgeries to minors. Other countries have begun putting limits on these procedures over concerns about the long-term effects. In 2024, NHS England began limiting access to puberty blockers as “routine treatment” for children under 18. Finland, Sweden, and Denmark have also limited access to these procedures for minors.

    The Stop Funding Genital Mutilation Act, which was cosponsored by Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), would prohibit CHIP and Medicaid federal funds from being used to provide gender transition procedures at any age. It makes exceptions for those needing puberty blocking drugs or medical procedures for medically necessary reasons, including medically verifiable sex development disorders or injury from previous gender transition procedures.

    This bill builds on President Trump’s Executive Order, signed on January 28, 2025, which called for cutting federal funding for gender transition procedures for minors and directs federally run insurance programs, including Medicaid, to stop covering these services.

    The legislation aligns with language included in the House’s version of Pres. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –