Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: Veeco Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights:

    • Revenue of $182.1 million, compared with $173.9 million in the same period last year
    • GAAP net income of $15.0 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared with $21.6 million, or $0.37 per diluted share in the same period last year
    • Non-GAAP net income of $24.2 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared with $29.8 million, or $0.51 per diluted share in the same period last year

    Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights:

    • Revenue of $717.3 million, compared with $666.4 million in the same period last year
    • GAAP net income of $73.7 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, compared with GAAP net loss of $30.4 million or $0.56 loss per diluted share in the same period last year
    • Non-GAAP net income of $104.3 million, or $1.74 per diluted share, compared with $98.3 million, or $1.69 per diluted share in the same period last year

    PLAINVIEW, N.Y., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Veeco Instruments Inc. (Nasdaq: VECO) today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Results are reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are also reported adjusting for certain items (“Non-GAAP”). A reconciliation between GAAP and Non-GAAP operating results is provided at the end of this press release.

     
    U.S. Dollars in millions, except per share data
                                   
        4th Quarter   Full Year
    GAAP Results   Q4 ’24   Q4 ’23   2024   2023  
    Revenue   $ 182.1     $ 173.9     $ 717.3     $ 666.4  
    Net income (loss)   $ 15.0     $ 21.6     $ 73.7     $ (30.4 )
    Diluted earnings (loss) per share   $ 0.26     $ 0.37     $ 1.23     $ (0.56 )
        4th Quarter   Full Year
    Non-GAAP Results   Q4 ’24   Q4 ’23   2024   2023
    Operating income   $ 27.4     $ 32.1     $ 116.1     $ 109.6  
    Net income   $ 24.2     $ 29.8     $ 104.3     $ 98.3  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 0.41     $ 0.51     $ 1.74     $ 1.69  
                                     

    “Veeco had a successful year in 2024, highlighted by our Semiconductor business outperforming WFE growth for the 4th consecutive year,” commented Bill Miller, Ph.D., Veeco’s Chief Executive Officer. “We achieved several strategic milestones, grew the top-line and delivered solid profitability, all while continuing to allocate capital toward our largest growth opportunities. Looking ahead, our solutions in Laser Annealing, Ion Beam Deposition, and Advanced Packaging are well-positioned to take advantage of growth in leading edge investment in the coming years.”

    Guidance and Outlook

    The following guidance is provided for Veeco’s first quarter 2025:

    • Revenue is expected in the range of $155 million to $175 million
    • GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected in the range of $0.11 to $0.22
    • Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share are expected in the range of $0.26 to $0.36

    Conference Call Information

    A conference call reviewing these results has been scheduled for today, February 12, 2025 starting at 5:00pm ET. To join the call, dial 1-877-407-8029 (toll-free) or 1-201-689-8029. Participants may also access a live webcast of the call by visiting the investor relations section of Veeco’s website at ir.veeco.com. A replay of the webcast will be made available on the Veeco website that evening. We will post an accompanying slide presentation to our website prior to the beginning of the call.

    About Veeco

    Veeco (NASDAQ: VECO) is an innovative manufacturer of semiconductor process equipment. Our laser annealing, ion beam, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), single wafer etch & clean and lithography technologies play an integral role in the fabrication and packaging of advanced semiconductor devices. With equipment designed to optimize performance, yield and cost of ownership, Veeco holds leading technology positions in the markets we serve. To learn more about Veeco’s systems and service offerings, visit www.veeco.com.

    Forward-looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “scheduled,” “estimates” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those regarding anticipated growth and trends in our businesses and markets, industry outlooks and demand drivers, our investment and growth strategies, our development of new products and technologies, our business outlook for current and future periods, our ongoing transformation initiative and the effects thereof on our operations and financial results; and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements and their underlying assumptions are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements include, without limitation: the level of demand for our products; global economic and industry conditions; global trade issues, including the ongoing trade disputes between the U.S. and China, and changes in trade and export license policies; our dependency on third-party suppliers and outsourcing partners; the timing of customer orders; our ability to develop, deliver and support new products and technologies; our ability to expand our current markets, increase market share and develop new markets; the concentrated nature of our customer base; our ability to obtain and protect intellectual property rights in key technologies; the effects of regional or global health epidemics; our ability to achieve the objectives of operational and strategic initiatives and attract, motivate and retain key employees; the variability of results among products and end-markets, and our ability to accurately forecast future results, market conditions, and customer requirements; the impact of our indebtedness, including our convertible senior notes and our capped call transactions; and other risks and uncertainties described in our SEC filings on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and from time-to-time in our other SEC reports. All forward-looking statements speak only to management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions as of the date of this press release or, in the case of any document referenced herein or incorporated by reference, the date of that document. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this press release.

    financial tables attached-

           
    Veeco Contacts:      
           
    Investors: Anthony Pappone (516) 500-8798 apappone@veeco.com 
    Media: Brenden Wright (410) 984-2610 bwright@veeco.com 
           
     
    Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
                             
        Three months ended December 31,   Year ended December 31,
        2024   2023   2024   2023
    Net sales   $ 182,131     $ 173,924     $ 717,301     $ 666,435  
    Cost of sales     108,146       95,269       413,296       381,376  
    Gross profit     73,985       78,655       304,005       285,059  
    Operating expenses, net:                        
    Research and development     30,953       29,091       124,507       112,853  
    Selling, general, and administrative     25,077       23,493       99,663       92,756  
    Amortization of intangible assets     1,580       2,123       6,983       8,481  
    Asset impairment     28,131             28,131        
    Other operating expense (income), net     (15,635 )     (235 )     (22,260 )     1,029  
    Total operating expenses, net     70,106       54,472       237,024       215,119  
    Operating income     3,879       24,183       66,981       69,940  
    Interest income (expense), net     476             1,853       (1,187 )
    Other income (expense), net                       (97,091 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes     4,355       24,183       68,834       (28,338 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)     (10,610 )     2,546       (4,880 )     2,030  
    Net income (loss)   $ 14,965     $ 21,637     $ 73,714     $ (30,368 )
                             
    Income (loss) per common share:                        
    Basic   $ 0.26     $ 0.39     $ 1.31     $ (0.56 )
    Diluted   $ 0.26     $ 0.37     $ 1.23     $ (0.56 )
                             
    Weighted average number of shares:                        
    Basic     56,536       55,537       56,426       53,769  
    Diluted     60,499       59,821       61,596       53,769  
                                     
     
    Veeco Instruments Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands)
                     
        December 31,   December 31,
        2024   2023
        (unaudited)        
    Assets                
    Current assets:                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 145,595     $ 158,781  
    Restricted cash     224       339  
    Short-term investments     198,719       146,664  
    Accounts receivable, net     96,834       103,018  
    Contract assets     37,109       24,370  
    Inventories     246,735       237,635  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     39,316       35,471  
    Total current assets     764,532       706,278  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     113,789       118,459  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     26,503       24,377  
    Intangible assets, net     8,832       43,945  
    Goodwill     214,964       214,964  
    Deferred income taxes     120,191       117,901  
    Other assets     2,766       3,117  
    Total assets   $ 1,251,577     $ 1,229,041  
                     
    Liabilities and stockholders’ equity                
    Current liabilities:                
    Accounts payable   $ 43,519     $ 42,383  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     55,195       57,624  
    Contract liabilities     64,986       118,026  
    Income taxes payable     2,086        
    Current portion of long-term debt     26,496        
    Total current liabilities     192,282       218,033  
    Deferred income taxes     689       6,552  
    Long-term debt     249,702       274,941  
    Long-term operating lease liabilities     34,318       31,529  
    Other liabilities     3,816       25,544  
    Total liabilities     480,807       556,599  
                     
    Total stockholders’ equity     770,770       672,442  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 1,251,577     $ 1,229,041  
                     

    Note on Reconciliation Tables

    The below tables include financial measures adjusted for the impact of certain items; these financial measures are therefore not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). These Non-GAAP financial measures exclude items such as: share-based compensation expense; charges relating to restructuring initiatives; non-cash asset impairments; certain other non-operating gains and losses; and acquisition-related items such as transaction costs, non-cash amortization of acquired intangible assets, and certain integration costs.

    These Non-GAAP financial measures may be different from Non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. By excluding these items, Non-GAAP financial measures are intended to facilitate meaningful comparisons to historical operating results, competitors’ operating results, and estimates made by securities analysts. Management is evaluated on key performance metrics including Non-GAAP Operating income (loss), which is used to determine management incentive compensation as well as to forecast future periods. These Non-GAAP financial measures may be useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency of supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. In addition, similar Non-GAAP financial measures have historically been reported to investors; the inclusion of comparable numbers provides consistency in financial reporting. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of the Non-GAAP financial measures used in this news release to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

     
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Data (Q4 2024)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
                               
              Non-GAAP Adjustments        
              Share-Based                
    Three months ended December 31, 2024   GAAP   Compensation   Amortization   Other   Non-GAAP  
    Net sales   $ 182,131               $ 182,131  
    Gross profit     73,985   1,523               75,508  
    Gross margin     40.6 %               41.5 %
    Operating expenses     70,106   (7,582 )   (1,580 )   (12,876 )     48,068  
    Operating income     3,879   9,105     1,580     12,876   ^   27,440  
    Net income     14,965   9,105     1,580     (1,443 ) ^   24,207  

    ____________________________
    ^   – See table below for additional details.

     
    Other Non-GAAP Adjustments (Q4 2024)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
         
    Three months ended December 31, 2024    
    Asset impairment $ 28,131  
    Changes in contingent consideration   (16,466 )
    Other   1,211  
    Subtotal   12,876  
    Non-cash interest expense   322  
    Tax benefits associated with asset impairments   (12,239 )
    Non-GAAP tax adjustment *   (2,402 )
    Total Other $ (1,443 )

    ____________________________
    *   – The ‘with or without’ method is utilized to determine the income tax effect of all Non-GAAP adjustments.

     
    Net Income per Common Share (Q4 2024)
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
                     
        Three months ended December 31, 2024
        GAAP   Non-GAAP
    Numerator:                
    Net income   $ 14,965     $ 24,207  
    Interest expense associated with 2025 and 2027 Convertible Senior Notes     513       466  
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 15,478     $ 24,673  
                     
    Denominator:                
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding     56,536       56,536  
    Effect of potentially dilutive share-based awards     1,070       1,070  
    Dilutive effect of 2025 Convertible Senior Notes     1,104       1,104  
    Dilutive effect of 2027 Convertible Senior Notes(1)     1,789       1,354  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     60,499       60,064  
                     
    Net income per common share:                
    Basic   $ 0.26     $ 0.43  
    Diluted   $ 0.26     $ 0.41  

    ____________________________
    (1) – The non-GAAP incremental dilutive shares includes the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction issued concurrently with our 2027 Notes, and as such, an effective conversion price of $18.46 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count. The GAAP incremental dilutive shares does not include the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction, and as such, an effective conversion price of $13.98 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count.

     
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Data (Q4 2023)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
                               
              Non-GAAP Adjustments        
              Share-based              
    Three months ended December 31, 2023     GAAP   Compensation   Amortization   Other   Non-GAAP  
    Net sales   $ 173,924               $ 173,924  
    Gross profit     78,655   334               78,989  
    Gross margin     45.2 %               45.4 %
    Operating expenses     54,472   (5,845 )   (2,123 )   363       46,867  
    Operating income     24,183   6,179     2,123     (363 ) ^   32,122  
    Net income     21,637   6,179     2,123     (116 ) ^   29,823  

    ____________________________
    ^   – See table below for additional details.

     
    Other Non-GAAP Adjustments (Q4 2023)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
         
    Three months ended December 31, 2023    
    Changes in contingent consideration $ (465 )
    Other   102  
    Subtotal   (363 )
    Non-cash interest expense   294  
    Non-GAAP tax adjustment *   (47 )
    Total Other $ (116 )

    ____________________________
    *   – The ‘with or without’ method is utilized to determine the income tax effect of all Non-GAAP adjustments.

     
    Net Income per Common Share (Q4 2023)
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
                     
        Three months ended December 31, 2023
        GAAP   Non-GAAP
    Numerator:                
    Net income   $ 21,637     $ 29,823  
    Interest expense associated with 2025 and 2027 Convertible Senior Notes     511       466  
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 22,148     $ 30,289  
                     
    Denominator:                
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding     55,537       55,537  
    Effect of potentially dilutive share-based awards     1,391       1,391  
    Dilutive effect of 2025 Convertible Senior Notes     1,104       1,104  
    Dilutive effect of 2027 Convertible Senior Notes(1)     1,789       1,355  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     59,821       59,387  
                     
    Net income per common share:                
    Basic   $ 0.39     $ 0.54  
    Diluted   $ 0.37     $ 0.51  

    ____________________________
    (1)   – The non-GAAP incremental dilutive shares includes the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction issued concurrently with our 2027 Notes, and as such, an effective conversion price of $18.46 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count. The GAAP incremental dilutive shares does not include the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction, and as such, an effective conversion price of $13.98 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count.

     
    Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Operating Income (Q4 2024 and 2023)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
                 
        Three months ended   Three months ended
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    GAAP Net income   $ 14,965     $ 21,637  
    Share-based compensation     9,105       6,179  
    Amortization     1,580       2,123  
    Asset impairment     28,131        
    Changes in contingent consideration     (16,466 )     (465 )
    Transition expenses related to San Jose expansion project           57  
    Acquisition related           45  
    Interest (income) expense, net     (476 )      
    Other     1,211        
    Income tax expense (benefit)     (10,610 )     2,546  
    Non-GAAP Operating income   $ 27,440     $ 32,122  
                     
     
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Data (FY 2024)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
                               
              Non-GAAP Adjustments        
              Share-based              
    For the year ended December 31, 2024     GAAP   Compensation   Amortization   Other   Non-GAAP  
    Net sales   $ 717,301               $ 717,301  
    Gross profit     304,005   6,263         162       310,430  
    Gross margin     42.4 %               43.3 %
    Operating expenses     237,024   (29,616 )   (6,983 )   (6,067 )     194,358  
    Operating income     66,981   35,879     6,983     6,229   ^   116,072  
    Net income (loss)     73,714   35,879     6,983     (12,233 ) ^   104,343  

    ____________________________
    ^   – See table below for additional details.

     
    Other Non-GAAP Adjustments (FY 2024)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
         
    For the year ended December 31, 2024    
    Asset impairment $ 28,131  
    Changes in contingent consideration   (21,242 )
    Sale of productive assets   (2,033 )
    Other   1,373  
    Subtotal   6,229  
    Non-cash interest expense   1,257  
    Tax benefits associated with asset impairments   (12,239 )
    Non-GAAP tax adjustment *   (7,480 )
    Total Other $ (12,233 )

    ____________________________
    *   – The ‘with or without’ method is utilized to determine the income tax effect of all Non-GAAP adjustments.

     
    Net Income per Common Share (FY 2024)
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
                     
        Year ended December 31, 2024
        GAAP   Non-GAAP
    Numerator:                
    Net income   $ 73,714     $ 104,343  
    Interest expense associated with convertible notes     2,054       1,865  
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 75,768     $ 106,208  
                     
    Denominator:                
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding     56,426       56,426  
    Effect of potentially dilutive share-based awards     1,010       1,010  
    Dilutive effect of 2025 Convertible Senior Notes     1,104       1,104  
    Dilutive effect of 2027 Convertible Senior Notes(1)     1,788       1,354  
    Dilutive effect of 2029 Convertible Senior Notes     1,268       1,268  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     61,596       61,162  
                     
    Net income per common share:                
    Basic   $ 1.31     $ 1.85  
    Diluted   $ 1.23     $ 1.74  

    ____________________________
    (1) – The non-GAAP incremental dilutive shares includes the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction issued concurrently with our 2027 Notes, and as such, an effective conversion price of $18.46 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count. The GAAP incremental dilutive shares does not include the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction, and as such, an effective conversion price of $13.98 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count.

     
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Data (FY 2023)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
                               
              Non-GAAP Adjustments        
              Share-based              
    For the year ended December 31, 2023     GAAP   Compensation   Amortization   Other   Non-GAAP  
    Net sales   $ 666,435                 $ 666,435  
    Gross profit     285,059     4,913         232       290,204  
    Gross margin     42.8   %               43.5 %
    Operating expenses     215,119     (23,645 )   (8,481 )   (2,363 )     180,630  
    Operating income     69,940     28,558     8,481     2,595   ^   109,574  
    Net income (loss)     (30,368 )   28,558     8,481     91,668   ^   98,339  

    ____________________________
    ^   – See table below for additional details.

     
    Other Non-GAAP Adjustments (FY 2023)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
         
    For the year ended December 31, 2023    
    Acquisition related $ 1,056  
    Changes in contingent consideration   701  
    Transition expenses related to San Jose expansion project   838  
    Subtotal   2,595  
    Non-cash interest expense   1,118  
    Other (income) expense, net   97,091  
    Non-GAAP tax adjustment *   (9,136 )
    Total Other $ 91,668  

    ____________________________
    *   – The ‘with or without’ method is utilized to determine the income tax effect of all Non-GAAP adjustments.

     
    Net Income per Common Share (FY 2023)
    (in thousands, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
                   
        Year ended December 31, 2023
        GAAP   Non-GAAP
    Numerator:              
    Net income (loss)   $ (30,368 )   $ 98,339  
    Interest expense associated with convertible notes           4,768  
    Net income (loss) available to common shareholders   $ (30,368 )   $ 103,107  
                   
    Denominator:              
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding     53,769       53,769  
    Effect of potentially dilutive share-based awards           850  
    Dilutive effect of 2023 Convertible Senior Notes           21  
    Dilutive effect of 2025 Convertible Senior Notes           2,786  
    Dilutive effect of 2027 Convertible Senior Notes(1)           3,417  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     53,769       60,843  
                   
    Net income per common share:              
    Basic   $ (0.56 )   $ 1.83  
    Diluted   $ (0.56 )   $ 1.69  

    ____________________________
    (1) – The non-GAAP incremental dilutive shares includes the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction issued concurrently with our 2027 Notes, and as such, an effective conversion price of $18.46 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count. The GAAP incremental dilutive shares does not include the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction, and as such, an effective conversion price of $13.98 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count.

     
    Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Operating Income (FY 2024 and 2023)
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)
                 
        Year ended   Year ended
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    GAAP Net income (loss)   $ 73,714     $ (30,368 )
    Share-based compensation     35,879       28,558  
    Amortization     6,983       8,481  
    Asset impairment     28,131        
    Acquisition related           1,056  
    Changes in contingent consideration     (21,242 )     701  
    Transition expenses related to San Jose expansion project           838  
    Sales of productive assets     (2,033 )      
    Interest (income) expense, net     (1,853 )     1,187  
    Other     1,373       97,091  
    Income tax expense (benefit)     (4,880 )     2,030  
    Non-GAAP Operating income (loss)   $ 116,072     $ 109,574  
                     
     
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Data (Q1 2025)
    (in millions, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
                                                 
                        Non-GAAP Adjustments                
    Guidance for the three months ending                   Share-based                        
    March 31, 2025   GAAP   Compensation   Amortization   Other   Non-GAAP
    Net sales   $ 155       $ 175                 $ 155       $ 175  
    Gross profit     63         72     2               65         74  
    Gross margin     41 %       41 %                 42 %       42 %
    Operating expenses     56         58     (8 )   (1 )         47         49  
    Operating income     7         14     10     1           18         25  
    Net income   $ 7       $ 13     10     1     (2 )   $ 16       $ 22  
                                                 
    Income per diluted common share   $ 0.11       $ 0.22                 $ 0.26       $ 0.36  
                                                         
     
    Income per Diluted Common Share (Q1 2025)
    (in millions, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)
                                             
    Guidance for the three months ending March 31, 2025   GAAP   Non-GAAP
    Numerator:                                        
    Net income available to common shareholders   $ 7       $ 13     $ 16       $ 22  
                                             
    Denominator:                                        
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding     58           58       58           58  
    Effect of potentially dilutive share-based awards     1           1       1           1  
    Dilutive effect of 2027 Convertible Senior Notes(1)               2       1           1  
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     59           61       60           60  
                                             
    Net income per common share:                                        
    Income per diluted common share   $ 0.11       $ 0.22     $ 0.26       $ 0.36  

    ____________________________
    (1)    – The non-GAAP incremental dilutive shares includes the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction issued concurrently with our 2027 Notes, and as such, an effective conversion price of $18.46 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count. The GAAP incremental dilutive shares does not include the impact of the Company’s capped call transaction, and as such, an effective conversion price of $13.98 is used when determining incremental shares to add to the dilutive share count.

     
    Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Operating Income (Q1 2025)
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)
                         
    Guidance for the three months ending March 31, 2025                    
    GAAP Net income   $ 7       $ 13  
    Share-based compensation     10         10  
    Amortization     1         1  
    Income tax expense             1  
    Non-GAAP Operating income   $ 18       $ 25  

    Note: Amounts may not calculate precisely due to rounding.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Flywire to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results on February 25, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Flywire Corporation (Flywire) (Nasdaq: FLYW), a global payments enablement and software company, announced that its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results will be released after market close on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Flywire will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results at 5:00pm ET the same day. Hosting the call will be Mike Massaro, CEO, Rob Orgel, President and COO, and Cosmin Pitigoi, CFO.

    The conference call will be webcast live from Flywire’s investor relations website at https://ir.flywire.com/. A replay will be available on the investor relations website following the call.

    About Flywire
    Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company. We combine our proprietary global payments network, next-gen payments platform and vertical-specific software to deliver the most important and complex payments for our clients and their customers.

    Flywire leverages its vertical-specific software and payments technology to deeply embed within the existing A/R workflows for its clients across the education, healthcare and travel vertical markets, as well as in key B2B industries. Flywire also integrates with leading ERP systems, such as NetSuite, so organizations can optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges.

    Flywire supports more than 4,000 clients with diverse payment methods in more than 140 currencies across more than 240 countries and territories around the world. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA with global offices. For more information, visit www.flywire.com. Follow Flywire on X , LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Contacts
    Investor Relations:
    Masha Kahn
    ir@Flywire.com 

    Media:
    Sarah King
    media@flywire.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Berry Corporation Announces Date for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call/Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Berry Corporation (NASDAQ: BRY) (“Berry” or the “Company”) today announced it will report fourth quarter and full year 2024 results on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, after the close of U.S. financial markets and will host a conference call and webcast Thursday morning, March 13, 2025, to discuss these results; details and links are provided below.

    Earnings Call Information

    Call Date:  Thursday, March 13, 2025
    Call Time: 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 10:00 a.m. Central Time / 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time
       

    Join the live listen-only audio webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jocmjm36 or at https://bry.com/category/events

    If you would like to ask a question on the live call, please preregister at any time using the following link:
    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI79bd222b5a56464a890cc7ab0156d115.

    Once registered, you will receive the dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number. You may then dial in or have a call back. When you dial in, you will input your PIN and be placed into the call. If you register and forget your PIN or lose your registration confirmation email, you may simply re-register and receive a new PIN.

    A web based audio replay will be available shortly after the broadcast and will be archived at https://ir.bry.com/reports-resources or visit https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/jocmjm36 or https://bry.com/category/events

    About Berry Corporation

    Berry is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: BRY) Western United States independent upstream energy company with a focus on onshore, low geologic risk, long-lived oil and gas reserves. We operate in two business segments: (i) exploration and production (“E&P”) and (ii) well servicing and abandonment. Our E&P assets are located in California and Utah, are characterized by high oil content and are predominantly located in rural areas with low population. Our California assets are in the San Joaquin basin (100% oil), while our Utah assets are in the Uinta basin (60% oil and 40% gas). We operate our well servicing and abandonment segment in California. More information can be found on the Company’s website at bry.com.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Rapid7 Announces Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Annualized recurring revenue (“ARR”) of $840 million, an increase of 4% year-over-year
    • Full-year revenue of $844 million, up 9% year-over-year; Product subscriptions revenue of $809 million, up 9% year-over-year
    • Full-year GAAP operating income of $35 million; Full-year non-GAAP operating income of $164 million
    • Full-year net cash provided by operating activities of $172 million; Free cash flow of $154 million

    BOSTON, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapid7, Inc. (Nasdaq: RPD), a leader in extended risk and threat detection, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024.

    “As we reflect on 2024, I’m proud of the progress we made to position Rapid7 for long-term growth and success. We achieved $840 million in ARR and delivered over $150 million in free cash flow, while advancing our strategic priorities to innovate, scale, and empower our customers to consolidate and secure their operations more effectively. Continued momentum in Managed Detection and Response and the launch of our Exposure Command platform have further strengthened our ability to deliver measurable value for customers,” said Corey Thomas, Chairman and CEO of Rapid7.

    “As we move through 2025, our focus remains on accelerating growth, deepening customer engagement, and driving innovation to solidify Rapid7 as the security operations platform of choice for organizations worldwide.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Other Metrics

      As of December 31,
        2024       2023     % Change
      (dollars in thousands)
    ARR $ 839,819     $ 805,670       4 %
    Number of customers   11,727       11,526       2 %
    ARR per customer $ 71.6     $ 69.9       2 %
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023     % Change     2024       2023     % Change
      (in thousands, except per share data)
    Product subscriptions revenue $ 206,328     $ 194,819       6 %   $ 808,906     $ 740,168       9 %
    Professional services revenue   9,933       10,449       (5 %)     35,101       37,539       (6 )%
    Total revenue $ 216,261     $ 205,268       5 %   $ 844,007     $ 777,707       9 %
                           
    North America revenue $ 163,014     $ 158,695       3 %   $ 643,405     $ 607,448       6 %
    Rest of world revenue   53,247       46,573       14 %     200,602       170,259       18 %
    Total revenue $ 216,261     $ 205,268       5 %   $ 844,007     $ 777,707       9 %
                           
    GAAP gross profit $ 150,369     $ 145,442         $ 592,972     $ 545,661      
    GAAP gross margin   70 %     71 %         70 %     70 %    
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 157,902     $ 152,265         $ 622,343     $ 575,052      
    Non-GAAP gross margin   73 %     74 %         74 %     74 %    
                           
    GAAP income (loss) from operations $ 7,279     $ 10,000         $ 35,035     $ (84,288 )    
    GAAP operating margin   3 %     5 %         4 %     (11 )%    
    Non-GAAP income from operations $ 39,995     $ 41,498         $ 163,508     $ 102,221      
    Non-GAAP operating margin   18 %     20 %         19 %     13 %    
                           
    GAAP net income (loss) $ 2,172     $ 19,116         $ 25,526     $ (152,815 )    
    GAAP net income (loss) per share, basic $ 0.03       0.31         $ 0.41     $ (2.52 )    
    GAAP net income (loss) per share, diluted $ 0.03     $ 0.26         $ 0.40     $ (2.52 )    
    Non-GAAP net income $ 34,342     $ 51,691         $ 163,138     $ 107,232      
    Non-GAAP net income per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.54     $ 0.84         $ 2.61     $ 1.76      
    Diluted $ 0.48     $ 0.72         $ 2.28     $ 1.52      
                           
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 46,310     $ 47,819         $ 188,450     $ 126,661      
                           
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 63,773     $ 63,466         $ 171,670     $ 104,278      
    Free cash flow $ 58,842     $ 60,254         $ 154,083     $ 84,034      
                                           

    For additional details on the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures and certain other business metrics to their nearest comparable GAAP measures, please refer to the accompanying financial data tables included in this press release. Certain prior periods reflect immaterial corrections. See Exhibit 1 for additional information.

    Recent Business Highlights

    • In November, Rapid7 won “Security Vendor of the Year” at the CRN Channel Awards 2024. The award is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the UK IT channel, and acknowledges Rapid7’s overall contribution to business development within the channel.
    • In November, Rapid7’s Managed Extended Detection & Response added coverage for Microsoft security telemetry, integrating organizations’ existing Microsoft telemetry into Rapid7’s Command Platform for broader, faster threat detection and remediation, without additional infrastructure or complex integration requirements.
    • In November, Rapid7 expanded Exposure Command to add support for Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) Resource Control Policies, providing additional visibility, insights, and best practices to guide customers in addressing complex enterprise Identity and Access Management challenges across the modern attack surface.
    • In December, Rapid7’s Managed Extended Detection & Response added coverage for AWS environments, bringing customers deeper cloud detection and response capabilities by combining cloud native telemetry, AWS security telemetry, and enhanced detections in the Rapid7 Command Platform.
    • In December, Rapid7 achieved the In Process Designation from the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (“FedRAMPⓇ”) for its InsightGovCloud Platform, indicating that Rapid7 is actively working towards authorization and highlighting Rapid7’s continued commitment to partnering with federal agencies to invest in security solutions that enable continuous threat exposure management and enhance the resilience of their organizations.
    • In January, Rapid7 earned the highest possible score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost report for measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.

    First Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Guidance

    Rapid7 anticipates ARR, revenue, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income per share and free cash flow to be in the following ranges:

      First Quarter 2025   Full-Year 2025
      (in millions, except per share data)
    ARR           $870   to   $890  
    Year-over-year growth           4%   to   6%  
    Revenue   $207   to   $209       $860   to   $870  
    Year-over-year growth   1%   to   2%       2%   to   3%  
    Non-GAAP income from operations   $23   to   $25       $125   to   $135  
    Non-GAAP net income per share   $0.33   to   $0.36       $1.72   to   $1.85  
    Weighted average shares outstanding   75.6               77.3          
    Free cash flow         Approximately $135 million
               

    The guidance provided above is forward-looking in nature. Actual results may differ materially. See the cautionary note regarding “Forward-Looking Statements” below. Guidance for the first quarter and full-year 2025 does not include any potential impact of foreign exchange gains or losses. The guidance provided above is based on a number of assumptions, estimates and expectations as of the date of this press release and, while presented with numerical specificity, this guidance is inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Rapid7’s control and are based upon specific assumptions with respect to future business decisions or economic conditions, some of which may change. Rapid7 undertakes no obligation to update guidance after this date.

    Non-GAAP guidance excludes estimates for stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, amortization of debt issuance costs, and certain other items such as acquisition-related expenses, impairment of long-lived assets, restructuring expense, induced conversion expense, change in the fair value of derivative assets, litigation-related expenses and discrete tax items. Rapid7 has provided a reconciliation of each non-GAAP guidance measure to the most comparable GAAP measures in the financial statement tables included in this press release. The reconciliation does not reflect any items that are unknown at this time, including, but not limited to, non-ordinary course litigation-related expenses, which we are not able to predict without unreasonable effort due to their inherent uncertainty.

    Conference Call and Webcast Information

    Rapid7 will host a conference call today, February 12, 2025, to discuss its results at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The call will be accessible by telephone at 888-330-2384 (domestic) or +1 240-789-2701 (international) with the event code 8484206. The call will also be available live via webcast on Rapid7’s website at https://investors.rapid7.com. A webcast replay of the conference call will be available at https://investors.rapid7.com.

    About Rapid7

    Rapid7 (Nasdaq: RPD) is on a mission to create a safer digital world by making cybersecurity simpler and more accessible. We empower security professionals to manage a modern attack surface through our best-in-class technology, leading-edge research, and broad, strategic expertise. Rapid7’s comprehensive security solutions help more than 11,000 global customers unite cloud risk management and threat detection to reduce attack surfaces and eliminate threats with speed and precision. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Metrics

    To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we provide investors with certain non-GAAP financial measures and other metrics, which we believe are helpful to our investors. We use these non-GAAP financial measures and other metrics for financial and operational decision-making purposes and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. We also use certain non-GAAP financial measures as performance measures under our executive bonus plan. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures and other metrics provide useful information about our operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects and allow for greater transparency with respect to metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.

    While our non-GAAP financial measures are an important tool for financial and operational decision-making and for evaluating our own operating results over different periods of time, you should review the reconciliation of our non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures included below, and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    We disclose the following non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. We also disclose non-GAAP gross margin and non-GAAP operating margin derived from these financial measures.

    We define non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share as the respective GAAP balances excluding the effect of stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangible assets, amortization of debt issuance costs and certain other items such as acquisition-related expenses, impairment of long-lived assets, change in the fair value of derivative assets, restructuring expense, induced conversion expense and discrete tax items. Non-GAAP net income per basic and diluted share is calculated as non-GAAP net income divided by the weighted average shares used to compute net income per share, with the number of weighted average shares decreased, when applicable, to reflect the anti-dilutive impact of the capped call transactions entered into in connection with our convertible senior notes.

    We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in assessing our operating performance due to the following factors:

    Stock-based compensation expense. We exclude stock-based compensation expense because of varying available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of equity instruments that can impact our non-cash expense. We believe that providing non-GAAP financial measures that exclude stock-based compensation expense allows for more meaningful comparisons between our operating results from period to period.

    Amortization of acquired intangible assets. We believe that excluding the impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets allows for more meaningful comparisons between operating results from period to period as the intangible assets are valued at the time of acquisition and are amortized over several years after the acquisition.

    Amortization of debt issuance costs. The expense for the amortization of debt issuance costs related to our convertible senior notes and our former revolving credit facility is a non-cash item, and we believe the exclusion of this interest expense provides a more useful comparison of our operational performance in different periods.

    Induced conversion expense. In conjunction with the third quarter of 2023 partial repurchase of our 2.25% convertible senior notes due 2025, we incurred a non-cash induced conversion expense of $53.9 million. We exclude induced conversion expense because this amount is not indicative of the performance of or trends in our business, and neither is comparable to the prior period nor predictive of future results.

    Litigation-related expenses. We exclude non-ordinary course litigation expense because we do not consider legal costs and settlement fees incurred in litigation and litigation-related matters of non-ordinary course lawsuits and other disputes to be indicative of our core operating performance. We do not adjust for ordinary course legal expenses, including legal costs and settlement fees resulting from maintaining and enforcing our intellectual property portfolio and license agreements.

    Acquisition-related expenses. We exclude acquisition-related expenses, including accretion expense associated with contingent consideration, as costs that are unrelated to the current operations and are neither comparable to the prior period nor predictive of future results.

    Change in fair value of derivative assets. The expense for the change in fair value of derivative assets related to our capped calls settlement is a non-cash item and we believe the exclusion of this other income (expense) provides a more useful comparison of our operational performance in different periods.

    Impairment of long-lived assets. Impairment of long-lived assets consists of impairment charges allocated to the carrying amount of certain operating right-of-use assets and the associated leasehold improvements when the carrying amounts exceed their respective fair values and we believe the exclusion of the impairment charges provides a more useful comparison of our operational performance in different periods.

    Restructuring expense. We exclude non-ordinary course restructuring expenses related to our restructuring plan, that was completed during fiscal year 2024, because we do not believe these charges are indicative of our core operating performance and we believe the exclusion of the restructuring expenses provides a more useful comparison of our performance in different periods.

    Discrete tax items. We exclude certain discrete tax items such as income tax expenses or benefits that are not related to ongoing business operations in the current year and adjustments to uncertain tax position reserves as these charges are not indicative of our ongoing operating results, and they are not considered when we are forecasting our future results.

    Anti-dilutive impact of capped call transaction. Our capped call transactions are intended to offset potential dilution from the conversion features in our convertible senior notes. Although we cannot reflect the anti-dilutive impact of the capped call transactions under GAAP, we do reflect the anti-dilutive impact of the capped call transactions in non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share, when applicable, to provide investors with useful information in evaluating our financial performance on a per share basis.

    Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that we define as net income (loss) before (1) interest income, (2) interest expense, (3) other (income) expense, net, (4) provision for (benefit from) income taxes, (5) depreciation expense, (6) amortization of intangible assets, (7) stock-based compensation expense, (8) acquisition-related expenses, (9) litigation-related expenses, (10) impairment of long-lived assets and (11) restructuring expense. We believe that the use of adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors and other users of our financial statements in evaluating our operating performance because it provides them with an additional tool to compare business performance across companies and across periods.

    Free Cash Flow. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure that we define as cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment and capitalization of internal-use software costs. We consider free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after necessary capital expenditures.

    Our non-GAAP financial measures may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in our industry, as other companies in our industry may calculate non-GAAP financial results differently, particularly related to non-recurring, unusual items. In addition, there are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures because the non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies and exclude expenses that may have a material impact upon our reported financial results. Further, stock-based compensation expense has been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in our business and an important part of the compensation provided to our employees.

    Other Metrics

    ARR. ARR is defined as the annual value of all recurring revenue related to contracts in place at the end of the period. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue as ARR is an operating metric and is not intended to be combined with or replace these items. ARR is not a forecast of future revenue, which can be impacted by contract start and end dates and renewal rates, and does not include revenue reported as professional services revenue in our consolidated statement of operations.

    Number of Customers. We define a customer as any entity that has an active Rapid7 recurring revenue contract as of the specified measurement date, excluding InsightOps and Logentries only customers with a contract value of less than $2,400 per year.

    ARR per Customer. We define ARR per customer as ARR divided by the number of customers at the end of the period.

    Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the statements regarding our financial guidance for the first quarter and full-year 2025, and the assumptions underlying such guidance. Our use of the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The events described in our forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Risks that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, growing macroeconomic uncertainty, unstable market and economic conditions, fluctuations in our quarterly results, our ability to successfully grow our sales of our cloud-based solutions, including through the shift to a consolidated platform sales approach, effectiveness of our restructuring plan that was completed during fiscal year 2024, failure to meet our publicly announced guidance or other expectations about our business, our ability to sustain our revenue growth rate, the ability of our products and professional services to correctly detect vulnerabilities, renewal of our customer’s subscriptions, competition in the markets in which we operate, market growth, our ability to innovate and manage our growth, our sales cycles, our ability to integrate acquired companies, exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities, and our ability to operate in compliance with applicable laws as well as other risks and uncertainties that could affect our business and results described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 7, 2024, particularly in the section entitled “Item 1.A Risk Factors,” and in the subsequent reports that we file with the SEC. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements we may make. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

    Investor contact:

    Elizabeth Chwalk
    Senior Director, Investor Relations
    investors@rapid7.com
    (617) 865-4277

    Press contact:

    Alice Randall
    Director, Global Corporate Communications
    press@rapid7.com
    (214) 693-4727

    RAPID7, INC.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
    (in thousands)
     
      December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 334,686     $ 213,629  
    Short-term investments   187,025       169,544  
    Accounts receivable, net   168,242       164,862  
    Deferred contract acquisition and fulfillment costs, current portion   52,134       45,008  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   44,024       41,407  
    Total current assets   786,111       634,450  
    Long-term investments   37,274       56,171  
    Property and equipment, net   32,245       39,642  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   48,877       54,693  
    Deferred contract acquisition and fulfillment costs, non-current portion   73,672       76,601  
    Goodwill   575,268       536,351  
    Intangible assets, net   85,719       94,546  
    Other assets   12,868       12,894  
    Total assets $ 1,652,034     $ 1,505,348  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 18,908     $ 15,812  
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   88,802       85,025  
    Convertible senior notes, current portion, net   45,895        
    Operating lease liabilities, current portion   15,493       13,452  
    Deferred revenue, current portion   461,118       455,503  
    Total current liabilities   630,216       569,792  
    Convertible senior notes, non-current portion, net   888,356       929,996  
    Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion   68,430       81,130  
    Deferred revenue, non-current portion   27,078       32,577  
    Other long-term liabilities   20,243       10,032  
    Total liabilities   1,634,323       1,623,527  
    Stockholders’ equity (deficit):      
    Common stock $ 635     $ 617  
    Treasury stock   (4,765 )     (4,765 )
    Additional paid-in-capital   1,011,080       898,185  
    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income   (1,205 )     1,344  
    Accumulated deficit   (988,034 )     (1,013,560 )
    Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)   17,711       (118,179 )
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit) $ 1,652,034     $ 1,505,348  

    Note: Certain prior periods reflect immaterial corrections. See Exhibit 1 for additional information.

    RAPID7, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Revenue:              
    Product subscriptions $ 206,328     $ 194,819     $ 808,906     $ 740,168  
    Professional services   9,933       10,449       35,101       37,539  
    Total revenue   216,261       205,268       844,007       777,707  
    Cost of revenue:              
    Product subscriptions   58,932       52,369       225,547       203,140  
    Professional services   6,960       7,457       25,488       28,906  
    Total cost of revenue   65,892       59,826       251,035       232,046  
    Total gross profit   150,369       145,442       592,972       545,661  
    Operating expenses:              
    Research and development   46,334       40,031       173,126       177,937  
    Sales and marketing   72,767       73,557       298,809       313,661  
    General and administrative   23,989       19,623       86,002       85,340  
    Impairment of long-lived assets                     30,784  
    Restructuring         2,231             22,227  
    Total operating expenses   143,090       135,442       557,937       629,949  
    Income (loss) from operations   7,279       10,000       35,035       (84,288 )
    Other income (expense), net:              
    Interest income   5,551       4,177       21,063       10,177  
    Interest expense   (2,783 )     (2,695 )     (10,963 )     (64,700 )
    Other (expense) income, net   (4,361 )     3,571       (3,680 )     (14,522 )
    Income (loss) before income taxes   5,686       15,053       41,455       (153,333 )
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   3,514       (4,063 )     15,929       (518 )
    Net income (loss) $ 2,172     $ 19,116     $ 25,526     $ (152,815 )
    Net income (loss) per share, basic $ 0.03     $ 0.31     $ 0.41     $ (2.52 )
    Net income (loss) per share, diluted (1) $ 0.03     $ 0.26     $ 0.40     $ (2.52 )
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic   63,339,306       61,497,797       62,607,583       60,756,087  
    Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted   63,901,277       73,728,912       63,183,651       60,756,087  
     
    (1) We use the if-converted method to compute diluted earnings per share with respect to our convertible senior notes. There was no add-back of interest expense or additional dilutive shares related to the convertible senior notes where the effect was anti-dilutive. On an if-converted basis, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the 2025, 2027 and 2029 Notes were anti-dilutive. On an if-converted basis, for the three months ended December 31, 2023, the 2027 and 2029 Notes were dilutive and the 2025 Note was anti-dilutive.

    Note: Certain prior periods reflect immaterial corrections. See Exhibit 1 for additional information.

    RAPID7, INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
    (in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:              
    Net income (loss) $ 2,172     $ 19,116     $ 25,526     $ (152,815 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:              
    Depreciation and amortization   11,436       11,411       44,893       45,939  
    Amortization of debt issuance costs   1,122       1,077       4,447       4,138  
    Stock-based compensation expense   27,412       24,177       107,961       111,636  
    Deferred income taxes   (1,049 )     (5,624 )     791       (5,624 )
    Impairment of long-lived assets                     30,784  
    Change in fair value of derivative assets                     15,511  
    Induced conversion expense                     53,889  
    Other   3,031       (5,157 )     (1,503 )     469  
    Change in operating assets and liabilities:              
    Accounts receivable   (27,912 )     (26,449 )     (5,480 )     (14,021 )
    Deferred contract acquisition and fulfillment costs   (3,703 )     (9,046 )     (4,196 )     (18,534 )
    Prepaid expenses and other assets   (3,257 )     (9,558 )     2,805       (4,125 )
    Accounts payable   13,227       6,704       2,777       5,449  
    Accrued expenses   7,584       20,390       (9,829 )     2,422  
    Deferred revenue   36,317       36,839       (795 )     30,472  
    Other liabilities   (2,607 )     (414 )     4,273       (1,312 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   63,773       63,466       171,670       104,278  
    Cash flows from investing activities:              
    Business acquisition, net of cash acquired   (103 )           (37,301 )     (34,841 )
    Purchases of property and equipment   (1,183 )     (367 )     (3,425 )     (4,366 )
    Capitalization of internal-use software costs   (3,748 )     (2,845 )     (14,162 )     (15,878 )
    Purchases of investments         (82,816 )     (242,494 )     (276,829 )
    Sales/maturities of investments   58,000       49,750       250,500       150,450  
    Other investments         2,710       360       2,710  
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   52,966       (33,568 )     (46,522 )     (178,754 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:              
    Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs paid of $7,909         (709 )           292,091  
    Purchase of capped calls related to convertible senior notes                     (36,570 )
    Payments for repurchase of convertible senior notes                     (199,998 )
    Payments related to business acquisitions   (500 )           (500 )     (2,250 )
    Proceeds from capped call settlement                     17,518  
    Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards   (847 )     (1,558 )     (4,730 )     (5,570 )
    Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan               9,246       11,323  
    Proceeds from stock option exercises   130       69       1,566       3,053  
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (1,217 )     (2,198 )     5,582       79,597  
    Effects of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (3,529 )     3,212       (2,756 )     1,202  
    Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   111,993       30,912       127,974       6,323  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   230,108       183,215       214,127       207,804  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 342,101     $ 214,127     $ 342,101     $ 214,127  
    Supplemental cash flow information:              
    Cash paid for interest on convertible senior notes   518       518       6,358       4,605  
    Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds   1,876       459       8,949       1,624  
    Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:              
    Cash and cash equivalents   334,686       213,629       334,686       213,629  
    Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets   7,415       498       7,415       498  
    Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 342,101     $ 214,127     $ 342,101     $ 214,127  

    Note: Certain prior periods reflect immaterial corrections. See Exhibit 1 for additional information.

    RAPID7, INC.
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    GAAP gross profit $ 150,369     $ 145,442     $ 592,972     $ 545,661  
    Add: Stock-based compensation expense1   3,109       2,430       12,208       11,005  
    Add: Amortization of acquired intangible assets2   4,424       4,393       17,163       18,386  
    Non-GAAP gross profit $ 157,902     $ 152,265     $ 622,343     $ 575,052  
    Non-GAAP gross margin   73.0 %     74.2 %     73.7 %     73.9 %
                   
    GAAP gross profit – Product subscriptions $ 147,396     $ 142,450     $ 583,359     $ 537,028  
    Add: Stock-based compensation expense   2,576       1,932       10,376       8,439  
    Add: Amortization of acquired intangible assets   4,424       4,393       17,163       18,386  
    Non-GAAP gross profit – Product subscriptions $ 154,396     $ 148,775     $ 610,898     $ 563,853  
    Non-GAAP gross margin – Product subscriptions   74.8 %     76.4 %     75.5 %     76.2 %
                   
    GAAP gross profit – Professional services $ 2,973     $ 2,992     $ 9,613     $ 8,633  
    Add: Stock-based compensation expense   533       498       1,832       2,566  
    Non-GAAP gross profit – Professional services $ 3,506     $ 3,490     $ 11,445     $ 11,199  
    Non-GAAP gross margin – Professional services   35.3 %     33.4 %     32.6 %     29.8 %
                   
    GAAP income (loss) from operations $ 7,279     $ 10,000     $ 35,035     $ (84,288 )
    Add: Stock-based compensation expense1   27,412       24,177       107,961       111,636  
    Add: Amortization of acquired intangible assets2   5,121       5,090       19,951       21,499  
    Add: Acquisition-related expenses3   183             751       363  
    Add: Impairment of long-lived assets                     30,784  
    Add: Restructuring expense         2,231       (190 )     22,227  
    Non-GAAP income from operations $ 39,995     $ 41,498     $ 163,508     $ 102,221  
                   
    GAAP net income (loss) $ 2,172     $ 19,116     $ 25,526     $ (152,815 )
    Add: Stock-based compensation expense1   27,412       24,177       107,961       111,636  
    Add: Amortization of acquired intangible assets2   5,121       5,090       19,951       21,499  
    Add: Amortization of debt issuance costs   1,122       1,077       4,447       4,138  
    Add: Acquisition-related expenses3   183             751       363  
    Add: Impairment of long-lived assets                     30,784  
    Add: Change in fair value of derivative assets                     15,511  
    Add: Restructuring expense4         2,231       (190 )     22,227  
    Add: Induced conversion expense                     53,889  
    Add: Discrete tax items5   (1,668 )           4,692        
    Non-GAAP net income $ 34,342     $ 51,691     $ 163,138     $ 107,232  
    Add: Interest expense of convertible senior notes6   1,571       1,571       6,285       2,667  
    Numerator for non-GAAP earnings per share, diluted calculation $ 35,913     $ 53,262     $ 169,423     $ 109,899  
                   
    Weighted average shares used in GAAP earnings per share calculation, basic   63,339,306       61,497,797       62,607,583       60,756,087  
    Dilutive effect of convertible senior notes6   11,183,611       11,183,611       11,183,611       10,429,891  
                   
    Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans7   561,971       1,047,504       576,068       916,134  
    Weighted average shares used in non-GAAP earnings per share calculation, diluted   75,084,888       73,728,912       74,367,262       72,102,112  
                   
    Non-GAAP net income per share:              
    Basic $ 0.54     $ 0.84     $ 2.61     $ 1.76  
    Diluted $ 0.48     $ 0.72     $ 2.28     $ 1.52  
                   
    Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:              
    Cost of revenue $ 3,109     $ 2,430     $ 12,208     $ 11,005  
    Research and development   10,703       7,749       37,566       39,183  
    Sales and marketing   6,615       6,482       28,718       30,350  
    General and administrative   6,985       7,516       29,469       31,098  
                   
    Includes amortization of acquired intangible assets as follows:              
    Cost of revenue $ 4,424     $ 4,393     $ 17,163     $ 18,386  
    Sales and marketing   652       652       2,608       2,608  
    General and administrative   45       45       180       505  
                   
    Includes acquisition-related expenses as follows:              
    General and administrative $ 183     $     $ 751     $ 363  
                   
    For the year ended December 31, 2024, restructuring expense was included within general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
                   
    Includes discrete tax items as follows:
    Provision for income taxes $ (1,668 )   $     $ 4,692     $  
                   
    We use the if-converted method to compute diluted earnings per share with respect to our convertible senior notes. There was no add-back of interest expense or additional dilutive shares related to the convertible senior notes where the effect was anti-dilutive. Adjustments for interest expense, if applicable, on our convertible senior notes for purposes of calculating non-GAAP earnings per share are done gross of any tax impact. On an if-converted basis, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the 2025, 2027 and 2029 Notes were dilutive. On an if-converted basis, for the year ended December 31, 2024, the 2025, 2027 and 2029 Notes were dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the 2027 and 2029 Notes were dilutive and the 2025 Notes were anti-dilutive.
                   
    We use the treasury method to compute the dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plan awards.
                   

    Note: Certain prior periods reflect immaterial corrections. See Exhibit 1 for additional information.

    RAPID7, INC.
    Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)
    (in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    GAAP net income (loss) $ 2,172     $ 19,116     $ 25,526     $ (152,815 )
    Interest income   (5,551 )     (4,177 )     (21,063 )     (10,177 )
    Interest expense   2,783       2,695       10,963       64,700  
    Other (income) expense, net   4,361       (3,571 )     3,680       14,522  
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes   3,514       (4,063 )     15,929       (518 )
    Depreciation expense   2,658       3,118       11,059       14,047  
    Amortization of intangible assets   8,778       8,293       33,834       31,892  
    Stock-based compensation expense   27,412       24,177       107,961       111,636  
    Acquisition-related expenses   183             751       363  
    Impairment of long-lived assets                     30,784  
    Restructuring expense         2,231       (190 )     22,227  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 46,310     $ 47,819     $ 188,450     $ 126,661  

    Note: Certain prior period reflect immaterial corrections. See Exhibit 1 for additional information.

    RAPID7, INC.
    Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow (Unaudited)
    (in thousands)
     
      Three Months Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 63,773     $ 63,466     $ 171,670     $ 104,278  
    Less: Purchases of property and equipment   (1,183 )     (367 )     (3,425 )     (4,366 )
    Less: Capitalized internal-use software costs   (3,748 )     (2,845 )     (14,162 )     (15,878 )
    Free cash flow $ 58,842     $ 60,254     $ 154,083     $ 84,034  
    First Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Guidance
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation
    (in millions, except per share data)
     
      First Quarter 2025   Full-Year 2025
    Reconciliation of GAAP income from operations to non-GAAP income from operations:              
    Anticipated GAAP loss from operations $ (10 ) to $ (8 )   $ (13 ) to $ (3 )
    Add: Anticipated stock-based compensation expense   28   to   28       118   to   118  
    Add: Anticipated amortization of acquired intangible assets   5   to   5       20   to   20  
    Anticipated non-GAAP income from operations $ 23   to $ 25     $ 125   to $ 135  
                   
    Reconciliation of GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income:              
    Anticipated GAAP net loss $ (11 ) to $ (9 )   $ (15 ) to $ (5 )
    Add: Anticipated stock-based compensation expense   28   to   28       118   to   118  
    Add: Anticipated amortization of acquired intangible assets   5   to   5       20   to   20  
    Add: Anticipated amortization of debt issuance costs   1   to   1       4   to   4  
    Anticipated non-GAAP net income $ 23   to $ 25     $ 127   to $ 137  
    Add: Anticipated interest expense on convertible senior notes   2   to   2       6   to   6  
    Numerator for non-GAAP earnings per share calculation $ 25   to $ 27     $ 133   to $ 143  
                   
    Anticipated GAAP net loss per share, diluted $ (0.15 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.19 )   $ (0.06 )
    Anticipated non-GAAP net income per share, diluted $ 0.33     $ 0.36     $ 1.72     $ 1.85  
                   
    Weighted average shares used in earnings per share calculation, diluted   75.6       77.3  
                   

    The reconciliation does not reflect any items that are unknown at this time, including, but not limited to, non-ordinary course litigation-related expenses, which we are not able to predict without unreasonable effort due to their inherent uncertainty. As a result, the estimates shown for Anticipated GAAP loss from operations, Anticipated GAAP net loss and Anticipated GAAP net loss per share are expected to change.

      Full-Year 2025
    Reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow:  
    Anticipated net cash provided by operating activities $ 153  
    Less: Anticipated purchases of property and equipment   (3 )
    Less: Anticipated capitalized internal-use software costs   (15 )
    Anticipated free cash flow $ 135  

    Exhibit 1 – Immaterial Correction of an Error

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, we identified an immaterial error related to stock-based compensation expense associated with certain restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”) granted during fiscal years 2023 and 2024 that resulted in an understatement of stock-based compensation expense in fiscal year 2023 and the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2024. We have concluded that our previously issued financial statements were not materially misstated as a result of this error and have corrected the error in these prior periods. The correction of this error resulted in (i) an increase in additional paid-in capital and a corresponding increase to accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2023 of approximately $3.6 million and (ii) an increase in additional paid-in capital and a corresponding increase to accumulated deficit as of September 30, 2024 of approximately $7.2 million. There was no change to net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used in investing activities and net cash provided by financing activities in our consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, there was no change to our ARR, revenue, non-GAAP net income (loss) from operations, non-GAAP net income (loss) or free cash flow.

    The following table sets forth the effect of the immaterial error correction to certain line items of our consolidated statements of operations for (i) the three months ended December 31, 2023, (ii) the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and (iii) the three months ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024, respectively:

      Three Months Ended   Year Ended   Three Months Ended
      December 31, 2023   March 31, 2024   June 30, 2024   September 30, 2024
      Adjustment   Adjustment   Adjustment   Adjustment   Adjustment
      (in thousands, except for per share amounts)
    Consolidated Statement of Operations:                  
    Cost of revenue – product subscriptions $ 62     $ 236     $ 79     $ 125     $ 121  
    Cost of revenue – professional services $ 16     $ 69     $ 12     $ 19     $ 19  
    Research and development expense $ 302     $ 1,161     $ 378     $ 392     $ 411  
    Sales and marketing expense $ 243     $ 1,025     $ 290     $ 331     $ 300  
    General and administrative expense $ 309     $ 1,064     $ 93     $ 790     $ 293  
    Net income (loss) $ (932 )   $ (3,555 )   $ (852 )   $ (1,657 )   $ (1,144 )
    Net income (loss) per share, basic $ (0.02 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.02 )
    Net income (loss) per share, diluted $ (0.01 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.01 )

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: MARA Schedules Conference Call for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Earnings Webcast and Conference Call Set for Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET

    Fort Lauderdale, FL , Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) (“MARA” or the “Company”), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, will hold a webcast and conference call on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Financial results will be published in a shareholder letter prior to the call and available on the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

    To register to participate in the conference call or to listen to the live audio webcast, please use this link. The webcast will also be broadcast live and available for replay via the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

    Verified retail and institutional shareholders will be able to submit and upvote questions ahead of the earnings call. A selection of these questions may be addressed by MARA’s management team during the earnings call. The Q&A platform will open on February 19 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time and close on February 25 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. To submit questions, please use this link.

    Earnings Webcast and Conference Call Details
    Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
    Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (2:00 p.m. Pacific time)
    Registration link: LINK

    If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact MARA’s investor relations team at ir@mara.com.

    About MARA
    MARA (NASDAQ:MARA) is a global leader in digital asset compute that develops and deploys innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. MARA secures the world’s preeminent blockchain ledger and supports the energy transformation by converting clean, stranded, or otherwise underutilized energy into economic value.

    For more information, visit www.mara.com, or follow us on:

    Twitter: @MARAHoldings
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/maraholdings
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/MARAHoldings
    Instagram: @maraholdingsinc

    MARA Company Contact:
    Telephone: 800-804-1690
    Email: ir@mara.com 

    MARA Media Contact:

    Email: marathon@wachsman.com 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ARKO to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results on February 26, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) (the “Company”) a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States, today announced that the Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    ARKO Corp.’s management team will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period. The Company will provide its financial results in a press release prior to the call.

    Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
    Time: 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
    Toll-free dial-in number: (877) 605-1792
    International dial-in number: (201) 689-8728
    Webcast: ARKO’s Q4 and Full Year 2024 Earnings Call

    A telephonic replay will be available approximately three hours after the call concludes through Friday, March 28, 2025.

    Toll-free replay number: (877) 660-6853
    International replay number: (201) 612-7415
    Replay ID: 13751014

    A link to the live webcast and replay will also be available at https://www.arkocorp.com/news-events/ir-calendar. We encourage all participants to register at least 15 minutes prior to the 5:00 p.m. ET start time. If you have any difficulty registering or connecting with the conference call, please contact Elevate IR at (720) 330-2829.

    About ARKO Corp.

    ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) is a Fortune 500 company that owns 100% of GPM Investments, LLC and is one of the largest operators of convenience stores and wholesalers of fuel in the United States. Based in Richmond, VA, our highly recognizable family of community brands offers delicious, prepared foods, beer, snacks, candy, hot and cold beverages, and multiple popular quick serve restaurant brands. Our high value fas REWARDS® loyalty program offers exclusive savings on merchandise and gas. We operate in four reportable segments: retail, which includes convenience stores selling merchandise and fuel products to retail customers; wholesale, which supplies fuel to independent dealers and consignment agents; fleet fueling, which includes the operation of proprietary and third-party cardlock locations and issuance of proprietary fuel cards that provide customers access to a nationwide network of fueling sites; and GPM Petroleum, which sells and supplies fuel to our retail and wholesale sites and charges a fixed fee, primarily to our fleet fueling sites. To learn more about GPM stores, visit: www.gpminvestments.com. To learn more about ARKO, visit: www.arkocorp.com.

    Company Contact
    Jordan Mann
    ARKO Corp.
    investors@gpminvestments.com

    Investor Contact
    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    Elevate IR
    (720) 330-2829
    ARKO@elevate-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Union, African Development Bank and partners to host high-level round table ahead of global nutrition summit

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    What:      African Union High-Level Round Table – From Policy to Action: Towards a Common Position to Address Malnutrition in Africa

    Who:       The Kingdom of Lesotho, the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank’s African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) and partners

    When:     14 February 2025; 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EAT

    Where:    Hyatt Regency Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    The African Union and African Leaders for Nutrition Champion, His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho, in collaboration with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank Group, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and Nutrition International will host a high-level side event, on 14 February 2025, on the margins of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Commission.

    Coming just before the global Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris in March, the meeting will provide an opportunity for African leaders to review their progress in fighting malnutrition, share success stories, and adopt a united African position ahead of the Nutrition for Growth summit. It will also introduce a new continent-wide plan to reduce the incidence of anemia.

    Discussions will focus on strengthening accountability mechanisms and scaling up nutrition financing through innovative financing mechanisms, including how to mobilize domestic resources and leverage public-private partnerships to secure sustainable nutrition investments.

    As Africa’s population rapidly grows, investing in nutrition is not just a health priority but an economic imperative, given that the continent loses an estimated $153 billion annually due to the economic and productivity costs of malnutrition.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Online Exploitation of Private Images

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    The Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution (SHIELD) Act ensures that federal prosecutors have appropriate and effective tools to address serious privacy violations
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced bipartisan legislation to take on the online exploitation of explicit, private images. The Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution (SHIELD) Act would provide federal law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on serious privacy violations. The bill establishes federal criminal liability for people who distribute others’ private or explicit images online, or threaten to do so, without consent. The bill also fills in existing gaps in federal law so that prosecutors can hold all those who exploit children accountable. Current state laws offer incomplete and inconsistent protection for victims of image exploitation. Last year, the SHIELD Act passed the Senate unanimously. Companion legislation in the House of Representatives is led by Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA).
    “We need to provide victims of online abuse with the legal protection they deserve, and to hold their exploiters accountable,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation does just that. Providing law enforcement with the tools they need will help prevent these serious privacy violations from going unpunished or even happening in the first place. We will build on the progress we made last year to finally get these critical protections passed into law.”
    “Those who have had their digital privacy violated shouldn’t have to fear that their abusers will go unpunished,” said Cornyn. “Our legislation will help ensure criminals who share private images of others online, including explicit photos of children, are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
    The SHIELD Act is endorsed by over 50 organizations, including the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the National District Attorneys Association.
    “In a world where smart phones and other devices are used to record and share every moment in life, it is vital to protect against the malicious, nonconsensual sharing of private, explicit images. These privacy violations disproportionately target women and minors. By establishing federal liability for those who share private images without consent, the SHIELD Act will help law enforcement bring justice to the victims of these crimes. We thank Senators Klobuchar and Cornyn for their leadership and stand with them in support of this important bill,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations.
    “The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) applauds Senator Klobuchar and Senator Cornyn for their leadership on the SHIELD Act. This essential piece of legislation protects children and closes a gap in current law by criminalizing the distribution of sexually explicit and nude images of a child. In 2024, NCMEC received more than 500,000 reports of online enticement, including sextortion, to our CyberTipline. The SHIELD Act will provide a crucial legal remedy for children in many of these cases. We look forward to working with the Senate and House sponsors to ensure that the SHIELD Act is enacted into law this term. NCMEC is appreciative of all Congressional supporters of the SHIELD Act who are working to prioritize child safety online,” said Michelle DeLaune, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
    “As technology advances at a rapid pace, so too does the exploitation of some of our most vulnerable victims in our communities—children. The Stopping Harmful Image Exploitation and Limiting Distribution (SHIELD) Act takes an important step to hold those who prey on children and others accountable. The legislation also addresses the challenges of ‘sextortion’ and closes a loophole where child pornography falls short of meeting the definition of sexual content. We appreciate Senator Klobuchar and Senator Cornyn’s efforts to provide the necessary tools to law enforcement and prosecutors to keep our communities safe,” said Nelson Bunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association.
    The SHIELD Act would:
    Ensure that the Department of Justice has an appropriate and effective tool to address serious privacy violations;
    Establish federal criminal liability for individuals who share, or threaten to share, private, sexually explicit or nude images without consent;
    Fill in gaps in existing law that prevent prosecutors from holding those who share explicit images of children accountable; and
    Protect the victims of serious privacy violations, while leaving room for sharing consensual images and images of public concern.
    Last year, at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Big Tech and the Online Child Sexual Exploitation Crisis,” Senator Klobuchar was part of a hearing that questioned tech executives about their companies turning a blind eye when young children join their platforms, ignoring the risk of sexual exploitation, using algorithms that push harmful content, and providing a venue for drug traffickers to sell deadly narcotics like fentanyl. In 2017, Klobuchar and former Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), introduced the first version of this legislation, the bipartisan Ending Nonconsensual Online User Graphic Harassment (ENOUGH) Act. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Commitment to Inclusive Political Transition Vital for Syria’s Success, Special Envoy Says, Warning Further Conflict Could Hinder Fight against Da’esh

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Concerns Raised over Discrimination against Women, Minorities

    Acknowledging the Syrian caretaker authorities pledges to achieve an inclusive Syrian-owned and -led political transition in line with the key principles of Council resolution 2254 (2015), the United Nations senior mediator in the country warned the Security Council today that further conflict could have a drastic impact on the fight against Da’esh and international peace and security.

    The current transition in Syria is unfolding amid territorial division in the north-east and a complex security environment in the rest of the country, said Geir O. Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria.

    “The leadership of the caretaker authorities have repeatedly committed publicly and to me that the new Syria will be for all Syrians and built on inclusive and credible foundations,” he said.

    On 29 January, a broad range of military factions assembled in Damascus and issued a declaration dissolving the 2012 Constitution, exceptional laws, the former Parliament, the former army, former regime-allied militias and the Ba’ath Party, he said.  Ahmad al-Sharaa — declared “interim President and head of State for a transitional period” — pledged to “work to form a comprehensive transitional Government that expresses the diversity of Syria” towards “free and fair elections”.

    The Special Envoy said that, while in Syria, he was “deeply struck” by the shared conviction among Syrians that the success of the country’s political transition is essential, and that “it cannot afford to fail”.

    However, many are concerned that there has been no rule of law, no constitutional or legal framework for appointments and policy decisions and no systematic communication or transparency.  Some expressed concerns that the caretaker authorities — staffed mostly with affiliates of the Idlib Salvation Government — are taking decisions that go “beyond a caretaker mode”, including in terms of restructuring State institutions, with potential impact on specific communities.

    Additionally, many Syrians expressed concern at reports of discriminatory practices targeting women, and of increasing social pressure towards certain norms, he said, stressing that Syrian women want “more than protection”; they want meaningful participation in decision-making and transitional institutions.

    He further observed that the situation in north-east Syria complicates the political transition, pointing to daily front-line hostilities impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure.  Many Syrians expressed fears about security fragmentation and that external actors could exploit it — particularly “if the transition goes awry”.  And many expressed parallel concerns that ongoing efforts for public sector restructuring may push hundreds of thousands into need – including former security elements — potentially jeopardizing future stability.  Equally concerning is the inclusion of foreign fighters in the senior ranks of the new armed forces, as well as individuals associated with violations.

    Relatedly, he spotlighted concerning reports of incidents still taking place against the backdrop of the authorities’ security operations, including men killed in the exchange of fire and reported serious ill-treatment in detention.  In addition, residents are reportedly facing incidents of kidnapping, looting, expropriation of property and forced evictions of families from public housing.

    Against this backdrop, he called on the caretaker authorities to ensure all armed actors cease these actions, amplify their assurances into concrete procedures and work on a comprehensive transitional justice framework.  He also underscored that Israel must withdraw from Syria, noting the UN’s engagement with that country and the caretaker authorities to that end.  Further, he urged sanctioning States to ease sanctions in the critical sectors of energy, investments and finance — including the Central Bank.

    Syria ‘at Top of Priority List’ for UN, Humanitarian Aid Partners

    Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, highlighted the impact of continued hostilities, especially in the north of Syria, on the country’s immense humanitarian crisis. Fighting in and around Mennbij in eastern Aleppo has displaced over 25,000 people, while hostilities have continued in Ar-Raqqa and Al-Hasakeh Governorates, affecting civilian infrastructure. “Since late November [2024], the United Nations and humanitarian partners have provided more than 3.3 million people with bread assistance, as well as other food aid,” she said, highlighting the work of mobile health and nutrition teams.  The cross-border operation from Turkiye remains essential, she noted, adding that, in January, 94 trucks carrying essential supplies crossed through the Bab al-Hawa and Bab al-Salam crossings.

    “Syria remains at the top of our priority list,” she said, adding that senior representatives of humanitarian agencies have visited the country to engage with partners and caretaker authorities.  Outlining efforts to move towards a streamlined coordination architecture, which should be in place by June, she said it will be led by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Damascus.  Turning to engagement with the caretaker authorities, she highlighted their assurances “to facilitate access, ease bureaucratic procedures and engage in practical dialogue with the humanitarian community”.  Last week, cash-withdrawal limits for aid organizations were lifted, and transactions were authorized in Syrian pounds or United States dollars.

    “Now is the time to invest in Syria’s future,” she emphasized, adding that many of the 6 million Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries are “weighing the momentous decision of whether to return”.  Alongside life-saving support, it is essential to restore critical health water and other services, she added, expressing concern about funding shortfalls and calling for “generous financial pledges”.  “The UN and partners are appealing for $1.2 billion to reach 6.7 million people through March of this year,” she said.  Further clarity is needed on the implications of the freeze on US-funded activities and associated humanitarian waivers, she said, noting that, in 2024, funding from that country accounted for more than a quarter of support for the humanitarian response plan in Syria.  She underscored that delays or suspension of funding will affect whether vulnerable people can access essential services.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to New Zealand Economics Forum

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone.
    Thank you Matt for the introduction and can I acknowledge the presence of former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. It’s a pleasure to have you back in the country.
    It’s also a pleasure to be here to speak at this event for the third year in a row. 
    The world is changing. Fast. Orthodoxies are being challenged. De-globalisation, tariffs, counter tariffs, artificial intelligence, conflict, cynicism about national institutions, extreme climatic events, increasing competition for food, energy, minerals and other resources.  
    Leaders around the world are being compelled to act more boldly than they have for several decades.
    Where once countries could take for granted their position in the world, it is now unquestionable that we need to place ourselves in the driver’s seat for our national interests.
    These issues are not just the concern of diplomats, leaders and elites.  
    People the world over are increasingly feeling the effects of declining living standards, soaring prices, unaffordable housing and incomes that are not  keeping up. 
    Is it any wonder that there is a growing sense that the benefits of progress are not being evenly shared or that citizens are questioning the institutions and conventions they were raised to rely on?  
    It’s hard not to look back on the past few decades and see complacency. 
    Where once there was an assumption about the inevitability of economic growth – a given to be traded off against a host of other values – that stance now seems blissfully naïve.  
    From the United Kingdom, to the European Union, to China, to the United States, there is a growing realisation that growth must be fought for and that, even once achieved, can easily slide away.
    We in New Zealand are not immune to these trends. In fact, we are at a moment of inflection.  
    After three years of struggle, many Kiwis feel poorer, less financially secure and less hopeful about their futures. The cost of living is a daily concern.
    New Zealanders have been through the wringer. Where once there was triumphalism about our response to, and recovery, from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is now a realisation that we are still paying the economic price for the disruption it wreaked.  
    The aftershocks of extended lock-downs included a generational spike in inflation and the cost of living, extraordinary interest rate hikes, ongoing disruption to migration flows, massive increases in Government debt and a structural deficit in the government books.  
    These blows landed on an economy that had being showing cracks for decades. 
    New Zealand already faced longstanding issues of low productivity growth, low capital intensity in our firms, low levels of competition in many sectors, challenges in attracting and retaining skills and talent, low uptake of innovation, declining housing affordability and a growing tail of New Zealanders leaving school without basic skills. Today, as Kiwis suffer the real-life effects of economic problems, it’s become even more urgent that we address these complex challenges. 
    For the economists in this room these observations about our economic problems can be understood as data points.
    For many Kiwis, it is more personal, more visceral and far harder to stomach. The cost of living is too high and they need to see a path out.
    Despite falling inflation and interest rates and rising business and consumer confidence, many New Zealanders tell me they still can’t get on top of their bills – even though they’re working harder than ever, that they are worried about whether they’ve saved enough for their retirement, and are concerned about their kids’ prospects should they stay in New Zealand.
    My message to those New Zealanders is this: it’s tough right now, but our country has far better years ahead of it.  
    It’s easy to lose sight of the reasons to be optimistic, but let’s be confident about how great New Zealand’s potential is.
    In a world facing multiple challenges, we have some extraordinary advantages. We’re a safe, secure country with established trading relationships and a reputation as a good place to do business. We are blessed with abundant natural resources – everything from ocean to freshwater, fertile land to minerals and temperate weather. 
    In a world worried about food security, we have the world’s best farmers, feeding more than 40 million people with levels of efficiency and sustainability that are the envy of the world. We have a long history of stable democracy, strong institutions and rule of law. We’ve produced world-leading scientific breakthroughs from splitting the atom to the Hamilton Jet Boat. Our entrepreneurs and innovators have converted their ideas into world-beating successes – from  Oscar-winning digital effects to rockets in space.
    New Zealand has what it takes to succeed, but for too long we’ve put up stop signs and road cones when we should have been putting our pedal to the metal. 
    Our Government’s mission is to make the most of New Zealand’s potential so we can grow the economy and ease the cost of living for New Zealanders. 
    Our plan is simple: remove the barriers that have held back growth and create the conditions that will allow businesses to create better paying jobs, more financial security for our families, and more income to pay for world-class education and health services.
    Today I am releasing a document that shows how our Government is putting that plan into action. “Going for Growth” is a snapshot of the Government’s activity in five key areas, all designed to ease the cost of living and grow our economy.
    The document identifies more than 80 separate initiatives that have been completed or are underway.  Don’t worry, I’m not about to list them all. 
    But I do encourage you to give it a read.  Going for Growth will be updated on a regular basis and we are actively seeking your feedback on its content and any actions you think should be added or prioritized. 
    The document focusses on five areas which are essential to improving the performance of the New Zealand economy.

    Developing talent by lifting education and skills:  Too many of our kids have been leaving school without the basics they need to succeed in an increasingly demanding world. This is a moral failure.  It’s also a fiscal and economic timebomb. Our Government is improving our education system to deliver a better deal for Kiwi kids.
    Competitive business settings: Excessive and badly-designed regulations have slowed New Zealand down, added costs and prevented too many good ideas from become reality. Several of our major sectors lack competition and consumers are paying the price. Our Government is removing red tape, reducing compliance costs and promoting competition to deliver a better deal for Kiwi consumers.
    Promoting global trade and investment: New Zealand is a small country, geographically distant from many of the world’s large economies. We need to keep pursuing trade relationships and international connections not only to get good prices for our exports, but also to keep up with emerging technologies and to access the world’s talent and capital. Our Government is growing our trade relationships and rolling out the welcome mat for international investment so we can deliver better paying jobs for Kiwis.
    Innovation, technology and science:  New Zealand’s science system is not geared up for the future economy. Our businesses have often been slow to invest in the technology needed to make them more productive. We’re modernizing our science and innovation system so we can deliver a better deal for Kiwi businesses who want to use science and tech to grow.
    Infrastructure for growth:  New Zealand’s Resource Management system has been weaponised against development, adding cost, slowing things down and stopping too many projects. Despite abundant land, housing remains unaffordable for too many. Major infrastructure projects are too slow, too expensive and too few. Our Government is removing roadblocks to delivery of housing and infrastructure and fast-tracking major developments so we can deliver better living standards for New Zealanders.

    Some of you will be familiar with the work we already have underway in each of these areas. Today I want to share some thoughts about a few areas where I think more reform is needed.
    Number One. Driving greater competition in sectors that are vital to our national interests, including banking, grocery and electricity.  
    The economic impetus for this is clear. Strong competition protects consumer interests, it puts downward pressure on costs, it incentivises innovation and investment, it supports efficient allocation of resources and it drives productivity.
    When I look around the business landscape today I see too many sectors where market power has been entrenched to the detriment of everyday people.
    New Zealand has seen significant mergers and consolidation across major industries. Big fish have been swallowing the little fish and regulatory barriers have stopped new fish from entering the pond. 
    While many super-sized businesses have flourished, in too many cases the Kiwis they sell to have experienced higher prices, fewer choices and a worse deal all round.
    In my view, law-makers and regulators have been far too complacent about diminishing levels of competition in vital areas. Large-scale mergers have been repeatedly allowed in major industries, with so-called efficiency prioritised over the interests of consumers.
    Well-intended regulations have become a moat, stopping challengers from disrupting the status quo. 
    The result?  A raw deal for Kiwi consumers. 
    The dominance of big fish has also made it difficult for many small businesses to grow into larger businesses. 
    We see it in the banking industry which the Commerce Commission has described as a highly profitable, two-tier oligopoly. The Government is taking action to address this.
    And we see it in the supermarket sector in which three large entities, two of whom don’t compete in the same island, effectively control 82 per cent of the market. 
    The result, as the Commerce Commission reported in 2022, is that competition between grocery retailers is muted, profits are high, product ranges are limited and shoppers pay higher prices than people in many other countries. 
    In this environment it is almost impossible for a new entrant to establish a foothold in the New Zealand market.
    Even if they are able to battle their way through the thicket of resource management and overseas investment regulation, they are confronted in many cases by an absence of suitable land for new supermarket developments. It has been land-banked by the established players.
    Some of our best food producers also tell me they are struggling because of the duopolistic practices of the major players. 
    If Kiwi food producers can’t afford to keep their products on New Zealand supermarket shelves, how are they ever going to grow to the point where they can export overseas?
    The supermarket lobby will find 1000 different ways to say this is not the case, but it is. 
    The OECD has this to say about the New Zealand supermarket sector:
    “Two major players dominate the market through their portfolio of different brands.  As a result, they can extract higher prices from consumers (oligopoly power) but also exert ‘oligopsony power’ on their suppliers, passing on costs and uncertainty to them, with the threat of removing products from shelves if suppliers disagree”
    Studies have shown that New Zealand supermarkets were the most expensive for kitchen staples compared with the UK, Ireland and Australia.
    If you doubt the findings of the OECD, research papers, or the Commerce Commission, just ask the everyday Mums and Dads at the checkout:
    Kiwi shoppers feel ripped-off.  
    I think of PK, the Kiwi man who went viral on Tik Tok, sharing how he cried when he discovered how much cheaper the food was when he moved to Australia. I think of the parents in the supermarket aisle, putting back the chocolate biscuits as the weekly shop blows their budget – again.  And I think of all those people who endure gut-wrenching anxiety as they watch their items being scanned and the numbers tallying up on the till.
    The weekly supermarket shop makes up a significant proportion of most people’s weekly budget and contributes massively to their cost of living.
    They deserve to know they are getting a fair deal.
    Right now, I don’t think they are.  I’m ready to pull out all the stops to get them a fairer deal.
    The supermarkets will fight back I’m sure. It’s a fight worth having.
    So what can the Government do?
    Let me reassure you, we are not going to open our own grocery chain. There will be no KiwiShop. 
    Instead I’d like to see another competitor enter the supermarket scene to  disrupt the major players, drive down prices and increase options for Kiwi shoppers.
    Over the past 12 months, international supermarket chains and local investors have expressed interest in entering the New Zealand grocery market. 
    I want to help them succeed.
    We owe it to Kiwi shoppers to help remove the barriers that could get in the way of a new entrant.
    That could include removing unnecessary regulatory hurdles in the Overseas Investment Act, Resource Management Act and the entire regulatory maze; helping them to access suitable land and properties for development; helping them to attract capital; cracking down on predatory pricing and ensuring they have fair access to products. 
    If a new grocery chain opened up here it would deliver massive gains for Kiwi shoppers.  So I’m up for actions needed to help make it happen.
    At the same time, the Government must continue our efforts to hold the existing supermarket chains accountable to their customers and suppliers. 
    That means enhancing consumer protections and correcting power imbalances between suppliers and supermarkets. It means strengthening the Grocery Supply Code, enforcing action against non-compliance and illegal conduct, introducing a Wholesale Code to enhance access for smaller retailers, introducing disclosure standards for consumer complaints and responding to further recommendations the Commerce Commission makes.
    Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly has already been pushing hard in this space. This year we’re dialling up the pressure.
    The major supermarket chains should listen up: our Government is on the side of Kiwi shoppers and we will act to defend their interests.
    Number two:  The Government’s approach to procurement.
    The Government is a huge player in the New Zealand economy. Every year it procures billions of dollars worth of goods and services.
    Those doing the procuring understandably play close attention to prices.  That is as it should be. We want value for money. 
    But getting value is not just about cost. Getting value is also about assessing the contribution particular contracts can make to New Zealand as a whole.
    The Government wants the Government agencies doing the procuring to assess the value as well as the cost of contracts. 
    Small and medium-sized businesses say that too often they can’t effectively bid for Government contracts because of the complexity of official procurement processes. 
    I am reviewing the Government procurement rules that cause this and will soon be recommending changes to Cabinet. I want to ensure value to New Zealand is properly considered when government agencies are picking suppliers, ensuring a more level playing field, improving the ability of smaller businesses to bid and giving more small and medium sized Kiwi businesses the opportunity to grow and become global players.
    Third, tax settings.
    New Zealand must ensure our tax settings are competitive with other countries who seek to lure our talent, ideas and jobs.
    We need to ensure the New Zealand tax system does not discourage businesspeople from investing in their businesses and does not deter foreign investment. 
    I am considering a range of proposals to make our tax settings more competitive over time.
    Fourth, affordable energy.
    Alongside the supermarket bill, electricity prices are a major pain point for Kiwi households.  Spiking prices and uncertain supply are also a major barrier to industry and the jobs it supports.
    As we look out to the world, it’s clear that those choosing to invest in manufacturing, data centers and technological parks will increasingly ask themselves: does the country that we want to invest in have secure, affordable and renewable energy? 
    New Zealand is pretty well-positioned for that. We already have abundant levels of renewable energy. 
    The question is, are we well positioned to bring on new generation at the pace needed to keep both security of supply and affordability? 
    That’s a question the Government is very much engaged in. 
    The Energy Competition Task Force has published proposals to give consumers more control over energy costs. In addition, independent reviewers will report to Ministers in the middle of the year on the performance of the energy market.  
    My view is that the world’s surging demand for renewable energy has changed the game. It’s time to think much more boldly about the actions the Government may need to take to incentivise new generation, security of supply and affordable electricity.
    Fifth, savings.
    Finally, I want to see KiwiSaver working as well as possible for New Zealanders. Commerce Minister Andrew Bayly already has work underway to enable Kiwisaver providers to make greater investments in private assets, to generate good returns for savers and ensure more Kiwi savings can be deployed for investment here at home.  
    I want to see KiwiSaver balances grow, both to make Kiwis better off in retirement and to grow our collective national savings. I am taking advice on options for achieving that with a view to taking recommendations to Cabinet.
    Let me finish by providing you with some perspective. 
    Our domestic context is challenging. Internationally we are arguably operating in a more complex, faster changing world than at any time in history. 
    But, when I look around the world, there is nowhere I would rather build a business or raise a family than here in New Zealand.
    But the world doesn’t owe us a living. We have to compete hard to deliver for our national interests and the interests of New Zealanders. 
    Our Government’s plan to grow the economy is about making the most of New Zealand’s many advantages, removing barriers that are holding Kiwis back and competing for our share of the world’s wealth.
    This is not an abstract mission.  It goes to the heart of what matters to New Zealanders. 
    To create better paying jobs and make Kiwis more financially secure, we must grow our economy.
    To deliver better health services and schools, we must grow our economy.
    To make New Zealand more resilient to global challenges, we must grow our economy.
    This Government backs New Zealanders to succeed. I know you do too. I wish you a successful conference and look forward to hearing your ideas.  Let’s go for growth.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Reserve Board announces approval of application by WesBanco, Inc.

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    .

    February 12, 2025
    Federal Reserve Board announces approval of application by WesBanco, Inc.
    For release at 4:00 p.m. EST

    The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced its approval of the application by WesBanco, Inc., of Wheeling, West Virginia, to acquire Premier Financial Corp., Defiance, and thereby indirectly acquire Premier Bank, Youngstown, both of Ohio.
    For media inquiries, please email [email protected] or call (202) 452-2955.

    Last Update: February 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Reserve Board announces approval of proposal by ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    .

    February 12, 2025
    Federal Reserve Board announces approval of proposal by ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.
    For release at 4:00 p.m. EST

    The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced its approval of the proposal by ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., of Sparta, Michigan, to merge with Fentura Financial, Inc., and thereby indirectly acquire Fentura’s subsidiary bank, The State Bank, both of Fenton, Michigan.
    The Board also gave its approval for ChoiceOne Bank, of Sparta, Michigan, to merge with The State Bank and to establish and operate branches at The State Bank’s locations.
    For media inquiries, please email [email protected] or call (202) 452-2955.

    Last Update: February 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Reserve Board announces approval of application by CSBH, LLC

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    .

    February 12, 2025
    Federal Reserve Board announces approval of application by CSBH, LLC
    For release at 4:00 p.m. EST

    The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced its approval of the application by CSBH, LLC, of Powhatan, Virginia, to acquire up to 49.9 percent of Industry Bancshares, Inc., of Industry, Texas, and thereby indirectly acquire control of several subsidiary banks.
    Those banks include: (1) Citizens State Bank, of Buffalo, Texas; (2) Industry State Bank, of Industry, Texas; (3) Bank of Brenham, National Association, of Brenham, Texas; (4) Fayetteville Bank, of Fayetteville, Texas; (5) The First National Bank of Shiner, of Shiner Texas; and (6) The First National Bank of Bellville, of Bellville, Texas.
    For media inquiries, please email [email protected] or call (202) 452-2955.

    Last Update: February 12, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Urges Senate Colleagues to Support RFK Jr. to be HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered remarks on the Senate Floor urging his Senate colleagues to support Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

    Watch Chairman Crapo’s remarks here.

    As delivered:

    “Thank you, Mr. President.

    “In a moment, the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  I rise to encourage my colleagues to support this motion.

    “As Secretary of HHS, Mr. Kennedy would oversee our nation’s expansive health care system, from sources of coverage to advancement of public health. 

    “Mr. Kennedy’s decades of experience and deep drive to advocate on behalf of consumers will set a patient-centered tone at the Department.

    “As he has demonstrated in both public and private settings, Mr. Kennedy is committed to reorienting our approach to health care and restoring faith in our institutions.

    “His passion for addressing America’s chronic disease epidemic will save lives, reduce costs and establish a foundation for a healthier, stronger country. 

    “His dedication to transparency will empower patients to make more informed decisions about their health care and form a responsive rapport with Congress.  As Mr. Kennedy stated during his hearing, ‘…if Congress asked me for information, you will get it immediately.’

    “Over the course of his vetting process, Mr. Kennedy met with dozens of Members on both sides of the aisle, spoke with bipartisan Senate Finance Committee staff, appeared before two committee hearings and answered over nine hundred questions for the record.  Not to mention, presenting thousands of pages of documents.

    “Mr. Kennedy has gone through the same Office of Government Ethics process as all nominees who come before the Finance Committee. 

    “Similar to all other nominees, we have a letter from director of the Office of Government Ethics stating: ‘Based thereon, we believe that this nominee is compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing conflicts of interest.’ 

    “He even amended his ethics agreement, going beyond what is required by the Office of Government Ethics, in response to a request from Finance Committee Members.

    “I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing his nomination so we can begin to make our country healthier.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Congratulates Jonathan Gould on Nomination to Lead the OCC

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and former Chairman of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, today applauded the nomination of Jonathan Gould to be Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).

    “Jonathan is an experienced, dedicated individual whose leadership will be essential in carrying out the OCC’s mission of ensuring safety, soundness and fair access in the financial services industry.  He will be a strong advocate for correcting the unacceptable practices that have gone against principles of fairness and market access over the last few years.  His extensive background in the public and private sectors make him highly qualified for the task ahead, and I look forward to working with him once confirmed.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finance Committee Advances USTR Nominee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The U.S. Senate Finance Committee today advanced the nomination of Jamieson Greer to be United States Trade Representative (USTR), by a vote of 15-12.  Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the following statement:

    “Mr. Greer has the experience and much-needed determination to successfully advocate for American farmers, ranchers, workers and manufacturers.  Throughout this confirmation process, he has clearly committed to expanding global market access for Americans and working closely with Congress.  I look forward to working with him and his nomination being considered by the full Senate.”

    Mr. Greer was reported out of the committee by a vote of 15 to 12.  An executive summary can be found here.

    Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing can be read here, and his statement at the executive session can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend the Republic of the Congo on the Mouébara Act, Raise Questions on Women’s Access to Justice and Clandestine Abortions

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today considered the eighth periodic report of the Republic of the Congo, with Committee Experts commending the State on the Mouébara Act which combatted violence against women, while raising questions on women’s access to justice and on clandestine abortions in the country. 

    Esther Eghobamien, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for the Congo, said extensive constitutional, legal and public policy reforms, and strategic approaches adopted by the Congo were commendable, including the celebrated Mouébara Act no. 19 of 2022 to combat violence against women, which specifically defined discrimination against women as in article 11 for the first time.  Many unique provisions of the law aligned with international human rights law and if effectively implemented, should guarantee protection for women on many fronts, including against sexual harassment. 

    A Committee Expert asked how the State was working with customary courts and informal justice actors to form a path for the protection of the rights of women and girls under customary law?  What concrete steps were being taken to improve and enhance access to quality justice, including through the provision of legal aid and addressing awareness in the justice sector?  How was the State party ensuring that the Mouébara Act was implemented, so that gaps could be closed? 

    Another Committee Expert said complications from clandestine abortions were responsible for up to 30 per cent of maternal deaths.  Use of contraceptives in the country was very low.  What specific measures were being taken to ensure people knew about the risks of early pregnancies?  What measures were being taken to ensure that women facing complications relating to insecure abortions received full medical support?  How was access to health services without criminalisation ensured, particularly for women involved in clandestine abortion? What measures would be taken to legalise abortion? 

    The delegation said work was being carried out at the grassroots level with community leaders on the rights of women.  Access to justice was guaranteed under the law and bolstered via the Mouébara Act. The national action plan for tackling gender-based violence had a staff, who were also active in ensuring women had access to justice.  There had been training sessions for judges and judicial staff so they understood the new laws and how their provisions needed to be applied in the courts.  More than 1,000 judicial staff had undergone training so far.  The Mouébara Act contained specific actions for judges, and judges received specific training on it. 

     

    The delegation said the Republic of the Congo banned the voluntary interruption of pregnancy, due to terrible past situations relating to abusive abortions in inappropriate locations.  The State monitored specific cases.  There had been a case involving incest where a girl was pregnant with twins and her father was responsible.  In this case, to have access to an abortion, she would need to go through the courts and the judge should accept the procedure for termination of pregnancy, taking into consideration the health of the mother.  These were exceptional cases, and the State was following this policy to limit any potential health problems. 

    Introducing the report, Inès Bertille Nefer Ingani Voumbo Yalo, Minister for the Promotion of Women, Integration of Women in Development and Informal Economy of the Republic of the Congo and head of the delegation, said many steps had been taken to enhance women’s participation in political and public life, including the national programme for the promotion of women’s leadership in political life, which strengthened the capacities of more than 3,000 women in politics, leadership, and communication.  The representation of women in institutions and decision-making spheres in the Republic of the Congo was experiencing a real improvement.  The Republic of the Congo aimed to be a model in the implementation of the Convention.

    In her closing remarks, Nahla Haidar, Committee Chair, said the Committee was impressed by the number of legal initiatives and texts being developed by the State party and the work being undertaken on the ground to translate those texts into something real. 

    Ms. Ingani Voumbo Yalo thanked the Committee for the efforts and the constructive dialogue. The Republic of the Congo was committed to moving forwards to improve the wellbeing and rights of women. 

    The delegation of the Congo was comprised of representatives from the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, the Integration of Women in Development and the Informal Economy; the Ministry of Social Affairs, Solidarity and Humanitarian Action; the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and the Promotion of Indigenous Peoples; the National Action Programme for the Fight against Violence against Women; the Communications and Information Technology Services Department; the Directorate of Cooperation; the Association of Women Lawyers in the Congo; the National Human Rights Commission; and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Congo to the United Nations Office at Geneva. 

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s ninetieth session is being held from 3 to 21 February.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 13 February to begin its consideration of the ninth periodic report of Sri Lanka (CEDAW/C/LKA/9).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the eighth periodic report of the Congo (CEDAW/C/COG/8).

    Presentation of Report

    INÈS BERTILLE NEFER INGANI VOUMBO YALO, Minister for the Promotion of Women, Integration of Women in Development and Informal Economy of the Republic of the Congo and head of the delegation, said the promotion of equal human and women’s rights was one of the major pillars of the Congolese Government’s action.  Many steps had been taken to enhance women’s participation in political and public life, including the national programme for the promotion of women’s leadership in political life, which strengthened the capacities of more than 3,000 women in politics, leadership, and communication. The representation of women in institutions and decision-making spheres in the Republic of the Congo was experiencing a real improvement.  There were now 100 per cent of women on the Women’s Advisory Council, 47 per cent of women in the judiciary, 25 per cent of women in the high court of justice, and 15 per cent of women credited as ambassadors, among others. 

    Since the last dialogue with the Committee, the Republic of the Congo had strengthened and evolved its normative and institutional framework by adopting several texts, including the law establishing the right of asylum and refugee status; the law on combatting trafficking in persons; the law on sustainable environmental management; the Mouébara Act on combatting violence against women and its implementing texts; and the law establishing the Mouébara Centre for the reception and rehabilitation of women and girls victims of violence, among others.  The draft law on parity was in the process of being adopted. 

    Many activities had been carried out to promote and protect women’s rights, such as the establishment of the National Committee of Women Mediators for Peace; the adoption of the national strategy (2021-2025) to combat gender-based violence; the training of women magistrates in the courts of appeal on domestic violence; and the training of more than 1,000 magistrates and other judicial personnel under the jurisdiction of the five courts of appeal on the application of the Convention, the Mouébara Act on combatting violence against women, and the holistic care of victims of violence against women.  The Mouébara Centre for the rehabilitation of women victims of violence would benefit from a two-hectare plot of land in the centre of Brazzaville and a budget line of two billion FCFA for its construction in 2025.

    With regard to maternal and child health, the national health development plan 2023-2026 covered caesarean section and other complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, free antimalarial drugs for children aged 0 to 15 years old, as well as the care of children with sickle cell anaemia.  Other strategies to combat maternal and child mortality had been developed, including the integrated strategic plans for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health 2022-2026.  These actions made it possible to reduce the maternal mortality ratio from 304 deaths to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births over a period of three years. 

    Regarding the fight against HIV/AIDS, there had been a considerable reduction in the prevalence rate of mother-to-child transmission, as well as an increase in antiretroviral coverage among pregnant women, from 10 per cent in 2019 to 43 per cent in 2023. Awareness campaigns were being conducted in schools and in grassroots communities to combat teenage pregnancies in the Congo.

    To improve women’s access to education, the Republic of the Congo adopted the national policy for integrated early childhood development 2022-2030; the national strategy for girls’ schooling; and the education sector strategy 2021-2030. Schooling was compulsory for all until the age of 16, textbooks were free, and wearing a uniform was compulsory to fight against discrimination against the most disadvantaged children. The positive masculinity approach to combat violence against women and girls had raised awareness among nearly 4,000 students from different departments on family life, education, gender stereotypes and awareness against violence in schools. 

    The Congo was continuing efforts to ensure women’s empowerment through support for women’s and mixed groups as part of the programme for the development of protected agricultural areas.  Funding had been granted to women carrying out income-generating activities.  The Congo had also established a public support structure for small and medium-sized enterprises, called the “Impulse, Guarantee and Support Fund”, allowing women entrepreneurs to benefit from training on entrepreneurial leadership.

    Despite the progress made by the Republic of the Congo, significant challenges remained. The State was calling for multifaceted support from the international community for better management of issues related to the fight against all forms of discrimination against women and for the construction of the Mouébara Centre for the holistic care of victims of violence.  The Republic of the Congo aimed to be a model in the implementation of the Convention.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    ESTHER EGHOBAMIEN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for the Congo, said the State possessed vast oil and forest resources but still faced challenges in providing a high quality of life to citizens, particularly women and girls. Extensive constitutional, legal and public policy reforms, and strategic approaches adopted by the Congo were commendable, notably the 2017-2021 national gender policy and action plan; the promotion of women’s leadership in politics and public life (2017-2021); the UNCR 1325 national action plan on women and peace and security (2021–2023); and the celebrated Mouébara Act no. 19 of 2022 to combat violence against women, which, specifically defined discrimination against women as in article 11 for the first time.  Many unique provisions of the law aligned with international human rights law and if effectively implemented, should guarantee protection for women on many fronts, including against sexual harassment. 

    However, key policies had expired, progress was slow, and the rights of women and girls were continually threatened by violence.  It was hoped the outcome of today’s dialogue would highlight thematic areas to build a future where gender equality was tangible and accessible to all women in the Congo.

    How systematic was the training for judges?  Was gender integrated into the curriculum for training?  Did the Congo have legal aid as a service for women?  What kind of capacity building was being given to the legislator? 

    A Committee Expert commended the State party for the Mouébara Act, and for the Constitution, which decreed equality between men and women.  Had the State party conducted an assessment on existing laws to identify legal frameworks which contradicted existing policies on equality?  What efforts was the State party taking to build the capacity of judges, prosecutors and the judiciary to apply the Convention in their work?  How was the State working with customary courts and informal justice actors to form a path for the protection of the rights of women and girls under customary law? 

    What was the situation of women and human rights defenders working on the human rights of women in the country?  What concrete steps were being taken to improve and enhance access to quality justice, including through the provision of legal aid and addressing awareness in the justice sector?  How was the State party ensuring that the Mouébara Act was implemented, so that gaps could be closed? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said the Mouébara Act was a significant legislative step, serving to resolve the different issues when it came to the protection of women.  Previously there were no specific guarantees protecting women from violence.  The Act allowed the State to criminalise various types of behaviour which did not respect the human rights of women.  It was enacted two years ago and was increasingly being referred to and cited. 

    Work was being carried out at the grassroots level with community leaders on the rights of women. Departmental networks had been established in every department in the Congo, and in every department there was a network to eradicate violence against women and girls.  Access to justice was guaranteed under the law and bolstered via the Mouébara Act.  Gender-based violence focal points had been appointed in the courts.  The national action plan for tackling gender-based violence had a staff, who were also active in ensuring women had access to justice. 

    There had been training sessions for judges and judicial staff so they understood the new laws and how their provisions needed to be applied in the courts.  This included training on the Convention and the State’s strategy to eliminate violence against women.  More than 1,000 judicial staff had undergone training so far. Regular criminal court hearings were held which allowed all those found guilty of violence against women to be prosecuted. 

    The Congo had been taking steps to improve prison settings, and women’s prisons were monitored and surveyed.  Visits were conducted every year to ensure female prisoners were being treated appropriately.  The Mouébara Act was the first comprehensive act in all of French-speaking Africa which criminalised violence against women.  Steps had been taken to ensure the suspension of judges who did not fulfil their duties, to reassure all women they would receive a fair hearing.  The Mouébara Act contained specific actions for judges, and judges received specific training on it. 

    Gender parity was provided for in the Constitution.  The Congo had an Electoral Code which provided for parity and things were improving gradually.  With each election, there was an increase in the number of women.  There were dedicated lawyers to provide support to women during legal proceedings. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert commended the State party on its updated national action plan on women, peace and security with four specific pillars in line with the United Nations trust facility supporting cooperation on arms regulation 1325.  How would civil society and women’s organizations be engaged in the implementation and monitoring of the plan?  And what about the involvement of the security sector? How did the plan align with national development priorities and the establishment of an inclusive security architecture?  What steps was the State party taking to adopt a legal framework for gender responsive budgeting?  What measures were being taken to enact a legal framework for women human rights defenders and ensure accountability for threats made against them?  What was the timeline for the Gender Observatory? 

    Another Expert asked about the status of the parity law?  Were there any political officials mandated to address the concept of temporary special measures?  Were any studies planned to assess the impact of temporary special measures on social development?  Were there any measures to address the gaps within the digital economy?  What concrete sanctions had been put in place for political parties to work towards parity? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said parity was progressive in the Congo.  It required a change in mentality and encouraging women along that path. Women needed to express their will to participate in politics, and the State was trying to raise awareness to help them not to be afraid that men would cheat and win anyway.  Around 3,000 women had been elected through municipal and local elections and in the Senate.  A Ministry had been established for the promotion of indigenous peoples, which was a huge step forward.  The legal regime which governed the human rights commission had been strengthened. The Government had been developing a national strategy on indigenous peoples, which had led to the adoption of a national action plan to improve their wellbeing. 

    The Republic of the Congo had made major headway when it came to peacekeeping.  As a result of the recent economic crisis, there had been a psychosis creeping in regarding peacekeeping, but women continued to play a full role in peacekeeping for the country.  The current economic crisis weighed heavily on the budget of the country. A national strategy had been rolled out on transitioning the informal sector towards a formal sector.  A fund was in place which would allow female market vendors to benefit from preferential rates to enable them to have access to financing which would allow them to become empowered. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Family Code contained provisions reinforcing women’s subordinate role in the household.  The introduction of new laws and policies, particularly the Mouébara Act was commendable. What progress had been made under this law in addressing gender stereotypes?  What efforts had the State party made to combat gender stereotypes? While progress had been made in the eradication of female genital mutilation, the practice still existed. What measures had been adopted towards ensuring the absolute prohibition of child marriage?  What steps was the State party taking to eliminate harmful practices?  Could data be provided on female genital mutilation for the past two years?  What support was provided to victims of female genital mutilation and child marriage? 

    Violence disproportionately affected indigenous women and women with disabilities.  How would the State party ensure regular awareness raising campaigns for women, who were the most vulnerable, to protect them against violence?  What mechanisms would be put in place to facilitate the reporting of gender-based violence?  What progress had been achieved under the Mouébara Act in prosecuting violence against women, particularly for indigenous women and for women with disabilities? 

    Another Expert said the Committee remained concerned about the lack of information available about trafficking.  Information would be welcomed on the number of cases and prosecutions.  Were steps being taken to improve coordination between law enforcement professionals working in the sphere of trafficking? What was being done to ensure victims of trafficking were not treated as criminals? 

    How were victims guaranteed access to services across the entire country?  Were the services accessible for rural and indigenous women? Prostitution was not legalised in the Republic of the Congo, however, States were obliged to scrap laws which discriminated against women, including laws against women who were prostitutes. Were women who were prostitutes able to be charged with a crime?  What steps was the State taking to decriminalise women working as prostitutes? What programmes were in place for women and girls who wished to leave prostitution? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said under the Mouébara Act, the Ministry of Women drafted an annual report which included statistics on the Act.  The Mouébara Act provided for new sets of exacerbating circumstances to ensure perpetrators of violence against women were duly charged.  This included law enforcement officials who tried to prevent victims from reporting the crime. 

    Work was being carried out to change culture and mindsets, including modernising the mindsets of women at the outset, which was no easy task.  However, progress was being made, including that the Minister of Indigenous Affairs was now a woman.  Significant work was being done with indigenous women to work with them to change minds in communities. 

    Female genital mutilation was not part of Congo tradition.  Foreigners sometimes set up residence in the country and conducted this practice, and this was monitored.  There had been cases at the border where young girls who had been brought into the Congo to marry were apprehended.  This had occurred within the Malian community who sought young girls and brought them into the Congo for marriage.  If there was a child who did not speak French, border control officers would make efforts to check the child was related to the person they were travelling with.  Forced marriages were prohibited in the Republic of the Congo; however, this practice was still seen in rural and agricultural areas. 

    There was no specific law prohibiting or condemning prostitution in the Congo.  Prostitution was very far removed from the State’s cultural values.  If there were conversations about prostitution in the public space, the State was concerned they would open a pandora’s box and result in an increase in sexually transmitted diseases, which would overwhelm services.  The State was aware that there may need to be a change in approach. 

    In 2019, the Congo had published a law on trafficking, and training was organised with members of the judiciary on this topic.  Polygamy was permitted and men could have up to four wives.  If couples wanted to be polygamous, this needed to be declared.

    The Mouébara Centre provided services for victims, and also acted as a forum for dialogue and an opportunity to follow-up with perpetrators responsible for such acts. The Republic of the Congo had not yet implemented the law on genocide.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert commended the minimum 30 per cent quota for candidate lists set by the State. The number of female members of the national assembly had risen to more than 15 per cent.  However, the current bureau established in 2022 included only one woman.  What were the recent programmatic measures to promote women’s leadership?  What had the State identified as the cause of the noticeable underrepresentation of women in the diplomatic area?  What endeavours had been undertaken to increase women’s awareness on the availability of opportunities as well as the importance of women’s representation in international leadership?  The State party’s efforts to raise awareness to combat gender stereotypes to overcome women’s low representation in decision-making positions were recognised.  What did these campaigns entail?  What were the resources allocated?  Had their impact been assessed?  What were their outcomes?  Were the campaigns targeting the younger generation? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said today women were heads of villages and districts.  The Consultative Committee on Women was the only body which had the right to make suggestions to the President.  Work was being done to ensure that before the next election, the articles related to the percentages of women would be modified.  The Consultative Committee had made several suggestions, including on women governors.  Thanks to these suggestions, two women had become governors. 

    The Committee made it possible to promote women in science as there had been few women scientists before that.  It also made it possible to prepare programmes on the education of young women and to improve the situation of girls in all schools.  Without awareness raising, girls were often mocked during their menstrual cycles, so it was necessary for schools to have social workers to deal specifically with issues for young girls.  This would be made mandatory in 2025 as a direct result of the work of the Consultative Committee.  

    The gender parity observatory had been established to monitor progress.  There needed to be female candidates who were capable of representing their constituents.  Work was also being carried out with political parties to ensure they were willing to put forward female candidates.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Congo had made headway when it came to issues of nationality. However, women of Congolese nationality faced issues when transmitting nationality to their foreign husbands. Would the State modify the laws in this regard?  Could women transmit their nationality to their children, like men could?   Was there a different level of birth registration between the different sexes?  What were the outcomes of any campaigns to boost the levels of birth registration? What measures would be implemented in rural areas to boost levels of registration?  Would civil status procedures be digitalised to make them more streamlined?

    The State should be commended for ratifying the two conventions on statelessness in 2023, and for establishing a committee to address statelessness.  What were the activities of the committee and what had it achieved? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said a reform was currently being debated, which if adopted would result in a new legal framework which would overhaul certain provisions in the Family Code. The Government was pushing to ensure that this reform was regalvanised and enjoyed some fresh momentum. 

    Failure to uphold the electoral law resulted in sanctions.  Alternating lists for male and female candidates had been drawn up to beef up the success of the parity law.  If parties failed to uphold the 30 per cent quota on the list, the entire list of candidates would be rejected.  This meant that at the most recent elections, parties took this seriously and ensured that more female candidates were put forward, resulting in the training of 3,000 female candidates. 

    In the Congo, there was a Minister for the Digital Economy.  In 2025, the goal had been set to digitalise all services and work was underway to deliver on this. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said the Committee appreciated the State party’s commitment to advancing equality. Had the national action plan on education and its accompanying strategy been extended?  Could the State party clarify why indigenous children and orphans could not be enrolled in regular schools?  How was it ensured that all children had access to schooling?  What was being done to increase the retention of girls in secondary education, particularly indigenous girls? 

    The Committee commended the strategy to increase girls’ enrolment in maths and sciences, but was concerned at the low numbers mandated for the quotas.  How were girls being encouraged to enrol in maths and science subjects?  What initiatives had been implemented to combat gender stereotyping and increase the number of girls enrolled in industrial subjects?  Did literacy programmes aim only for the functional literacy of women?  Were there remedial programmes for girls who dropped out of school?

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said education was equal for boys and girls, and significant steps had been taken to reduce the gaps between the genders in education.  There was a plan for early childhood 2022-2030 that focused on ensuring that girls stayed in school, with several initiatives, including free education and textbooks.  The State also provided free school meals.  To ensure girls did not drop out due to menstruation, all school facilities in the country now had toilets separated by sex.  There were also showers built to allow for better menstrual hygiene.  Scholarships and fellowship grants were made available to young girls who wished to pursue a career in science.  Countries such as Cuba provided girls with the opportunity to pursue medical scholarships. There were vocational colleges set up to help girls who had dropped out of school. 

    Data indicated that as of 2020, there were more than 14,000 indigenous children, more than 7,500 of whom were girls, who were educated in the Congo.  A budget was specifically set aside for the celebration of International Women’s Day.  On the day, activities were organised, including for rural women. 

    The literacy programme covered all women in the Congo.  There were four institutions in the country providing specialised education and training for children with disabilities.  Students in indigenous communities benefitted from the Aura education programme, which ran until the end of primary school, or early secondary school.  Once they had attained that level of education, they could then go to the same schools as other children.  Educational awareness programmes were conducted with parents to ensure children were not pulled out of school to participate in the harvest. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the labour law of the Republic of the Congo guaranteed equal pay for equal work regardless of sex.  There were issues with sexual harassment in the workplace; could the delegation clarify the status of sexual harassment laws in the country?  What strategies were in place to raise awareness about sexual harassment in the workplace?  What measures would be adopted to reduce the pay gap and collect data in this regard? 

    ESTHER EGHOBAMIEN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for the Congo, asked if there were any mechanisms which regulated the private sector? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said women and men earnt the same wages when they had the same responsibilities. A national strategy had been crafted to shift the informal economy to a formal economy.  The Republic of the Congo wanted to boost its gross domestic product, which could be done by formalising work which previously took place in the informal sector or on the black market.  The right to a retirement pension held true to all.  The Mouébara Act punished sexual abuse and sexual violence in the workplace as well as public spaces, including religious institutions. Fines and punishment were doubled if this involved a hierarchical responsible official. 

    A new law made it mandatory for all projects to have a social, economic and environmental impact statement and review. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said the leading cause of death in the Congo was HIV/AIDS, with the rate of deaths almost 50 per cent higher for women than men.  Complications from clandestine abortions were responsible for up to 30 per cent of maternal deaths.  Use of contraceptives in the country was very low.  What specific measures were being taken to ensure people knew about the risks of early pregnancies?  What measures were being taken to ensure that women facing complications relating to insecure abortions received full medical support?  How was access to health services without criminalisation ensured, particularly for women involved in clandestine abortion?  What measures would be taken to legalise abortion? 

    What was being done to reduce stigmatisation around HIV/AIDS?  What measures were being taken by the State to deal with challenges in terms of infrastructure in rural areas?  What was the overall number of persons benefitting from the universal health insurance fund, and how many were women and girls?  What measures had been put into place by the State to ensure indigenous women had access to safe drinking water? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said there was a programme for sexual and reproductive health which had been reintroduced in schools.  The State ensured the promotion of modern contraceptives and ensured they were free of charge in health centres.  The Republic of the Congo banned the voluntary interruption of pregnancy due to terrible past situations relating to abusive abortions in inappropriate locations. The State monitored specific cases. There had been a case involving incest where a girl was pregnant with twins and her father was responsible.  In this case, to have access to an abortion, she would need to go through the courts and the judge should accept the procedure for termination of pregnancy, taking into consideration the health of the mother.  These were exceptional cases, and the State was following this policy to limit any potential health problems. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    ESTHER EGHOBAMIEN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur for the Congo, said women found it difficult to participate equitably in the socio-economic development of the country.  Unfortunately, poverty remained a leading cause of social exclusion for women. Existing and planned support programmes to help women entrepreneurs access finance and microfinance, develop their businesses, and provide services tailored to meet the needs of rural women were commendable. 

    What measures were being taken to enhance social protection systems for Congolese women, especially those in the informal sector and vulnerable groups?  How did the Government plan to address financial and infrastructural challenges which hindered women’s access to social services? Would the State party consider ratifying key International Labour Organization conventions?  What programmes existed to support women in core economic sectors such as energy, oil and gas, the extractive industry, and the blue economy in the Congo.  What measures were in place to strengthen the private sector’s accountability to the Committee? 

    Another Expert commended the State party for progress registered in advancing the rights of rural women and women in agriculture.  What concrete efforts was the State party taking to mobilise adequate financing to increase equal access to electricity and clean energy and technology for women and girls, especially women and girls in rural areas, women with disabilities, indigenous women, women living in poverty, and refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeking women and girls?  What efforts was the State party taking to increase access to inclusive water hygiene and sanitation programmes and activities in all parts of the country? To what extent were women and girls in rural areas; refugee, migrant and asylum-seeking women and girls; those living in poverty; and women and girls with disabilities involved in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of rural and agricultural developmental programmes that were meant to benefit them?

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said the President of the Republic of the Congo was a champion of environmental causes.  Steps had been taken to ensure women were playing their full role in climate action. A fund was in place for the artisanal sector, which was also available to female artisans.  The medical insurance fund covered the needs of women in the informal sector.  At the rural level, the programme “water for all” encouraged the use of solar resources to achieve water and electricity goals.   Women benefited from credits and loans and women entrepreneurs had access to a fund which provided cash transfers. 

    A project was currently underway which would be launched in specific zones, focusing on environmental protection.  It aimed to be a grassroots project with ownership by the local communities, including indigenous communities.  There were interschool competitions to encourage all pupils to take an interest in sports.  There were also sporting academies for girls, particularly a handball academy, which was popular in the country.  There was a project involving 300 women who would undergo a self-defence training course, as a way of tackling violence against women.  The gender dimension was included throughout the environmental framework. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said adultery was illegal for men and women, but sanctions were harsher for women.  In the absence of an agreement between the spouses, the husband would choose the place of residence for the family.  How did the State ensure that customary marriages were recorded in the civil registry and all married women enjoyed the same rights when it came to civil procedures? What was the status of the current review process and the adoption of the code for the family?  What training was provided to those in the administration of justice to intervene in cases of child marriage?  The situation surrounding widows were very precarious, and they were not covered by the law.  What awareness raising activities were being undertaken to eradicate discriminatory practices against widows?  When would the new legal provisions be ready? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said there were several provisions within the Mouébara Act which focused on the rights of widows, ensuring they could not be thrown out of the home. Efforts were also being undertaken to make women more aware of their rights, so they could invoke the Act. The State was reviewing legal instruments, including the Family Code, which would take into account the Committee’s concerns.  There could be no official marriage which was just a customary marriage; however, steps were taken to ensure customary marriage was protected in law.  The Mouébara Act addressed discrimination while the State was waiting for the new codes to be adopted. 

    A review of several codes was being carried out.  Since 2022, the law relating to the Penitentiary Code was published.  The Committee’s concerns would be taken into account as this work continued. 

    Today everyone understood across the country that widows should be left alone, that their succession rights needed to be ensured, and that children should stay with their mothers. 

    Closing Remarks

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Chair, said the Committee was impressed by the number of legal initiatives and texts being developed by the State party and the work being undertaken on the ground to translate those texts into something real. The Committee was grateful for the dialogue which had helped the Experts better understand the situation of women and girls in the Republic of the Congo.

    INÈS BERTILLE NEFER INGANI VOUMBO YALO, Minister for the Promotion of Women, Integration of Women in Development and Informal Economy of the Congo and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the efforts and the constructive dialogue. The Republic of the Congo had carried out many efforts to protect the rights of women, particularly the Mouébara Act, which was innovative and binding and was a first in Africa.  The State was proud of this law, which filled the existing legal gaps relating to specific protection and took into account the definition of all forms of violence.  The Republic of the Congo was committed to moving forwards to improve the wellbeing and rights of women. 

     

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CEDAW25.008E

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects more than $1.5 Billion in Criminal and Civil Actions in Fiscal Year 2024

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Criminal Payment by Crypto Exchange Binance for failing to have money laundering protections boosts collections to new record

    Seattle — U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced today that the Western District of Washington collected $1,518145,143 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $1,509,282,780 was collected in criminal actions and $8,862,362 was collected in civil actions

    The Western District of Washington worked with the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and the National Security Division  to obtain the $1.5 billion payment from cryptocurrency exchange Binance

    “Our office worked closely with Department of Justice components on the criminal case against Binance, in which Binance pleaded guilty to failing to register as a money transmitting business, willfully violating the Bank Secrecy Act and willfully causing violations of U.S. sanctions,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “That $1.5 billion coming through our office, is part of the $4.3 billion criminal fine and forfeiture. It is a record in the Western District of Washington.”

    Independently, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington collected $3.8 million in criminal restitution payments, and an additional $8.8 million civil collections. Many of the criminal collections were for cases in which people intentionally failed to pay their income taxes. The owner of a string of coffee stands paid $96,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service for intentionally underreporting his income from the business. A  Snohomish County restaurant owner paid over $511,000 for tax fraud and a Tukwila restaurant owner paid $376,000 so that his $926,902 tax fraud debt was paid in full.

    Of the civil collections, the district obtained $217,000 following the sale of Dr. Frank Li’s Spokane medical office building. The payment was applied to Dr. Li’s $2.85 million civil settlement for health care fraud.

    Additionally, we collected $1.23 million from Yakima Products, Inc.  These payments (which were in addition to payments made in 2023) satisfied Yakima’s $3 million settlement with the United States, for failing to pay duties on aluminum components imported from the People’s Republic of China. Learn more about the case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/automobile-accessory-company-yakima-products-inc-settles-allegations-failed-pay-duties

    The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

    Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Western District of Washington, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $2,864,850 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.  A large portion of the forfeitures relate to the indictment of two men operating a business that posted stolen items for sale via online websites. You can learn more about the case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/two-indicted-buying-stolen-goods-and-selling-them-online-amazon-or-ebay-more-3-million.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: r* in the monetary policy universe: navigational star or dark matter? | Lecture at the London School of Economics and Political Science

    Source: Bundesbank

    Check against delivery.

    1 Introduction

    Ladies and gentlemen, It’s a pleasure and an honour for me to speak here before such a distinguished audience.

    Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. This was advice from Stephen Hawking, the famous English physicist and author of numerous books on the cosmos. And who would want to contradict the genius?

    So today I invite you to join me on a stargazing tour. If you don’t have a telescope with you, no worries. However, I should add a disclaimer here: When a couple look up at the stars, things could get romantic. When astronomers observe the stars, impressive images can come into view. When economists talk about stars, it usually gets complicated. Now you know what you’re getting into! 

    I’m sure you’ve already guessed what topic I have in mind: the natural rate of interest – also known as r-star. It is a concept that economists have been grappling with for more than 125 years.[1] And it has perhaps never received more attention than in the current era of monetary policy.

    From a central banker’s perspective, I would like to discuss what role r-star can and should play in the monetary policy universe. I will structure my lecture around four key questions: What is r-star and why is it of interest for monetary policy? How have estimates for r-star evolved over the past decades? What drives uncertainty about current estimates and the future evolution of r-star? What conclusions should monetary policy draw from this?

    2 Definition of r-star and use for monetary policy

    Let’s start with the definition. The natural rate is the real interest rate that would prevail if the economy were operating at its potential and prices were stable. R-star is commonly thought to be driven by real forces that structurally affect the balance between saving and investment. Think of technological progress and demographics, for example. This also means that r-star should, by definition, be independent of monetary policy. The latter follows from the widely held belief that monetary policy can affect real variables only temporarily, but is neutral in the long term.

    At first glance, the natural rate could be a guiding star for the conduct of monetary policy. If a central bank sets its policy rates so that the real interest rate is above r-star, monetary policy is restrictive or “tight”. Consequently, economic activity slows and the inflation rate should decrease. If the real rate is below r-star, monetary policy is expansionary or “loose”. It provides incentives for consumers to purchase more and for enterprises to step up investment and output. Hence, this should result in more economic activity and a higher inflation rate.

    However, the idea of the natural rate serving as a guiding star for monetary policy comes with profound challenges. Perhaps the name r-star evokes associations with astronomy and navigation. But these would be misleading. If r-star were like a star in the sky, it would be relatively easy to locate. Stars emit light and are therefore observable.

    The natural rate is a theoretical concept. It is based on a hypothetical state of the world. That means the natural rate is, by nature, unobservable. It can only be estimated. For example, models use assumptions about the relationship between measurable variables and r-star. In this respect, the natural rate is not so much like a star shining brightly in the sky. It is more a case of dark matter. As it is invisible, astronomers infer dark matter indirectly by observing its gravitational effects.

    If something is hard to find, it only spurs researchers to look even harder – whether they are astronomers or economists. Therefore, we can draw on a variety of estimation methods for the evolution of the natural rate.

    3 Estimates for r-star over time

    Since around the 1980s various estimates of different types have been pointing to a downward trend for r-star over several decades and across many advanced economies.[2] In the wake of the global financial crisis, the estimates slumped to exceptionally low levels.[3] This development was roughly in line with the observed trajectory of actual real interest rates of short- and long-term government bonds during this period. And no wonder: In the long run, both should be driven by the same fundamental forces affecting the balance between saving and investment.

    So the question is this: what has lifted saving and depressed investment? A simple answer would be: in the long term, the most important driver is potential growth. But this finding is not very enlightening. Potential growth is also not observable. It is determined by underlying forces such as demographics and technological progress. This is where we need to look for the causes.

    Indeed, according to a number of recent studies, waning productivity growth and population ageing were the key factors in pushing saving up and investment down.[4] Lower productivity reduces the return on investment, so people are less willing to invest. As they expect to live longer, they are more willing to save.

    In addition, inequality, risk aversion and fiscal policy could be other factors. For example, growing inequality raises saving, as richer households save a larger share of their income. Similarly, higher risk aversion leads to higher saving, especially in safe assets, while lowering investment.[5] 

    Many of the estimates for r-star reached their lowest point in the pandemic years 2020 and 2021. After that, there were signs of a partial reversal. A recent analysis by Eurosystem economists across a suite of models and data up to the end of 2024 suggests that estimates of r-star range from − ½ % to ½ % in real terms. In nominal terms, they find that it ranges between 1¾ % and 2¼ %.[6]

    It is clear that these ranges depend on the estimating approaches considered. Taking into account an even wider array of measures, Bundesbank staff calculations using data up to the end of 2024 reveal a range of 1.8 % to 2.5 %.[7] And the ECB found for the third quarter of 2024: When three estimates derived from versions of the Holston-Laubach-Williams model are factored in, the range of real r-star is − ½ % to 1 % and the nominal range is 1¾ % to 3 %.

    All in all, the results suggest that the range of r-star estimates most likely increased by about one percentage point from their lows. The latest estimates by economists from the Bank for International Settlements come to similar findings.[8]

    The reasons for the increase after the pandemic are not yet fully clear. For example, high fiscal spending with rising public debt levels could play a role. Or higher needs for capital, as companies make their value chains more resilient by duplicating structures and increasing stock levels.

    4 Uncertainties around r-star estimates

    Stargazing tours in economics are a journey into the uncertain. This is also and especially true for r-star. Estimates of the natural rate of interest are subject to major uncertainties, shaped by three M’s: megatrends, methodology and monetary policy.

    First, we are facing a number of megatrends. Think of climate change, ageing societies, digitalisation, and the risks of de-globalisation and increasing geopolitical divisions. The effects of these megatrends on natural rates are difficult to gauge and may change over time.

    On the one hand, they could contribute to a higher natural rate. Here are some examples: The widespread uptake of artificial intelligence could boost productivity growth. The green transition could lead to higher investment. Fiscal deficits could persist at an elevated level due to higher defence spending given geopolitical tensions. The entry of the baby boomer generation into retirement could reduce savings.

    On the other hand, life expectancy is predicted to keep rising; the high hopes for the productivity-enhancing effect of AI could turn out to be too optimistic; and given high public debt levels, fiscal space for additional spending is limited in many countries. Overall, it is virtually impossible to predict which developments will prevail in affecting r-star.

    The second factor of uncertainty is methodology. The methods used to define and estimate r-star differ in important ways, especially in terms of time and risk. 

    Ricardo Reis demonstrates this impressively in a recent paper.[9] He presents four different “r-stars”. They are based on four different conceptual approaches. And they developed quite differently between 1995 and 2019. 

    One major difference is the risk dimension. Knut Wicksell’s original definition of the natural rate was the rate of return on physical capital in equilibrium.[10] The rate of return on physical capital is the return on investment in the real economy. And this rate is very much associated with risks. 

    However, this perspective has been lost in virtually all of the model approaches. Generally, they use rather secure government bond yields as a starting point. Again, with regard to the real economy, a risky return on capital would be a more appropriate yardstick. When we look at measures for the return on private capital, we see a strong contrast with risk-free rates. Returns on private capital have remained broadly stable over the last decades in the US,[11] Germany[12] and the euro area as a whole.[13] 

    From these observations, Ricardo Reis draws the following conclusion: focusing exclusively on the return on government bonds as the measure of r-star, while neglecting the return on private capital, leads to the wrong policy advice.[14]

    Another case in point is the time horizon that is considered. Commonly cited estimates seek to assess the real rate that prevails in the longer run, when all shocks have dissipated. Most of these estimates are highly imprecise. Many methods simply project the current or the historical level of real rates into the future. This may confound permanent trends with cyclical factors, which may not be representative for the future. As a result, such methods could miss important turning points in real rate trends. 

    Other approaches characterise a short-run real rate in a hypothetical world without frictions. While interesting, this concept is of limited value for actual policymaking in the real world. Methods based on a short-term equilibrium tend to produce more volatile estimates of r-star.

    There is a third reason for caution: monetary policy itself may play a role in shaping the natural rate or its estimates. A number of studies challenge the view that money is neutral in the long run.[15] 

    There are different channels through which monetary policy could have lasting effects on real interest rates. Prolonged tight monetary policy, for example, may lower investment, innovation and productivity growth.[16] By contrast, persistent monetary easing could fuel financial imbalances and contribute to zombification.[17] 

    Moreover, recent research suggests that central bank announcements provide guidance about the trend in real rates. For instance, a narrow window around Fed meetings captures most of the trend decline in US real long-term yields since 1980.[18] This could mean: when central banks look for r-star in financial market prices, they might actually be looking in a mirror.[19] Feedback loops between monetary policy and markets could unduly reinforce their perceptions about r-star. And shifts in perceived r-star could affect actual r-star as it influences saving and investment decisions.

    5 Conclusions for monetary policy

    Against the backdrop of these major uncertainties, the final key question of my speech is this: what role can and should r-star play for monetary policy in practice?

    Let’s approach the answer with a thought experiment: Put yourself in the shoes of a monetary policymaker who only looks at r-star. The relevant interest rate with which you steer the monetary policy stance is currently 2.75 %. After a previous series of interest rate cuts, you consider whether a further cut would be appropriate.

    Your staff inform you that various point estimates of r-star range from around 1.8 % to 2.5 % in nominal terms. If r-star were at the upper end of the estimates, the policy rate would become neutral with the next rate cut. Things would be different if r-star were at the lower end of the estimates: Monetary policy would continue to be restrictive, even after several further rate cuts.

    So how would you proceed, given a certain stance you want to achieve? Beware: If you rely on a wrong estimate, your decision may have a different effect on inflation than you intended. Simply choosing the middle of the range might not be a happy medium. Around the point estimates, there are often uncertainty bands of different sizes and with asymmetries.

    As you have probably guessed: It is no coincidence that I have described this particular decision-making situation. It looks similar in the euro area ahead of the next monetary policy meeting of the ECB Governing Council at the beginning of March. After several rate cuts, the neutral rate could already be near – or there may still be some way to go.

    The President of the New York Fed, John Williams, put the problem in a nutshell when he said: as we have gotten closer to the range of estimates of neutral, what appeared to be a bright point of light is really a fuzzy blur.[20]

    The bottom line here is this: The closer we get to the neutral rate, the more appropriate it becomes to take a gradual approach. For this purpose, r-star is a helpful concept: it indicates when we need to be more cautious with policy rate moves so that we don’t take a wrong step. 

    At the same time, the limits of the concept are also clear: it would be risky to base decisions mainly on r-star estimates. Much more is needed to assess the current monetary policy stance and the optimal policy path for the near future.

    That is why the Eurosystem uses a variety of financial, real economic and other indicators along the monetary policy transmission mechanism. We want the fullest picture possible. And, of course, r-star also has a place in this picture. For instance, r-star is included in model-based optimal policy projections that we use in the decision-making process.

    In my opinion, proceeding in a data-driven and gradual manner has served the ECB Governing Council well. There is no reason to act hastily in the present uncertain environment. The data will tell us where we need to go.

    Away from day-to-day monetary policymaking, the concept of the natural rate of interest provides a useful framework. This is also exemplified in the policy scenarios that Ricardo Reis presented last week in Brussels.[21]

    He works with the assumption that government bond rates remain around current levels. I would add the assumption that inflation stays on target – actually, that is what I am in office for and committed to. Assuming output is at capacity, policy rates would be persistently higher than in the past. But the recommendations on actual monetary policy depend on the driving forces: is the new setting caused by less demand for safe and liquid assets or by an increase in productivity? And he has two more scenarios in his paper!

    That provides a good example of why we should take a close look at the factors behind r-star estimates. Here it is important to even better understand the forces that are shifting real interest rate trends. We need to find out how these forces and trends affect our work to ensure price stability.

    Reviewing our monetary policy strategy from time to time is therefore vital. That is precisely what we are doing right now in the Eurosystem. And, of course, in this process, we look at all the questions I mentioned about r-star.

    Our stargazing tour is drawing to a close. It turns out we were dealing more with dark matter than with a shining star. Just as dark matter is an exciting field for astronomers, r-star is a rewarding topic for economists.

    Using r-star alone to navigate the monetary policy universe could be like flying almost blind. But having it as one of many instruments in your cockpit is highly useful.

    I would like to end by quoting Stephen Hawking again: Mankind’s greatest achievements have come about by talking, and its greatest failures by not talking.

    Footnotes: 

    1. Wicksell, K. (1898), Geldzins und Güterpreise: eine Studie über die den Tauschwert des Geldes bestimmenden Ursachen, Jena, G. Fischer (English version as ibid. (1936), Interest and prices: a study of the causes regulating the value of money, London, Macmillan).
    2. Obstfeld, M., Natural and Neutral Real Interest Rates: Past and Future, NBER Working Paper, No 31949, December 2023.
    3. Brand, C., M. Bielecki and A. Penalver (2018), The natural rate of interest: estimates, drivers, and challenges to monetary policy, ECB Occasional Paper, No 217.
    4. Cesa-Bianchi, A., R. Harrison and R. Sajedi (2023), Global R*, CEPR Discussion Paper No 18518; Davis, J., C. Fuenzalida, L. Huetsch, B. Mills and A. M. Taylor (2024), Global natural rates in the long run: Postwar macro trends and the market-implied r* in 10 advanced economies, Journal of International Economics, Vol. 149; International Monetary Fund (2023), The natural rate of interest: drivers and implications for policy, World Economic Outlook, April, Chapter 2.
    5. On the development of risk appetite in financial markets, see Deutsche Bundesbank, Risk appetite in financial markets and monetary policy, Monthly Report, January 2025.
    6. Brand, C., N. Lisack and F. Mazelis (2025), Natural rate estimates for the euro area: insights, uncertainties and shortcomings, ECB Economic Bulletin, 1/2025.
    7. Additional models would also provide values outside this range, but are currently not deemed sufficiently robust.
    8. Benigno, G., B. Hofmann, G. Nuño and D. Sandri (2024), Quo vadis, r*? The natural rate of interest after the pandemic, BIS Quarterly Review, March.
    9. Reis, R. (2025), The Four R-stars: From Interest Rates to Inflation and Back, draft working paper. 
    10. Wicksell, K. (1898), op. cit.
    11. Caballero, R., E. Farhi and P.-O. Gourinchas (2017), Rents, Technical Change, and Risk Premia Accounting for Secular Trends in Interest Rates, Returns on Capital, Earning Yields, and Factor Shares, American Economic Review: Papers & Proceedings 107(5), pp. 614‑620.
    12. Deutsche Bundesbank, The natural rate of interest, Monthly Report, October 2017.
    13. Brand, C., M. Bielecki and A. Penalver (2018), The natural rate of interest: estimates, drivers, and challenges to monetary policy, ECB Occasional Paper, No 217.
    14. Reis, R., Which r-star, public bonds or private investment? Measurement and policy implications, Unpublished manuscript, September 2022.
    15. Jordà, Ò., S. Singh and A. Taylor, The long-run effects of monetary policy, NBER Working Papers, No 26666, January 2020, revised September 2024; Benigno, G., B. Hofmann, G. Nuño and D. Sandri (2024), Quo vadis, r*? The natural rate of interest after the pandemic, BIS Quarterly Review, March.
    16. Baqaee, D., E. Farhi and K. Sangani, The supply-side effects of monetary policy, NBER Working Paper, No 28345, January 2021, revised March 2023; Ma, Y. and K. Zimmermann, Monetary Policy and Innovation, NBER Working Paper, No 31698, September 2023.
    17. Borio, C., P. Disyatat, M. Juselius and P. Rungcharoenkitkul (2022), Why so low for so long? A long-term view of real interest rates, International Journal of Central Banking, Vol. 18, No 3.
    18. Hillenbrand, S. (2025), The Fed and the Secular Decline in Interest Rates, The Review of Financial Studies, forthcoming. 
    19. Williams, J. C. (2017), Comment on “Safety, Liquidity, and the Natural Rate of Interest”, by M. Del Negro, M. P. Giannoni, D. Giannone, and A. Tambalotti, Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Vol. 1, pp. 235‑316; Rungcharoenkitkul, P. and F. Winkler, The natural rate of interest through a hall of mirrors, BIS Working Paper No 974, November 2021.
    20. Williams, J. C., Remarks at the 42nd Annual Central Banking Seminar, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, New York City, 1 October 2018.
    21. Reis, R. (2025), op. cit.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The European Financial Industry of the Future | 6. Frankfurt Digital Finance Conference & European Fintech Day

    Source: Bundesbank

    Check against delivery.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    I’m glad to join you today at the “Gesellschaftshaus Palmengarten”. Its history goes back to the 19th century. It was the “Gründerzeit” or “founders’ period” – an era of strong economic expansion in Germany – when this building was constructed. And when Germany was developed as an industrial location. Developed by people, men and women, lead by curiosity, innovation, and a desire to achieve.

    We have to cast our minds back a few years to see times of growth, real innovation and increasing productivity in Europe.

    1 The role of the financial industry

    In the 2010s Germany had a period of solid growth that some called “the golden decade”. 

    Today, however, we see a need for growth and increasing productivity. Hence, our competitiveness is at stake. Not only in Germany, but also in other parts of Europe. And this comes at a time, when we are facing numerous major challenges:

    Consider the significant geopolitical uncertainties of our time – which make a rethink necessary in many respects. Also consider the digitalisation of large parts of our economy, incl. disruptive AI. And think about the climate-related need for an ecological transformation.

    Financing all of this requires a substantial amount of capital.

    This is where the financial industry comes in: The financial industry can act as an enabler of growth in the real economy. Growth that is so much needed right now.

    Looking forward, the financial industry could translate growth potential into real growth in many fields – digitalisation, AI, clean tech, pharma, biotech any many more.

    In sum, there are huge business opportunities for Germany and the EU. And we need the Financial industry to take advantage of the business opportunities. 

    But let us not forget that innovation happens in many places – at start-ups but also at well established companies. We need to make sure that a variety of funding sources are available to support our real economies.

    We need a specific financial ecosystem that enables young, innovative companies to flourish. Be it VC, PE, etc. We need established capital markets. Above all, we need a strong and healthy banking sector that supplies our economy with sufficient credit.

    That means: We need both traditional loans and venture capital. In any case, all the pockets of the financial industry provide the basis for a growing economy. It’s also the basis for the ecological transformation. 

    The German Council of Experts on Climate Change published [a week ago] new figures on the investment needs estimated for the transition towards net-zero economic activity. Those investment needs range between 135 and 255 billion euro – each year for Germany alone.[1] That’s a lot.

    Let’s now have a closer look at the digitalization including AI.

    2 Artificial intelligence: innovation and competitiveness

    The term artificial intelligence (AI) was coined in the middle of the 20th century. But it was the release of ChatGPT in November 2022 that marked a breakthrough. For the first time it became possible to use an AI system without detailed technical knowledge.

    Nowadays almost anyone can use AI. The importance of responsible AI practices on the increase – as highlighted in the latest Declaration by the G20.[2]

    There are important questions – to which, to be honest, there are no simple answers:

    Are the opportunities and risks of AI balanced? 

    Does AI lead to a global fragmentation, to a new barrier between those who use AI and those who don’t? 

    Does AI, as a general-purpose technology, help us better manage economic challenges?[3]

    One example of the latter point: Many societies are lacking skilled labour due to demographic change. Here, the use of AI could provide a solution by increasing efficiency or substituting human services. AI can also help drive innovation. 

    AI enables both incremental and disruptive innovation across all parts of society: 

    • by facilitating faster decision-making
      • optimizing existing processes, 
      • or by collecting, processing and using huge amounts of data.

    It fosters creativity, supports scientific breakthroughs, and unlocks opportunities for entirely new industries and business models – a potential, albeit disruptive, growth engine.

    Nevertheless, human creativity is still a key driver of innovation. In 2023, individuals or SMEs filed almost one in four patent applications in Europe.[4]

    Today, we are at a crucial stage: With international competition on the one side and technical and intellectual skills on the other. AI models from the United States are well-known and often considered state of the art. China in particular has recently come up with new and apparently very efficient language models. However, the discussion about the background is not yet complete.

    In Europe, we have to do our utmost to keep up with the pace. An important initiative recently came from France: In Paris the “EU AI Champions Initiative”, a high-level summit, was held at the beginning of this week.

    President Macron mentioned a funding volume of roundabout € 109 billion for AI in France. This approach is very encouraging for other EU member states. By comparison: USPresident Trump has mentioned USD 500 billion for his “Stargate” plan in the US. 

    Despite these substantial investments, there is no guarantee of success. On the other hand, we must not allow ourselves to be deterred by possible failures. One example is the French AI chatbot LUCIE, which has been taken offline after giving some weird answers. I am sure France will take this as a chance to try even harder.

    The narrative with all kind of innovation is: Accept failure to grow. The pioneers of the “Gründerzeit” – which I mentioned earlier – knew this only too well.

    We need this kind of courage to embrace a “culture of trial and error”. It provides an important impetus to do things better. On the other hand, we have to ensure that new technology does not cause severe damage. Especially because AI is a relatively new technology with unknown potential and consequences for the entire society.

    Risks can arise for the financial system, but much further afield as well. Imagine, risk management or investment advice would be provided mainly by AI. Would this mean that investment recommendations are becoming more and more similar? Would we have concentration of risks? And what consequences would this have for financial stability?[5]

    Even more far-reaching questions concern our society.

    The core question is: What does AI mean for our democracies, for our constitutions, for our fundamental rights? Specifically, we need to ask ourselves: Where is AI beneficial and where do we need clear rules.

    In other words: What are the basic rules for using this technology?

    It is therefore necessary to find a compromise between having the courage to innovate – and clear rules.

    3 Strengthening the financial industry

    Regardless of how we deal with AI, we have to return to the issue of financing its development. As indicated earlier, the financial industry, as an enabler, has an important role to play.

    Given the challenges of our time I mentioned earlier, it is vital to strengthen the European financial industry. 

    Let me highlight only two measures:

    First, we need to get started on improving start-up funding. In 2024, more than 2,700 innovative start-ups were founded in Germany, the second-highest count after the record year of 2021. There is no shortage of innovative concepts and entrepreneurship per se, but implementation is lacking. 

    Further completing the European capital markets union (CMU) is essential in this respect – promoting the development of the VC and private equity market as well as exit options for start-ups. The European Commission’s “Competitiveness Compass”, published recently, 29 January 2025, is a good start. 

    Second, we need to leverage digital technologies to create efficient, integrated and resilient European financial markets. The digital CMU could be a game changer in this respect. 

    Let me make it perfectly clear: Europe is a leader in this field. 

    We at the Bundesbank are engaged in several initiatives. And we have a prominent role to play in the development of a central bank digital currency (wholesale CBDC).

    4 Conclusion

    Ladies and gentlemen, let me sum up: And I can be very brief, but still to the point.

    The European Financial industry has to become an enabler of growth. Our Financial industry is key to ensure that the European economy stays competitive. 

    Thank you very much. 

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: London: Activists stage ‘Ecocide Babe’ stunt outside courts as Shell trial begins

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Photo op: Activist to hold a ‘baby’ that has simulated crude oil congealed around its mouth highlighting the public health impact of environmental devastation caused by Shell in Nigeria

    Location & date: Royal Courts of Justice, Thursday 13 February at 9am

    Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial starts that day

    On Thursday 13 February, Amnesty International UK, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), AFRICA: Seen & Heard and Justice 4 Nigeria are marking the start of the Ogale and Bille communities vs Shell trial with the stunt ‘Ecocide Babe’ by British-Nigerian artist-activist The Crude Madonna outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

    In the performance, The Crude Madonna – representing Niger Delta womanhood and resistance – will wear traditional Nigerian dress and gold-painted Shell-shaped medallions saying ‘hell’ and ‘oil’ coated with ‘crude oil’ and hold the Ecocide Babe Alera (which means ‘it is enough’ in the local Khana language) with crude oil congealed around the baby’s mouth.

    Created by artists The Crude Madonna and THE DnA FACTORY MRSS, the Ecocide Babe  symbolises the devastating effect of oil pollution on fertility, pregnancy and infant health in the region as well as its overall impact on communities and the environment caused by Shell’s 60 years of oil spills and leaks due to poorly maintained pipelines, wells and inadequate clean-up attempts that have ravaged the health and livelihoods of many of the 30 million people living in the Niger Delta – most of whom live in poverty.

    This is the first stage of the trial that will take place in London throughout 2025. More than 13,500 Ogale and Bille residents in the Niger Delta have filed claims against Shell over the past decade demanding the company clean up oil spills that they say have wrecked their livelihoods and caused widespread devastation to the local environment. They can’t fish anymore because their water sources, including their wells for drinking water, are poisoned and the land is contaminated which has killed plant life, meaning communities can no longer farm.    

    Shell plc is domiciled in London and should be legally responsible for the environmental failures of its subsidiary company, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria. 

    Details of event

    Who: Amnesty International UK, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, AFRICA: Seen & Heard and Justice 4 Nigeria

    What: Spokespeople available for comment, and photo opportunity outside court. Supporters will hold a banner and placards saying: ‘Shell: Own up, Clean up, Pay up’.

    Where: Royal Courts of Justice, the Strand, London, WC2A 2LL

    When: Thursday 13 February. Photo opportunity 9:00-10:30am; court proceedings start at 10:30am.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Advancements in Space Continue Generating Products on Earth  

    Source: NASA

    The latest edition of NASA’s Spinoff publication, which highlights the successful transfer of agency technology to the commercial sector, is now available online.
    For nearly 25 years, NASA has supported crew working in low Earth orbit to learn about the space environment and perform research to advance deep space exploration. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have learned a wealth of lessons and tried out a host of new technologies. This work leads to ongoing innovations benefiting people on Earth that are featured in NASA’s annual publication.  
    “The work we do in space has resulted in navigational technologies, lifesaving medical advancements, and enhanced software systems that continue to benefit our lives on Earth,” said Clayton Turner, associate administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Technologies developed today don’t just make life on our home planet easier – they pave the way to a sustained presence on the Moon and future missions to Mars.” 
    The Spinoff 2025 publication features more than 40 commercial infusions of NASA technologies including: 

    A platform enabling commercial industry to perform science on the space station, including the growth of higher-quality human heart tissue, knee cartilage, and pharmaceutical crystals that can be grown on Earth to develop new medical treatments.  
    An electrostatic sprayer technology to water plants without the help of gravity and now used in sanitation, agriculture, and food safety.  
    “Antigravity” treadmills helping people with a variety of conditions run or walk for exercise, stemming from efforts to improve astronauts’ fitness in the weightlessness of space.  
    Nutritional supplements originally intended to keep astronauts fit and mitigate the health hazards of a long stay in space.  

    As NASA continues advancing technology and research in low Earth orbit to establish a sustained presence at the Moon, upcoming lunar missions are already spinning off technologies on Earth. For example, Spinoff 2025 features a company that invented technology for 3D printing buildings on the Moon that is now using it to print large structures on Earth. Another group of researchers studying how to grow lunar buildings from fungus is now selling specially grown mushrooms and plans to build homes on Earth using the same concept.  
    Spinoffs produce innovative technologies with commercial applications for the benefit of all. Other highlights of Spinoff 2025 include quality control on assembly lines inspired by artificial intelligence developed to help rovers navigate Mars, innovations in origami based on math for lasers and optical computing, and companies that will help lead the way to hydrogen-based energy building on NASA’s foundation of using liquid hydrogen for rocket fuel.  
    “I’ve learned it’s almost impossible to predict where space technology will find an application in the commercial market,” said Dan Lockney, Technology Transfer program executive at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “One thing I can say for sure, though, is NASA’s technology will continue to spin off, because it’s our goal to advance our missions and bolster the American economy.”  
    This publication also features 20 technologies available for licensing with the potential for commercialization. Check out the “Spinoffs of Tomorrow” section to learn more.
    Spinoff is part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and its Technology Transfer program. Tech Transfer is charged with finding broad, innovative applications for NASA-developed technology through partnerships and licensing agreements, ensuring agency investments benefit the nation and the world.  
    To read the latest issue of Spinoff, visit: 
    https://spinoff.nasa.gov
    -end-
    Jasmine HopkinsHeadquarters, Washington321-431-4624jasmine.s.hopkins@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Disaster Recovery Centers in Coffee and Lowndes Counties to Close Permanently This Week; FEMA Representatives Relocating

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Disaster Recovery Centers in Coffee and Lowndes Counties to Close Permanently This Week; FEMA Representatives Relocating

    Disaster Recovery Centers in Coffee and Lowndes Counties to Close Permanently This Week; FEMA Representatives Relocating

    The Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Coffee and Lowndes counties are set to close permanently this week. FEMA representatives will relocate to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Recovery Center (BRC) and Business Resource Assessment Center (BRAC) to continue assisting survivors for Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene. DRCs are currently open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.Coffee County DRC – closing permanently at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14Coffee County Service Center         1115 West Baker Hwy.Douglas, GA 31533Coffee County BRC – FEMA representatives will be here starting 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15Satilla Regional Library200 S. Madison Ave.Douglas, GA 31533Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.  to 4 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday; closed Sunday. Lowndes County DRC – closing permanently at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15Valdosta State University Foundation, Inc.901 N. Patterson St.Valdosta, GA 31601Lowndes County BRAC – FEMA representatives will be here starting 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18Lowndes County Civic Center, 2102 E. Hill Ave. Bldg. DValdosta, GA 31601Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Sunday: ClosedThe Feb. 7 deadline for Georgia survivors of Tropical Storm Debby (Aug. 4–20) and Hurricane Helene (Sept. 24–Oct. 30) in the 63 counties designated for Individual Assistance to apply for FEMA disaster assistance has now passed. To check on the status of your application, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. You may also use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day and help is available in most languages. You can also contact the Georgia Call Center at 678-547-2861 for assistance with your application or visit an SBA BRC or BRAC.
    jakia.randolph
    Wed, 02/12/2025 – 13:17

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: LITSLINK releases guide on how to build an AI assistant

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As a leading software development company, LITSLINK has the skills and knowledge necessary for growing robust and scalable AI solutions. The company guides clients through every step of AI development, from ideation to deployment, with their team of skilled professionals.

    LITSLINK has extensive experience in delivering customized AI assistants and provides organizations with tools to automate repetitive tasks, enhance customer engagement, and achieve operational excellence.

    Why Build an AI Assistant?

    From automating daily business routines to providing real-time customer assistance, implementing AI assistants can save huge operational costs while improving process efficiency. According to a report by Gartner, 80% of enterprises will adopt Generative AI APIs by 2026. LITSLINK has been enabling businesses to stay competitive by offering end-to-end AI assistant development services.

    According to a report by Grand View Research, the worldwide AI market is expected to witness a CAGR of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030. Innovation in industries such as retail, healthcare, finance, logistics, etc., is unlocking the benefits of AI-infused solutions, which is driving this growth to the next level.

    For businesses, the benefits of AI assistants are clear:

    • Improved Efficiency: Allow automation of processes that free human resources to more critical jobs.
    • Enhanced Customer Experience: Offer round-the-clock availability, immediate feedback, and tailored communications.
    • Cost Savings: Save on operational costs with reduced manual labor and errors.
    • Data-Driven Insights: Use AI algorithms to uncover rates, trends, and hones in data.

    And LITSLINK has been leading this AI revolution by covering all these benefits through custom AI assistant development for businesses.

    LITSLINK’s Expertise in AI Development

    Creating an AI assistant is a huge challenge that demands proficiency in skills such as AI technologies, programming software, and user experience design. Seasoned developers, data scientists, and AI specialists at LITSLINK work with clients to build AI assistants that are functional and also business-oriented.

    Here is a breakdown of how LITSLINK tackles AI assistant development:

    1. Discovery and Strategy

    A successful AI assistant always starts with a business question. LITSLINK specialists work closely with clients to analyze top use cases, set goals, and build a strategic roadmap.

    • Key Questions: What issues are you trying to address? Who is your target audience? What features must be included?
    • Outcome: An extensive project plan consisting of the scope along with the timeline and deliverables.

    2. Custom Design and Development

    Once the strategy is developed, LITSLINK’s team gets down to designing and developing the AI assistant. This phase involves:

    • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Allowing the assistant to comprehend and respond in human language.
    • Machine Learning (ML): Training the assistant to enhance its accuracy and performance over time.
    • User Experience (UX) Design: Making sure the assistant provides a good experience to users. It should be well-designed, up-to-date, and aligned with the brand’s personality.

    Be it a chatbot for customer service, a voice-activated assistant for internal operations, or a hybrid solution, LITSLINK uses advanced technologies to create AI assistants, providing seamless, human-like interactions.

    3. Integration and Deployment

    For an AI assistant to be productive, it has to flow through existing systems. LITSLINK makes sure that the assistant integrates seamlessly into the customer’s CRM, ERP, or other systems, giving a consistent experience to both employees and end users.

    • APIs and SDKs: For smooth integration with third-party tools
    • Cloud Deployment: To ensure scalability and accessibility.

    4. Testing and Optimization

    LITSLINK tests the AI assistant before launching to align it with performance standards. This includes:

    • Functional Testing: Ensuring all the functionality works as intended.
    • User Testing: Gathering feedback from real users to identify areas for improvement.
    • Performance Optimization: Improving speed, accuracy, and responsiveness.

    After the launch, LITSLINK tracks and improves the assistant, making sure it aligns with business needs and technological advancements.

    5. Scalability and Support

    As businesses grow, so must their AI assistants. LITSLINK architects AI solutions that accommodate growing demand and adapt to new needs. Furthermore, the company offers constant training so that the assistant is constantly updated on new AI technology.

    Technological Stack and Innovations

    LITSLINK leverages advanced technologies, such as:

    • Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enables the AI assistant to comprehend and answer user questions.
    • Machine Learning (ML): Continuously improves performance improvement based on empirical data.
    • Cloud Integration: Guarantees scalability and reliability.

    Applications of AI Assistants

    LITSLINK helps numerous businesses across industries leverage the power of AI assistants. Now, let’s explore how the tools can assist in specific areas.

    • By leveraging an AI chatbot, retail companies can address 80% of customer queries and can shorten the response time by over 50%.
    • A voice-activated assistant adopted by a healthcare provider can ease appointment scheduling, freeing up staff time hours each week.
    • A logistics company can take delivery times down by 20% as a result of adding an assistant dedicated to route planning.

    I think the options are endless,” said Sergey Antonyuk, Chief Executive Officer at LITSLINK. “What’s really exciting is that we’re just starting to scratch the surface of what we can do with AI. Our research suggests businesses investing in this technology today will be the future market leaders.

    Get Started with LITSLINK

    Are you ready to take your business to the next level with an AI assistant? So join LITSLINK and become one of the companies driving their business with smart technology solutions.

    About LITSLINK

    LITSLINK is a leading software development company that focuses on the latest technologies, including AI, mobile and web development, and cloud solutions. Founded in 2014, we enable startups, SMBs, and enterprises to convert initial ideas into innovative digital products. We are a hub for businesses looking for high-quality, scalable tech solutions and are focused on providing extraordinary user experiences.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 12.02.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    12 February 2025 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 12.02.2025

    Espoo, Finland – On 12 February 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 1,334,463 4.74
    CEUX
    BATE
    AQEU
    TQEX
    Total 1,334,463 4.74

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 12 February 2025 was EUR 6,328,290. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 246,429,217 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting on current political situation in Gaza and West Bank- 12/02/2025 – Delegation for relations with Palestine

    Source: European Parliament

    The meeting of the Delegation for relations with Palestine took place on Wednesday, 12 February from 15.00 to 16.30, in Strasbourg, room CHURCHILL 200.

    The main subject of discussion will be an exchange of views on the current political situation in Gaza and the West Bank with Mr Michael Mann, Head of Division, Middle East – Israel, Occupied Palestinian Territories and Middle East Peace Process – EEAS.

    The meeting was web-streamed and can be accessed via the European Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Unfair commissions on transactions for ordinary people while banks profit – E-000485/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000485/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

    The New Democracy Government recently put in place certain measures to reduce specific categories of fees and commissions that financial groups earn from banking transactions. These are mock interventions, since official government data reveals that the cost of reducing bank commissions amounts to only EUR 150 million per year, when, for 2023 and the 9 months from January to September 2024, these are estimated at EUR 1.8 billion. The selective zero charges for some services apply to payments made digitally, while charges for payments made at bank counters or ATMs remain in force as usual.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that banking groups manage to achieve high profitability, the source of which is largely fees and commissions, precisely by relying on EU directives (see Directive 2014/92/EU, etc.) that define a “reasonable fee” that institutionalises lawful speculation at the expense of ordinary families?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that, despite the continuous record profitability of the four systemic banking groups in Greece, they do not pay taxes, and will continue not to pay until 2041, while the four systemic banks already owe the State EUR 12.5 billion in deferred tax (paid by the people) and their shareholders received a dividend of EUR 848 million in 2023, at a tax rate of just 5%?
    • 3.What is the Commission’s position on the request to abolish all these unfair commissions on ordinary people’s transactions?

    Submitted: 4.2.2025

    Last updated: 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Funding European competitiveness through automotive carbon credits – E-000531/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000531/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Matthieu Valet (PfE)

    In order to comply with the emission limit restrictions forming part of the phasing out of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, EU regulations provide for fines for each sale of this type of vehicle that exceeds the authorised limits. These fines can be offset by the purchase of carbon credits.

    However, these credits are mainly issued by exclusively electric vehicle manufacturers, led by Chinese companies and the US company Tesla.

    This situation thus results in the European car industry indirectly subsidising its main competitors, jeopardising the competitiveness of European manufacturers.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission anticipated this adverse economic outcome?
    • 2.What measures are planned to avoid undermining the competitiveness of European manufacturers?

    Submitted: 5.2.2025

    Last updated: 12 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – RC-B10-0106/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Inese Vaidere, Michał Wawrykiewicz
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Tobias Cremer
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Rihards Kols, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Roberts Zīle, Marlena Maląg, Ivaylo Valchev, Alexandr Vondra, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    (2025/2522(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular that of 28 November 2024 on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud[1],

     having regard to Georgia’s status as an EU candidate country, granted by the European Council at its summit of 14 and 15 December 2023,

     having regard to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which demands the implementation of all possible measures to guarantee Georgia’s complete integration into the EU and NATO,

     having regard to the final report of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the parliamentary elections held in Georgia on 26 October 2024,

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

    A. whereas the democratic backsliding in Georgia has dramatically accelerated since the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024, which were deeply flawed and marked by grave irregularities, and failed to meet international democratic standards and Georgia’s OSCE commitments; whereas these elections violated the democratic norms and standards set for free and fair elections, failing to reflect the will of the people and rendering the resulting ‘parliament’, and subsequently the ‘president’, devoid of any democratic legitimacy; whereas from the very beginning of its activity, the current Georgian parliament has operated as a one-party (Georgian Dream) organ, which is incompatible with the essence of pluralistic parliamentary democracy;

    B. whereas Article 2 of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement[2] concerns the general principles of the agreement, which include democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms;

    C. whereas Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution states that the constitutional bodies must take all measures within the scope of their competences to ensure the full integration of Georgia into the European Union;

    D. whereas the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, publicly condemned the parliamentary elections as rigged, declared that she would not recognise them and called for an international investigation; whereas the current Georgian regime, led by the Georgian Dream party and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, has orchestrated an unconstitutional usurpation of power, systematically dismantling democratic institutions, undermining judicial independence and eroding fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, thereby deepening Georgia’s political and constitutional crisis;

    E. whereas Georgia has officially held the status of EU candidate country since December 2023; whereas on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would delay initiating accession talks with the EU and reject its financial assistance until the end of 2028, disregarding the country’s constitutional commitment to European integration and effectively undermining Georgia’s sovereign Euro-Atlantic aspirations;

    F. whereas on 28 November 2024, peaceful mass anti-government protests began across the country, demanding new, free and fair elections, an end to political violence and repression, and the return of the country to its European path; whereas the protests have been taking place without interruption for over 75 days;

    G. whereas on 14 December 2024, the de facto parliament held a ‘presidential election’ with a single candidate from the Georgian Dream party, former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili, elected with 224 out of 225 votes cast;

    H. whereas Georgia’s self-appointed authorities have plunged the country into a fully fledged constitutional and political crisis, as well as a human rights and democracy crisis; whereas this has been marked by the brutal repression of peaceful protesters, political opponents and media representatives, with judges, prosecutors and police officers actively fabricating politically motivated administrative and criminal charges against protesters, journalists and opposition figures detained during peaceful anti-government demonstrations; whereas, as of December 2024, more than 460 people have been arrested or punished since the protests began, with this number growing by the day;

    I. whereas riot police deliberately lacking force identification numbers have forcefully dispersed protesters with tear gas and water cannons; whereas numerous journalists have reported being targeted and beaten, and having their equipment destroyed and personal items stolen; whereas dozens of protesters have been brutally assaulted, and several hundred people have been arrested; whereas Georgia’s Public Defender has revealed that 80 % of those detained reported experiencing violence and inhumane treatment at the hands of law enforcement officers; whereas despite international condemnation, the illegitimate Georgian Government has awarded medals to officials involved in the crackdown;

    J. whereas independent media outlets, including TV Formula, TV Mtavari and TV Pirveli, face severe operational and financial constraints due to the regime’s interference, while dozens of media representatives are being subjected to various forms of intense physical and psychological pressure; whereas numerous violent attacks on journalists have been documented, including the severe beatings of Aleksandre Keshelashvili, Maka Chikhladze and Giorgi Shetsiruli, and the harassment of detained journalist Saba Kevkhishvili; whereas on 12 January 2025, the Georgian authorities arrested journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been in pre-trial detention since then and is on hunger strike in solidarity with all political prisoners in Georgia; whereas she faces between four and seven years in prison;

    K. whereas, on the night of 14 January 2025, Giorgi Gakharia, opposition leader of the For Georgia party and former Prime Minister, and Zviad Koridze, journalist and Transparency International activist, were physically assaulted by Georgian Dream officials in separate incidents at the same venue in Batumi;

    L. whereas on 2 February 2025, Nika Melia, a leader of the pro-European Akhali party, and Gigi Ugulava, the former mayor of Tbilisi, were arrested during the anti-government protests and subjected to physical violence in detention; whereas on 12 January 2025, Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa political movement, was detained in Batumi;

    M. whereas the de facto Georgian authorities have used disproportionate force and excessive violence against peaceful protesters and resorted to arbitrary mass arrests to thwart dissent; whereas independent human rights organisations have reported the systemic mistreatment of detainees, including torture; whereas to date, not a single law enforcement official involved in the brutal crackdowns, arbitrary arrests and mistreatment has been brought to justice;

    N. whereas the self-appointed authorities introduced new draconian legislation that came into force on 30 December 2024 and amended the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offences and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations, imposing further arbitrary restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, introducing, among other things, hefty fines for putting up protest slogans and posters, and granting police the power to detain individuals ‘preventively’ for 48 hours on suspicion of planning to violate the rules governing public assembly; whereas on 3 February 2025, the Georgian Dream party unveiled further draft legislation designed to tighten control, ramping up penalties for a variety of offences directly targeting protestors, critics and political dissent, such as harsher punishments for ‘insulting officials’, the criminalisation of road blocks and an increase in the duration of administrative detention from 15 to 60 days;

    O. whereas on 27 January 2025, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement for Georgian diplomats and officials, but failed to impose individual sanctions in response to the continued crackdown; whereas the Hungarian and Slovak Governments have been consistently blocking impactful EU-wide sanctions, preventing the remaining 25 Member States (EU-25) from effectively introducing sanctions against the self-appointed Georgian authorities;

    P. whereas several Member States, including Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and Czechia, have imposed bilateral sanctions on some Georgian politicians, judges and other officials responsible for the brutal crackdown on protesters, violations of human rights and abuse of the rule of law; whereas in December 2024, the United States sanctioned Bidzina Ivanishvili, alongside Georgia’s ‘Minister of Internal Affairs’ Vakhtang Gomelauri and Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department Mirza Kezevadze, for their involvement in brutal crackdowns on media representatives, opposition figures and protesters; whereas the UK and Ukraine have imposed similar sanctions on high-level Georgian officials; whereas Ivanishvili, through hastily adopted laws tailored to his personal situation, is moving his offshore assets to Georgia in anticipation of further sanctions;

    Q. whereas on 29 January 2025, Georgian Dream announced that it would withdraw its delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) after it demanded new, genuinely democratic parliamentary elections, the release of political prisoners and accountability for perpetrators of violence; whereas UN experts have condemned the pattern of repression and human rights violations in Georgia, while the OSCE has called this suppression a serious breach of the right to freedom of assembly;

    R. whereas the ruling Georgian Dream party convened the new parliament in violation of the country’s constitution, resulting in a boycott of parliament by the opposition; whereas on 5 February 2025, the self-appointed ‘parliament’ voted to approve the early termination of the mandates of 49 out of 61 members of parliament, representing the Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia and the United National Movement, in order to strip them of their immunity and facilitate their arrest and prosecution; whereas the same ‘parliament’ established a commission to punish former ruling party United National Movement;

    S. whereas a growing number of civil servants have been dismissed after speaking out against the halting of Georgia’s EU accession process; whereas Georgian Dream has amended laws on public service, simplifying procedures to dismiss public servants, several of whom have been dismissed for participating in protests, in a clear attempt to silence critical voices;

    1. Condemns the Georgian Dream ‘authorities’ and urges them to immediately cease the violent repression of peaceful protesters, political opponents and media representatives; underlines that Georgia’s self-appointed authorities are currently violating fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the core international obligations of the country, thereby undermining decades of democratic reforms driven by the country’s political class and civil society; considers Georgia as a state captured by the illegitimate Georgian Dream regime; expresses deep regret over the fact that the ruling Georgian Dream party has abandoned its path towards European integration and NATO membership; recalls that the ongoing democratic backsliding and adoption of anti-democratic laws has effectively suspended Georgia’s EU integration process; reiterates its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations and their wish to live in a prosperous and democratic country;

    2. Does not recognise the self-proclaimed authorities of the Georgian Dream party established following the rigged election of 26 October 2024, which was neither free nor fair, was held in violation of democratic norms and standards, and did not reflect the will of the people of Georgia; underlines that the extensive electoral fraud has undermined the integrity of the election process, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the result and eroded public trust, both domestically and internationally, in any new government;

    3. Calls for the EU and its Member States, as well as national parliaments and interparliamentary institutions, not to recognise the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream one-party parliament and their appointed president; calls, therefore, on the international community to join the boycott of the self-proclaimed Georgian authorities;

    4. Continues to recognise Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate President of Georgia and representative of the Georgian people; praises her efforts to peacefully steer the country back towards a democratic and European path of development; calls on the President of the European Council to invite President Zourabichvili to represent Georgia at an upcoming European Council meeting and at the next European Political Community summit;

    5. Underlines that the settlement of the current political and constitutional crisis in Georgia can only be achieved by way of new parliamentary elections; demands that new elections take place in Georgia within the next few months in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored through diligent international observation to guarantee a genuinely fair, free and transparent process; encourages the Member States and EU officials to firmly demand new elections and to make any future engagement explicitly conditional on setting a new date for parliamentary elections and establishing a mechanism to ensure they are free and fair;

    6. Calls on the Council and the Member States, particularly the EU-25 on a bilateral and coordinated basis, to impose immediate and targeted personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, his family and his companies, and to freeze all his assets within the EU for his role in the deterioration of the political process in Georgia, enabling democratic backsliding and acting against the country’s constitutionally declared interests of Euro-Atlantic integration; calls on the French Government to strip Bidzina Ivanishvili of the Legion of Honour and impose individual sanctions on him; welcomes, in this regard, the sanctions imposed bilaterally by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Czechia, as well as those already imposed by the US and the UK;

    7. Calls for the EU and its Member States, in particular the EU-25 on a bilateral and coordinated basis, to impose personal sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party Kakha Kaladze, and Chair of the Georgian Dream party Irakli Garibashvili; calls for them to extend these sanctions to judges, including those of the Constitutional Court of Georgia who are passing politically motivated sentences, and representatives of the law enforcement services, as well as to financial enablers tacitly or openly supporting the regime and the owners of regime-aligned media outlets, including TV Imedi, Pos TV and Rustavi 2 TV, for their role in spreading disinformation and seeking to manipulate public discourse in order to sustain the current ruling party’s authoritarian rule;

    8. Calls on the Council and the Member States to impose sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili’s network of enablers, elite entourage, corrupt financial operatives, propagandists and those facilitating the repressive state apparatus, including, among others, Ekaterine Khvedelidze, Uta Ivanishvili, Tsotne Ivanishvili, Bera Ivanishvili, Gvantsa Ivanishvili, Alexander Ivanishvili, Shmagi Kobakhidze, Ucha Mamatsashvili, Natia Turnava, Ivane Chkhartishvili, Sulkhan Papashvili, Giorgi Kapanadze, Tornike Rizhvadze, Ilia Tsulaia, Kakha Bekauri, Lasha Natsvlishvili, Vasil Maglaperidze, Grigol Liluashvili, Mikheil Chinchaladze, Levan Murusidze, Irakli Rukhadze, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, Tamaz Gaiashvili, Anton Obolashvili and Gocha Enukidze;

    9. Maintains the view that the measures taken so far by the EU in response to the flagrant democratic backsliding and reneging on previous commitments does not yet fully reflect the severity of the situation in Georgia and the latest developments; welcomes the Council’s decision to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials, but considers it as only a first step, which must be followed by tougher measures; deplores the obstruction by the Hungarian and Slovak Governments of the Council decisions on introducing sanctions against individuals responsible for democratic backsliding in Georgia;

    10. Emphasises that respect for fundamental rights is vital to the EU’s visa liberalisation benchmarks; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to review Georgia’s visa-free status, with the possibility of suspension if it is considered that EU standards on democratic governance and freedoms are not being upheld;

    11. Strongly condemns the brutal violence and repression used by Georgia’s ruling regime against peaceful protesters since 28 November 2024; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and those detained during the anti-government protests; demands the release of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on hunger strike for over four weeks now because of her unjust detention and risks facing critical, irreversible and life-threatening consequences; denounces the assault and beating of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, resulting in his hospitalisation, followed by the arrest on 2 February 2025 of political leaders including Nika Melia and Gigi Ugulava, as a shocking escalation of state-orchestrated violence by Georgian Dream and its allies against peaceful demonstrators and political opponents; reminds of the detention of Elene Khoshtaria on 12 January 2025 in Batumi; 

    12. Reiterates its solidarity with the people of Georgia and its vibrant civil society in fighting for their legitimate democratic rights and for a European future for their country; urges the Georgian Government to reverse its current political course and return to implementing the will of the Georgian people for continued democratic reforms that would reopen the prospect of future EU membership;

    13. Strongly condemns the enactment of draconian legislation that imposes unjustified restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and demands the annulment of such recently adopted repressive legislation; urges the Georgian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and to ensure prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations of unlawful and disproportionate use of force by the law enforcement agencies; considers that the Georgian justice system has been weaponised to stifle dissent, instil fear and silence free speech;

    14. Calls for the ‘Georgian authorities’ to take immediate action to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists and to investigate all instances of violence and misconduct by law enforcement agencies; emphasises the importance of fostering a democratic environment where media, civil society and the opposition can operate freely without fear of retaliation or censorship;

    15. Demands an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into police brutality and the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators; calls for those responsible for human rights violations, including law enforcement and government officials ordering acts of repression, to be held fully accountable before the law;

    16. Denounces the launch of an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office on 8 February 2025 into non-governmental organisations accused of aggravated sabotage, attempted sabotage and assisting foreign and foreign-controlled organisations in hostile activities aimed at undermining the state interests of Georgia, for which they could receive multiple-year sentences; views this action as further escalation of repression by the regime, misuse of the judicial system and accelerated democratic backsliding;

    17. Condemns the broader campaign of attacks by the Georgian authorities vilifying civil society organisations and reputable international donors that support democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Georgia;

    18. Denounces the termination by Georgian Dream of the mandates of 49 opposition members of parliament as a sign of further democratic backsliding, and considers this the latest move in Georgian Dream’s attack on political pluralism in the country;

    19. Welcomes PACE’s decision to challenge the credentials of Georgia’s parliamentary delegation due to democratic backsliding and human rights abuses; supports PACE’s call for Georgia to immediately initiate an inclusive process involving all political and social actors, including the ruling party, the opposition and civil society, to urgently address the deficiencies and shortcomings noted during the recent parliamentary elections and to create an electoral environment conducive to new, genuinely democratic elections to be announced in the coming months;

    20. Notes that Georgia, once a front runner for Euro-Atlantic integration, is undergoing an accelerated process of democratic backsliding, in a seemingly deliberate attempt to demonstrate that the will of the Georgian people no longer determines the country’s future, which could result in the country taking the Belarussian path of political development, transitioning from the current authoritarian state to a dictatorial regime;

    21. Deplores the decision of Irakli Kobakhidze to suspend accession talks and reject EU funding until the end of 2028; recalls that all polls consistently show the overwhelming support of the Georgian population for a Euro-Atlantic future; expresses strong support for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people;

    22. Calls for an immediate and comprehensive audit of EU policy towards Georgia due to the democratic backsliding; calls on the Commission to review the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in the light of the self-declared Georgian authorities’ breach of the general principles, as laid down in Article 2, namely respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms; points out that non-fulfilment of obligations may result in the conditional suspension of economic cooperation and privileges afforded by the Agreement;

    23. Welcomes the Commission’s decision to cease all budgetary support to the Georgian authorities and to suspend the initiation of any future investment projects; encourages the Commission to terminate all financial support for ongoing projects; calls for a moratorium on all investment projects in the field of connectivity; calls on the Commission to start identifying economic sectors of relevance to the oligarchic interests that support and sustain the current authoritarian rule, with a view to a potential future decision about restrictive measures or economic sanctions; calls on the Commission to start identifying connectivity projects that support and sustain the current authoritarian rule and to consider their suspension until a rerun of the parliamentary elections;

    24. Condemns the climate of intimidation and polarisation fuelled by statements by Georgian Government representatives and political leaders, as well as by attacks against political pluralism, including through disturbing cases of intimidation and violence against the Georgian democratic political forces and repeated threats to ban opposition parties, to arrest their leaders and even ordinary supporters, and to silence dissent; underlines that anything but the full restoration of Georgia’s democratic standards will entail a further deterioration of EU-Georgia relations, make any move towards EU accession impossible and result in additional sanctions;

    25. Calls on the Commission to swiftly redirect the frozen EUR 120 million originally intended as support for the Georgian authorities to enhance the EU’s support for Georgia’s civil society, in particular the non-governmental sector and independent media, which are increasingly coming under undue pressure from the ruling political party and the authorities, as well as to support programmes supporting democratic resilience and electoral integrity; calls for the EU’s funding mechanisms to be adjusted to take into account the needs that arise in a more hostile and anti-democratic environment; highlights the urgency of the need to support civil society in the light of growing repression and the suspension of activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and therefore urges the Commission to ramp up support without delay;

    26. Expresses deep concern about the increasing Russian influence in the country and about the Georgian Dream government’s actions in pursuing a policy of rapprochement and collaboration with Russia, in spite of its creeping occupation of Georgian territory; deplores, in this regard, the growing anti-Western and hostile rhetoric of the Georgian Dream party’s representatives towards Georgia’s strategic Western partners, including the EU, and its MEPs and officials, and Georgian Dream’s promotion of Russian disinformation and manipulation;

    27. Strongly reiterates its urgent demand for the immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds, specifically for the purpose of seeking medical treatment abroad; emphasises that the self-appointed authorities bear full and undeniable responsibility for the life, health, safety and well-being of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and must be held fully accountable for any harm that befalls him;

    28. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Union to support the development of a new multipurpose seaport on Kiritimati Island

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB Global, with €2.5 million (AUD 4.1 million) in EU-backed technical assistance, will oversee the feasibility study to assess the construction of a multipurpose seaport and wave breaker.
    • The study will evaluate the project’s technical, environmental and social viability for implementation on Kiritimati (Christmas) Island, Kiribati.
    • This initiative is a key part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the Pacific region.
    • Upon completion, EIB Global, alongside development partners, will consider the project for potential financing.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and the Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific have signed a €2.5 million (AUD 4.1 million) contribution agreement to provide technical assistance for a feasibility assessment of the construction and operation of a multipurpose seaport and wave breaker on Kiritimati (Christmas) Island, Kiribati, in the Pacific Ocean.

    Managed by EIB Global, this EU-funded technical assistance will finance feasibility, environmental and social studies to assess the port’s viability and potential impact, while identifying solutions to enhance maritime infrastructure to support fishing vessel transshipment, commercial container shipping, and tourism. The initiative aims to strengthen trade connectivity, drive sustainable economic growth and improve climate resilience in the region.

    This initiative aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to enhance connectivity between Europe and key global regions. The new port will strengthen Kiribati’s role as a strategic trade hub and support the development of essential logistics and transportation infrastructure, driving economic growth and regional integration.

    EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, who is in charge of EIB operations in the Pacific, said: “The European Investment Bank is proud to support Kiribati in exploring the potential of a new multipurpose seaport on Kiritimati Island. This project reflects our strong commitment to combating climate change and enhancing sustainable infrastructure and connectivity in the Pacific region under the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy. By assessing the technical, environmental and social feasibility of the port, we aim to lay the groundwork for improved trade opportunities, economic growth and climate resilience. We look forward to working closely with our partners to bring this initiative to fruition.”

    The Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Her Excellency Barbara Plinkert said: “The European Union is committed to fostering sustainable development and regional connectivity, and the Kiritimati Island seaport project is a significant step towards achieving these goals. Through the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, we support infrastructure that strengthens trade and enhances climate resilience in the Pacific. This feasibility study, supported by EIB Global, exemplifies our collaborative approach with partners to support the advancement of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and build a more interconnected, resilient and prosperous Pacific region.”

    Background information:

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner in Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027, around one third of the overall target of this EU initiative. With Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world.

    Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to reduce the worldwide investment gap, boost smart, clean and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors, and strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States and European development finance institutions. It aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments between 2021 and 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

    MIL OSI Europe News