Category: Artificial Intelligence

MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville – A10-0101/2025

Source: European Parliament

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

on financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville

(2025/2004(INI))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to UN General Assembly Resolution 70/1 of 25 September 2015 entitled ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York and establishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

– having regard to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development held in Addis Ababa from 13 to 16 July 2015,

– having regard to the Paris Agreement of 12 December 2015, adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,

– having regard to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) of 13 September 2007,

– having regard to the document of the United National Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) of January 2012 entitled ‘Principles on Promoting Responsible Sovereign Lending and Borrowing’,

– having regard to the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC),

– having regard to the UN General Assembly Resolution 68/304 of 9 September 2014 entitled ‘Towards the Establishment of a Multilateral Legal Framework for Sovereign Debt Restructuring Processes’,

– having regard to the UN General Assembly Resolution of 10 September 2015 on the ‘Basic Principles on Sovereign Debt Restructuring Processes’,

– having regard to the report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) of 10 November 2022 entitled ‘Global Outlook on Financing for Sustainable Development 2023: No Sustainability Without Equity’,

– having regard to the report of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development of 5 September 2024 entitled ‘Multilateral Development Finance 2024’,

– having regard to the UN Secretary-General’s SDG stimulus to deliver Agenda 2030 of February 2023,

– having regard to UN General Assembly Resolution 79/1 of 22 September 2024 entitled ‘The Pact for the Future’, adopted at the Summit of the Future in New York,

– having regard to the partnership agreement between the EU and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part [1] (the Samoa Agreement),

– having regard to the joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission of 30 June 2017 entitled ‘The new European consensus on development: Our world, our dignity, our future’[2],

– having regard to the Council conclusions of 10 June 2021 on enhancing the European financial architecture for development,

– having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2018 on enhancing developing countries’* debt sustainability [3],

– having regard to its resolution of 24 November 2022 on the future European Financial Architecture for Development [4],

– having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2023 on Policy Coherence for Development [5],

– having regard to its resolution of 15 June 2023 on the implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals [6],

– having regard to the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP III),

– having regard to the Youth Action Plan (YAP) in European Union external action for 2022-2027,

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 June 2021 establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe, amending and repealing Decision No 466/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Regulation (EU) 2017/1601 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 480/2009 [7],

– having regard to the Climate Bank Roadmap of the European Investment Bank (EIB) of 14 December 2020,

– having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 1 December 2021 entitled ‘The Global Gateway’ (JOIN(2021)0030),

– having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Development (A10-0101/2025),

A. whereas Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), dictates the reduction, and in the long-term eradication, of poverty as the primary objective of the EU’s development cooperation; whereas Article 21(2) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) reaffirms its commitment to supporting human rights, preserving peace and preventing conflict, assisting populations, countries and regions confronting natural or man-made disasters, and to the sustainable management of global natural resources;

B. whereas Article 18(4) TEU calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to ensure the consistency of the Union’s external action;

C. whereas, at this critical juncture, with just five years remaining before we reach the 2030 target date for the SDGs, the increasing number of crises worldwide, the rise in extreme poverty and hunger, and the increasingly frequent and severe consequences of climate change have meant that, according to the 2024 UN SDG Report, only 17 % of the Sustainable Development Goals are currently on track to be achieved by 2030, despite progress in certain areas; whereas developing countries’[*] domestic revenue mobilisation remained low, due, among other factors, to illicit financial flows and also often corruption, causing crucial resources to be diverted from healthcare, education, and infrastructure development;

D. whereas more than 700 million people worldwide are living in extreme poverty, a figure that keeps increasing; whereas poverty disproportionately affects women and girls globally, and the gender-poverty gap persists to this day; whereas the wealth gap and inequality within and between countries is widening, hindering sustainable development;

E. whereas mobilising even a small fraction of global wealth for sustainable development remains difficult, with UN Trade and Development estimating that the annual SDG financing gap in developing countries* has increased to USD 4–4.3 trillion, representing a more than 50 % increase over pre-pandemic estimates and requiring an unprecedented mobilisation of financial resources, both public and private, at the global level, especially to tackle the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and rising inequalities;

F. whereas food insecurity has significantly risen as a result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as due to the impact of other armed conflicts and is therefore a barrier of achieving the SDGs; whereas EU cooperation needs to tackle the challenge of food security effectively with partner countries in a sustainable manner;

G. whereas leading global donors in development cooperation are abandoning their commitments to finance sustainable development;

H. whereas it is estimated that, if Member States had met the commitment to devote 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) to official development assistance (ODA) since 1970, more than EUR 1.2 trillion could have been allocated for development cooperation, a figure that is likely even to be much higher when taking into account the remainder of donor countries worldwide;

I. whereas developing countries* face significantly higher borrowing costs, paying on average twice as much interest on their total sovereign debt stock compared to developed (higher income) countries, due to imbalanced global financial structures, but also due to the rating of country-specific risk factors, governance challenges or macroeconomic instability, which further exacerbates the finance divide;

J. whereas, according to the latest data, almost two-thirds of low-income countries in the world are currently either in debt distress or at high risk thereof, with over 100 countries struggling due to the combination of debt and interest; whereas low-income countries (LICs) spent nearly 20 % of government revenues on servicing external debt in 2023, up fourfold since 2013; whereas debt spending in over three-quarters of low income countries is several times the spending on public goods such as education, health, social protection, or climate change, thus creating one of the most important obstacles for global south countries to advance the SDGs;

K. whereas if indebted countries are also hit by a catastrophic external shock, such as a natural disaster, they often resort to further borrowing to pay for the reconstruction and recovery costs;

L. whereas developing countries* in debt distress are projected to face annual debt servicing costs of USD 40 billion between 2023 and 2025, severely constraining their fiscal space for essential public investments;

M. whereas achieving sustainable development requires more than just curbing debt solutions and securing external finance, it also involves strengthening the economic self-sufficiency of developing countries*, including through enhanced domestic resource mobilisation, qualitative investment-friendly policies, favouring the promotion of local entrepreneurship and local private sector growth;

N. whereas a fifth of the world’s population lives in countries with high levels of inequality and, according to data from 2023, the richest 1 % of the world owns 47.5 % of all global wealth, and the effective tax rates on the richest 1 % are often lower than the tax rates for the rest of the population;

O. whereas Climate Resilient Debt Clauses (CRDC) are clauses that can be added to loan or bond contracts and that are triggered by certain specified external catastrophic events, notably climate-related events, which allow the borrower to temporarily suspend debt payments;

P. whereas the structure of creditors is changing and becoming more complex, with private creditors and new bilateral creditors outside the Paris Club playing a much larger role; whereas China, in particular, issues loans under opaque conditions, which is why stronger international regulation and disclosure of this debt is necessary;

Q. whereas the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025 presents a critical moment for the necessary reform of the global financial architecture and for addressing the growing financing challenges;

R. whereas the current international financial architecture is based on the Bretton Woods Agreements of 1944, which represent an architecture that today is incapable of meeting the needs of the 21st century multipolar world, specifically the needs of so-called Global South countries – characterised by deeply integrated economies and financial markets, but also marked by geopolitical tensions, growing systemic risks and the effects of climate change, and persists in upholding the existing power imbalance that favours countries in the so-called Global North;

S. whereas in order to address unsustainable and illegitimate debts, all governments must participate on an equal footing in the decision-making on debt crisis prevention and resolution, as well as different aspects of debt management, beyond creditor-dominated forums;

T. whereas an improved global financial safety net is necessary to deal with systemic risks and global financial, economic and health crises and shocks;

U. whereas indebted countries tend to avoid debt restructuring at all costs, i.e. to secure access to the financial market in the future; whereas in order to make external debt payments possible, governments tend to implement harsh austerity programmes, on many occasions following the IMF assessment;

V. whereas conditionalities imposed by the IMF and some multilateral development banks (MDBs) are focused on fiscal consolidation and market solutions, thus limiting public investment to advance the SDGs; whereas the ultimate consequence of austerity programmes is a deep breach of people’s human rights in the Global South; whereas the G20 Common Framework has done little to solve those limitations, since priority is given to debt rescheduling and reprofiling;

W. whereas tax resources as a share of GDP remain low in most developing countries*, which are confronted with social, political and administrative difficulties in establishing a sound public finance system, thereby making them particularly vulnerable to tax evasion and avoidance activities of individual taxpayers and corporations;

X. whereas globalisation creates both opportunities and challenges, as in the case of the increased prevalence and size of multinational enterprises and changes in business models that may enable base erosion and tax avoidance and profit shifting on a significant scale, severely undermining domestic revenue collection, particularly in developing countries*; whereas as a result, taxes on corporate profits have been declining around the world; whereas international tax cooperation needs more solidarity to address national and global challenges;

Y. whereas climate change has a negative impact on global sustainable development, exacerbating biodiversity loss, breakdown of ecosystems, natural disasters and extreme weather events, and disproportionately affecting historically marginalised groups, in particular women;

Z. whereas development aid is increasingly being militarised, with funds originally intended for poverty eradication and social progress being diverted towards migration control, security cooperation, and geopolitical competition;

Aa. whereas illicit financial flows out of developing countries*, challenges such as trade mispricing, loopholes in international tax rules and corruption continue to pose a serious obstacle, often undermining fair and inclusive development efforts, and impacting developing countries’* national budgets and social policy, thus severely reducing funds available for sustainable development; whereas responsible tax behaviour by multinational enterprises is an essential element of the principles of corporate social responsibility;

Ab. whereas the potential of taxing extractive industries to boost fiscal revenues is largely untapped in developing countries*, primarily due to inadequate global tax rules and the challenges of enforcing them, as transnational companies frequently employ tax avoidance strategies; whereas this challenge is all the more acute for low-income countries that are heavily dependent on natural resources for their economic development;

Ac. whereas current investment choices continue to diverge from the sustainable development goals, with vast capital flows supporting carbon-intensive industries, while funding for decarbonisation and the energy transition remains insufficient;

Ad. whereas Russia is expanding its foothold in developing countries* in Africa, most notably in the Sahel region, spreading anti-European propaganda and offering alternatives to European ODA through bilateral deals;

Ae. whereas the digitalisation of the economy has exacerbated existing problems relating to corporate tax avoidance and evasion, and the importance of ensuring fair and effective taxation of digital services;

Af. whereas the EIB, through its development arm EIB Global, has committed to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance outside the European Union, presenting an opportunity for an enhanced EU contribution to global sustainable development;

Ag. whereas the EIB has expanded its regional presence, including by opening new regional representation offices, such as the one in Jakarta, Indonesia, to strengthen engagement in south-east Asia and the Pacific;

Ah. whereas the EIB, through EIB Global, is committed to sustainable development, climate action and innovative investments in low- and middle-income countries;

Ai. whereas on 20 January 2025, the United States issued an Executive Order, enacting a 90-day suspension and reassessment of all foreign assistance programmes, including those administered by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and reaffirmed its withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Paris Agreement, actions that have serious implications for humanitarian, health and climate initiatives in the Global South; whereas other countries, including some EU countries, also cut their global aid budgets, placing immense pressure on the international development and humanitarian sector;

Aj. whereas the US withdrawal from foreign assistance programmes puts the EU in a decisive position in global development cooperation and the EU should assess how to strategically address critical shortfalls, particularly in sectors where stability, economic development, and humanitarian support are at risk, while ensuring a coordinated approach with international partners;

Ak. whereas using regional multilateral development banks (MDBs) as a source of funding could lead to more balanced and equitable collaborations in support of efforts to reform the international financial architecture;

Al. whereas official development assistance (ODA) has been cut back in many countries, including in the EU; whereas in 2023 only five countries worldwide met or exceeded the UN target of spending 0.7 % of their GNI on official development assistance (ODA); whereas the EU collectively undertook to provide 0.7 % of GNI as ODA, and 0.2 % as ODA to least developed countries (LDCs) by 2030, reaffirmed in the Council conclusions of June 2024, in the European Consensus on Development and in the Council conclusions of 26 May 2015; whereas the successful mobilisation of further capital, both private and public, in addition to ODA and other existing forms of development finance, is critical;

Am. whereas the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) agreed upon during the COP29 in Baku on 24 November 2024 includes commitments to mobilise at least USD 300 billion per year for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries*; whereas the launch of the Baku-Belém Roadmap requires reaching at least an additional USD 1.3 trillion per year for development cooperation by 2035;

An. whereas the fragmentation of government approaches to sustainable development financing remains a challenge, with the OECD noting that better policy coherence is needed to align tax, budgetary and development policies;

Principles and objectives

1. Stresses the importance for the international community to utilise the opportunities presented by the 4th Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) in Seville to promote structural reform of the international financial architecture to democratise international development cooperation and create equal power sharing, and to call for equitable and inclusive development cooperation policies that support gender equality;

2. Calls on the EU as a key multilateral actor and its Member States to increase their efforts in development cooperation, increasing their presence, to improve the EU’s global credibility as a reliable partner and strengthen partnerships based on shared values;

3. Reiterates that EU development policy must be driven by the principles and objectives set out in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and must ensure the application of a human rights based and human-centred approach, in line with Article 208 TFEU, the European Consensus on Development, the GAP III, the YAP, and International Human Rights Law;

4. Acknowledges that the existing financial architecture presents ongoing challenges to preventing and addressing debt crises, highlighting the need to strengthen the tools available to promote responsible financing and long-term debt sustainability; considers that, in view of the insufficient progress towards the SDGs, the SDG financing gap, and the multitude of recent crises, the FfD4 is an urgently needed opportunity to set up a fair and efficient multilateral debt work-out mechanism, to help strengthen multilateralism, support systemic changes that address long-standing inequalities, define concrete commitments, reinforce the EU’s credibility as a development partner, as well as make substantial progress on ensuring stable financing for sustainable development worldwide; stresses that the mobilisation and effective use of domestic resources, underpinned by the principle of national ownership, are also essential for sustainable development;

5. Calls on the EU to take effective measures against the shrinking of civic space, and ensure civil society participation in the reform of the current structures for development finance;

6. Reiterates that at least 93 % of EU development policy expenditure must fulfil the criteria for ODA, and that at least 85 % of new actions should have gender equality as a principal or significant objective, and that at least 5 % should have gender equality as the principal objective;

7. Emphasises the need for a comprehensive, integrated and people-centred approach to development finance in line with the Bridgetown Initiative, which calls for liquidity and debt sustainability issues to be addressed, for democratisation of financial institutions and debt relief to be implemented, for development and climate finance to be scaled up and for private capital to be increased to achieve the SDGs; stresses the importance of strengthening cooperation with like-minded partners;

8. Calls for the EU to lead by example in reforming the international financial architecture to better meet the needs of the 21st century, characterised by deeply integrated economies, financial markets, and growing systemic risks;

9. Recalls the commitment taken at COP 29 in form of the Baku-Belem roadmap to mobilise USD 1.3 trillion per year for development cooperation by 2035; urges the EU and its Member States to work together with their partners towards achieving this goal on the global level, encouraging cumulative polluters to take their part in climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries*, as well as for loss and damages, through public concessional and non-debt creating instruments, in line with the ‘Baku to Belem Roadmap’ agreed at COP 29; emphasises in this context the need for private investment to provide the necessary funds;

10. Recalls that progressive taxation is pivotal to making progress on the ecological transition as well as on social and economic justice; stresses the need to look to new sources of financing, notably from sectors contributing the least to taxation while benefiting the most from globalisation, including those with the largest carbon and greenhouse gas emissions; in particular, calls for the exploration of innovative financing mechanisms, including market-based instruments and for contributions from sectors benefiting from globalisation, and establishment of specific taxes, to help finance global public goods, reduce inequalities within and between countries, contribute to climate objectives and support regional sustainable development; notes that growth, competitiveness and stability of developed economies is also a necessary precondition for increasing ODA financing;

11. Stresses the importance of policy coherence for development (PCD), including gender and climate goals, as a fundamental part of the EU’s contribution to achieving the SDGs; calls for mainstreaming development goals into all EU policies that affect developing countries*, taking into account their legitimate concerns as regards the impact from European legislation; welcomes the Global Gateway strategy and highlights the importance of any EU development initiative to comply with a rights-based approach and to be linked to human development at all times; insist that EU development initiatives should never contribute in any way to enhancing the debt crisis or increasing inequalities; stresses furthermore that PCD implementation is essential to address the structural causes of the Global South’s unsustainable indebtedness;

12. Stresses the importance of supporting enabling environments for civil society engagement through development programmes and ensuring their participation in decision-making processes on development aid, including ensuring an inclusive process in the FfD4, supporting civil society participation and access to negotiations and information, and support their role in monitoring and following up on decisions made;

13. Underlines that underinvestment in critical social sectors threatens progress towards meeting the SDGs and exacerbates inequalities, including gender inequality; stresses the need to close financing gaps in the provision of essential public services, including health, education, energy, water and sanitation, and building social protection systems;

14. Recognises the primary objective of EU development policy to be the reduction and, in the long term, the eradication of poverty, while also contributing to fostering sustainable economic, social and environmental development in developing countries*;

15. Emphasises that inadequate investment in agrifood systems continues to aggravate food insecurity; stresses that a strategic approach that ensures better alignment and synergy among the different sources of financing, particularly in developing countries*, is needed to address food insecurity and malnutrition;

16. Underlines the importance of fostering stronger, more inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships that fully consider the views and standpoints of our development partner countries – at national, regional and local levels – as well as those of other stakeholders such as international institutions, development banks, non-governmental and civil society organisations, academia and think tanks; believes these development partnerships should be based on equality and tailored to reflect the capacities and needs of partner countries, as outlined in the European Consensus on Development; considers that, while financial support for partner countries is often essential, it cannot fully replace domestic efforts, but should complement them with the aim of catalysing economic growth, strengthening social protection systems and supporting investments in comprehensive human development, particularly education and job creation, which are key tools in eradicating poverty; underlines, in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, that partnerships should be grounded in mutual interests and shared values, prioritising sustainable development and the needs of people; stresses the importance of respecting human rights and ensuring a people-centred approach;

17. Stresses the importance of transparency, accountability and proper oversight, emphasising that all EU funding for development cooperation must be carefully managed and monitored to prevent misuse, diversion, or inefficiency, while ensuring that resources are directed towards projects and initiatives that achieve the greatest positive impact in terms of the SDGS;

Debt

18. In view of the increasing number of low-income countries in debt distress or at high risk thereof; calls for the opening of an intergovernmental process to set up a UN Framework Convention on Sovereign Debt to address responsible financing with the purpose of preventing and resolving unsustainable debts; urges the EU and its Member States to support this process, to ensure fair burden-sharing among all creditors, including multilateral development banks, where necessary, without jeopardising MDBs’ financial health, to deal in particular with problems such as enormous delays in implementing restructurings and the lack of a common understanding and enforceable rules as regards the comparability of treatment of official and private creditors;

19. Considers that the reform of the current debt structure should provide countries in the Global South with fair and lasting solutions to a crisis that is already having devastating effects on populations, particularly on women and the most vulnerable communities;

20. Believes that, in many cases, only general debt relief and cancellation of debt, free of economic policy conditions and accepted by all creditors, can put a country back on a sustainable path of financing, instead of deferring debt repayments; stresses the need to develop domestic legislation to enforce private creditor’s participation in debt restructuring deals;

21. Finds, however, that any such debt relief must be accompanied by internationally agreed principles on responsible borrowing and lending, including implementation and monitoring mechanisms, alongside enhanced transparency and accountability standards, capacity building and efforts to combat corruption; highlights that, in order to be effective, responsible lending and borrowing principles need to go beyond voluntary approaches; highlights in this context the importance of committing to international human rights, civic and civil society engagement;

22. Recognises that women are often overrepresented in the public sector, and thereby disproportionally vulnerable to and impacted by budget cuts; emphasises therefore the importance of including a gender perspective in debt collection;

23. Emphasises the need for enhanced international cooperation to address the changing creditor structure, where private creditors now hold more than a quarter of the external debt stock of developing countries*, and new bilateral creditors outside the Paris Club are involved in debt restructuring efforts, particularly in jurisdictions governing significant portions of sovereign debt, such as New York and the United Kingdom;

24. Stresses the importance of increasing public and grants-based finance for climate mitigation and adaptation, and that climate finance in the form of loans risks further aggravating the debt distress of low- and middle-income countries; notes that only 50 % of the EU’s total climate finance continues to be provided in the form of grants; urges the EU and all Member States to increase grant-based finance, particularly for adaptation, and especially for least developed countries and small island developing states*;

25. Calls for closer and stronger cooperation and coordination between the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European External Action Service and EU delegations, particularly in developing countries* in fragile contexts, in order to facilitate discussions and cooperation with relevant actors on the ground in order to identify the most effective projects;

26. Urges the UN member states to develop a harmonised framework to strengthen domestic sovereign debt restructuring laws across its member countries, with the aim of facilitating more efficient and equitable debt treatment;

27. Emphasises the need for greater policy coherence in addressing sovereign debt issues, aligning tax, budgetary, and development policies to effectively respond to cross-cutting challenges such as climate change and inequality;

Reform of the international financial architecture

28. Calls for an increase in the financing power of MDBs, and the expansion of their mandates to tackle global challenges;

29. Calls for grants and highly concessional financing of the ecological transition, in particular for mobilising more resources for adaptation and the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund; in addition, believes that all public lenders – governments, MDBs and other official lenders, including the IMF – should include, in their contracts, state-contingent clauses that are tied to climate and other economic exogenous shocks;

30. Considers it necessary to guarantee new, additional, predictable funding that is readily accessible to women, indigenous peoples and the most vulnerable communities;

31. Calls for the implementation of a rules-based, automatic quota reallocation system in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to better reflect the changing global economic landscape and ensure fairer representation of emerging economies, as well as low income and least developed countries; in the meantime, calls for IMF special drawing rights to be rechannelled to developing countries* and multilateral development banks (MDBs), in line with the Bridgetown initiative, the UN Secretary-General’s SDG Stimulus and the initiatives of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and for such rights to continue to be regularly allocated; in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities;

32. Underlines that EU financing must uphold the EU’s role as the world’s leading provider of development aid and climate finance in line with the Union’s global obligations and commitments; calls for sustainable financing models that prioritise resilience, reduce fiscal dependence and support structural transformation to prevent recurrent financial distress in developing economies*;

33. Welcomes the commitment to gender balance on executive boards of all international organisations in the Zero Draft on the FfD4 Outcome; supports the establishment of a joint committee for governance reforms in the Bretton Woods Institutions to enhance transparency, inclusivity, such as through a fairer representation in decision-making bodies and fair access to finance and diversity in leadership and staff;

34. Underlines that civil society organisations and smaller non-governmental organisations as well as churches and faith-based organisations are key development partners, since they work closely together with populations on the ground and are therefore better acquainted with their needs, and retain a presence after many other aid providers have withdrawn; calls for the adoption of guidelines on partnerships with churches and faith-based organisations in the area of development cooperation;

35. Recalls that the regulation of the financial system is essential to advancing towards the prevention and fair resolution of debt crises;

36. Calls for stronger regulation of global commodity futures markets, which is especially important for food and fuel products, and digital financial markets; stresses equally the need to encourage appropriate finance for social and environmental objectives, while discouraging the financing of high-carbon activities;

Private business and finance

37. Emphasises again the crucial role of the mobilisation of private finance to close the financing gap in achieving the SDGs and calls for more action to facilitate private sector involvement in development cooperation and to encourage companies to invest in less developed countries; recalls, however, that private sector investment and blended finance instruments have not always proven to be effective or sufficient in least developed and fragile states, especially in critical public services such as health, education and social protection, and they cannot fully replace public investment, thus requiring special attention from international donors, governments and MDBs; recognises, however, the potential role of enhanced public-private partnerships (PPPs), particularly in the field of technical and vocational training, upskilling and reskilling;

38. Recalls the need to promote investments in education and vocational training in order to prioritise sustainable job creation and contribute to achieving the SDGs; further notes that trade, investment and job creation are a vital part of EU engagement for development and are contributing to sustainable development;

39. Underlines the lack of transparency regarding the functioning of the Global Gateway in EU partner countries and absence of clear mechanisms for assessing its impact, particularly in fragile contexts where the Global Gateway may not apply; emphasises that there must be a continuous evaluation of the Global Gateway to assess its effectiveness and strategic direction;

40. Insists that a conducive business enabling environment is essential for private investment, including through the rule of law, transparency, good governance, anti-corruption measures, investor and consumer protection, and fair competition; calls on the Commission to monitor and further improve mechanisms that will provide a security guarantee for European investors, on the other hand, stresses the need to rebalance investors’ rights with obligations towards the host state i.e. by supporting the local economy through technology transfer and by utilising local labour and inputs, so as to ensure that FDI translates into wider socio-economic benefits for society; calls for further improved access to affordable financing for the informal sector, dominated by micro- and small businesses, often led by women; calls for scaled-up EIB guarantee programmes to financially support small and medium-sized enterprises;

41. Recalls that the security landscape is a decisive factor for investments and for sustainable development; highlights in this context the role and activities of religious institutions, women and all civil-society actors in conflict resolution and management, contributing to peace and security; more generally, emphasises the interconnectedness of development and security and stresses the necessity of further advancing a clearly defined nexus between development, peace and security;

42. Emphasises that blended public and private finance must be aligned with the SDGs, focusing on development and requiring frameworks and legislation that focus on sustainable business and finance, sustainability disclosure and transparency and the set-up of a global SDG finance taxonomy;

43. Calls on the EU to constructively engage towards the adoption of the UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights to regulate the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises and to allow victims to seek redress;

44. Calls for the establishment of a dedicated SDG investment facilitation mechanism supported by the international community to identify and develop investment-ready opportunities aligned with the SDGs in least developed countries, leveraging the UNDP SDG Investor Platform’s success in identifying over 600 investment opportunity areas in emerging markets; recalls that SMEs play an important role in achieving the SDGs and therefore need to be encouraged and incentivised by EU policies to actively participate in initiatives contributing to sustainable development in developing countries*; also urges the EU and its Member States to prioritise allocation of grants and concessional financing based on vulnerabilities, namely in LDCs, fragile or conflict-affected countries, and to engage in coordination with relevant stakeholders including civil society actors;

45. Urges the expansion of innovative financing mechanisms to mobilise private capital for SDG-aligned projects in LDCs and fragile states, emphasising the need to double current finance flows to nature-based solutions from USD 154 billion to at least USD 384 billion per year by 2025 to effectively address biodiversity loss, land degradation ecosystem destruction and climate change;

46. Stresses the importance of capacity building and technical assistance for LDCs to develop long-term viable and SDG-aligned projects, advance human development and improve their investment climates, thereby attracting more private sector investment in critical sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture;

47. Advocates the creation of a global risk mitigation facility consolidated within current UN-frameworks to address the higher perceived risks and borrowing costs faced by low- and middle-income countries; calls for the regulation of the credit rating system, which currently benefits countries in the Global North disproportionately over those in the Global South, which pay on average twice as much interest on their sovereign debt compared to developed countries, to address these higher perceived risks and borrowing costs;

48. Emphasises the need for clearly defined access to development finance for local and regional governments in partner countries to ensure more balanced and transparent allocation of resources; stresses that overly centralised funding structures risk reinforcing inefficiencies and the politically motivated distribution of funds; underlines that empowering local governments – many of which play a crucial role in delivering public services and fostering inclusive economic development – would enhance community-based investments, accountability and governance reforms;

49. Emphasises the need to promote PPPs and private investments, which drive economic growth and sustainable regional development;

50. Highlights that PPPs are needed to cover the financial gap for development objectives in partner countries, further notes that private sector investments also need to serve the development of local communities and encourage, in this context, investments in education and vocational training;

51. Highlights the special challenges faced by persons with disabilities and their families in terms of accessing development aid; calls for the special needs of persons with disabilities to be taken into account in development financing;

Tax cooperation

52. Welcomes the two-pillar solution for addressing the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation and globalisation of the economy, as agreed by the members of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, as a step forward; takes note, however, that a group of developing countries* has expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, highlighting concerns around equity and inclusivity within the OECD Inclusive Framework; regrets that Pillar 1 on reallocation of taxing rights has still not entered into force and calls for the acceleration of its implementation, ensuring a fair reallocation of taxing rights to market jurisdictions, particularly benefiting developing countries*; calls for the EU and its Member States to ensure that the agreed global minimum corporate tax rate of 15 % for multinational enterprises is effectively applied, and urges the EU to support capacity building initiatives in developing* countries to effectively implement that minimum tax rate, ensuring they can benefit from the new rules and increase their domestic resource mobilisation;

53. Urges the international community to take concrete steps in the creation and implementation of a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation; takes the view that this UN Convention on Tax should be designed with a view to ensuring a fair division of taxing rights between nation states, and, while duly considering national tax sovereignty, support efforts to tackle harmful tax practices and illicit financial flows; stresses, in this context, that the EU should play a proactive role in enabling developing countries* to mobilise domestic resources, in particular through enhanced tax governance, and that the EU should take the lead in combating illicit financial flows;

54. Advocates further assistance for developing countries* and international cooperation for the purpose of strengthening tax systems, transparency and accountability in public financial management systems and of increasing domestic resource mobilisation, including through the digitalisation of tax systems and administrations;

55. Supports the decision of G20 finance ministers to ensure that ultra-high net worth individuals are taxed effectively; considers that Brazil’s initiative at the latest G20 summit for a coordinated minimum tax on ultrahigh net worth individuals equal to 2 % of their wealth, which it is estimated would raise up to USD 250 billion annually, is worth further consideration;

56. Emphasises the need to continue working on efforts to combat illicit financial flows, in particular out of low- and middle-income countries, and corruption, inter alia by investing in human capacities and skills, digitalisation, building up accessible and interoperable data, strengthening governance structures, enhancing regulatory frameworks and promoting regional cooperation;

57. Recalls that the extractive sector in Africa is particularly prone to illicit outflows; takes the view that the review of tax treaties should aim to strengthen the bargaining position of host governments so they can obtain better returns from their natural resources and stimulate diversification of their economies; in addition, believes that the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) should be made mandatory and extended to focus not only on governments but also on producer firms and commodity trading companies;

58. Advocates the creation of a global beneficial ownership registry to enhance transparency and combat tax evasion and illicit financial flows, building on existing EU initiatives in this area;

Official development assistance (ODA) and financing development cooperation

59. Emphasises that, despite the EU and its Member States remaining the largest global ODA provider, accounting for 42 % of global ODA in 2022 and 2023, the collective ODA/gross national income ratio has declined from 0.56 % in 2022 to 0.51 % in 2023, falling well short of the 0.7 % target; calls for urgent action to address the cumulative shortfall in meeting the 0.7 % target; is alarmed by the worrying trends that further cut ODA in many Member States and in the EU budget as well as by other leading global donors, leading to a further increase in the global financing gap for development; encourages Member States to increase their ODA budgets in the light of the current geopolitical situation; stresses the need to use development cooperation efficiently, to invest more specifically in those partner countries that promote, among other things, democratic reform efforts, access to social security systems and economic self-reliance;

60. Rejects the idea that the traditional donor-recipient model has become obsolete and that ODA is no longer relevant; underlines that, despite evolving financing mechanisms and partnerships, ODA remains a vital tool for poverty reduction, addressing inequalities, and supporting the most vulnerable communities, particularly in fragile countries and LDCs;

61. Urges the EU and the Member States to prioritise reaching the immediate target of devoting 0.15 % of GNI to ODA for LDCs, and to take concrete actions to fulfil this commitment, with a view to rapidly scaling up efforts to achieve a level of 0.20 % of GNI as ODA for LDCs; notes that the impact of development finance also depends on the efficiency of implementation of funding;

62. Urges the Commission to increase efforts to implement the development finance objectives under the GAP III, namely that 85 % of all new actions integrate a gender perspective and support gender equality;

63. Regrets that women’s rights organisations receive less than 1 % of global ODA and SDG5 remains among the least-funded SDGs, although improvement on SDG5 has been shown to be a cross-cutting driver for sustainable development; reiterates that women-led organisations are often best adapted to respond to humanitarian crises; calls on the international community to set ambitious targets for funding to women’s rights organisations;

64. Expresses concern over the increasing trend of tied aid, which reached EUR 4.4 billion (6.5 % of total bilateral ODA) in 2022, and calls for measures to reverse this trend and ensure that ODA primarily benefits partner countries rather than donor economies;

65. Calls on the EU and the Member States to devote 15 % of their ODA to education by 2030;

66. Calls on the EU and the Member States to ensure that ODA includes long-term, sustainable funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), guaranteeing access to essential services for Palestinian refugees and preventing further humanitarian crises;

67. Emphasises that education must remain a central pillar of EU development assistance, including continued support for UNRWA schools, which provide education to over 500 000 Palestinian children, ensuring their right to quality education despite ongoing displacement and conflict;

68. Stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to development financing, aligning the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe with the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, while ensuring that the allocation of EUR 79.5 billion for 2021-2027 is used effectively to address global challenges; urges the creation of a system for Parliamentary oversight of NDICI-capital flows to ensure their alignment with the dedicated targets for development;

69. Reiterates the urgent need to rethink and reform global governance of international development cooperation given the suspension of USAID and reductions in global aid by countries such as the UK, Netherlands, Belgium etc.; stresses that reform to the international financial architecture must be underpinned by a commitment to multilateralism and fit for a more crisis-prone world;

°

° °

70. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the European Investment Bank and the United Nations.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: Draganfly Showcases Tactical Drone Innovation at Global Defense Summit in Latvia

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Tampa, Florida, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8), an award-winning drone solutions and systems developer, is pleased to announce its successful participation at the Global Drone Innovation and Defense Coalition Summit (Drone Coalition) – Summer 2025, held May 29 in Riga, Latvia.

Co-hosted by the Latvian and UK Ministries of Defense, the limited invite-only summit welcomed more than 1,500 participants from 28 countries across the government, defense, and drone technology sectors. The summit marked the formal expansion of the Drone Coalition from 17 to 20 member states and highlighted €4 billion in collective investment toward advancing coalition-aligned drone capabilities.

Draganfly was featured as a leading provider, prominently positioned, and showcased multiple systems from its interoperable family of tactical drone platforms, including The Commander 3XL, The APEX, and the modular Flex FPV.

Draganfly was the only provider demonstrating a fully modular and interchangeable FPV platform, and the only company offering multiple tactical deployment drone systems with field-proven validation.

“We were honored to have participated in a summit that is shaping the future of allied drone strategy and deployment,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “The interest in our modular Flex FPV system and integrated drone platforms reinforces our focus on innovation, mission adaptability, and coalition-aligned development priorities.”

The company also engaged with representatives from leading academic and research institutions to explore potential collaborative initiatives in military drone advancement and demining technologies.

Draganfly’s presence underscored its long-standing support for Ukraine and its commitment to field-driven innovation shaped by real-time operational feedback.

Draganfly has been invited to return to Riga in August 2025 for the upcoming Security Conference, with further planning underway.

About Draganfly

Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) is the creator of quality, cutting-edge drone solutions, software, and AI systems that revolutionize the way organizations operate. Recognized as being at the forefront of technology for over 25 years, Draganfly is an award-winning industry leader serving the public safety, public health, mining, agriculture, industrial inspections, security, and mapping and surveying markets. Draganfly is a company driven by passion, ingenuity, and the need to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to its customers around the world with the goal of saving time, money, and lives.

CSE Listing
NASDAQ Listing
Frankfurt Listing

Media Contact
Erika Racicot
Email: media@draganfly.com

Company Contact
Email: info@draganfly.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain “forward looking statements” and certain “forward-looking ‎‎‎‎information” as ‎‎‎‎defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information can ‎‎‎‎generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‎‎‎‎‎“may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, ‎‎‎‎‎“estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar ‎‎‎‎terminology. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎and information are based on forecasts of future ‎‎‎‎results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and ‎‎‎‎assumptions that, while believed by ‎‎‎‎management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant ‎‎‎‎business, economic and ‎‎‎‎competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements ‎‎‎‎include, but are not ‎‎‎‎limited to, statements with respect to Draganfly’s participation in the Global Drone Innovation and Defense Coalition Summit as well as statements regarding the company engaging with representatives from leading academic and research institutions to explore potential collaborative initiatives in military drone advancement and demining technologies. Forward-‎‎‎‎looking statements and information are subject to various ‎known ‎‎and unknown risks and ‎‎‎‎‎uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to ‎control or ‎‎predict, that ‎‎‎‎may cause ‎the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be ‎materially ‎‎different ‎‎‎‎from those ‎expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions ‎about ‎‎such ‎‎‎‎risks, uncertainties ‎and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: the potential ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎impact of epidemics, ‎pandemics or other public health crises, including the ‎COVID-19 pandemic, on the Company’s business, operations and financial ‎‎‎‎condition; the ‎‎‎successful integration of ‎technology; the inherent risks involved in the general ‎‎‎‎securities markets; ‎‎‎uncertainties relating to the ‎availability and costs of financing needed in the ‎‎‎‎future; the inherent ‎‎‎uncertainty of cost estimates; the ‎potential for unexpected costs and ‎‎‎‎expenses, currency ‎‎‎fluctuations; regulatory restrictions; and liability, ‎competition, loss of key ‎‎‎‎employees and other related risks ‎‎‎and uncertainties disclosed under the ‎heading “Risk Factors“ ‎‎‎‎in the Company’s most recent filings filed ‎‎‎with securities regulators in Canada on ‎the SEDAR ‎‎‎‎website at www.sedar.com and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes ‎‎‎no obligation to update forward-‎looking ‎‎‎‎information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-‎‎‎looking information represents ‎‎‎‎‎managements’ best judgment based on information currently available. ‎‎‎No forward-looking ‎‎‎‎statement ‎can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. ‎‎‎Accordingly, readers ‎‎‎‎are advised not to ‎place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or ‎‎‎information.‎

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: Diginex Limited Signs MOU to Acquire Resulticks for US$2bn, transforming AI and Data Management Capabilities

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diginex Limited (“Diginex” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DGNX), a leading provider of Sustainability RegTech solutions, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for a cash and share acquisition of Resulticks, a globally recognized leader in real-time, AI-driven customer engagement and data management solutions. This strategic move will significantly enhance Diginex’s capabilities in advanced data management and artificial intelligence, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in data-driven client solutions.

The MOU values Resulticks at $2 billion which will be paid for in three tranches:

(1) $1.4 billion in Diginex ordinary shares valued at $72 per share and subject to a 12-18 month lock-up, which shares will be issued at closing of the transaction;

(2) $100 million in cash that is payable within 90 business days of the closing of the transaction; and

(3) an earnout of up to $500 million payable in Diginex ordinary shares valued at $72 per share and paid in 3 independent tranches subject to Resulticks attaining at least 75% of the below audited EBITDA threshold figures:

	Earnout Amount	Accounting Period	EBITDA Threshold
a.	$166,666,666	FY2026	$100,000,000
b.	$166,666,667	FY2027	$200,000,000
c.	$166,666,667	FY2028	$325,000,000

* Resulticks shall receive a pro rated portion of the Earnout Amount provided Resulticks achieves between 75% and 100% of the EBITDA Threshold.

Resulticks, headquartered in Singapore with operations across the United States, India, Singapore, and the Middle East, is renowned for its omnichannel client engagement automation platform. The platform leverages AI and big data analytics to deliver personalized customer experiences, enabling businesses to orchestrate seamless engagement across digital and physical touchpoints. We believe that by integrating Resulticks’ cutting-edge technology, Diginex will enhance its ability to provide comprehensive data-driven sustainability solutions, thereby empowering organizations to meet evolving regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations with greater precision and efficiency.

We expect the Resulticks platform will enable Diginex to deliver hyper-personalized insights to stakeholders in real time, while also expanding into new verticals where advanced data orchestration and enrichment can unlock value across compliance, supply chain intelligence, and risk analytics solutions. As the application layer of tech becomes increasingly commoditized, data and AI are emerging as the true engines of differentiation, those who own, enrich, and activate data at speed will define the next generation of market leaders. This is where Diginex wishes to position itself with Resulticks and future acquisitions.

“We are thrilled to announce this business combination with Resulticks, a company that shares our values and commitment to harnessing advanced technology for transformative impact,” said Miles Pelham, Chairman & Founder of Diginex. “This acquisition will strengthen our balance sheet and profitability, as well as significantly deepening our expertise in AI and data management, enabling us to deliver unparalleled insights and solutions to our clients. By combining Resulticks’ real-time data capabilities with our blockchain and machine learning-driven sustainability platforms, we are poised to redefine how organizations navigate sustainability and compliance challenges.”

“This partnership represents a fusion of two purpose-driven platforms,” said Redickaa Subrammanian, Co-Founder and CEO of Resulticks. “Through Genie, our agentic framework, we’re helping Diginex unlock real-time ESG intelligence and optimize engagement at every stage of the customer lifecycle. At the same time, we’re bringing their sustainability solutions to our global customer base. Together, we’re unlocking activation, attribution, and ROI visibility — helping brands operate smarter and sustain long-term growth in a data-driven world.”

“AI doesn’t just optimize ESG. It transforms it into a customer engagement engine,” said Daxsan RB, Co-Founder and CIO of Resulticks. “ESG is no longer just about compliance; it’s a competitive lever to deepen customer relationships. By turning ESG data into actionable insights, brands can deliver hyper-personalized engagement — like carbon footprint transparency for eco-conscious buyers — while real-time analytics build trust through verifiable sustainability claims. Leaders who integrate these tools first will define the next era of brand loyalty. This isn’t just reporting, it’s revenue.”

This acquisition builds on Diginex’s recent momentum into AI and data management, including its memorandum of understanding to acquire Matter DK ApS, previously announced on May 27, 2025, which we expect will expanded Diginex’s sustainability data and analytics offerings for the investment industry. We believe that together, these strategic moves position Diginex as a global leader in delivering innovative, data-driven solutions for client and sustainability engagement.

About Diginex
Diginex Limited (Nasdaq: DGNX; ISIN KYG286871044), headquartered in London, is a sustainable RegTech business that empowers businesses and governments to streamline ESG, climate, and supply chain data collection and reporting. The Company utilizes blockchain, AI, machine learning and data analysis technology to lead change and increase transparency in corporate regulatory reporting and sustainable finance. Diginex’s products and services solutions enable companies to collect, evaluate and share sustainability data through easy-to-use software.

The award-winning diginexESG platform supports 17 global frameworks, including GRI (the “Global Reporting Initiative”), SASB (the “Sustainability Accounting Standards Board”), and TCFD (the “Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures”). Clients benefit from end-to-end support, ranging from materiality assessments and data management to stakeholder engagement, report generation and an ESG Ratings Support Service.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website:

https://www.diginex.com/.

About Resulticks
Resulticks is a leading provider of AI-powered, omnichannel customer engagement and data management solutions. Its platform enables businesses to deliver personalized experiences through real-time data analytics and automation, serving clients across industries in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Resulticks is headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in Seattle, New York City India, and Dubai.

For more information, please visit the Resulticks website:

https://www.resulticks.com/resulticks-story.html

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results disclosed in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

Disclaimer
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor does it constitute a binding commitment to complete the contemplated transaction. The completion of the transaction is subject to the execution of definitive agreements, satisfactory due diligence, and other customary closing conditions.

Diginex
Investor Relations
Email: ir@diginex.com

IR Contact – Europe
Anna Höffken
Phone: +49.40.609186.0
Email: diginex@kirchhoff.de

IR Contact – US
Jackson Lin
Lambert by LLYC
Phone: +1 (646) 717-4593
Email: jian.lin@llyc.global

IR Contact – Asia
Shelly Cheng
Strategic Financial Relations Ltd.
Phone: +852 2864 4857
Email: sprg_diginex@sprg.com.hk

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: YieldMax® Introduces Option Income Strategy ETF on Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® announced the launch today of the following ETF:

YieldMax® BRK.B Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: BRKC)

BRKC seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“BRK.B”). BRKC is managed by Tidal Financial Group. BRKC does not invest directly in BRK.B.

BRKC is the newest member of the YieldMax® ETF family and like all YieldMax® ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, BRKC will be a Group A ETF, and its first distribution is expected to be announced on July 9^th, 2025.

Please see the table below for distribution information for all outstanding YieldMax® ETFs.

ETF Ticker¹	ETF Name	Distribution Frequency	Distribution Rate^2,4	30-Day SEC Yield³	ROC⁵
CHPY	YieldMax® Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF	*Weekly*	34.19%	0.38%	100.00%
GPTY	YieldMax® AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF	*Weekly*	33.22%	0.00%	100.00%
LFGY	YieldMax® Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF	*Weekly*	60.72%	0.00%	100.00%
QDTY	YieldMax® Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF	*Weekly*	28.07%	0.00%	100.00%
RDTY	YieldMax® R2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF	*Weekly*	24.42%	0.89%	95.29%
SDTY	YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF	*Weekly*	25.88%	0.00%	100.00%
ULTY	YieldMax® Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF	*Weekly*	78.61%	0.00%	100.00%
YMAG	YieldMax® Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs	*Weekly*	70.31%	66.50%	97.56%
YMAX	YieldMax® Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs	*Weekly*	65.04%	88.53%	92.64%
BIGY	YieldMax® Target 12™ Big 50 Option Income ETF	Monthly	12.02%	0.20%	94.52%
RNTY	YieldMax® Target 12™ Real Estate Option Income ETF	Monthly	12.13%	2.21%	93.65%
SOXY	YieldMax® Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF	Monthly	11.78%	0.17%	100.00%
ABNY	YieldMax® ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	42.01%	2.97%	93.60%
AIYY	YieldMax® AI Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	88.81%	2.97%	96.86%
AMDY	YieldMax® AMD Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	72.55%	3.09%	96.48%
AMZY	YieldMax® AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	48.28%	3.09%	94.01%
APLY	YieldMax® AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	30.96%	3.42%	89.96%
BABO	YieldMax® BABA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	81.51%	3.32%	96.22%
CONY	YieldMax® COIN Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	119.22%	3.53%	80.80%
CRSH	YieldMax® Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	84.22%	3.08%	97.39%
CVNY	YieldMax® CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	129.09%	2.81%	99.33%
DIPS	YieldMax® Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	54.18%	2.78%	0.00%
DISO	YieldMax® DIS Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	50.22%	3.16%	94.89%
FBY	YieldMax® META Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	49.79%	3.21%	93.73%
FEAT	YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF	Every 4 weeks	51.42%	52.99%	0.00%
FIAT	YieldMax® Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	67.85%	2.93%	96.24%
FIVY	YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF	Every 4 weeks	32.36%	35.26%	0.00%
GDXY	YieldMax® Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	30.60%	3.38%	0.00%
GOOY	YieldMax® GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	36.93%	3.29%	81.91%
HOOY	YieldMax® HOOD Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	70.41%	–	99.33%
JPMO	YieldMax® JPM Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	31.52%	3.02%	91.70%
MARO	YieldMax® MARA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	111.50%	3.30%	98.09%
MRNY	YieldMax® MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	63.98%	3.20%	0.00%
MSFO	YieldMax® MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	41.10%	3.13%	92.68%
MSTY	YieldMax® MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	85.27%	1.76%	97.45%
NFLY	YieldMax® NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	47.73%	2.98%	94.49%
NVDY	YieldMax® NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	131.88%	2.98%	97.93%
OARK	YieldMax® Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	50.47%	2.88%	94.42%
PLTY	YieldMax® PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	140.91%	2.76%	98.54%
PYPY	YieldMax® PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	55.03%	3.41%	95.28%
SMCY	YieldMax® SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	99.93%	3.05%	97.21%
SNOY	YieldMax® SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	96.99%	2.27%	97.27%
TSLY	YieldMax® TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	110.41%	2.76%	97.90%
TSMY	YieldMax® TSM Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	64.34%	2.87%	95.70%
WNTR	YieldMax® Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	104.26%	2.89%	97.57%
XOMO	YieldMax® XOM Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	42.05%	3.62%	85.39%
XYZY	YieldMax® XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	109.59%	2.93%	98.01%
YBIT	YieldMax® Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	106.79%	1.54%	99.08%
YQQQ	YieldMax® Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	23.18%	3.35%	86.54%

Standardized Performance & Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at www.yieldmaxetfs.com

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

¹All YieldMax® ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax® ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.

²The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on June 4th, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

³ The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended May 31^st, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

⁴ Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

⁵ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

Important Information

This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

Risk Disclosures

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance)holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time.

High Index (or Index ETF) Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high Index (or Index ETF) turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD, BRK.B), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: 4 June 2025 Departmental update Global health leaders urge action on immunization priorities at Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly

Source: World Health Organisation

During the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, held from 19 to 27 May 2025, Member States and global health partners urged continued action on vaccine-preventable diseases—such as cervical cancer, measles, meningitis, polio, and rubella—through Assembly agenda items and side events aimed at accelerating global immunization efforts and preventing future outbreaks.

Innovation, integration and investment to outsmart outbreaks

Immunization discussions kicked off at the high-level side event, “Outsmarting Outbreaks: Innovation, Integration & Investment”, hosted by Chile, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Niger, Somalia, and Zambia, and supported by the Gates Foundation, the United Nations Foundation and other partners. The event underscored the alarming resurgence of measles, cholera, and polio amid escalating conflict and climate threats, urging countries to safeguard immunization progress, complete polio eradication efforts, and strengthen preparedness for emerging health risks.

Attendees shared successes and challenges, particularly from countries facing simultaneous outbreaks, while emphasizing the criticality of routine immunization, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative techniques – including wastewater monitoring and digital disease modeling for surveillance and the use of electronic registries for immunization in low-resource settings – to controlling preventable diseases and avoid outbreaks.

Discussions also emphasized the necessity of a ‘SMART’ approach—strategic, measurable, aligned, resilient, and timely collaboration—as well as innovative solutions like the AI-powered All Hazard Information Management Toolkit, to enhance rapid response capabilities. A call to action capped the event, urging concerted efforts to sustain investment in immunization programmes, build trust in vaccines through community engagement, and ensure robust pandemic preparedness, including through surveillance.

Countries reaffirm commitment to defeat meningitis

Member States praised WHO’s launch of new guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, and the continued rollout of new vaccines, including Men5CV, in high-burden countries. They also emphasized the strong commitment of national leaders, partners, civil society organizations and the dedicated teams supporting the road map at all levels of WHO.

Despite progress, delegates raised key challenges including vaccine affordability and equitable access, shortages in trained healthcare personnel, insufficient laboratory infrastructure, and gaps in surveillance systems.

Member States called for technical and financial support, maintaining emergency vaccine stockpiles, research and innovations, particularly of early detection, strengthened community engagement and awareness campaigns among both communities and health care workers as well as supported rehabilitation services.

Meningitis was further discussed during an official side event hosted by Mali, Nigeria and Pakistan, along with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance on integrating solutions to defeat malaria, meningitis and polio. The event aimed to highlight how an integrated approach to elimination or eradication goals of the three diseases could maximize available resources and improve health service delivery for people and communities.

“We are at an inflection point in global health,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in her remarks. “We all know the challenges that we face as partners in global health. Between now and 2030, we will have to work smarter, more collaboratively, and with the needs of countries at the center of everything we do.”

Attendees discussed how integration can be achieved within disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care, and prevention through equitable access to vaccines. Several countries presented examples of delivering polio, malaria and meningitis vaccines through integrated campaigns alongside bed net distribution. The event closed on a call for increased technical and financial support to accelerate integration across the three programmes in order to end polio, malaria, and meningitis.

^{(Left to Right) Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets & Health Security at Gavi; Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean; Dr Jo Mulligan, Senior Health Advisor,Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, United Kingdom; H.E. Dr Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, Minister of Health and Social Development, Mali; H.E. Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria, and Ambassador Bilal Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations.}

Life-saving power of measles and rubella vaccines emphasized

Amidst a global surge in measles outbreaks and with millions of children still lacking protection, global health leaders convened at a high-level side event titled “The Power of Prevention – Immunizing for a Safer, Healthier World” to deliver a unified message: these outbreaks are preventable—if we act decisively and without delay.

Co-hosted by Oman, Somalia, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UNICEF, and the United Nations Foundation, on behalf of the Measles & Rubella Partnership, the side event focused on accelerating global immunization efforts and promoting equity in vaccine access.

“The Measles & Rubella Partnership has been a backbone of measles and rubella programs, surveillance and outbreak response across the world,” said Dr Razia Pendse, WHO Chef de Cabinet in her opening remarks. “Yet, these gains are fragile. Measles is making a dangerous comeback threatening communities, economies and global health security. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in measles vaccination and other vaccines, investments that will lead healthier children, communities, and a more resilient future for people of all ages.”

_{Dr Razia Pendse, WHO Chef de Cabinet and Dr. Hilal bin Ali bin Halil Alsabti, Minister of Health of Oman.}

The meeting was moderated by Mr. Jarrett Barrios, senior vice-president of the American Red Cross. Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance reminded countries of what is at stake if targets for the organization’s ongoing replenishment are not met—millions of children remaining unprotected and increasing outbreaks.

A key focus of the discussion was WHO’s updated rubella vaccine recommendation, which removes the requirement for 80% measles coverage before introducing the combined measles-rubella vaccine. This policy shift allows all countries to include rubella vaccination in routine immunization—opening the door for the 13 remaining countries to introduce the vaccine, save lives, and prevent future outbreaks.

Grace Melia, an Indonesian mother who recently lost her daughter after a 12-year battle against the devastating effects of congenital rubella, concluded the event by sharing her testimonial and calling for action. “They say knowledge is power,” she said. “With all due respect, knowledge applied into action would be much more powerful. And I hope we are all here today to be part of that action.”

Reaffirmed commitments to achieving a polio-free world

During the Assembly, Member States reaffirmed their full support for achieving and sustaining a polio-free world, acknowledging WHO and its partners’ efforts to see the job done. Voicing concern about ongoing variant outbreaks and the need for interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Member States called for continued resourcing to the effort, and smart integration of polio functions within broader public health services. Other key themes were strengthened routine immunization – including with inactivated polio vaccine – through coordination with GAVI, and the need for strong oral polio vaccine cessation planning, the safe and secure containment of polioviruses in research and vaccine manufacturing facilities.

Read more about polio here.

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day announced as official WHO campaign

As part of ongoing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, the Assembly established World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day as an official WHO awareness campaign to be marked on 17 November, annually. World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day will promote actions to end the disease and protect the health of women and girls, including increasing access and update of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

Historic Pandemic Agreement

Member States formally adopted the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics. The agreement boosts global collaboration to ensure stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics. Next steps include negotiations on Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing system.

—-

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: $PEPE Meme Coin to be Accepted as Crypto Payment in Social Casino of Bitnile.com, a Hyperscale Data Subsidiary

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LAS VEGAS, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that, on or about July 1, 2025, the $PEPE meme coin will become an accepted payment method on Bitnile.com, the sweepstakes-based social-casino platform operated by Bitnile.com, Inc. (“Bitnile.com”), an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of Hyperscale Data.

Players will be able to use $PEPE to purchase a package (the “Nile Package”) of Bitnile.com’s virtual in-game currency, Nile tokens (the “Tokens”). The Tokens are used to enter a wide range of casino-style social games on BitNile.com, including slots, poker and blackjack. The Tokens cannot be redeemed for cash or prizes. In addition to the Tokens, purchases of the Nile Package receive Nile sweeps coins (the “Coins”). The Coins, which cannot be purchased, give the holder sweepstakes entries, the winners of which can receive prizes or cryptocurrency (in the form of currency used to purchase the Nile Package that gifted the Coins).

Joe Spaziano, Chief Executive Officer of Bitnile.com, stated, “We believe meme coins are moving beyond speculation and into practical applications. By enabling purchases and redemptions in $PEPE and $TRUMP coins, we are giving these communities real-world use cases while enhancing our user experience.”

The Company also reiterates that Bitnile.com plans to begin accepting $TRUMP coin, a Solana-based meme coin, on or about June 15, 2025. For one month after $TRUMP becomes an accepted payment method, Bitnile.com will offer a limited-time promotion: players who use $TRUMP to purchase Nile Packages will receive three times the number of Tokens and Coins. For example, a $20.00 package that normally includes 50,000 Tokens and 21 Coins will be upgraded to 150,000 Tokens and 63 Coins during the promotional period.

For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence (“AI”) ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

Hyperscale Data expects to divest itself of ACG on or about December 31, 2025 (the “Divestiture”). Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, though it may at that time continue to mine Bitcoin. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be stockholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Launches Mobile Mining App, Paving the Way for Mainstream Crypto Participation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TALLINN, Estonia, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), the next-generation cryptocurrency project redefining digital mining, has announced the upcoming Beta release of its groundbreaking Solaris Nova App—a mobile-first platform that makes earning crypto as simple as opening your phone.

Designed to democratize access to mining and reward participation in real-time, the Solaris Nova App eliminates the barriers that have traditionally kept everyday users out of the crypto mining space. No specialized hardware. No steep learning curve. Just one tap to start earning BTC-S directly on your device.

The Future of Mining Lives in Your Pocket

Bitcoin Solaris introduces mobile-first mining through its upcoming Solaris Nova App—a breakthrough designed to democratize crypto rewards. No need for expensive ASICs or technical know-how. Just open the app, activate one-click mining, and watch as your device earns in real-time.

Highlights of the mining experience:
- Cross-device compatibility: Whether you’re using a laptop, smartphone, or desktop, you can mine BTC-S effectively.
- Ultra-low energy usage: Consuming 99.95% less energy than Bitcoin, it’s environmentally sustainable.
- Adaptive algorithms: Mining is optimized based on device capability, ensuring everyone earns fairly.
- Real-time wallet rewards: Instead of waiting for blocks to confirm, your rewards are credited immediately.
- Gamified experience: Leaderboards, achievements, and in-app tutorials make it engaging for new users and veterans alike.
All of this is wrapped in top-tier security—biometric logins, end-to-end encryption, and remote wipe capabilities ensure your mining and wallet remain secure at all times.

Crypto Mining Just Got Simpler, Smarter, and Mobile—Join BTC-S

This mobile mining solution is designed not only for crypto veterans but also for newcomers seeking a seamless, secure way to participate in blockchain ecosystems.

A Timely Opportunity: BTC-S Presale Nears Final Phase

With the full app release set to coincide with the final stages of the BTC-S presale, momentum around Bitcoin Solaris is growing rapidly. Over 11,000 users have joined, and more than $1.8 million has already been raised.

Current Presale Details:
- Price: $6
- Next Phase: $7
- Launch Price: $20
- Bonus: 10%
The presale closes in approximately eight weeks, giving new users a limited-time opportunity to secure early access and benefit from potential upside.

A Growing Network of Audited Trust

Security and transparency are non-negotiables in today’s crypto landscape. Bitcoin Solaris has passed audits by both Cyberscope and Freshcoins, and the project’s KYC is fully verified, making it one of the most trusted new tokens on the scene.

And with active community growth on Telegram and X, momentum isn’t slowing—it’s building.

Influencers Are Noticing

Prominent crypto voices are beginning to weigh in. In a recent review, Crypto Nitro highlighted the unmatched energy efficiency, real-world mining utility, and rapid scalability of Bitcoin Solaris as reasons why he believes this project “won’t just compete—it will lead.”

Get Started

With the imminent launch of the Solaris Nova App, Bitcoin Solaris is making it easier than ever to enter the world of crypto. Whether you’re new to the space or looking for a smarter way to earn, BTC-S offers a powerful entry point.

For more information:
Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
X (Twitter): https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

Media Contact
Xander Levine
press@bitcoinsolaris.com
Press Kit: Available upon request

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab9efa35-741a-4d72-a940-60cf0f039ad2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59365ece-1d0b-4322-9586-19e1b133e39d

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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1e3816f-2819-488b-ab59-f66854ac59fd

The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nimanode Presale Momentum Accelerates as they Position To Become The OpenSea of AI Agents On XRP Blockchain
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Excitement is building across the XRP community as Nimanode ($NMA), the first AI agent platform on the XRP Ledger, positions itself as the premier destination for intelligent automation within the Ripple ecosystem.

Amid growing bullish sentiment around XRP — driven by XRP Futures trading going live seasoned investors from major ecosystems like Cardano ($ADA) and Solana ($SOL), are turning their attention to the Nimanode Presale, eager to secure early exposure to what many see as a foundational layer for on-chain AI infrastructure.

Pioneering AI Agents on XRP

Nimanode is strategically emerging as the leading marketplace and launch platform for autonomous AI agents on the XRP Ledger. Just as OpenSea redefined digital ownership through NFTs, Nimanode is redefining utility through AI agents that work, evolve, and earn on-chain.

Designed specifically to offer a no-code gateway to intelligent, on-chain automation at scale. Nimanode offers services from solo builders to enterprises — to deploy intelligent agents that automate smart contracts, optimize DeFi strategies, assess protocol risk, and manage tokenized real-world assets (RWAs).

This transformative model brings a new dimension to DeFi and AI adoption in the XRP ecosystem, by combining modular AI technology with XRPL’s unmatched speed and low transaction costs, opening up a new era of AI x Blockchain, with real monetization potential built into every deployment.

Join Nimanode Presale

Why Investors are Flocking to The Nimanode Presale

The presale surge has captured the attention of prominent crypto investors including notable whales from the BNB, ADA and SOL communities. All looking to position themselves early in what many believe could be the next DeFi breakout project.

From the desk of the development team at Nimanode, they are set to deliver an Agentic workforce handling various tasks autonomously. Features of these ecosystem include but not limited to

Zero-Code Agent Builder – Easily create and configure AI agents through a drag-and-drop interface

Autonomous Execution – Agents perform on-chain tasks, react to data feeds, and interact across dApps

Agent Marketplace – Build, deploy and monetize AI agents within a Nimanode ecosystem

XRPL Integration – High-speed, low-cost, and eco-friendly infrastructure to power scalable agent activity

$NMA Token – Powering the Nimanode Ecosystem

The native $NMA token is the backbone of the Nimanode platform, unlocking utility and benefits across their ecosystem through:
- Agent Deployment: Lower fees for launching and customizing AI agents.
- Staking Rewards: Earn passive income by staking $NMA tokens.
- Marketplace Access: Use $NMA to buy, license, or upgrade agents.
- Governance: Participate in DAO proposals and help shape platform evolution.
At the end of the presale, $NMA will list on DEXs at a 25% higher price, offering early participants immediate upside on their investments.

How to Join The Nimanode Presale

Joining in the NimaNode Presale is quite straightforward for anyone seasoned investors and newbies alike.

Setup an XRP-Compatible Wallet: Ensure you have a non-custodial wallet capable of receiving XRP native tokens like Xaman Wallet.

Purchase XRP: Acquire XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit.

Participate in the Presale: Visit the NimaNode presale page (https://nimanode.com/presale), send your XRP to the provided presale address, and secure your $NMA tokens.

The last cycle gave us DeFi protocols and NFTs. This cycle is shaping up to be about autonomous infrastructure and Nimanode is at the heart of it.

Don’t Miss Out – Secure your $NMA Tokens

Learn more about Nimanode

Website: https://nimanode.com

Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

Whitepaper: https://docs.nimanode.com

Contact:
Nick Lambert
contact@nimanode.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/414c6539-b140-4dbc-9b56-8441ece8940c

The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: ATIF Holdings Limited Announces Strategic Diversification to Bitcoin Business
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Irvine, California, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ATIF Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ZBAI), today announced its strategic expansion into the Bitcoin (BTC) sector with an ambitious five-year plan to accumulate 1,000 BTC through a combination of direct purchases, and mining operations.

As part of this initiative, ATIF Holdings will deploy a hybrid approach in the next five years including:
- – Direct acquisition of BTC in the open market;
- – Building and Operating proprietary BTC mining facilities; and/or acquiring operating BTC mining sites
The company has tentatively selected West Texas as the primary location for its proprietary mining operations. This decision is driven by several key factors: Texas’ favorable regulatory environment for digital asset mining, abundant and affordable land, and a well-developed, deregulated electricity market with competitive power costs. Additionally, ATIF Holdings aims to implement advanced power utilization strategies to further reduce production costs and enhance overall operational efficiency.

“We view Bitcoin not only as a long-term store of value but also as a strategic asset for growth and diversification,” said Kamran Khan, the CEO. “Our investment in mining infrastructure—particularly in a power-efficient region like West Texas—positions us to participate directly in Bitcoin’s network while optimizing cost control and scalability.”

The planned mining facilities will emphasize energy efficiency, sustainable operations, and smart grid integration, aligning with broader industry trends towards responsible and forward-looking crypto infrastructure development.

The company has purchased BTC in the open market and plans to continue to do so in the near future.

This move marks a significant evolution in ATIF Holdings’ business and underscores its commitment to innovation and long-term value creation in emerging technologies.

About ZBAI

ATIF Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ZBAI) is a business consulting company that specializes in providing professional IPO, M&A advisory and post-IPO compliance services to small and medium-sized companies seeking to go public on a stock exchange in the United States. The Company is currently exploring business opportunities in the BTC sector.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe Harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, “estimated,” “projected,” Words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “predict”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “seek”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “future”, “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the opposite of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control and may cause actual results or achievements to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.

Important factors include:
- Bitcoin price and uncertainty in the regulatory of the crypto currency industry;
- future financial and operating results, including revenues, income, expenses, cash balances and other financial items;
- Ability to manage business development, growth and expansion; Current and future economic and political conditions;
- The ability to compete in industries with low barriers to entry;
- The ability to obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditure for the planned business in the future.
- Ability to attract new customers and further enhance brand awareness;
- Ability to hire and retain qualified management and key staff for the current and planned business;
- Trends and competition in the financial advisory services industry;
- Pandemic or epidemic disease and etc.
Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions you that actual results may differ materially from the expected results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. You should not interpret forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements represent only the beliefs and assumptions of our management as of the date such statements are made. The above forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release.

Contact Information

Name: Christina

Email: Christina@zbai.co

The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
OpenAI finds more Chinese groups using ChatGPT for malicious purposes

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

OpenAI is seeing an increasing number of Chinese groups using its artificial intelligence technology for covert operations, which the ChatGPT maker described in a report released Thursday.

While the scope and tactics employed by these groups have expanded, the operations detected were generally small in scale and targeted limited audiences, the San Francisco-based startup said.

Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, there have been concerns about the potential consequences of generative AI technology, which can quickly and easily produce human-like text, imagery and audio.

OpenAI regularly releases reports on malicious activity it detects on its platform, such as creating and debugging malware, or generating fake content for websites and social media platforms.

In one example, OpenAI banned ChatGPT accounts that generated social media posts on political and geopolitical topics relevant to China, including criticism of a Taiwan-centric video game, false accusations against a Pakistani activist, and content related to the closure of USAID.

Some content also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, generating X posts, such as “Tariffs make imported goods outrageously expensive, yet the government splurges on overseas aid. Who’s supposed to keep eating?”.

In another example, China-linked threat actors used AI to support various phases of their cyber operations, including open-source research, script modification, troubleshooting system configurations, and development of tools for password brute forcing and social media automation.

A third example OpenAI found was a China-origin influence operation that generated polarized social media content supporting both sides of divisive topics within U.S. political discourse, including text and AI-generated profile images.

OpenAI has cemented its position as one of the world’s most valuable private companies after announcing a $40 billion funding round valuing the company at $300 billion.

(Reuters)

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-06-03
President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet
At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows: The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands. In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture. President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise. President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Details
2025-06-03
President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Details
2025-06-03
President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors
President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip. A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples. For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.

Details
2025-05-29
President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner
On the evening of May 29, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan looks forward to further establishing institutionalized mechanisms with Europe for our trade and investment ties and hopes to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. The president said that Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains, and noted that Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it is in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: Chairman [Henry] Chang (張瀚書), thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on your second term. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] will build even more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I would also like to thank EETO [European Economic and Trade Office] Head [Lutz] Güllner and all the European country representatives stationed in Taiwan. Your hard work over the years has helped deepen Taiwan-Europe relations and brought about such fruitful cooperation. Thank you. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In 1950, then-French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to create a European federation dedicated to preserving peace. The declaration symbolized a new flowering in the post-war era of democracy, unity, and cooperation. As we face the geopolitical challenges and drastic economic changes of today’s world, the Schuman Declaration still speaks to us profoundly. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with our democratic partners, and will join hands with Europe to build a partnership of even greater resilience and mutual trust. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner. It is also Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Last year, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe totaled US$84.7 billion. This demonstrates our vibrant economic and trade ties and reflects the high levels of confidence our businesses have in each other’s markets and systems. We look forward to Taiwan and Europe further establishing institutionalized mechanisms for our trade and investment ties. And we hope to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the EU, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. Today’s Taiwan has an internationally recognized democracy and a semiconductor industry vital to global security and prosperity. This enables us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. In particular, we see supply chains dominated by a new authoritarian bloc expanding their influence through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and monopolies on resources, as they seek global control of critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Their actions not only distort principles of market fairness, but also threaten the international community’s basic expectations for democracy, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility. In response, Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains. We will also introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. This is more than a proposal for economic cooperation; it is an alliance of shared values and advanced technology. Security in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been issues of mutual interest for Taiwan and Europe. So here today, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to thank the EU and European nations for continuing to take concrete actions in public support of peace and stability across the strait. Such actions are vital to regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to bolster itself to achieve real peace through strength, and will work with democratic partners to safeguard freedom and democracy, thereby showing our determination for regional peace. At this critical time, Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it’s in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. I look forward to our joining hands at this strategic juncture to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Also in attendance at the event was British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.

Details
2025-05-28
President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan. Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world. The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations. Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

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

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gold Winner of the Edison Awards-Smart Aqua Leak Finder by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Smart Aqua Leak Finder is a portable device that utilizes AI-driven acoustic technology and GPS mapping to detect underground pipe water leaks in three seconds with 98% accuracy. By minimizing repair time and water loss, it offers an innovative solution to overcome global water scarcity.

The Smart Aqua Leak Finder improves leak location precision, water flow sound analysis, and repair efficiency. The portable device, along with its mobile cloud acoustic system, detects leaks in just three seconds with 98% accuracy, exceeding the 90% of traditional manual inspections. With 5G & IoT, results are accessible on mobile devices for review. Patented in the U.S. and Taiwan, the system is compatible with various pipe types and highly scalable. Field-tested in disaster recovery, it reduces water loss, repair costs, and downtime. By streamlining workflows, this innovation eliminates the need for inspectors to wear earphones during surveys, minimizes unnecessary excavations, and offers a smart water management solution.

With the Smart Aqua Leak Finder, Taiwan Water Corporation has inspected 105,500 meters of underground pipelines and identified 564 leaks, reducing water loss by 13,404 tons per day, with projected annual savings of 4.88 million tons-an amount equivalent to nearly 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. During the Hualien earthquake in April 2024, the technology quickly diagnosed leak water issues, expediting pipe repairs to resume water supply. It also won an IWA 2024 Project Innovation Award. This innovation has strong potential in optimizing water resource management in water-scarce regions and preserving infrastructure in historic European cities through non-invasive detection. It can be deployed globally for efficient water pipeline network inspection.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Olli Rehn: Europe at the crossroads – common defence, re-emerging economy?

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Presentation accompanying the speech

Dear Friends of Bruegel and the Bank of Finland,

It is a great pleasure to celebrate with you all today both the 20^th anniversary of Bruegel and the 30^th anniversary of Finland’s membership of the EU. It is indeed an honour to organise and hold this conference together with Bruegel and to celebrate Europe Day.

The founders of Bruegel were truly visionary 20 years ago. They recognized a gap – a growing need for stronger economics-based analysis and research on the shaping of the European Union. Anchoring the think tank firmly with EU Member States was also a wise decision.

I had the privilege and pleasure of being present – if not at Bruegel’s creation, then certainly at its institutional foundation – as economic policy advisor to Finland’s Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. The Finnish Government, specifically the Ministry of Finance, decided to become a founding member institution. More recently, the Bank of Finland also joined the club, and we have made good use of Bruegel’s valuable work.

Today, we all appreciate Bruegel for its diverse and independent research, which significantly enhances evidence-based and research-informed policymaking in Europe. Let me extend my warmest congratulations and wish you many more dynamic and productive years as Europe’s leading policy think tank.

Dear Friends,

Europe Day today marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid out the foundation for European integration. In 1950 Europe was still recovering from the human and economic devastation of the Second World War.

From the Finnish standpoint, the immediate post-war years were not a brilliant time to be a small nation. As Private Rahikainen put it in Väinö Linna’s The Unknown Soldier, in response to a minister’s idealistic speech after the armistice in September 1944:

“To hell with their damned speeches. When your powder’s all gone, it’s better to keep your mouth shut than go spouting about the rights of small nations. A dog raises his hind leg on them.”

The Schuman Declaration nevertheless turned the tide and became the starting point for Pax Europaea, the long period of relative peace with notably few conflicts between European countries.

Indeed, an essential manifestation of Europe as a peace project is the EU’s 2012 Nobel Peace Prize. The European Union had, by then, “for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe”.

Slide 2: Outline of today’s talk

I’d like to structure my remarks today under three themes. First, the seismic geopolitical shift which the world is currently witnessing. Second, the need for immediate investments in common defence to secure Europe’s peace. And third, revitalising the EU economy through advancements in innovation, trade and productivity.

Slide 3: Power politics is overshadowing the world economy

Let me start with the shifting geopolitical landscape, which presents the EU with significant new security challenges.

The rules-based international order, on which Europe built its post-war recovery, is under strain. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have each, in their own way, challenged this order − pushing for a world where great powers claim their spheres of influence and where might is only right. Such a tri-polar world would not be a world of peace and prosperity.

Since the Second World War, for good reason we have trusted that it is in the enlightened self-interest of the United States to stand as the security backstop for the Euro-Atlantic community. To my mind, as a long-time student of US foreign and security policy, this self-interest has clearly been rational from the standpoint of the United States’ own national security and its global strategic interests and influence. However, the US is now making decisions based on a very different type of rationality that involves strained relations with the European Union.

I am aware that some are holding out hope that this is just temporary – that we’ll be back to ‘the old normal’ in a few years. Two points on that. First, I would not bet on it – there is no guarantee of a policy U-turn, as we may be witnessing a deeper political current in the US. And second, even more fundamentally, we must ask: can European security over the longer term be left at the mercy of the political winds in Pennsylvania’s rust belt and seven swing states? Or should Europe finally take substantially greater responsibility for its own security?

In my view, the answer is clear, given the current and probable future defence environment: Europe must build its own credible common defence. Supporting Ukraine and reinforcing European defence is imperative for the security of the whole of Europe. Common defence is a crucial European public good. We need a strong, independent Europe, capable of defending itself as the European pillar of Nato.

The COVID-era recovery fund and earlier crisis responses have shown that the EU is capable of solidarity. A similar level of unity and quick decision-making is now needed for defence.

Many EU countries have already increased defence spending. Germany has committed to major investments. Not all EU states currently have the fiscal capacity to follow suit. That’s why Europe must build joint capabilities, interoperable forces − and, if necessary, common financing.

Europe would also benefit from a broad and liquid market for safe assets, such as the US enjoys. Bonds issued by EU institutions have consistently drawn strong investor demand. The currently unpredictable nature of US economic policy only increases the demand for stable investment options. Europe should capitalise on that by developing genuine safe assets – another field calling for Bruegel’s continued active input.

Moreover, I have been reading with great interest about the proposal for a European Defence Mechanism (EDM), which was launched by Bruegel last month. Such an intergovernmental organisation would apparently be modelled on the existing and well-tested template of the European Stability Mechanism. I see many merits in this proposal and would love to dive deeper into this – but I shall refrain from doing so, as I suppose that the panel will shortly be discussing the EDM more closely.

Let me nevertheless comment that Bruegel’s proposal includes cooperation with the United Kingdom, which shares our values and has a strong military. Despite no longer being part of the EU, the UK remains a key partner in Europe’s security architecture. I should also add that we cannot afford to be held back by foot-dragging or by hostile Member States, such as Hungary, which might wish to hinder progress.

This is why we must, as Bruegel has done, search for creative solutions, typically driven by coalitions of the capable and willing, to ensure that we move forward with our shared goals.

At the same time, we must work for more effective European institutional arrangements that better serve the common good. These should include a significantly larger EU budget and more streamlined decision-making structures.

This is also an opportunity to make Europe economically and financially stronger, as we need a liquid and large market of safe assets, as I alluded to earlier. Could European defence bonds provide such safe assets? A precondition for this would be that these bonds would be used to finance genuine European public goods and be backed by larger common revenues in the future.

Solidarity and unity within the EU are reinforced by standing together, demonstrating our commitment to collective security and prosperity. Let us recall that the Treaty on European Union offers the legal basis for common defence in its Article 42. Involvement from us all is vital in maintaining a united front and ensuring a peaceful and prosperous Europe for future generations.

Slide 4: Growth in the euro area has been picking up

My third and final theme is the re-emerging European economy. Yes, re-emerging, even though it provides a mixed picture today.

Recent data has shown signs of recovery in the euro area, but the outlook remains clouded by exceptional uncertainty due to President Trump’s trade war. Employment is solid in the euro area, and unemployment is low at 6.2%. Private consumption has benefited from stronger real incomes. Investments in Europe’s common defence and infrastructure will bolster manufacturing further and strengthen long-term growth. Europe will continue to build up resilience against global shocks.

With disinflation on track and the growth outlook weakening, we decided at the European Central Bank’s Governing Council meeting on 17 April to lower interest rates. This was the seventh reduction since last summer.

Given the pervasive uncertainty, the Governing Council is maintaining full freedom of action in monetary policy. We will adjust our rates to bring inflation to 2% in the medium term – just as our strategy tells us to do.

Slide 5: Bank of Finland’s scenario calculation: A trade war would weaken growth worldwide

The elevated uncertainty brings me to the significant risks in our economic outlook, especially trade protectionism.

An extensive trade war would weaken economic output worldwide, and we have already seen major turbulence in the global stock markets.

Calculations by the Bank of Finland show that if the US were to impose tariffs targeting all imports from EU countries and China – raising them by 25 percentage points – and the EU were to take equivalent counter measures, world GDP could decline by over 0.5% in both 2025 and 2026. The impact on the euro area economy could be slightly greater, with the estimated GDP effect ranging from 0.7% to 1.5% in the first year, depending on the increased uncertainty and the extent of counter measures taken. With all the usual caveats, these figures illustrate the seriousness of the threat posed by a full-scale trade war.

Bank of Finland’s earlier calculations concerning the effects of the trade war on the Finnish economy are in line with these estimated effects on the euro area economy. While the model estimations come with uncertainty, they consistently speak to significantly negative outcomes for open economies such as Finland, as a result of trade war.

In my view, in the face of US protectionism, the European Commission’s response has been justified and rational. The Commission has rightly suggested a zero-for-zero tariff agreement between the EU and the US. While Europe remains committed to constructive negotiations with the US, the Commission has been preparing proportionate countermeasures to reinforce our negotiating position, with the aim of reaching a solution that benefits everybody and avoids further damage to growth.

Slide 6: Investment needed now in security and productivity

“This is Europe’s moment” has become a slogan of the era. But to what extent is there substance to it?

No doubt, President Trump’s policies are compromising the United States’ economic and institutional dominance, while Europe’s position is benefiting from its stability and certain political developments.

Yet, the fact remains that the size of the US bypasses the European economy significantly in many dimensions, especially in factor productivity and therefore in growth. Will Europe adopt Mario Draghi’s recommendations to boost productivity? European industry must strengthen its technological capabilities. Cutting-edge research and innovation, and investment in areas like AI, will be crucial.

Furthermore, Europe’s Savings and Investment Union needs to be advanced. The US has a larger and more unified internal capital market which benefits from scaling, a strong venture capital ecosystem, and fewer regulatory hurdles. The US dollar may remain the world’s leading reserve currency at the centre of the global financial system. But many investors are keen to diversify their portfolios to euro-denominated assets, which will also strengthen the international role of the euro.

The price of energy is a considerable burden to European competitiveness. Unlike the US, the EU has no abundant fossil fuel supplies, so there is no other viable strategy for increasing our energy security than decarbonisation and the green transition. The green transition in energy is not just climate action – it’s a geopolitical investment. So is the digital euro and the broader effort to bolster the international role of the euro.

Human capital and academic freedom are among Europe’s greatest assets. As these freedoms are eroded in the United States, Europe has a unique opportunity. In my view, the EU should rapidly create a special visa programme for top researchers seeking intellectual freedom without political pressure. We must highlight Europe’s universities where critical thinking is encouraged and academic liberty protected. This is an investment in Europe’s future prosperity and influence.

Slide 7: Conclusions

To conclude, today’s world is experiencing yet another major transition, as it was 30 years ago when the Cold War came to an end. But now, unfortunately, it is moving in reverse gear.

Europe’s external security and its soft power depend now on strengthening its hard power, particularly in terms of coordinated defence solutions. Moreover, despite the current uncertain geopolitical environment, international cooperation remains essential in a highly interconnected world. We stand for it.

At the same time, Europe must strengthen its economic foundation by finding ways to increase productivity and hence fulfil its true potential. At the ECB, we will contribute to this by ensuring price stability and financial stability, thus laying the foundation for Europe’s economic and social re-emergence and long-term resilience.

In sum, this truly is Europe’s moment. We must defend our way of life – solving conflict and making progress through reason, dialogue and democracy.

As Reinhold Niebuhr, the theologian and international relations theorist from our western neighbour, once said:

“The sad duty of politics is to establish justice in a sinful world.”

That is precisely Europe’s task now – more so than for decades.

Thank you!

MIL OSI Economics –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOEA Wins 5 Gold, 6 Silver, and 3 Bronze Edison Awards; 50 AI Pilot Lines Launched to Power Industrial Transformation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The MOEA held a press conference on June 3 to celebrate Taiwan’s outstanding performance at the 2025 Edison Awards. Competing against over 400 global innovations, Taiwan secured 18 awards-its best record to date-and ranked second worldwide. The Edison Awards, often hailed as the “Oscars of Innovation,” are among the most prestigious accolades in the global innovation community. This year’s Achievement Award was also presented to NVIDIA founder Jensen Huang, underscoring the event’s significance.

Of Taiwan’s 18 wins, 14 were earned by five MOEA-affiliated R&D institutions: the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC), the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), the Automotive Research & Testing Center (ARTC), and the Ship and Ocean Industries R&D Center (SOIC). This marks a historic high for Taiwan. All winning technologies were co-developed with industry partners such as Photronics Semiconductor Mask Corp., National Taiwan University Hospital, Chung Hsing Bus, Taiwan Water Corporation, and Arc’teryx, demonstrating the successful commercialization of research outcomes.

Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo stated that the Edison Awards are a major global benchmark for technological innovation, and Taiwan’s stellar performance this year is a testament to the effectiveness of government-backed R&D. Among the winners, ITRI ranked second globally in number of awards, the Metal Industries R&D Centre ranked fifth, and the Taiwan Textile Research Institute earned a Gold Award. Notably, the ARTC and SOIC R&D centers received their first-ever awards this year.

Minister Kuo emphasized the importance of aligning innovation with market demand and practical application. All 14 awarded technologies were developed in collaboration with businesses and directly addressed industry pain points, enhancing production efficiency, and creating added value. Many of these innovations integrated AI, reflecting the MOEA’s initiative to drive digital transformation across sectors. To further accelerate AI adoption, MOEA has identified 10 major R&D institutions and launched over 50 AI pilot production lines across 16 industries, equipped with cutting-edge tools and aimed at cultivating applied AI talent. These efforts are intended to help enterprises shorten the lab-to-market cycle and strengthen Taiwan’s industrial competitiveness.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Strategic merger: Agelec joins the Videlio group

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

The growing challenges of supervision, decision-making efficiency, and security for institutions and businesses have led Videlio, a major player in audiovisual and IT integration, to take a step forward in the development of a new strategic activity: control systems. This turning point is now taking place through a major merger with Agelec, the French leader in supervision and control solutions for sensitive infrastructure.

This marks a defining moment for the Videlio group, confirming its ambition to offer a wider range of solutions that are among the most innovative on the market. The Group’s goal is to stay as close as possible to its customers’ operational needs and uses by offering them solutions that are easy to use, secure, and effective.

Industrial synergy between two leading players

AGELEC stands out today as the specialist in supervision, control, and visualization solutions dedicated to critical environments, meeting the constant demand for availability and security of sensitive infrastructure. Its control or supervision rooms, security stations, crisis rooms, and command or surveillance centers demonstrate Agelec’s recognized experience in meeting these very high standards. This expertise has attracted leading clients.

Videlio and Agelec will work together to strengthen this expertise by combining their operational and commercial resources to give new scope to this activity within the Group. Their ambition is to develop a model capable of combining the best technologies in open architectures that guarantee both security and interoperability.

This project will focus in particular on the development of advanced collaborative incident management solutions, agile and robust architectures with AVoIP, and intelligent video walls. Videlio and Agelec will also work together on today’s major challenges, with innovative offerings in AI, cybersecurity, augmented reality, and more.

Xavier Renaud, President of Videlio:

“Agelec is a leader in control rooms, particularly through its mastery of the technological and operational complexities of this type of installation. We are very pleased with this merger, which strengthens Videlio’s position as the French leader in specialized high value-added audiovisual integration, while expanding our scope of activity in a market in which we strongly believe. We enthusiastically welcome the Agelec teams and their leader Guillaume Guérin, who has built a solid, innovative company that is virtually indispensable in its ecosystem.”

Guillaume Guérin, President of Agelec:

“The energy and human values that drive Videlio were decisive factors in our choice. We share the same vision of audiovisual integration, which brings high standards and value creation for the end customer. Our common conviction is to place usability, ergonomics, and business intelligence above technology. Joining Videlio is obviously an opportunity to take a step forward, but above all, it is an opportunity to amplify our innovation momentum in intelligent and open systems, to better support our customers as they face the constant evolution of their critical challenges.”

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Iran-aligned BladedFeline spies on Iraqi and Kurdish officials, ESET Research discovers
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- ESET researchers have revealed that Iran-aligned threat group BladedFeline targeted Kurdish and Iraqi government officials with array of malicious tools discovered within their systems.
- ESET discovered and analyzed two reverse tunnels (Laret and Pinar), a backdoor (Whisper), a malicious IIS module (PrimeCache), and various supplementary tools.
- With high-confidence ESET Researchers assess that BladedFeline is a subgroup within Iran-aligned OilRig, as the initial implants used there can be traced back to OilRig group.
- BladedFeline already compromised Kurdish diplomatic officials with the group’s Shahmaran signature backdoor in 2023.
MONTREAL and BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Iran-aligned threat group BladedFeline has targeted Kurdish and Iraqi government officials in a recent cyber-espionage campaign, according to ESET researchers. The group deployed a range of malicious tools discovered within the compromised systems, indicating a continued effort to maintain and expand access to high-ranking officials and government organizations in Iraq and the Kurdish region. The latest campaign highlights BladedFeline’s evolving capabilities, featuring two tunneling tools (Laret and Pinar), various supplementary tools, and, most notably, a custom backdoor Whisper and a malicious Internet Information Services (IIS) module PrimeCache, both identified and named by ESET.

Whisper logs into a compromised webmail account on a Microsoft Exchange server and uses it to communicate with the attackers via email attachments. PrimeCache also serves as a backdoor: it is a malicious IIS module. PrimeCache also bears similarities to the RDAT backdoor used by OilRig Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group.

Based on these code similarities, as well as on further evidence presented in this blogpost, ESET assesses that BladedFeline is a very likely subgroup of OilRig, an Iran-aligned APT group going after governments and businesses in the Middle East. The initial implants in the latest campaign can be traced back to OilRig. These tools reflect the group’s strategic focus on persistence and stealth within targeted networks.

BladedFeline has worked consistently to maintain illicit access to Kurdish diplomatic officials, while simultaneously exploiting a regional telecommunications provider in Uzbekistan, and developing and maintaining access to officials in the government of Iraq.

ESET Research assesses that BladedFeline is targeting the Kurdish and Iraqi governments for cyberespionage purposes, with an eye toward maintaining strategic access to the computers of high-ranking officials in both governmental entities. The Kurdish diplomatic relationship with Western nations, coupled with the oil reserves in the Kurdistan region, makes it an enticing target for Iran-aligned threat actors to spy on and potentially manipulate. In Iraq, these threat actors are most probably trying to counter the influence of Western governments following the US invasion and occupation of the country.

In 2023, ESET Research discovered that BladedFeline targeted Kurdish diplomatic officials with the Shahmaran backdoor, and previously reported on its activities in ESET APT Activity reports. The group has been active since at least 2017, when it compromised officials within the Kurdistan Regional Government, but is not the only subgroup of OilRig that ESET Research is monitoring. ESET has been tracking Lyceum, also known as HEXANE or Storm-0133, as another OilRig subgroup. Lyceum focuses on targeting various Israeli organizations, including governmental and local governmental entities and organizations in healthcare.

ESET expects that BladedFeline will persist with implant development in order to maintain and expand access within its compromised victim set for cyberespionage.

For a more detailed analysis and technical breakdown of BladedFeline’s tools used in Operation RoundPress, check out the latest ESET Research blogpost “Whispering in the dark” on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X), BlueSky, and Mastodon for the latest news from ESET Research.

About ESET
ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown— securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts and blogs.

The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Breakthrough in Biomedicine: Polytechnic Project Receives International Award

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

Project Biomedical Image and Data Analysis Laboratories The Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology received the international university award in the field of artificial intelligence and big data “Gravity” in the nomination “Breakthrough scientific research and development”.

The competition was held in 2025, organized by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Tomsk State University and the University Consortium of Data Scientists Association. This is the largest annual event in the country dedicated to popularizing the most significant university projects in the field of AI and introducing breakthrough technologies into leading sectors of the economy.

SPbPU scientists presented the project “Decoding the Brain Code: AI Platform for Multimodal Analysis of Neural Data”. It involves using AI models for multi-level and multimodal analysis of data on the structure of synapses, neurons and neural networks of the brain, as well as their relationship with behavior and cognitive functions.

The project is aimed at solving complex problems and finding new research hypotheses in neurobiology and medicine. The main stages include pre-processing and image quality improvement, automatic segmentation of biological structures, data analysis in research tasks and preclinical trials, as well as the development of LLM adapted for the industry. For the first time in Russia, we have developed and applied large fundamental models for analyzing significant arrays of data on neuronal activity, – said the head of the laboratory Ekaterina Pchitskaya.

The project was implemented by a team of 11 people – research associates and programmers of the laboratory, research engineers and laboratory assistants, postgraduates and students of the IBSiB. Representatives of the Physics and Mechanics Institute also participated: Vyacheslav Chukanov, Alexander Sachuk, Ivan Zolin, Darya Smirnova, Daniil Baev, Evgeny Gerasimov, Georgy Raev, Vyacheslav Karasev, Grigory Chevykalov, Vladimir Skvortsov.

We are proud of our young researchers who are constantly searching and offering non-standard solutions to current problems. It is gratifying that their efforts in the field of applying artificial intelligence technologies have been noted at such a high expert level and will receive a moral and material incentive for further development, – noted Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU Yuri Fomin.

The award ceremony took place at the scientific congress of the University Consortium of Big Data Researchers. Participants presented research and applied projects in the field of data analysis and AI. Ivan Zolin, a programmer at the SPbPU Laboratory of Biomedical Image and Data Analysis, presented a report entitled “Neural Networks for Improving Microscopic Images in Biomedicine”. He presented a cloud-based complex of fluorescence microscopy processing models, including TriDeFusion denoising and deconvolution, accessible through a user-friendly web interface.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Atos to deliver key IT services and applications for UEFA Nations League Finals™ 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release

Atos to deliver key IT services and applications for UEFA Nations League Finals™ 2025

Paris, France – 5 June, 2025 – Atos, the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football, will deliver key IT services and applications support for the UEFA Nations League Finals™(UNLF) 2025, taking place from June 4 to June 8, 2025, in Germany. Atos’ expertise will once again support hundreds of millions of fans worldwide to share the electrifying experience of one of the highest profile football tournaments.

To provide the best experience for all stakeholders, from the European football family to fans and media, Atos will be responsible for managing core IT planning and operations systems all requiring the highest level of reliability, efficiency and security. These solutions include:
- Event Management systems including accreditation, access control solutions, competitions solutions, radio communication and service desk services.
- Diffusion system like the football service platform, the mobile app, the website including some embedded gaming functionalities such as match predictor and quiz about competitions.
- End-to-end cybersecurity services, from compliance and threat intelligence to on-the-ground and hybrid-cloud security.
Since the inception of their partnership in 2022, Atos have assisted UEFA on a day-to-day basis to manage, improve, and optimize its complex technology landscape and in facing new technology challenges. In a new data consumption era, large sport associations need to keep pace with the expectations of their audiences, especially the youth fan base, who are craving for more personalization, technology and data, engagement and real-time information. To meet these challenges, Atos and UEFA have been striving to continuously introduce innovations driving immersive fan experiences with secure, real-time data and deliver best-in class, AI-powered IT solutions.

Atos, helped make the UEFA EURO 2024™ a tremendous success, supporting over 200 applications, over 6 million app download, almost 1.3 billion email and app push notifications, and a cumulated live audience of over 5 billion. Atos and UEFA also introduced innovative applications like the Football Service Platform, providing data and statistics such as results, line-ups, live match events, players status and ranking of all UEFA teams, transforming all stakeholders’ experience.

The entire Atos team, from the IT Command Center of UEFA in Nyon (Switzerland) to the delivery centers in Madrid and Barcelona (Spain), as well as Egypt, Poland, Romania and France are committed on daily basis to making sure UEFA is well-prepared to deliver exceptional experiences to fans around the world.

“We are excited to feel the competition pressure building up as we enter the last stages of UEFA Nations League preparation. Our team is working tirelessly to make sure we once again deliver a secure, flawless and innovative service to UEFA and provide all football fans with an unforgettable tournament experience.” said Nacho Moros, Head of Atos Major Events.

“Since the beginning of our partnership with Atos in 2022, we have been making advances in the quality of services we are introducing and providing to all the Football stakeholders. We are confident that the 2025 edition of the Nations League will once again leverage the most advanced technologies to provide all football fans an amazing experience”, stated Hosni Ajala, Chief of ICT at UEFA.

Atos has been serving its partners and customers through a dedicated in-house sports and major events division (“Major Events”) for over 3 decades, giving it an unmatched experience and the flexibility to serve its customers regardless of their exposure, size and scale. From global events to local competitions, Atos consistently strives to deliver technology excellence to its entire customer base.

Atos has been involved with the Olympic Movement since 1992 and the Paralympic Movement since 2002 and is the Official Digital Technology Partner of the European Olympic Committees, as well as the official Digital partner for Special Olympics International. The company is also the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football. Most recently, Atos has been instrumental in delivering successful leading-edge IT services for iconic events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 or inspiring events such as Invictus Games Vancouver 2025 or the Special Olympics Torino Winter Games 2025.

To learn more about Atos solutions for sporting events and major events, visit Atos Major event.

***

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press contact

Laurent Massicot – laurent.massicot@atos.net – 33 (0)7 69 48 01 80

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- PR Global – Atos to deliver key IT services and applications for UEFA UNLF 2025
The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Capgemini becomes an Official Partner of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift until 2029 to power cycling through tech and innovation
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Capgemini becomes an Official Partner of the Tour de France
and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift until 2029
to power cycling through tech and innovation

The new partnership encompasses 14 international cycling events including La Vuelta, Paris-Roubaix and Liège-Bastogne-Liège races, as well as five standalone women’s races

Paris, June 5, 2025 – Capgemini announced today that it has become the Official Technology Partner, for the next 5 years, of 14 cycling races, including the world renowned Tour de France, to help drive innovation in professional cycling. Together, they will leverage technology, innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) to grow the cycling community, engage fans all over the world and bring cycling into people’s lives.

This agreement, that goes beyond the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, will see Capgemini support a series of international cycling events, that include both men’s races – such as La Vuelta, Paris-Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, Paris-Roubaix, Paris-Tours, La Flèche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tro Bro Leon, and the women’s races of La Vuelta Femenina by Carrefour.es, Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, La Flèche Wallonne Femmes, Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes.

As part of this new global long-term partnership, Capgemini is the Official Technology Partner of each of these events, bringing its deep expertise in digital innovation, technology and AI into the professional cycling field. Over the next five years, Capgemini will support these top cycling events in realizing their technology roadmap, delivering cutting-edge technological solutions aimed at enhancing performance insights, supporting international audiences and engaging fans, from casual enthusiasts to amateur cyclists. In 2024, the Tour de France reached more than 1 billion TV viewed hours in 190 countries and broke digital records with nearly 100 million website visits and 1.6 billion impressions on social media.

With this partnership, Capgemini extends its sports sponsorship portfolio that focuses on bringing the breadth of the Group’s capabilities to enhance leading global events with technological innovation, high performance and team spirit at the heart. As a global company based in 50 countries, with well-established operations across regions that have a strong cycling fanbase such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, UK, and USA, Capgemini will promote the fourteen cycling races internationally.

“At Capgemini, we are proud to partner with 14 iconic global sports competitions including the world-famous Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Each embody the driving principles of precision, endurance, high performance and teamwork – attributes that we, at Capgemini, live by every day,” said Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini. “This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing the Group’s breadth of expertise and capabilities to enhance the future of sport through cutting-edge innovation, data-led insights and an augmented fan experience.”

“We are very proud to launch this long-term partnership with Capgemini, leader in technology and innovation. This strategic partnership will help to promote and accelerate our digital ambitions for the Tour de France and all A.S.O. Cycling events around the world. New digital solutions will help to further enhance the Fan experience and engage new communities with innovative and upgraded features and services,” says Yann Le Moënner, A.S.O. Managing Director.

Transforming sport through technology and innovation
The partnership builds on Capgemini’s already strong track record in adding value to the fan experience and sporting performance through its portfolio of sports sponsorships.
- In 2024, for the 37^th America’s Cup, Capgemini and America’s Cup Media revealed the breakthrough WindSight IQ ^TM technology in Barcelona. Through a combination of technology, engineering, data, and design, Capgemini developed a LiDAR-based sensor system that made the yacht racing more understandable and engaging for viewers. The solution enabled the viewers to visualize the wind and model potential race results, enhancing the fan experience.
- This year, Capgemini is a Principal Partner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, set to kick off in the UK in August. Since 2022, the Group has played a pivotal role in advancing inclusivity in the sport as a Global Partner of the Women in Rugby initiative and enabling the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme, to support a new generation of female leaders in rugby.
- For the 2025 Ryder Cup in September, Capgemini will bring a generative AI powered version of its Outcome IQ, a tool that puts the intelligence of real-time data in the palm of every fan’s hand, helping to enhance the fan experience by tracking outcome probabilities shot by shot. Capgemini is Worldwide Partner to the Ryder Cup up until and including the 2027 Ryder Cup in County Limerick, Ireland.
About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

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- 06_05_Capgemini_becomes_official_partner_of_the_Tour_de_France
The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Introduces Samsung Finance+ for Bespoke AI Appliances, Offering Quick and Digital Financing for Indian Consumers

Source: Samsung

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand has expanded its popular digital lending program, Samsung Finance+, enabling consumer ease of purchase for its wide range of Bespoke AI Appliances. Developed by Samsung R&D Institute in Bangalore & Delhi, Samsung Finance+ ensures a fully digital and hassle-free financing experience with loan approvals in as little as 15 minutes. The initiative aims to provide seamless, quick, and paperless financing solution, making Samsung’s latest AI-enabled appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, more accessible to consumers across India.

Samsung Finance+ is designed to drive financial inclusion so that consumers can avail easy credit with minimal documentation and quick loan approvals. Loans under Samsung Finance+ are facilitated in partnership with leading financial institution, DMI Finance, which specializes in digital lending solutions, ensuring a fast and seamless experience.

“At Samsung, we are committed to making premium technology accessible to consumers across India, and Samsung Finance+ is a testament to our vision. By combining digital innovation with seamless and hassle-free accessibility, we are simplifying the financing process and expanding financial inclusion, ensuring consumers can conveniently upgrade their lifestyles with our Bespoke AI Appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners,” said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances, Samsung India.

How Samsung Finance+ Works
Consumers can avail a loan through Samsung Finance+ via samsung.com and across retail stores in just a few simple steps. At the retail outlets, consumers have to submit their e-documents for KYC verification at the Samsung Finance+ desk. On the completion of verification and credit scoring processes, the loan is sanctioned in as little as 15 minutes. Flexible EMI options are also available, tailored to suit varied consumer needs. This seamless process ensures that customers can purchase their preferred Samsung appliances quickly and without financial strain.

MIL OSI Economics –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Richemont publishes FY25 Annual Report and Non-Financial Report

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

5 JUNE 2025

RICHEMONT PUBLISHES FY25 ANNUAL REPORT
AND NON-FINANCIAL REPORT

Richemont has today published its combined Annual Report and Accounts with the Business review, the Compensation Report and the Corporate Governance Report, along with its Non-Financial Report, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The Annual Report and Accounts, which includes the Chairman’s review to shareholders, the annual consolidated and statutory financial statements, and the corresponding audit reports was already published on 16 May 2025.

The Non-Financial Report 2025, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards (2021), provides Richemont’s disclosures on non-financial matters. The report complies with the reporting disclosure required by Articles 964a-c of the Swiss Code of Obligations, including the Swiss Ordinance on Climate Disclosures. Selected disclosures and indicators have been independently assured (limited assurance) by PricewaterhouseCoopers SA (PwC).

Both reports are available for download on the Company’s website at https://www.richemont.com/media/ue1bjrjv/richemont-fy25-annual-report-en.pdf and https://www.richemont.com/media/3vwfatyf/richemont-non-financial-report-2025.pdf. Hard copies will be mailed to parties who have requested it and may also be obtained from the Company’s registered office at the address below or by contacting the Company via the website at www.richemont.com/about-us/contact-us.

In South Africa, the Annual Report and Non-Financial Report may be obtained directly from the Depository Agent at the following address: Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited, Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa.

About Richemont

At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity. Richemont’s ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.

Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vhernier; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaïa, Chloé, Delvaux, dunhill, G/FORE, Gianvito Rossi, Montblanc, Peter Millar, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder & Co. Find out more at https://www.richemont.com/.

Richemont A shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont’s primary listing, and are included in the Swiss Market Index (‘SMI’) of leading stocks. Richemont A shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont’s secondary listing.

Investor/analyst and media enquiries
+41 22 721 3003 (investor relations)
Investor.relations@cfrinfo.net
+41 22 721 3507 (media)
pressoffice@cfrinfo.net
richemont@teneo.com

Click here for a printer-friendly version in English (PDF)

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025
Indian delegation meets EU representatives in Belgium, conveys firm resolve against terrorism

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, held a series of high-level engagements in Brussels on Wednesday with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), emphasising India’s resolute stance against cross-border terrorism.

The Indian MPs visited the European Parliament and engaged with MEPs, including from the Delegation for Relations with India, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), and the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE).

The delegation briefed MEPs about the cross-border terrorism targeting India, including terror attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor and India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

The discussions focused on enhancing India-EU strategic cooperation, particularly in the area of counter-terrorism, broader India-EU ties, high-level engagements and the deepening Parliamentary exchanges.

The MEPs condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and supported India’s right to defend itself and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Indian Embassy Belgium & Luxembourg said, “Taking India’s strong message against terrorism to the world, members of All-Party Delegation met with Members of European Parliament (MEPs) and discussed combating terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, global peace, and deepening of India-EU ties.”

“The EU side was briefed about the heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack and the calibrated and targeted response of India through Operation Sindoor, giving the message of zero tolerance to terrorism. MEPs expressed their solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack,” the embassy added.

Earlier in the day, the delegation was briefed by Ambassador of India to EU, Belgium & Luxembourg Saurabh Kumar. The delegation also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at the Indian Embassy.

Furthermore, the delegation interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, which expressed its deep solidarity with India’s strong and principled stance and zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

The delegation underscored the vital role of the diaspora in amplifying India’s voice on the global stage.

The delegation also had a productive exchange of views with some of Brussels’ leading think-tanks and members of the strategic community.

Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a post on X, “During our visit to Brussels, my colleagues from the all-party delegation and I engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the scourge of terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism targeting India. We deliberated on India’s counter-terrorism initiatives, notably including Operation Sindoor, with prominent think tanks in the region. Our interaction underscored a unified and unambiguous stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.”

After concluding visits to France, Italy, Denmark, and the UK, the delegation is on a 3-day visit to Belgium.

Apart from Prasad, the delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Samik Bhattacharya, and Ghulam Ali Khatana; Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi; AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai; Congress MP Amar Singh; former Union Minister M.J. Akbar; and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran.

(With inputs from IANS)

June 5, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Victorian principals will soon be able to expel students for out-of-school behaviour – is this a good idea?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Kidson, Associate Professor in Educational Leadership, Australian Catholic University

Getty Images/ Javier Zayaz

When does a school’s responsibility for student behaviour end? Is it at 3pm when the bell goes? Or does a school still have to respond to harmful behaviour after hours?

The Victorian government has announced new powers for government school principals to suspend or expel students for serious misbehaviour beyond the school grounds. The powers will begin in July, from the beginning of term 3.

The state government says this will “address concerns around harmful behaviour that happens outside school hours […] but affects student and staff safety”.

The new powers have a particular focus on online safety and follow similar moves in South Australia and New South Wales.

What does this mean for schools and students?

A blurry line

The line between when “school” starts and finishes is blurry. Anti-social activities and their impacts don’t neatly fall at a convenient time or location.

Cyberbullying – using the internet to be mean to a child or young person – has grown insidiously over the past decade and frequently takes place outside of the school grounds and after hours. This now includes deepfakes and AI-generated images.

But the impacts of cyberbullying are very much felt during school hours. Bullying can lead to decreased academic performance – even in primary school. It can also lead to fractured social relationships. So schools are deeply involved. They may need to provide additional academic and welfare support for the student, as well as manage any social tensions and flare-ups on campus.

As the eSafety Commission has warned, teachers can also face online abuse from students.

So school leaders are needing to support both student and staff mental health.

A changing legal climate

But it’s not just online actions that blur the lines. In 2024, the NSW Supreme Court ruled in a case of an assault by a group of students against a 14-year-old student.

Although the attack took place outside the school grounds, after the final bell, the court determined the NSW public high school had a duty “beyond the confines of the school boundaries and outside of its operating hours”. In part, this was based on previous known violence from one of the perpetrators.

Schools now exist in a dynamic and complex set of ecosystems and the new Victorian powers acknowledge and respond to this reality.

What does it mean for principals?

For some school leaders, there may be relief they can deal with the consequences of the most severe and destructive actions. This could include online harassment or recent incidents such as rating students’ physical appearances.

For others, there may be concerns this will add to their already stretched and pressured workloads.

Research including the annual survey I run with colleagues, shows being an Australian school leader takes an ongoing emotional toll. The work often involves dealing with violence and abuse.

Expelling kids should be a very last resort

As a community, we can all agree schools should be places that are safe and free from violence of any kind.

But the removal of any student from a school signals a series of breakdowns. This is why schools have policies and procedures to try and resolve these issues positively before the consequences become more severe. Schools will normally use intervention strategies such as counselling, behaviour monitoring and formal cautions before suspension emerges as a possibility. Sadly, these do not always result in changed behaviour.

As consequences escalate, so too do their impacts.

Students who begin to disengage from their learning can get caught in a spiral of increasing disengagement, leading to repeat instances of suspension and then expulsion. This can then chart a distressing path for some towards incarceration.

So we need to focus on strategies which reduce this pathway.

This includes initiatives that boost students’ engagement at school such as those in the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (part of the new funding agreement between the federal and state governments). We also need funds to increase counsellors and psychologists in schools.

Being able to expel students for out-of-school behaviour will help manage some of the symptoms of poor student behaviour. But unless the underlying causes are also addressed, expulsion will not resolve the issues – and ultimately transport the problem to another community.

Paul Kidson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Victorian principals will soon be able to expel students for out-of-school behaviour – is this a good idea? – https://theconversation.com/victorian-principals-will-soon-be-able-to-expel-students-for-out-of-school-behaviour-is-this-a-good-idea-258188

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 5, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

SPC AC 050551

Day 2 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1251 AM CDT Thu Jun 05 2025

Valid 061200Z – 071200Z

…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM THE SOUTHERN
HIGH PLAINS TO THE TN/LOWER OH VALLEYS…

…SUMMARY…
Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected from the southern High
Plains to the Tennessee and Lower Ohio Valleys on Friday into Friday
night. Damaging winds and a couple tornadoes are the main hazards.
Large to very large hail is possible over the southern High Plains.

…Southern Great/High Plains…
A large MCS will likely be ongoing at 12Z Friday from the Ozark
Plateau to the OK/TX Red River Valley. Large-scale outflow will
trail in the wake of this MCS and modify to the north of it as
diurnal heating ensues. Along and south of the boundary, a confined
plume of moderate to large buoyancy is expected by late afternoon
with MLCAPE of 2000-3000 J/kg. North of it, more modest values are
anticipated between the outflow and a quasi-stationary front.
Scattered thunderstorms will once again develop along and to the
cool side of the front over the Raton Mesa into south-central CO,
with more isolated expected southward along the dryline to the
Trans-Pecos. A belt of enhanced mid-level westerlies, with
strengthening of upper-level flow, is anticipated south of a
shortwave impulse moving into the central High to Great Plains
through Friday night. This setup should yield favorable hodograph
elongation for a sustained, long-lived supercell or two evolving
southeastward from southeast CO. While buoyancy will be more muted,
it should be sufficient for a significant severe hail and brief
tornado threat. A few supercells farther south may have a tendency
to be more outflow-dominant per various CAM depictions, but will
likewise contain sig-severe hail potential as well.

The Raton Mesa vicinity convection should grow upscale into another
MCS Friday night as storm-scale outflows consolidate and with
strengthening of the southern High Plains low-level jet. Most
guidance indicates a somewhat delayed/slightly weaker jet than on
D1. This coupled with signals for negative low-level theta-e
advection overnight, given the confined plume of rich low-level
moisture along the prior outflow boundary, lowers confidence in
highlighting greater coverage of both severe and sig severe wind
with the MCS as it likely tracks into/across OK.

…Mid-South to the TN/Lower OH Valleys…
A large MCS will likely be ongoing at 12Z Friday from the Ozark
Plateau to the OK/TX Red River Valley. This MCS should weaken
somewhat in the late morning, but then intensify by midday and
persist through the afternoon. A moderately unstable airmass will
develop ahead of it from the Deep South into at least southern KY
with MLCAPE of 1500-2500 J/kg common. Deep-layer shear should remain
modest with southern extent, where multicell clusters will dominate.
Closer to the parent MCV, enhanced 700-mb westerlies will be present
and should compensate for weaker destabilization. While isolated
severe hail is possible, mainly within renewed updrafts along the
large-scale outflow and redevelopment on the backside of the MCV,
scattered damaging wind swaths should be the main hazard from KY to
northern parts of MS/AL/GA.

..Grams.. 06/05/2025

CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 5, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

SPC AC 050547

Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1247 AM CDT Thu Jun 05 2025

Valid 051200Z – 061200Z

…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF
THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PLAINS…

…SUMMARY…
Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected across the High Plains
from southwestern Kansas into west Texas. A few tornadoes, large to
isolated very large hail, and severe gusts are possible.

…Central/Southern High Plains…

Large-scale pattern is not forecast to change appreciably during the
day1 period as broad upper ridging holds across northeast Mexico
into the lower MS Valley. Along the northern periphery of this
feature, a few weak disturbances are forecast to translate across
the southwestern U.S. into the southern/central High Plains region.
Each of these features should encourage potentially robust, deep
convection.

Early this morning, a notable MCS has evolved over the TX Panhandle.
This complex has been partly aided by a low-amplitude short-wave
trough that will translate into eastern KS/OK later today. While
this convection is currently well-organized, with time this activity
should gradually weaken downstream over western OK/northwest TX. Of
potential concern will be the influence on boundary-layer stability
and the position of convective outflow boundaries. If the MCS
continues as currently anticipated, a possible demarcation in
buoyancy may extend across the TX South Plains into far eastern NM
by peak heating. Remnant outflow will likely serve as the focus for
robust convection later this afternoon as temperatures warm into the
mid 80s-lower 90s, west and south of the outflow. Forecast soundings
along this corridor exhibit strong deep-layer shear and substantial
0-3km SRH. Supercells should develop across the southern High Plains
and very large hail may accompany these robust updrafts.
Additionally, profiles appear favorable for tornadoes, especially if
the aforementioned convective outflow maintains some identity.

A secondary area of potential convective concentration will be
across southeast CO into southwest KS. Models suggest strong
boundary-layer heating will develop across northeast NM into the
western OK Panhandle, just south of a secondary weak frontal zone
that should drape itself across this region. Supercells should
easily develop along this boundary then possibly grow upscale into a
larger complex of storms as it spreads downstream along the KS/OK
border after sunset. All hazards are possible with this activity,
but any tornado threat will likely be concentrated with more
isolated supercells early in the convective evolution.

…Elsewhere…

High-PW plume currently stretches across the lower MS Valley-OH
Valley-lower Great Lakes-southeast Canada. Scattered convection will
readily develop along this corridor, juxtaposed along a weak frontal
zone. Poor lapse rates should limit updraft strength, but some risk
for an isolated severe wind gust does exist.

..Darrow/Wendt.. 06/05/2025

CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-06-03
President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Details
2025-06-03
President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors
President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip. A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples. For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.

Details
2025-05-29
President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner
On the evening of May 29, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan looks forward to further establishing institutionalized mechanisms with Europe for our trade and investment ties and hopes to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. The president said that Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains, and noted that Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it is in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: Chairman [Henry] Chang (張瀚書), thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on your second term. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] will build even more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I would also like to thank EETO [European Economic and Trade Office] Head [Lutz] Güllner and all the European country representatives stationed in Taiwan. Your hard work over the years has helped deepen Taiwan-Europe relations and brought about such fruitful cooperation. Thank you. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In 1950, then-French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to create a European federation dedicated to preserving peace. The declaration symbolized a new flowering in the post-war era of democracy, unity, and cooperation. As we face the geopolitical challenges and drastic economic changes of today’s world, the Schuman Declaration still speaks to us profoundly. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with our democratic partners, and will join hands with Europe to build a partnership of even greater resilience and mutual trust. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner. It is also Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Last year, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe totaled US$84.7 billion. This demonstrates our vibrant economic and trade ties and reflects the high levels of confidence our businesses have in each other’s markets and systems. We look forward to Taiwan and Europe further establishing institutionalized mechanisms for our trade and investment ties. And we hope to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the EU, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. Today’s Taiwan has an internationally recognized democracy and a semiconductor industry vital to global security and prosperity. This enables us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. In particular, we see supply chains dominated by a new authoritarian bloc expanding their influence through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and monopolies on resources, as they seek global control of critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Their actions not only distort principles of market fairness, but also threaten the international community’s basic expectations for democracy, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility. In response, Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains. We will also introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. This is more than a proposal for economic cooperation; it is an alliance of shared values and advanced technology. Security in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been issues of mutual interest for Taiwan and Europe. So here today, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to thank the EU and European nations for continuing to take concrete actions in public support of peace and stability across the strait. Such actions are vital to regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to bolster itself to achieve real peace through strength, and will work with democratic partners to safeguard freedom and democracy, thereby showing our determination for regional peace. At this critical time, Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it’s in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. I look forward to our joining hands at this strategic juncture to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Also in attendance at the event was British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.

Details
2025-05-28
President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan. Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world. The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations. Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

Details
2025-05-27
President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman
On the afternoon of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Chair of the Natural Resources Committee of the United States House of Representatives Bruce Westerman. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. The president said that Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from and together build non-red supply chains with the US, expressing hope that economic and trade relations grow even closer and that both work together to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to meet and exchange views with members of the US House Committee on Natural Resources today. Chair Westerman, the leader of this delegation, is an old friend of Taiwan. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a very warm welcome to the delegation. I also want to thank you all for your long-term close attention to Taiwan-related affairs and your strong support for Taiwan. Taiwan and the US enjoy close ties and share ideals and values. There is an excellent foundation for cooperation between us, particularly in such areas as energy, the economy and trade, agriculture and fisheries, environmental protection, and sustainable development. In recent years, Taiwan-US ties have grown closer and closer. The US has become Taiwan’s largest destination for overseas investment, accounting for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment. Taiwan is also the seventh largest trading partner of the US and its seventh largest export market for agricultural products. The SelectUSA Investment Summit held in Washington, DC earlier this month was the largest in its history. Taiwan’s delegation, representing 138 enterprises, was once again the biggest delegation attending the event. This shows that Taiwan and the US enjoy close industrial exchanges and continue to explore new opportunities for investment and collaboration. Looking ahead, with the global landscape changing rapidly, Taiwan will continue to increase purchases from the US, including energy resources such as natural gas and petroleum, as well as agricultural products, industrial products, and even military procurement. This will not only help balance our bilateral trade, but also strengthen development for Taiwan in energy autonomy, resilience, the economy, and trade. Taiwan and the US are also well-matched in such areas as high tech and manufacturing. As the US pursues reindustrialization and aims to become a global hub for AI, Taiwan is willing to take part and play an even more important role. We will strengthen Taiwan-US industrial cooperation and together build non-red supply chains. In addition to bringing our economic and trade relations even closer, this will also allow Taiwanese industries to remain rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence, helping bolster the US, and marketing worldwide. As for military exchanges, we are grateful to the US government for continuing its military sales to Taiwan and backing our efforts to upgrade our self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will continue to work with the US to jointly safeguard peace and stability throughout the region. In closing, I thank our guests once again for making the long journey here, not only offering warm friendship, but also demonstrating the staunch bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress. Chair Westerman then delivered remarks, saying that it is an honor for him and his colleagues to be in Taiwan to talk about the strong relationship between the US and Taiwan and how that relationship can continue to grow in the future. The chair pointed out that natural resources are foundational to any kind of economic development, whether it is energy, which is key to manufacturing, or whether it is mining, which provides rare earth elements and all the minerals and metals needed for manufacturing. He said that as for natural resources including fish, wildlife, or timber, all are foundational to any society, but this is especially so for agriculture, noting that the US produces a lot of food and fodder and is always looking for more friends to share that with. Chair Westerman indicated that they are excited about opportunities to work with Taiwan, adding that Taiwan’s investments in the US have been greatly appreciated. He said they also are excited about the talks with the Trump administration and the future going forward on how we can have a stronger trade relationship, a stronger bilateral relationship, and how we can work with each other to help both economies grow and prosper. Chair Westerman concluded his remarks by expressing thanks for the opportunity to visit, saying that they treasure Taiwan’s friendship and our long-term relationship, and are very excited to be able to discuss in more detail how our two countries can work together. The delegation also included US House Natural Resources Committee Representatives Sarah Elfreth, Harriet Hageman, Celeste Maloy, and Nick Begich. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

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

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 5, 2025
US vetoes UN Security Council demand for Gaza ceasefire

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The United States on Wednesday vetoed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza and unhindered aid access across the war-torn enclave.

The other 14 countries on the council voted in favor of the draft as a humanitarian crisis grips the enclave of more than 2 million people, where famine looms and aid has only trickled in since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade last month.

“The United States has been clear: We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea told the council before the vote, arguing that it would also undermine U.S.-led efforts to broker a ceasefire.

Washington is Israel’s biggest ally and arms supplier.

The Security Council vote came as Israel pushes ahead with an offensive in Gaza after ending a two-month truce in March. Gaza health authorities said Israeli strikes killed 45 people on Wednesday, while Israel said a soldier died in fighting.

Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward criticized the Israeli government’s decisions to expand its military operations in Gaza and severely restrict humanitarian aid as “unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive.”

Israel has rejected calls for an unconditional or permanent ceasefire, saying Hamas cannot stay in Gaza. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told the council members who voted in favor of the draft: “You chose appeasement and submission. You chose a road that does not lead to peace. Only to more terror.”

Hamas condemned the U.S. veto, describing it as showing “the U.S. administration’s blind bias” towards Israel. The draft Security Council resolution had also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and others.

RIVAL AID OPERATIONS

The war in Gaza has raged since 2023 after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel in an October 7 attack and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies. Many of those killed or captured were civilians.

Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. They say civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks and that thousands more bodies have been lost under rubble.

Under global pressure, Israel allowed limited U.N.-led deliveries to resume on May 19. A week later a controversial new aid distribution system was launched by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the U.S. and Israel.

Israel has long accused Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies. Israel and the U.S. are urging the U.N. to work through the GHF, which is using private U.S. security and logistics companies to transport aid into Gaza for distribution at so-called secure distribution sites.

“No one wants to see Palestinian civilians in Gaza go hungry or thirsty,” Shea told the Security Council, adding that the draft resolution did not “acknowledge the disastrous shortcomings of the prior method of aid delivery.”

The U.N. and international aid groups have refused to work with the GHF because they say it is not neutral, militarizes aid and forces the displacement of Palestinians.

No aid was distributed by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation on Wednesday as it pressed the Israeli military to boost civilian safety beyond the perimeter of its so-called secure distribution sites after a deadly incident on Tuesday.

The GHF said it has asked the Israeli military to “guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks” near military positions, provide clearer civilian guidance and enhance training of soldiers on civilian safety.

‘DELAYS AND DENIALS’

The GHF posted on Facebook that “ongoing maintenance work” would delay the opening of its distribution sites on Thursday. It said on Tuesday that it has so far distributed more than seven million meals since it started operations.

Despite U.S. and Israeli criticism of the U.N.-led Gaza aid operation, a U.S. ceasefire plan proposes the delivery of aid by the United Nations, the Red Crescent and other agreed channels. Israel has agreed to the ceasefire plan but Hamas is seeking changes that the U.S. has rejected as “totally unacceptable.”

Ahead of the U.N. Security Council vote, U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher again appealed for the U.N. and aid groups to be allowed to assist people in Gaza, stressing that they have a plan, supplies and experience.

“Open the crossings – all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys aren’t held up by delays and denials,” Fletcher said in a statement.

The U.N. has long-blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering the delivery of aid into Gaza and its distribution throughout the war zone.

“Enough of suffering of civilians. Enough of food being used as a weapon. Enough is enough is enough,” Slovenia’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Zbogar told the Security Council.

A similar humanitarian-focused draft resolution is now expected to be put to a vote in the 193-member U.N. General Assembly, where no countries have a veto power and it would likely pass, diplomats said.

Danon warned: “Don’t waste more of your time, because no resolution, no vote, no moral failure, will stand in our way.”

(Reuters)

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: How capital services help to spend the summer season in comfort

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

The capital’s digital ecosystem helps Muscovites go about their daily business, plan family leisure, lead an active lifestyle, and do much more. The mos.ru portal and city mobile apps offer services that are especially useful in the summer.

“With the start of the summer season, city residents not only begin to plan their vacations, but also continue to solve everyday tasks online. For this purpose, the mos.ru portal offers more than 450 digital services, many of which are available in the Moscow State Services and My Moscow applications. Thanks to them, residents can conveniently and quickly check the hot water shutdown schedule and pay bills, book books from the library to read during the holidays, or plan interesting leisure activities,” they reminded.

Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.

Plan your leisure time

The main city events of the season have been collected in the project “Summer in Moscow”, which has been running since June 1. At more than 400 venues, residents and guests of the capital will be treated to street festivals, theatrical performances, karaoke and gastronomic master classes, as well as a large-scale market of local goods from the project “Made in Moscow”. Earlier, the program of the project’s events was posted on its Telegram channel announced Sergei Sobyanin.

Service “Mosbilet”, available on the mos.ru portal and in the My Moscow mobile app, allows you to purchase tickets to cultural events — theaters, museums, cinemas, and concerts — without extra charges. There are also free events available for everyone to attend.

Digital tourist service Russpass will help you organize a trip around the summer capital. It contains walking and cycling tours, signature routes, hotels, cafes, event listings, transport tickets and much more. The ecosystem will not only plan a walk, but also give personal recommendations for recreation using artificial intelligence. The service already has more than 50 thousand offers for travel around Russia, of which about a third are in Moscow.

For those who want to independently plan their leisure time and explore the city, there is application “Discover Moscow”. It will suggest themed routes around the city and tell about parks and estates via an audio guide. In addition, the application offers to study the history of the capital using augmented reality technologies, so that users can take a new look at familiar streets and boulevards.

Spend your summer usefully and borrow a book from the nearest library service “Moscow Libraries”. All you need is a standard account on mos.ru and a single library card, which is issued online or in any of the 440 city reading rooms. The electronic version is available in the mobile app “My id”.

The project will help you find nearby sports facilities, select a site for training and learn about active recreation activities “Moscow Sport”. On the mos.ru website, anyone who wants to can find the nearest open swimming pools and will be able to buy a ticket for the session, as well as book a gazebo for relaxation in the park through the service “Picnic in Moscow”.

Solve everyday issues

Through mos.ru and the applications “My Moscow” and “Gosuslugi Moskvy” you can pay utility bills and city services using the service “My payments”.

In addition, residents of the capital can submit readings water meters Andelectricity, as well as solve other everyday issues. For example, call a technician to troubleshoot problems in the house or to find out hot water shutdown schedule in the summer period.

If there are no meters installed in the apartment, in order to save on payments during a vacation or a trip to the country, you need to submit an applicationrecalculation of payment for housing and communal servicesTo do this, you must provide a document confirming the absence of meters and indicating the duration of the rest.

Service “Removal of unnecessary things” will help to tidy up and get rid of unnecessary things, for example, to donate unnecessary clothes and books that will be useful to others for free. The full list of what is accepted for removal is posted on mos.ru.

The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, correspond to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154825073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI: Arctic Wolf Expands into Singapore to Meet Rising Demand for AI-Powered Security Operations
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arctic Wolf^®, a global leader in security operations, today announced its official launch in Singapore, marking the latest milestone in its ongoing expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. Trusted by more than 10,000 organisations worldwide, Arctic Wolf is transforming how businesses manage cybersecurity by delivering scalable, outcome-driven solutions through its Aurora Platform and Concierge Delivery Model. With today’s launch, organisations in Singapore can now access the company’s full suite of capabilities including Aurora Endpoint Security, Managed Detection and Response, Managed Risk, Managed Security Awareness, and Incident Response.

“As organisations struggle with the challenges of the modern threat landscape, we continue to see strong customer demand across the globe for the Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform and the positive cybersecurity outcomes it delivers,” said Nick Schneider, president and CEO, Arctic Wolf. “We are excited to bring our portfolio of Security Operations solutions to the business and channel communities of Singapore and look forward to working with them to help end cyber risk.”

Organisations in Singapore face a perfect storm of cybersecurity challenges, including a rapidly evolving threat landscape, increased regulatory scrutiny, and an ongoing shortage of skilled security professionals. Arctic Wolf helps businesses of all sizes tackle these problems head on by offering a unified, cloud-native platform that pairs AI-driven threat detection with expert guidance and 24×7 monitoring from one of the world’s largest commercial Security Operations Centers.

Arctic Wolf’s partner-first go-to-market model has made it the cybersecurity partner of choice for more than 2,200 solution providers globally, including Ingram Micro, its inaugural distributor in Singapore. Designed to help resellers lead with value, Arctic Wolf’s award-winning channel program equips partners with differentiated offerings, predictable revenue opportunities, and the support needed to grow their security practice. Together with Ingram Micro, Arctic Wolf is delivering modern security operations that help customers reduce risk and improve outcomes at every stage of their cybersecurity journey.

“Arctic Wolf and its portfolio of security operations solutions are the ideal fit for our customers looking to improve their security outcomes across the entire cybersecurity framework. Recent high profile security breaches in Singapore have brought security conversations to be front of mind for executives and employees alike across the country. We are proud to be their first distributor in the Singapore region and be able to bring robust security solutions to our clients,” said Eunice Lau, executive managing director, Singapore, Ingram Micro.

Singapore Trends Highlight Urgent Security Challenges

Coinciding with the company’s Singapore launch, Arctic Wolf also released new data from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering Singapore-specific insights into the evolving threat landscape. The findings reveal that artificial intelligence (AI) outranks ransomware as the top concern for IT and security leaders in Singapore, signalling a shift in how organisations perceive and prioritize cyber risk. As emerging technologies introduce new vulnerabilities and attack vectors, the need for effective security operations has never been more critical—helping organisations detect threats earlier, respond faster, and build long-term resilience.

Other key findings for Singapore include:
- Breaches are Common and Transparency is Improving: 70% of businesses disclosed a breach in the past year as they were required to by law, while 23% did so due to requirements from their insurer or an outside entity. This indicates strong regulatory compliance and incident transparency in the country.
- Significant Attacks Remain Widespread: Malware and business email compromise were the most used methods followed by ransomware and/or data exfiltration.
- Complexities exist in current cybersecurity stacks: While respondents are satisfied with the firewall and Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) components of their security stacks, 57% cited difficult implementations as a complexity along with lack of efficacy (33%).
“The findings from our 2025 Trends Report make it clear that organisations in Singapore are under growing pressure to advance their cybersecurity maturity,” said David Hayes, Director APAC, Arctic Wolf. “From managing AI-driven risks to navigating breach disclosure and responding to ransomware, businesses need more than just point solutions, they need a partner with the breadth and expertise to drive meaningful outcomes. We’re excited to officially launch in Singapore and bring our full portfolio of security operations capabilities to help organisations reduce risk, strengthen resilience, and accelerate their security maturity.”

For additional global insights from Arctic Wolf’s State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, visit arcticwolf.com.

Additional Resources:

About Arctic Wolf
Arctic Wolf^® is a global leader in security operations, delivering the first cloud-native security operations platform to end cyber risk. Built on open XDR architecture, the Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform operates at a massive scale and combines the power of artificial intelligence with world-class security experts to provide 24×7 monitoring, detection, response, and risk management. We make security work!

To learn more about Arctic Wolf, visit www.arcticwolf.com.

Press Contact:
megan.archbold@arcticwolf.com

© 2025 Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Arctic Wolf, Aurora, Alpha AI, Arctic Wolf Security Operations Cloud, Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response, Arctic Wolf Managed Risk, Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness, Arctic Wolf Incident Response, and Arctic Wolf Concierge Security Team are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc.

The MIL Network –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kelly Statement on Trump Administration’s Recissions Package: ‘Needlessly Cruel and Evil’

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Robin Kelly IL

WASHINGTON – The White House released its recissions package, requesting Congress to cancel $9.4 billion already appropriated by Congress. The package advances President Donald Trump’s agenda to codify DOGE’s spending cuts, slash foreign aid, cut funding from major public broadcasting entities and rolls back a Biden-era guidance requiring hospitals to provide emergency abortion care.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement condemning the recissions package:

“President Trump’s recissions package is needlessly cruel and evil. He is stealing money – money that has already been designated by Congress – from Sesame Street to Main Street, hurting everyday Americans to give tax breaks to the well-off and well-connected. For years, I’ve heard my Republican colleagues spout about Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, but now, they’d consider cancelling $9.4 billion that we have already appropriated to programs like PBS, NPR, and USAID.

“The President also continues to threaten the lives of women by rescinding guidance that reaffirmed hospitals’ obligation under law to provide lifesaving abortion care to patients experiencing a medical emergency. While the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act is still the law of the land, this is, again, a cruel and evil decision by the Trump administration. Rescinding this guidance will delay necessary emergency abortion care, endangering the lives of patients.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025

Category: Artificial Intelligence

MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

A blurry line

A changing legal climate

What does it mean for principals?

Expelling kids should be a very last resort

Plan your leisure time

Solve everyday issues