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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council’s autumn leaves sweep up will generate enough electricity to boil more than 5 million kettles | Westminster City Council

Source: City of Westminster

This autumn, Westminster Council, in partnership with Veolia, has extended its street cleaning service once again to accommodate the substantial leaf fall from the city’s 19,000 trees.

The peak period of leaf fall typically spans from October 1 to November 30, influenced by strong winds, rainfall, and cooler temperatures.

The council anticipates gathering approximately 1,000 tonnes of leaves, equivalent to around 200,000 bags, this autumn. This quantity is comparable to the weight of six London underground trains, or 80 double decker buses.

Due to the presence of heavy metals resulting from traffic pollution, leaves collected in the city cannot be used for composting. But, to optimise the leaves as a resource, they are used to contribute to generating energy for heating homes.

Approximately 1,000 tonnes of leaves can generate 530,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power an estimated five million hours of television or boil 5.3 million kettles.

During this period, the local authority and Veolia are employing 11 additional agency staff and utilizing two extra collection vehicles to bolster the street cleansing endeavour.

Manual street cleansing teams are work closely with the council’s new electric gully trucks to prevent leaves from obstructing drains and potentially causing floods.

Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality said:

Falling autumn leaves make for a great Instagram picture and look spectacular in our parks, but they can make pavements slippery and pose a flood risk by blocking drains. Our street cleansing teams are working hard to prioritise leaf sweeping to keep our streets free from hazards for residents and visitors.”

Lee Mewett, Senior Contract Manager for Veolia Westminster, added:

As Westminster City Council’s environmental services partner, we’re proud to play a crucial role in this autumn’s leaf clean-up initiative.

Our commitment to ecological transformation drives us to find innovative solutions and I look forward to the deployment of new electric gully trucks this year as part of our ambition to transition all Westminster depots to be fully electric. This sustainable energy solution will reduce noise and increase the efficiency with which we address the challenges posed by the annual leaf fall.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pensioner Advice Events bring comfort and financial relief to Derby residents
Source: City of Derby

In a heartening series of community events throughout October, we have been able to deliver life-changing support to residents facing financial hardship, bringing peace of mind and practical assistance to individuals who need it most.

At our Pensioner Advice Event on October 4 at The Council House, a local woman left with a brighter financial outlook, gaining £73 extra each week thanks to council-led advice on available benefits. Several other attendees also found they were eligible for Pension Credit. Although some who attended the event could not apply immediately due to a lack of required documents, home visits have been scheduled with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help them complete their applications.

The events not only put more money in people’s pockets but also brought warmth and safety into their homes. An 84-year-old gentleman, who attended an event in New Zealand on October 25, learned for the first time that he qualified for Pension Credit. This discovery was a tremendous relief for him and his wife, who had been cutting back on heating and cooking hot meals to save on costs. The couple was also gifted a heated blanket and an air fryer, ensuring they can now stay warm and enjoy warm meals without worry.

A woman from Mackworth walked away £36 per week better off after council advisors helped her identify unclaimed entitlements. Another attendee at a local event was also delighted to receive a heated blanket and air fryer, just as winter temperatures begin to set in. Another participant reported savings of £75 per week after connecting with council representatives.

Councillor Sarah Chambers said:

These events are here to make a real difference for Derby residents who may be struggling or unsure of the support available to them. I strongly encourage anyone who could benefit from extra help to attend. Our team is dedicated to connecting residents with resources to improve their quality of life, especially as costs rise and winter draws in. We’re here to help every step of the way.”

There are upcoming events happening around Derby in the coming weeks. These include:
- Mackworth – Thursday 24 October, 10am-12 noon, St Francis Church, Prince Charles Avenue, Mackworth, DE22 4FN
- New Zealand – Friday 25 October, 10am-12 noon, Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre, Stepping Lane, Derby DE1 1GL
- Chaddesden – Friday 1st November, 10am-12 noon, Age UK Building, Chaddesden Park, Chaddesden, DE21 6LN (There is free parking in the main car park off Maine Drive, Chaddesden)
- Sinfin – Monday 4 November, 10am-12 noon, Sinfin Moor Church, Arleston Lane, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 3DH
- Allenton – Wednesday 4 December, 2pm-4pm, Derby South Salvation Army, 24 Chellaston Road, Derby, DE24 9AE
- Osmaston – Monday 10 December, 10am-12 noon, Moorways Sports Village, Moor Lane, Derby, DE24 9HY
If you want to learn more about cost of living support, visit our cost of living webpage or visit Community Action Derby’s cost of living online hub.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: So, when will the next eruption at Yellowstone happen?

Source: US Geological Survey

Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Mark Stelten, research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and deputy Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

People visit Yellowstone National Park every year to observe its wildlife and vast array of hydrothermal features. One question that lurks in the back of many visitors’ minds as they traverse through one of the world’s largest active volcanoes is: when is Yellowstone’s next eruption going to be? When a volcano is restless, this question can be addressed by examining trends in monitoring data, like seismicity, ground deformation, and gas emissions. But what about dormant volcanoes, like Yellowstone, that are showing no signs of stirring anytime soon?

Map of Yellowstone caldera showing the locations and ages of the most recent rhyolite eruptions at Yellowstone, the Central Plateau Member rhyolites. Unit boundaries are from Christiansen (2001). The West Thumb region of Yellowstone Lake is indicated because it is thought to be the location of an explosive eruption and the source vent for the Tuff of Bluff Point. The Central Plateau Member rhyolites are broken into five informal groups based on new 40Ar/39Ar eruption ages. Each informal eruption group is shown in the same color. Numbers on the map and legend are included to indicate the location of different lava flows. Group mean ages and their 95% confidence intervals are included next to the list of units.

For currently dormant volcanoes, we don’t usually predict the dates of future eruptions, but rather the probability that an eruption will occur during some time frame (for example, over the next year or next 10 years). This is sort of like long-term weather forecasts—for example, estimating the probability that the upcoming hurricane season will have more hurricanes than an average year.

To an extent, forecasts of volcanic eruptions rely upon knowledge of the frequency at which eruptions occur at a given volcano. As an analogy, let’s say that you live next to a baseball field, and you want to get an idea of the next time a baseball will be hit into your yard. One way to forecast this would be to calculate an average recurrence rate by dividing the number baseballs in your yard by the duration of your observation period (let’s say, 1 year), to derive the number of baseballs in your yard per year. This average recurrence rate can then be turned into a probability of a baseball being hit into your yard over the next day, week, month, etc. Similarly, forecasting volcanic eruptions requires knowing the number of eruptions that have occurred over time. Geologists achieve this by combining geologic mapping with geochronology to determine a volcano’s eruptive history.

Knowing the average rate of volcanic eruptions is only the start. Geologists also need to understand if volcanic eruptions are one-off events that happen independent of other eruptions, or if they occur in groups as part of a bigger volcanic event. Going back to the baseball analogy, because baseball is played during only parts of the year, it is much more likely that baseballs will be hit into your yard during the baseball season rather than in the off-season. Recent research has shown that many volcanic systems, including Yellowstone, work in a similar way, with multiple eruptions occurring in rapid succession, separated by long periods with few to no eruptions. To accurately forecast volcanic eruptions, this “grouping” of eruptions needs to be well-characterized.

Schematic summary of rhyolite eruptions in the Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field over the past 1.3 million years. Smaller rhyolite eruptions are known intracaldera eruptions, meaning they occurred within existing caldera structures. Additional rhyolite eruptions that occurred outside the caldera are not included in the figure.

Determining the rate and pattern of volcanic eruptions is only part of the job. Once the history of volcanic eruptions through time is known, the next task is to try to understand where the volcano currently stands in terms of its life cycle. Returning to the baseball analogy one last time, this is like trying to figure out if it is currently the baseball season or the off-season. The difficulty with places like Yellowstone is that they produce large but infrequent eruptions, with thousands to hundreds of thousands of years between eruptive episodes (where an episode could include one or more eruptions). This means there are few observations upon which to base our forecast, and there are (fortunately) not many opportunities to test these forecasts. For example, no eruptions have occurred in Yellowstone National Park during the past 70,000 years. From 160,000 years ago to 70,000 years ago, however rhyolite lava flows (or groups of lava flows) were erupting approximately every 20,000 years on average. Does this mean we are currently in the volcanic off-season? Or does it mean we are “due” for an eruption (which, by the way, is never really true)? The reality is that we cannot say for sure based on statistical forecasting methods alone. Instead, we must combine these types of forecasts with real-time monitoring of the volcano to assess the state of the volcanic system.

Based on our current knowledge of Yellowstone’s eruptive history, the annual probability of a volcanic eruption is on the order of 0.001%, but even this low number is probably an overestimate for the short term. There are no signs of an impending volcanic eruption based on monitoring data, and we know that the magmatic system beneath Yellowstone is mostly solid. But one day, perhaps thousands or tens of thousands of years from now, the volcanic off-season in Yellowstone may end, and volcanologists will be watching for signs of incoming baseballs.

Panoramic of the West Yellowstone rhyolite lava flow taken along Highway 20 (between the West entrance of Yellowstone National Park and Madison Junction). The flow is approximately 111,000 years old and has a volume of about 41 km3 (10 mi3).

MIL OSI USA News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Indonesia’s proposed nutrient labeling system holds potential to transform domestic F&B industry, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Indonesia’s proposed nutrient labeling system holds potential to transform domestic F&B industry, says GlobalData

Posted in Consumer

Indonesia is set to introduce a nutrition grading system akin to Singapore’s Nutri-Grade to deliver more detailed information to consumers concerning the nutritional values present in food and drink products. A survey corroborates this trend, where 84% of Indonesian respondents stated that their product purchasing decisions are either extremely or quite influenced by the ability to access ingredients and nutritional information via a quick response (QR) code on the packaging*. As such, Indonesia’s proposed labeling system, Nutri-Level, holds potential to play a pivotal role in transforming its domestic food and beverage (F&B) industry, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Mani Bhushan Shukla, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The purpose of nutrition labeling systems, including daily intake guidelines, warning indicators, traffic light systems, star ratings, and nutrition scores, is to facilitate informed consumer choices and encourage a shift towards healthier food selections. These systems classify food and beverages by assessing their sugar, fat, sodium, and energy levels in their compositions.

“The use of standardized grading systems featuring colors, symbols, and vectors enhances readability for consumers, offering a clearer understanding than the detailed ingredient lists on product packaging. In addition, as these gradings/rankings are defined, they are more straightforward than the myriad of health and natural claims that food manufacturers often use. Some of these claims can be deceptive; for instance, a product labeled as ‘no-added sugar’ may still contain ingredients high in natural sugars like fructose.”

Deepak Nautiyal, Consumer and Retail Commercial Director, Asia-Pacific and Middle East, GlobalData, adds: “The prevalence of diet-related diseases, particularly diabetes and hypertension, is notably high in Indonesia, which underscores the potential benefits of the Nutri-Level system for public health. The 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) reveals that diabetes prevalence stands at 10.9%, while hypertension affects 34.1% of the population. Nutri-Level in Indonesia will implement a rating label that evaluates sugar, saturated fat, and various nutritional components. The finalization of the draft regulation is anticipated to occur by the end of 2024.”

Shukla notes: “By encouraging manufacturers to innovate and craft healthier products that do not sacrifice flavor, it can effectively respond to the rising consumer preference for nutritious choices. This transition towards healthier alternatives can significantly benefit public health and bolster the industry’s reputation and market share.”

Nautiyal continues: “Despite the promising outlook of the Nutri-Level system, the Indonesian population may encounter various obstacles. Resistance from the F&B industry poses a notable obstacle to the implementation of this regulation. Large manufacturers may perceive the regulation as a threat, especially since many of their products are high in sugar and saturated fats, which could lead to negative ratings. Thus, it is imperative for the government and industry to collaborate in order to reach a solution that serves both interests.

“An additional challenge lies in educating and socializing the public regarding this rating system. A large portion of the population may still be unfamiliar with it. Consequently, it is essential for the government to effectively promote Nutri-Level, ensuring that the public comprehends and can utilize the information from this nutrition label to make healthier choices.

“The successful implementation of Nutri-Level relies heavily on collaboration among the government, industry, and community. The government has a role in providing effective regulations and education, the industry must adapt and innovate accordingly, and the community needs to accept and utilize the system to create a substantial positive effect on public health. In Singapore, the Nutri-Grade nutrient labeling system is in place, while both Malaysia and Thailand have implemented a voluntary Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) label along with the Healthier Choice Logo. Conversely, the Philippines has chosen to adopt only the voluntary GDA system.”

Shukla concludes: “Efforts are underway by authorities to rectify the shortcomings in the rating systems, especially regarding the complexities involved in comparing different product categories across each system. The F&B industry may push back against these measures, as the presence of multiple nutrient labeling systems across borders will likely lead to increased expenditures in procurement, research and development, and production. Standardizing regulations across the Asia-Pacific region will drive F&B manufacturers to optimize their operations, allowing them to offset higher costs through economies of scale.”

*GlobalData Q4 2023 Consumer Survey – Indonesia, published in December 2023, with 531 respondents

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: US accounts for over half of high-value VC deals announced globally during Q1-Q3 2024, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

US accounts for over half of high-value VC deals announced globally during Q1-Q3 2024, reveals GlobalData

Posted in Business Fundamentals

The US continues to remain the top destination for venture capital (VC) investments globally. Moreover, it also outpaced peer countries by a significant margin for high-value* VC investments and accounted for more than half of deal volume as well as value of those investments during Q1-Q3 2024. The US accounted for 55.4% share of the total number of high-value VC deals announced globally during Q1-Q3 2024, while its share in terms of the corresponding value stood at 56.4%, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The US outpaced other nations in terms of both the volume and value of high-value VC deals by a substantial margin. The dominance of the US for high-value VC deals can also be understood from the fact that it was distantly followed by China, which held 12.7% and 16.6% share of high-value VC deal volume and value, respectively, during Q1-Q3 2024.”

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the US saw announcement of 209 high-value VC deals during Q1-Q3 2024 with the total valued of these deals pegged at $48.4 billion. Meanwhile, a total of 48 high-value VC deals worth $14.2 billion in terms of disclosed funding value were announced in China during the same period.

Bose adds: “Of the top 10 countries by high-value VC deals volume during Q1-Q3 2024, five were from Europe, three were from the Asia-Pacific region, and two countries were from the North American region.”

The UK occupied the third spot in terms of the volume of high-value VC deals during Q1-Q3 2024, followed by Germany, India, Canada, France, Japan, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

*Valued more than or equal to $100 million

MIL OSI Global Banks –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Secretary champions energy sector on visit to Norway
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Ian Murray will make his first official overseas visit to Norway this week, as the UK strengthens its relationship with key international partner.
On this trip Mr Murray will met energy investors to highlight Scotland’s world-leading energy sector and UK Government’s clean energy mission. This follows £125 million allocated in the Budget towards establishing Great British Energy in Aberdeen,

Norway is a key partner for Scotland and the UK, in trade, defence, and energy. The Scottish Secretary’s visit will deepen these ties, to bring benefits to people and businesses in both Scotland and Norway.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met the Prime Minister of Norway in July, where they discussed the importance of energy security and working together on green energy and renewables.

Following on from this, the Secretary of State will meet a number of Norwegian companies who are investors in wind and low carbon projects. That includes Equinor who are a major supplier of energy to UK households and Operate the Hywind Scotland windfarm off the North East coast of Scotland.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Murray said:

We are committed to maximising Scotland’s influence abroad, and selling ‘Brand Scotland’ across the world. Norway and the UK are key partners in energy, trade and defence, and my visit will help strengthen those ties. Norway is an important provider of clean energy, and of course Scotland’s energy sector is world-leading.

I look forward to meeting a number of energy companies to discuss our journey to clean energy by 2030, the role of GB Energy, and encourage their further investment in Scotland’s green clean future.

Last week the Chancellor’s Budget demonstrated how the UK Government is investing in Scotland’s future and laying the foundations for economic growth across the UK – including through funding for Green Freeports, City and Growth Deals, GB Energy and hydrogen projects.

The visit to Norway will also help cement relations with one of the UK’s most important strategic trade and defence allies. Mr Murray will meet Norwegian ministers, and visit Kongsberg, a world leading defence contractor part owned by the Norwegian Government. Kongsberg supports 3500 jobs in the UK, including in Aberdeen and Dunfermline.

The Secretary of State for Scotland and the Norwegian Ambassador to the UK, Tore Hattrem, recently visited the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. The carrier has recently taken part in Operation Strike Warrior – the biggest maritime training exercise in Europe, involving Norway and other NATO allies, operating under challenging conditions off the west coast of Scotland.

Mr Murray will also meet the Norwegian government to discuss local economic growth, and support to remote communities.

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Published 4 November 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Research and news relevance key factors driving the future of The Conversation – edition founder

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephen Khan, Editor

I took a walk through the beautiful campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island recently, as I was in the city for the annual gathering of the various editions of The Conversation.

This project follows a devolved model, providing local leadership and engagement with the higher education and research sectors that support it in different parts of the world. Alongside me on this sunny stroll through one of the world’s great educational neighbourhoods was Alfred Hermida, Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Journalism.

Alf and I don’t see a huge amount of each other, but when we do it tends to be pretty productive. We first met in July 2014 at an event at the University of Amsterdam, where I stood in for The Conversation founder Andrew Jaspan, and delivered a speech on the establishment of the project – then it only existed in Australia and the UK. Alf was pretty taken with the story, and the unique model. Less than a week later he was in our newsroom at City, University of London, talking to our editors about his research into social media and news.

But something else was going on in Alf’s head – something about discussions he’d had previously with his colleague Professor Mary Lynn Young that Canada could have its own edition of The Conversation. And for the next couple of years he and Mary-Lynn together built the case within the country’s higher education sector for a membership-supported Conversation Canada. It launched in 2017 under the remarkable leadership of Scott White and now forms one of the most important and valued parts of the global network.

So it was great to see Alf and note the edition’s success. But it was also fascinating to hear about his ongoing research and insights into the changing media landscape, both in Canada and internationally. Among the trends Alf and colleagues have noticed recently is that many students no longer arrive harboring ambitions of working for big media players. In part, he feels, this is down the decline of such full-career opportunities. But he also hears from students that they don’t see themselves reflected in the legacy news outlets. Instead it is the small independent players and even solo operations now excite many aspiring journalists more than traditional newsrooms.

Brown university campus in Providence, Rhode Island.
Author provided, CC BY

“I have a global cohort of journalism students in class,” said Alf. “Many are driven by a sense of mission, looking to address the way journalism has historically marginalized or mispresented diverse communities. They look to journalism as a way of making the world a better place and are drawn to new journalism start-ups that are looking to reimagine what journalism is and could be.”

Alf views the Conversation as part of this shift in how journalism is done. As I’ve written before, we are sometimes asked if what we do really is journalism. I’ve suggested that it may not matter, so long as our content is valuable, trusted and accessible. Alf goes further though, arguing that the production method deployed by The Conversation and pursuit of informed, evidence-based reporting
that drives it, makes it fundamentally journalism, albeit of a different style to that which typified the newspaper era.

Alf explained: “The scholars who write for The Conversation are taking on journalistic practices, guided and mentored by our team of professional journalists. While the authors are not journalists in the traditional sense, they are producing journalism that seeks to explain and interpret the world around us to help the public lead better lives. This is what journalism is all about.”

As for the route ahead for The Conversation Canada, and the network more broadly, Alf, as you might expect (and hope), grounds some of his thoughts in research. Indeed, in research conducted by one of his graduate journalism students.

Savannah Parsons considered traffic to The Conversation Canada late in 2023 as part of her study, and sought to ascertain what type of content drew readers in, and what kept them there. The picture is of course mixed, but there is a clear pattern that illustrates that expert engagement with news and events is a central factor in bringing readers to the website and our content more broadly. However, Parsons’ study also indicated that content we might traditionally describe as “more featurey”, that is, less tied to events, perhaps more narrative and perhaps even taking the form of audio rather than – or as well as – text, plays a vital role in building a loyal audience that will return to Conversation content, time after time.

So, as was ever the case, there is a mix to be considered. And it will be for edition leads to decide exactly how that mix is deployed, and in what form, to suit individual markets. But it is clear to Alf, and I think to most of us at The Conversation, that news-relevance, timeliness and, of course, research, will be the central factors driving the project through its second decade.

– ref. Research and news relevance key factors driving the future of The Conversation – edition founder – https://theconversation.com/research-and-news-relevance-key-factors-driving-the-future-of-the-conversation-edition-founder-242812

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission’s response in addressing social dumping following CJEU ruling on Mobility Package – P-002375/2024
Source: European Parliament
31.10.2024

Priority question for written answer P-002375/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Charlie Weimers (ECR), Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)

A recent judgment[1] by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has upheld most provisions of the EU Mobility Package, but has annulled the ‘return of vehicle’ requirement, citing insufficient proportionality assessment[2][3]. This provision aimed to mitigate the issue of social dumping and unfair competition by ensuring that vehicles operating in other Member States return periodically to their home country.

Studies indicate that thousands of foreign-registered vehicles operate permanently within Sweden. These operations are continuously ongoing and not of a temporary character at all, thus violating the very definition of cabotage and perpetuating social dumping practices[4].

In light of this development:

1.What action will the Commission take to ensure that social dumping is effectively curbed within the EU transport sector?

2.Will the Commission propose legal changes to strengthen cabotage rules and protect local markets, ensuring fair competition and adherence to social standards?

3.Does the Commission have any opinion on the fact that the CJEU cited insufficient preparatory work as a reason for invalidating the ‘return of vehicle’ rule?

Submitted: 31.10.2024

[1] Judgment of the Court of Justice of 4 October 2024, Republic of Lithuania and Others v Parliament and Council, Joined Cases C-541/20 to C-555/20, ECLI:EU:C:2024:818.

[2] https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=290673&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=req&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=385475.

[3] https://www.europaportalen.se/notis/2024/10/eu-domstolen-godkanner-i-stort-nya-regler-lastbilstrafik-avvisar-krav-pa-atervandande.

[4] https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/trots-lagskarpning-hundratals-lastbilar-kor-illegala-transporter-i-sverige.
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Horizon Europe: effective use of pre-financing – P-002367/2024
Source: European Parliament
31.10.2024

Priority question for written answer P-002367/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Ivars Ijabs (Renew)

Pre-financing is an essential part of the efficient implementation of Horizon Europe. Its objective is to ensure the financial liquidity of projects. However, it also carries some financial risk for the beneficiaries given that the costs paid with pre-financing are checked ex post, and if an error was made by the beneficiary, the Commission can reclaim part of the money. That is why pre-financing is the exception, while the rule is the reimbursement of costs at the end of a reporting period. Against this background, can the Commission provide the following information:

1.How often is additional pre-financing (i.e. pre-financing after the first tranche of pre-financing paid in the first 30 days) provided?

2.What are the main reasons for providing additional pre-financing?

3.How does the answer to question 1 compare to the use of additional pre-financing under the Horizon 2020 programme?

Supporters[1]

Submitted: 31.10.2024

[1] This question is supported by Members other than the author: Christian Ehler (PPE), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR)
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The consequent steps to be taken by the EU with regard to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories – E-002219/2024
Source: European Parliament
22.10.2024

Question for written answer E-002219/2024
to the Council
Rule 144
João Oliveira (The Left)

On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice replied to questions from the UN General Assembly arising from Resolution A/RES/77/247 of 30 December 2022.

In its reply, that court confirmed the illegality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and concluded that Israel has an obligation to: end its illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; immediately cease all new settlement activities and evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory; and make good the damage caused to any natural or legal persons concerned in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

It further concluded that all States are under an obligation not to recognise as legal the situation arising from Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and not to provide aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In light of this decision:

1.What steps will the Council take to implement the decisions of the International Court of Justice?

2.Will it order the immediate suspension of the supply of military or related material to Israel?

3.What steps will it take to ensure that the sovereign rights of the Palestinian people over their resources are respected?

Submitted: 22.10.2024
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement contracts in the EU – E-002196/2024
Source: European Parliament
21.10.2024

Question for written answer E-002196/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN), Marc Jongen (ESN)

The EU requires that public invitations to tender comply with certain standards and transparency requirements, such as respect for equal opportunities, transparency, fair conditions of competition, minimum economic and financial requirements for bidders, as well as compliance with the ban on discrimination.

1.Are these requirements implemented in a consistent and uniform manner in all Member States?

2.Is there any evidence of any shortcomings in the implementation of such requirements, especially in countries that may have a less developed administrative tradition than, for example, Germany?

3.If so, what measures is the Commission taking to ensure compliance with these requirements across the EU?

Submitted: 21.10.2024
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Promoting equal pay and the freedom to conclude contracts in the Finnish Government’s proposal for an Act on Mediation in Labour Disputes – P-002311/2024
Source: European Parliament
30.10.2024

Priority question for written answer P-002311/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE)

The Parliament of Finland is debating a proposal for an Act on Mediation in Labour Disputes,[1] which in future would prevent the National Conciliator from issuing a proposal for a settlement that is higher than a pay agreement for export industries in labour disputes. From the perspective of the Constitution of Finland and international agreements (including ILO Conventions 87 and 98), the Act will restrict the freedom to conclude contracts and compromise the National Conciliator’s independence and impartiality. The Act will restrict pay adjustments in the public sector and female-dominated industries, which have lagged behind other sectors in terms of pay. This is incompatible with Article 28 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

It is the view of Finland’s supreme guardian of the law, the Chancellor of Justice, that the proposal would impinge on the National Conciliator’s independence and impartiality, at least indirectly, thereby also having an indirect impact on the freedom to conclude agreements between parties. Finland’s Ombudsman for Equality is of the opinion that the Government’s proposal is at odds with the objectives of the Constitution and the Finnish Equality Act and predicts that it will increase the gender pay gap even more.

Is the Commission aware of Finland’s intentions, and has the proposal for an Act been evaluated from the point of view of equal pay and transparency, and, if not, does the Commission intend to carry out such an evaluation? Does the Commission think that the Finnish Government has carried out an adequate assessment of its proposal, from the perspective of the freedom to conclude contracts and the freedom of association, for example? If the Finnish Government’s proposal violates these principles, the EU Charter and the European Convention on Human Rights, what will the Commission do about it?

Submitted: 30.10.2024

[1] https://www.eduskunta.fi/FI/vaski/HallituksenEsitys/Sivut/HE_146+2024.aspx.
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: New EIB-CDP agreement to provide €1 billion in support for public sector
Source: European Investment Bank
- A €500 million EIB guarantee will enable Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to provide new loans totalling €1 billion to public sector bodies.
- The two institutions further strengthen their partnership aimed at boosting the Italian economy via initiatives with positive environmental impact implemented by public sector organisations, particularly in central and southern Italy.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) have announced an agreement to strengthen their cooperation to promote public sector investment in key sectors of the Italian economy. Up to €1 billion in new funds will support sustainable regional growth and public sector investment in various sectors with a positive impact on environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and development in the south of the country.

In concrete terms, the EIB will guarantee loans totalling up to €500 million granted by CDP to Italian regions, making it possible for Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to provide public sector bodies with loans up to double this amount (totalling up to €1 billion) over the next five years.

The new funds will help foster economic development in central and southern Italy – including in the areas hit by the 2016 central Italian earthquake – and will support projects aiming to mitigate climate change, improve resilience to adverse weather events and promote social cohesion.

This new agreement strengthens the already sound working relationship between the EIB and CDP to support the public sector. This is the second guarantee agreement between the EIB and CDP following that signed in 2022. The previous agreement aimed to promote economic growth and accelerate the green transition of public sector bodies on the ground.

Background information

European Investment Bank (EIB)

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances sound investments that can contribute to EU policy. EIB projects strengthen competitiveness, foster innovation, promote sustainable development and improve social and territorial cohesion while supporting a fair and rapid transition towards climate neutrality. In the past five years, the EIB Group has provided more than €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy.

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP)

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) is the national promotional institution that has supported the Italian economy since 1850. It is committed to accelerating the industrial and infrastructure development of the country in order to contribute to its economic and social growth. CDP’s core activity promotes sustainable regional development as well as the growth and innovation of Italian companies, including internationally. It partners with local authorities, providing funding and advisory services to build infrastructure and improve public utility services. It is also active in the field of international cooperation to implement projects in developing countries and emerging markets. Cassa Depositi e Prestiti is financed from entirely private resources via postal savings bonds and passbooks and through issues on the national and international financial markets.
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Compulsory licensing of patents for crisis management – 04-11-2024

Source: European Parliament

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a resilient healthcare system but also for quick access to inventions and technologies in challenging situations. To address this need, in April 2023 the Commission submitted a proposal for a regulation on compulsory licensing for crisis management. The aim is to secure the rapid deployment of patent-protected inventions in times of crisis or emergency, without eroding patent protection as an incentive to innovate. The proposal lays down rules and procedures for granting Union compulsory licences and supervising the law’s implementation. Views on the proposal diverge. Civil society organisations support broad application of the compulsory licensing scheme, whereas industry organisations advocate narrow application. Opinions differ on: (i) the need for legislative intervention; (ii) the events justifying the use of compulsory licences; (iii) whether compulsory licensing should be conditional on failed prior negotiations for voluntary licences; (iv) whether the disclosure of know-how or trade secrets is warranted under certain circumstances; (v) at what level remuneration and sanctions should be capped; vi) how advisory bodies should be composed; and vii) what role potential licensees should play in initiating and engaging in the compulsory licensing procedure. On 13 March 2024, Parliament voted its first-reading position ahead of future trilogue negotiations. Parliament insists on empowering the Commission to mandate the disclosure of relevant trade secrets and know-how, and on significantly strengthening the position of rights-holders. In its position of 26 June 2024, the Council recommends a more industry-oriented approach. Third edition. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Cooperation with EUROGENDFOR – P-002299/2024
Source: European Parliament
29.10.2024

Priority question for written answer P-002299/2024/rev.1
to the Council
Rule 144
Özlem Demirel (The Left)

The European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR) is an association comprising a number of European countries that have police forces with a ‘robust mandate’. Those forces can be deployed in war zones under the command of the military.

1.What plans do the Council and its relevant working groups have to bring about closer cooperation with EUROGENDFOR? How will those plans be put into practice?

2.What role could a liaison officer play, and where would such an officer be based?

3.Does the Council believe that EUROGENDFOR could also be used in the context of EU measures in Ukraine, Moldova or Israeli-occupied Gaza, and in the Council’s view, which of those countries could be granted observer status in EUROGENDFOR?

Submitted: 29.10.2024
Last updated: 4 November 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Performance-based delivery of the Recovery and Resilience Facility: Blueprint for future EU spending instruments? – 04-11-2024

Source: European Parliament

The European Union (EU) is committed to ensuring its budget delivers maximum value for citizens by focusing on results and performance. In 2018, as part of the shift towards performance-based budgeting, the EU revised the rules applicable to the general budget and introduced the possibility of financing that is not linked to cost (FNLC) in addition to the traditional ways of financing based on incurred costs (Article 125 of EU Regulation 2018/1046). Under this method, payments are based on results achieved, and are made if a beneficiary fulfils predefined conditions linked to progress in implementing or achieving the objectives of a project or programme. The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – the EU’s ground-breaking instrument created to support the Member States’ post-pandemic economic recovery – is a key example of how this delivery method is applied. For the first time, disbursements to the Member States depend on achieving pre-defined milestones and targets relating to the implementation of reform and investment measures. Since the creation of the RRF, the EU has set up similar instruments in other policy areas. The Ukraine Facility (UF) and the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans (WBF), both launched in 2024, share some key features with the RRF delivery method. Along with the application of the FNLC principle for payments, other common features include the prominent role of the reform measures, using scoreboards to monitor implementation, and setting up special forums, known as ‘dialogues’, for the exchange of information and views with the European Parliament. Examining in detail this innovative way of funding as it applies to the three facilities helps to shed light on an emerging, performance-based modus operandi that is already being discussed as a possible blueprint for other spending tools under the post-2027 EU budget.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Empa Innovation Award 2024: Sensor protects against life-threatening complications of abdominal surgery

Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

The Empa Innovation Award recognizes outstanding projects that bridge the gap between the laboratory and industry. This year, a team of researchers from Empa and ETH Zurich is being honored for an innovative sensor system: SensAL warns quickly and precisely of life-threatening complications after abdominal surgery.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Swiss residential property price index in 3rd quarter 2024 – Residential property prices increased by 0.5% in 3rd quarter 2024

Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

The Swiss residential property price index (IMPI) rose in the 3rd quarter 2024 compared with the previous quarter by 0.5% and reached 118.2 points (4th quarter 2019 = 100). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, inflation was 1.7%. These are some of the results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: More young people in asylum sector enrolling in education

Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

More than half of the 16- to 25-year-olds with an asylum background who arrived in Switzerland in 2017 had completed a post-compulsory programme within five years. This is much higher than among those who arrived in 2012 (37%). The majority initially took part in a programme aimed at improving their integration. A total of 36% enrolled in initial vocational training or a general upper-secondary education programme. Most of them completed a 2-year federal VET certificate (22%). Young women, and especially young mothers, were much less likely to enrol in education. These are some of the results from a new publication from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong
DH urges public to be alert to false claim from unknown organisation claiming to assist Government with admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong
******************************************************************************************

The Department of Health (DH) today (November 4) alerted members of the public to a false claim from an unknown organisation allegedly assisting the Government’s admission of qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. The DH stressed that it has not authorised any organisation to assist the Government with recruiting non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. The claim is false and is suspected of being misleading. The said organisation claimed that it is assisting the Government to admit qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong as introduced under the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024. In addition, the organisation untruthfully alleged that there was a specific quota set on the number of dentists, as well as on the number of years of experience and target age range. A DH spokesman emphasised that applications for the DH’s recruitment of non-locally trained dentists already closed on September 23, 2024. The DH is going through the established recruitment procedures. The spokesman urged members of the public not to fall for any claim of assisting the Government to recruit non-locally trained dentists to practise in Hong Kong. Members of the public should not provide personal information to any suspicious persons. Anyone who has fallen for such fraudulence should contact the Police.

Ends/Monday, November 4, 2024Issued at HKT 19:30

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results and Announces its Sixth Consecutive Ecuador Oil Discovery from the Charapa-B7 Well

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Gran Tierra Announces its Sixth Consecutive Ecuador Oil Discovery from the Charapa-B7 Well and Has Achieved Cumulative Production of Over 1 Million Barrels of Oil in Ecuador
Gran Tierra Achieved $1 Million in Net Income and Generated $60 Million in Funds Flow from Operations⁽²⁾, an Increase of 31% from Prior Quarter
Third Quarter 2024 Total Average WI Production of 32,764 BOPD
Operating Netback of $101 Million and Adjusted EBITDA of $93 Million⁽¹⁾⁽⁴⁾
Exited the Quarter with $278 Million in Cash
Entered into new credit facility for further liquidity which is currently undrawn

CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE) (TSX:GTE) (LSE:GTE) announced the Company’s financial and operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 (“the Quarter”). All dollar amounts are in United States dollars, and production amounts are on an average working interest (“WI”) before royalties basis unless otherwise indicated. Per barrel (“bbl”) and bbl per day (“BOPD”) amounts are based on WI sales before royalties. For per bbl amounts based on net after royalty (“NAR”) production, see Gran Tierra’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 4, 2024.

Message to Shareholders

“On October 31, 2024 we were excited to have announced the close of our acquisition of i3 Energy plc (“i3 Energy”). We believe the purchase of i3 Energy uniquely positions Gran Tierra as a premier diversified oil and gas company with assets in Canada, Colombia, and Ecuador. The i3 Energy acquisition has diversified Gran Tierra into Canada and has added 253 net booked drilling locations⁽¹⁾, 77% operated production totaling approximately 18,000 bbls of oil equivalent per day, almost 1.2 million acres (0.6 million acres net) including 53 gross sections in the Montney and 144 gross sections in the Clearwater, two of the most prolific plays in North America. The i3 Energy acquisition has increased Gran Tierra’s PDP reserves⁽¹⁾ by 42 million bbls of oil equivalent (“MMBOE”) or 96%, 1P⁽¹⁾ by 88 MMBOE an increase of 97%, and 2P⁽¹⁾ by 174 MMBOE an increase of 119%. We believe the currently depressed natural gas pricing we see in Western Canada will be alleviated as major Liquified Natural Gas projects including LNG Canada are brought online. In the short term, Gran Tierra will focus on developing the significant oil weighted assets in its Canadian and South American portfolio.

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new shareholders in Gran Tierra and look forward to engaging with, and updating them on the Company’s strategy in the coming months. We look forward to the integration of our teams and are confident the combined company will have top tier technical and operational skill sets across a broad portfolio. We are eager to implement industry leading technology currently used in Canada in both our Ecuador and Colombia operations, and are equally looking forward to bringing our reservoir modeling, exploration knowledge and asset management expertise into Canada. Combined we are a much stronger company.

Additionally, having our six consecutive discovery in Ecuador and reaching the milestone of 1 million cumulative bbls of oil produced from our operations in Ecuador is a significant achievement for Gran Tierra, highlighting our strong presence and success in the region. The productivity of the Ecuador wells is a testament to the geology in the Oriente and Putumayo Basins, and underpins a key pillar of growth going forward. We remain excited about the potential of the Arawana-Bocachico play, and the two remaining Zabaleta wells to be drilled by the end of the year that will provide essential insights into the size and scope of this promising opportunity”, commented Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra.

Operational Update:

Acquisition of i3 Energy
- On October 31, 2024, Gran Tierra completed its acquisition of i3 Energy. Gran Tierra is integrating the Canadian operations and are forecasting an active Q4 2024, including drilling 19 gross wells (8.4 net), targeting each of its core operating areas in Central AB, Simonette, Clearwater and Wapiti.
- The Company drilled 2 gross (2 net) horizontal Dunvegan oil wells at Simonette. These high-impact 2-mile wells are currently being stimulated and are expected to be brought on stream in late November. With success, Gran Tierra can drill 2 additional Dunvegan development wells in 2025.
- Clearwater activity commenced in mid-October with the Company’s first operated Clearwater multilateral well at Dawson (100% working interest). The 8-leg multilateral horizontal well (11,870 m of total lateral length) was a follow-up to the Company’s initial 6-leg (7,500 m of total lateral length) discovery at Dawson. The 8-leg well follow-up multilateral was located structurally up-dip of the discovery well and encountered high quality reservoir throughout while drilling. The well will be placed on production imminently as the rig has skidded to and spud the third Clearwater well from the same pad. The Company has been working to secure multiple pad sites at East Dawson to facilitate future expansion of the field, upon further operational success. Following these two wells the rig will move to Walrus and drill 2 prospective Falher sands.
- In addition to the operated capital program, Gran Tierra plans to participate in 10 gross (1.67 net) non-operated partner horizontal wells across its land base.
- In connection with i3 Energy acquisition closing on October 31, 2024, the Company amended and restated the existing revolving credit facility agreement of i3 Energy Canada Ltd. (“i3 Energy Canada”) with National Bank of Canada dated March 22, 2024. As a result of the amendment and restatement, among other things, the borrowing base was revised to C$100.0 million (US$74.1 million) with available commitment of a C$50.0 million (US$37.0 million) revolving credit facility comprised of C$35.0 million (US$25.9 million) syndicated facility and C$15.0 million (US$11.1 million) of operating facility. Subject to the next borrowing base redetermination which will occur on or before June 30, 2025, the revolving credit facility is available until October 31, 2025 with a repayment date of October 31, 2026, which may be extended by further periods of up to 364 days, subject to lender approval. The facility is undrawn.
Exploration
- Gran Tierra has successfully drilled its sixth consecutive oil discovery in Ecuador, the Charapa-B7 well. The wells drilled in Ecuador continue to yield strong results producing over 1 million cumulative bbls of oil to date which highlights the exceptional potential of the Oriente and Putumayo basins.

Well	Zone	Onstream Date	IP30 (BOPD)¹	IP90 (BOPD)²	IP30 BS&W³	API	GOR (scf/stb)⁴	Cumulative Production to Date (Mbbl)⁵
Charapa-B5	Hollin	11/9/2022	1,092	910	2%	28	160	307
Bocachico-J1	Basal Tena	5/30/2023	1,296	1,146	<1%	20	204	449
Arawana-J1	Basal Tena	5/17/2024	1,182	970	<1%	20	264	131
Bocachico Norte-J1	T-Sand	8/1/2024	833	519	3%	35	361	47
Charapa-B6	Hollin	8/7/2024	1,645	–	21%	28	49	77
Charapa-B7	Basal Tena	8/30/2024	2,043	–	<1%	25	153	112

^{1. Average initial 30-day production per well.}
^{2. Average initial 90-day production per well.}
^{3. Percentage of basic sediment and water in the initial 30-day production.}
^{4. Gas-oil ratio and standard cubic feet per stock tank barrel.}
^{5. Thousand bbls of oil and based on production up to November 1, 2024.}

The drilling rig has been moved from the Charapa Block and mobilized to the Chanangue Block to drill two wells – the Zabaleta-K1 and Zabaleta Oeste-K1 exploration wells. The Zabaleta-K1 well is located four kilometers (“km”) to the east of the Arawana-J1 well drilled earlier this year and is 200 feet up structure. The well spud on October 22 2024, and we have currently drilled to 9,488 feet. Both wells will target the Basal Tena formation as well as assess potential in the T-Sand, U-Sand and B-Limestone.
During the Quarter, the 238 km2 3D seismic program of the Charapa Block was completed, the data has been processed and is currently being interpreted. Preliminary interpretations of the high-quality 3D data confirm potential prospectivity and additional areas of interest identified on seismic, including better definition over the Charapa structure. The 3D data will further delineate reserves, underpin future drilling locations scheduled for 2025 and support future development planning.

Development
- The planning, civil works, and facility construction at Cohembi in the Suroriente Block are progressing, paving the way for drilling operations to commence in late Q4 2024.
- Acordionero water treatment facilities expansion is expected to be completed mid-December which will result in an addition of 21,500 bbls of water handling per day which represents a 35% increase in water treatment capacity. This will allow for further well optimizations to increase injection and associated oil production. Gran Tierra continues to steadily increased total fluid production and water injection by ~18% per year to continue growing and maintaining oil production while improving sweep efficiencies and recoveries.

Key Highlights of the Quarter:

Production: Gran Tierra’s total average WI production, which is before the i3 acquisition that has an effective date of October 31, 2024, was 32,764 BOPD, which was consistent with the second quarter 2024 (“the Prior Quarter”). During the Quarter the Company had lower volumes in the Acordionero field caused by downtime related to workovers, partially offset by higher production in the Costayaco field in Colombia, and increased production from the Chanangue and Charapa Blocks in Ecuador as a result of a successful exploration drilling campaign.
Net Income: Gran Tierra incurred net income of $1 million, compared to a net income of $36.4 million in the Prior Quarter and a net income of $7 million in the third quarter of 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾: Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾ was $93 million compared to $103 million in the Prior Quarter and $119 million in the third quarter of 2023. Twelve month trailing Net Debt⁽²⁾ to Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾ was 1.3 times and the Company continues to have a long term target of 1.0 times.
Funds Flow from Operations⁽²⁾: Funds flow from operations⁽²⁾ was $60 million ($1.96 per share), up 31% from the Prior Quarter and down 24% from the third quarter of 2023.
Cash and Debt: As of September 30, 2024, the Company had a cash balance of $278 million, total debt of $787 million and net debt⁽²⁾ of $509 million. During the Quarter, the Company issued additional $150 million of 9.50% Senior Notes due October 2029 and received cash proceeds of $140 million. Of the total amount of proceeds received, $100 million has been used for financing the purchase price and transaction costs related to the i3 Energy acquisition with the remainder to be used for general corporate purposes.
Share Buybacks: As a result of the i3 Energy acquisition announced on August 19, 2024, Gran Tierra was required to pause its share buyback program resulting in only 371,130 shares repurchased during the Quarter. From January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 4.0 million shares, or 12% of shares issued and outstanding at January 1, 2023, from free cash flow⁽²⁾.
Return on Average Capital Employed⁽²⁾: The Company achieved return on average capital employed⁽²⁾ of 17% during the Quarter and 16% over the trailing 12 months.

Additional Key Financial Metrics:

Capital Expenditures: Capital expenditures of $53 million were lower than the $61 million in the Prior Quarter due to only operating one drilling rig during the Quarter compared to two in the Prior Quarter. Capital expenditures were up from $43 million compared to the third quarter of 2023 as a result of a more active exploration program in the Quarter when compared to the third quarter of 2023.
Oil Sales: Gran Tierra generated oil sales of $151 million, down 16% from the third quarter of 2023 as a result of weaker Brent pricing, higher Castilla, Vasconia and Oriente oil differentials and 4% lower sales volumes as a result of lower production. Oil sales decreased 9% from the Prior Quarter primarily due to a 7% decrease in Brent price and higher Castilla, Oriente, and Vasconia oil differentials offset by 1% higher sales volumes.
Quality and Transportation Discounts: The Company’s quality and transportation discounts per bbl were higher during the Quarter at $14.10, compared to $12.79 in the Prior Quarter and $11.83 in the third quarter of 2023. The Castilla oil differential per bbl widened to $8.83 from $8.21 in the Prior Quarter and from $6.64 in the third quarter of 2023 (Castilla is the benchmark for the Company’s Middle Magdalena Valley Basin oil production). The Vasconia differential per bbl widened to $5.07 from $4.00 in the Prior Quarter, and from $3.59 in the third quarter of 2023. Finally, the Ecuadorian benchmark, Oriente, per bbl was $9.15, up from $8.38 in the Prior Quarter, and up from $7.69 one year ago. The current⁽³⁾ Castilla differential is approximately $8.50 per bbl, the Vasconia differential is approximately $5.00 per bbl and the Oriente differential is approximately $9.20 per bbl.
Operating Expenses: Gran Tierra’s operating expenses decreased by 2% to $46 million, compared to the Prior Quarter primarily due to lower workover costs, offset by higher lifting costs primarily associated with inventory fluctuations in Ecuador. Compared to the third quarter of 2023, operating expenses decreased by 7% from $49 million, primarily due to lower lifting costs associated with power generation, equipment rental and road maintenance, partially offset by higher workover activities. On a per bbl basis, operating expense decreased by 2% when compared to the third quarter of 2023 and decreased by 4% when compared to the Prior Quarter.
Transportation Expenses: The Company’s transportation expenses decreased by 31% to $4 million, compared to the Prior Quarter of $6 million and increased by 2% from the third quarter of 2023. Transportation expenses were higher than the same period in 2023 as a result of increases in trucking tariffs for Acordionero volumes and higher sales volumes transported in Ecuador during the Quarter. Transportation expenses, when compared to the Prior Quarter, were lower due to the utilization of shorter distance delivery points in the Quarter.
Operating Netback⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾: The Company’s operating netback⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾ was $34.18 per bbl, down 12% from the Prior Quarter and down 16% from the third quarter of 2023 commensurate with the decrease in Brent Price and higher differentials.
General and Administrative (“G&A”) Expenses: G&A expenses before stock-based compensation were $3.20 per bbl, down from $3.77 per bbl in the Prior Quarter due to lower consulting, business development and travel expenses and up from $2.68 per bbl, when compared to the third quarter of 2023.
Cash Netback⁽²⁾: Cash netback⁽²⁾ per bbl was $20.34, compared to $15.85 in the Prior Quarter primarily as a result of lower current tax expenses of $5.13 per bbl compared to a current tax expense of $14.54 per bbl in the Prior Quarter as a result of a one time tax adjustment incurred in the Prior Quarter. Compared to one year ago, cash netback⁽²⁾ per bbl decreased by $5.14 from $25.48 per bbl as a result of lower operating netback primarily due to lower Brent pricing and higher differentials.

Financial and Operational Highlights (all amounts in $000s, except per share and bbl amounts)

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Three Months Ended June 30,	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024	2023	2024	2024	2023

Net Income (Loss)	$1,133	$6,527	$36,371	$37,426	$(13,998)
Per Share – Basic and Diluted⁽⁵⁾	$0.04	$0.20	$1.16	$1.20	$(0.42)

Oil Sales	$151,373	$179,921	$165,609	$474,559	$482,013
Operating Expenses	(46,060)	(49,367)	(47,035)	(141,561)	(139,227)
Transportation Expenses	(3,911)	(3,842)	(5,690)	(14,185)	(10,599)
Operating Netback⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾	$101,402	$126,712	$112,884	$318,813	$332,187

G&A Expenses Before Stock-Based Compensation	$9,491	$8,307	$10,967	$31,240	$29,052
G&A Stock-Based Compensation (Recovery) Expense	(3,145)	1,931	6,160	6,376	3,748
G&A Expenses, Including Stock Based Compensation	$6,346	$10,238	$17,127	$37,616	$32,800

Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾	$92,794	$119,235	$103,004	$290,590	$306,391

EBITDA⁽²⁾	$97,365	$115,382	$101,187	$290,443	$294,391

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$78,654	$70,381	$73,233	$212,714	$157,511

Funds Flow from Operations⁽²⁾	$60,338	$79,000	$46,167	$180,812	$192,122

Capital Expenditures	$52,921	$43,080	$61,273	$169,525	$179,707

Free Cash Flow⁽²⁾	$7,417	$35,920	$(15,106)	$11,287	$12,415

Average Daily Volumes (BOPD)
WI Production Before Royalties	32,764	33,940	32,776	32,595	33,098
Royalties	(6,776)	(7,164)	(6,774)	(6,650)	(6,592)
Production NAR	25,988	26,776	26,002	25,945	26,506
(Increase) Decrease in Inventory	(524)	(380)	(811)	(367)	(222)
Sales	25,464	26,396	25,191	25,578	26,284
Royalties, % of WI Production Before Royalties	21%	21%	21%	20%	20%

Per bbl
Brent	$78.71	$85.92	$85.03	$81.82	$81.94
Quality and Transportation Discount	(14.10)	(11.83)	(12.79)	(14.11)	(14.76)
Royalties	(13.58)	(16.06)	(15.31)	(13.97)	(13.58)
Average Realized Price	51.03	58.03	56.93	53.74	53.60
Transportation Expenses	(1.32)	(1.24)	(1.96)	(1.61)	(1.18)
Average Realized Price Net of Transportation Expenses	49.71	56.79	54.97	52.13	52.42
Operating Expenses	(15.53)	(15.92)	(16.17)	(16.03)	(15.48)
Operating Netback⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾	34.18	40.87	38.80	36.10	36.94
G&A Expenses Before Stock-Based Compensation	(3.20)	(2.68)	(3.77)	(3.54)	(3.23)
Transaction Costs	(0.49)	—	—	(0.17)	—
Realized Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)	0.34	(0.64)	0.37	0.07	(1.77)
Interest Expense, Excluding Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs	(5.66)	(3.84)	(5.38)	(5.38)	(3.85)
Interest Income	0.23	0.09	0.35	0.27	0.19
Net Lease Payments	0.07	0.18	0.02	0.07	0.17
Current Income Tax Expense	(5.13)	(8.50)	(14.54)	(6.96)	(7.08)
Cash Netback⁽²⁾	$20.34	$25.48	$15.85	$20.46	$21.37

Share Information (000s)
Common Stock Outstanding, End of Period⁽⁵⁾	30,651	33,288	31,022	30,651	33,288
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding – Basic⁽⁵⁾	30,733	33,287	31,282	31,274	33,675
Weighted Average Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding – Diluted⁽⁵⁾	30,733	33,350	31,282	31,274	33,675

_{⁽¹⁾ Based on the i3 Energy GLJ Report report dated July 31, 2024. See “Presentation of Oil and Gas Information”.}
_{⁽²⁾ Funds flow from operations, operating netback, net debt, cash netback, return on average capital employed, earnings before interest, taxes and depletion, depreciation and accretion (“DD&A”) (“EBITDA”) and EBITDA adjusted for non-cash lease expense, lease payments, foreign exchange gains or losses, stock-based compensation expense, other gains or losses, transaction costs and financial instruments gains or losses (“Adjusted EBITDA”), cash flow and free cash flow are non-GAAP measures and do not have standardized meanings under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Cash flow refers to funds flow from operations. Free cash flow refers to funds flow from operations less capital expenditures. Refer to “Non-GAAP Measures” in this press release for descriptions of these non-GAAP measures and, where applicable, reconciliations to the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.}
_{⁽³⁾ Gran Tierra’s fourth quarter-to-date 2024 total average differentials are for the period from October 1 to October 31, 2024.}
_{⁽⁴⁾ Operating netback as presented is defined as oil sales less operating and transportation expenses. See the table titled Financial and Operational Highlights above for the components of consolidated operating netback and corresponding reconciliation.}
_{⁽⁵⁾ Reflects our 1-for-10 reverse stock split that became effective May 5, 2023 and not inclusive of shares of common stock issued in connection with the i3 Energy acquisition on October 31, 2024.}

Conference Call Information:

Gran Tierra will host its third quarter 2024 results conference call on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Interested parties may access the conference call by registering at the following link: https://https://register.vevent.com/register/BIc9cc718f582741cbbf0eb2cfe5a231b1. The call will also be available via webcast at www.grantierra.com.

Corporate Presentation:

Gran Tierra’s Corporate Presentation has been updated and is available on the Company website at www.grantierra.com.

Contact Information

For investor and media inquiries please contact:

Gary Guidry
President & Chief Executive Officer

Ryan Ellson
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

+1-403-265-3221

info@grantierra.com

About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Gran Tierra Energy Inc. together with its subsidiaries is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

Gran Tierra’s Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

Forward Looking Statements and Legal Advisories:
This press release contains opinions, forecasts, projections, and other statements about future events or results that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and financial outlook and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our business strategy, plans and objectives of our management for future operations, capital spending plans and benefits of the changes in our capital program or expenditures, our liquidity and financial condition, and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “expect,” “plan,” “can,” “will,” “should,” “guidance,” “forecast,” “budget,” “estimate,” “signal,” “progress” and “believes,” derivations thereof and similar terms identify forward-looking statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding: the Company’s leverage ratio target, the Company’s plans regarding strategic investments, acquisitions, including the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the acquisition of i3 Energy, and growth, the Company’s drilling program and capital expenditures and the Company’s expectations of commodity prices, including future gas pricing in Canada, exploration and production trends and its positioning for 2024. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra including, without limitation, that Gran Tierra will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with its current expectations, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates), the ability of Gran Tierra to successfully integrate the assets and operations of i3 Energy or realize the anticipated benefits and operating synergies expected from the acquisition of i3 Energy, the general continuance of assumed operational, regulatory and industry conditions in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador, and the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business and operational plans in the manner currently planned.

Among the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to: certain of our operations are located in South America and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity, strikes, local blockades or protests; technical difficulties and operational difficulties may arise which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; other disruptions to local operations; global health events; global and regional changes in the demand, supply, prices, differentials or other market conditions affecting oil and gas, including inflation and changes resulting from a global health crisis, geopolitical events, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza region, or from the imposition or lifting of crude oil production quotas or other actions that might be imposed by OPEC and other producing countries and the resulting company or third-party actions in response to such changes; changes in commodity prices, including volatility or a prolonged decline in these prices relative to historical or future expected levels; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact oil prices and oil consumption more than we currently predict. which could cause further modification of our strategy and capital spending program; prices and markets for oil and natural gas are unpredictable and volatile; the effect of hedges; the accuracy of productive capacity of any particular field; geographic, political and weather conditions can impact the production, transport or sale of our products; our ability to execute our business plan, which may include acquisitions, and realize expected benefits from current or future initiatives; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the ability to replace reserves and production and develop and manage reserves on an economically viable basis; the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates); the risk profile of planned exploration activities; the effects of drilling down-dip; the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations; the extent and effect of delivery disruptions, equipment performance and costs; actions by third parties; the timely receipt of regulatory or other required approvals for our operating activities; the failure of exploratory drilling to result in commercial wells; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; volatility or declines in the trading price of our common stock or bonds; the risk that we do not receive the anticipated benefits of government programs, including government tax refunds; our ability to access debt or equity capital markets from time to time to raise additional capital, increase liquidity, fund acquisitions or refinance debt; our ability to comply with financial covenants in our indentures and make borrowings under any future credit agreement; and the risk factors detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed February 20, 2024 and its other filings with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain assumptions made by Gran Tierra based on management’s experience and other factors believed to be appropriate. Gran Tierra believes these assumptions to be reasonable at this time, but the forward-looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Gran Tierra’s control, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward looking statements. The risk that the assumptions on which the 2024 outlook are based prove incorrect may increase the later the period to which the outlook relates. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Gran Tierra that Gran Tierra believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Actual results may vary materially from the expected results expressed in forward-looking statements. Gran Tierra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. In addition, historical, current and forward-looking sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future.

Following Gran Tierra’s acquisition of i3 Energy, investors should not rely on Gran Tierra’s previously issued financial and production guidance for 2024, which is no longer applicable on a combined company basis.

Non-GAAP Measures

This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures as further described herein. These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to net income or loss, cash flow from operating activities or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. Gran Tierra’s method of calculating these measures may differ from other companies and, accordingly, they may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Each non-GAAP financial measure is presented along with the corresponding GAAP measure so as to not imply that more emphasis should be placed on the non-GAAP measure.

Operating netback, as presented, is defined as oil sales less operating and transportation expenses. See the table entitled Financial and Operational Highlights above for the components of consolidated operating netback and corresponding reconciliation.

Return on average capital employed as presented is defined as earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”; annualized, if the period is other than one year) divided by average capital employed (total assets minus cash and current liabilities; average of the opening and closing balances for the period).

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Twelve Month Trailing
September 30,

As at September 30,

Return on Average Capital Employed – (Non-GAAP) Measure ($000s)

2024

Net Income

1,133

45,137

Adjustments to reconcile net income to EBIT:

Interest Expense

19,892

74,503

Income Tax Expense

20,767

34,589

EBIT

41,792

154,229

Total Assets

1,533,378

Less Current Liabilities

263,492

Less Cash and Cash Equivalents

277,645

Capital Employed

992,241

Annualized EBIT*

167,168

Divided by Average Capital Employed

992,241

Return on Average Capital Employed

*Annualized EBIT was calculated for the three months ended September 30, 2024, by multiplying the quarter-to-date EBIT by 4.

Cash netback as presented is defined as net income or loss adjusted for DD&A expenses, deferred tax expense or recovery, stock-based compensation expense or recovery, amortization of debt issuance costs, non-cash lease expense, lease payments, unrealized foreign exchange gain or loss and other gain or loss. Management believes that operating netback and cash netback are useful supplemental measures for investors to analyze financial performance and provide an indication of the results generated by Gran Tierra’s principal business activities prior to the consideration of other income and expenses. A reconciliation from net income or loss to cash netback is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended June 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
Cash Netback – (Non-GAAP) Measure ($000s)		2024			2023			2024			2024			2023
Net Income (Loss)	$	1,133		$	6,527		$	36,371		$	37,426		$	(13,998	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash netback
DD&A expenses		55,573			55,019			55,490			167,213			163,424
Deferred tax expense (recovery)		5,550			13,990			(51,361	)		(32,332	)		43,242
Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense		(3,145	)		1,931			6,160			6,376			3,748
Amortization of debt issuance costs		3,109			1,594			2,760			9,175			3,394
Non-cash lease expense		1,370			1,235			1,381			4,164			3,488
Lease payments		(1,171	)		(676	)		(1,311	)		(3,540	)		(1,918	)
Unrealized foreign exchange gain		(2,081	)		(266	)		(3,323	)		(7,670	)		(7,814	)
Other gain		—			(354	)		—			—			(1,444	)
Cash netback	$	60,338		$	79,000		$	46,167		$	180,812		$	192,122

EBITDA, as presented, is defined as net income or loss adjusted for DD&A expenses, interest expense and income tax expense or recovery. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, is defined as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash lease expense, lease payments, foreign exchange gain or loss, stock-based compensation expense, transaction costs and other gain or loss. Management uses this supplemental measure to analyze performance and income generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of how non-cash items affect that income, and believes that this financial measure is useful supplemental information for investors to analyze our performance and our financial results. A reconciliation from net income or loss to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended June 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
EBITDA – (Non-GAAP) Measure ($000s)		2024			2023			2024			2024			2023
Net Income (Loss)	$	1,133		$	6,527		$	36,371		$	37,426		$	(13,998	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
DD&A expenses		55,573			55,019			55,490			167,213			163,424
Interest expense		19,892			13,503			18,398			56,714			38,017
Income tax expense (recovery)		20,767			40,333			(9,072	)		29,090			106,948
EBITDA	$	97,365		$	115,382		$	101,187		$	290,443		$	294,391
Non-cash lease expense		1,370			1,235			1,381			4,164			3,488
Lease payments		(1,171	)		(676	)		(1,311	)		(3,540	)		(1,918	)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss		(3,084	)		1,717			(4,413	)		(8,312	)		8,126
Stock-based compensation expense		(3,145	)		1,931			6,160			6,376			3,748
Transaction costs		1,459			—			—			1,459			—
Other loss (gain)		—			(354	)		—			—			(1,444	)
Adjusted EBITDA	$	92,794		$	119,235		$	103,004		$	290,590		$	306,391

Funds flow from operations, as presented, is defined as net income or loss adjusted for DD&A expenses, deferred tax expense or recovery, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of debt issuance costs, non-cash lease expense, lease payments, unrealized foreign exchange gain, and other gain or loss. Management uses this financial measure to analyze performance and income or loss generated by our principal business activities prior to the consideration of how non-cash items affect that income or loss, and believes that this financial measure is also useful supplemental information for investors to analyze performance and our financial results. Free cash flow, as presented, is defined as funds flow from operations adjusted for capital expenditures. Management uses this financial measure to analyze cash flow generated by our principal business activities after capital requirements and believes that this financial measure is also useful supplemental information for investors to analyze performance and our financial results. A reconciliation from net income or loss to both funds flow from operations and free cash flow is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended June 30,			Nine Months Ended September 30,
Funds Flow From Operations – (Non-GAAP) Measure ($000s)		2024			2023			2024			2024			2023
Net Income (Loss)	$	1,133		$	6,527		$	36,371		$	37,426		$	(13,998	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to funds flow from operations
DD&A expenses		55,573			55,019			55,490			167,213			163,424
Deferred tax expense (recovery)		5,550			13,990			(51,361	)		(32,332	)		43,242
Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense		(3,145	)		1,931			6,160			6,376			3,748
Amortization of debt issuance costs		3,109			1,594			2,760			9,175			3,394
Non-cash lease expense		1,370			1,235			1,381			4,164			3,488
Lease payments		(1,171	)		(676	)		(1,311	)		(3,540	)		(1,918	)
Unrealized foreign exchange gain		(2,081	)		(266	)		(3,323	)		(7,670	)		(7,814	)
Other loss (gain)		—			(354	)		—			—			(1,444	)
Funds flow from operations	$	60,338		$	79,000		$	46,167		$	180,812		$	192,122
Capital expenditures	$	52,921		$	43,080		$	61,273		$	169,525		$	179,707
Free cash flow	$	7,417		$	35,920		$	(15,106	)	$	11,287		$	12,415

Net debt as of September 30, 2024, was $509 million, calculated using the sum of the aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Senior Notes, 7.75% Senior Notes, and 9.50% Senior Notes outstanding, excluding deferred financing fees, totaling $787 million, less cash and cash equivalents of $278 million.

Presentation of Oil and Gas Information

All reserves value and ancillary information contained in this press release regarding Gran Tierra (not including reserves value and ancillary information regarding i3 Energy) have been prepared by the Company’s independent qualified reserves evaluator McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. (“McDaniel”) in a report with an effective date of December 31, 2023 (the “Gran Tierra McDaniel Reserves Report”) and calculated in compliance with Canadian National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGEH”), unless otherwise expressly stated. All reserves value and ancillary information contained in this press release regarding i3 Energy have been prepared by i3 Energy’s independent qualified reserves evaluator GLJ Ltd. (“GLJ”) in a fair market value report with an effective date of July 31, 2024 (the “i3 Energy GLJ Report”) and calculated in compliance with NI 51-101 and COGEH, unless otherwise expressly stated.

Barrel of oil equivalents (“boe”) have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) natural gas to 1 bbl of oil. Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl would be misleading as an indication of value.

The following reserves categories are discussed in this press release: Proved (“1P”), 1P plus Probable (“2P”) and 2P plus Possible (“3P”) and Proved Developed Producing (“PDP”). Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves. Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. Proved developed producing reserves are those proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut-in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty. Certain terms used in this press release but not defined are defined in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 – Revised Glossary to NI 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“CSA Staff Notice 51-324”) and/or the COGEH and, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the same meanings herein as in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 and the COGEH, as the case may be.

Estimates of reserves for individual properties may not reflect the same level of confidence as estimates of reserves for all properties, due to the effect of aggregation. There is no assurance that the forecast price and cost assumptions applied by McDaniel or GLJ in evaluating Gran Tierra’s or i3 Energy’s reserves, respectively, will be attained and variances could be material. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of crude oil and natural gas reserves. The reserves information set forth in the Gran Tierra McDaniel Reserves Report and the i3 Energy GLJ Report are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided therein. All reserves assigned in the Gran Tierra McDaniel Reserves Report are located in Colombia and Ecuador and presented on a consolidated basis by foreign geographic area.

Booked drilling locations of i3 Energy disclosed herein are derived from the i3 Energy GLJ Report and account for drilling locations that have associated 2P reserves.

References to a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. Gran Tierra’s reported production is a mix of light crude oil and medium and heavy crude oil for which there is not a precise breakdown since the Company’s oil sales volumes typically represent blends of more than one type of crude oil. Well test results should be considered as preliminary and not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Well log interpretations indicating oil and gas accumulations are not necessarily indicative of future production or ultimate recovery. If it is indicated that a pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out, any data disclosed in that respect should be considered preliminary until such analysis has been completed. References to thickness of “oil pay” or of a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume.

This press release contains certain oil and gas metrics, including operating netback and cash netback, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to make comparisons. These metrics are calculated as described in this press release and management believes that they are useful supplemental measures for the reasons described in this press release.

Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

References in this press release to IP30, IP90 and other short-term production rates of Gran Tierra are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons, however such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will commence production and decline thereafter and are not indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production of Gran Tierra. Gran Tierra cautions that such results should be considered to be preliminary.

Disclosure of Reserve Information and Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors

Unless expressly stated otherwise, all estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves and related future net revenue disclosed in this press release have been prepared in accordance with NI 51-101. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue made in accordance with NI 51-101 will differ from corresponding estimates prepared in accordance with applicable SEC rules and disclosure requirements of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and those differences may be material. NI 51-101, for example, requires disclosure of reserves and related future net revenue estimates based on forecast prices and costs, whereas SEC and FASB standards require that reserves and related future net revenue be estimated using average prices for the previous 12 months. In addition, NI 51-101 permits the presentation of reserves estimates on a “company gross” basis, representing Gran Tierra’s working interest share before deduction of royalties, whereas SEC and FASB standards require the presentation of net reserve estimates after the deduction of royalties and similar payments. There are also differences in the technical reserves estimation standards applicable under NI 51-101 and, pursuant thereto, the COGEH, and those applicable under SEC and FASB requirements.

In addition to being a reporting issuer in certain Canadian jurisdictions, Gran Tierra is a registrant with the SEC and subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, including with respect to the disclosure of reserves and other oil and gas information in accordance with U.S. federal securities law and applicable SEC rules and regulations (collectively, “SEC requirements”). Disclosure of such information in accordance with SEC requirements is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and materials filed with or furnished to the SEC and, as applicable, Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The SEC permits oil and gas companies that are subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only estimated proved, probable and possible reserves that meet the SEC’s definitions of such terms. Gran Tierra has disclosed estimated proved, probable and possible reserves in its filings with the SEC. In addition, Gran Tierra prepares its financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, which require that the notes to its annual financial statements include supplementary disclosure in respect of the Company’s oil and gas activities, including estimates of its proved oil and gas reserves and a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserve quantities. This supplementary financial statement disclosure is presented in accordance with FASB requirements, which align with corresponding SEC requirements concerning reserves estimation and reporting.

The MIL Network –

January 26, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Housing handover in Dingwall
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
Twenty new homes are ready to welcome tenants in a beautiful edge of town location at Tulloch Square/Castle – Green Lady Court, Dingwall.

The Highland Council has taken ownership from contractor Capstone for twenty housing units that include a mix of housing tenancy opportunities including:

four, 3-bedroomed semi-detached villas,

four, 2 bedroomed cottage flats; and

twelve, 2 bedroomed communal flats.

All twenty properties will be available for social rent.

Cllr Graham MacKenzie, Dingwall and Seaforth Area Chair and Local Ward Member, said: “This is a stunning location for the twenty new homes now available in Dingwall. They are situated in a fantastic location, just minutes walking from both Dingwall Primary and Dingwall Academy.”

Chair of the Council Housing and Property Committee, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair added: “The demand for affordable housing is felt throughout the Highlands, and across Scotland as a whole. We are committed to meeting the Highland housing challenge by building more homes and exploring solutions with our partners.

“The new properties in Dingwall provide a welcome addition to the Council’s commitments to provide sustainable and energy efficient affordable social rental homes for both families and individuals.”

Rhona Donnelly, Managing Director of Capstone Construction said: “We are delighted to hand over 20 new homes in Dingwall providing much needed accommodation to the town. This is our first project as a developer to The Highland Council and look forward to delivering more affordable housing under this model in the future.”

This housing development was supported through funding from the Scottish Government of £2,418,801.

Photo courtesy of Capstone
4 Nov 2024

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New team of wardens to enhance environmental protection

Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

From Monday 11 November, a new team of litter wardens will be on patrol across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough.

ABC Council has partnered with District Enforcement Limited, to enhance and enforce its zero tolerance approach to littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

The four new District Enforcement Officers will supplement the work of Council’s four Environmental Wardens in carrying out patrols across the Borough, giving advice and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices to offenders.

Already this year, the council has been involved in around a dozen Fixed Penalty Notices handed to those responsible for fly-tipping.

People who are found responsible for fly-tipping will face a Fixed Penalty Notice of £400, while those who fail to pick up after their dog face a fixed penalty fine of £120 and similarly those who drop litter will be fined £120.

Those who do not pay the Fixed Penalty Notice will be subject to court action and there are no early payment reductions.

The new District Enforcement Officers will proactively patrol all areas of the borough, including city/town centres, villages, parks and open spaces. They will also respond to concerns over areas which are particularly adversely affected by dumping, litter or dog fouling.

While the Council recognises that the vast majority of residents respect and look after their areas, they remain committed to pursuing those who continue to cause harm to the environment, local wildlife and the climate through littering offences.

Members of the public can also help in the fight against litter, fly-tipping and dog fouling, by reporting incidents via the ABC Council App which is available to download on the App store and Google Play store, or by calling the Council’s Environmental Health team directly on 0300 0300 900.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City to fall silent for Remembrance Sunday commemorations

Source: City of Leicester

PEOPLE from across Leicester will remember the city’s fallen service men and women at the annual Remembrance Sunday service this weekend.

The city’s service of remembrance will take place at the war memorial in Victoria Park on Sunday (10 November).

A parade, led by the Seaforth Highlanders Pipes and Drums and comprising members of the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans and cadets, will step off from De Montfort Hall at around 10.40am and make its way to the Arch of Remembrance, ready for the service at 10.55am.

The Lord Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Martyn Snow, will conduct the service with support from former BBC Radio Leicester presenter, Dave Andrews. A bugler will sound the Last Post before the firing of salutes marks the beginning and the end of the two-minute silence. A piper from the Seaforth Highlanders will play a lament before the service continues.

People in the area are advised that the salutes will create a loud bang, which may cause alarm or distress, particularly to young children or pets.

Official wreaths will be laid by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Colonel Murray Colville, and The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Bhupen Dave, together with representatives of local emergency services, military units and faith communities. Other organisations and veterans’ associations will lay wreaths immediately after the official wreath laying, while members of the public will have an opportunity to lay their wreaths at the end of the service.

The Salvation Army band will accompany hymns, supported by the City of Leicester Singers and the Leicester Cathedral Choir.

Limited public seating will be available on a first come, first served basis and there will be a designated seating area for those with a disability or who are unable to stand for long periods.

A returning parade will step off through the War Memorial and back onto Centenary Walk at the end of the service, returning to the front of De Montfort Hall at around 11.45am.

Granville Road car park will be closed from midnight on Saturday, 9 November until around 1pm on Sunday, November 10, and vehicles should not be left overnight in the car park.

A limited number of spaces for disabled guests and blue badge holders will be available in the car park, which will be accessible from London Road only. These must be requested in advance by emailing lord.mayor@leicester.gov.uk or by calling 0116 454 0020.

Road closures will be in operation on both Granville Road and Regent Road from 9.30am until 12.30pm on Sunday. Access will be maintained for residents of Salisbury Road.

The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Bhupen Dave, said: “Remembrance Day is a time for reflection and contemplation on the sacrifice made by the men and women of our armed forces in defence of their country and allows us to come together to remember all those whose lives have been lost in armed conflict.

“I am humbled to be able to lay a wreath commemorating them on behalf of the people of Leicester.”

The following day, Monday 11 November, is Remembrance Day, when the nation pauses at 11am to reflect on the sacrifices made by the country’s service men and women.

Held each year on 11 November, the silence coincides with the time in 1918 when the First World War came to an end.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Opening Ceremony (World Urban Forum 12th Session)

Source: United Nations (Video News)

The World Urban Forum (WUF) is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. The twelfth session will take place in Cairo, Egypt , from 4 to 8 November, 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDbl443Yq4Q

MIL OSI Video –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Polio vaccination campaign resumes in Gaza

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, talks to UN News about how mis- and disinformation is affecting UN operations in southern Lebanon, as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to monitor and report on the situation on the ground. Full interview with UN News here, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and continued attacks against UN troops stationed along the so-called ‘Blue Line’:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG3Upu4lkgs

MIL OSI Video –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: UN Peacekeeping Chief on impact of Disinformation in Lebanon

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, talks to UN News about how mis- and disinformation is affecting UN operations in southern Lebanon, as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to monitor and report on the situation on the ground. Full interview with UN News here, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and continued attacks against UN troops stationed along the so-called ‘Blue Line’:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKkR2-ndKHw

MIL OSI Video –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit opens Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, an annual flagship event of the legal sector and the Department of Justice (DoJ) to showcase Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre, was launched today (November 4).

     Themed “Hong Kong Common Law System: World-Class Springboard to China and Beyond”, the five-day event provides an opportunity for participants from all corners of the world to engage in a series of insightful discussions and fruitful exchanges with prominent experts, practitioners and government officials on a wide spectrum of topics, including international law, developments in alternative dispute resolution, opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the rule of law in the region and beyond.

     The Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024, themed “Springboard to Opportunities: Utilising International Private Law and Technology to Facilitate Access to Credit, Investment, and Sustainable Development in the Asia-Pacific Region”, was held as the opening event of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week. Organised by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and the DoJ, the biennial Summit brought together preeminent legal academics and renowned practitioners worldwide to discuss how the unification and co-ordination of various areas of international private law can support economic growth and facilitate smoother cross-border interactions. More than 1 100 registrations from 46 jurisdictions have been received for this event.

     In his welcome remarks, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that today’s Summit gathered leading legal minds from across the Asia-Pacific region, which is home to enormous economic potential and encompasses a diverse array of legal systems, to explore how to unlock the region’s full economic potential and ensure long-term sustainable growth, harmonisation and modernisation of private law across the region, as well as how Hong Kong could contribute in this regard. Aside from the collaborative efforts of the DoJ and UNIDROIT in promoting the development, implementation, and deeper understanding of private international law and international commercial law across the Asia-Pacific region, the DoJ and UNIDROIT have also co-operated on other fronts. In particular, the Secretary for Justice expressed his gratitude for UNIDROIT’s support to the DoJ’s secondment programme, which offers opportunities to Hong Kong’s legal professionals to work at the UNIDROIT Secretariat. He further noted that the DoJ places great importance on nurturing legal talent and will continue to provide professional development opportunities to legal talent with a view to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading international legal and dispute resolution centre. To further the DoJ’s capacity building initiatives, the Secretary for Justice announced that the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy will be set up, and he extended a warm invitation to all to join the launch ceremony of the Academy, which will take place on the final day of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024.

     The Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Cui Jianchun, and the Secretary-General of UNIDROIT, Professor Ignacio Tirado, also delivered their welcome remarks at the event. The closing remarks were delivered by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan.

     Mr Cui said that China has been consistently innovating its diplomatic ideas to make global governance and international law fairer and more equitable. He noted that the HKSAR has been proactively responding to national development strategies and committed to reforms that benefit the people of Hong Kong. He said he is confident that Hong Kong will make the best use of the strength of “one country” and the convenience of “two systems”, while leveraging its unique advantages, such as its systems, talent and location, to act as a “world-class springboard” for connecting China with the rest of the world.

     Professor Tirado said that he is glad to be back to Hong Kong again to join the Summit, which has become one of the legal world’s leading events in the international arena. He said he is also pleased to see Hong Kong back on its feet, stronger than ever, after getting through the pandemic, and has flourished back into its dynamic, efficient, cosmopolitan and multicultural self, an extraordinary and unique legal and financial hub that the entire world recognises.

     Other conferences and seminars of the Hong Kong Legal Week include the Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development organised by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR and the DoJ tomorrow (November 5); “Beyond Litigation: The Vibrant Landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Hong Kong”, fireside chat on experience sharing of resolving sports disputes and the annual Hong Kong Mediation Lecture under the theme “Mediation and Sustainable Development along the Belt and Road” on Wednesday (November 6); and “Joint Contribution to the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA” on Thursday (November 7). The Legal Week will end this Friday (November 8) with “Rule of Law: The Best Business Environment”, at which the Academy will be officially launched.

     In addition, an exhibition featuring the milestones and achievements in the construction of the rule of law by the country in the modern era, as well as the role played by Hong Kong in contributing to the developments, has been set up at the venue this year.

     For more details on the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, please visit the dedicated website www.legalweek.hk. The event is broadcast live on the dedicated website and at webcast.info.gov.hk.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Judiciary strongly condemns attempted attack at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     Earlier today (November 4), a man involved in an attempted knife attack at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts was swiftly subdued by on-site police officers. No judicial officers or court staff were harmed during the incident. The individual has been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.

     The Judiciary strongly condemns any attempts to attack judges or judicial officers, as such acts are a direct affront to the rule of law, a disregard for law and order, and a serious threat to the safety of judges and judicial officers as well as all court users.

     The Judiciary stresses that judges and judicial officers faithfully discharge their constitutional duties in strict accordance with their judicial oath, upholding the law and administering justice without fear, favour, self-interest, or deceit. Their decisions are made independently and professionally, based on legal principles. For those dissatisfied with a verdict or sentence, the proper recourse is through the established appeals process.

     Having reviewed the existing security arrangements at Magistrates’ Courts buildings, the Judiciary will progressively implement enhanced security measures, including security screenings and increased manpower, starting tomorrow. The Judiciary will also continue working closely with the Police to strengthen patrols and other safety measures, ensuring the protection of judges and judicial officers, court staff as well as court users.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Three sentenced as Met crackdown on mobile phone theft in south east London

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Local Met officers in south east London have led an investigation into a series of phone thefts, as part of the service’s commitment to tackling mobile phone robbery and theft.

A man and two teenage boys were sentenced for their involvement in a spate of phone theft incidents in Bermondsey and Greenwich.

The trio were brought to justice for their part in snatching phones in 35 separate incidents. Thanks to the actions of Met officers, 32 mobile phones were recovered, with 30 of them successfully returned to their rightful owners. The total estimated value of the stolen phone’s amounts to over £20,000.

To tackle the rising issue of phone thefts in London, officers have been listening to community concerns and using data and technology to target hotspots where offending is more likely to take place.

As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met are focusing on improving community policing, with officers patrolling busy areas and town centres to help deter offenders and ensure they are present to act on anything suspicious. Local residents have fed back the increased presence has provided a sense of safety to residents and visitors.

The Met is employing CCTV in busy areas to monitor and identify people involved in mobile phone thefts, allowing them to capture real time footage for analysis and evidence gathering.

Police Constable Alex Earley, who led the investigation, said:

“I am pleased our investigation has brought three offenders to justice for their part to play in a spate of phone thefts in our local area. This demonstrates our commitment to addressing concerns from those living and working here.

“Our top priority is to drive down crime that impacts our communities the most, creating neighbourhoods where everyone feels safe.”

The Met investigation was launched in 2023 and focused on the three individuals who used electric motorbikes to steal phones from unsuspecting victims. They targeted individuals by aggressively riding their bikes on pavements and approaching people at high speeds, creating an intimidating environment that made it difficult for victims to react or escape.

Kie Joyce, 21 (20.03.03) of Neckinger Estate, SE16 was sentenced to three and a half years imprisonment on Thursday, 19 September at Inner London Crown Court for conspiracy to steal and eight counts of dangerous driving offences.

A 16-year-old boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to six months on Friday, 1 November at Central Criminal Court for conspiracy to steal and eight counts of dangerous driving.

A second 16-year-old boy – who also cannot be named for legal reasons – was sentenced to a nine-month supervision requirement on Friday, 26 February at South London Magistrate’s court for conspiracy to commit theft and handling stolen goods. He was also subjected to a Youth Rehabilitation Order, curfew requirement and is required to pay compensation of £425.00.

Commander Owain Richards, the lead for mobile phone thefts in London, added:

“We understand the impact of mobile phone theft can have on victims, it’s an invasive and sometimes violent crime- and we’re committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer.

“We continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders. We are also working phone firms to ‘design out’ the ability for phones to be reused and sold on as we seek to dismantle the criminal market that fuels robbery and theft.

“We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been a victim of mobile phone theft, so officers can investigate swiftly”.

If you witness or are a victim of a crime, it is crucial to report it promptly by calling 999 in the case of an emergency. For non-emergency situations, you can call 101 or report online.

For advice on how to stay safe from mobile phone theft please our website for further information.

MIL Security OSI –

January 26, 2025

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