Blog

MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revitalising Spanish industry – E-000246/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000246/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nora Junco García (ECR), Diego Solier (ECR)

Despite recent newspaper reports with misleading headlines such as ‘Spain: Europe’s economic engine’, the reality is quite different. Spain continues to face significant challenges, such as one of the highest unemployment rates of the OECD member countries, an economy dependent on low value-added sectors and a growing public debt.

Moreover, the lack of political and social will to harness strategic natural and energy resources such as lithium are limiting its ability to lead Europe’s industrial transition. Continued tax hikes, interventionism and bureaucracy are stifling business competitiveness, driving away key investments. Efficient use of EU funds must be ensured, and urgent action must be taken to correct these structural problems.

In this regard:

1.What measures is the Commission taking to ensure that EU funds earmarked for Spain are used efficiently in strategic sectors such as the technology industry?

2.How could the Commission encourage greater regulatory flexibility in Spain to attract key industrial and energy investment?

3.What action does it consider necessary to encourage the exploration and exploitation of strategic resources such as lithium in Spain?

Submitted: 21.1.2025
Last updated: 12 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Establishing a European Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles – E-000234/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-000234/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Antonio Decaro (S&D), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Manuela Ripa (PPE), Valentina Palmisano (The Left)

For 20 years, Radio Rai 2’s ‘Caterpillar’ programme led the ‘M’illumino di meno’ (‘Dim the Lights’) campaign, which was awarded the Medal of the President of Italy and enjoys the patronage of the European Parliament. The campaign resulted in the Italian institutions enshrining 16 February – the date when the Kyoto Protocol entered into force in 2005 – in law as the ‘National Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles’.

Energy saving plays a key role in the fight against climate change, so it is crucial we spread the word among the EU public, while also highlighting responsible energy use and, more generally, sustainable lifestyles.

In this regard, could the Commission say whether it is considering making 16 February the ‘European Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles’ and complementing the event with relevant initiatives in all Member States?

Submitted: 21.1.2025

Last updated: 12 February 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Commissioner Kubilius – Keynote Speech at the Perspectives Spatiales. Paris, 12 February 2025

Source: EuroStat – European Statistics

European Commission Speech Paris, 12 Feb 2025 I am very glad to be here in France, a country that has been a such a powerful engine for European cooperation in space since the very beginning. Thanks to France, Europe is a leading space power. For now. If we want to maintain our lead in space, we need to take bold and decisive steps.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – RC-B10-0102/2025

Source: European Parliament

Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Lukas Mandl, Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke
on behalf of the PPE Group
Yannis Maniatis, Marit Maij
on behalf of the S&D Group
Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Cristian Terheş
on behalf of the ECR Group
Hilde Vautmans, Abir Al‑Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Raquel García Hermida‑Van Der Walle, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Yvan Verougstraete
on behalf of the Renew Group
Sara Matthieu
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
Marc Botenga, Rudi Kennes, Manon Aubry, Rima Hassan, Damien Carême
on behalf of The Left Group
European Parliament resolution on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

(2025/2553(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

– having regard to the statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU of 25 January 2025 on the latest escalation in eastern DRC,

– having regard to the statement by G7 foreign ministers of 2 February 2025 on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,

– having regard to the press statement of the UN Security Council of 26 January 2025 on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

– having regard to the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

– having regard to the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 28 January 2025 on the recent developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,

– having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women of 18 December 1979,

– having regard to the Partnership Agreement of 15 November 2023 between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part [1],

– having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas in January 2025, the armed rebel group M23, backed by Rwandan forces, further advanced in the eastern DRC and seized the regional capital city of Goma; whereas violence between rebel groups and the Congolese army increased sharply, causing a high number of civilian casualties; whereas an estimated 3 000 deaths occurred during the offensive on Goma; whereas approximately 800 000 internally displaced people were sheltering at that time in densely populated displacement sites around the city;

B. whereas M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire to begin on 4 February 2025; whereas fighting has nonetheless continued, Goma airport remains closed, air traffic management equipment is damaged and humanitarian access is still limited; whereas there are reports that the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu has been captured by M23; whereas M23 leaders have declared their intention to continue advancing in the DRC; whereas the latest advances of M23 mark an alarming escalation of the devastating conflict in the eastern DRC, a violation of territorial integrity and an escalation in violence, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis, human rights violations and the further destabilisation of the country;

C. whereas the region has been plagued by decades of cyclical violence, causing a security and humanitarian crisis; whereas after a ceasefire that lasted several years, the M23 fighters took up arms again at the end of 2021; whereas martial law has been in force since 2021 in the eastern DRC and the civilian government has been replaced by the military; whereas the M23 forces have been expanding their presence in the eastern DRC, setting up new governance administrations and taxation systems, establishing military training camps and exporting minerals directly to Rwanda; whereas the long-term consequences of the terrible 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi are still fuelling violence, hatred and forced displacements today;

D. whereas on 23 and 24 January 2025, M23 fired on positions of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), which resulted in the deaths of 13 peacekeepers deployed with MONUSCO and the peacekeeping mission led by the Southern African Development Community (SADC);

E. whereas the UN Group of Experts concluded in its June 2024 report that the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) ‘violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’ and that the RDF’s ‘de facto control and direction over M23 operations also renders Rwanda liable for the actions of M23’;

F. whereas the seizing of Goma has led to significant displacement of civilians; whereas over 500 000 people are estimated to have been displaced since early January 2025; whereas thousands of Congolese people had previously fled to the city to escape violence and have been further driven from camps for internally displaced people into makeshift tents or forced to sleep out in the open; whereas the safety of internally displaced people is now seriously threatened, with women and girls suffering disproportionately;

G. whereas the deputy head of the UN peacekeeping force based in Goma has reported on the mass rape and killing of women inmates inside Goma’s Munzenze prison, and it is estimated that hundreds of women were raped and many burned alive in the prison;

H. whereas women and girls in the DRC face increased levels of sexual and gender-based violence, resulting in there being one victim of rape every four minutes; whereas the staff of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, which receives many survivors of sexual violence, is alarmed about the deteriorating security situation in the area and about the security of the staff and patients in Panzi Hospital itself;

I. whereas the seizure of Goma triggered violent protests in Kinshasa, with dozens of protesters attacking embassies and calling on the international community to halt the advance of M23;

J. whereas the conflict in the DRC is at risk of regional spillover; whereas a peacekeeping deployment from the East African Community Regional Forces withdrew in 2023; whereas the SADC deployed a peacekeeping mission to the DRC in December 2023 with troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi; whereas at least 20 peacekeepers were killed during the M23 advance on Goma; whereas on 6 February 2025, Malawi announced the withdrawal of its troops from this mission;

K. whereas it is widely acknowledged that Rwanda is active in the conflict in the eastern DRC, including through its de facto control of M23, to which it supplies weapons, logistical support and troops; whereas UN experts estimate that there are between 3 000 and 4 000 Rwandan troops operating with M23;

L. whereas North Kivu is a resource-rich region, with vast supplies of critical raw materials including cobalt, gold and tin, which are necessary for the global digital and energy transition; whereas Goma is a major transport and trading hub for the export of minerals; whereas the UN estimates that around 120 tonnes of coltan are being moved by M23 to Rwanda each month; whereas UN experts further estimate that M23 is financed by around EUR 288 000 per month generated through its control of the mineral trade in the DRC; whereas the rebel groups often recruit child soldiers in a blatant violation of international law and humanity;

M. whereas the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations in the DRC have focused on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed mainly in the eastern DRC, in the Ituri region and the North and South Kivu Provinces, since 1 July 2002; whereas the DRC made a second referral to the ICC in May 2023 concerning alleged crimes committed in North Kivu since 1 January 2022;

N. whereas on 8 February 2025 at a joint summit in Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam, the regional blocs of southern Africa, the SADC, and eastern Africa, the East African Community (EAC), called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, demanded the withdrawal of uninvited foreign armed forces from the DRC territory, urged all warring parties to hold peace talks within five days, and demanded the reopening of Goma airport and other key routes to facilitate humanitarian aid; whereas the African Union is set to address the matter at a meeting in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2025; whereas other mediation efforts are ongoing, notably by France, which aims to bring all actors to the negotiation table;

O. whereas the Foreign Affairs Council of the Council of the EU is expected to exchange views on the situation in the DRC on 24 February 2025;

P. whereas between 2021 and 2024, the EU provided EUR 260 million in funding to Rwanda, with an additional EUR 900 million pledged under the Global Gateway strategy; whereas following the latest developments in the eastern DRC, the EU declared that it stood ready to boost emergency assistance, particularly for the newly displaced populations in and around Goma, and on 28 January 2025, the Commission announced new humanitarian support for the DRC with an initial amount of EUR 60 million for 2025; whereas the EU is trying to intensify its presence in the region, including through its recent support for the ‘Green Corridor Kivu-Kinshasa’ programme via a Global Gateway initiative, which aims to help establish a sustainable 2 600 km corridor connecting the eastern DRC to Kinshasa and the Atlantic Coast, covering 540 000 km2;

Q. whereas the EU has formed raw materials partnerships with several countries, including the DRC, Rwanda and other countries in the region; whereas these partnerships are focused on, among other things, advancing due diligence and traceability, cooperation in fighting against the illegal trafficking of raw materials, and alignment with international environmental, social and governance standards; whereas Parliament, unlike the Council, was not given the opportunity by the Commission to share its political assessment of the decision to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rwanda or to provide technical feedback on the draft MoU;

R. whereas the DRC Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Nobel Prize laureate Denis Mukwage briefed Parliament on 5 February 2025, at an extraordinary meeting of the Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly (DAFR) and the Committee on Development, on the occupation of the eastern DRC and the dire humanitarian impact on the local population and internally displaced people;

S. whereas the Council appointed Johan Borgstam as the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region on 1 September 2024; whereas on 30 January 2025, DAFR organised an extraordinary hearing with the EU Special Representative and Bintou Keita, Head of MONUSCO;

T. whereas prior to recent developments, the DRC faced one of the largest displacement crises in Africa, with 6.7 million internally displaced persons, including 4.6 million in South and North Kivu; whereas the DRC also hosts over 520 000 refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring countries, while 1.1 million refugees from the DRC are being hosted in neighbouring countries in the region, more than half of them in Uganda; whereas the recent surge in violence has internally displaced over half a million people since the beginning of the year; whereas given the severe overcrowding in the displacement sites where people remain and the lack of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, the risk of a cholera outbreak is extremely high, along with that of a rapid spread of the Mpox epidemic;

1. Strongly condemns the occupation of Goma and other territories in the eastern DRC by M23 and the RDF as an unacceptable breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; urges the Rwandan Government to withdraw its troops from DRC territory, as they are in clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and to cease cooperation with the M23 rebels; demands that Rwanda and all other potential state actors in the region cease their support for M23;

2. Strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks with explosive weapons in populated areas of North Kivu by all parties, including on displacement camps and other densely populated areas near Goma, as well as the unlawful killings, rapes and other apparent war crimes, forced labour, forced recruitment and other abusive practices committed by M23 with the support of the RDF and by the armed forces of the DRC, the FARDC;

3. Is appalled by the shocking use of sexual violence against women and girls as a tool of repression and weapon of war in the eastern DRC as well as the unacceptable recruitment of child soldiers by the various rebel groups; demands that these matters be addressed by the international community without delay; strongly reiterates that any attack against UN-mandated forces is inexcusable and might be considered a war crime;

4. Calls for an immediate end to the violence, particularly the mass killings and the use of rape as a strategic weapon of war; calls on the DRC and Rwanda to investigate and appropriately prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence, under the principle of command responsibility;

5. Is extremely concerned by the critical humanitarian situation in the country; calls for the immediate reopening of Goma airport to re-establish humanitarian operations and bring in supplies via the airport and the land border; calls for the creation and immediate opening of humanitarian corridors and for all parties, including armed groups operating in the eastern DRC, to allow and facilitate full humanitarian access based on needs and humanitarian principles, including ensuring that civilians and displaced people are not denied access to items essential for their survival;

6. Emphasises that humanitarian workers must be able to operate safely to deliver life-saving assistance to Congolese civilians, and that the safety of medical facilities must be preserved; stresses that this is a central obligation under international humanitarian law, and that perpetrators violating these obligations should be held to account; underlines that Rwanda and the neighbouring countries have a special responsibility to facilitate humanitarian access to the region;

7. Strongly condemns the attack on diplomatic institutions of the EU, its Member States and civil society organisations, such as political foundations in Kinshasa; underlines that the protection of civilians and diplomatic staff must be guaranteed;

8. Expresses concern over the lack of coherence in the EU response to the Great Lakes region’s crises and calls on the Council to reassess the implementation of its renewed EU Great Lakes strategy; recalls that the EU and its special representative for the region are ready to assist all mediation efforts;

9. Welcomes the increased humanitarian support pledged by the EU, notes that this still falls far short of meeting the basic needs for food, water, medical assistance and shelter in the eastern DRC, especially in the light of the recent termination of support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); calls on the Commission and the international community to significantly step up financial support for urgent and life-saving assistance;

10. Regrets that the EU has not taken appropriate measures to sufficiently address the crisis and effectively press Rwanda to end its support for M23, and that it has instead taken steps – including the signing in February 2024 of an MoU on sustainable raw materials value chains without sufficiently discussing the conflict, and the decision to top up support for Rwanda’s deployment in Mozambique under the European Peace Facility (EPF) – that have failed to demonstrate sufficient safeguards and that have contributed to sending an inconsistent message to the Rwandan authorities;

11. Urges the Commission and the Council to immediately suspend the EU-Rwanda MoU on sustainable raw materials value chains until Rwanda proves that it is ceasing its interference and its exportation of minerals mined from M23-controlled areas; calls on all actors to increase transparency and to effectively ban the entry of all blood minerals into the EU;

12. Calls on the Commission to render the future re-activation of cooperation on critical raw materials conditional upon Rwanda joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which the DRC is already part of;

13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the current Conflict Minerals Regulation [2] is strongly enforced and on the Commission to propose a revision of the EU rules, with the aim of ensuring the highest standards of traceability and transparency;

14. Notes that parliamentary oversight and civil society involvement in the preparation, signing and implementation of raw material MoUs and roadmaps are essential for an inclusive process with adequate scrutiny, and must become part of the MoU;

15. Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the international financial institutions to freeze direct budget support to Rwanda subject to it meeting conditions on, among other things, humanitarian access and the breaking of all links with M23; urges the Commission and the Member States to freeze their military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces to ensure that they do not contribute directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in the eastern DRC; calls strongly, in particular, for a review of the EU’s renewed support under the EPF to ensure that troops deployed in northern Mozambique and benefiting from EPF support, as well as their commanders, have been properly vetted and have not been involved in the eastern DRC or in other human rights violations, with a view to suspending the support if it is found to contribute directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in the eastern DRC;

16. Urges the Commission and all Member States to ban the transfer of weapons to the Rwandan forces and M23 and to ensure greater transparency of trade in EU weapons;

17. Urges the Council to expand sanctions against senior M23 commanders, leaders of other armed groups and senior officials from the DRC and Rwanda, including Major-General Eugene Nkubito, the commander of the RDF’s 3rd Division Major-General Ruki Karusisi, RDF Special Force Commander, and Major-General Emmy K. Ruvusha, Commander of the Rwanda Security Forces, all identified in the June 2024 report of the UN Group of Experts and in reports from other countries across the region as being responsible for or complicit in recent serious abuses by their forces or those for which they have command responsibility;

18. Urges the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Member States and the Government of the DRC to take immediate action to prevent sexual violence and improve care for survivors, including by adapting the national legal framework to guarantee access to medical abortion care; draws attention to the health needs of pregnant women, notably those who are displaced and out of reach of medical support; calls on the EEAS and the Member States to further prioritise the disbursement of humanitarian support for women and girls in the region;

19. Calls on the Commission to continue supporting anti-corruption efforts and the strengthening of governance in the DRC;

20. Commends the Prosecutor of the ICC’s announcement that the ICC will continue to investigate alleged crimes committed by any person, irrespective of affiliation or nationality; reiterates the EU’s unwavering support for the ICC and calls on the Council and Commission to fulfil their obligations to ensure the functioning and effectiveness of the ICC;

21. Reiterates its full support for MONUSCO in protecting civilians and stabilising the region; urges the EU to cooperate with all actors on the ground, in particular MONUSCO, to ensure the protection of civilians in the eastern DRC; calls on the UN to work towards a stronger mandate for MONUSCO in order to enable peacemaking; calls on the UN to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law, particularly given the increased risk of gender-based violence, and to preserve the safety of humanitarian staff, health workers and medical facilities;

22. Calls on the UN to take immediate and specific measures to protect Panzi Hospital and its patients and staff;

23. Welcomes the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the DRC; supports the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into serious violations committed since January 2022;

24. Reiterates its condemnation of hate speech and xenophobia, as well as ethnic-based politics; underlines that all those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC must be held accountable;

25. Is concerned about the consequences of Russian interference in the conflict and more widely in the region, and about the increasing presence of disinformation campaigns; condemns, in particular, efforts by Russia to foster anti-Western sentiment through the dissemination of fake news on social media about Western players;

26. Expresses its concern about the increasing presence of Chinese actors in the mining sector of the DRC and the region acting without respect for economic and social responsibilities, and recalls that European industries and companies in the region will only have long-term security of supply if a long-lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict is found;

27. Recalls that only an inclusive and regional approach will be able to address and tackle the multifaceted, long-standing problems in the region; strongly welcomes the joint SADC and EAC peace summit in Dar es Salaam on 8 February 2025; reiterates, in this regard, its full support for the Luanda and Nairobi processes and calls upon all Great Lake countries, in particular the DRC and Rwanda, to urgently pursue negotiations within these frameworks; emphasises that any solution must also address the root causes of the conflict, including, but not limited to, the illicit trafficking of natural resources; calls on the Commission and the Member States to fully support national and regional initiatives, such as the initiative of the Congolese Catholic and Protestant leaders, and the Luanda Process; underlines that regional organisations, such as the African Union, the SADC and the EAC, must play a central role in all of these efforts; underlines also that a lasting solution requires a reform of the DRC security sector, with a better organised DRC army and administration;

28. Calls on the international community and all actors involved to use the Addis Ababa framework agreement and to organise an international conference for peace in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region; stresses that this ‘Business for Peace’ conference will have the unique feature of having the private sector around the peace negotiation table, since the war is about strategic minerals; underlines that business people can have significant leverage to push their countries to act for peace; believes that the business for peace approach can help us move forward in finding a solution;

29. Calls for the cancellation of the 2025 International Cycling Union (UCI) Road World Championships in Kigali if Rwanda does not change course;

30. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of Rwanda and of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the African Union, the secretariats of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community, and other relevant international bodies.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – SANT Exchange of views with the Polish Council Presidency – Committee on Public Health

Source: European Parliament

On 20 February, Members of the SANT Committee will hold an exchange of views with Izabela Leszczyna, Minister of Health, on the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the field of public health.

On 1 January, Poland started its presidency of the Council of the European Union. Ms Izabela Leszczyna, Polish Minister of Health, will present the priorities of the Polish Presidency in the field of public health, as well as the plans for the work of the Council during the coming months.

Denmark will take over from Poland on 1 July 2025 and will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until 31 December 2025.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EoV with Dr Hans Kluge on the current challenges in the area of Public Health – Committee on Public Health

Source: European Parliament

On 19 February, Members of the SANT Committee will have an exchange of views with Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on the current challenges in the area of Public Health.

Public Health has been facing important challenges, in particular in the European region. The m-pox health emergency in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of the climate crisis, and antimicrobial resistance are only three on the many examples we can give.

WHO is an international organisation of 194 Member States aiming at coordinating the world response to health emergencies, promoting well-being, preventing disease and expanding access to health care.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EoV on European action plan on cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers – Committee on Public Health

Source: European Parliament

On 19 February, Members of the SANT Committee will hold an exchange of views with the representatives of the European Commission on the European action plan on the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers.

On 15 January 2025, the Commission launched a European action plan to strengthen the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers.

This Action Plan was announced in President von der Leyen’s political guidelines as a key priority within the first 100 days of the new mandate.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AI regulation: Federal Council to ratify Council of Europe Convention

Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

Switzerland intends to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to make the necessary amendments to Swiss law. Work will also continue on the regulation of AI in specific sectors such as healthcare and transport. The Federal Council spoke out in favour of this approach at its meeting on 12 February.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Council directive on equal treatment: Potential European added value – 11-02-2025

Source: European Parliament

In June 2024, the Belgian Council Presidency put forward a compromise proposal for a new Council directive on equal treatment and it won the support of 24 of the 27 Member States. The proposed law calls for the EU acquis on non-discrimination and equality to be extended to four new grounds beyond the area of employment (religion or belief, age, sexual orientation and disability). This briefing looks into what might be the European added value of such a directive. While most Member States already offer legal protection for the stated grounds and areas, the proposed law could still be expected to generate benefits for society by ensuring comprehensive and consistent protection against discrimination throughout the EU. Everyone living in the EU could stand to benefit from the proposed law, although those groups that face greater risk of discrimination would likely benefit to a greater extent. An analysis of European Social Survey data suggests that about three quarters of the EU population (aged over 15) identify with at least one of four characteristics: (i) belonging to a religion or denomination; (ii) over 65 years of age; (iii) hampered in daily activities to some extent; (iv) not heterosexual. Providers of goods and services (e.g. businesses, schools, hospitals, landlords) could be expected to incur some costs to comply with the proposed law. Such costs, however, would be subject to proportionality and the availability of public support. Other costs could include the preparation of guidelines to ensure neutral provision of goods and services in times of limited supply. The compromise proposal could offer EU added value by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the EU’s anti-discrimination framework in fulfilling Treaty commitments. This added value would depend on the extent to which legal certainty were improved and discrimination recognised and internalised by service providers. The proposed law could nevertheless promote more harmonised living standards and free movement in the internal market.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission spending on advertising, photographers and make-up artists – E-000411/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000411/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Daniel Freund (Verts/ALE)

1.How much money did the Commission spend on advertising in 2023?

2.How much money did it spend on photographers in 2023?

3.How much money did it spend on make-up artists and hairdressers in 2023?

Submitted: 29.1.2025
Last updated: 12 February 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament green lights update of VAT rules to make them fit for digital times

Source: European Parliament 3

The update will notably require that VAT be paid for services provided through online platforms, putting an end to an unfair distortion of competition. It will also fight VAT fraud.

On Wednesday, Parliament’s plenary approved the changes to the rules that member states indicated in November they wished to make to the VAT Directive. MEPs approved the rules with 589 votes in favour, 42 against and 10 abstentions.

These changes will require that by 2030 online platforms must pay VAT for services provided through them in most of the cases where the individual service providers do not charge VAT. This will put an end to a distortion of the market because similar services provided in the traditional economy are already subject to VAT. This distortion has been most significant in the short-term accommodation rental sector and the road passenger transport sector. Member states will have the possibility of exempting SMEs from this rule, an idea which Parliament had also pushed.

The update will also fully digitalise VAT reporting obligations for cross-border transactions by 2030 with businesses issuing e-invoices for cross-border business-to-business transactions and automatically reporting the data to their tax administration. With this, tax authorities should be in a better position to tackle VAT fraud.

To simplify the administrative burden for businesses, the rules beef-up online VAT one-stop-shops so that even more businesses with cross-border activity will be able to meet their VAT obligations through a single online portal and in one language.

Background

This update to the VAT rules has been over two years in the making. On 8 December 2022, the Commission presented the ‘VAT in the digital age’ package (ViDA package) which consisted of three proposals. One of these was the update to the VAT directive of 2006.

The Commission has calculated that Member States will recoup up to €11 billion in lost VAT

revenues every year for the next 10 years. Businesses will save €4.1 billion a year over the next 10 years in compliance costs, and €8.7 billion in registration and administrative costs over a ten year period.

MIL OSI Europe News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New investment in Royal Navy fleet communications to boost jobs
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

£250 million upgrade to naval communications will support more than 100 high-skilled UK jobs, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.
Royal Navy ships at sea – HMS Richmond and HMS Diamond

More than 100 high-skilled jobs will be secured in the UK thanks to a new £250 million contract to upgrade the communications systems of the Royal Navy’s warship and submarine fleet.

Jobs at Thales sites in Portsmouth, Plymouth, Crawley, Reading and Bristol will be supported after the company was awarded the largest-ever contract for the provision of naval communication capabilities.

This large-scale investment helps to support the objectives of the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy – to drive investment to UK-based businesses and boost defence jobs in every nation and region of the country.

The 10-year long contract for Maritime Communications Capability Support (MCCS), awarded by Defence Equipment & Support, will upgrade the Royal Navy’s internal and external fleet communications, strengthening the UK’s continuous at sea deterrent and supporting global operations.

Contracts like this one are a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, safeguarding national security whilst raising living standards across the UK with good, skilled, productive jobs.

It is estimated the new contract will also save the Royal Navy up to £30 million in costs over the next decade.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

This new contract is a vital step in ensuring our forces remain secure at home and strong abroad. By enhancing the capabilities of our naval operations, we are reinforcing the UK’s ability to respond to threats wherever they arise.

In an increasingly volatile world, robust communication is the backbone of operational success. In the face of global threats, the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will ensure defence is an engine for growth, boosting British jobs, and strengthening national security.

Communication systems on Royal Navy Units are a critical component of a platform’s ability to operate and fight. To meet and sustain global commitments requires resilient and enduring support contracts to maintain mission-critical equipment at the highest levels of operational capability and availability.

The MCCS arrangement replaces the previous Fleetwide Communications contract which Thales UK has overseen for the past seven years. Thales UK will also provide “waterfront” office services, recovery for ageing equipment and inventory management, ensuring spare part availability and ongoing defect repairs as required.

A key element to the contract is fostering closer collaboration between DE&S, the Royal Navy, and Thales UK, effectively delivering a ‘one defence’ team which reduces bureaucracy while boosting efficiency.

Commodore Phil Game, Director of Sense, Decide & Communicate at DE&S, said:

First and foremost, this announcement ensures the Royal Navy continues to have effective and secure communications equipment with continuous support from Thales, which has Europe’s largest team of marine communications engineers, supporting its vital work keeping the UK and our allies safe.

Crucially, we have looked at outcomes from other successful defence programmes and applied the lessons learned from those, in particular cutting unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy allowing Thales much more freedom to get the job done.

We estimate that the scope of this contract will save between £25 million and £30 million in through life costs to the Royal Navy over the 10-year support period by working in a much more collaborative way with Thales UK, underlining our ‘one defence’ philosophy.

This investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to national security and follows the launch of the consultation for the Defence Industrial Strategy – which will place deterrence at the heart of a new approach and ensures the defence sector is an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.

Phil Siveter, CEO Thales in the UK, said:

At Thales we are delighted to continue supporting the Royal Navy in its vital mission to protect our nation. This long-term fleetwide support framework reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the Royal Navy remains combat-ready and equipped with world-class communications capabilities, today and into the future.

Building on seven years of trusted partnership, we are proud to provide the technical excellence and on-the-ground support that keeps ships, submarines and installations operational and mission-ready. By working as ‘one team’ across the Naval Enterprise, we are driving innovation and systems integration to place the Royal Navy at the cutting edge of defence technology for the next decade.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 12 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet
Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister
1. Participants from over 100 countries, including government leaders, international organisations, representatives of civil society, the private sector, and the academic and research communities gathered in Paris on February 10 and 11, 2025, to hold the AI Action Summit. Rapid development of AI technologies represents a major paradigm shift, impacting our citizens, and societies in many ways. In line with the Paris Pact for People and the Planet, and the principles that countries must have ownership of their transition strategies, we have identified priorities and launched concrete actions to advance the public interest and to bridge digital divides through accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our actions are grounded in three main principles of science, solutions – focusing on open AI models in compliance with countries frameworks – and policy standards, in line with international frameworks.
2. This Summit has highlighted the importance of reinforcing the diversity of the AI ecosystem. It has laid an open, multi-stakeholder and inclusive approach that will enable AI to be human rights based, human-centric, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy while also stressing the need and urgency to narrow the inequalities and assist developing countries in artificial intelligence capacity-building so they can build AI capacities.
3. Acknowledging existing multilateral initiatives on AI, including the United Nations General Assembly Resolutions, the Global Digital Compact, the UNESCO Recommendation on Ethics of AI, the African Union Continental AI Strategy, and the works of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Council of Europe and European Union, the G7 including the Hiroshima AI Process and G20, we have affirmed the following main priorities:
- Promoting AI accessibility to reduce digital divides
- Ensuring AI is open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy, taking into account international frameworks for all
- Making innovation in AI thrive by enabling conditions for its development and avoiding market concentration driving industrial recovery and development
- Encouraging AI deployment that positively shapes the future of work and labour markets and delivers opportunity for sustainable growth
- Making AI sustainable for people and the planet
- Reinforcing international cooperation to promote coordination in international governance
To deliver on these priorities:
- Founding members have launched a major Public Interest AI Platform and Incubator, to support, amplify, decrease fragmentation between existing public and private initiatives on Public Interest AI and address digital divides. The Public interest AI Initiative will sustain and support digital public goods and technical assistance and capacity building projects in data, model development, openness and transparency, audit, compute, talent, financing and collaboration to support and co-create a trustworthy AI ecosystem advancing the public interest of all, for all and by all.
- We have discussed, at a Summit for the first time and in a multi-stakeholder format, issues related to AI and energy. This discussion has led to sharing knowledge to foster investments for sustainable AI systems (hardware, infrastructure, models), to promoting an international discussion on AI and environment, to welcoming an observatory on the energy impact of AI with the International Energy Agency, to showcasing energy-friendly AI innovation.
- We recognize the need to enhance our shared knowledge on the impacts of AI in the job market, though the creation of network of Observatories, to better anticipate AI implications for workplaces, training and education and to use AI to foster productivity, skill development, quality and working conditions and social dialogue.
1. We recognize the need for inclusive multistakeholder dialogues and cooperation on AI governance. We underline the need for a global reflection integrating inter alia questions of safety, sustainable development, innovation, respect of international laws including humanitarian law and human rights law and the protection of human rights, gender equality, linguistic diversity, protection of consumers and of intellectual property rights. We take notes of efforts and discussions related to international fora where AI governance is examined. As outlined in the Global Digital Compact adopted by the UN General Assembly, participants also reaffirmed their commitment to initiate a Global Dialogue on AI governance and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and to align on-going governance efforts, ensuring complementarity and avoiding duplication.
2. Harnessing the benefits of AI technologies to support our economies and societies depends on advancing Trust and Safety. We commend the role of the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit and Seoul Summits that have been essential in progressing international cooperation on AI safety and we note the voluntary commitments launched there. We will keep addressing the risks of AI to information integrity and continue the work on AI transparency.
3. We look forward to next AI milestones such as the Kigali Summit, the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI hosted by Thailand and UNESCO, the 2025 World AI Conference and the AI for Good Global Summit 2025 to follow up on our commitments and continue to take concrete actions aligned with a sustainable and inclusive AI.
Signatory countries:
1. Armenia
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brazil
6. Bulgaria
7. Cambodia
8. Canada
9. Chile
10. China
11. Croatia
12. Cyprus
13. Czechia
14. Denmark
15. Djibouti
16. Estonia
17. Finland
18. France
19. Germany
20. Greece
21. Hungary
22. India
23. Indonesia
24. Ireland
25. Italy
26. Japan
27. Kazakhstan
28. Kenya
29. Latvia
30. Lithuania
31. Luxembourg
32. Malta
33. Mexico
34. Monaco
35. Morocco
36. New Zealand
37. Nigeria
38. Norway
39. Poland
40. Portugal
41. Romania
42. Rwanda
43. Senegal
44. Serbia
45. Singapore
46. Slovakia
47. Slovenia
48. South Africa
49. Republic of Korea
50. Spain
51. Sweden
52. Switzerland
53. Thailand
54. Netherlands
55. United Arab Emirates
56. Ukraine
57. Uruguay
58. Vatican
59. European Union
60. African Union Commission
MIL OSI Canada News –
February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Etomidate to become dangerous drug

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In view of the recent abuse situation of etomidate, the main active ingredient of the “space oil drug”, the Security Bureau announced today that etomidate and its three analogues will be listed in the Gazette as dangerous drugs starting this Friday.

The move aims to enhance deterrence and enable effective law enforcement actions against the “space oil drug”, the bureau said in a press release.

It explained that the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2025 Order will add six substances – butonitazene, bromazolam, etomidate, metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate to the First Schedule to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Among them, metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate are analogues of etomidate.

The order will take effect upon gazettal on Friday.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking and illicit manufacturing of these substances are liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million; possession and consumption of these substances will be subject to a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of $1 million.

To tie in with the legislative work, the Government will launch on Friday a new TV Announcement in the Public Interest titled Don’t fall into “space oil drug” traps! and will continue placing both online and offline advertisements to promote the relevant message.

Furthermore, as young people are the target of “space oil drug” sellers, the Security Bureau’s Narcotics Division and the Education Bureau will jointly launch an “anti-space oil drug week” in schools at the end of the month, during which talks, anti-drug video broadcasts and drama shows will be staged.

The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2025 as well as the Control of Chemicals Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 2) Order 2025, both to be gazetted on Friday, are subject to the Legislative Council’s negative vetting procedure.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern DRC Remains Volatile – Press Conference | United Nations

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Press conference by Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on the situation in the country.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npzg0z32Mhk

MIL OSI Video –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council’s Employment, Learning and Skills service achieve the matrix Standard

Source: City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council’s Employment, Learning and Skills (ELS) service has been accredited to the matrix Standard, demonstrating the high quality of their employment programmes, careers service and Community Learning Service they provide to Portsmouth’s residents.

Recent achievements that contributed to the matrix Standard include above 90% achievement record for the Community Learning Service, exceptional person-centred approach, and exceeding targets on the employment programmes.

The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice, and guidance as part of their service.

Carol, a learner at the Community Learning Service who has completed courses in health and wellbeing, digital skills and is currently studying maths level2 through the Multiply programme said:

“The Community Learning staff are all amazing. They’re very professional and here to help. You’re not a stranger, even the first time you walk through the door.

If you’re feeling low, they support you. I’m so much more confident now”

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for Portsmouth City Council’s Employment Learning and Skills team, and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service, and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available. The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, Portsmouth City Council is working to provide the best possible support to their residents.”

Cllr. Steve Pitt, Leader of the council with responsibilities for economic development said:

“It is with pleasure and gratitude that we acknowledge the achievement of our Employment, Learning and Skills service in being accredited to the matrix Standard. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality of our careers service, employment programmes and Community Learning Service, which continue to empower our residents and drive positive change within our community.

This recognition is more than just a badge of honour; it reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening our local economy by improving education outcomes for our residents. Education and skills development are at the heart of a thriving economy, and by continuously striving to develop our services, we pave the way for a brighter future for all.”

The ELS service offers a range of information, advice and guidance services to residents which include tailored programmes to find work for those who face physical and mental health barriers, are economically inactive and for those with addiction issues. The team also work with the National Careers Service to support with career guidance and CV writing. The council’s Community Learning Service, based at The Learning Place in North End offers training in IT, learning English and maths, family learning plus courses to improve health and well-being.

For more information about the Employment Learning and Skills service at Portsmouth City Council

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: E.ON and Coventry City Council launch drone scans with tech startup Kestrix to drive warmer homes at scale

Source: City of Coventry

This pilot scheme will analyse thousands of Coventry homes to devise community-scale energy upgrade plans.

The Strategic Energy Partnership between E.ON and Coventry City Council is working with tech startup Kestrix to use thermal camera drones and advanced 3D heat loss modelling at scale, providing real-world data on the performance of thousands of homes in Coventry at once. This will allow better – and faster – targeting of energy efficiency improvements with the aim of making homes more energy efficient and, ultimately, cheaper to heat.

Described as the ‘Google Maps of heat loss’, Kestrix uses drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to scan a bird’s-eye view of homes from about 50 metres high, quantifying precisely how and where heat escapes from buildings. The drone survey takes a few minutes rather than the current model of home visits which can typically last hours.

The 3D heat loss models highlight opportunities for building improvements at scale, with machine learning insights recommending what improvements could work best and at lowest cost.

The new solutions give a far clearer picture of how much it costs to run a house and how to fix heat loss issues. Capturing this data at scale gives a clear blueprint of which homes are performing the worst across whole areas, meaning energy efficiency improvements can be targeted to those who need it most in a more efficient way.

The data captured could also help social landlords and local authorities to plan and prioritise the work and, over time, aspire to build up a map of heat losses community-wide.

The collaboration between E.ON and Kestrix grew out of the Free Electrons open innovation programme, in which E.ON and other leading global utilities work together with promising start-ups to develop innovative solutions for the world of new energy. As a finalist in the 2024 edition of Free Electrons, Kestrix was brought into the organisation by E.ON Group Innovation, E.ON’s incubator for innovative technologies. Through Free Electrons, E.ON Group Innovation has helped launch a number of pilot projects across Europe, with Kestrix being the latest.

Vijay Tank, Chief Operating Officer at E.ON Infrastructure Solutions, said:

“At E.ON we have improved hundreds of thousands of homes going back many years, but if the UK is to meet its net zero targets we are going to need to improve 1.8 homes every minute from now to 2050. “We need to go further and faster, and that’s where our relationship with Kestrix and our Strategic Energy Partnership with the City of Coventry come in. Bringing together the city and this cuttingedge technology means we can deliver accurate data at scale and take away any guesswork in where exactly are the worst performing homes and what help we can get to those who need it most.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said:

“This new technological innovation will allow E.ON, our strategic energy partner, to assess heat loss from homes at scale and get vital data on where and how we can encourage or support local people to make improvements – in turn saving them cash on their heating bills. It will also mean that some people who might not qualify for support will be able to have a look at the data for their home in case there is action they want to take.”

Lucy Lyons, co-founder of Kestrix, added:

“There is no scalable, cost-effective way of knowing reliably how heat is lost across the millions of buildings we all live, work and play in – let alone how to fix it and how much fixes will cost. We need to upgrade millions of homes across the UK and with scarce finance, time and resources it’s critical to put insulation where it’s needed – with partners like E.ON and Coventry City Council we have the ambition and scale to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The Coventry trial is the largest scale application of the Kestrix system in the world, and the drone thermal imaging will analyse more than 4,000 homes, centred on the Hillfields area in the east of the city.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “It’s better not to postpone a good deed”: the winners of the NIRS-2024 competition were awarded

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

On February 10, the HSE hosted an awards ceremony for the winners and laureates of the 2024 Best Student Research Paper Competition. 1,916 papers were submitted to the competition, 320 people became winners and laureates, and the awards ceremony was held in four sections: social sciences, economic and managerial sciences, exact sciences, humanities, and creative industries.

“An achievement to build on”

The winners and laureates of the social sciences section were congratulated by the first vice-rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Vadim Radaev. He said that the audience included those who had started doing research while still students, and noted: “You did the right thing: it is better not to postpone a good deed.”

Vadim Radaev recalled that the NIS competition was first held in 2003 in five areas, and now there are 25 of them, with students not only from HSE but also from other Russian universities participating. Each application was read by at least two experts, there were more than a thousand of them in total, and they did this voluntarily and free of charge. The First Vice-Rector also thanked the experts and organizers of the competition.

First Vice Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Mikhail Mironyuk called winning the competition an achievement that he should build on in his future studies and career: enroll in master’s and postgraduate programs, find work in laboratories and research institutes.

Deputy Dean for Research Faculty of Law Alexander Larichev reported that the competition included research on various sections of jurisprudence, as well as interdisciplinary research. “Your works contain a fresh, non-trivial view, and this allows us to achieve new interesting results,” he added.

“We were able to convince the experts”

Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Sergey Roshchin spoke at the section on economic and managerial sciences. He called the victory in the research competition no less important than receiving a university diploma.

“I am glad that among the winners of the NRS competition are students and graduates not only of HSE, but also of other universities. It is important to understand that beyond your usual environment there is a community that is moving in the same direction, solving similar problems and, perhaps, ahead of you in some ways,” the vice-rector added.

Dean Faculty of Economic Sciences Sergey Pekarsky said that the competencies demonstrated by the winners and laureates of the NIRS competition are needed always and everywhere. One of them is the ability to persuade: they were able to convince the experts that their works are the best.

According to the deputy director Higher School of Business HSE Igor Tsarkov, despite the importance of applied work in the field of management, “there is no more practical thing than a good theory,” and the NIRS competition contains many works completed in accordance with research canons. Associate Professor St. Petersburg School of Economics and Management Irina Sizova emphasized that the students demonstrated the ability not only to work with data, but also to collect it.

First Vice Dean Faculty of World Economy and World Politics Igor Kovalev recalled that the competition participants achieved success with the support of their scientific supervisors, and advised not to lose contact with them.

“The moment of triumph of the mind”

Opening the section on humanities and creative industries, Ivan Gruzdev, Director of Internal Research and Academic Student Development at HSE, called the award ceremony for winners and laureates “a moment of triumph of the mind,” since the smartest students are sitting in the audience.

Dean Faculty of Humanities Felix Azhimov stated that engineering and natural science disciplines are a priority all over the world today, but humanities are still in great demand. This cannot be explained by “escape from mathematics” (especially since, for example, linguists need it). The reason for the interest is different. By studying the humanities, a person demonstrates his best moral qualities, including honesty and willingness to take responsibility.

Scientific and technological progress is certainly of decisive importance, the director clarified. Institute of Media Faculty of Creative Industries Ernest Matskyavichyus, but if there are no humanities scholars, who will tell people that it has taken place? At the same time, it is important for media workers not to turn into “pure artisans”, they value the fundamental knowledge that is provided at the HSE. In his opinion, students here conduct research, demonstrating a new view, in which there are fewer prejudices, more courage and drive.

Deputy Dean for Research St. Petersburg School of Humanities and Arts Renata Goroshkova said that the winners and laureates of the NIRS competition are on the right path, which is “not always easy and not strewn with diamonds,” but, in her opinion, “the most interesting of all possible.”

Feedback and recognition

At the exact sciences section, HSE Vice-Rector Elena Odoevskaya asked students about their impressions of the NIRS competition. During an informal conversation, it became clear, in particular, that for them the competition is an opportunity to receive not only feedback, but also recognition that they are interested in participating in the HSE students and young scientists academic development project “Republic of Scientists“.

“I would really like our partnership not to end with a diploma from the research competition and a beautiful photograph, so that you establish communication with scientists and the university administration, so that you can continue to remain in our wonderful science,” said Elena Odoevskaya. In her opinion, it is important to retain each winner and laureate of the competition in the scientific field.

Dean Faculty of Chemistry Vitaly Kotov emphasized that HSE holds various scientific competitions for students, and if at the NIRS competition research is assessed anonymously, then at another competition, organized by the Faculty of Chemistry, participants first present their work on stands, and then give flash reports.

Answering the question of the first vice-dean Faculty of Computer Science Tamara Voznesenskaya, what qualities a scientist should have, the students named patience, critical thinking and curiosity. She, in turn, noted that people who are characterized by curiosity find it difficult to do routine work in companies even for big money, and spoke about the opportunities for development in the scientific field.

“The Turning Point”

Every year, students from different campuses of the HSE participate in the research competition, and in 2024, representatives of the St. Petersburg campus achieved significant success. In the Management program, they took almost all the prizes. Among them are students of the bachelor’s program “International Business and Management“Sofia Ilyakova and Shahzodakhon Shavkatjon kizi Botirova, who took first place.

“Our research focuses on the factors that influence the success of crowdfunding campaigns in the Russian film industry on the Planeta.ru platform. We examined two levels of campaign success – reaching 50% and 100% of the target amount, showing that success depends on the number of people who supported the project, the duration of the campaign and the stated goal. We also developed recommendations for managers in the film industry,” said Sophia.

In the Psychology category, third place was taken by students from the Master’s programData Analytics for Business and Economics» Ekaterina Kalganova and Daria Levanovich. They studied the impact of participation in events held in coworking spaces on the formation of team creativity of employees.

“My future plans include developing and deepening this research. I am also attracted by the prospect of publishing an article in one of the scientific journals. I am sure that winning a prize in the competition will be a turning point in my academic development,” Ekaterina noted.

In the category “World Economy”, a student from China, Wang Jinhai, distinguished himself by taking first place. He also became a laureate in the category “Finance”. At the St. Petersburg campus, he is studying in the master’s program “Global and Regional History” and is convinced that science is his calling.

“My research interests are quite broad. I am currently working on several other studies, the topics of which are interesting in the Russian context, and I have already submitted several articles to leading journals devoted to social sciences. I hope that winning the NIRS competition will help me interact with Russian scientists and contribute to a better understanding of their approaches to studying economics and finance,” Wang Jinhai noted.

“Participation is already a success”

Second place in the direction of “Urban studies, urban and transport planning” was taken by fourth-year students of the bachelor’s program “Urban planning» Zoya Ermokhina, Elizaveta Dekkusheva, Anna Kochetkova, Dmitry Moiseyev and Amira Tsarbaeva. The team was formed in the second year, and since then they have been writing scientific papers together.

Their research for the research competition was devoted to the topic of anniversaries as drivers of urban space modernization. “The topic was suggested by our scientific supervisor Anton Valerievich Gorodnichev, and we compared 11 cases of holding anniversaries in Russia, starting with the millennium of Kazan in 2005 and ending with the millennium of Suzdal in 2024. We identified three types of modernization: an image anniversary, that is, transformations for the promotion of the city, an anniversary for solving local problems, and a mixed type,” explains Amira.

“Our work is unique because no one before us has considered an anniversary as a modernization process. But an anniversary changes the urban space: new objects are built, infrastructure is created, improvements are carried out,” adds Dmitry. According to Elizaveta, they heard about the NRS competition from the first days of their studies at the HSE. “Even participating in it is already a success,” she says.

Student of the Master’s program “Systems and software engineering» Ilya Derezovsky took third place in the Computer Science category. “This is my first experience of participating in a research competition, as well as the experience of writing my first serious scientific publication. Therefore, winning the competition was doubly unexpected and pleasant,” he says.

The young scientist conducted a study in which he had to come up with an informative, visual and aesthetic way to visualize data as part of one of his projects NUL process-oriented information systems under the supervision of Alexey Mitsyuk, a senior research fellow at this laboratory and deputy dean for research at the Faculty of Computer Science. Ilya notes that he received positive experience in scientific work and the desire to continue developing in the academic environment thanks to the support of his colleagues at the laboratory.

“The atmosphere of HSE’s scientific laboratories is unique, charged with the energy of people interested in their topic, incredibly valuable experience, support and knowledge. HSE is the best place to try yourself in science, and the research is one of the most significant events at the university, where many young researchers begin their careers,” says Ilya Derezovsky.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Met with the 25th Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. John Howard, OM AC

Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu had the honor once again of meeting with the 25th Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. John Howard, OM AC, and conveyed President Lai’s New Year greetings.
PM Howard generously shared his observations on the current global affairs and DG Wu updated him about Taiwan’s political and economic newly development.
As the second-longest-serving Prime Minister in Australia’s history, having called for four federal elections during his tenure, he offered in-depth insights on the upcoming Australian federal election.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI: Radware Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Highlights

Revenue of $73 million, an increase of 12% year–over–year
Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.27 vs. $0.13 in Q4 2023; GAAP diluted EPS of $0.06 vs. $(0.14) in Q4 2023

Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Highlights

Revenue of $275 million, an increase of 5% year-over-year
Cloud ARR of $77.3 million, an increase of 19% year-over-year
Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.87 vs. $0.43 in 2023; GAAP diluted EPS of $0.14 vs. $(0.50) in 2023
Cash flow from operations of $71.6 million compared to $(3.5) million last year

TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware^® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, today announced its consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.

“We are pleased to report a strong finish to 2024, growing revenue 12% year-over-year and more than doubling non-GAAP EPS to $0.27 in the fourth quarter. Our full year results were driven by accelerated cloud ARR growth of 19%, the success of our DefensePro X DDoS protection refresh, and strong performance from our OEM partnerships,” said Roy Zisapel, Radware’s president and CEO. “Looking ahead, we plan to increase investment in and accelerate our cloud security growth by further expanding our market leading AI enabled security capabilities, opening new cloud security service centers and expanding our cloud channels. We are confident in our strategy, excited about the opportunities ahead, and believe in our ability to deliver long-term success.”

Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024

Revenue for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 totaled $73.0 million and $274.9 million, respectively:

Revenue in the Americas region was $32.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 33% from $24.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Revenue in the Americas region for the full year of 2024 was $117.7 million, an increase of 14% from $103.4 million in the full year of 2023.
Revenue in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) region was $23.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of 6% from $24.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Revenue in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) region for the full year of 2024 was $94.1 million, a decrease of 2% from $96.5 million in the full year of 2023.
Revenue in the Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) region was $16.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 8% from $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Revenue in the Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) region for the full year of 2024 was $63.1 million, an increase of 3% from $61.4 million in the full year of 2023.

GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $2.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss of $5.9 million, or $(0.14) per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023. GAAP net income for the full year of 2024 was $6.0 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss of $21.6 million, or $(0.50) per diluted share, for the full year of 2023.

Non-GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $11.9 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $5.5 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income for the full year of 2024 was $37.7 million, or $0.87 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $18.9 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, for the full year of 2023.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term bank deposits, and marketable securities of $419.7 million. Cash flow from operations was $12.7 million and $71.6 million in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, respectively.

Non-GAAP results are calculated excluding, as applicable, the impact of stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets, litigation costs, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net, and tax-related adjustments. A reconciliation of each of the Company’s non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is included at the end of this press release.

Conference Call
Radware management will host a call today, February 12, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EST to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results and first quarter 2025 outlook. To participate on the call, please use the following numbers:
U.S. participants call toll free: 1-877-704-4453
International participants call: 1-201-389-0920

A replay will be available for seven days, starting two hours after the end of the call, on telephone number 1-844-512-2921 (US toll-free) or 1-412-317-6671. Access ID 13750817.

The call will be webcast live on the Company’s website at: http://www.radware.com/IR/. The webcast will remain available for replay during the next 12 months.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information and Key Performance Indicators
In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Radware uses non-GAAP measures of gross profit, research and development expense, selling and marketing expense, general and administrative expense, total operating expenses, operating income, financial income, net, income before taxes on income, taxes on income, net income and diluted earnings per share, which are adjustments from results based on GAAP to exclude, as applicable, stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets, litigation costs, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net, and tax–related adjustments. Management believes that exclusion of these charges allows for meaningful comparisons of operating results across past, present, and future periods. Radware’s management believes the non-GAAP financial measures provided in this release are useful to investors for the purpose of understanding and assessing Radware’s ongoing operations. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included with the financial information contained in this press release. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating and operating the business and, as such, has determined that it is important to provide this information to investors.

Annual recurring revenue (“ARR”) is a key performance indicator defined as the annualized value of booked orders for term-based cloud services, subscription licenses, and maintenance contracts that are in effect at the end of a reporting period. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or to replace either of those items. ARR is not a forecast of future revenue, which can be impacted by contract start and end dates and renewal rates and does not include revenue reported as perpetual license or professional services revenue in our consolidated statement of operations. We consider ARR a key performance indicator of the value of the recurring components of our business.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the tensions between China and Taiwan; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; a shortage of components or manufacturing capacity could cause a delay in our ability to fulfill orders or increase our manufacturing costs; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cyber security and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors, or by a critical system failure; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; our net losses in the past two years and possibility we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cyber security and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by fourth parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and fourth-party licenses; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

About Radware
Radware^® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, YouTube, and Radware Mobile for iOS.

©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

CONTACTS
Investor Relations:
Yisca Erez, +972-72-3917211, ir@radware.com

Media Contact:
Gerri Dyrek, gerri.dyrek@radware.com

Radware Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

	December 31,	December 31,
	2024	2023
	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)
Assets

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	98,714	70,538
Marketable securities	72,994	86,372
Short-term bank deposits	104,073	173,678
Trade receivables, net	16,823	20,267
Other receivables and prepaid expenses	14,242	9,529
Inventories	14,030	15,544
	320,876	375,928

Long-term investments
Marketable securities	29,523	33,131
Long-term bank deposits	114,354	–
Other assets	2,171	2,166
	146,048	35,297


Property and equipment, net	15,632	18,221
Intangible assets, net	11,750	15,718
Other long-term assets	37,906	37,967
Operating lease right-of-use assets	18,456	20,777
Goodwill	68,008	68,008
Total assets	618,676	571,916

Liabilities and equity

Current liabilities
Trade payables	5,581	4,298
Deferred revenues	106,303	105,012
Operating lease liabilities	4,750	4,684
Other payables and accrued expenses	51,836	41,021
	168,470	155,015

Long-term liabilities
Deferred revenues	64,708	60,499
Operating lease liabilities	13,519	16,020
Other long-term liabilities	14,904	17,108
	93,131	93,627

Equity
Radware Ltd. equity
Share capital	754	742
Additional paid-in capital	555,154	529,209
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,103	77
Treasury stock, at cost	(366,588)	(365,749)
Retained earnings	125,850	119,812
Total Radware Ltd. shareholder’s equity	316,273	284,091

Non–controlling interest	40,802	39,183

Total equity	357,075	323,274

Total liabilities and equity	618,676	571,916

Radware Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
(U.S Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

	For the three months ended		For the twelve months ended
	December 31,		December 31,
	2024	2023	2024	2023
	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)

Revenues	73,031	65,032	274,880	261,292
Cost of revenues	13,992	12,824	53,252	51,710
Gross profit	59,039	52,208	221,628	209,582

Operating expenses, net:
Research and development, net	18,472	19,712	74,723	82,617
Selling and marketing	32,505	31,869	122,450	126,237
General and administrative	7,071	8,030	28,342	32,408
Total operating expenses, net	58,048	59,611	225,515	241,262

Operating income (loss)	991	(7,403)	(3,887)	(31,680)
Financial income, net	3,570	3,239	16,552	13,927
Income (loss) before taxes on income	4,561	(4,164)	12,665	(17,753)
Taxes on income	2,109	1,686	6,627	3,837
Net income (loss)	2,452	(5,850)	6,038	(21,590)

Basic net income (loss) per share attributed to Radware Ltd.’s shareholders	0.06	(0.14)	0.14	(0.50)

Weighted average number of shares used to compute basic net income (loss) per share	42,238,469	41,806,042	41,982,851	42,871,770

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributed to Radware Ltd.’s shareholders	0.06	(0.14)	0.14	(0.50)

Weighted average number of shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per share	43,725,803	41,806,042	43,362,906	42,871,770

	Radware Ltd.
	Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information
	(U.S Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

		For the three months ended		For the twelve months ended
		December 31,		December 31,
		2024	2023	2024	2023
		(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)
GAAP gross profit		59,039	52,208	221,628	209,582
	Share-based compensation	126	112	366	515
	Amortization of intangible assets	992	992	3,968	3,968
Non-GAAP gross profit		60,157	53,312	225,962	214,065

GAAP research and development, net		18,472	19,712	74,723	82,617
	Share-based compensation	1,434	2,305	6,113	8,505
Non-GAAP Research and development, net		17,038	17,407	68,610	74,112

GAAP selling and marketing		32,505	31,869	122,450	126,237
	Share-based compensation	3,173	3,489	10,881	12,554
	Restructuring costs	–	578	–	1,851
Non-GAAP selling and marketing		29,332	27,802	111,569	111,832

GAAP general and administrative		7,071	8,030	28,342	32,408
	Share-based compensation	2,187	2,965	8,667	12,448
	Acquisition costs	130	359	701	1,128
Non-GAAP general and administrative		4,754	4,706	18,974	18,832

GAAP total operating expenses, net		58,048	59,611	225,515	241,262
	Share-based compensation	6,794	8,759	25,661	33,507
	Acquisition costs	130	359	701	1,128
	Restructuring costs	–	578	–	1,851
Non-GAAP total operating expenses, net		51,124	49,915	199,153	204,776

GAAP operating income (loss)		991	(7,403)	(3,887)	(31,680)
	Share-based compensation	6,920	8,871	26,027	34,022
	Amortization of intangible assets	992	992	3,968	3,968
	Acquisition costs	130	359	701	1,128
	Restructuring costs	–	578	–	1,851
Non-GAAP operating income		9,033	3,397	26,809	9,289

GAAP financial income, net		3,570	3,239	16,552	13,927
	Exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net	1,463	563	1,232	(207)
Non-GAAP financial income, net		5,033	3,802	17,784	13,720

GAAP income (loss) before taxes on income		4,561	(4,164)	12,665	(17,753)
	Share-based compensation	6,920	8,871	26,027	34,022
	Amortization of intangible assets	992	992	3,968	3,968
	Acquisition costs	130	359	701	1,128
	Restructuring costs	–	578	–	1,851
	Exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net	1,463	563	1,232	(207)
Non-GAAP income before taxes on income		14,066	7,199	44,593	23,009

GAAP taxes on income		2,109	1,686	6,627	3,837
	Tax related adjustments	61	61	246	246
Non-GAAP taxes on income		2,170	1,747	6,873	4,083

GAAP net income (loss)		2,452	(5,850)	6,038	(21,590)
	Share-based compensation	6,920	8,871	26,027	34,022
	Amortization of intangible assets	992	992	3,968	3,968
	Acquisition costs	130	359	701	1,128
	Restructuring costs	–	578	–	1,851
	Exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net	1,463	563	1,232	(207)
	Tax related adjustments	(61)	(61)	(246)	(246)
Non-GAAP net income		11,896	5,452	37,720	18,926

GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share		0.06	(0.14)	0.14	(0.50)
	Share-based compensation	0.16	0.21	0.60	0.78
	Amortization of intangible assets	0.02	0.02	0.09	0.09
	Acquisition costs	0.00	0.01	0.02	0.03
	Restructuring costs	0.00	0.02	0.00	0.04
	Exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net	0.03	0.01	0.03	0.00
	Tax related adjustments	(0.00)	(0.00)	(0.01)	(0.01)
Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share		0.27	0.13	0.87	0.43


Weighted average number of shares used to compute non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share		43,725,803	42,462,751	43,362,906	43,655,555

Radware Ltd.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
(U.S. Dollars in thousands)

	For the three months ended		For the twelve months ended
	December 31,		December 31,
	2024	2023	2024	2023
	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)
Cash flow from operating activities:

Net income (loss)	2,452	(5,850)	6,038	(21,590)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	2,918	3,028	11,836	12,244
Share-based compensation	6,920	8,871	26,027	34,022
Amortization of premium, accretion of discounts and accrued interest on marketable securities, net	(190)	638	(417)	1,754
Loss (income) related to securities, net	–	(1)	–	243
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest on bank deposits	(1,279)	549	3,366	(3,265)
Increase (decrease) in accrued severance pay, net	(151)	207	(45)	(299)
Decrease (increase) in trade receivables, net	3,140	(7,895)	3,444	(2,515)
Decrease (increase) in other receivables and prepaid expenses and other long-term assets	(1,252)	2,236	(97)	(305)
Decrease (increase) in inventories	(487)	(2,550)	1,514	(4,116)
Increase (decrease) in trade payables	(970)	(1,771)	1,283	(2,166)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues	(4,829)	(3,856)	5,500	(14,951)
Increase (decrease) in other payables and accrued expenses	6,222	9,383	13,274	(1,415)
Operating lease liabilities, net	255	(336)	(114)	(1,141)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	12,749	2,653	71,609	(3,500)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of property and equipment	(1,059)	(936)	(5,279)	(5,429)
Proceeds from other long-term assets, net	41	(11)	81	66
Proceeds from (investment in) bank deposits, net	(46,682)	29,686	(48,115)	81,031
Investment in, redemption of and purchase of marketable securities ,net	23,249	16,764	18,793	17,111
Investment in other deposits	(5,000)	–	(5,000)	–
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(29,451)	45,503	(39,520)	92,779

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from exercise of share options	–	63	3	371
Repurchase of shares	–	(10,103)	(839)	(63,234)
Payment of contingent consideration related to acquisition	–	–	(3,077)	(2,063)
Net cash used in financing activities	–	(10,040)	(3,913)	(64,926)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(16,702)	38,116	28,176	24,353
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	115,416	32,422	70,538	46,185
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	98,714	70,538	98,714	70,538

	Radware Ltd.
	RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA (NON-GAAP)
	(U.S Dollars in thousands)

		For the three months ended		For the twelve months ended
		December 31,		December 31,
		2024	2023	2024	2023
		(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)	(Unaudited)
GAAP net income (loss)		2,452	(5,850)	6,038	(21,590)
	Exclude: Financial income, net	(3,570)	(3,239)	(16,552)	(13,927)
	Exclude: Depreciation and amortization expense	2,918	3,028	11,836	12,244
	Exclude: Taxes on income	2,109	1,686	6,627	3,837
EBITDA		3,909	(4,375)	7,949	(19,436)

	Share-based compensation	6,920	8,871	26,027	34,022
	Restructuring costs	–	578	–	1,851
	Acquisition costs	130	359	701	1,128
Adjusted EBITDA		10,959	5,433	34,677	17,565


		For the three months ended		For the twelve months ended
		December 31,		December 31,
		2024	2023	2024	2023
	Amortization of intangible assets	992	992	3,968	3,968
	Depreciation	1,926	2,036	7,868	8,276
		2,918	3,028	11,836	12,244

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI: CLEAR To Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clear Secure, Inc. (NYSE: YOU), the secure identity company, today announced that it will report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2024 at approximately 6:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. At 8:00 a.m. ET, results will be discussed via live webcast and teleconference.

Investors and analysts can access the live teleconference call by dialing toll-free 877-407-3089 for U.S. participants and +1-215-268-9854 for international participants. Listeners can access the live webcast HERE. A webcast replay will be available after the event on the investor relations website at https://ir.clearme.com.

About CLEAR
CLEAR’s mission is to create frictionless experiences. With over 27 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

Media Contact
CLEAR
media@clearme.com

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: Patria Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Earnings Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patria (Nasdaq:PAX) reported today its unaudited results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The full detailed presentation of Patria’s fourth quarter and full year 2024 results can be accessed on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/.

Alex Saigh, Patria’s CEO, said: “The fourth quarter capped a very exciting and transformational year for Patria. We raised $5.5 billion in 2024, inclusive of $300 million in our Advisory business, exceeding our $5 billion target. A wide variety of strategies and products, most of which did not exist at the time of our IPO four years ago, contributed to our fundraising. Our Fee Earning AUM reached $33 billion representing year-over-year growth of 38%, and we achieved our target FRE of $170 million for the full year, reflecting 15% year-over-year growth. Also, we generated Performance Related Earnings, or PRE, of $41 million, primarily reflecting the sale of Aguas Pacifico, a highly successful infrastructure investment in our Infrastructure Fund III. Overall, driven by strong FRE growth and PRE, we delivered $89 million of Distributable Earnings or $0.58 per share in the quarter and $189 million or $1.24 per share for the full year. As we look ahead to 2025, we believe we are well positioned to generate the $6 billion of fundraising and $200 to $225 million of FRE we are targeting for the full year. Our success highlights how the increased diversification of our platform and the investments we are making in distribution and new product development are translating into stronger and more diverse growth for the firm, leaving us very excited about what lies ahead.”

Financial Highlights (reported in $ USD)

IFRS results included $56.8 million of net income attributable to Patria in Q4 2024 and $73.4 million for the full year. Patria generated Fee Related Earnings of $54.8 million in Q4 2024, up 18% from $46.7 million in Q4 2023, with an FRE margin of 59%. For the full year 2024, Patria generated Fee Related Earnings of $170.1 million, up 15% from $147.7 million in 2023, with an FRE margin of 57%. Distributable Earnings were $89.1 million for Q4 2024, or $0.58 per share, and $189.2 million for the full year, or $1.24 per share.

Dividends

Patria declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share to record holders of common stock at the close of business on February 28th, 2025. This dividend will be paid on March 17th, 2024.

Conference Call

Patria will host its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings conference call via public webcast on February 12th, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET. To register and join, please use the following link:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/e5czewmy/

For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, there will be a webcast replay on the Shareholders section of Patria’s website at https://ir.patria.com/ shortly after the call’s completion.

About Patria

Patria is a global alternative asset manager and industry leader in Latin America. Founded over 35 years ago, Patria has total assets under management of $41.9 billion, and offices in 13 cities on 4 continents. Patria aims to generate attractive long-term investment returns and, through a diversified platform with strategies that include Private Equity, Infrastructure, Credit, Real Estate, Public Equities and Global Private Markets Solutions, serve as the gateway to alternative investments for both local investors in Latin America, as well as global investors. Further information is available at www.patria.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words, among others. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Further information on these and other factors that could affect our financial results is included in filings we have made and will make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including but not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in our periodic filings.

Contact

Patria Shareholder Relations
E. PatriaShareholderRelations@patria.com
T. +1 917 769 1611

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mattermost and Qrypt Announce Joint Solution for Quantum-Secure Communications in Defense and Intelligence Applications

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Palo Alto, California, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mattermost, the leading collaborative workflow platform for defense, intelligence, security and critical infrastructure, and Qrypt, a pioneer in cryptographic quantum security solutions, today announced at the 2025 DoD Cybersecurity & SAP IT Summit a partnership to deliver quantum-secure communication capabilities. This collaboration addresses the rising cyber threats from nation-state adversaries, the impending risks posed by AI and quantum computing to encryption standards, and new regulatory requirements across critical infrastructure industries for quantum secure communications, many coming into effect in 2030. The joint solution ensures resilient, quantum-secure communications to safeguard national security and mission-critical data.

“Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of communications is paramount for our defense and national security customers,” said Dr. Bill Anderson, Principal Product Manager at Mattermost, Inc. “The serious threat of ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ attacks posed by quantum computing demands strategic foresight and proactive action. Our partnership with Qrypt ensures our customers are equipped to collaborate securely and effectively, even in the face of evolving threats.”

“The security of critical infrastructure and sensitive intelligence is non-negotiable in today’s threat landscape,” added Kevin Chalker, CEO of Qrypt. “While larger quantum computers threaten modern encryption standards, the advent of powerful AI introduces new risks in quantum cryptanalysis that could lead to unforeseen developments. By integrating Qrypt’s quantum-secure encryption with Mattermost’s collaboration platform, we provide defense and intelligence agencies with the robust tools necessary to protect their critical information assets.”

Problem and Solution Overview:

The rapid evolution of cyber threats, compounded by AI advancements and the impending capabilities of quantum computing, has created an urgent need for advanced encryption solutions. Nation-state adversaries are actively collecting encrypted data with the intent of future decryption using quantum technologies. Mattermost and Qrypt have united to deliver a comprehensive defense, offering a continuous transition to quantum-secure protocols and ensuring sustained security for classified communications.

Key Benefits of the Joint Solution:

Future-Proof Encryption: Qrypt’s quantum entropy-based encryption resists attacks from both classical and quantum computers.

Crypto-Agility: An architecture to rapidly adapt to emerging cryptographic standards and algorithms ensures flexibility and resilience to unpredicted advances in cryptographic attacks.

Resilient Defense: Robust protection against data interception, decryption, data poisoning, and manipulation, ensuring mission-critical operations remain uncompromised.

Enhanced Security Posture: Secures sensitive information long-term against emerging quantum threats.

Secure Collaboration: Reliable communication for defense and intelligence missions, even amid advanced cyber threats.

About Mattermost:

Mattermost is the leading collaboration platform for mission-critical work. We serve national security, government, and critical infrastructure enterprises, from the U.S. Department of Defense, to global tech giants, to utilities, banks and other vital services. We accelerate out-of-band incident response, DevSecOps workflow, mission operations, and self-sovereign collaboration to bolster the focus, adaptability and resilience of the world’s most important organizations. Our enterprise software and single-tenant SaaS platforms are built to meet the custom needs of rigorous and complex environments while offering a secure and unrivaled collaboration experience across web, desktop and mobile with channel-based messaging, file sharing, audio calling and screen share, with integrated tooling, workflow automation and AI assistance. Mattermost is developed on an open core platform vetted by the world’s leading security organizations, and co-built with over 4,000 open source project contributors who’ve provided over 30,000 code improvements towards our shared vision of accelerating the world’s mission-critical work.

About Qrypt:

Qrypt is a cybersecurity innovator providing cryptographic solutions resilient to quantum computing threats. Leveraging peer-reviewed research in quantum physics, Qrypt’s technology generates unbreakable encryption keys using true random numbers from quantum entropy sources. Qrypt’s solutions protect data in government, finance, healthcare, and other sectors, ensuring quantum-resistant security for an ever-evolving cyber landscape.

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: Flex Perpetuals opens FLP Surge – a new era of DeFi market making

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flex Perpetuals has officially launched its FLP Surge, an innovative liquidity initiative designed to democratize market making in DeFi. With FLP Surge, traders and investors of all sizes can earn sustainable yield by participating in liquidity provision, capturing a share of trading fees on one of the most anticipated & fastest-growing decentralized perpetuals exchanges on Base.

FLP Surge: the future of market making for everyone

Traditionally, market making has been reserved for institutional players with deep liquidity and specialized trading infrastructure. Flex Perpetuals’ Flex Liquidity Pool (FLP) is changing that narrative by opening market-making rewards to everyone, from retail to large institutional investors.

Earn from day one: FLP holders receive 45% of all platform trading fees paid out in USDC
Capital-efficient liquidity: FLP is structured as a blue-chip index token with 40% cbBTC, 40% USDC, and 20% ETH
Bonus incentives: Participating in FLP Surge offers massive incentive bonuses, making it one of the most rewarding liquidity events in DeFi. If you are considering a deposit of over $50K, even more exclusive benefits await, including up to 15% extra rewards on top of existing incentives.
Flexible liquidity: After an initial one-month lock-up, investors can withdraw funds anytime.

With FLP Surge now live, early participants are securing their share of one of DeFi’s most attractive liquidity opportunities. Deposit now – https://go.flex.trade/deposit

Why FLP Surge stands out

The launch of FLP Surge is more than just another DeFi liquidity event. It introduces a fair, transparent, and sustainable liquidity model designed for long-term adoption. Unlike traditional liquidity mining, which often relies on inflationary incentives, FLP Surge rewards providers directly from real trading volume.

Real yield: Unlike staking programs reliant on token emissions, the majority of FLP’s yield is driven by actual trading activity
Smoothed volatility: FLP’s balanced cbBTC, ETH, and USDC allocation ensures stable long-term exposure
Open to all: Whether you’re deploying $100 or $1M, FLP Surge is structured to provide accessible, efficient market-making rewards

By leveraging its deep liquidity, efficient trade execution, and strong integration within the Base ecosystem, Flex Perpetuals is setting a new benchmark for decentralized liquidity provision.

The platform behind FLP Surge: Flex Perpetuals

While FLP Surge is a major milestone, it’s only one part of the broader Flex Perpetuals ecosystem. Built on the hugely exciting Base Chain by Coinbase, the Flex Perpetuals platform is designed to offer a CEX-like trading experience in a fully decentralized and permissionless environment.

Low trading fees: Competitive fees starting at 0.02% on BTC and ETH trades
Gasless trading: Intent-based execution ensures instant transactions without high network costs
Cross-Margin & multi-asset collateral: Trade using BTC, ETH, and USDC as collateral for maximum capital efficiency
Sub-accounts: Manage multiple trading strategies with isolated risk in one seamless interface
Web App for mobile trading: Access the full Flex Perpetuals platform from anywhere with a smooth mobile-friendly interface

Security, partnerships, and the roadmap ahead

Security and transparency are at the core of Flex Perpetuals. The platform has undergone comprehensive audits from Code4rena, Foobar, WatchPug, and Cantina, ensuring the infrastructure is resilient and secure.

Strategic partnerships further enhance the ecosystem:
Aerodrome: The hub of liquidity, supported by Flex Perpetuals’ veAERO Treasury, incentivizing deep trading pools on Base
Chainlink & Pyth: Providing accurate, real-time price feeds for seamless trading execution

The Flex Perpetuals team is committed to a feature-driven roadmap, continuously improving the trading experience with new pairs, automation tools, and liquidity innovations to ensure long-term success.

Be part of FLP Surge today

With FLP Surge now open, investors have a limited-time opportunity to participate in a new era of DeFi market making. FLP Surge closes on February 16th at 16:00 UTC, making now the best time to secure rewards and maximize incentives. Whether you’re looking for a stable, passive yield or an active role in decentralized liquidity, Flex Perpetuals is providing a gateway to high-performance trading opportunities.

About Flex Perpetuals

Flex Perpetuals is a decentralized perpetuals exchange built on Base, a layer-2 solution by Coinbase. With a focus on democratizing market-making opportunities, Flex Perpetuals enables traders and investors of all sizes to participate in liquidity provision and earn sustainable yield. The platform’s Flex Liquidity Pool (FLP) offers an innovative liquidity model that rewards participants from real trading volume, rather than relying on inflationary incentives.

Backed by comprehensive security audits and strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Aerodrome, Chainlink, and Pyth, Flex Perpetuals is committed to creating a transparent, efficient, and sustainable DeFi ecosystem.

For more information, visit Flex Perpetuals or follow us on Twitter and Telegram.

FLP Surge deposits are open now! Secure your position today at https://go.flex.trade/deposit

For more information, join the conversation on X and Telegram and check out the project documentation:

Contact:
Stuart Blair
COO
Marketing@flex.trade

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Flex. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf71d511-ad90-42a2-9f20-7fc3fb032534

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6e1b4e4b-e655-484e-a355-2c39fee3d08b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18b000d8-ce3a-4c29-aef5-01563072c7ca

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Issue of ₹50 Denomination Banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Governor

Source: Reserve Bank of India

The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue ₹50 denomination Banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series bearing the signature of Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Governor. The design of these notes is similar in all respects to ₹50 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series. All banknotes in the denomination of ₹50 issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.

(Puneet Pancholy)
Chief General Manager

Press Release: 2024-2025/2135

MIL OSI Economics –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report completion marks next stage of Grade I city monument works plan

Source: City of Winchester

Proposed conservation, landscape improvement and cleaning works at another of Winchester’s most important historic structures are progressing.

Winchester City Council commissioned a specialist report about required works to Hyde Abbey Gateway, a Grade I listed Scheduled Ancient Monument which comprises a covered archway with a side pedestrian gate, and a secure chamber on the south-eastern side. 

Hyde Abbey Gateway

The report details proposals for inside and outside the monument including netting to deter pigeons, wall conservation, new drainage and lighting, and the replacement of the interpretation boards which explain the building’s history to visitors.

Hyde Abbey Gateway, which is thought to date back to the 15th century, is one of the few remaining parts of mediaeval monastery Hyde Abbey that are visible above ground. The Abbey was dissolved and demolished in 1538 during the reign of Henry VIII.

The gatehouse section later also marked the entrance to Hyde House until that house was demolished in 1769.

Cllr Martin Tod, Leader of Winchester City Council, said: “We’re lucky in Winchester to be custodians of such an interesting piece of history – and I’m grateful to all the people who’ve worked on such carefully and sensitively thought-through plans.

“We are very lucky that Winchester is home to some really impressive landmarks of historical importance and it’s right that we manage them careful and sensitively. It’s good to see such detailed plans for Hyde Abbey Gateway alongside our recent consent from Historic England to repair another of our historic monuments – the Buttercross.”

The plan will now be submitted to Historic England to obtain their official scheduled monument consent to carry out the works.

Last Updated: Wednesday 12 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov took part in an extended meeting of the board of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Denis Manturov took part in an extended meeting of the board of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov took part in an extended meeting of the board of the Russian Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM of Russia).

“This year, as you know, the Russian Emergencies Ministry celebrates its 35th anniversary since its creation. During this time, it has established itself as an effective, highly professional structure, one of the best in the world in its field. And this is confirmed by the active international agenda of the Russian Emergencies Ministry. Last year, it took part in 20 humanitarian operations under the auspices of the UN World Food Programme. And it is always ready to provide its forces and resources to eliminate the consequences of major disasters in different parts of the world,” Denis Manturov noted.

At the same time, the First Deputy Prime Minister emphasized, there is significant potential for improving the work of the department, primarily through more intensive use of preventive measures to protect against emergencies. For these purposes, it is necessary to more actively integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the work, expand the use of data from Earth remote sensing satellites, and introduce elements of artificial intelligence.

In his report, the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Alexander Kurenkov, reflected the main performance indicators of the department for the year. “The personnel took part in the liquidation of the consequences of over 270 emergency situations. Their number has decreased by 11% compared to 2023. Our main efforts were aimed at helping the population during the period of large-scale floods that affected 69 regions and over 1.5 thousand settlements. The required payments from the federal budget through the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia were delivered to the population in full. The department’s forces also responded to natural fires. In total, more than 10 thousand outbreaks were recorded. We prevented the fire from spreading to 29 settlements with a population of over 56 thousand people,” the minister emphasized.

The department is particularly focused on protecting people in border regions and providing them with assistance. The Emergencies Ministry’s pyrotechnicians have found and neutralized over 42 thousand explosive objects. And within the framework of a special infrastructure project, 54 fire and rescue infrastructure facilities will be gradually restored. In 2024, work on 11 of them will be completed. The Zaporizhia Rescue Center has been created; it is currently being staffed and equipped.

The head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations expressed gratitude to the Government for its attention to the issues of the department’s activities, as well as to all specialists for the courage and professionalism they demonstrated in the performance of their official duties.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

February 13, 2025
MIL-OSI: Trident and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Technology of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Sign an Agreement for the Implementation of the National Digital Identity System

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd (“Trident” or the “Company,” NASDAQ: TDTH), a leading catalyst for digital transformation in technology optimization services and Web 3.0 activation based in Singapore, today announced the signing of an implementation agreement with the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Technology of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC” or the “Republic”). This agreement marks the beginning of the deployment of the national digital identity system.

This preliminary collaboration agreement signifies the operational launch of a comprehensive digital identification and authentication platform in the DRC. It formalizes the initial collaboration between Trident and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, transitioning from strategic planning to contractual execution.

The agreement outlines specific deliverables, including the development and deployment of an integrated digital identity verification and authentication system based on a secure infrastructure for delivering government services.

Furthermore, the system will incorporate robust data protection measures aligned with international standards, ensuring the security and confidentiality of citizens’ information. These fundamental elements aim to revolutionize interactions between citizens and the government, marking a major step toward a digitally integrated nation. This technology will also benefit citizens by enhancing the efficiency and security of government services while ensuring user control and consent.

Statements from Leadership

Soon Huat Lim, Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Trident, stated:

“The signing of this agreement represents a crucial milestone in our mission to provide the citizens of the DRC with secure and accessible digital identity services. By working directly with the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Technology, we will implement advanced digital identity verification and authentication systems that will serve as the cornerstone of the DRC’s digital transformation. This implementation phase will focus on building a robust infrastructure, ensuring that every citizen can securely access government services through a verified digital identity.”

He added:

“The systems we are developing will establish new standards for digital governance in Africa while creating a replicable model for developing nations. This partnership is a prime example of how innovative technology can be leveraged to drive meaningful change in people’s daily lives.”

H.E. Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Technology of the DRC, commented:

“The Digital Identity System is a key pillar in modernizing our country through digital transformation. With Trident, we will be able to provide our citizens with secure and efficient access to government services while protecting their personal data through advancements in blockchain technology. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to leveraging innovative solutions for the benefit of all Congolese. By implementing this digital transformation, we are not only building infrastructure but also creating new opportunities for economic growth and social inclusion.”

About Trident

Trident is a leading catalyst for digital transformation in digital optimization, technology services, and Web 3.0 activation worldwide based in Singapore. The Company offers commercial and technological digital solutions designed to optimize its clients’ experience with their end-users by promoting digital adoption and self-service.

Tridentity, the Company’s flagship product, is an innovative and highly secure blockchain-based identity solution designed to provide secure single sign-on authentication capabilities to integrated third-party systems across various industries. Tridentity aims to offer unparalleled security features, ensuring the protection of sensitive information and preventing potential threats, thus promising a new secure era in the global digital landscape in general, and in Southeast Asia etc.

Beyond Tridentity, the Company’s mission is to become the global leader in Web 3.0 activation, notably connecting businesses to a reliable and secure technological platform, with tailored and optimized customer experiences.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in announcements and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors, or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that a definitive agreement will not be concluded as contemplated under the preliminary collaboration agreement discussed in this announcement, and the possibility that the e-GOV system will not materialize as contemplated under the preliminary collaboration agreement or a definitive agreement if and once concluded. A number of factors could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s strategies, future business development, and financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the digital solutions market; the political, economic, social and legal developments in the jurisdictions that the Company operates in or in which the Company intends to expand its business and operations; the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Investor and Media Contacts

Investor Relations
Robin Yang, Partner
ICR, LLC
Email: investor@tridentity.me
Phone: +1 (212) 321-0602

Media Relations
Brad Burgess, SVP
ICR, LLC
Email: Brad.Burgess@icrinc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1627fdde-b97d-48f2-b2b9-f50149c37570

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS: Aviva plc

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE / DEALING BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	AXA Investment Managers S.A.
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	Aviva plc
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	11 February 2025
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	YES Direct Line Insurance Group plc

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	32 17/19p ordinary
	Interests		Short positions
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	6,300,736	0.24
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL: AXA Investment Managers does not have discretion regarding voting decisions in respect of 5,951,903 shares that are included in this total.	6,300,736	0.24

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
32 17/19p ordinary	Purchase	1,920	GBP 5.01

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Exercising/ exercised against	Number of securities	Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	12 February 2025
Contact name:	Sabrina AID
*Telephone number:**	+33 1 44 45 58 79

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

*If the discloser is a natural person, a telephone number does not need to be included, provided contact information has been provided to the Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

February 13, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches Unique Community-Led Programme “Galaxy empowered” To Upskill 20,000 Teachers by 2025

Source: Samsung

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has announced the launch of “Galaxy empowered”, a one-of-a-kind community-led programme designed to transform education in India by empowering teachers, principals, and administrators in the education sector.

The initiative, launched in the presence of Abhinav Bindra, legendary shooter and 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist, aims to build a culture of innovation and inspire creativity in education by integrating technology into teaching practices. It will prepare teachers for the classrooms of tomorrow through recurring on-ground and online learning events. As a global leader in technology, Samsung is committed to shaping the future of education by creating future-ready classrooms that will help teachers embrace the latest technology and modern pedagogies.

“Galaxy empowered” not only benefits educators but also supports schools in becoming leaders in education innovation. By enhancing teaching practices and creating technology-driven learning environments, schools can position themselves as the institution of choice for parents, improving their reputation and gaining recognition in the community. In addition, the “Galaxy empowered” programme is free for both teachers and schools, ensuring valuable resources for education advancement without any financial barriers.

“With “Galaxy empowered”, we provide teachers the tools to enhance student engagement and create lasting educational impact. By investing in teacher development, Samsung empowers educators to maximize their classroom impact, supporting the backbone of the education system. This initiative aligns with our vision of innovating for a better tomorrow, ensuring education remains at the forefront of innovation and every educator has the resources to succeed,” said Raju Pullan, Senior Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India.

Over 2,700 teachers have been awarded certificates across India via live training sessions since December 2024 under the umbrella of “Galaxy empowered”. The programme aims to empower 20,000 teachers across India by 2025. For the Delhi phase, Samsung has successfully conducted the “Galaxy empowered” programme in 250 schools. Apart from partnering with Mahattattva Educational Advisory and STTAR for the first phase, specialized trainers and academicians have been appointed to help the teachers through the programme.

“Education lies at the heart of societal progress, and Samsung has recognized the importance of enabling teachers with the right tools and support to harness technology in the classroom. By empowering teachers and education administrators, Samsung is fostering an ecosystem where technology enhances learning, bridges gaps, and shapes the future of education. I believe this initiative will serve as a vital steppingstone in upskilling our educators to deliver better learning experiences on a larger scale,” said Abhinav Bindra, Chief Guest and 2008 Olympic Gold Medallist.

“Samsung’s Galaxy empowered initiative bridges the gaps by providing educators with access to advanced technology, blended learning tools, and a supportive community. Through online and in-person professional development, teachers can effectively integrate technology into their classrooms. By offering hands-on experience with Samsung’s products and tailored resources, we are aiding educators enhance student engagement, streamline tasks, and improve teaching effectiveness.” said Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India.

Raju Dixit, Dr. Biswajit Saha, Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Mr. Shishir Jaipuria, Ms. Abha Adams, Dr. Natash Mehta and Lt. Gen. Surendra Kulkarni (Retd.)

The “Galaxy empowered” initiative is built on three core pillars — Technology Upskilling, Experiential Learning, and Peer-to-Peer Networking. Whether foundational, preparatory, middle, secondary, or for administrators, “Galaxy empowered” provides targeted support to educators, ensuring that they have the tools they need to succeed in their specific teaching environments.

Technology Upskilling: Offering flexible online training sessions, physical bootcamps, and a comprehensive library of resources, “Galaxy empowered” enables teachers to integrate the latest digital tools into their classrooms, including gamification strategies, interactive apps, and virtual classrooms.
Hands-On Training and Certification: Educators will have access to hands-on workshops, mentorship, and certification opportunities to recognize their achievements and build their skills. The programme also includes specialized resources for curriculum and content design, as well as guidance on educator well-being.
Collaboration and Networking: Teachers will be part of a dynamic community of educators, gaining access to peer-to-peer networking, industry experts, and thought leadership in education through exclusive panels and keynote sessions.

Exclusive Samsung Perks for Educators
Samsung is offering special discounts on a wide range of products, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and consumer electronics, exclusively for educators and school leaders who participate in the “Galaxy empowered” programme. Additional perks include extended warranties, free insurance, and access to exclusive time-limited deals.

Join the Education Revolution with “Galaxy empowered”
“Galaxy empowered” is a free programme for both educators and schools, providing valuable resources for professional development and educational advancement. By equipping teachers with modern skills and tools, “Galaxy empowered” aims to unlock the full potential of educators and institutions across India.
To learn more about “Galaxy empowered”, enroll in the programme, and access exclusive offers, visit: www.samsung.com/in/galaxy-empowered/.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 13, 2025

Blog

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:

Commodore Phil Game, Director of Sense, Decide & Communicate at DE&S, said:

Phil Siveter, CEO Thales in the UK, said:

Share this page

Updates to this page

“An achievement to build on”

“We were able to convince the experts”

“The moment of triumph of the mind”

Feedback and recognition

“The Turning Point”

“Participation is already a success”