NewzIntel.com

Category: Baltics

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO launches five new multinational cooperation initiatives that enhance deterrence and defence

    Source: NATO

    On Thursday (17 October 2024), NATO launched five initiatives designed to address some of the most critical areas for Allied deterrence and defence. These new multinational High Visibility Projects will involve a total of 26 Allies and will help deliver critical capabilities that will enhance interoperability among NATO forces.

    Contributing Allies took part in a signing ceremony during a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers at NATO Headquarters. NATO’s Acting Deputy Secretary General Boris Ruge welcomed “the beginning of more meaningful work in new areas, but also important milestones for existing projects,” adding that “it’s a great example of how our Alliance delivers”.

    The first project aims to accelerate the delivery of new generation Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) – such as NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) – through multinational cooperation. Thirteen Allies kicked off the project: Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. RPAS fleets are essential to a range of roles and missions including joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and electromagnetic warfare. 

    The second initiative seeks to increase the interchangeability and interoperability of key Allied artillery munitions. With initial contributions from 15 Allies – Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States – the project will contribute to harmonizing national fire testing and certification mechanisms. It will also help keep relevant standards up-to-date and support their adoption.

    The Distributed Synthetic Training Environment project aims to respond to the ever-growing demand for virtual training at the multinational level. It establishes a network of advanced and immersive multinational training opportunities for militaries. Eighteen NATO nations have joined the project: Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, United Kingdom and the United States. By leveraging national simulated training capabilities for multinational purposes, the project will bring immense operational benefits and economies of scale. 

    NATO is further stepping up its efforts to support Allied delivery of space technologies with two new projects. Through NORTHLINK, 13 Allies – Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United States – will explore the development of a secure, resilient and reliable multinational Arctic satellite communications capability. Through the STARLIFT initiative, 14 nations – Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States – will investigate ways to strengthen NATO’s access to and use of space to deal with a range of challenges coming from operating from space. STARLIFT may help Allies to launch assets on short notice, manoeuvre a pre-positioned spare spacecraft or buy data from commercial partners during crisis or conflict 

    Further steps were also taken to advance work on two projects already underway: the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and NATO’s cross-border airspace cooperation. Launched in 2020 and managed by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the NGRC initiative aims to replace medium multi-role capabilities ending their life cycle in 2035 and beyond. On Thursday, five of the participating Allies – France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom – committed to identify a single preferred solution for the replacement of these capabilities by the end of 2027, thereby enabling the development of this solution in 2030. 

    NATO’s cross-border airspace initiative also grew to 20 member countries with the addition of Denmark, Germany, Iceland and Portugal. First launched in October 2023, the project aims to foster civil-military cooperation on the use of airspace for NATO training and exercises, and other air activities in several regions of Europe.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank unaudited financial results for Q3 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    By the end of the Q3 2024, Coop Pank had 202,000 customers, increased by 6,000 customers in the quarter (+3%) and by 27,000 in the year (+15%). The bank had 90,100 active customers, increased by 600 (+1%) in the quarter and by 12,700 (+16%) in the year.

    In Q3 2024, volume of deposits in Coop Pank increased by 99 million euros (+6%), reaching total of 1.84 billion euros. Deposits from private clients increased by 9 million euros: demand deposits increased by 3 million euros and term deposits increased by 6 million euros. Deposits from domestic business customers increased by 11 million euros: demand deposits increased by 17 million euros and term deposits decreased by 6 million euros. Deposits from the international deposit platform Raisin and other financing increased by 79 million euros. Compared to Q3 2023, volume of Coop Pank’s deposits has increased by 132 million euros (+8%). In an annual comparison, share of demand deposits of total deposits has increased from 31% to 32%. In Q3 2024, the bank’s financing cost was 3.3%, at the same time last year the financing cost was 2.9%.

    In Q3 2024, net loan portfolio of Coop Pank increased by 40 million euros (+2%), reaching 1.66 billion euros. The volumes of home loan portfolio increased by 31 million euros (+5%), the volumes of business loan portfolio increased by 4 million euros (+1%), the leasing portfolio increased by 3 million euros (+2%) and consumer finance portfolio increased by 1 million euros (+1%). Compared to Q3 2023, total loan portfolio of Coop Pank has increased by 167 million euros (+11%).

    In Q3 2024, overdue loan portfolio of Coop Pank increased from the level of 2.2% to the level of 2.4%. A year ago, overdue loan portfolio was at the level of 2.1%.

    Impairment costs of financial assets in Q3 2024 were 1.0 million euros, which is 0.2 million euros (-17%) less than in the previous quarter and 0,3 million euros (-21%) less than in Q3 2023.

    Net income of Coop Pank in Q3 2024 was 21.2 million euros, increasing by 4% in a quarterly comparison and decreasing by 7% in an annual comparison. Operating expenses reached 10.3 million euros in Q3, operating expenses increased by 2% in the quarterly comparison and 14% in the annual comparison.

    In Q3 2024, net profit of Coop Pank was 8.6 million euros, which is 8% more than in the previous quarter and 22% less than a year ago. In Q3 2024, cost to income ratio of the bank was 48% and return on equity was 17.3%.

    As of 30 September 2024, Coop Pank has 36,400 shareholders.

    Margus Rink, Chairman of the Management Board of Coop Pank, comments the results:

    “At the beginning of September, the 200,000th customer joined Coop Pank. We continue to rapidly grow our customer base: an average, the number of our customers increases by nearly 2,000 and the number of customers actively using our services by nearly 1,000 every month.

    In the third quarter, the growth of Coop Pank’s loan portfolio was driven by private customer home loans. The growth of the business customers loan portfolio was modest. Over the year, the loan portfolio of private and business customers of Estonian banks has grown by nearly 6% (€1.6 billion), while the loan portfolio of Coop Pank has grown by nearly 11% (€167 million). Thus, Coop Pank’s loan volumes grow twice as fast as the market.

    The quality of the loan portfolio continues to be very good, and the long stagnation in the economy has not affected the payment behaviour of customers.

    The interest rate environment is in a downward trend. Since the fall of last year, the 6-month Euribor has fallen by almost 1 percentage point (from 4.1% to 3.1%). Interest on deposits has also responded: the interest paid on annual deposits has decreased by 1 percentage point (from 4.3% to 3.3%). As a result of the mentioned trends, our net interest margin fell from 4.4% to 3.9% during the year. In a falling interest rate environment, the bank’s revenues can only grow at the expense of the growth of business volumes, and that is how it has been at Coop Pank.

    In summary, with the bank’s performance indicators, after the extraordinary year of 2023 with high interest levels, we are back in reality, i.e. at the level of 2022. According to Coop Pank’s long-term goals, our cost-income ratio is below 50% and our return on equity is above 15%.”

    Income statement, in th. of euros Q3 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2023 9M 2024 9M 2023
    Net interest income 20 021 19 319 21 257 58 420 60 672
    Net fee and commission income 1 040 1 000 1 147 3 054 3 359
    Net other income 167 146 334 438 758
    Total net income 21 228 20 464 22 738 61 912 64 789
    Payroll expenses -6 138 -5 858 -5 297 -17 405 -14 739
    Marketing expenses -593 -775 -630 -1 902 -1 676
    Rental and office expenses, depr. of tangible assets -729 -775 -673 -2 299 -2 098
    IT expenses and depr. of intangible assets -1 579 -1 474 -1 203 -4 457 -3 440
    Other operating expenses -1 221 -1 208 -1 218 -3 716 -3 230
    Total operating expenses -10 261 -10 091 -9 022 -29 777 -25 182
    Net profit before impairment losses 10 967 10 374 13 716 32 135 39 607
    Impairment costs on financial assets -1 022 -1 224 -1 296 -2 822 -5 155
    Net profit before income tax 9 945 9 150 12 420 29 313 34 452
    Income tax expenses -1 296 -1 152 -1 344 -3 528 -3 634
    Net profit for the period 8 649 7 998 11 076 25 785 30 818
               
    Earnings per share, eur 0,08 0,08 0,11 0,25 0,30
    Diluted earnings per share, eur 0,08 0,08 0,11 0,25 0,30
    Statement of financial position, in th. of euros 30.09.2024 30.06.2024 31.12.2023 30.09.2023
    Cash and cash equivalents 404 472 335 710 428 354 404 911
    Debt securities 37 445 36 980 36 421 31 765
    Loans to customers 1 661 152 1 621 000 1 490 873 1 493 985
    Other assets 31 956 32 608 30 564 30 527
    Total assets 2 135 025 2 026 298 1 986 212 1 961 188
    Customer deposits and loans received 1 838 626 1 739 709 1 721 765 1 707 214
    Other liabilities 28 026 28 121 28 435 27 451
    Subordinated debt 63 410 63 148 50 187 50 148
    Total liabilities 1 930 062 1 830 978 1 800 387 1 784 813
    Equity 204 963 195 320 185 825 176 375
    Total liabilities and equity 2 135 025 2 026 298 1 986 212 1 961 188

    The reports of Coop Pank are available at: https://www.cooppank.ee/en/reporting

    Coop Pank will organise a webinar on 18 October 2024 at 9:00 AM, to present the financial results of Q3 2024. For participation, please register in advance at: https://bit.ly/18102024-registreerumine-veebiseminarile

    The webinar will be recorded and published on the company’s website http://www.cooppank.ee and on the YouTube channel.

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The bank has 202,000 daily banking clients. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti, comprising of 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Paavo Truu
    CFO
    Phone: +372 516 0231
    E-mail: paavo.truu@cooppank.ee

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Over 6 million illegally exported pills seized in international operation against drug trafficking network

    Source: Eurojust

    The criminal group, which operated throughout Europe, bought pills from other criminal networks in Serbia. The pills, used to treat anxiety, seizures and insomnia, were then hidden in tyres, in cars, which were transported on lorries, and in clothing to be taken to Romania and Estonia. After arriving in Romania or Estonia, the pills were transported on to the Nordic countries. Members of the criminal group in Finland and Norway acted as distributors and sold the pills on the streets. The sale of the pills was highly profitable for the criminal group. The pills seized during the operations done by the national authorities has a market value of approximately EUR 12.5 million.

    To dismantle the intricate network of criminals, the Romanian authorities launched an investigation into the group. Given the transnational nature of the criminal group, with activities in Romania, Estonia, Finland, and Serbia, international cooperation between the authorities started, supported by Eurojust and Europol.

    A joint investigation team (JIT) was set up at Eurojust between Romanian, Estonian, Finnish and Serbian authorities to collect and exchange information and evidence directly, and carry out joint operations.

    To investigate the activity of the criminal group, special investigative techniques such as control delivery and undercover investigator were successfully used by the authorities of all the countries involved. To this end, Eurojust facilitated the coordination and execution in Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia of European Investigation Orders issued by Romania. Following these actions, 39 people were arrested, and more than 4 million prescription pills were seized.

    After these measures, the JIT continued their investigations to halt the activities of the criminal group and bring them to justice.

    A large-scale international operation on 17 October coordinated from Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague, led to the arrest of 14 people in Romania, 11 people in Serbia and 1 person in Finland. 41 houses searches were carried out simultaneously in Romania, 19 in Serbia and one in Finland.

    Items seized during the operation include large quantities of pills, cash, mobile phones, firearms and luxury cars. 2 houses have been also seized in Romania. Europol facilitated the overall operation by liaising with the operating authorities, processing the available data and deploying two specialists with mobile offices to support the action day.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Romania:
      • Prosecution Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice
      • Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism
      • Oradea Territorial Office
      • General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police
      • Directorate for Combating Organized Crime
      • Department for Special Operations
      • Central Intelligence Analysis Unit of the Romanian Police;
      • General Inspectorate for Border Police – Bors, Nadlac and Petea Offices
    • Estonia:
      • Northern District Prosecutor’s Office
      • Police and Border Guard Board, Northern Prefecture, Crime Bureau, Drug and Organised Crime Unit
    • Finland:
      • Prosecution District of Southern Finland
      • Helsinki Police Department and National Prosecution Authority
    • Serbia:
      • Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime
      • Criminal Investigations Directorate
      • Service for Combatting Organized Crime
      • Department for Combating Organized Drug Smuggling

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President of Estonia visits the WTO

    Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

    Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met with the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, on 17 October at the WTO. The two discussed the importance of the multilateral trading system governed by the WTO and the impact of the current geopolitical situation on global trade.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7llKbZpXMHM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank held an investor webinar to introduce unaudited results of Q3 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On Friday, 18 October  2024 at 9 am (EET), Coop Pank held an investor webinar, where the Chairman of the Board Margus Rink and the Chief Financial Officer Paavo Truu introduced the bank’s unaudited financial results of Third Quarter of 2024. Webinar was held in Estonian language.

    Coop Pank would like to thank all participants. Webinar recording is available here:
    https://youtu.be/8ScQcyf0AAo    

    Coop Pank’s report for unaudited results of Q3 2024 and the presentation is available here:
    https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=b7ef39da9a44d08908473da7ebb7c38c0&lang=en

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking has reached 202,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti comprising 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Katre Tatrik
    Communication Manager
    Tel: +372 5151 859
    E-mail: katre.tatrik@cooppank.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Decisions adopted in the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of AB Amber Grid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AB Amber Grid, legal entity code: 303090867. Address: Laisvės ave. 10, LT-04215 Vilnius, Lithuania.

    The following decisions were adopted in the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of AB Amber Grid on 18 October 2024:

    1. Aproval of the conclusion of the Humanitarian Aid Contract

    1.1. In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 11(21) of the Law on Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid of the Republic of Lithuania, upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and the approval of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania, to enter into a Humanitarian Aid Contract with the Ukrainian company KHMELNYTSKOBLENERGO and to approve the following main terms of the Humanitarian Aid Contract:

    1.1.1. The subject matter of the Contract is humanitarian assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector. The humanitarian aid shall be provided through the transfer of 4 generators and 46 vehicles with a balance sheet value of EUR 60 285,53;

    1.1.2. The parties to the Contract shall be AB Amber Grid and the Ukrainian company KHMELNYTSKOBLENERGO;

    1.1.3. The purpose of humanitarian aid is the operation of energy infrastructure in wartime to meet the basic needs of people in wartime.

    1.2 To authorise the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (with the right to sub-delegate) to sign the Humanitarian Aid Contract in accordance with the material terms and conditions of the Contract as set out in Clause 1.1, and to agree the other (non-material) terms and conditions of the Contract on behalf of the Company.

    More information:
    Laura Šebekienė, Head of Communications of Amber Grid,
    +370 699 61 246, l.sebekiene@ambergrid.lt

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General welcomes Sweden’s plans to boost defence spending

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday (October 16), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to discuss the strengthening of NATO’s deterrence and defence and NATO’s increased support to Ukraine.

    Since joining NATO in March this year, “Sweden’s membership has made NATO stronger, Sweden safer, and all of us more secure,” said the Secretary General. He commended the Swedish government for its recent proposals to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defence, including with ”troops for NATO’s battlegroup in Latvia, combat aircraft for NATO’s air policing mission, and vessels for NATO’s Standing Naval Forces.” The Secretary General thanked Sweden for its offer to lead the new NATO battlegroup to be established in Finland. He noted that Sweden spends more than 2 percent of GDP on defence and welcomed the country’s plans to further boost its defence spending in 2025.

    The Secretary General also noted Sweden’s steadfast support to Ukraine. “On a per capita basis, Sweden is a top supporter of Ukraine. Providing over 4 billion euros in military assistance,” he said. He reiterated that Allies are working hard to deliver on the commitments made during the Washington Summit on support for Ukraine, including “a new Command to coordinate security assistance and training, and a financial pledge of 40 billion euros as a minimum baseline in the coming year.”

    Secretary General Rutte stressed that Ukraine’s path to membership is irreversible. “Every nation has the right to choose its own path. No one outside NATO or outside that particular country has a veto or a vote on this. Sweden’s seat at the NATO table shows exactly that,” he concluded.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers visit Ukraine

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers visit Ukraine – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    On 16 October 2024, the Nordic-Baltic countries’ foreign ministers visited Odesa, Ukraine. The visit took place against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks against Ukraine resulting in further loss of lives, injuries and widespread destruction. The needs are immense, especially within the energy sector, as Ukraine prepares for its third winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Nordic-Baltic countries are united in their unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine. During the visit, a substantial Nordic-Baltic winter package was announced in response to Ukraine’s most pressing needs, including energy, social infrastructure and humanitarian support. The support aims to alleviate the suffering caused by Russia’s attacks by contributing to basic needs such as heating and clean water during the cold winter months.

    “Our visit to Odesa today is a manifestation of the Nordic-Baltic countries’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine’s heroic fight against Russia’s aggression is not only about defending Ukraine’s freedom, but all of our freedom,” said Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Coordinator of the NB8 Maria Malmer Stenergard, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic delegation. 

    The delegation was received in Odesa by Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha to discuss the current situation, pressing needs, Ukraine’s efforts for a just and lasting peace as well as Ukraine’s EU accession progress, including related reform progress. The visit also included a visit to a military hospital, where the delegation met with soldiers wounded in the defence of their country, as well as a meeting with governor Oleh Kiper, where the ministers were briefed on the current situation in the region. 

    The Nordic-Baltic countries have committed significant resources in support to Ukraine and this support will continue. During the visit, a substantial Nordic-Baltic winter package was delivered in response to Ukraine’s most pressing needs ahead of the coming winter, including energy, social resilience and humanitarian support. Together, the Nordic-Baltic countries will contribute turbines, generators, solar panels, transformers and heating as well as financial support to the energy sector and to the reconstruction of critical social infrastructure. This support, and the already earmarked support for next year, will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to provide electricity, heating, clean water, health care, education, and other critical social and civilian infrastructure.

    NB8 and the support to Ukraine

    In 2024, Sweden is serving as Coordinator of the informal foreign and security cooperation format of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8). Joint efforts to strengthen both immediate and long-term military and civilian support to help Ukraine prevail is central to the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format. The Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers last visited Odesa, Ukraine in April 2023, when Latvia was Coordinator of the NB8.

    The NB8 delegation to Ukraine consisted of chair of the NB8 format, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, Finland’s Political Secretary of State Pasi Rajala, Iceland’s Permanent Secretary of State Martin Eyjólfsson, Latvia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže, Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis and Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank extends authorities of Paavo Truu as Member of the Management Board of Coop Pank AS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On 16 October 2024, the Supervisory Board of Coop Pank AS decided to extend the term of office of Paavo Truu, Member of the Management Board of Coop Pank AS, for a new 3-year term, i.e. from the end of the current term until 14 February 2028.

    At the same time, Paavo Truu’s powers as a member of the supervisory board of Coop Pank AS subsidiaries Coop Liising AS and Coop Kindlustusmaakler AS were extended.

    From February 2022, Paavo Truu is a member of the Management Board and the CFO at Coop Pank AS. In addition to sitting on the management board of Coop Pank, Paavo Truu is a member of the supervisory boards of the bank’s subsidiaries Coop Liising AS and Coop Kindlustusmaakler AS.

    Paavo Truu (and his company) holds 52 248 shares in Coop Pank AS and had been issued with the option of a further 22 700 shares with a realization date of 2025, an option for 41 900 shares which mature in 2026 and an option for 86 200 which mature in 2027.

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking has reached 200,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti comprising 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Katre Tatrik
    Communication Manager
    Tel: +372 5151 859
    E-mail: katre.tatrik@cooppank.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Poland: Plans to suspend the right to seek asylum ‘flagrantly unlawful’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the Polish government’s new migration strategy which cites the threat of Russia and Belarus using migration to ‘destabilize the country’ and proposes temporary suspension of the right to seek asylum, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Europe, Dinushika Dissanayake said:

    “Suspending the right to seek asylum is flagrantly unlawful and Prime Minister Tusk knows this. EU member states like Poland are playing politics with the rights of refugees and migrants. From Poland to Finland, Greece and Germany, so-called emergencies are being weaponized to enact laws that gravely undermine access to asylum and the protection from refoulement.

    “These proposals endanger the rights of people seeking safety. They penalize people who may have been subject to violence and trafficking, or lured to EU borders under false pretenses. They provide for a temporary and territorial suspension of ‘the right to submit asylum applications’, affecting both people crossing ‘irregularly’ along the land border and to those at official border crossing points, referring to Finland’s recently passed law on this issue.

    “These proposals are also blatantly inconsistent with the newly approved EU crisis and force majeure regulation as part of the Pact on Migration and Asylum. States have a range of tools available to respond to security concerns, which must in all cases uphold human rights, including the right to asylum, as protected by the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights.

    “Since 2021, the EU has been tolerating practices enacted by Poland, Latvia and Lithuania at their borders with Belarus that go beyond all powers granted to them under EU law, and more recently at Finland’s border with Russia. It is high time for the European Commission to take its role as guardian of the treaties seriously and send a clear message that fundamental rights cannot be bent to political interests.”

    Background

    States refer to “instrumentalization” of migration to designate actions by third states or other actors that facilitate irregular migration movements into another country in an attempt to destabilize it.

    The plans for the suspension of asylum applications form part of Poland’s strategy on migration for 2025-2030, approved by the Government on 15 October 2024.

    These plans are the latest in the Polish government’s efforts to undermine the human rights of refugees and migrants arriving at the Polish-Belarussian border. The proposal also comes as Poland, together with Lithuania and Latvia (in separate but similar cases), faces imminent scrutiny at the European Court of Human Rights for the situation of a group of Afghan people seeking asylum who were stranded at the border with Belarus in 2021, as the Polish authorities allegedly prevented from accessing asylum and summarily returned them.

    For more information, please contact [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: LHV Group Financial Calendar for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AS LHV Group has decided the company’s Financial Calendar for the 2025 financial year.

    In 2025 LHV Group plans to disclose information and organise the Annual General Meeting of shareholders according to the following schedule:

    11.02.2025 Q4 2024 and unaudited full year results
    13.02.2025 Disclosure of Financial Plan
    18.02.2025 January results
    04.03.2025 Audited results for 2024
    12.03.2025 February results
    26.03.2025 Annual General Meeting
    08.04.2025 Ex-dividend date (ex-date)
    22.04.2025 Q1 interim results
    13.05.2025 April results
    17.06.2025 May results
    22.07.2025 Q2 interim results
    12.08.2025 July results
    16.09.2025 August results
    21.10.2025 Q3 interim results
    18.11.2025 October results
    16.12.2025 November results

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. The LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,100 people. As at the end of August, LHV’s banking services are used by 441,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 118,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus protects a total of 168,000 clients. LHV Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a banking licence in the United Kingdom and provides banking services to international financial technology companies, as well as loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Priit Rum
    Communication Manager
    Phone: +372 502 0786
    Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament Press Kit for the European Council of 17 and 18 October 2024

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 10.00 and hold a press conference after her speech.

    When: Press conference at around 11.00 on 17 October

    Where: European Council press room and via Parliament’s webstreaming or EbS.

    At their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government will discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression, and the EU’s response to the latest events in the Middle East, where Israeli forces continue their attacks on Gaza and in Lebanon, while Iran has launched missiles against Israel. EU leaders will also focus on making the European economy more competitive, following the publication of Mario Draghi’s report, which calls for a boost in public investment and wide-ranging economic reforms. They will also discuss ways to manage migration flows and ensure border protection, climate change and biodiversity, and the situation in Georgia, Moldova, Venezuela and Sudan.

    Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel / Escalating violence in the Middle East

    President Metsola marked the one-year anniversary of terrorist attacks in Israel at the opening of the 7-10 October plenary session in Strasbourg. Recalling the horror of that day “that will live in infamy”, President Metsola said nothing could ever justify the indiscriminate mass murder, rape, kidnapping and torture that occurred one year ago. Since then, too few have been able to make it back to their loved ones – “this house will continue to do what we can to help bring them all home”, she said.

    The 7 October attacks triggered a cycle of war, death and devastation that has seen thousands killed in Gaza, and instability across the region, President Metsola stated. In remembering all those lost and taken, the President added that “Parliament’s calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostages will remain steadfast, our calls for ceasefire will remain resolute, and our efforts towards de-escalation will remain strong.” The work for real, dignified, long-term and sustainable peace will remain unwavering, she concluded. MEPs held a minute of silence in memory of all the innocent lives lost.

    In a resolution adopted on 25 April, MEPs strongly condemn the Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel and call for further sanctions against Iran. Parliament voices serious concern over the escalation and threat to regional security. MEPs reiterate their full support for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens and condemn the simultaneous rocket launches carried out by Iran’s proxies Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen against the Golan Heights and Israeli territory before and during the Iranian attack.

    At the same time, they deplore the attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on 1 April, which is widely attributed to Israel. The resolution recalls the importance of the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, which must be respected in all cases under international law.

    Further reading

    Parliament marks one year from the October 7th attacks in Israel

    Parliament condemns Iran’s attack on Israel and calls for de-escalation

    Parliament calls on Israel to open all crossings to Gaza for humanitarian aid

    Israel-Hamas war: MEPs call for a permanent ceasefire under two conditions


    MEPs condemn Hamas attack on Israel and call for a humanitarian pause

    Resolution: The despicable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel, Israel’s right to defend itself in line with humanitarian and international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza

    President Metsola at the European Council: EU must remain coherent and united

    Leading MEPs condemn attack by Hamas terrorists against Israel

    MEPs to contact

    David McALLISTER, (EPP, DE), Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMANN (Renew, DE), Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence

    Russia’s war against Ukraine

    On 14 October, MEPs on the Trade Committee endorsed the Commission’s proposal to support Ukraine with an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan of up to €35 billion. This is the EU’s contribution under the G7’s initiative to support Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion) to address Ukraine’s urgent financing needs in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The repayment of this exceptional MFA loan and of the loans from other G7 countries will come from the extraordinary revenues made from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets, and enabled by the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, newly established under the Commission’s proposal. The plenary vote is scheduled during next week’s session in Strasbourg.

    In a resolution adopted on 19 September, MEPs want EU countries to lift current restrictions hindering Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against legitimate military targets in Russia. The text states that if current restrictions are not lifted, Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defence and remains exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure. Parliament underlines that insufficient deliveries of ammunition and restrictions on their use risks offsetting the impact of efforts made to date, and deplores that EU countries are offering less bilateral military aid to Ukraine. MEPs reiterate their call for member states to fulfil their March 2023 commitment to deliver one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine, and to accelerate the delivery of weapons, air defence systems and ammunition, including TAURUS missiles. They also restate their position that all EU countries and NATO allies should collectively and individually commit to annual military support for Ukraine of no less than 0.25% of their GDP.

    While calling on the EU and its member states to actively work towards achieving the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and identifying a peaceful solution to the war, MEPs say that any resolution must be based on full respect for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also view holding Russia accountable for war crimes and reparations, and other payments by Moscow, as essential aspects of any solution. To this end, MEPs want the EU and like-minded partners to establish a sound legal regime to confiscate Russian state-owned assets frozen by the EU as part of efforts to compensate Ukraine for the massive damage it has suffered.

    With Russia’s war against Ukraine raging on, Parliament reconfirmed on 17 July its view that the EU must continue to support Kyiv for as long as it takes until victory. The resolution, which sets out the newly-elected European Parliament’s first official position on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, restates MEPs’ continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It calls on the EU to maintain and extend its sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus, monitor and review its effectiveness and impact, and systematically tackle the issue of EU-based companies, third parties, and third countries that circumvent sanctions.

    Further reading

    Ukraine: Trade Committee endorses financial support backed by Russian assets

    MEPs: Ukraine must be able to strike legitimate military targets in Russia

    Newly elected Parliament reaffirms its strong support for Ukraine

    MEPs approve trade support measures for Ukraine with protection for EU farmers

    Joint Statement by the Presidents of the European Union Institutions on the occasion of the 2 year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

    Parliament calls on the EU to give Ukraine whatever it needs to defeat Russia

    EU sanctions: new rules to crack down on violations

    MEPs: EU must actively support Russia’s democratic opposition

    Yulia Navalnaya: “If you want to defeat Putin, fight his criminal gang”

    Debate 12 March 2024: Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024

    Debate 13 March 2024: Need to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia

    Parliament wants tougher enforcement of EU sanctions against Russia

    A long-term solution for Ukraine’s funding needs

    How the EU is supporting Ukraine

    EU stands with Ukraine

    MEPs to contact

    David McALLISTER, (EPP, DE) Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Marie-Agnes STRACK-ZIMMERMANN (Renew, DE), Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence

    Karin KARLSBRO (Renew, SE), rapporteur on macro-financial assistance to Ukraine

    Competitiveness

    On 17 September, Mario Draghi outlined his blueprint for making Europe more competitive through closer cooperation in core areas and massive investment in shared objectives.

    Mr Draghi said that the EU needed to focus on three crucial issues: closing the innovation gap with the US and China; developing a joint plan to link the goal of decarbonisation with increased competitiveness; and boosting Europe’s security and reducing its dependence on foreign economic powers. A fit-for-purpose competitiveness agenda would require annual funding of between EUR 750 – EUR 800 billion for projects whose objectives were already agreed upon by the EU. Some of this money could come from private sources, but some would also need to be secured through public investment, including by new common debt issued specifically to fund key joint projects, Mr Draghi said.

    In a debate following Mr Draghi’s address, many MEPs agreed with his analysis that the EU economy must urgently change course. The EU should focus, they argued, on competition and innovation in key industries, along with more public and private investments in social, green and digital transformations. Some MEPs called for greater sovereignty and freer markets, and stressed that fighting climate change sabotages the EU economy. Others observed that growth is compatible with clean innovative technologies and social investment, to help citizens to learn new skills.

    Further reading

    Draghi to MEPs: “Europe faces a choice between exit, paralysis, or integration”

    MEPs adopt plans to boost Europe’s Net-Zero technology production

    New EU fiscal rules approved by MEPs

    MEPs to contact

    Borys Budka (EPP, PL), Chair Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

    Migration

    During a press point with the Estonian Prime Minister on 16 October, EP President Roberta Metsola stressed that it is “important that we implement the migration pact. We need to be fair with those eligible for protection, firm with those who are not, and harsh with smugglers and malign states like Belarus or Russia who seek to exploit those most vulnerable. Only a coordinated European approach can ensure the integrity of our borderless Schengen area.”

    On 9 October, Parliament debated how to strengthen the security of Europe’s external borders and the need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support. You can watch the debate here. On 7 October, MEPs discussed the reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of member states and its impact on the Schengen Area. Watch the debate here.

    On 10 April, MEPs approved the new Migration and Asylum Pact. The package consists of ten legislative texts to reform the European migration and asylum policy and was agreed with EU member states. You can find the adopted texts here and watch the plenary debate here.

    Further reading

    MEPs approve the new Migration and Asylum Pact

    MEP to contact

    Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Foreign affairs: Georgia, Moldova, Venezuela, Sudan

    In a resolution adopted on 9 October, MEPs say current democratic backsliding in Georgia effectively puts the country’s integration with the EU on hold. The text highlights how the ruling Georgian Dream party has pushed an increasingly authoritarian agenda, including on media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Coupled with changes to the country’s electoral legislation and growing anti-EU rhetoric, MEPs say these laws violate the freedom of expression, censor media, impose restrictions on critical voices in civil society and the NGO sector and discriminate against vulnerable people. They also make clear that unless the legislation is rescinded, progress cannot be made in Georgia’s relations with the EU.

    Against the backdrop of the continuing decline of Georgia’s democracy, Parliament demands that all EU funding provided to the Georgian government be frozen until the undemocratic laws are repealed. Any future funding of the Georgian government can only be disbursed under strict conditions, MEPs argue.

    On 9 October, MEPs adopted a resolution issuing a strong warning against continued Russian attempts to derail Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. The text vehemently condemns Russia’s escalating malicious activities, interference and hybrid operations ahead of Moldovans going to the polls to vote in the country’s presidential election and constitutional referendum on EU integration on 20 October. MEPs highlight the role played by a plethora of malicious actors, including pro-Russian Moldovan oligarchs and Russia’s state-funded RT network, in carrying out voter fraud schemes as well as cyber operations and information warfare. They also call on the EU and its member states to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to Moldova to strengthen its institutional mechanisms and ability to respond to hybrid threats.

    The European Parliament reaffirms its support for Moldova’s path towards EU accession, calling on the European Commission to include the country in the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and to prioritise funding for EU candidate countries in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. With EU accession talks with Moldova already having begun, MEPs call for a faster screening process and the timely organisation of the subsequent intergovernmental conferences.

    In a resolution adopted on 19 September, Parliament says the EU should do its utmost to ensure that Edmundo González Urrutia, the legitimate and democratically elected President of Venezuela, can take office on 10 January 2025. MEPs “strongly condemn and fully reject the electoral fraud orchestrated by the regime-controlled National Electoral Council, which refused to make public the official result.” They recognise Edmundo González Urrutia as the country’s legitimate and democratically elected president, and María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela. They also strongly condemn the Venezuelan Government’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Mr González.

    On 8 October, MEPs held a plenary debate on the situation in Sudan. You can watch the debate here.

    Further reading

    Parliament says Georgia’s democracy is at risk

    Resolution: The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

    Parliament condemns Russia’s interference in Moldova

    Resolution: Strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

    Venezuela: MEPs recognise Edmundo González as President

    Resolution: Situation in Venezuela

    MEPs to contact

    David McALLISTER, (EPP, DE) Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Nils UŠAKOVS (S&D, LV), Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee

    Climate change and biodiversity

    A Parliament delegation will attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan between 18 and 22 November 2024. MEPs will also adopt a resolution during the 13-14 November plenary session, which will constitute the delegation’s mandate for talks with international partners.

    Parliament will also send a delegation to the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, between 28 and 31 October 2024.

    MEPs to contact

    Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the delegation to the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference, Baku, Azerbaijan

    Antonio DECARO (S&D, IT), Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: WhiteBIT Achieves the Highest Level of PCI DSS Certification for Payment Data Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WhiteBIT cryptocurrency exchange has once again confirmed its commitment to top-tier security standards by successfully passing the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification. The company achieved the highest Level 1 certification.

    This certification verifies that the WhiteBIT platform adheres to the best practices for storing, processing, and transmitting payment card data, ensuring the privacy and security of its users’ financial information. Payment data on WhiteBIT is securely protected from cyber attacks and online fraud, allowing customers to safely perform bank card transactions (deposit/withdraw funds) using methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

    “The security of our customers has always been a top priority at WhiteBIT. We set a high standard for cybersecurity and work tirelessly to safeguard our users’ data against potential threats,” said Volodymyr Nosov. “Today, over 5 million clients trust us, and we continually implement innovative solutions to ensure their safety and the transparency of our processes.”

    Benefits of PCI DSS Certification for WhiteBIT Crypto Exchange:

    1. Enhanced Fraud Protection: The certification ensures that WhiteBIT implements advanced security measures, such as encryption, tokenization, access controls, and monitoring, to protect and process payment card data. This greatly reduces the risk of data breaches and cybercrime.
    2. Data Privacy: WhiteBIT handles card data in line with top industry standards, ensuring clients’ sensitive information remains secure and confidential.
    3. Wider Range of Trusted Payment Options: PCI DSS certification enables the integration of multiple secure payment methods, including bank cards from various payment systems. Additionally, all payment providers partnered with WhiteBIT are also required to comply with PCI DSS standards.
    4. Global Recognition: Certification proves that WhiteBIT adheres to international security practices, which is a key consideration for global partners and investors.

    PCI DSS certification highlights WhiteBIT’s commitment to user safety, allowing customers to confidently use their bank cards on the platform without concerns over data breaches.

    To maintain PCI DSS certification, WhiteBIT undergoes an independent audit annually, assessing its compliance with 12 core security principles. This audit is conducted by an accredited third-party organization.

    In addition, WhiteBIT performs external penetration testing of its platform to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.

    About PCI DSS

    PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a global security standard established by the payment card industry to protect cardholder data. It was developed by five major payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. The standard encompasses over 300 criteria related to various aspects of information security, organized into 12 key principles. There are four levels of certification, determined by the annual volume of transactions processed.

    About WhiteBIT

    WhiteBIT is one of the largest centralized cryptocurrency exchanges in Europe, founded in Ukraine in 2018. The platform offers more than 580 trading pairs, 270+ assets, and supports 10 national currencies. WhiteBIT partners with global payment system Visa, the e-sports platform FACEIT, and the telecom operator lifecell. It also supports FC Barcelona (Spain), Trabzonspor (Turkey), and the Ukrainian national football team. Additionally, WhiteBIT collaborates with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The company’s mission is to promote the widespread adoption of blockchain technology in Ukraine and around the world.

    Contact

    WhiteBit
    WhiteBit Team
    pr@whitebit.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Valdis Dombrovskis – Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Valdis Dombrovskis is European Commission Executive Vice-President and currently holds an economic portfolio, which since 2020 also includes trade. After becoming Commission Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue in 2016, in 2019 he was promoted to Executive Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue, also overseeing Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union. In 2014, Dombrovskis was elected a Member of the European Parliament, sitting in the European Paople’s Party (EPP) group, a post he had already held from 2004 to 2009. He was a member of the Committee on Budgets and a substitute member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs and Budgetary Control committees. Dombrovskis served as Latvia’s prime minister from 2009 to 2014. Prior to this, from 2002 to 2004, he served as the country’s finance minister. Born in 1971 in Riga, Latvia, Dombrovskis earned a master’s degree in physics from the University of Latvia. He later obtained a professional master’s degree in customs and tax administration from Riga Technical University.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General praises Latvia for its contributions to NATO

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday (16 October 2024), at his official residence in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa, to discuss further strengthening NATO’s defences and NATO’s continued support to Ukraine.

    Mr. Rutte praised Latvia for its many contributions to the Alliance. “You spend almost 3 percent of GDP on defence, you host a multinational battlegroup where Allies work side by side to defend NATO’s eastern flank, as well as military exercises to ensure that Latvian and Allied armed forces maintain a high level of readiness and interoperability,” said Mr Rutte at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Siliņa. He referred to Latvia’s commitment to increase defence spending to 3 percent of GDP and noted Riga’s ambition to reach this goal even sooner than expected. Mr. Rutte also commended Latvia for its contributions to NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo and NATO’s training mission in Iraq.

    On Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Secretary General reiterated that “we must deliver on the commitments we made at the Washington Summit,” noting that Russia has relentlessly attacked Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure with winter just around the corner. He recalled that “Latvia has provided extensive military training for Ukrainian soldiers” and leads a coalition that works with industry to supply drones.  “I welcome your recent announcement of a new military aid package, including armoured personnel vehicles,” added Mr. Rutte.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: The new version of the Articles of Association of UAB Urbo bankas was registered

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo bankas UAB (hereinafter – “the Bank”), company code 112027077, address: Konstitucijos pr.18B, Vilnius.

    We hereby inform you that on 15 October 2024, a new version of the Articles of Association of the Bank was registered in the Register of Legal Entities. The new version of the Articles of Association was approved on 30 September 2024 by the Board ot the Bank.

    In addition, we inform you that the reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was completed after the above-mentioned version of the Bank’s Articles of Association was registered. UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was merged with the Bank.

    The reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was implemented in accordance with the procedure and deadlines established by the Law on Joint-Stock Companies of the Republic of Lithuania.

    After the reorganization, the Bank took over all the rights and obligations and assets of UAB “Saugus Kreditas”, as well as rights and obligations under the transactions. They are included in the accounting records of the Bank.

    After the reorganization, the authorized capital of the Bank, which continues its activities, the value of shares, their number, the goals and object of the company’s activities, the company’s bodies and their competence have not changed.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Narsil disrupts network of child abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    3 August 2023

    Tracking the money made by perpetrators and preventing the revictimization of children

    LYON, France — INTERPOL has concluded a two-year global operation to bring to justice criminals operating networks of child sexual abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising.

    Running from December 2021 to July 2023, Operation Narsil also targeted the finance mechanisms used by the website administrators to conduct their online advertising campaigns.

    Over two years, INTERPOL member countries worked together using INTERPOL’s Worst of List (IWOL), sharing targeted intelligence, pinpointing suspects and coordinating arrests of the people managing the websites.

    Created in 2010, IWOL contains a watchlist of websites containing extreme child abuse material.  The General Secretariat headquarters works with law enforcement in all regions so that national Internet service providers close down these websites.

    “Operation Narsil sends a strong message to the criminals making money from these websites that INTERPOL, and its alliance of police forces in 195 member countries, know where they are, what they are doing, and how to find them,” said Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General.

    “Every time a person clicks on these images, they are effectively entering a crime scene. Identifying and removing these websites reduces the availability and potential normalization of online child abuse material, and, most importantly, reduces the re-victimization of the children abused,” added Secretary General Stock.

    Worldwide crime trend

    In one case, a brother and sister, both in their early thirties, were arrested as a result of IWOL digital clues and intelligence provided by the global police community pointing investigators to the suspects in Argentina.

    Investigations by Argentina’s Victim Identification Office in the Anti Cyber Crimes against Minors Division and the Specialised Cybercrime Prosecution Unit (UFECI), working with Federal Courts in Mendoza Province, led to the identification and arrest of the two suspects.

    Fourteen electronic devices were seized from their home as well as cash and credit cards. The siblings are thought to have created, maintained and financially benefitted for more than a decade from websites featuring child sexual abuse material and associated advertising campaigns.

    “Given the technological complexities of this case and the degree to which the criminal activity went undetected, these arrests highlight the importance of police cooperation across regional, national, and international borders,” said the Head of Argentina’s Federal Police, Juan Carlos Hernandez, who also serves as delegate for the Americas on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee.

    Argentina’s Federal Police search electronic devices seized during Operation Narsil for child abuse images

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review materials seized during Operation Narsil

    Argentina’s Federal Police reviewing seized materials

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review visitor statistics to the suspect’s sites

    “With synchronized arrests across continents, this operation confronted global networks that profit from child abuse images and videos. INTERPOL is a strong global network of officers fully committed to putting an end to the online abuse of children, and we applaud the action and incredible results countries have achieved in Operation Narsil,” added Argentina’s Police Chief.

    Local crime, global cooperation

    Working with the Prosecutor’s Office, Bulgarian law enforcement identified and arrested a 34-year-old man who made his living operating an online forum that facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse materials.

    Bulgarian Police closed the online forum he had been running since 2020 and which is thought to have facilitated access to thousands of media files depicting serious child sexual abuse material.

    Following the arrest, investigations are ongoing to identify forum users.

    In one case during the Russian leg of Operation Narsil, police authorities arrested two 24-year-old citizens for the production and online circulation of materials depicting the sexual violation of minors. Authorities searched the suspects’ homes, seizing computer equipment containing specialized software for creating and administrating websites, and removable hard drives containing child sexual abuse material.

    With the support of US Homeland Security Investigations, Thai police arrested a 45-year-old Thai national for the possession and online distribution of child sexual abuse material. His arrest came after police executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering large amounts of child sexual abuse material and financial transaction records associated with online distribution of the abuse photos.

    Narsil – meaning a longsword which tackles all evil – is one of the first INTERPOL operations to focus on identifying, locating and arresting the people receiving advertising revenues from website visitors interested in viewing the site’s child sexual abuse content.

    INTERPOL has been monitoring websites disseminating child sexual abuse imagery for more than 13 years and, in collaboration with law enforcement partners across the world, has seized more than 20,000 domains.

    Operation Narsil involved investigations triggered by law enforcement in Austria, Argentina, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Marta Kos – Enlargement – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching (2021-present), and a senior advisor at the Brussels consulting firm Kreab. From 2017 to 2021, she was Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). As president of the Slovenian women’s association ONA VE (‘she knows’), Kos works to raise the profile of female experts. Kos has been engaged in Slovenia’s political life as a vice-president of the social-liberal Freedom Movement party. Among the positions she held while employed by the government were director of the Public Relations and Media Office, and government spokesperson. Between 2003 and 2013, Kos headed Gustav Käser Training International Slovenia, specialising in leadership and sales training. Until 2003, Kos was vice-president for international relations at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kos earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1989 and, in 2001, a master’s degree in political science from the University of Ljubljana.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Kaja Kallas – High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Kaja Kallas served as the prime minister of Estonia from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, she was awarded the Walther Rathenau Prize in recognition of outstanding lifetime achievement in foreign policy. Having joined the Estonian Reform Party in 2011, Kallas has been its leader since April 2018. From 2011 to 2014, she was a member of the Estonian Parliament (12th Riigikogu) and served as chair of its Economic Affairs Committee (2011). She was also a member of the 14th Riigikogu (2019 to 2021). As a Member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2018, Kallas belonged to the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE, now Renew Europe) political group. During this term, Kallas was Vice-Chair of Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee. Kallas was born in 1977 in Tallinn. She graduated from the University of Tartu in 1999 with a degree in law and pursued postgraduate studies at the Estonian Business School in 2007. Before entering politics, Kallas worked as an attorney at law. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund publishes its NAV for September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The net asset value (NAV) per unit of the Baltic Horizon Fund (the Fund) amounted to EUR 0.7099 at the end of September 2024 (0.8011 as of 31 August 2024). The month-end total net asset value of the Fund was EUR 101.9 million (EUR 95.8 million as of 31 August 2024). The EPRA NRV as of 30 September 2024 stood at EUR 0.7510 per unit.

    In September 2024, the Baltic Horizon Fund successfully completed the private placement and issued 23,927,085 new units corresponding to a gross value of EUR 6.29 million.

    In September 2024, the consolidated net rental income of the Fund remained at the level of EUR 1.0 million (EUR 1.0 million in August 2024).

    At the end of September 2024, the Fund’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 10.0 million (31 August 2024: EUR 3.9 million). As of 30 September 2024, the total consolidated assets of the Fund were EUR 256.8 million (31 August 2024: EUR 249.8 million).

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    http://www.baltichorizon.com

    Baltic Horizon Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. Both the Fund and the Management Company are supervised by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority.

    Distribution: Nasdaq, GlobeNewswire, http://www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on http://www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on http://www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Hosts Enhanced Honor Cordon and Bilat for Denmark’s MoD Poulsen at the Pentagon

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN: Well, Mr. Poulsen, it’s an honor to host you at the Pentagon. And Denmark is a close and longstanding ally, and we appreciate Denmark’s many contributions to our shared national security interests. We’re grateful for your country’s continued support of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. It’s our northernmost military installation, and it performs vital space and missile defense missions.

    Now, the US and Denmark also stand united in helping Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s cruel war of aggression. So, Mr. Minister, thanks for everything that you’re doing to support the Ukrainian people and their military. Denmark may be a small country, but it’s one of the top financial donors to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP.

    Denmark has also led the way in finding innovative solutions to meet Ukraine’s operational requirements. And you have stepped up as a co-leader of the Air Force capability coalition of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, alongside my country and the Netherlands. So, thanks for leading the way on providing F-16s to Ukraine and training their pilots.

    Last December, the US signed a defense cooperation agreement with Denmark, and so I look forward to building on this momentum and deepening our bilateral defense partnership. Our countries both believe that our democratic values and our close defense cooperation are vital for peace, prosperity, and security in the North Atlantic. So, I appreciate Denmark’s increasing role in regional defense, and I applaud Denmark’s commitment to meet the pledge that all NATO members took to invest at least 2 percent of your GDP in defense this year.

    Mr. Minister, thanks again for making the trip. I look forward to a great conversation. Over to you.

    DENMARK MINISTER OF DEFENSE TROELS LUND POULSEN: Thank you very much, and thank you for the warm welcome here at the Pentagon. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, it is a great honor for me to be here, and also having the possibility to talk to you about some of the most crucial elements right now.

    And as you just mentioned, Denmark and the US have a long-lasting cooperation. And you are indeed a very warm and also strong ally for Denmark, and we very much support you in that. And I hope that we also could continue that support in the future.

    Thank you also for what you personally have been doing since 2022 at the Ramstein meetings. It is indeed a great honor for me to participate in these meetings, and also the great support from the US to Ukraine and also the very needed support for the fight for freedom for the people of Ukraine. I think you have personally done an outstanding job, and thank you so much for that.

    We are also looking into new discussions. New NATO targets will arrive next year. Denmark will be very active also to deliver on these targets. I think you’re also aware that Denmark is now being able to spend 2.4 percent of the GDP on defense. We will continue doing that also in the future.

    And I have also said to you before that I think Europe have to spend more on our own defense, and then we will also be an important player in that discussion. Denmark can do more in the future, but I also think that Europe should do more for our own security. We cannot depend on US. We should do more, Europe, in context for our own defense.

    Let me also just recognize the close cooperation that we have. You mentioned Pituffik Air Base. I think you will have also strong cooperation in the future. Also among the Kingdom of Denmark, we have the Faroe Islands and also Greenland, and then of course also Denmark. We can do even more together, and we will be happy to do that together with the US.

    And let me just conclude saying that we are also having soldiers in Latvia, 800 soldiers. I paid a visit to them last week. And we will also be active in doing even more in the future to help our friends in the Baltic area securing their security.

    So, once again, thank you so much for having us here today. It’s a great honor for us to be here.

    SECRETARY AUSTIN: Mr. Minister, welcome, and thanks for making the trip. And I look forward to a great conversation. Thanks, everybody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice Regarding Approval of Supplement to Prospectus and Final Terms of the Forth Tranche

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    UAB “Orkela,” legal entity code 304099538, registered address at Jogailos St. 4, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania (the Issuer), whose securities (the Bonds) are listed and admitted to trading on the Bond List of Nasdaq, also the Bonds are being publicly offered under the base prospectus approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 14 November 2023 including its first supplement approved on 24 November 2023 (the Prospectus).

    The Issuer informs that the second supplement to the Prospectus has been approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 15 October 2024 (the Prospectus’ Supplement), that is attached.  Before deciding to invest in the Bonds, please carefully read the Prospectus’ Supplement.

    The Issuer would like to announce that pursuant to the Final Terms of the forth Tranche that were adopted on 15 October 2024 (the Final Terms) in accordance with the Issuer’s Base Prospectus approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 14 November 2023, including its first and second supplements (the Prospectus), Offering of the Bonds under the Final Terms in the total amount of EUR 5,432,000 will be carried out in the Republic of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia under the following main terms (other terms applicable are detailed in the Final Terms):

    1. Nominal Value of a Bond – EUR 1,000;
    2. Issue Price of a Bond – EUR  1,014.1267
    3. Final Maturity Date – 19 January 2025;
    4. Interest Rate – 6% (fixed) annually;
    5. Yield – 8% annually;
    6. Subscription channels – Regular Subscription where the Subscription Orders shall be accepted:

    (i) by the Issuer at the office at Jogailos st. 4, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail info@lordslb.lt;

    (ii) by the Lead Manager at the office at Šeimyniškių st. 1A, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail broker@sb.lt;

    (iii) by the Manager: UAB FMĮ “Evernord”, legal entity code 303198227, at the office at Konstitucijos ave. 15-90, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail vismante.sepetiene@evernord.com;

    (iv) by the Manager: UAB “Gerovės valdymas”, legal entity code 302445450, at the office at Jogailos st. 3, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail gv@gerovesvaldymas.lt;

    (v) by the Manager: Redgate Capital AS, legal entity code 11532616, at the office at Pärnu mnt 10, Tallinn 10148, Estonia or by e-mail bonds@redgatecapital.eu.

    1. Subscription Period – 16 October 2024 – 6 November 2024;
    2. Payment Date – 7 November 2024;
    3. Issue Date – 8 November 2024.

    Before deciding to invest in the Bonds, each Investor shall read the Prospectus and Final Terms with attached relevant language summary. All aforementioned documents are attached herein and published on the Issuer’s website at https://lordslb.lt/orkela_bonds/. 

    General Manager of UAB “Orkela”
    Anastasija Pocienė

    anastasija.pociene@lordslb.lt

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Charges Several People and Companies in a $280 Million Ponzi Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced it filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against:

    • Traders Domain FX LTD. d/b/a The Traders Domain, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines company with principal operations in Canada, and its two co-founders, Fredirick Teddy Joseph Safranko, a/k/a Ted Safranko, of Ontario or British Columbia, Canada, and David William Negus-Romvari of Ontario, Canada and Mexico
    • Ares Global Ltd. d/b/a Trubluefx, a Saint Lucia company
    • Algo Capital LLC, a Florida company
    • Algo FX Capital Advisor LLC n/k/a Quant5 Advisor LLC., a Delaware company with principal operations in Medley, Florida, and four of their officers and agents including Robert Collazo Jr. of Miami Lakes, Florida, Juan Jose Herman a/k/a/ JJ Herman of Miami, John Fortini of North Miami, Florida, and Stephen Likos of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
    • Michael Shannon Sims of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
    • Holton Buggs Jr., of Houston
    • Centurion Capital Group Inc., a Florida company, and three of its officers and agents including Alejandro Santiestaban a/k/a Alex Santi, Gabriel Beltran, both of Hialeah, Florida, and Archie Rice of Fulshear, Texas 

    The complaint alleges that, among other things, the defendants individually, and at times working in conjunction, made material fraudulent representations to their customers and misappropriated customer funds. In sum, more than 2,000 customers deposited no less than $283 million in connection with the alleged fraud.

    The CFTC seeks disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil monetary penalties, restitution, trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations.

    On Oct. 3, Federal District Court Judge Roy K. Altman entered a statutory restraining order against the defendants, freezing their assets, and giving the CFTC immediate access to their books and records. The court scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for Oct. 29.

    Case Background

    The complaint alleges from at least November 2019 through the present, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari orchestrated a multi-layered scheme to solicit funds for trading leveraged or margined retail commodity transactions, specifically gold-to-U.S. dollar pairs (XAU/USD), as well as assorted other commodities, through pooled and individual accounts. 

    The complaint states TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari made fraudulent and material oral and written misrepresentations and omissions, and misappropriated customer funds. The complaint alleges TD and Safranko falsified trading records and TD’s successor, Trubluefx, further misappropriated customer funds by failing to refund the money despite repeated attempts by thousands of customers to access and/or liquidate their accounts.

    According to the complaint, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari also used other individuals and entities (sponsors) on TD’s behalf, with each sponsor acting like a spoke extending from the TD hub. 

    The sponsors Algo Capital and Algo FX Capital Advisor n/k/a Quant5, and their agents Collazo, Herman, Fortini, and Likos; Sims; Buggs; and Centurion, and its agents Santi, Beltran, and Rice, also fraudulently solicited customers and misappropriated funds. The sponsors actively downplayed red flags and continued to solicit customers, helping to create the false impression customers were participating in legitimate trading even as the scheme was on the brink of collapse.

    In the fall of 2022, customers began to experience extreme withdrawal delays and/or were unable to withdraw their funds. According to the complaint, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari, and the sponsor defendants provided numerous, conflicting excuses for the delays — falsely assuring customers their funds were safe, and withdrawals would be processed. All while the sponsor defendants continued to solicit funds from new and existing customers to be traded in the TD Pool, allowing the defendants to continue their fraudulent scheme for more than six months and bilk customers out of millions of additional dollars.

    The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the National Futures Association, Ontario Securities Commission, the Financial Services Authority Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Finantsinspektsioon (Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority), and Vanuatu Financial Services Commission. 

    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this matter are Alison B. Wilson, Sean Hennessy, Sarah Wastler, Kelly Folks, Maura Viehmeyer, Michelle Bougas, Erica Bodin, Stephanie Cooper, and Rick Glaser. Jeremy Christianson and Christopher Beatty from the CFTC’s Office of Data and Technology also assisted.

    CFTC’s Commodity Pool Fraud Advisory

    The CFTC has issued several customer protection Fraud Advisories and Articles, including the Commodity Pool Fraud Advisory, which provides information about a type of fraud involving individuals and firms, often unregistered, offering investments in commodity pools. The CFTC also urges the public to verify a company’s registration at NFA BASIC before investing funds. If an entity is unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity.

    Suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, should be reported to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the CFTC Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers are eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the CFTC Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian soldier dies while off-duty in Riga, Latvia 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 15, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    It is with a heavy heart that Task Force Latvia confirms that a member of the Latvian Allied Augmentation Team, Captain Aaron Wideman, a Canadian Armed Forces member posted within the Latvian National Armed Forces, has died while off duty in Riga, Latvia. The circumstances of the incident are under investigation by the Latvian State Police. The Canadian Military Police are supporting the authorities on the matter. As the investigation is ongoing, no further information can be released.

    Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

    Quotes

    “We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Captain Aaron Wideman, who passed away on October 13, 2024. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

    Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey, Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff

    Contacts

    Media Relations
    Department of National Defence
    Phone: 613-904-3333
    Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX GLOBAL 2024: Historic opening day marked by record international participation and capacity crowds at key events

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 15, 2024/APO Group/ —

    • Entire international tech ecosystem descended on Dubai to mark the start of GITEX GLOBAL 2024 (www.GITEX.com)  – the world’s largest and best-rated tech event
    • Innovative showcases and GITEX Editions & European Innovation Council pavilion launches also star on “Tech Investor Day”
    • “AI Super Tuesday” next up at GITEX GLOBAL 2024

    International audiences enjoyed a memorable first day at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4h8HyRu) on Monday as the world’s largest and best-rated tech event kicked off in sensational fashion – setting the stage for an unforgettable week of breakthrough tech showcases.

    Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-18 October, GITEX GLOBAL presents a record-breaking edition in its 44th year. It welcomes over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, 1,200 investors alongside governments from more than 180 countries – the highest-ever international participation at GITEX GLOBAL – comprising enterprises, experts, investors, startups, academia, researchers, and the entire global tech ecosystem.

    Eagerly awaited exhibitions and events take centre stage

    Across a capacity-crowd venue, international audiences became acquainted with a wide variety of incredible innovations on Day 1 of GITEX GLOBAL 2024. UAE technology group G42 presented its Intelligence Grid immersive experience, enabling visitors to discover how AI can power every aspect of future life as a ‘super utility’. Lenovo showcased its new range of hardware and cloud solution equipped with transformative AI capabilities of the future, while e& showcased some the world’s most mindblowing protypes in all of tech. One of the highlights was the XPeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car – enabling audiences to discover how such innovations represent a historic opportunity to revolutionise aviation and personal transportation.

    With five incredible themes across five unmissable days this year, “Tech Investment Day” was first up with World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit (http://apo-opa.co/4dLQ9qC) amongst the many shows that drew huge crowds and received widespread audience acclaim.

    In a special briefing, His Excellency (H.E.) Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member & UAE Minister of Economy, addressed attendees during ‘Rise of the New Economy: AI & Emerging Industries’. This session delved into the UAE’s strategic initiatives fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the country as a global leader in the new economy.

    With the UAE’s non-oil sector accounting for 74% of national gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, H.E. Al Marri reaffirmed the Ministry of Economy’s ambitious plans for the years ahead, insisting: “We are in the business of breaking records. We’ve already achieved a non-oil sector that accounts for 74% of GDP – this record has never happened before in our country’s history. The UAE’s environment and ecosystem attracts people from around the globe – and the target now is to reach 80% by 2030 and become an R&D hub for the world.”

    With several leadership sessions held throughout the Monday schedule, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President & Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), shared key insights and perspectives during ‘AI Leadership: Steering Societal Transformation’. AI socio-economic implications were discussed alongside global AI leadership, models, governance, and regulation.

    Elsewhere on a historic opening day to celebrate GITEX GLOBAL’s record-extending 44th edition, new industry-defining programmes were also launched – including GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies and a premier hub for unicorns, soonicorns and rhinos.

    GITEX Editions connects 59 top global unicorns and was attended by H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications, also addressed attendees between another applauded leadership session – ‘The UAE As The Sandbox For Pragmatic Ai Regulation And Policy Development’.

    The year’s most impactful discussions surrounding AI’s future in society and industry were also attending by high numbers of visitors. While discussing the most transformative AI case studies across government, enterprise, and startups, the need to balance AI’s potential with creativity and human intuition was examined in various sessions, including ‘Regulating Tech: The Intersection of Tech, Crime and Law’.

    Didier Jacobs, Head of ICT & Chief AI Officer at Europol, stressed that heightened collaboration and cooperation are needed to overcome challenges and solve international crime, adding: “Cybercrime knows no borders. There are many technologies that can be misused for hacking, extortion, sabotage, illegal transactions, and so on. What’s needed are solutions – a blend of increased human collaboration and technology deployment is essential.”

    As this week marks the largest-ever European participation at GITEX GLOBAL with 38 European countries exhibiting alongside 1,000-plus SMEs and 450-plus startups, the European Innovation Council pavilion was officially launched to commemorate the milestone.

    With debuting exhibitors from countries including Austria, Portugal, Latvia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Switzerland in attendance, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL, opened the brand-new site. This casts a unique spotlight on Europe’s AI, tech, and innovation advancements alongside the cross-continental collaboration efforts currently taking shape across the continent.

    What next at GITEX GLOBAL 2024?

    GITEX GLOBAL 2024 continues Tuesday as “Super AI Tuesday” showcases how AI is transforming business strategies, revolutionising industries, and creating new growth opportunities across the globe. Up until Friday (October 18), attendees can also explore the latest tech sector services and solutions being rolled out across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

    GITEX GLOBAL is seamlessly connecting with world’s largest network of tech events with its stellar list including GITEX EUROPE Berlin, GITEX ASIA Singapore, GITEX AFRICA Morocco, and GITEX NIGERIA. These events are fostering collaboration and driving innovation to shape the tech landscape of tomorrow.

    More information on GITEX GLOBAL and to purchase passes, please visit http://www.GITEX.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers to visit Moldova

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers to visit Moldova – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    On 15 October 2024, the Nordic-Baltic countries’ foreign ministers will travel to Moldova. The visit comes ahead of the concurrent presidential elections and referendum on Moldova’s future relations with the European Union on 20 October. The Nordic-Baltic ministers are showing support for Moldova’s reforms and resilience in the face of intensifying hybrid attacks, and will share their experiences of membership and close relations with the European Union.

    “As Moldova prepares to decide on its future, the Nordic-Baltic countries stand firmly behind the right of all Moldovans to make their choice freely and independently. As relatively small, export-oriented countries located near or along the EU’s eastern border, we have important insights to share about the EU. We hope that our experiences will help Moldovans make their decision based on facts, not fears,” says Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Coordinator of the Nordic Baltic cooperation format Maria Malmer Stenergard. 

    The delegation will meet Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popşoi to discuss Moldova’s EU accession process and explore areas of further cooperation. The Nordic-Baltic countries have committed significant resources in support of Moldova’s reforms, efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and the country’s energy security, as well as humanitarian assistance. In 2023, this support amounted to 128.4 million EUR. The ministers will visit several regions in Moldova, where they will meet with members of the public and share their experiences about the EU. 

    The Nordic-Baltic countries are also committed to strengthening Moldova’s resilience in the face of intensifying hybrid attacks ahead of the referendum and the significant humanitarian and economic implications of Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. During the visit, the delegation will sign a memorandum of understanding with Moldova on strengthening institutional capacity. The memorandum covers cooperation, coordination and information sharing, including support to modernise the situation-monitoring room in the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Press contact

    Nordic-Baltic cooperation

    In 2024, Sweden is serving as Coordinator of the informal foreign and security cooperation format of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8). The Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers last visited Moldova in April 2023, when Latvia was Coordinator of the NB8.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank AS will hold an investor webinar to introduce the results for the Q3 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Coop Pank invites shareholders, investors, analysts and other stakeholders to join its investor webinar, scheduled on 18 October 2024 at 9 am (EET). The webinar will be held in Estonian.

    The webinar will be hosted by the Chairman of the Board Margus Rink and the Chief Financial Officer Paavo Truu, who present the unaudited financial results of the Third Quarter of 2024.

    During the webinar all attendees can ask questions. All questions will be answered after the presentation.

    To join the webinar, you need to register in advance via following link: https://bit.ly/18102024-registreerumine-veebiseminarile

    Registrants will be sent a link to the webinar and a reminder email one hour before the start of the webinar. The webinar will be recorded and published on the company’s website http://www.cooppank.ee and on our YouTube account.

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking has reached 200,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti comprising 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Katre Tatrik
    Communication Manager
    Tel: +372 5151 859
    E-mail: katre.tatrik@cooppank.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Šiaulių Bankas has successfully placed EUR 50 million note issue on the international market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM PART OF ANY OFFER, INVITATION TO SELL OR ISSUE, OR ANY SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR, ANY SECURITIES OF AKCINĖ BENDROVĖ ŠIAULIŲ BANKAS.

    Šiaulių Bankas has successfully placed EUR 50 million issue of Fixed Rate Reset Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Temporary Write Down Notes.

    The annual fixed rate coupon on the notes up to the reset date will be 8.75 %. The nearest reset date is set after 5 years. Settlement will take place on 17 October 2024. It is intended to list the notes on the Global Exchange Market multilateral trading facility operated by Euronext Dublin.

    The notes have been allocated to almost 20 institutional and professional investors, mostly from UK.

    “We have made another significant step for both the bank and the Lithuanian capital market being the first issuer in the country to issue AT1 notes. We are grateful to our international investors, who consistently show confidence in the bank’s prospects.

    This issue strengthens and optimises capital structure of the bank, allowing us to continue to grow rapidly and sustainably and to implement our new dividend policy. We strive to ensure high returns for shareholders and to increase the bank’s attractiveness to investors,” says Tomas Varenbergas, Board Member, Head of Investment Management Division of Šiaulių Bankas.

    The proceeds of the notes will be used for general corporate purposes, including to strengthen funding structure of Šiaulių Bankas, meet existing and future minimum own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) targets, and improve its capital position.

    The notes are rated Ba3 by the international rating agency Moody’s.

    Relevant stabilisation regulations including FCA/ICMA will apply.

    Šiaulių Bankas mandated Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE as Lead Manager.

    Šiaulių Bankas as the issuer was advised on legal matters by Dentons UK and Middle East LLP and TGS Baltic as lead issuer’s legal counsel. The Lead Manager was advised by Linklaters LLP and Sorainen on legal issues.

    This communication is not an offer of securities or investments for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities or investments in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation would be unlawful. No action has been taken that would permit an offering of securities or possession or distribution of this announcement in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions.

    Additional information:

    Tomas Varenbergas
    Head of Investment Management Division
    tomas.varenbergas@sb.lt

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA sincerely thanks international community for taking concrete actions to support Taiwan’s UN participation

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    October 4, 2024
    No. 058

    The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on September 30. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely thanks the diplomatic allies, like-minded countries, and friends from around the world who expressed support for Taiwan’s participation in the UN and refuted China’s deliberate misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 in various ways, both in the chamber and on the sidelines of the event. 

    High-level government officials from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies Paraguay, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini, Tuvalu, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Belize spoke up for Taiwan at the UN General Debate and Summit of the Future. Officials from the Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, and Saint Lucia explicitly pointed out that UNGA Resolution 2758 did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in the UN system. Following similar remarks in 2022, US President Joe Biden again used his speech to the UN General Debate to spell out the United States’ commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Australia mentioned the Taiwan Strait for the first time at the UN General Debate, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong stating that Australia had consistently pressed China on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.  

    At a US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing held a few days before the UN General Debate, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell criticized China for using UNGA Resolution 2758 as a diplomatic tool to suppress Taiwan’s status. In response to a question in parliament, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp openly acknowledged that the resolution had nothing to do with Taiwan. Following a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA held by the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers and the European Union high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, the chair of the meeting released a statement reaffirming the importance of cross-strait peace and stability to international security and prosperity as well as supporting Taiwan’s international participation. 

    Joint statements expressing a high regard for cross-strait peace and stability were issued after other recent high-level meetings, including the Quad leaders’ summit, the seventh high-level meeting of the EU-US Dialogue on China, the US-Japan summit meeting, the UK-US Strategic Dialogue, the Japan-Australia Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations, the Republic of Korea-New Zealand bilateral meeting, and the Lithuania-US Strategic Dialogue on the Indo-Pacific.

    In terms of legislative branches, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China passed a model resolution on UNGA Resolution 2758 on July 30 for its members’ reference. The Australian Senate, the Dutch House of Representatives, and the Guatemalan Congress have since adopted motions in support of Taiwan based on the model resolution. The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies also approved a resolution backing Taiwan’s international participation, demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan.

    Speaking for the first time on the sidelines of the UNGA at the annual summit of the New York-based nonprofit organization Concordia through prerecorded remarks, President Lai Ching-te told the UN family that Taiwan would strive to maintain regional peace and stability and urged the international community to support Taiwan’s participation.  Ambassador Alexander Tah-ray Yui, Representative to the United States, held a discussion with former US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach on cross-strait peace and security and Taiwan’s campaign to participate in the UN. During the UNGA, Taiwan cohosted a seminar in New York with the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework. The event underscored Taiwan’s resolve to contribute to the global community.

    MOFA also appreciates the unwavering support of the Legislative Yuan. A cross-party delegation of legislators—including Ngalim Tiunn, Wu Tsung-hsien, and Wu Chun-cheng—visited New York during the UNGA to provide guidance and take part in related activities. The group powerfully conveyed the strong desire of the Taiwanese people to be part of the UN system.

    Through an international publicity and new media campaign, the government effectively communicated Taiwan’s demands for UN participation to all quarters. An op-ed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, letters to the editor from Taiwan’s overseas missions, and interviews with Taiwanese ambassadors and representatives appeared 455 times in mainstream international media outlets. These included the Diplomat, the Hill, the Washington Times, National Review, and the New York Sun in the United States; Modern Diplomacy and the European Business Review in the European Union; the National Post in Canada; Le Figaro in France; Norrbottens-Kuriren in Sweden; La Razón in Spain; De Telegraaf and Nederlands Dagblad in the Netherlands; Euractiv in Greece; Rzeczpospolita in Poland; La Verità and Le Formiche in Italy; the Sankei Shimbun in Japan; the Chosun Ilbo in the Republic of Korea; the Philippine Star in the Philippines; the Hindustan Times and the Tribune in India; the Jerusalem Post in Israel; La Razón in Peru; the Eswatini Observer in Eswatini; La Nación in Paraguay; O Tempo in Brazil; Jelen in Hungary; and the Daily News in Thailand. 

    The short promotional film IC You received more than 25.4 million views—again breaking the record for Taiwan’s annual campaign. During the UNGA, MOFA and its overseas missions released 2,922 posts about Taiwan’s bid on social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads. The posts were seen over 48.378 million times and received an unprecedentedly warm response. A short animation video, UNity through Peace: Chip in with Taiwan, was shown on a large billboard in New York City’s iconic Times Square. The advertisement featured elements including semiconductor circuits and Taiwan’s contributions to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The video conveyed Taiwan’s strengths in IC technology, highlighted its image as a responsible member of the global community, and broadened worldwide recognition and support for Taiwan’s call for international participation.

    MOFA reiterates that UNGA Resolution 2758 does not mention Taiwan. The resolution therefore has nothing to do with Taiwan and cannot serve as the basis for precluding Taiwan from the UN system and other international organizations. Taiwan is determined, willing, and able to contribute to the global community. Continuing to exclude Taiwan from multilateral endeavors will not only be a loss to humanity but also detrimental to realizing the SDGs. To uphold the UN principle of leaving no one behind, MOFA again calls on the UN to stop bowing to pressure from China and swiftly allow Taiwan’s full participation. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Andrius Kubilius – Defence and Space – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Andrius Kubilius has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2019, where he sits in the European People’s Party (EPP) group. He has served among other things as a member of the AFET and ITRE committees and of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI). He has also served as chair of the delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and thus also as a member of the Conference of Delegation Chairs, as well as a member of the delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee. Prior to his time in the European Parliament, he served two terms as Lithuania’s prime minister (from 1999 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2012). From 2003 to 2015, Kubilius chaired the Homeland Union (Lithuanian Christian Democrats) party. From 1992 to 2019, he served as a member of the Republic of Lithuania’s national parliament, the Seimas. When not in government, he had various periods when he held the position of leader of the opposition or first deputy speaker, and also had a spell as chair of the Committee on European Affairs. Andrius Kubilius was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 1956. He received a degree in physics from Vilnius State University and completed postgraduate studies there too. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –