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  • MIL-OSI USA: Despite Trump Slump, Governor Newsom’s revised budget delivers on housing, education, water, and jobs

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 14, 2025

    Tax cut for military retirees
    Universal pre-kindergarten for all 
    Expanded before school, after school, & summer school
    Free school meals for all kids 
    Boosting literacy & reading
    Building more housing, ASAP
    More water for Californians
    Lowering drug costs
    Expanding medication abortion access with CalRx
    Historic firefighting & public safety investments

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today released his May Revision proposal for the 2025–26 state budget, putting forward a balanced plan that strengthens California’s future — despite economic disruptions caused by federal instability. While adjusting for a projected $11.95 billion shortfall driven by a “Trump Slump” — tariffs disruption, market volatility, and a decline in international tourism that have directly resulted in a staggering $16 billion estimated hit to the state’s revenues — and health care cost pressures, the Governor’s proposal remains focused on forward-looking investments in housing, education, and infrastructure, while curtailing unsustainable spending.

    “California’s fundamental values don’t change just because the federal winds have shifted. Even as the Trump Slump slows the economy and hits our revenues, we’re delivering bold proposals to build more housing, lower costs for working families, and invest in our kids.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    More housing, faster

    As part of his revised budget, the Governor is proposing a sweeping legislative package to slash red tape, align permitting timelines, and unlock faster, smarter housing development. The proposal streamlines Coastal Commission approvals to match the timelines of other permitting agencies, prioritizes infill and transit-oriented development to reduce toxic pollution and vehicle miles traveled, and support for incorporating pending legislation that would reform CEQA for infill housing and other development projects, along with a housing and infrastructure bond to build more homes, faster.

    Lower drug costs and reproductive freedom

    California is shining a light on the middlemen who inflate prescription drug prices, while protecting access to essential medications, including abortion pills. The Governor’s revised budget leads efforts to license and regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) for the first time, increasing transparency and accountability in the pharmacy supply chain. It also expands CalRx’s authority to procure brand-name drugs and respond to politically motivated supply disruptions, helping shield access to critical medications like mifepristone.

    Securing water for all of California

    With climate extremes intensifying, the Governor is fast-tracking modernization of the State Water Project through the Delta Conveyance Project. His proposal streamlines permits and reduces litigation delays to accelerate construction, while protecting water access for 27 million Californians and preparing for a future marked by more severe droughts, floods, and climate volatility.

    Students and families

    The Governor’s revised budget continues transformational investments that make education more accessible. Universal transitional kindergarten is now fully funded for all four-year-olds. Free school meals remain available to every student, and expanded before school, after school, and summer programming will benefit children across the state. The budget also invests $545 million in literacy programs to boost reading outcomes, with a strong focus on supporting multilingual learners.

    Public safety and veterans

    The Governor’s revised budget also includes historic funding in firefighting and emergency response to match escalating wildfire risks, and a tax cut for military retirees, recognizing their service and supporting their financial security.

    Smart government, Cap-and-Invest

    The budget reflects the Governor’s push for a more effective government — including a new state agency to better coordinate housing and homelessness programs, and continued progress on California’s Cap-and-Invest program to fund major climate projects like high-speed rail and a utility credit that will put up to $60 billion back into the pockets of Californians through 2045. 

    Additional details on the May Revise proposal can be found at ebudget.ca.gov.  

    Para leer este comunicado en español, haga clic aquí.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 14, 2025

    News Reducción de impuestos para jubilados militaresPre-kinder universal para todosAmpliación de programas antes y después de clases y cursos de veranoAlimentación escolar gratuita para todos los niñosImpulso de la alfabetización y la lecturaConstruyendo más…

    May 14, 2025

    News “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”   What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom’s budget calls for fast-track of critical water infrastructure project

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 14, 2025

    “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions of dollars and years of delay, and helping deliver critical water to users throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Newsom today announced, as part of his May Revise, a significant proposal to streamline one of California’s most important water management and climate adaptation projects, the Delta Conveyance Project, advancing much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the State Water Project.

    “For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay. We’re done with barriers  — our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    A project Californians depend on

    No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s water supply and economic success than the State Water Project. It captures, moves, and stores water used by 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. If the service area of the State Water Project were its own country, its economy would rank eighth largest in the world, generating $2.3 trillion in goods and services annually.  

    In other words, California depends upon State Water Project deliveries. Abandoning or neglecting investments in this vital water system would put extraordinary financial pressure on ratepayers, including nearly 8 million people living in disadvantaged communities, to replace this water with more expensive, less reliable options.

    Preparing California’s water infrastructure 

    Over the last few decades, the California climate has warmed, with the effects felt strongly in water resources. The state has already experienced a marked increase in the variability of precipitation, with wild swings from drought to flood. 

    Most major water systems — including the State Water Project  — were built for a more predictable bygone pattern of precipitation and are not equipped for the stronger storms, deeper droughts, and abrupt swings driven by climate change. The system simply cannot capture the type of big flows now becoming more common, and that must change.

    Without action, the ability of the State Water Project to reliably deliver water to homes, farms and businesses will decline.  

    Protecting California’s water supply 

    California is expected to lose 10% of its water supply due to hotter and drier conditions, threatening the water supply for millions of Californians — and the reliability of the State Water Project could be reduced as much as 23 percent.  Extreme weather whiplash will result in more intense swings between droughts and floods – California’s 60-year-old water infrastructure is not built for these climate impacts. 

    The Delta Conveyance Project will help offset and recover these future climate-driven water losses, and yet, it has been plagued by delays and red tape. 

    The Delta Conveyance Project would expand the state’s ability to improve water supply reliability, while also maintaining fishery and water quality protections. During atmospheric rivers last year, the Delta Conveyance Project could have captured enough water for 9.8 million people’s yearly usage.

    Removing unnecessary red tape

    Governor Newsom first announced his commitment to the project during his first State of the State, modernizing the previous administration’s plans to address seismic and reliability issues and ensure that this critical piece of infrastructure could be built quickly and without delay. The Governor has advanced efforts to move the DCP forward, including certifying a final environmental impact report in December 2023 and securing financial support from water agencies throughout the state serving a majority of Californians. And while the project has received some necessary permits, its path forward is burdened by complicated regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic delays. Today, the Governor is proposing to streamline and strengthen the project’s path forward, to protect the state’s water supply for future generations.

    The importance of protecting the reliability of the State Water Project is too great to allow the Delta Conveyance Project to be mired by unnecessary and extensive delays.  

    The Governor’s proposal would streamline the project by:

    • Simplifying permitting. The proposal would simplify permitting for the project by eliminating certain deadlines from existing State Water Project water rights permits — recognizing that the State Water Project should continue serving Californians’ water needs indefinitely. The proposal would also strengthen enforcement of the Water Board’s existing rules for permit protests.
    • Confirming funding authority. The proposal confirms that the Department of Water Resources has the authority to issue bonds for the cost of the DCP, to be repaid by participating public water agencies.
    • Preventing unnecessary litigation delays. The proposal narrows and streamlines judicial review of future challenges to the Delta Conveyance Project, building on models that have served other large public works projects. 
    • Supporting construction. The proposal streamlines the authority to acquire land, supporting ultimate construction of the Delta Conveyance Project.

    Building water infrastructure is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom will take action tomorrow to lower drug prices, increase transparency for PBMs, and expand authority for the state to acquire medication abortion. Sacramento, California – As part of the 2025-26 May Revision, Governor Gavin…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: California today filed a request for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop President Trump’s unlawful tariffs while the state’s lawsuit proceeds. Tariffs are not only expected to impact trade, but the upcoming state revenues and…

    May 14, 2025

    “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions of dollars and years of delay, and helping deliver critical water to users throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Newsom today announced, as part of his May Revise, a significant proposal to streamline one of California’s most important water management and climate adaptation projects, the Delta Conveyance Project, advancing much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the State Water Project.

    “For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay. We’re done with barriers  — our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    A project Californians depend on

    No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s water supply and economic success than the State Water Project. It captures, moves, and stores water used by 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. If the service area of the State Water Project were its own country, its economy would rank eighth largest in the world, generating $2.3 trillion in goods and services annually.

    In other words, California depends upon State Water Project deliveries. Abandoning or neglecting investments in this vital water system would put extraordinary financial pressure on ratepayers, including nearly 8 million people living in disadvantaged communities, to replace this water with more expensive, less reliable options.

    Preparing California’s water infrastructure 

    Over the last few decades, the California climate has warmed, with the effects felt strongly in water resources. The state has already experienced a marked increase in the variability of precipitation, with wild swings from drought to flood.

    Most major water systems — including the State Water Project  — were built for a more predictable bygone pattern of precipitation and are not equipped for the stronger storms, deeper droughts, and abrupt swings driven by climate change. The system simply cannot capture the type of big flows now becoming more common, and that must change.

    Without action, the ability of the State Water Project to reliably deliver water to homes, farms and businesses will decline.

    Protecting California’s water supply 

    California is expected to lose 10% of its water supply due to hotter and drier conditions, threatening the water supply for millions of Californians — and the reliability of the State Water Project could be reduced as much as 23 percent.  Extreme weather whiplash will result in more intense swings between droughts and floods – California’s 60-year-old water infrastructure is not built for these climate impacts.

    The Delta Conveyance Project will help offset and recover these future climate-driven water losses, and yet, it has been plagued by delays and red tape.

    The Delta Conveyance Project would expand the state’s ability to improve water supply reliability, while also maintaining fishery and water quality protections. During atmospheric rivers last year, the Delta Conveyance Project could have captured enough water for 9.8 million people’s yearly usage.

    Removing unnecessary red tape

    Governor Newsom first announced his commitment to the project during his first State of the State, modernizing the previous administration’s plans to address seismic and reliability issues and ensure that this critical piece of infrastructure could be built quickly and without delay. The Governor has advanced efforts to move the DCP forward, including certifying a final environmental impact report in December 2023 and securing financial support from water agencies throughout the state serving a majority of Californians. And while the project has received some necessary permits, its path forward is burdened by complicated regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic delays. Today, the Governor is proposing to streamline and strengthen the project’s path forward, to protect the state’s water supply for future generations.

    The importance of protecting the reliability of the State Water Project is too great to allow the Delta Conveyance Project to be mired by unnecessary and extensive delays.

    The Governor’s proposal would streamline the project by:

    • Simplifying permitting. The proposal would simplify permitting for the project by eliminating certain deadlines from existing State Water Project water rights permits — recognizing that the State Water Project should continue serving Californians’ water needs indefinitely. The proposal would also strengthen enforcement of the Water Board’s existing rules for permit protests.
    • Confirming funding authority. The proposal confirms that the Department of Water Resources has the authority to issue bonds for the cost of the DCP, to be repaid by participating public water agencies.
    • Preventing unnecessary litigation delays. The proposal narrows and streamlines judicial review of future challenges to the Delta Conveyance Project, building on models that have served other large public works projects.
    • Supporting construction. The proposal streamlines the authority to acquire land, supporting ultimate construction of the Delta Conveyance Project.

    Building water infrastructure is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom will take action tomorrow to lower drug prices, increase transparency for PBMs, and expand authority for the state to acquire medication abortion. Sacramento, California – As part of the 2025-26 May Revision, Governor Gavin…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: California today filed a request for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop President Trump’s unlawful tariffs while the state’s lawsuit proceeds. Tariffs are not only expected to impact trade, but the upcoming state revenues and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strengthening support for renewable hydrogen to meet EU energy and climate targets – E-001831/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001831/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    The Commission has announced that the second auction of the European Hydrogen Bank attracted 61 project applications from 11 European Economic Area countries, requesting over EUR 4.8 billion in subsidies – four times the EUR 1.2 billion currently available under the EU’s Innovation Fund. The proposed projects represent an electrolyser capacity of 6.3 gigawatts and aim to produce 7.3 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over ten years, corresponding to 7 % of the EU’s REPowerEU target for 2030.

    This strong interest highlights the growing momentum in the clean hydrogen sector and the urgent need for increased funding to bridge the gap between production costs and market prices. Contributions from Spain, Lithuania and Austria under the ‘auctions-as-a-service’ model further demonstrate the potential for complementary national support.

    However, with demand for subsidies significantly exceeding the available budget, there is a risk that many viable projects essential for achieving the EU’s decarbonisation and energy security goals will not be supported.

    In this context, what additional measures does the Commission intend to propose to strengthen financial support for renewable hydrogen, scale up production capacities and ensure the achievement of the EU’s 2030 clean energy targets?

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ADL Report: Congressman Brad Sherman Named Top Target of Antisemitic Hate in the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a report released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) identifying him as the most targeted Member of the House of Representatives for antisemitic abuse, Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) issued the following statement:

    “The findings in the ADL’s report are disturbing but not surprising. Antisemitism is on the rise, and it’s hitting closer to home than ever. When hate is left unchecked online, it doesn’t stay online—it seeps into our communities, our institutions, and even our government. So unfortunately, it’s no surprise that this uptick in online hate coincides with the rise in offline antisemitism – which has reached record-breaking levels since Hamas’s massacre of 1,200 innocent Israelis, Americans, and others on October 7th, 2023. 

    This wave of hate has continued to impact constituents in and near my district: two Jewish men were shot in an attempted murder while leaving religious services in Pico-Robertson[1]; a Jewish couple was assaulted outside of their synagogue in Beverly Hills[2]; the infamous antisemitic riot outside of the Adas Torah synagogue on Pico Boulevard, wherein an anti-Israel mob tried to prevent worshippers from entering the synagogue and assaulted a number of Jewish community members.[3] And just outside my district in Thousand Oaks, a 69 year old Jewish man, Paul Kessler, was brutally assaulted and killed by a anti-Israel protester.

    I will not be intimidated. I will not be silenced. I’ve spent my career standing up to extremism and antisemitism, and defending the right of all marginalized groups – including American Jews – to live in peace. That commitment only deepens in the face of these attacks.”

    In a report that was released on May 8, Anti-Defamation League researchers said they collected and analyzed antisemitic comments directed at 30 Jewish members of Congress with Facebook accounts. 

    The report concluded that among these 30 Jewish members of Congress, the most frequently targeted Senators were Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), while Congressman Brad Sherman stood as the most frequently targeted in the House of Representatives. 

    To read the ADL’s full report, click here.

    ###

    [1] U.S. DOJ: Former California Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Attempting to Murder Two Jewish Men Leaving Los Angeles Synagogues Last Year
    https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/former-california-man-sentenced-35-years-prison-attempting-murder-two-jewish-men-leaving-los

    [2] ‘Despicable act of hate’: Suspect arrested after antisemitic assault in Beverly Hills

    https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-12-10/arrest-made-in-the-antisemitic-assault-of-an-elderly-man-in-beverly-hills

    [3] JPost: Lawsuit hits protest groups, funder over Pico-Robertson synagogue riots

    https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-812203

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Improve Access to Healthcare in Rural Communities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) introduced the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill would provide investment in rural healthcare by reauthorizing the telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs through Fiscal Year 2030.

    “In the Central Valley and rural communities across the country, telehealth isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline,” said Congressman Valadao. “With too few doctors, long wait times, and clinics often hours away, families are still struggling to get the care they need. This bipartisan bill gives Valley families the flexibility and tools required to better connect with providers, and I’m proud to join Congressman Gray in strengthening rural healthcare for the long haul.”

    “In rural areas like the Central Valley, access to telehealth may be the only way folks can see a medical provider,” said Congressman Gray. “While our community experiences one of the worst physician shortages in the country, we need to make it easier to get care—not harder. This bipartisan, commonsense bill to reauthorize telehealth network and resource grants will allow families to access care no matter where they live.”  

    Background:

    Originally enacted in 1944, the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) provides the foundation for the nation’s public health programs and workforce. Over the years, it has been a critical tool in addressing America’s evolving health care needs—particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to quality care remains a challenge.

    Through key provisions supporting community health centers, workforce development programs, and telehealth expansion, the PHSA has helped bring vital services to millions of Americans living in rural areas. Reauthorizing the telehealth network and telehealth resource grant programs ensures continued investment in initiatives that recruit and retain health professionals in rural communities, strengthens rural hospitals and clinics, and closes the geographic gaps in receiving quality care.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple brings insights, ratings, and reviews from expert sources to Apple Maps

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple brings insights, ratings, and reviews from expert sources to Apple Maps

    UPDATE May 14, 2025

    Users can now view and search for restaurants and hotels in the U.S. with distinctions from MICHELIN Guide; The Infatuation and Golf Digest coming soon

    Starting today, Apple Maps makes it even easier for users to search and discover top-ranked restaurants, hotels, golf courses, and more, with the addition of rankings and insights from expert sources. Users can now view and search for MICHELIN-starred, Green Star, and Bib Gourmand restaurants — along with MICHELIN Key hotels — starting in the U.S., with support for additional regions coming in the future. Soon, rankings and insights from The Infatuation and Golf Digest will also be added to Maps, with more expert sources to follow.

    With this update, place cards will now reflect distinctions, descriptions, and images from expert sources. Additionally, for select hotels, users can now book directly from Maps, with the option to schedule restaurant reservations through MICHELIN and tee times through Supreme Golf coming soon.

    “MICHELIN Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest are leading industry experts that consumers rely on for finding the best restaurants, hotels, and golf courses, and we’re excited to bring their valuable insights and accolades to our users in Apple Maps,” said David Dorn, Apple’s senior director of Internet Software and Services Product. “These new integrations make Maps an even more useful and seamless resource for users to discover great new places whether in their hometown or traveling somewhere new.”

    “We are pleased to bring MICHELIN Guide’s expertise to Apple Maps. The integration of MICHELIN Guide’s ratings, expert insights, and booking services into Apple Maps will significantly enhance global access to exceptional gastronomy and hospitality experiences,” said Gwendal Poullennec, MICHELIN Guide’s international director. “By bringing MICHELIN Guide’s restaurant and hotel distinctions into the Apple Maps app, we are providing travelers and food enthusiasts with easy and convenient access to MICHELIN’s curated recommendations and insights for their next memorable experience.”

    “Apple and The Infatuation share a commitment to high-quality content — and we are thrilled to soon bring our authentic, relatable, and curated restaurant recommendations to Apple Maps,” said Paul Needham, CEO of The Infatuation. “It’s important for us to meet users where they are, and we know Apple Maps is a key part of their daily lives, making this integration a natural fit.”

    “As the leading authority in golf course rankings and reviews, Golf Digest is proud to bring our trusted insights to Apple Maps,” said Meredith Bausback, Golf Digest’s vice president of Marketing & Audience Development. “This integration will soon empower golfers to discover and choose courses with the confidence that comes from decades of expert evaluation.”

    To use this feature, users can leverage search filters in Maps and find places with these distinctions. To explore more great places around the world, users can also view curated guides from MICHELIN Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Applauds Signing of Senate Bill 29, Strengthening Texas’ Standing as a National Leader in Corporate Governance and Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Nasdaq issued a statement in support of Texas Senate Bill 29 after Governor Abbott signed the bill into law. This legislation, which codifies the Business Judgment Rule and promotes predictability in corporate governance litigation, enhances Texas’ competitiveness as a jurisdiction for incorporation and business growth. Nasdaq’s Executive Vice Chairman Ed Knight joined Governor Abbott, leadership from the Texas legislature, and other Texas business community leaders for the signing ceremony.

    “Senate Bill 29 is a milestone for corporate governance in Texas. By embracing smart, innovation-focused regulation like SB 29, Texas is showing the world what it means to lead on economic growth and modern, clear governance principles,” said Ed Knight, Executive Vice Chairman of Nasdaq. “We commend Senator Bryan Hughes, Representative Morgan Meyer, and Governor Greg Abbott for advancing legislation that strengthens Texas’ position as a global center for capital formation.”

    Texas has become a national model for innovation-driven policy that balances economic growth with investor confidence. The passage of SB 29 aligns with Nasdaq’s mission to promote fair, efficient, and accessible capital markets, and reinforces Texas as a destination for corporate formation and public company investment. Nasdaq has a longstanding history of advocating for clients by minimizing the complexity associated with navigating the public markets. Its efforts for corporate issuers encompass addressing issues such as the SEC’s proposed climate disclosure rules, cyber disclosure rules, proxy advisory reform, AI regulation, PCAOB reforms, and emerging growth company timelines.

    “At Nasdaq, we are honored to have been part of the Texas community for nearly two decades” said Rachel Racz, Senior Vice President, Head of Listings for Texas, Southern U.S. and Latin America at Nasdaq. “We remain committed to advocating for our clients on both a federal and local level and supporting the bold Texas leadership that continues to power our state’s dynamic economy.”

    Nasdaq’s presence in Texas continues to expand. The company recently announced the opening of a new regional headquarters in Dallas, serving as a Southeast hub and convening space for its Texas-based clients. Nasdaq currently is home to over 200 listed companies headquartered in the state and generates over $750 million in revenues in Texas and the Southeast region of the U.S., partnering with over 2,000 clients, approximately 800 of which are based in Texas.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Nasdaq Media Contact

    Michelle Mendiola
    (646) 634-8350
    michelle.mendiola@nasdaq.com

    Chris Hayden
    (301) 523-5829
    christopher.hayden@nasdaq.com 

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, information regarding our regional presence. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lake Trichonida – ‘Energy Centre’ in a Natura area – E-001078/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has not been made aware of the project referred to by the Honourable Member but is aware of the importance of protecting natural habitats and species of European and international interest, such as the ecosystems hosted by Lake Trichonida.

    The protection of these ecosystems is governed by EU legislation, specifically the Habitats Directive[1] and the Birds Directive[2]. Under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive, if the project is likely to have a significant negative effect on a Natura 2000 site, the competent authorities must conduct an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of its conservation objectives[3].

    The project also falls under Annex II[4] to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[5]. For such projects, there is no automatic obligation for an EIA. Member States have to determine, through a case-by-case examination, by applying thresholds or criteria, or a combination of both, if the project is likely to have significant effects on the environment. If this is the case, an EIA has to be carried out. For projects for which it is determined that an assessment is not required, the determination must be made available to the public and specify the main reasons for not requiring such assessment.

    Under the Water Framework Directive[6], it should be ensured that Article 4(7), concerning new modifications to the physical characteristics of a surface water body, is considered.

    The primary responsibility for ensuring that renewable energy projects are developed in full compliance with EU law lies with the Greek authorities.

    • [1] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [2] Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version). OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25.
    • [3] Commission’s guidance document: Guidance on the requirements for hydropower in relation to EU nature legislation, Publications Office of the European Union, 2018, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2779/43645.
    • [4] Point 10(g).
    • [5] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    • [6] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of the Green Deal on European competitiveness and industry – E-001067/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Green Deal[1] aims at putting Europe on a pathway to a climate-neutral continent. The Commission remains committed to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives, which will also allow the economy to become more resilient, while boosting industrial competitiveness.

    The Clean Industrial Deal[2] presents concrete initiatives to strengthen the business case for competitiveness, decarbonisation and circularity in Europe. It responds to clear demands of EU industry[3] for an industrial deal based on energy and materials security, and an effective market for net zero, low carbon and circular products. It therefore includes actions to improve access to affordable energy, lead markets, materials and circularity, funding and skills, as well as to an international level playing field. The Commission is also simplifying EU rules and their implementation to reduce burdens for businesses, including when it comes to sustainability reporting[4].

    The Commission notes that high energy costs have recently been caused by high fossil fuel prices. The Commission adopted the Affordable Energy Action Plan[5], aimed at lowering energy bills while promoting decarbonisation. It will also propose an Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, with measures to ease permitting for industrial access to energy and decarbonisation.

    The EU is committed to implementing critical raw materials policies[6] by diversifying supply chains, improving access to funding for strategic projects as well as boosting circular business models. Moreover, a Critical Raw Materials Centre will coordinate joint raw material purchases on behalf of interested companies. Regarding energy supply, the Commission calls for swift adoption of the extension of the gas storage rules[7].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en .
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en .
    • [3] The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal: https://antwerp-declaration.eu/ .
    • [4] Sustainability Omnibus: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-simplifies-rules-sustainability-and-eu-investments-delivering-over-eu6-billion_en .
    • [5] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en .
    • [6] See namely the Critical Raw Materials Act: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401252 .
    • [7] An update to the Security of Supply Framework is foreseen for 2026.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Criticism of the bill on developing and promoting research and the excessive level of job insecurity faced by Italian researchers – E-000986/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware that the Ministry of University and Research presented to the Parliament in September 2024, the bill No 1240 ‘Provisions on the valorisation and promotion of research’ with the aim of further modifying the rules concerning the career of researchers, already reformed following the entry into force of the decree-law of 30 April 2022 ‘Further urgent measures for the implementation of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)’, converted with amendments into law of 29 June 2022, no. 79. The Commission, in the context of the implementation of the NRRP, maintains a constant dialogue with the Italian Authorities as well as stakeholders, including trade unions, and carefully monitors the implementation of the reforms and investments. At this stage, the bill no. 1240 has not been adopted. The Commission is not in a position to comment on a draft law.

    The Commission attaches high importance to promote job security and stability for researchers[1], within the remit of EU competences. These elements are addressed in the European framework for research careers and the European Charter for Researchers[2]. The Commission supports Member States and stakeholders in the implementation of the new framework through a set of initiatives.

    Regarding the possibility for the Commission to support the structural financing of pre-tenure and tenure-track university positions , it is a responsibility of the Member State to propose measures amending its Recovery and Resilience Plan, that the Commission can then assess in accordance with the Recovery and Resilience Facility (Regulation (EU) 2021/241).

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/7282/oj/eng C/2024/7282, 05/12/2024.
    • [2] Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Massive brain drain from EU universities is an existential threat to Europe’s future – E-001033/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Establishing measures to attract and retain talents and counter brain drain is a priority for the Commission, as human capital is fundamental for the competitiveness of research and innovation and of the European economy.

    The new European framework for research careers and the new European Charter for Researchers[1] support attractive careers and working conditions in universities and beyond, contributing to a balanced mobility of research talents between EU countries and sectors, to retaining European talents, and to attracting international ones.

    Horizon Europe[2] supports the implementation of the new framework, for example via the Human Resources Excellence in Research award[3], a Mutual Learning Exercise[4] supporting the exchange of good practices by Member States[5], and a Talent Ecosystems pilot call supporting attractive careers for early-career researchers[6]. Additional measures to ensure attractive careers are expected in the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 2025-2027[7] with Horizon Europe funding. A proposal for a legislative ERA Act is due in 2026, including measures to further strengthen researchers’ careers and mobility.

    The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)[8] play a pivotal role in retaining European researchers, bringing European talents back to Europe and attracting foreign ones[9]. A new Choose Europe MSCA action is foreseen to be launched in 2025 to provide excellent researchers coming to Europe with pathways to more stable and attractive employment.

    The European Universities alliances funded by Erasmus+ continue to support the European academic community, as they offer enhanced global visibility and attractive career development within the institutions of the alliances and across diverse ecosystems[10].

    • [1]  OJ C, C/2023/1640, 29.12.2023.
    • [2]  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en .
    • [3]  https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward.
    • [4] Under the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility.
    • [5] https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/policy-support-facility/psf-challenge/mutual-learning-exercise-research-careers .
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094503,31094502&frameworkProgramme=43108390&callIdentifier=HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02&order=ASC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=identifier .
    • [7] Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025-2027, COM(2025)0062 final.
    • [8] https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/ .
    • [9] See European Commission: AIT, CSES, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, PPMI, Dėlkutė, R. et al., Study on mobility flows of researchers in the context of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions — Analysis and recommendations towards a more balanced brain circulation across the European Research Area — Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/401134.
    • [10] European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, PPMI, Grumbinaitė, I., Colus, F. and Buitrago Carvajal, H., Report on the outcomes and transformational potential of the European Universities initiative, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/32313.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – US tariffs threaten Galician competitiveness and industry – E-000652/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission regrets the decision by the United States (US) to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports to the US as of 12 March 2025 and its decision to extend tariffs also to a list of downstream products[1].

    The Commission publicly stated that any unjustified tariffs will trigger firm and proportionate EU countermeasures. On 12 March 2025, the Commission launched the process to adequately respond, foreseeing the adoption on 14 April. However, given recent developments, the application of these EU countermeasures will be delayed for 90 days to leave space for bilateral negotiations.

    The transatlantic trade and investment relationship is the most important in the world. As the EU and US economies and businesses are so closely intertwined, it is in their mutual interest to engage in positive cooperation. When it comes to steel and aluminium, EU exports to the US are not the problem. Rather, the EU and the US have an interest to cooperate on facing the common challenge of overcapacity in the world.

    The President of the Commission announced that an ‘Import Surveillance Task Force’ will be set up to monitor trade flows and protect against the indirect effects of tariffs, notably those stemming from trade diversion.

    Finally, on 19 March the Commission presented a Steel and Metal Action Plan[2] to increase competitiveness, strengthen and decarbonise the European steel and metals industries.

    • [1] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02832.pdf and https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02833.pdf.
    • [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/7807ca8b-10ce-4ee2-9c11-357afe163190_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Steel%20and%20Metals%20Action%20Plan.pdf.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Incompatibility between the list of safe countries of origin made by the Italian Government and the criteria laid down in EU law – E-002701/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The assessment of whether a third country meets the conditions set out in Annex I of Directive 2013/32[1] for the purpose of the designation as safe country of origin is conducted by Member States’ competent authorities, based on a range of sources of information. In any event, when the concept is applied in a procedure for international protection, an individual examination of the application submitted by applicants from designated safe countries of origin must always be carried out.

    Pursuant to Article 37(2) of Directive 2013/32, Member States must regularly review the situation in the designated safe countries of origin. This covers the occurrence of significant events which may affect the presumption that the concerned country can guarantee the safety of the applicant.

    • [1] Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (recast) — OJ L 180, 29/06/2013, p. 60.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EMPL-FEMM exchange of views with Commission EVP Roxana Mînzatu on gender care gap – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    CARE © Image used under the license of Adobe Stock

    On 19 May 2025, the Committees on Employment and Social Affairs and on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality will jointly organise an Exchange of Views with Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness on “Advancing Towards a Care Society: Addressing the Gender Care Gap”.

    The European Care Strategy emphasizes the implementation of principles from the European Pillar of Social Rights, focusing on gender equality, work-life balance including flexible working, childcare, and support for children and long-term care. Building on the strategy, more attention is needed to discuss how to best support women and men in achieving the best care and work-life balance for carers, taking into account long-term care and both formal and informal workforce. This exchange aims to facilitate a deeper discussion on the gender care gap. It will also serve as a preparatory step for the EMPL-FEMM own-initiative report on this topic.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Implementation of the Bolkestein Directive and the new Italian healthcare accreditation system’s compliance issues – E-000542/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Based on the elements available, it is unclear whether Directive 2014/24/EU[1] or Directive 2014/23/EU[2] would apply to the legal relationships stemming from the accreditation system laid down in the law referred to in the Honourable Member’s question.

    Even if the directives were not applicable, any national measure which, albeit applicable without discrimination on grounds of nationality, is liable to hinder or render less attractive the exercise by EU nationals of the freedom of establishment guaranteed by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union would still be prohibited under Article 49 of that Treaty.

    The Commission recalls that according to the principle of free administration of public authorities, Member States authorities may choose to perform their public interest tasks with their own resources, or in cooperation with other authorities or to confer them upon economic operators.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj/eng .
    • [2]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/23/oj/eng .
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Greece’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Greece’s climate law sets the objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1) and of delivering a 55 % reduction of net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared with 1990. Greece accounted for 2.3 % of the EU’s net GHG emissions in 2023, and achieved a net emissions reduction of 48.5 % from 2005 to 2023, greater than the EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) fell by almost two thirds. Greece’s land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector has functioned as a moderate carbon sink throughout the 2005-2023 period. For the effort-sharing sectors, Greece has consistently overachieved its targets. Greece’s national recovery and resilience plan, amended with a REPowerEU chapter, dedicates 38.2 % of investment to the green transition. Greece submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in November 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final updated NECP, which was submitted in January 2025. In a 2023 survey, 44 % of Greeks, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change to be one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (74 %), the EU (73 %) and/or business and industry (73 %) to tackle climate change. Less than a third find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Lithuania’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Lithuania’s national climate change management agenda sets emissions reduction targets with a view to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Lithuania accounted for 0.4 % of the EU’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023 and had reduced its net emissions by 31.5 % since 2005, slightly above the EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) were more than halved (-57.5 %). For the effort-sharing sectors, Lithuania overachieved its target for the 2013-2020 period and expects to reach its 2030 target. Lithuania’s land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is an important carbon sink, absorbing around a third of the country’s GHG emissions. In June 2023, Lithuania modified its recovery and resilience plan, adding a REPowerEU chapter. Lithuania submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in July 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for the final updated NECP, which was published in October 2024. In a 2023 survey, a third of Lithuanians, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (57 %) and/or business and industry (56 %) to tackle climate change, 50 % see it as a task of the EU, while 37 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU electricity grids – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The modernisation and expansion of electricity grids lies at the heart of the EU’s energy transition and decarbonisation efforts. In the context of the rising share of electricity in final energy consumption, there is increasing demand for grid upgrades to accommodate the new generation capacity and to adapt, in particular, to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Key concerns include ageing infrastructure, investment shortfalls, and regulatory complexities that hinder rapid modernisation of grids and efficient integration of decentralised energy production. Interconnectivity between EU Member States is important to ensure energy security and reliability: the integration of European electricity markets benefits consumers by up to €34 billion every year. To meet the challenge posed by electricity infrastructure modernisation, various innovative solutions, including the adoption of smart grids, digitalisation, and grid enhancement technologies, should be considered. In addition, ways of increasing private and public sector financing should be explored to meet the challenge of the massive investments that are needed in this sector in the coming decades; methodologies and scenarios for anticipating future needs constitute an essential element in ensuring a cost-effective approach to the development of grids. Globally, electricity grids will need to increase by more than 20 % in length by 2030 to meet energy and climate pledges in time and in full, which requires annual average investment in grids to rise to US$600 billion from around US$300 billion today, according to the International Energy Agency. Concerning supply chain risks, the need for resilient and effective grid manufacturing supply chains is recognised by the Net-Zero Industry Act, which designates grid technologies as strategic net-zero technologies. Recognising the critical importance of grids for the EU energy union and economy as a whole, the European Commission came forward with an EU action plan for grids in November 2023, while a new European grids package is expected in the coming months. Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted an own-initiative report on the subject on 13 May 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Romania’s climate action strategy – 14-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2023, Romania accounted for around 2 % of the EU’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and had achieved a net emissions reduction of 50.8 % compared with 2005 (Figure 1). The country’s total emissions decreased by 30.1 % between 2005 and 2023, while its net carbon removals in the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector increased by 50 %. Emissions from sectors covered by the effort-sharing legislation had risen by 8.4 % since 2005. In 2023, they were more than three times higher than those from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which fell by 68.2 % over the same period. Romania has committed to the EU’s target of climate neutrality by 2050 (see the trajectory in Figure 1). However, to meet its energy needs, the country still relies mainly on fossil fuels; the deployment of various renewable energy sources for the shift towards a sustainable economy requires further efforts. Romania’s recovery and resilience plan dedicates 44 % of investments to the green transition, with a focus on industry decarbonisation, sustainable transport, and building renovation. Romania submitted its final updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) in October 2024. In a 2023 survey, 23 % of Romanians, compared with a 46 % EU average, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect national government (40 %), the EU (37 %), and/or business and industry (33 %) to tackle climate change; 18 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Update of the EU Action Plan on Organ Donation and Transplantation – E-001838/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001838/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elena Nevado del Campo (PPE)

    The Council conclusions of December 2024 highlight that organ donation is an advancement in European healthcare, improving the health of patients with end-stage organ failure and offering a cost-effective alternative to other treatments. Initiatives such as the Action Plan on Organ Donation and Transplantation have been key to increasing donations and transplant rates and improving the quality and safety of organs for clinical use.

    However, as the Council points out[1], the demand for transplantation continues to grow due to an ageing population and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, highlighting the need to enhance donation and transplantation practices across the Member States.

    In addition, according to the European Commission report assessing the Plan[2], several Member States have flagged the need for a new plan drawing on lessons learned.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.When does the Commission intend to update the Action Plan on Organ Donation and Transplantation?
    • 2.What specific actions does it consider to be priorities in this area?

    Submitted: 7.5.2025

    • [1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16568-2024-INIT/en/pdf.
    • [2] https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2019-03/2017_euactionplan_2009-2015_impact_exe_en_0.pdf.
    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Investigation and possible failure to comply with Regulation (EU) 2019/941 on risk‑preparedness in the electricity sector in Spain – E-001843/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001843/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    On 28 April 2025, Spain suffered one of the worst power cuts in its recent history, during which the entire country – as well as Portugal and parts of France – was without electricity for more than 12 hours. The Spanish Government has not yet provided an explanation as to what caused the incident, nor has it assumed any political responsibility. This situation raises major concerns with regard to energy security, risk prevention and grid coordination by the network management company, Redeia, which is partly state-owned.

    • 1.Has the Commission received official information from the Spanish Government on the causes of the power cut?
    • 2.Does the Commission think the government’s actions have been in line with the principles of cooperation, transparency and information exchange laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/941 on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector?
    • 3.Is the Commission planning to launch an investigation – to be carried out by independent experts with proven, extensive experience who are not under the influence of companies with market interests – to establish whether management failures could have caused this crisis?

    Submitted: 7.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Human rights violation in the Italian detention and repatriation centre in Albania – E-001648/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001648/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE)

    In April, we inspected the Italian detention and repatriation centre in Gjadër, Albania, to verify the conditions of the migrants held there.

    We witnessed and heard directly the following:

    People are randomly taken by the Italian authorities, handcuffed without justification and transferred to Albania without explanation.

    There is a lack of independent medical support on-site. The healthcare personnel are provided by the managing entity and cannot assess whether individuals are fit for detention. That assessment depends on a commission in Rome, which arbitrarily decides whether detainees are examined on-site or remotely.

    During the sea crossing, migrants remain in restraint and, upon arrival, they are held in conditions that cause psychological distress. They are only allowed one five minute phone call per day. For the first days most had not yet had contact with a lawyer.

    The ‘critical incidents’ report lists 22 episodes in just one week caused by anxiety, self-harm and suicide attempts linked to addiction to psychiatric medication.

    Given that the Commission has referred to this centre as part of ‘innovative solutions’ for migration management, we ask:

    • 1.whether it intends to carry out an inspection of the centre;
    • 2.whether it considers that these practices violate the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.

    Submitted: 24.4.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate passes Kennedy-backed National Police Week resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and 78 bipartisan senators in introducing a resolution to designate the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as National Police Week. The Senate unanimously adopted the resolution.
    “One of the toughest jobs in the world is being a police officer, especially when so many officers don’t get the recognition they deserve. I can’t thank Louisiana’s law enforcement community enough for the good work they do to keep our communities strong, safe and free, and I am proud of the Senate for honoring our heroes,” said Kennedy. 
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety. As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers,” said Grassley.
    “Every day, our country’s law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Officers and their families make great sacrifices in the name of service, including the tragic cases of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We’re grateful for their heroism, and we must make sure that officers serving with dignity and integrity have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” said Durbin.
    The resolution:
    Designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as “National Police Week.”
    Honors the 234 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2024 and the 18 officers reportedly killed in the line of duty so far in 2025.
    Expresses unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the U.S. in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities.
    Recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training and resources they need to protect the health and safety of the officers while they protect the public. 
    Encourages the American people to observe National Police Week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of the essential mission they undertake in service to their communities and the U.S.
    Background: 
    In Aug. 2023, the Senate passed the Kennedy-backed Recruit and Retain Act to address the nation-wide shortage of law enforcement officers, increase recruitment and address workforce challenges.
    In Feb. 2024, Kennedy helped introduce the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act to establish a grant program at the Department of Justice to help state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies solve more crimes and improve clearance rates for homicides and firearm related violent crimes.
    In Jan. 2025, Kennedy joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and colleagues in introducing the Thin Blue Line Act to make the targeting, killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or other first responder an aggravating factor when determining whether capital punishment is appropriate.
    In Feb. 2025, Kennedy reintroduced the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Reform Act to expand the concealed-carry rights of qualified law enforcement officers.
    Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Thomas Tillis (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) joined Kennedy, Grassley and Durbin in introducing the resolution.
    Full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Guilty of Re-Entry of Removed Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ (“AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ”) , age 29, a native of Honduras, pled guilty on May 13, 2025, to an indictment charging him  with re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.  His sentencing is set for June 17, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long.

    According to court documents, AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ re-entered the United States after being previously deported on June 8, 2018.  On December 22, 2024,  AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center after being arrested for several state charges.  Thereafter, on March 5, 2023, The Pacific Enforcement Response Center issued a detainer for AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, after he was arrested in Jefferson Parish on municipal and traffic attachments.  Enforcement and Removal Operations New Orleans picked up AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, on March 7, 2025, after his release from local custody and turned him over to immigration authorities.

    EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Expansion of United Christian Hospital

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Tang Ka-piu and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

    Question:

         There are views pointing out that the expansion project of United Christian Hospital (UCH) has been delayed since its launch in 2015, and that the design specifications do not meet the latest medical requirements. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the progress of the aforesaid expansion project and the exact date when the expanded facilities will officially commence operation; whether the completion date of the project is later than originally planned; if so, of the main reasons for that;

    (2) as there are views that the design of the renovated buildings and facilities (e.g. height of storeys and load bearing standards, etc) under the aforesaid expansion project is different from the specifications of new hospitals nowadays and may not meet the storage or operational requirements of some medical devices, whether the Government knows if the Hospital Authority has put in place remedial measures or make appropriate arrangements in this regard; and

    (3) whether the playground site adjacent to UCH be retained for use in the next phase of the hospital’s expansion project; if so, of the specific boundary of the site and the timetable for planning and survey works; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

         Established in 1973, the United Christian Hospital (UCH) is a major acute general hospital in the Kowloon East Cluster (KEC). It provides 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) services and a range of specialist out-patient, inpatient, ambulatory, extended care and community medical services. Together with the Tseung Kwan O Hospital and the Haven of Hope Hospital in the cluster, the UCH provides comprehensive clinical services to the residents of the Kwun Tong and Sai Kung districts. To meet the ever-increasing healthcare service demand of the two districts, the Government obtained funding approval from the Legislative Council to carry out the main works of the expansion project of the UCH in 2020, which is one of the 16 projects under the First Hospital Development Plan (HDP).

         Having consulted the Hospital Authority (HA), the reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Tang Ka-piu is as follows:

    (1) The UCH expansion project will not only bring about additional diagnostic and medical facilities to comprehensively improve the ambulatory care services and integrated healthcare services, but also provide a new oncology centre and an additional 560 beds as well as five operating theatres. The area of the expanded A&E Department will be increased to more than 250 per cent, from the existing 1 600 square metres to 4 240 square metres.

         The main works of the expansion project commenced in September 2020 and were originally planned for completion by 2024. Due to some delays, the Ambulatory Block is now anticipated to be progressively completed starting from the end of 2025 and to commence operation in phases in mid-2026 the earliest.

         The expansion project of the UCH involves in-situ expansion and redevelopment. During the works period, on-going clinical operations have to be maintained to provide service and the new block has to interface with the existing hospital premises. As such, adjustments are required to address various construction constraints during the works period. The works progress is therefore affected and deviates from the previously over-optimistically estimated completion time. In addition, other major reasons of the delay can be summarised in the following three points: 

    (a) Site constraints

    The limited space and vehicular access at UCH, the extensive and complex nature of the project, its location in an old district and the adjacent slope, together with the numerous underground utility pipes and facilities and the difference between their actual and expected locations have resulted in modifications to the design from time to time. The existing underground utilities were also needed to accommodate the actual ground conditions. 

    (b) Unsatisfactory performance of the consultants and the contractors of the works

    The HA has repeatedly urged the consultants and contractors of the works to take measures to catch up with works progress. If it is proved that the delay was caused by inappropriate design or works arrangements, the HA will follow up in accordance with the terms of the contracts.

    (c) Impact from the COVID-19 epidemic and inclement weather 

    The contractors’ deployment of manpower and supplies of materials had long been affected by the COVID-19 since the commencement of works in September 2020. The severe epidemic situation during the fifth wave of the epidemic in early 2022 had hindered the progress of the works project. Besides, major exterior works were also affected by inclement weather, resulting in the extension of the overall construction period.

         The expansion project involves in-situ redevelopment, with clinical services being maintained under sub-optimal conditions. I would like to express my gratitude towards all healthcare staff of the UCH and KEC for their patient-oriented spirit in providing high-quality services to the patients unwaveringly, as well as towards the public for their understanding and patience towards the inconveniences during the works period. The HA will continue to maintain close communication with District Councils and the community and report the related works progress and service developments in a timely manner. 

    (2) In respect of hospital works projects involving in-situ redevelopment or expansion, as the projects need to be undertaken amidst on-going hospital operations with new block(s) interfacing with existing portions of hospital premises, constraints would be imposed to the relevant designs and the works. Such constraints, however, are not insurmountable. The HA has been taking measures to address them. In setting up healthcare services and facilities in the UCH, existing conditions and constraints, as well as the operational needs have been taken into consideration while new medical facilities are set up in accordance with the relevant standards and specifications, with the structure of the building reinforced according to the requirements in the Building (Construction) Regulation if necessary to ensure that such facilities can operate and meet service needs.

    (3) The Government announced in 2018 that it has invited the HA to commence planning for the Second HDP, which was to be implemented to meet the service demand up to 2036. With the changes in the planning and development strategies in Hong Kong and the population policy of the Government, as well as the latest corresponding change in population projections in Hong Kong, the Health Bureau and the HA are currently reviewing the Second HDP by extending the planning horizon to up to 2041 and beyond to project the healthcare services demand. The Health Bureau and the HA also consider the supply of the land required, various major transport infrastructure development plans, etc, as well as the development need of individual hospitals and its cost-effectiveness for optimising the Second HDP, so as to determine the distribution, scale and priority, etc of various hospital development projects under the Second HDP. 

         In the light of the experience gained under the First HDP, the Government will, in the Second HDP, strive to implement hospital development projects on clear sites as far as practicable (such as a composite development in an adjacent government site of existing hospitals) so as to optimise the development potential of the projects, minimise the impact on existing hospital operations and enhance the cost-effectiveness of the redevelopment. In the case of UCH, exploring the use of the adjoining recreational ground as a decanting site for further expansion is an option that may be considered.

         After the completion of the review, the Government will announce the details of the Second HDP at an appropriate juncture.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-adder” High-level Business Luncheon in Kuwait (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-adder” High-level Business Luncheon in Kuwait today (May 14):

    Your Excellency Khalifa Abdullah Dhahi Al-Ajeel Al-Askar (Minister of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait), Excellency Ambassador Zhang Jianwei (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Kuwait), Excellency Mr Rabah Al-Rabah (Director General of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

    As-salamu alaykum. Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to be with you today in Kuwait, home to one of the world’s largest oil reserves, and a country as committed to talent development as it is to economic diversification. 

    This is our second day in your resplendent capital, Kuwait City, where past, present and future – in design, culture, lifestyle and so much more – come together like no other city in the world.

    Yesterday, I was honoured to have met with His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait; His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait; His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait, and other senior government officials. I thanked them sincerely for the time, interest and hospitality they have shown us, from the moment we arrived in Kuwait. Kuwait has generously arranged for our government delegates to stay at Bayan Palace, a majestic landmark in Kuwait City. I reaffirmed to them the commitment, and sincerity, of Hong Kong and Mainland China in strengthening relations with Kuwait.  

    Yes, I am delighted to be here. So too, are the business and professional leaders with me, a delegation counting some 30 Hong Kong business and institutional heads, together with high-profile representatives of over 20 Chinese Mainland companies from seven provinces and municipalities across the country.

    The delegation brings with them wide-ranging expertise, and invaluable experience, from both Hong Kong and Mainland China, in green development, and innovation and technology, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, new energy and materials, health and smart city evolution. They also offer Hong Kong’s wealth of experience in finance, infrastructure, transport and logistics, as well as global business operations and deal-making.

    We are here to better understand the opportunities of Kuwaiti business and investment. To explore how Hong Kong, Mainland China and Kuwait, working together, can create long-term mutual opportunities.

    We’re also here to explore closer ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, GCC), which, as all of you know, includes Kuwait. Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the GCC, wielding significant influence in the region’s development.

    Our ties run deep and far. China, our country, and Kuwait established diplomatic ties in 1971 – making Kuwait the first GCC country to do so. Last year, trade between China and Kuwait reached well over US$16 billion. 

    Kuwait, I’m pleased to note, was the first country in the Middle East to sign a Belt and Road co-operation document with China. From of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s headquarters building and housing projects, to telecommunications and smart city developments, Chinese enterprises have participated in numerous infrastructure and business projects here.

    Hong Kong treasures its trade ties with Kuwait, too. Last year, our bilateral merchandise trade totalled US$200 million, up more than 21 per cent over the year before. 

    Hong Kong’s trade with the GCC last year reached nearly US$20 billion, up 53 per cent over the past four years. And that robust growth is underpinned by our mutual will to advance trade ties.

    Thanks to our internationally recognised professional services sector, Hong Kong is a pivotal player in the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2023, we included a Middle East Forum, for the first time, at our annual Belt and Road Summit. And we continue to feature Middle East speakers and guests at the Summit. 

    Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Summit will take place in September this year. As earlier the Chairman of the Trade Development Council (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) said, it’s our 10th anniversary Summit, and I invite you all to join us, to take part in a world of Belt and Road opportunities – in business, investment and more.

    And the Asian Financial Forum, Hong Kong’s flagship event bringing together prominent leaders in finance and business sectors, hosted its first GCC Chapter this January. 

    Yes, the ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East continue to grow and diversify. 

    They include the launching of the Middle East’s first two exchange-traded funds tracking Hong Kong stocks. Hong Kong is partnering with a Middle East sovereign wealth fund, too. Together, we are committed to jointly establishing a US$1 billion fund, investing in companies connected to Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  

    The Greater Bay Area, let me add, is a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Macao and nine southern cities in China. The fast-integrating regional economic powerhouse presents a collective GDP (Gross Domestic Product) that closely rivals the world’s 10th largest economy.

    Hong Kong has much to offer Kuwait. Asia’s financial hub and one of the world’s three biggest financial centres, Hong Kong is also the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business centre. Coupled with our Islamic finance experience, Hong Kong is a trusted partner in your project financing – today and long down the road. 

    Free trade is among our great competitive advantages, fuelling our success for the past two centuries. Hong Kong is a free port, and we will continue to be a free port. Like our country, we are a vocal advocate of a multilateral, rules-based global economy, in spite of mounting protectionism and geopolitical tensions.

    And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a testament to our “one country, two systems” governing principle at work. 

    Under the principle, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has its own legal, legislative and judicial systems. Our legal system is a common law system, similar to that in many major financial hubs around the globe. We maintain our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls. Information, capital, goods and people flow freely in Hong Kong. 

    The principle of “one country, two systems” also gives Hong Kong unparalleled access to our country’s markets and wide-ranging opportunities. It allows us, as well, to pursue our longstanding ties with the world at large, the Middle East very much included. 

    As today’s luncheon title, Partnering for Success: Hong Kong as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” emphasises, we do more than connecting companies and people. We also add value to their businesses, their services and their future.

    With companies and investors from Mainland China, and all over the world, looking for a financial haven in this time of global economic uncertainty, Hong Kong is flourishing, and keen to work with you, our partners. 

         An international financial newspaper, spotlighting the Hong Kong Exchange and its record quarterly profits, recently noted that Hong Kong has, and I quote, “benefited from a spate of initial public offerings and rising interest from Mainland Chinese and global investors in Hong Kong-listed shares, especially of technological-related companies, driven by optimism over China’s progress in artificial intelligence”. 

    That speaks of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” advantages working for you – linking a world of investors to the secure and rapidly growing Chinese market.

    It helps, and greatly, that Hong Kong’s economy is inextricably tied to our common law system and a judiciary that exercises its powers independently, a legal regime that resembles many of the world’s leading financial hubs. They give international companies and investors – Kuwait certainly included – all the confidence and the certainty they need to do business, in Hong Kong and throughout China. Kuwait certainly included.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to note that during our visit, Hong Kong and Kuwait have reached consensus on 24 concrete deliverables, through MOUs and related agreements. A ceremony will take place in just a moment.  

    The agreements cover a broad range of collaboration, from trade and the economy, to investment promotion, financial services, aviation and the maritime industries, post-secondary education, the legal profession, sports and more. 

    And our customs authorities will commence negotiations on the mutual recognition of respective Authorized Economic Operator Programmes. This will create smoother, more convenient international links for our respective companies, making it much easier to do business together.  

    Our Airport Authority Hong Kong will soon sign a new MOU with Kuwait Airways, aimed at enhancing air connectivity between the two regions, fostering operational excellence, supporting sustainability, and advancing talent development in the aviation sector.  

    They will lay a solid foundation for long-term collaboration between our two economies and our two peoples. 

    That just touches on our growing co-operation. Indeed, we are now looking into opening a second Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the GCC region, to manage our many ongoing Middle East projects and prospects in the offering.

    One key area is boosting merchandise trade between our economies. Hong Kong, I’m pleased to say, has signed Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements (IPPA) with five of the six GCC states. We have also entered into Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements with three of the states, with Kuwait being the first. We have also substantially concluded negotiations on an IPPA with Qatar, our previous stop on this trip, and commenced negotiations with another state. 

    Indeed, our burgeoning trade and investment co-operation, I believe, could well add momentum to the possibility of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC. I look forward to our continuing discussions with the Council.

    Beyond business and investment connectivity, there is boundless promise, too, in co-operating in sectors such as arts and culture. 

    Yesterday, we had the pleasure of visiting the dazzling Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, one of the world’s largest museum complexes. Seeing, firsthand, Kuwait’s compelling commitment to arts, culture and science. I must add that Kuwait is this year’s Arab Culture Capital, presenting nearly 100 activities as part of the country’s cultural celebration.

    Like Kuwait, Hong Kong believes in the primacy of arts and culture. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District is rising as one of the world’s largest cultural developments. And we are committed to becoming the world’s East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That very much includes Kuwait and the Middle East in general.

    My thanks to our Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the Middle East and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for organising today’s welcome gathering. And to the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry for kindly supporting us on this memorable occasion.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy today’s luncheon. Including, let me add, a musical performance by TroVessional, a Hong Kong group dedicated to Cantonese and Chinese ethnic music, brought to engaging life with classic Chinese instruments.

    Enjoy it and thank you!

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 11 killed in Ethiopia truck crash

    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

    ADDIS ABABA, May 14 (Xinhua) — At least 11 people were killed and 25 others injured in a road accident in southern Ethiopia, local authorities said.

    A truck carrying 42 people and goods lost control and overturned in West Hararghe area of Oromia region, state broadcaster Fana reported on Tuesday.

    West Hararghe communications director Farid Yishak said 25 people with serious and minor injuries were taken to nearby health facilities following the tragedy. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Lashes Out at Administration’s Decision to Cut Critical Research Budgets

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), in a hearing of the Energy and Natural Resource (ENR) Committee, pressed Connor Prochaska, nominee to serve as the Director of Advanced Research Projects Agency within the Department of Energy, and Dr. Ned Mamula to serve as the Director of U.S. Geological Survey within the Department of the Interior, on extreme budget cuts impacting critical research programs at both departments. During his exchange with Prochaska, Senator King repeatedly asked him to justify drastic budget cuts to the Advanced Research Project Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) after he touted the value of its work, and grilled him on the Trump Administration’s attacks on renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
    “One of the sages of New England, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘what you do speak so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.’ I have never been at a hearing where what’s being done is at such variance with what is being said. Mr. Prochaska, you waxed eloquent about the talented and dedicated staff of ARPA-E and all the great work that they’ve done. Their budget’s being cut by 57%. How do you justify all this nice talk about what you’re going to do when your agency’s being cut more than in half? You can talk until you’re blue in the face, but what speaks here is 57% cut. Tell me. And you went through your entire testimony, all of your answers to your questions, until you got to Senator Cortez-Masto, and never once mentioned renewables, the fastest growing, cheapest source of electricity in the United States today. And let me read from the budget document, ‘green new scam technologies are not supported.’ That’s in the ARPA-E budget document, green new scam technology are not supported. That means no renewables, right? You’ve got an order from the President of the United States, no renewables. Is that correct,” began Senator King.
    “That is not correct,” said Prochaska.
    “So what? What does he mean? Green, new scam technologies. He’s talking about solar and wind. Everybody knows that,” replied Senator King.
    “Senator, I can’t opine on what the definition of that language is. I can commit to, if confirmed, that the ARPA-E and the portfolio that we investigate and we look into will include all technologies,” Prochaska responded.
    “So, it was just a coincidence that when you listed the technologies, the nearest you got to renewables was a mention of geothermal. You never mentioned solar and wind, and you use the code word reliable, which is a new code word for we don’t like solar and wind because they’re intermittent, but as you indicated in your answer to Senator Cortez-Masto, when you have batteries with solar and wind, it’s base load. Is that correct,” asked Senator King.
    “Senator, it very well could be. It depends on the situation. But the portfolio that we will investigate will include all technologies and reliable is important to the energy that we need for the future, to fund some of the some of the emerging technologies that we’ve talked about,” Prochaska replied.
    “I appreciate what you’re saying here. What I’m going to watch is what you do. Understood, budgets are policy, and this budget, the policy of this budget, is a drastic cut, a drastic cut, more than half in the in ARPA-E, I think, one of the most important agencies the United States government. It’s where fracking started. The shale revolution started with research funds for the Department of Energy, and we’re talking about a more than half cut. So, I’m going to watch what you do and not what you say,” concluded Senator King.
    Later in the hearing, Senator King raised his concerns to Dr. Mamula about the Trump Administration’s attempts to downsize the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) biology and hydrology research, including the stream gauge program which provides data on river and stream flow that is critical to ensure adequate water supply and safety. During the exchange, Dr. Mamula refused to provide satisfactory answers about his familiarity with the Administration’s slashes to the USGS’ budget.
    “Now, Mr. Mamula, you talked about the importance of data and science and all of those kinds of things. And yet, there have been reports in the last few weeks that biological research in the in the USGS is being cut entirely, and 25 water science centers, which are stream gages measuring storms. I get the feeling this is like, if we don’t measure anything on climate change, it will go away. Is that what’s going on here,” asked Senator King.
    “I don’t think so, Senator, thanks for the question. Let’s discuss it. Again, I’m not at the survey, but I want to take a look, if confirmed, I want to go out and look at each and every single program, its budget and cuts proposed,” replied Dr. Mamula.
    “Somebody has already done that and cut your budget 37% before you even walk in the door. Assuming Congress agrees, which I hope they won’t,” said Senator King.
    “Yeah, I don’t know about that either, but I’m not familiar. But the program, the contents of the program that has a cut associated with it, I’m not familiar. I don’t know what’s in, what’s being cut,” responded Dr. Mamula.
    “I thought you’re pretty familiar with USGS,” questioned Senator King.
    “I am, but I don’t know what —,” said Dr. Mamula.
    “Do you believe it’s appropriate to cut all of their biological research programs,” pressed Senator King.
    “Well, I have to see what they’re talking about, if they’re talking about,” replied Dr. Mamula.
    “All means all as I understand it,” finished Senator King.
    As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator King has advocated for climate solutions that deliver on the clean energy potential of the historic Inflation Reduction Act. He has repeatedly emphasized the importance of permitting reform to deliver carefully considered, timely approvals of sorely-needed clean energy projects. Senator King has also been one of the Senate’s most vocal advocates for improving energy storage technologies and development and worked to include significant storage investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Earlier this year, Senator King reiterated the importance of an “all of the above” energy policy strategy during an ENR hearing considering the nominations of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. In a recent ENR hearing, he received agreement from two nominees to prioritize renewable energy storage technology.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Milestone for Naver bridge project

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Works on the Naver Bridge replacement scheme, on the A836 section of the North Coast 500 route near Bettyhill, have reached a major milestone this week with the completion of the in-river works.

    This includes all piling works for the bridge foundations, and enables the contractor, Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd, to continue with the remaining foundation and bridge superstructure works throughout the summer months.

    All equipment associated with the piling works, such as piling rig and support cranes, are now off site.

    Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “I am delighted to see progress on this vital transport link – a major north coast project which demonstrates our commitment to improving the infrastructure in rural areas of Highland.”

    The next phases of the scheme involves the construction of the bridge abutments and piers, with the main bridge beams due to be delivered to site towards the end of the year.

    Road makeup, utility diversion and retaining wall construction works will also progress alongside the bridge construction works.

    This milestone was achieved with the unwavering support of all stakeholders, particularly the River Naver Fisheries and Naver District Salmon Fisheries Board, who have worked with the project team to support the scheme and complete the in-river works.

    Without stakeholder support, delivery of the works would be infinitely more difficult.

    Works are planned to continue throughout year, with bridge construction, utility diversion, road construction and landscaping works due to be completed and open to traffic by Summer 2026. Demolition of the existing bridge structure is scheduled for the in-river working window in November 2026, enabling full project completion by December 2026.

    Highland Council appreciates the impact these works are having on the local community and North Coast 500 traffic, particularly as we approach the busier summer months.

    The works will be managed with a view to introducing as little disruption as possible.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin Brings New Commitments to Strengthen Peacekeeping Operations

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    The United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 Berlin concluded today. More than 130 Member States and international partners – over a thousand participants in total – came together to reaffirm their support for UN peacekeeping and to announce concrete pledges aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and adaptability of peace operations in the face of evolving global challenges. 

    Hosted by the Government of Germany, the two-day high-level meeting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Member State support and help shape the future of UN Peacekeeping. The Ministerial focused on the Future of Peacekeeping, reflecting the need for innovative approaches to address complex conflicts, leverage emerging technologies, and address threats such as mis- and disinformation. 

    “In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death. Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations. And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his opening remarks.  

    “We welcome Member States’ political statements of support for peacekeeping as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support. This meeting is also about something more fundamental: the future of peacekeeping itself,” he added. 

    “In an interconnected world, no nation can achieve peace and security for its citizens on its own. In the past two days, more than 130 UN member states have come together in Berlin, determined 

    to make progress towards this goal together. We all agree that setting up strong and effective peacekeeping missions is our joint responsibility. We want to tailor future missions to the exact needs of the host countries and increase their acceptance and effectiveness. This is the way forward in a world in which peacekeeping is more important now than ever before, but where the challenges are greater than at any time in the past. The participants have lived up to this challenge by making many very significant contributions. Germany’s support for the UN and its peacekeeping missions remains unwavering. We are committed to standing up for international peace and security,” said Johann Wadephul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

    Meanwhile, announcing his country’s pledged contributions worth 82 million Euros to UN Peacekeeping, Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, said: “I am grateful to all partners, who have come to Berlin to make significant pledges to ensure efficient global Peacekeeping Missions. Germany continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN Peacekeeping and has pledged contributions worth 82 million Euros. In addition, we will continue our support to missions and partners with training and equipment. Our goal was to focus on new and innovative pledges, ranging from renewable energy technologies to medical transport drones to the protection from improvised explosive devices. We remain committed to supporting the three UN Peacekeeping Missions that the German Armed Forces currently deploy to in South Sudan, Lebanon and Western Sahara.” 

    Key outcomes: 

    A total of 74 Member States made pledges including: 

    • Pledges of military and police units 
      53 Member States pledged uniformed capabilities, including 88 military and police units, as well as various critical capabilities, airlift, individual experts, staff officers and individual police officers. 

    • Specialized training 
      59 Member States pledged specialized trainings on critical issues such as peacekeeping-intelligence, protection of civilians, gender and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. 

    • Women, Peace and Security 
      38 Member States made pledges to further implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including gender-responsive peacekeeping and women in peacekeeping.  

    • Safety and Security 

    16 Member States pledged capabilities and projects to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers. 

    Eleven Member States made pledges related to the conduct and accountability of peacekeepers and UN Peacekeeping’s fight against sexual exploitation and abuse. This response includes targeted contributions to the Trust Fund for victims. 

    Background 

    Today, more than 61,000 military and police peacekeepers from 119 countries and more than seven thousand civilian personnel serve across 11 Peacekeeping Missions.  

    The Berlin Ministerial is part of a series of high-level meetings aimed at galvanizing political support and generating tangible commitments to improve UN Peacekeeping. It follows previous Ministerial meetings held in Accra (2023), Seoul (2021), New York (2019) Vancouver (2017) and London (2016). The 2025 Ministerial also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year anniversary of the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping. 

    More information on the meeting, including statements and the list of pledges, please visit the UN Peacekeeping website and @UNPeacekeeping digital channels.   

     

    For media inquiries and further information, please contact: 

    • Federal Republic of Germany: Anna Laura Vitzinger, German Foreign Office:  presse@diplo.de; and Sonja Momberg, German Ministry of Defence: sonjamomberg@bmvg.bund.de  

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