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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI: The Ecole normale supérieure, AI & Society Institute and Capgemini launch a global Observatory on AI’s environmental impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENS Press Contact: 
    Lola Melkonian
    lola@buzzdistrict.com / +33 6 09 38 67 84
    Romain Pigenel romain.pigenel@ens.psl.eu

    Capgemini Press Contact:
    Victoire Grux
    Tel.: + 33 6 04 52 16 55
    E-mail: victoire.grux@capgemini.com

    The Ecole normale supérieure, AI & Society Institute and Capgemini launch
    a global Observatory on AI’s environmental impact

    Paris, February 3, 2025 – With the support of Capgemini, the AI and Society Institute, the Ecole normale supérieure (ENS-PLS) and the ENS Foundation have launched an Observatory dedicated to analyzing and mitigating the environmental impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at all stages of its lifecycle (training, adjustment, inference and end-of-life). The new Observatory aims to establish a solid, shared methodology to encourage sustainable AI usage.

    The widespread adoption of AI, especially generative AI, has unlocked significant opportunities across various sectors. However, the growing computational demand for these new uses is leading to an increase of its environmental footprint (in terms of energy and water consumption, as well as carbon footprint), making it necessary to systematically assess their impact and implement measures to mitigate them. A recent research paper from a Capgemini R&D team highlights that large generative AI models consume 4,600 times more energy than traditional models, with AI-related electricity usage potentially increasing 24.4 times in the most extreme scenario by 2030. Mitigating this environmental impact in the coming years will require a coordinated effort from all stakeholders across the AI value chain, cites the publication.1  

    The global Observatory on AI’s environmental impact intends to address these challenges. It will bring together a diverse, multi-stakeholder community of international experts (academia, businesses and civil society), and will help to:

    • Establish a robust, shared methodology for measuring the environmental impact of AI technologies;
    • Create a global, open-access database where AI developers and researchers can contribute with data on the environmental performance of their models, fostering transparency and collaboration between businesses and research circles;
    • Promote sustainable AI practices;
    • Provide strategic analysis and disseminate knowledge;  
    • Bring together key stakeholders.

    “At the ENS-PLS, we firmly believe that research and action must go hand in hand to drive positive change in our societies,” explains Anne Bouverot, Chairwoman of the ENS-PLS Board of Directors.

    “This Observatory is the bridge between the two and is part of our commitment to provide informed solutions to public and private institutions on artificial intelligence and its impact,” adds Marc Mézard, Chairman of the AI and Society Institute.

    “Today, companies are looking for efficiency gains, yet very large AI models not only entail a significant environmental footprint, but also higher costs,” says Etienne Grass, Managing Director of Capgemini Invent France. “To harness the power of this technology responsibly, it is essential to put in place clear and transparent methodologies, and to work with all players in the AI value chain.”

    Capgemini has previously produced several research reports on the implementation of sustainable AI, including a survey of 2,000 senior executives from major companies in 15 countries2 and a research paper that proposes an initial methodology for quickly estimating the environmental impact of a company’s AI-related business portfolio.

    About Ecole normale supérieure
    At the same time a French grande école and a university, the Ecole normale supérieure provides in Paris, at the heart of the Quartier latin, excellent training through research, leading to various teaching and research professions, and contributes to train through research the senior executives of public administrations as well as of French and European companies. The ENS also defines and applies scientific and technological research policies, from a multidisciplinary and international perspective.

    https://www.ens.psl.eu/en

    About the IA & Société Institute
    The Institute for AI and Society, hosted by the École normale supérieure, was co-founded by Université Paris Dauphine, PSL, and the Abeona Foundation. Its mission is to promote the responsible development and use of AI by studying its interactions with society.

    Find out more

    About the ENS Foundation
    Founded in 1986 and recognized as a public-interest organization, the Fondation de l’École normale supérieure is dedicated to supporting teaching and research initiatives while expanding the ENS’s outreach by engaging the generosity of donors and corporate partners.

    Find out more

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    1 “Exploring the sustainable scaling of AI dilemma: A projective study of corporations’ AI environmental impacts”, C. DESROCHES, M. CHAUVIN, L. LADAN, C. VATEAU, S. GOSSET, P. CORDIER, January 2025
    2 Developing sustainable Gen AI report, Capgemini Research Institute, January 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Argent LNG Selects Baker Hughes as Technology Provider, Strengthening Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Baker Hughes to supply liquefaction solutions utilizing NMBL™ module and LM9000 gas turbine
    • Agreement also comprises a multi-year services plan, including iCenter™ digital solutions powered by Cordant™, to support Argent LNG terminal operations
    • Proposed project targets approximately 24 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of production capacity

    FLORENCE, Italy, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Argent LNG LCC (Argent LNG) has selected Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, as the liquefaction solution and related services provider for its proposed liquified natural gas (LNG) export facility in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Baker Hughes will supply cutting-edge liquefaction solutions, power generation equipment, and gas compression systems for the facility, which is set to deliver approximately 24 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG. The announcement was made during Baker Hughes’ Annual Meeting in Florence.

    The project will incorporate Baker Hughes’ advanced technologies, including its NMBL™ modularized LNG solution powered by the highly efficient LM9000 gas turbine. These modules, pre-fabricated and tested at Baker Hughes’ facilities, will ensure scalable and reliable LNG production to the project and integrate iCenter™ digital solutions powered by Cordant™ to maximize availability, reliability, and operational efficiency. Baker Hughes will also provide power generation units driven by LM9000 gas turbines and provide multi-year services to support Argent LNG terminal operations.

    By leveraging its extensive knowledge and experience in LNG development, Baker Hughes will help optimize project execution, and ensure a streamlined, cost-effective design, allowing Argent LNG to move forward with greater efficiency and financial certainty.

    “Today’s announcement is a further testament to the technology capabilities that we have built over the past 30-plus years in LNG. This collaboration with Argent LNG underscores our commitment to delivering advanced, best-in-class LNG solutions,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes. “As global energy demand continues to grow, we are committed to providing innovative technology solutions to the LNG industry, a key supplier of reliable and affordable energy to many countries around the world.”

    “We chose Baker Hughes because of their proven cutting-edge technology, established LNG market presence, and commitment to innovation — all of which align perfectly with Argent LNG’s vision to provide transformative energy solutions,” said Jonathan Bass, chairman and CEO of Argent LNG. “This collaboration underscores Argent LNG’s commitment to technical excellence, cost-effective execution, and energy security, while also strengthening the project’s bankability by leveraging Baker Hughes’ proven expertise and industry leadership. Today’s announcement demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can drive progress in the LNG industry, helping to secure affordable, sustainable energy for global markets.”

    Phase 1 construction is targeted to begin in 2026, with commercial operations expected by 2030. Phase 2, which aims to expand capacity, is advancing through critical milestones, including resource reporting, securing FERC approvals, formalizing gas supply agreements, and achieving financial close.

    Baker Hughes expects orders in relation to this agreement, as the Argent LNG project progresses and reaches Final Investment Decision, further solidifying its key role in Argent LNG’s long-term success.

    About Baker Hughes
    Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

    About Argent LNG
    Argent LNG LLC is a privately held energy company dedicated to developing world-class LNG export solutions to meet the rising global demand for clean, reliable energy. Based in Louisiana, Argent LNG is focused on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships to deliver cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient energy solutions. The company’s proposed export facility at Port Fourchon is designed to strengthen energy security and economic growth while reinforcing the United States’ leadership in the global LNG market.

    For more information, please contact:

    Media Relations

    Chiara Toniato
    +39 3463823419
    chiara.toniato@bakerhughes.com

    Investor Relations

    Chase Mulvehill
    +1 346-297-2561
    investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches Double Deposit Bonus, $50 Welcome Bonus and 100x Leverage Crypto Trading No KYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the price of Bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 mark and many analysts believe that it will enter a long-term high-volatility market. Holding spot positions may not continue to generate profits in the short term. BexBack Exchange is stepping up its efforts to provide traders with irresistible preferential packages. The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and a 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, creating unparalleled opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 200,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ba4465dd-d4e3-4374-8385-806fd259e6e3
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/82e163a9-5f5b-4738-9c9e-8085324358fb
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3872672-3b1c-489b-8492-34196f339656
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/941d5ac9-9048-4b49-b919-4b4f5922bbf8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NB Private Equity Partners Limited Total Voting Rights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    St Peter Port, Guernsey 3 February 2025

    NB Private Equity Partners Limited (“NBPE” or the “Company”) Total Voting Rights

    Total Voting Rights

    In accordance with DTR 5.6.1R, NB Private Equity Partners Limited (“NBPE” or the “Company”) notifies the market of the following:

    Class of Share Number in issue as at 31 January 2025 Voting Entitlement pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation Number held in Treasury as at 31 January 2025 Voting Rights as at 31 January 2025
    Class A Ordinary 49,367,173 May attend and vote at general meetings 3,150,408 46,216,765
    Class A Shareholders have the right to receive notice of general meetings of the Company and shall have the right to attend and vote at all general meetings.
    B Shares 10,000 Except in certain circumstances, do not carry voting rights 0 0
    Class B Shareholders do not have the right to receive notice of or have the right to attend and vote at any general meetings. However, there are limited circumstances where the Company shall not act, without the prior approval of the Class B Shareholders by ordinary resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the Class B Shareholders. Separately, the Directors shall, at appropriate times carry out the FPI Test and, if they determine that the US Shareholding Percentage had exceeded the FPI Specified Percentage as at such FPI Calculation Date, with effect from the date on which the Directors make such determination, the Class B Shares in issue shall, with respect to any Director Resolution, carry a positive number of voting rights as per the calculation referenced in the Articles.
    Total Voting Rights       46,216,765

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations        +44 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason        NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com

    Kaso Legg Communications        +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman

    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with 2,800+ employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $500+ billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. UNPRI named the firm a Leader, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms for excellence in environmental, social and governance practices. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last ten years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of December 31, 2024, unless noted otherwise.

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

    NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Baker Hughes and Hanwha Announce Partnership to Develop Small-Size Ammonia Turbines

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Agreement to focus on creation of 100% ammonia combustion dual fuel with natural gas small-size turbines
    • Ammonia is a low-carbon fuel that can play a critical role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sector, including marine transportation
    • Collaboration to deliver efficiency comparable to reciprocating engines while minimizing carbon emissions

    FLORENCE, Italy, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, Hanwha Power Systems and Hanwha Ocean announced Monday a Joint Development and Collaboration Agreement (JDCA) for a new small-size turbine for ammonia applications that will leverage Baker Hughes’ small-size gas turbine technology and Hanwha’s ammonia combustion system. The agreement was signed during the Baker Hughes 2025 Annual Meeting in Florence. The new ammonia turbine will be suitable for marine applications but also for onshore and offshore applications, and for electric generation and mechanical drive.

    Ammonia is a critical fuel in enabling the decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors, including marine, oil and gas, and power. Hanwha Ocean, one of South Korea’s leading shipbuilders, will be the main beneficiary of the JDCA and will adopt the new solution as a propulsion system for their future vessels, thus enabling maritime decarbonization.

    Hanwha already tested successfully a proof-of-concept of the combustor, with 100% ammonia as the fuel gas, and Baker Hughes completed its initial turbine feasibility studies in 2024. The two companies target to complete the full engine test with ammonia by the end of 2027, after which the turbine (~16MW power range) will be commercially available for orders.

    “Decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries and transportation is one of the most pressing but high-potential opportunities of our time,” said Alessandro Bresciani, senior vice president of Climate Technology Solutions at Baker Hughes. “We believe fuel switching to ammonia will play a key role in achieving significant emissions reductions across these sectors, and to realize this ambition, the industry needs more partnerships such as this. Together, we will continue to lead by example and take energy forward.”

    “We are very excited to be collaborating with Baker Hughes to deliver an innovative and efficient solution to enhance the adoption of ammonia as a fuel for the propulsion system for future vessels. This collaboration marks a significant turning point in accelerating the transition to low-carbon fuel propulsion in the global maritime industries,” said James Shon, senior executive vice president and head of Product Strategy and Technology at Hanwha Ocean.

    “The transition to low carbon fuels is a mission for everyone in the marine sector. We aim to play a key role in the decarbonization of the sector, together with Baker Hughes, by supporting ammonia combustion and packaging systems,” said Nuno Kim, executive vice president and head of Hanwha Power Systems Ship Solution Division.

    Baker Hughes is currently exploring how its small-size gas turbines can accelerate the transition from diesel motors to turbines powered by ammonia and hydrogen. In January 2024, the company announced the completion of the successful testing of the world’s first 100% hydrogen turbine, which is now commercially available and with orders under execution.

    About Baker Hughes
    Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

    About Hanwha
    Founded in 1952, Hanwha has grown quickly by anticipating and responding to changing business environments with a balanced business portfolio that includes energy & materials, aerospace, finance and retail & services. Our expertise and synergy in key areas have catapulted us into the seventh-largest business in South Korea and a Fortune Global 500 company. Hanwha continues to grow rapidly as we strive to pursue global leadership in all of our businesses. We are building a robust foundation for sustainable development and a brighter future for everyone. For more information, visit: www.hanwha.com

    For more information, please contact:

    Baker Hughes Media Relations
    Chiara Toniato
    +39 3463823419
    chiara.toniato@bakerhughes.com

    Hanwha Power Systems Media Relations 
    Sung Jae Park 
    +70 7147 4895 
    sungjae.park@hanwha.com 

    Baker Hughes Investor Relations
    Chase Mulvehill
    +1 346-297-2561
    investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: VAALCO Energy, Inc. Announces Significant Milestone in Its Côte D’Ivoire FPSO Dry Dock Refurbishment Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE: EGY; LSE: EGY) (“Vaalco” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its Côte d’Ivoire Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (“FPSO”) Dry Dock Refurbishment Project.

    In alignment with the project timeline, the FPSO Baobab Ivoirien MV10, operated by Canadian Natural Resources International (“CNRI”), ceased hydrocarbon production as scheduled on January 31, 2025. The final lifting of crude oil from the vessel is set to take place on or around February 6, 2025.

    The project team has commenced mobilization efforts, deploying the necessary workforce support vessels and equipment to facilitate the safe disconnection of the FPSO. The vessel is planned to be wet towed to the shipyards in Dubai for refurbishment upon departure from the field on March 24, 2025.

    “We are pleased with the progress of this critical project and remain committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient transition for the FPSO disconnection and refurbishment which we expect, when complete, will allow production to continue until at least 2038, subject to the final regulatory approvals on the license extension and further investment,” said George Maxwell, Vaalco’s Chief Executive Officer. “This milestone represents another step forward in delivering on our strategic objectives while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. We have already been paid back 1.8x1 our initial net investment in Côte d’Ivoire in the eight months since closing and the performance of the asset has tracked well ahead of our expectations at the time of the acquisition.”

    Vaalco will provide further updates as the project progresses.

    About Vaalco

    Vaalco, founded in 1985 and incorporated under the laws of Delaware, is a Houston, Texas, USA based, independent energy company with a diverse portfolio of production, development and exploration assets across Gabon, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Canada.

    For Further Information

       
    Vaalco Energy, Inc. (General and Investor Enquiries) +00 1 713 543 3422
    Website: www.vaalco.com
       
    Al Petrie Advisors (US Investor Relations) +00 1 713 543 3422
    Al Petrie / Chris Delange  
       
    Buchanan (UK Financial PR) +44 (0) 207 466 5000
    Ben Romney / Barry Archer Vaalco@buchanan.uk.com
       

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws and other applicable laws and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Where a forward-looking statement expresses or implies an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “aim,” “target,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “likely,” “plan” and “probably” or similar words may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to (i) estimates of future drilling, production, sales and costs of acquiring crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids; (ii) expectations regarding Vaalco’s ability to effectively integrate assets and properties it has acquired as a result of the Svenska acquisition into its operations; (iii) expectations regarding future exploration and the development, growth and potential of Vaalco’s operations, project pipeline and investments, and schedule and anticipated benefits to be derived therefrom; (iv) expectations regarding future acquisitions, investments or divestitures; (v) expectations of future balance sheet strength; and (vi) expectations of future equity and enterprise value.

    Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks relating to any unforeseen liabilities of Vaalco; the ability to generate cash flows that, along with cash on hand, will be sufficient to support operations and cash requirements; risks relating to the timing and costs of completion for scheduled maintenance of the FPSO servicing the Baobab field; and the risks described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Vaalco’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC.

    Inside Information

    This announcement contains inside information as defined in Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on market abuse which is part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“MAR”) and is made in accordance with the Company’s obligations under article 17 of MAR. The person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement on behalf of Vaalco is Matthew Powers, Corporate Secretary of Vaalco.

    ____________________

    1 Payback of 1.8x is based on unaudited operational cash flow for the Côte d’Ivoire assets compared to the acquisition price of $40.2MM as of 31st December 2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Making Data Easily Accessible: Leveraging Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The brief highlights how SDMX can simplify data activities and improve statistical interoperability, noting its growing use among national statistics offices, central banks, and statistical data producers. The brief also emphasizes the importance of capacity building to ensure the successful adoption of SDMX.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Baker Hughes Secures Major Chemicals Award from ExxonMobil Guyana for FPSOs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Baker Hughes to supply production chemicals for Errea Wittu and Jaguar FPSOs
    • Offshore developments feature combined 500,000 barrels per day capacity

    FLORENCE, Italy, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR), an energy technology company, announced Monday a significant award from ExxonMobil Guyana to provide specialty chemicals and related services for its Uaru and Whiptail offshore greenfield developments in Guyana’s prolific Stabroek Block. The announcement was made during Baker Hughes’ 25th Annual Meeting in Florence, Italy.

    The multi-year contract includes all topsides, subsea, water injection and utility chemicals for the Errea Wittu and Jaguar floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, which are currently under development, and are targeted to begin production in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Baker Hughes has extensive experience in Guyana and has established local supply chains to create a reliable and efficient source of chemicals to address the unique needs of these developments.

    “ExxonMobil Guyana and Baker Hughes share a long history of supporting Guyana’s energy sector, and we look forward to working together to write its next chapter,” said Amerino Gatti, executive vice president, Oilfield Services & Equipment at Baker Hughes. “Our experience operating across the country’s energy supply chain and unmatched expertise in oilfield and industrial chemicals make Baker Hughes uniquely suited to support complex FPSO operations such as these.”

    Uaru and Whiptail mark ExxonMobil Guyana’s fifth and sixth projects in the country. The two developments will include up to 20 drill centers and 92 production and injection wells. Each FPSO will have a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day, bringing the country’s total daily production capacity to approximately 1.3 million barrels.

    Baker Hughes has a strong history of localization in Guyana and in 2022, celebrated the opening of a multimodal supercenter in Georgetown. The company also provides a variety of services and equipment to operators in the country, including turbomachinery for ExxonMobil Guyana’s FPSO fleet and production chemicals for the Liza Unity vessel.

    About Baker Hughes
    Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

    For more information, please contact:

    Media Relations

    Brian Reynolds
    +1 346-315-6663
    brian.reynolds@bakerhughes.com

    Investor Relations:

    Chase Mulvehill
    +1-346-297-2561
    investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: End The Gender Pay Gap Campaign

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    Meet Sage, the star of WGEA’s new campaign to increase awareness and understanding of Australia’s gender pay gap. 

    Because it is your gender pay gap. 

    Perhaps you’re a woman earning, on average, $550 a week less than men in your workplace.

    Or maybe you’re a man who is finding it hard to access paid parental leave or flexible working arrangements which would significantly help improve you and your family’s wellbeing.

    These are some of the contributors to the gender pay gap, which ripples throughout Australian life and impacts every one of us.

    And we need to work together to help fix it and help make workplaces fairer.

    On March 4, WGEA will publish the gender pay gaps of over 9,200 private sector employers. 

    Many companies are making progress, but it’s slow. Far too slow for the many women and men disadvantaged by it.

    Did you know only 56% of employers improved their gender pay gap over the past 12 months?

    Men made up just 17% of people who took up primary carer’s parental leave.

    And 1 in 4 boards still don’t have a single woman on them.

    The evidence shows fixing these imbalances is possible. It leads to greater productivity and profitability, and healthier, happier workers. Which means a happier, more productive, Australia.

    In the lead up to the publishing of gender pay gaps, we all need to work together to speed up change.

    At the centre of this campaign is an interactive game – hosted by our friendly and hopeful quizmaster Sage – to  encourage Australians to test your knowledge and learn more about gender equality in the workplace.

    We hope it will spark conversations, and we encourage you to share your experiences with us through our social channels, as well as with your colleagues, family and friends.

    Play the game and inform yourself of the facts.

    You can then check your employer’s data – everything from the gender pay gap, the demographics of who is employed in what roles, to their policies on parental leave and flexible work.

    Take a look for yourself at www.wgea.gov.au/Data-Explorer

    If you want to take it further you can talk to your manager or HR. Ask questions. What is causing your employer’s gender pay gap? How does it affect you? And what steps are they taking to improve it?

    Dig into the data. Find the causes. And help to end the gender pay gap. #sageadvice

    End the Gender Pay Gap Quiz | WGEA

    Currently, women in Australian earn, on average, just 78 cents for every $1 men earn.

    WGEA CEO Mary Wooldridge invites Australians to join the campaign, take the quiz and help mobilise their employers to take action to address the issues that create the gender pay gap.

    “We encourage everyone to work with our quizmaster Sage and learn about Australia’s gender pay gap and help share that knowledge – as well as their own experiences – with their colleagues, family and friends.

    “We hope this campaign prompts a conversation, and encourages employees to seek answers for themselves about where their employer stands on gender equality.

    “Every conversation reminds managers and executives of the importance of a workplace where people are fairly represented and equally valued.”

    WGEA supports employers to help them work towards this goal.

    “WGEA has lots of tools and resources on the Take Action page of our website to help employers investigate and act on their gender pay gaps,” Ms Wooldridge says.

    “The first step is to conduct a gender pay gap analysis to see where inequalities exist and WGEA has masterclasses, guides and advice to help employers to do this.

    “Once they have identified any gaps in their composition or pay, they can use our Action Planning Playbook which will help them work towards a solution.” 

    One in three employers have not yet done a gender pay gap analysis to find out where their inequalities exist.

    And too many people are still confused and conflate the gender pay gap with equal pay.

    Equal pay is the legal requirement to pay people the same amount for doing the same job, or a job of similar value. This has been the law for over 50 years.

    The gender pay gap, meanwhile, shows the difference between the average or median amount men earn in a workplace compared with women.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Unveils PayFi Vision: Bridging Real-World Payments and Onchain Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has unveiled its 2025 strategy with PayFi being a key focus. With over 60 million users, Bitget Wallet is bringing PayFi to the forefront of personal finance, transforming crypto from a passive asset into a powerful financial tool for everyday use. By combining the efficiency of crypto payments and the ability to earn through decentralized finance (DeFi), PayFi integrates earning, sending, and spending into an ecosystem that maximizes the utility of every dollar, ensuring that every transaction contributes to financial growth. Bitget Wallet is positioning itself as a financial superapp, bridging blockchain innovation and real-world usability to revolutionize how individuals manage their money.

    Bitget Wallet’s PayFi Flywheel transforms crypto wallets from passive storage tools into engines of financial empowerment. With its earning, sending, and spending ecosystem, users can deposit crypto assets, such as stablecoins, into savings accounts offering flexible, real-time yields. These yields aren’t locked away but directly fuel daily expenditures, from shopping to subscriptions, supporting the “Buy Now, Pay Never” concept, where DeFi yields cover part of the expenses. By converging earning, sending, and spending, powered by blockchain’s efficiency, PayFi creates an interconnected ecosystem that keeps money productive and empowers users to grow their assets seamlessly.

    “PayFi is not just a product; it’s a movement to make crypto a viable financial tool for billions globally,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “By leveraging the PayFi Flywheel, we’re redefining personal finance, integrating blockchain-powered systems into everyday life. This marks a paradigm shift in how people manage money — empowering individuals with tools to maximize productivity and financial freedom while making crypto more practical and impactful worldwide.“

    A cornerstone of Bitget Wallet’s PayFi initiative is the upcoming Bitget Wallet Card, a crypto card supported by Mastercard and linked to a crypto-friendly, multi-currency international bank account. The card will enable seamless global spending, offering competitive exchange rates. In addition to the card, Bitget Wallet is building an in-app shopping experience through partnerships with companies such as Triple A, Bitrefill, IvendPay, PundiX, and Coinpal. These partnerships enable users to spend crypto on everyday services, from purchasing gift cards for top brands like Amazon and Apple to topping up mobile credits and making in-store payments via QR codes or blockchain-powered POS systems. This interconnected ecosystem broadens crypto’s real-world application, ensuring that earning, sending, and spending reinforce one another in a cycle of value creation.

    Bitget Wallet also plans to introduce enhanced earning features, offering flexible yield options ranging from low-risk returns to higher-yield opportunities. Users can keep their funds productive even while using them for daily spending, ensuring money generates yield while remaining accessible. Peer-to-peer transfers will be streamlined, allowing faster, cheaper, and more accessible crypto transactions for daily use and remittances. “We’ve seen exceptional growth in some regions driven by high inflation and limited banking access,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “In Africa alone, user numbers grew over 1000% last year, with similar trends in the Middle East and Latin America. These figures underscore the rising demand for decentralized solutions, and with PayFi, we aim to empower underserved regions with accessible financial tools.“

    For further details, visit the Bitget Wallet blog.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300 million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord
    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa77ce39-76f9-4073-9c48-3c2f5453bfb5

    ttps://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c70d1483-2e18-4003-86e2-a4991cc794ff

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Circuits Integrated Hellas Selected as Laureate for Paris Space Week 2025 Innovation Challenge

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATHENS, Greece, Feb. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Circuits Integrated Hellas (CIH), a pioneering innovator in advanced satellite communication (SatCom) technology, has been selected as a laureate startup to compete in the Innovation Challenge at Paris Space Week 2025 (PSW), taking place February 4-5 at Espace Champerret. As one of a handful of promising startups chosen for the challenge due to their technology’s potential to play a disruptive role in the space sector, CIH will present its groundbreaking flat panel antenna (FPA) chip solution to a group of the world’s top space industry contractors and investors.

    CIH’s proprietary FPA approach combines III-V compound semiconductors with silicon in a three-dimensional (3D) package, enabling lightweight, cost-efficient, and high-performance antenna systems tailored for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite applications. The FPA chip design is executed within a compact system-in-package (SiP) and antenna-in-package (AiP) configuration, housing III-V antenna front ends and silicon circuitry in a minimized footprint.

    The prestigious PSW Innovation Challenge elevates visibility for promising innovations in aerospace technology while fostering collaboration between participants and key aerospace industry stakeholders. Following a rigorous evaluation process laureates are selected to give quick, high-level live presentations that explain their ideas and demonstrate their potential impact for the space industry. This year’s challenge will be held on February 4 at 3:00 p.m.

    “Our selection for the Innovation Challenge underscores the value of our mission to reshape the future of satellite communications by making advanced, high-efficiency FPA chips accessible to the SatCom industry,” said Paolo Fioravanti, CEO and co-founder of CIH. “We are honored to be part of this event and to the opportunities it affords for potential funding, partnerships, and further development opportunities in the aerospace sector.”

    CIH’s 3D chip stacking technology reduces antenna weight and size by 60% compared to traditional FPA chipsets, dramatically improving scalability and cost-effectiveness – both critical for the growing demands of LEO satellite deployment. In addition to participating in the Innovation Challenge, CIH will present “Semiconductor Innovation for the Satellite Sector” during the general conference program on February 4. Attendees can learn more about the company and its transformative roadmap for next-generation satellite communications by visiting CIH in booth E02 at Paris Space Week.

    This recognition follows CIH’s recent selection – from among more than 200 applicants – as one of the four winners of the ESA Partnership Initiative for Commercialization (EPIC) European-Singaporean Space Start-up Competition. The inaugural award recognizes the most promising European space-related start-ups with strong relationships and opportunities in Singapore. Together with the other winners, CIH will participate in the Global Space Technology Convention & Exhibition 2025, scheduled for February 26-27, 2025, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Company executives will be available to meet with attendees interested in learning more about CIH’s game-changing FPA chip technology.

    About Circuits Integrated Hellas
    Headquartered in Athens, Greece, CIH is revolutionizing space communications with advanced semiconductor technologies, merging III-V materials and silicon in groundbreaking 3D IC stacks for flat panel antennas (FPAs). Focused on miniaturization, cost efficiency, and unparalleled performance, CIH enables next-generation satellite connectivity, powering a future where seamless global communication knows no boundaries. For more information, visit circuitsintegrated.com.

    For media inquiries, contact:

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS unaudited results for 4th quarter and 12 months 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fund manager’s comment

    Despite the challenging economic environment, EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS managed to increase both total rental income and portfolio EBITDA in 2024. The fund’s portfolio was expanded by two new logistics properties in the fourth quarter and we are also planning to expand in the nursing home segment. EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS is primarily a dividend share. The fund aims to distribute 1.1 euros of dividends per share for 2024. In the spring of 2025, the fund management plans to increase the financial leverage of investment properties that that are currently significantly below the financial leverage principles set out in the fund’s financing policy. While the usual leverage ratio of real estate funds in Europe is on average 50% of the market value of assets, EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS’s portfolio-wide LTV (Loan-to-value) was 40% at the end of 2024.

    For the first time since spring 2023, the weighted average interest rate on the fund’s bank loans has fallen below 5% by the end of the year. Due to the expected further decline in EURIBOR, the interest rate on the Fund’s loans will continue to decrease in 2025.

    The priority for 2025 is vacancy management. As of the end of the year, the portfolio’s total vacancy rate was 2.6%, with the office segment vacancy rate at 11.3%. This elevated vacancy in the office sector is primarily attributable to the ongoing renovation of the Menulio 11 office building in Vilnius, which alone accounts for 47% of the office segment’s total vacancy. In line with market expectations, the Menulio 11 office building fit-out will be changed to include smaller offices which are expected to be handed over to tenants in the first half of this year.

    After the balance sheet date, the tenant of the Laagri Hortes gardening center, which belongs to the fund’s subsidiary and was previously undergoing reorganization, filed for bankruptcy. Harju County Court accepted the tenant’s bankruptcy petition for processing, and the hearing is scheduled for March of this year. Given the strong market interest in the property, there are multiple alternatives for further action. The share of Laagri Hortes in the group’s consolidated real estate investments is less than 1%, and according to the group’s management, the tenant’s bankruptcy proceedings are not expected to cause a significant decrease in the fair value of the property. As of December 31, 2024, the free funds available in the subsidiary’s bank account cover the scheduled loan and interest payments for Laagri Hortes for the next 17 months.

    In November and December 2024, the fund carried out a secondary public offering of shares, raising a total of €11.8 million in capital at €19 per share.

    Financial overview

    EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS’ consolidated sales revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 8.314 million euros, an increase of 211 thousand euros (2.6%) compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS’ consolidated sales revenue for the first 12 months of 2024 was 32.238 million euros, an increase of 421 thousand euros (1%) compared to the previous year. The Group’s net rental income for the first 12 months of 2024 totalled 29.977 million euros, i.e. 369 thousand euros more than in 2023. The Group’s net profit for the same period was 13.564 million euros (2023: 1.0 million euros).

    The consolidated net rental income margin was 93% in 2024 (2023: same), thus costs directly related to property management (including land tax, insurance, maintenance and improvement costs) and marketing costs accounted for 7% (2023: same) of sales revenue.
    The Group’s assets as of 31.12.2024 were 398.763 million euros (31.12.2023: 380.944 million euros), including the fair value of investment properties accounting for 94% of the assets (31.12.2023: the same). 
    Investment portfolio

    As of the end of 2024, the Group has 36 (31.12.2023: 35) commercial real estate investments, the fair value of which at the balance sheet date is 373.815 million euros (31.12.2023: 357.916 million euros) and the acquisition cost is 370.561 million euros (31.12.2023: 354.408 million euros). In addition to the investment properties owned by the Fund’s subsidiaries, the Group’s 50% joint venture owns the Palace Hotel in Tallinn, the fair value of which as of 31.12.2024 was 8.630 million euros (31.12.2023: 9.0 million euros).

    Investments in 2024

     The Group made investments in both new properties and the existing portfolio in 2024 totaling 21.6 million euros, including the acquisition of a logistics center in Tallinn, Härgmäe 8, by the Group’s subsidiary EfTEN Härgmäe OÜ in the autumn of 2024, paying a total of 8.8 million euros for the property, and the acquisition of a logistics center under development in Tallinn, Paemurru tee 3, by the Group’s subsidiary EfTEN Paemurru OÜ in the autumn of 2024, paying a total of 1.2 million euros for the property. In addition, the Group paid a total of 2.76 million euros for the development of the Paemurru logistics center in 2024.

    In 2024, the group completed the first phase of development at the Ermi nursing home in Tartu, where a total of 3.19 million euros were invested in the reporting year. In addition, construction on the C-building of the Valkla nursing home began, with investments reaching 788 thousand euros in 2024.

    Major investments in existing buildings were made in 2024 in the Saules Miestas shopping center, where the public areas were renovated for 1.8 million euros, and in the AirBaltic office building in Riga, where 665 thousand euros were invested in the building’s insulation work. Of the remaining investments, 1.6 million euros was spent on the reconstruction and modernization of rental spaces in various office buildings.

    Sales in 2024

    In September 2024, the Group sold the Tähesaju Hortes property for 4.675 million euros. Despite the payment difficulties of the tenant of the Tähesaju property, the Group earned nearly 300 thousand euros in net cash flow from the investment since its completion in 2018. The Group invested the funds received from the sale of the Tähesaju property in the acquisition of the Härgmäe logistics center.

    Rental income

    In 2024, the group earned a total of 31.076 million euros in rental income, which is 2% more than in 2023. Rental income increased the most in shopping centers. Rental income in the office segment decreased mainly due to the expiration of the lease agreement with the anchor tenant of the Menulio 11 office building in Vilnius and the related vacancy. In 2024, renovation works of the vacant rental premises in the Menulio 11 office building began, which are planned to be completed during 2025.
    The Group’s investment property vacancy rate per portfolio was 2.6% as of 31 December 2024 (unchanged from 31 December 2023). The highest vacancy rate was in the office segment (11.3%), where filling vacant rental properties has taken longer than previously expected.      

    Financing

    In the fourth quarter of 2024, two new subsidiaries of the fund, EfTEN Härgmäe OÜ and EfTEN Paemurru OÜ, signed loan agreements for the acquisition and development of real estate. In 2024, the fund’s subsidiaries EfTEN Autokeskus OÜ and EfTEN Jurkalne SIA extended the loan agreements concluded with the bank. The loan agreements of six subsidiaries of the group will expire within the next 12 months, the balance of which as of 31.12.2024 was 20,380 thousand euros. The LTV of the expiring loan agreements ranges from 27% to 48%, and the real estate investments have a stable rental cash flow, therefore, according to the group’s management, there will be no obstacles to extending the loan agreements.

    The weighted average interest rate of the Group’s loan agreements as of 31.12.2024 was 4.89% (31.12.2023: 5.91%) and the LTV (Loan to Value) was 40% (31.12.2023: 42%). All loan agreements of the Fund’s subsidiaries were linked to a floating interest rate in 2024.

    The Fund’s interest coverage ratio (ICR) for loans was 3.0 in 2024. Due to the increase in EURIBOR in the first half of 2024 and the increase in liabilities, the interest coverage ratio was 10% lower than in 2023.

    Information on shares

    In the last quarter of 2024, the fund carried out a share issue, during which 620,544 new shares were subscribed for at a price of 19 euros, of which the nominal value was 10 euros and the share premium was 9 euros. A total of 11.79 million euros was raised during the issue, including an increase in the fund’s share capital by 6.205 million euros and a share premium of 5.585 million euros. There were 0.159 million euros in expenses directly related to the issue. As of 31.12.2024, the fund had 11,440,340 shares.

    The net asset value (NAV) of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS shares as of 31.12.2024 was 20.37 euros (31.12.2023: 20.21 euros). EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS’s net asset value per share increased by 0.8% in 2024. The fund distributed dividends in the total amount of 10.82 million euros in April 2024. Without the distribution the net asset value of EfTEN Real Estate AS shares would have increased by 4.9% in 2024.

    During 2024, the group has earned free cash flow of 11.109 million euros (2023: 11.314 million euros), of which 8.887 million euros (77.68 eurocents per share) could be considered gross dividends according to the fund’s dividend policy The fund’s management plans to refinance bank loans in the spring of 2025, where the LTV (Loan-to-Value) has fallen significantly below the fund’s financing policy threshold, and the operating cash flow exceeds loan and interest payments by more than twice. According to the management’s estimate, the refinancing would allow to increase the distributed dividend up to 1.1 euros per share (net).

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

      IV quarter 12 months
      2024 2023 2024 2023
    € thousands        
    Revenue 8,314 8,103 32,238 31,817
    Cost of services sold -337 -506 -1,569 -1,626
    Gross profit 7,977 7,597 30,669 30,191
             
    Marketing costs -203 -190 -692 -583
    General and administrative expenses -987 -978 -3,666 -3,546
    Profit / loss from valuation of investment properties 831 -7,759 -1,038 -13,941
    Other operating income and expense 1 -2 46 21
    Operating profit/loss 7,619 -1,332 25,319 12,142
             
    Profit / loss from joint ventures 53 -474 -118 -499
    Interest income 62 87 278 184
    Other finance income and expense -2,052 -2,277 -8,696 -7,970
    Profit before income tax 5,682 -3,996 16,783 3,857
             
    Income tax expense -2,222 -1,884 -3,219 -2,857
    Net profit for the reporting period 3,460 -5,880 13,564 1,000
    Net comprehensive profit for the reporting period 3,460 -5,880 13,564 1,000
    Earnings per share        
       – basic 0.32 -0.54 1.25 0.09
       – diluted 0.32 -0.54 1.25 0.09

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

      31.12.2024 31.12.2023
    € thousands    
    ASSETS    
    Cash and cash equivalents 18,415 14,712
    Short-term deposits 2,092 3,400
    Receivables and accrued income 2,055 2,360
    Prepaid expenses 138 106
    Total current assets 22,700 20,578
         
    Long-term receivables 154 214
    Shares in joint ventures 1,960 2,078
    Investment property 373,815 357,916
    Property. plant and equipment 134 158
    Total non-current assets 376,063 360,366
    TOTAL ASSETS 398,763 380,944
         
    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY    
    Borrowings 25,625 16,907
    Liabilities and prepayments 3,245 3,417
    Total current liabilities 28,870 20,324
         
    Borrowings 123,795 130,849
    Other long-term liabilities 1,928 1,790
    Deferred income tax liability 11,097 9,283
    Total non-current liabilities 136,820 141,922
    Total liabilities 165,690 162,246
         
    Share capital 114,403 108,198
    Share premium 90,306 84,721
    Statutory reserve capital 2,799 2,749
    Retained earnings 25,565 23,030
    TOTAL EQUITY 233,073 218,698
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 398,763 380,944

    Marilin Hein
    CFO
    Phone +372 6559 515
    E-mail: marilin.hein@eften.ee

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on February 01, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 31,331.38 6.04 3.50-6.65
         I. Call Money 1,388.90 6.24 5.50-6.65
         II. Triparty Repo 29,352.60 6.06 5.00-6.55
         III. Market Repo 589.88 4.60 3.50-6.00
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 25.00 6.10 6.10-6.10
         II. Term Money@@ 0.00 – –
         III. Triparty Repo 0.00 – –
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Sat, 01/02/2025 1 Sun, 02/02/2025 167.00 6.75
      Sat, 01/02/2025 2 Mon, 03/02/2025 350.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Sat, 01/02/2025 1 Sun, 02/02/2025 1,09,459.00 6.25
      Sat, 01/02/2025 2 Mon, 03/02/2025 10,052.00 6.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -1,18,994.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo Fri, 24/01/2025 14 Fri, 07/02/2025 1,62,096.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Fri, 31/01/2025 3 Mon, 03/02/2025 1,00,013.00 6.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 31/01/2025 2 Sun, 02/02/2025 0.00 6.75
      Fri, 31/01/2025 3 Mon, 03/02/2025 1,910.00 6.75
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 31/01/2025 2 Sun, 02/02/2025 0.00 6.25
      Fri, 31/01/2025 3 Mon, 03/02/2025 5,176.00 6.25
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,556.71  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,68,399.71  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,49,405.71  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on February 01, 2025 9,49,696.17  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending February 07, 2025 9,12,544.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ January 31, 2025 1,00,013.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on January 10, 2025 -40,102.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2066

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The AEC wants to stop AI and misinformation. But it’s up against a problem that is deep and dark

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Grantham, Lecturer in Communication, Griffith University

    From the moment you open your social media feed, you’re stepping into a digital battleground where not all political messages are what they seem.

    The upcoming federal election will see an influx of deepfakes, doctored images, and tailored narratives that blur the line between fact and fiction.

    Last week, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) relaunched its Stop and Consider campaign. The campaign urges voters to pause and reflect, particularly regarding information about how to vote. But its message applies to all forms of misinformation.

    AEC Commissioner Jeff Pope warns:

    A federal election must be held in the next few months, so now is the perfect time to encourage all Australians to have a healthy degree of scepticism when it comes to what they see, hear or read.

    The simple directives outlined in this campaign are designed to slow the spread of misleading information in a digital age where algorithms boost engagement at speed.

    So how effective is it likely to be in helping voters sift the real from the fake? While the campaign benefits from the AEC’s credibility and its accessible message, it also faces significant hurdles.

    Digital deception in action

    In 2024, AI made a notable impact on international political campaigns.

    In the US, the Federal Communications Commission fined a political consultant $6 million for orchestrating fake robocalls that featured an AI-generated deepfake of President Joe Biden’s voice.

    During India’s 2024 election, Meta (which owns Facebook) approved AI-manipulated ads spreading disinformation and hate. This exacerbated divisive narratives and failing to regulate harmful content.

    Meanwhile, the Australian Labor Party deployed an AI-generated video of opposition leader Peter Dutton as part of its online efforts.

    Additionally, the Liberal Party has again engaged duo Topham Guerin, who are known for their use of AI and controversial political tactics.

    Political leaders are increasingly turning to platforms like TikTok to attract votes. But one of the problems with TikTok for users is that it encourages endless scrolling and can cause users to miss subtle inaccuracies.

    Adding to these concerns is a recent scam in which doctored images and fabricated celebrity headlines were circulated. It created the illusion of legitimacy and defrauded many Australians of their money.

    These incidents are a stark reminder of how quickly digital manipulation can mislead, whether in commercial scams or political messaging.

    But are we taking it seriously?

    South Korea has taken a decisive stance against AI-generated deepfakes in political campaigns by banning them outright. Penalties include up to seven years in prison or fines of 50 million won (A$55,400). This measure forms part of a broader legal framework designed to enforce transparency, accountability, and ethical AI use.

    In Australia, teal independents are calling for stricter truth in political advertising laws. The proposed laws aim to impose civil penalties for misleading political ads, including disinformation and hate speech.

    However, combating misinformation created by anonymous or unknown parties, such as AI-generated deepfakes, remains a challenge that may require further regulatory measures and technological solutions.

    All of this is unfolding at a time when the approach to fact-checking is itself in flux. In January, Meta made headlines by scrapping its third-party fact-checking program in the US. This was done in favour of a “community notes” system. The change was championed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg as a way to reduce censorship and protect free expression.

    However, critics warn that without independent oversight, misinformation could spread more easily, potentially leading to a surge in hate speech and harmful rhetoric. These shifts in digital policy only add to the challenge of ensuring that voters receive reliable information.

    So, will the AEC’s campaign have any effect?

    Amid these challenges, the “Stop and Consider” campaign arrives at a critical moment. Yet despite scholars’ repeated calls to embed digital literacy in school curriculums and community programs, these recommendations often go unheard.

    The campaign is a positive step, offering guidance in an era of rapid digital manipulation. The simple message – to pause and verify political content — can help foster a more discerning electorate.

    However, given the volume of misinformation and sophisticated targeting techniques, the campaign alone is unlikely to be a silver bullet. Political campaigns are growing ever more sophisticated. With the introduction of anonymous deepfakes, voters, educators, regulators, and platforms must work together to ensure the truth isn’t lost in digital noise.

    A robust foundation in digital literacy is vital. Not only for this campaign to work but to help society distinguish credible sources from deceptive content. We must empower future voters to navigate the complexities of our digital world and engage more fully in democracy.

    Globally, diverse strategies provide valuable insights.

    While Australia’s “Stop and Consider” campaign takes a reflective approach, Sweden’s “Bli inte lurad” initiative is refreshingly direct. It warns citizens: “Don’t be fooled.”

    By delivering clear, actionable tips to spot scams and misleading content, the Swedish model leverages its strong tradition of public education and consumer protection.

    This no-nonsense strategy reinforces digital literacy efforts. It also highlights that safeguarding the public from digital manipulation requires both proactive education and robust regulatory measures.

    It may be time for Australian regulators to act decisively to protect the integrity of democracy.

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

    – ref. The AEC wants to stop AI and misinformation. But it’s up against a problem that is deep and dark – https://theconversation.com/the-aec-wants-to-stop-ai-and-misinformation-but-its-up-against-a-problem-that-is-deep-and-dark-248773

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With the Gaza ceasefire in the balance, all eyes are on Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to Washington

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University

    The brittle Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues against all odds, given the depth of distrust and animosity between the warring parties.

    Since its enactment nearly three weeks ago, Hamas has released more than a dozen Israeli hostages captured on October 7 2023, in return for some 400 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Should the process move forward as relatively smoothly as it has so far, more hostages and prisoners are set to be freed during the remainder of the first stage of the truce.

    This is cause for a degree of optimism. However, negotiating the length, terms and implementation of the second and third stages of the ceasefire will prove very rocky.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for instance, has already declared the ceasefire to be “temporary”.

    During the second stage, all Israeli hostages (alive and dead) are supposed to be freed in exchange for hundreds of prisoners. Israel is also expected to withdraw all its forces from Gaza as a prelude to the reconstruction of the coastal enclave in the final stage of the ceasefire.

    There are many issues that could derail the process, two of which are crucial:

    • Israel’s unrealised goal of wiping out Hamas and securing Gaza for itself

    • Hamas’ resolve to regain sovereign control over Gaza.

    Another factor is the influence of the new US president, Donald Trump. While
    Netanyahu has the full support of Trump, it remains unclear how much appetite the US leader has for more conflict in the Middle East.

    A meeting between the two in Washington this week could be pivotal to the success of the next phase of the ceasefire – or the resumption of the Gaza war.

    Hamas’ survival at odds with Israel’s war aims

    Israel has certainly degraded Hamas over the past 15 months of its scorched-earth operations in Gaza, which it launched in response to Hamas’ attacks on October 7 2023. However, it has not eliminated the group.

    The appearance of well-armed and well-composed Hamas fighters in the choreographed three rounds of hostage transfers in the areas that Israel has demolished testifies to the group’s survival.

    It essentially signals the failure of Netanyahu and his extremist supporters to achieve their main goals of uprooting Hamas and securing the release of the hostages through military action.

    Netanyahu’s acceptance of the ceasefire at this point clearly underlines the futility of the use of force as the only means to seek vengeance against Hamas. With the conflict in a stalemate for months, he could have embraced the ceasefire much earlier, thereby securing a quicker hostage release without more lives lost or more damage to Israel’s already-tarnished international reputation.

    Hamas’ survival means it is still a dangerous force, former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in mid-January. He said the group has “recruited almost as many new militants as it has lost” in the war.

    Reports also indicate Hamas has also maintained its control over Gaza’s administration and security forces, despite Israel’s efforts to destroy it.

    If that is the case, Israeli citizens – who have been highly polarised between those wanting the return of the hostages via a ceasefire and those backing Netanyahu’s government to continue the war – have the right to seriously question the prime minister’s leadership.

    The same applies to Israel’s outside supporters, especially the United States.

    Yet, this may not happen. The war-makers may win over the peace aspirants. For Netanyahu and his backers, the job is not finished. Many observers believe the very survival of Hamas can only motivate them further to resume the war once all the hostages are freed.

    What does Trump want?

    The future of the ceasefire now seems to hinge on Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump in Washington. According to media reports, the Israeli leader is keen to see where Trump stands on the second phase of the deal before negotiations continue.

    Trump recently doubled down on his suggestion to “clear out” Gaza’s 2.3 million citizens – though he has mentioned a figure of 1.5 million – by relocating them to Egypt and Jordan. Given the previous statements of the extremists in Netanyahu’s shaky coalition, nothing would please them more than a depopulated and annexed Gaza.

    Cairo and Amman, as well as other Arab countries, have firmly rejected the idea. Hamas and the enfeebled Palestinian Authority in the West Bank have outrightly condemned it.

    But Trump has insisted the Egyptian and Jordanian leaders would eventually come around because the US does a lot for them – referring presumably to their dependence on substantial annual American aid.

    If this plan were to transpire, it would not only be a recipe for more bloodshed and instability in the Middle East, but also more betrayal of the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution by the international community.

    While a ray of hope exists for the continuation of the ceasefire and the implementation of the ceasefire’s second stage, it is still very possible that Netanyahu will return to military action to destroy Hamas and annex part or all of Gaza along the lines of what Trump has suggested.

    The Trump-Netanyahu bond is so strong that it could even enable the Israeli leader to declare sovereignty over the West Bank.

    Given these uncertainties, the third stage of the ceasefire regarding the reconstruction of Gaza, which is estimated to be upwards of US$80 billion (A$1.3 trillion), is at this point nothing more than words on a piece of paper.

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

    – ref. With the Gaza ceasefire in the balance, all eyes are on Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to Washington – https://theconversation.com/with-the-gaza-ceasefire-in-the-balance-all-eyes-are-on-benjamin-netanyahus-trip-to-washington-248873

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Supersonic jets are making a comeback – but despite the hype, don’t expect to book yet

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris James, UQ Amplify Senior Lecturer, Centre for Hypersonics, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland

    Rendering of Boom Supersonic’s proposed Overture supersonic airliner. Boom Supersonic

    Late last week, American company Boom Supersonic flew faster than the speed of sound with its XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft. It’s now the first piloted non-military aircraft to break the sound barrier since the Concorde was retired from service in 2003.

    It’s the first step in Boom’s ambitious goal to have supersonic airliners carry passengers by 2029.

    But what exactly is supersonic travel? There are good reasons why it’s not more common, despite the hype.

    Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 supersonic demonstrator aircraft during its 11th test flight where it became the first civilian aircraft to fly supersonically since the Concorde.
    Boom Supersonic

    What is supersonic flight?

    The Mach number is defined as a plane’s speed divided by the speed that sound waves move through the air. To “break the sound barrier” means to fly faster than the speed of sound, with Mach numbers greater than 1.

    The Mach number is an important ratio: as a plane flies, it disturbs the air in front of it. These disturbances move at the speed of sound. In supersonic flight these disturbances combine to form shock waves around the vehicle.

    When people say you can see a fighter jet before you hear it, they’re referring to supersonic flight: fighter jets can travel at around Mach 2.

    The sound from the fighter jet is trapped inside its shock wave; until the shock wave moves to your position on the ground, you won’t hear the plane.

    Illustration of how disturbances propagate in subsonic, Mach 1, and supersonic flow.
    Chabacano/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The allure of supersonic travel

    For efficiency reasons, most passenger jets cruise slightly slower than the speed of sound, at around Mach 0.8 (this is subsonic flight).

    Boom plans to build an airliner called Overture that can fly at Mach 1.7. Flying supersonically can drastically decrease flight times. The company claims a trip from New York to Rome on Overture could take just four hours and 40 minutes, instead of eight hours.

    Boom isn’t the only company working on this lofty goal. American firm Spike Aerospace is also developing a supersonic business jet, with the tagline “delivering the world in half the time”.

    This is the value proposition of supersonic passenger travel.

    In limited ways, it did already exist in the 20th century. However, due to timing, bad luck and the laws of physics, it didn’t continue.

    Remember the Concorde?

    Designs for supersonic airliners began in the mid-20th century, and by the 1970s we had supersonic passenger flight.

    There was the little-known Russian Tupolev-144 and Concorde, a Franco-British supersonic airliner operated by British Airways and Air France from 1976 to 2003.

    Concorde had a capacity of up to 128 passengers and cruised at Mach 2. It regularly travelled from London to New York in around three hours. The flights were expensive, mainly shuttling business people and the rich and famous.

    British Airways Concorde in flight.
    Wikimedia Commons/Eduard Marmet, CC BY-SA

    Why supersonic passenger flight didn’t take off

    Concorde was designed in the 1960s when it seemed like supersonic passenger transport was going to be the next big thing.

    Instead, the Boeing 747 entered commercial service in 1970. Cheap, large and efficient airliners like it blew Concorde out of the water.

    Designed to cruise efficiently at supersonic speeds, Concorde was extremely fuel inefficient when taking off and accelerating. Concorde’s expensive, “gas guzzling” nature was a complaint levelled against it for most of its lifetime.

    A catastrophic 1973 Paris air show crash of the competing Russian airliner, Tupolev Tu-144, also shifted public perception on supersonic flight safety at a time when many airlines were considering whether or not to purchase Concordes.

    Only 20 Concordes were manufactured out of the planned 100. It is still disputed today whether Concorde ever made money for the airlines who operated it.

    Illustration of a shock wave propagating from a supersonic aeroplane and hitting the ground to produce a sonic boom.
    Cmglee/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Noise is a real problem for supersonic flight

    Remember the fighter jets? When a plane travels supersonically, its shock waves propagate to the ground, causing loud disturbances called sonic booms. In extreme cases they can shatter windows and damage buildings.

    In the early 1970s, sonic boom concerns led the United States government to ban supersonic passenger flight over land in the US. This hurt the Concorde’s potential market, hence its only two regular routes were trans-Atlantic flights principally over the water.

    The Concorde was also a very loud plane at take off, since it needed a lot of thrust to leave the ground.

    Video footage of the final Concorde takeoff from New York’s JFK airport.

    The future of supersonic travel

    A future for supersonic travel relies on solving some or all of the issues Concorde faced.

    NASA and Lockheed Martin’s Quesst project aims to show sonic boom can be dissipated to manageable levels. They plan to fly their X-59 supersonic aircraft over US cities and gauge responses from citizens.

    Quesst aims to use the geometry of the X-59, with a long elongated nose, to dissipate sonic booms to a weak “thump”, hopefully allowing supersonic airliners to travel over land in the future.

    NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft.
    NASA/Steve Freeman

    Spike Aerospace’s Spike S-512 Diplomat concept also aims to be a “quiet” supersonic aircraft with a less disruptive sonic boom.

    Can Boom surpass Concorde?

    Boom Supersonic don’t plan to fly supersonically over land. Their plan is to fly over land at Mach 0.94, which they claim will allow 20% faster overland travel than standard passenger airliners, even subsonically.

    They also claim the design of their engines will ensure Overture is no louder than modern subsonic airliners when it takes off.

    Rendering of Boom Supersonic’s Overture supersonic airliner on the runway.
    Boom Supersonic

    In terms of gas guzzling, they plan to use up to 100% sustainable aviation fuel to reduce emissions and their carbon footprint.

    Concorde was made of aluminium using design tools available in the 1960s. Modern design methods and modern aerospace materials such as titanium and carbon fibre should also allow Overture and similar craft to weigh much less than Concorde, improving efficiency.

    While Boom are currently receiving a lot of interest, with orders from many airlines, Concorde did have similar commitment before it become available. Most of it didn’t eventuate.

    Additionally, Concorde was the product of an analogue era when the idea of flying to London or New York for the day for an important business meeting seemed like a necessary thing. In a world of remote work and video meetings, is there still a need for a supersonic airliner in the 2020s?

    For now, supersonic airliners like Overture are likely to remain in the realm of the rich and famous, like Concorde did. But with modern technological advances, it will be interesting to see whether supersonic passenger travel once again becomes reality – or even goes mainstream. Only time will tell.

    Chris James receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and the US Office of Naval Research.

    – ref. Supersonic jets are making a comeback – but despite the hype, don’t expect to book yet – https://theconversation.com/supersonic-jets-are-making-a-comeback-but-despite-the-hype-dont-expect-to-book-yet-248656

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can you get sunburnt or UV skin damage through car or home windows?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of Wollongong

    Zac Harris/Unsplash

    When you’re in a car, train or bus, do you choose a seat to avoid being in the sun or do you like the sunny side?

    You can definitely feel the sun’s heat through a window. But can you get sunburn or skin damage when in your car or inside with the windows closed?

    Let’s look at how much UV (ultraviolet) radiation passes through different types of glass, how tinting can help block UV, and whether we need sunscreen when driving or indoors.

    What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?

    Of the total UV radiation that reaches Earth, about 95% is UVA and 5% is UVB.

    UVB only reaches the upper layers of our skin but is the major cause of sunburn, cataracts and skin cancer.

    UVA penetrates deeper into our skin and causes cell damage that leads to skin cancer.

    UVA penetrates deeper than UVB.
    Shutterstock/solar22

    Glass blocks UVA and UVB radiation differently

    All glass used in house, office and car windows completely blocks UVB from passing through.

    But only laminated glass can completely block UVA. UVA can pass through other glass used in car, house and office windows and cause skin damage, increasing the risk of cancer.

    Car windscreens block UVA, but the side and rear windows don’t

    A car’s front windscreen lets in lots of sunshine and light. Luckily it blocks 98% of UVA radiation because it is made of two layers of laminated glass.

    But the side and rear car windows are made of tempered glass, which doesn’t completely block UVA. A study of 29 cars found a range from 4% to almost 56% of UVA passed through the side and rear windows.

    The UVA protection was not related to the car’s age or cost, but to the type of glass, its colour and whether it has been tinted or coated in a protective film. Grey or bronze coloured glass, and window tinting, all increase UVA protection. Window tinting blocks around 95% of UVA radiation.

    In a separate study from Saudi Arabia, researchers fitted drivers with a wearable radiation monitor. They found drivers were exposed to UV index ratings up to 3.5. (In Australia, sun protection is generally recommended when the UV index is 3 or above – at this level it takes pale skin about 20 minutes to burn.)

    So if you have your windows tinted, you should not have to wear sunscreen in the car. But without tinted windows, you can accumulate skin damage.

    UV exposure while driving increases skin cancer risk

    Many people spend a lot of time in the car – for work, commuting, holiday travel and general transport. Repeated UVA radiation exposure through car side windows might go unnoticed, but it can affect our skin.

    Indeed, skin cancer is more common on the driver’s side of the body. A study in the United States (where drivers sit on the left side) found more skin cancers on the left than the right side for the face, scalp, arm and leg, including 20 times more for the arm.

    Another US study found this effect was higher in men. For melanoma in situ, an early form of melanoma, 74% of these cancers were on the on the left versus 26% on the right.

    Earlier Australian studies reported more skin damage and more skin cancer on the right side.

    Cataracts and other eye damage are also more common on the driver’s side of the body.

    What about UV exposure through home or office windows?

    We see UV damage from sunlight through our home windows in faded materials, furniture or plastics.

    Most glass used in residential windows lets a lot of UVA pass through, between 45 and 75%.

    Residential windows can let varied amounts of UVA through.
    Sherman Trotz/Pexels

    Single-pane glass lets through the most UVA, while thicker, tinted or coated glass blocks more UVA.

    The best options are laminated glass, or double-glazed, tinted windows that allow less than 1% of UVA through.

    Skylights are made from laminated glass, which completely stops UVA from passing through.

    Most office and commercial window glass has better UVA protection than residential windows, allowing less than 25% of UVA transmission. These windows are usually double-glazed and tinted, with reflective properties or UV-absorbent chemicals.

    Some smart windows that reduce heat using chemical treatments to darken the glass can also block UVA.

    So when should you wear sunscreen and sunglasses?

    The biggest risk with skin damage while driving is having the windows down or your arm out the window in direct sun. Even untinted windows will reduce UVA exposure to some extent, so it’s better to have the car window up.

    For home windows, window films or tint can increase UVA protection of single pane glass. UVA blocking by glass is similar to protection by sunscreen.

    When you need to use sunscreen depends on your skin type, latitude and time of the year. In a car without tinted windows, you could burn after one hour in the middle of the day in summer, and two hours in the middle of a winter’s day.

    But in the middle of the day next to a home window that allows more UVA to pass through, it could take only 30 minutes to burn in summer and one hour in winter.

    When the UV index is above three, it is recommended you wear protective sunglasses while driving or next to a sunny window to avoid eye damage.

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

    – ref. Can you get sunburnt or UV skin damage through car or home windows? – https://theconversation.com/can-you-get-sunburnt-or-uv-skin-damage-through-car-or-home-windows-246599

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Political donations data show who’s funding whom in Australia – but they are coming out far too late

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Griffiths, Deputy Program Director, Budgets and Government, Grattan Institute

    As federal parliament reconvenes this week, the pre-election buzz is palpable. When will the election be called? Which policies are on the table? And who’s backing whom in this election campaign?

    While the first two questions are yet to be answered, we ought to have a better sense of the third with the release of the annual political donations data.

    There’s plenty to unpick in the new data but there’s one glaring problem: we are only just now learning about donations made in 2023–24. Australians are left in the dark about who is donating right now.

    Here’s what happened in 2023–24

    In 2023–24, Australia’s political parties collectively raised $166 million, with most of the money (85%) flowing to the major parties. In federal election years the totals can be more than double this, and donations at the past two federal elections have been heavily dominated by Clive Palmer giving to his own party (in 2019 and 2022).

    The Coalition raised $74 million in 2023–24, with Labor not far behind on $68 million. The Greens were a distant third, with $17 million. Independents collectively declared just $2 million. In the lead-up to the last federal election, Labor raised $124 million, and the Coalition raised $115 million, so we would expect the major parties are raising much more right now.

    The big donors

    A few big donors dominate the $12 million in donations to political parties that are on the public record.

    Billionaire Anthony Pratt donated $1 million to Labor (through Pratt Holdings), while the Coalition was supported by billionaires Harry Triguboff (through Meriton Property Services) and Gina Rinehart (Hancock Prospecting), to the tune of around half a million dollars each. Both Labor and the Coalition also received major donations from their investment arms (Labor Holdings and Cormack Foundation, respectively).

    Other major donations included $575,000 to the Greens from Duncan Turpie, a longtime backer of the party; $474,000 from Climate 200 backing several independents (mainly Zoe Daniel and Monique Ryan); and $360,000 to the Greens from Lisa Barlow’s conservation trust.

    The big donor missing here is Clive Palmer. The size of his donations – $117 million in 2022 and $84 million in 2019 – blow everyone else out of the water, but he tends only to donate in election years. We won’t know how much he’s spending on the current election campaign until February 2026.

    What needs to change

    Money matters because it helps spread political messages far and wide. But when political parties are highly dependent on a small number of powerful individuals, businesses, and unions, to fund their campaigns, this dependence creates enormous risks of private influence over decision-making in the public interest.

    That’s why Australians need to know – in real time – who’s funding election campaigns.

    Under the current rules, it takes at least seven months and sometimes up to 19 months for a large federal donation to be made public. Yet at state level, donations must be made public within a month during election campaigns, and within six months at other times.

    Introducing quicker disclosure requirements at the federal level would mean Australians would know who’s donating while policy issues – and elections – are still “live”.

    The donations disclosure threshold should also be lowered to give Australians better visibility of substantial donors. In 2023–24, declared donations made up only 7% of political parties’ total income. There are other sources of income on the public record (including public funding), but about 45% of party income remains hidden because the disclosure threshold is so high.

    There is no exact science to choosing a threshold, but the current level of $16,900 is well above the amount an ordinary Australian could afford to contribute to a political cause.

    This high threshold is made much worse by the fact that political parties are not required to aggregate multiple donations from the same donor. That means, for example, one donor could make many donations of $15,000, but because each is below the threshold, the party doesn’t need to declare them. The donor is expected to declare themselves to the Australian Electoral Commission, but this is almost impossible to police.

    The federal government has a bill before the Senate that would reduce the donations disclosure threshold to $1,000, and make release of donations data more timely. These changes would substantially improve transparency around money in politics. But the bill also includes more complex reforms that may stall the progress of these transparency measures.

    Better and more timely information on political donations is urgently needed as a public check on the influence of money in politics.

    Let’s hope this is the last election Australians are left in the dark on who funds our political parties.

    The Grattan Institute began with contributions to its endowment of $15 million from each of the Federal and Victorian Governments, $4 million from BHP Billiton, and $1 million from NAB. In order to safeguard its independence, Grattan Institute’s board controls this endowment. The funds are invested and contribute to funding Grattan Institute’s activities. Grattan Institute also receives funding from corporates, foundations, and individuals to support its general activities as disclosed on its website.

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

    – ref. Political donations data show who’s funding whom in Australia – but they are coming out far too late – https://theconversation.com/political-donations-data-show-whos-funding-whom-in-australia-but-they-are-coming-out-far-too-late-248662

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: John Blaxland and Richard Holden talk about what Trump will mean for Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    As Australia gears up for the election, the incoming government’ Labor or Coalition, will face global challenges, geo-political and economic, especially with Donald Trump starting to impose tariffs on selected countries including China,

    To discuss where Australia is placed to meet new circumstances we’re joined by two experts.

    John Blaxland is Director of the ANU North America Liaison Office, based in Washington, and Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies. Richard Holden is Professor of Economics at UNSW.

    Blaxland outlines how Australia should continue to support the current international norms, and how changing norms could spell trouble,

    The rules based international order is something that we are going to feel the absence of quite keenly. For small and middle powers like Australia the reliance on that order has obviated the need to spend up a lot on military capabilities and that’s going to shift.

    We’ve seen the United States walking away from COP-related agreements but these arrangements still have global momentum and I would contend that Australia has an interest in continuing to support them as best as possible, particularly for the sake of our partners in the Pacific, but also just for our own sake.

    On who could deal with Trump better, Blaxland doesn’t think it would make a lot of difference,

    I don’t think the United States pays much attention to what happens internally in Australian politics and I think the Albanese government and Penny Wong and Richard Marles and others are wise to present as small a target as possible. The ALP is playing a difficult hand well in bilateral relations with the United States. Broadly it is still strongly in our interests to make that work as best we can.

    There’s no question there’s a closer Liberal-Trump alignment, and that may make it easier. But the economic and security relations are key and here it’s important to remember that the United States has a trade surplus with Australia and so that means we’re not in his [Trump’s] crosshairs immediately for having the opposite, and America is the biggest foreign direct investor in Australia by a country mile.

    Holden says of the economy internationally,

    The global economy is well on the way to recovering from the post-pandemic inflation, the associated increases in most advanced economies and interest rates in most of those jurisdictions, are coming down. In some of those, New Zealand is an example there’s been a real hit to the economy. But it’s generally looking reasonably positive with the one big looming thing, which is what happens to international trade as a result of the Trump tariff threats that are now starting to be put into action.

    But Holden is a bit more pessimistic about Australia’s economy,

    Not to be too gloomy about things, I think the news is a little less good. So the Prime Minister I heard on your podcast recently and the Treasurer talking about their last two budgets, and while they’re right that there has been two small budget surpluses, that’s really off the back of just an extraordinary windfall in terms of tax revenue.

    On debt,

    If you look going forward, even so far government decisions have added $78 to $80 billion to that debt and the recent mid-year update, MYEFO reports the cumulative debt for the next four years will be over $140 billion of the increase.

    I think there’s a sense that our fiscal house is really being put into really good shape and I don’t think that’s accurate.

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

    – ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: John Blaxland and Richard Holden talk about what Trump will mean for Australia – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-john-blaxland-and-richard-holden-talk-about-what-trump-will-mean-for-australia-248866

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Labor governments quash nature protection at behest of miners  

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Monday 3 February 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed the Albanese government and WA Cook government for quashing promised national nature law reforms this term, a move it says is caving to mining and fossil fuel interests. 

    This follows reports of the government pulling debate of the proposed reform Bills in the Senate this week off the back of concerted pressure from major fossil fuel and mining companies, as well as WA Premier Roger Cook.

    Glenn Walker, Head of Nature at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said:

    “Australia’s environment is in serious decline; we have one of the worst rates of deforestation in the world, and we are sending our wildlife extinct, including the iconic koala. 

    “The Albanese government promised to end the extinction crisis and deliver a strong new nature law this term backed by an independent environment watchdog with teeth. The crossbench and environment groups stood ready to support a compromise deal to deliver part of the reforms through the Senate this week. It is deeply disappointing that the government has now walked away.

    “Rather than standing up for nature and wildlife, Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Roger Cook have caved to big fossil fuel and mining executives railing against environmental protection in the interest of profits. The outcome will be devastating — more forest and habitat destruction, more wildlife killed, and a diminished natural environment for all Australians. 

    “As it heads into the next election, it’s critical the Albanese government makes it clear that these reforms will be a priority in the first 100 days of parliament if elected. We cannot have another wasted three years as wildlife continues to go extinct and our forests keep getting bulldozed.”

    —ENDS—

    High res images and footage of deforestation can be found here

    For more information or to arrange an interview contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz, Soto Demand Answers on Trump’s Venezuela TPS Reversal, Secret Talks with Maduro Regime

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “Given Venezuela’s increased instability, repression, and lack of safety, and within all applicable rules and regulations, we demand more information on why the Department has made this decision,” the Members said in the letter. “The only justification that has been offered by the Administration is the false claim that all Venezuelans are ‘dirt bags’, ‘violent criminals’, or the ‘worst of the worst’.”

    Washington D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Darren Soto (FL-9) led several Democratic colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem denouncing the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to abandon the extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela established under the Biden Administration earlier this month. The letter was signed by Florida Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24), as well as senior Congressional Hispanic Caucus Reps. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lou Correa (CA-46), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Linda Sanchez (CA-38).

    “Given Venezuela’s increased instability, repression, and lack of safety, and within all applicable rules and regulations, we demand more information on why the Department has made this decision,” the Members said in the letter. “The only justification that has been offered by the Administration is the false claim that all Venezuelans are ‘dirt bags’, ‘violent criminals’, or the ‘worst of the worst’.”

    Several outlets have reported that the Administration is considering an agreement to preserve sanctions loopholes, which allow companies like Chevron and the Maduro regime to jointly profit from the sale of Venezuelan oil, in exchange for allowing the mass deportation of Venezuelan TPS recipients in the U.S.

    The Members criticized the Trump Administration for negotiating a “corrupt bargain with Maduro,” citing secret meetings between Trump-appointed Special Envoy Ric Grenell and the Maduro regime and demanding a briefing on the matter.

    “Returning Venezuelan immigrants to a dictatorship that engages in torture, extrajudicial murder, and systematic abuse of human rights would be a death sentence for many of our friends and neighbors,” stated the Members. “This is particularly irresponsible after the Administration unilaterally cut off all funding in support of democracy, civil society, and humanitarian purposes for Venezuelans.”

    Read the entire letter here.

    ####

    Wasserman Schultz y Soto exigen respuestas sobre la revocación del TPS de Venezuela por parte de Trump y las conversaciones secretas con el régimen de Maduro

    Washington D.C. – Hoy, los representantes estadounidenses Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) y Darren Soto (FL-9) encabezaron una carta de varios colegas demócratas dirigida al Secretario de Estado, Marco Rubio, y a la Secretaria de Seguridad Nacional, Kristi Noem, denunciando la decisión del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de abandonar la extensión de la designación del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) para Venezuela establecida bajo la Administración Biden a principios de este mes. La carta fue firmada por los representantes de Florida Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10) y Frederica Wilson (FL-24), así como los representantes de alto rango del Caucus Hispano del Congreso: Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Verónica Escobar (TX-16), Lou Correa (CA-46), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), y Linda Sanchez (CA-38).

    “Dada la creciente inestabilidad, represión y falta de seguridad en Venezuela, y dentro de todas las reglas y regulaciones aplicables, exigimos más información sobre por qué el Departamento ha tomado esta decisión”, dijeron los Miembros en la carta. “La única justificación que ha ofrecido la Administración es la falsa afirmación de que todos los venezolanos son ‘bolsas de basura’, ‘criminales violentos’ o ‘lo peor de lo peor’.”

    Varios medios han informado que la Administración está considerando un acuerdo para preservar las lagunas en las sanciones, que permiten a empresas como Chevron y el régimen de Maduro beneficiarse conjuntamente de la venta de petróleo venezolano, a cambio de permitir la deportación masiva de venezolanos beneficiarios del TPS en Estados Unidos.

    Los Miembros criticaron a la Administración Trump por negociar un “acuerdo corrupto con Maduro,” citando las reuniones secretas entre el diplomata Ric Grenell, asignado por Trump y el régimen de Maduro, exigiendo una sesión informativa sobre el asunto.

    “Devolver a los inmigrantes venezolanos a una dictadura que se dedica a la tortura, el asesinato extrajudicial y el abuso sistemático de los derechos humanos sería una sentencia de muerte para muchos de nuestros amigos y vecinos”, afirmaron los Miembros. “Esto es particularmente irresponsable después de que la Administración cortó unilateralmente todos los fondos en apoyo de la democracia, la sociedad civil y los fines humanitarios para los venezolanos.”

    Lea la carta completa aquí.

    ####

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur, Murray Demand Answers on Trump Administration Freezing Energy Department Investments to Lower Americans’ Energy Costs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Ranking Member wrote a letter to the Acting Secretary of the Department of Energy demanding answers about the Trump administration withholding critical investments to lower energy costs for American families and businesses, spur innovation, and strengthen our energy security. 

    In the letter, Kaptur and Murray state: “We write expressing deep concerns regarding the Department of Energy’s recent unlawful actions to halt programs that are imperative to the Department’s mission of ensuring America’s security and prosperity by addressing the nation’s energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.”

    “The Department’s actions to halt these programs will immediately contribute to rising energy costs for families and businesses, and they are a dereliction of the Department’s responsibility to carry out duly enacted spending laws,” Murray and Kaptur continued.  

    Kaptur and Murray note that President Trump’s executive order illegally freezing Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding is creating unacceptable chaos, confusion, and harm. 

    In particular, they note that the order and a variety of other actions the administration has taken will hurt American families and businesses: “Stopping these programs is taking money from the pockets of Americans. For example, the Home Energy Rebates programs, funded by the IRA, has been putting money directly back in the hands of American households. The rebates help consumers save money on select home improvement projects that can lower energy bills by providing up to $14,000 per household in rebates. It is estimated that these programs will save households up to $1 billion per year on energy bills and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs. The President’s attempt to freeze the Home Energy Rebates Program means these costs will fall back on American consumers..” 

    Kaptur and Murray press the Department for answers about what funding it is currently freezing and other actions it is taking to halt critical programs, and concluded: “We hope you will work with us—not against us—to lower energy costs and help create good-paying jobs, but we demand that you follow the law as intended.” 

    A timeline of President Trump’s actions to freeze critical federal funding is available HERE. Fact sheets detailing how presidents lack power to unilaterally override spending laws and deny enacted funding to communities through impoundment can be found HERE and HERE.

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

    January 31, 2025

     

     

    Ingrid C. Kolb

    Acting Secretary

    U.S. Department of Energy

    1000 Independence Ave., SW

    Washington, DC 20585

    Acting Secretary Kolb:

    We write expressing deep concerns regarding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent unlawful actions to halt programs that are imperative to the Department’s mission of ensuring America’s security and prosperity by addressing the nation’s energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The Department’s actions to halt these programs will immediately contribute to rising energy costs for families and businesses, and they are a dereliction of the Department’s responsibility to carry out duly enacted spending laws.

    President Trump’s January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14154 seems to direct all agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of any funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) or the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The President’s Executive Order has abruptly frozen funding for an extremely broad array of investments in American communities, causing widespread chaos and confusion for American businesses and communities and threatening to raise energy costs for American families. The Trump administration’s memo freezing vast swaths of federal funds, its failed attempt to clarify the scope of the memo, and its subsequent rescission of the memo have created mass chaos and added to the confusion about what investments are currently being blocked. Today, our understanding is that much of the Departmental funding is still frozen. Moreover, the attached Department of Energy’s Secretarial Order on January 20, 2025, and the attached follow-up January 27, 2025, memorandum, paused all personnel actions; procurement announcements and actions; funding actions; release of reports, studies, congressional correspondence, and public announcements; Federal Register notices; and actions under the National Environmental Policy Act. Together, these actions halt a vast array of the Department’s essential programs—programs American families and businesses are counting on. 

    These actions will devastate programs that reduce energy consumption and increase affordability. Your administration will be raising energy costs for families and businesses and threatening to kill thousands of jobs. Continuing to freeze these investments—or permanently blocking them—will unravel critical progress the Department has made and cost American households and businesses dearly. Since 1980, energy efficiency technologies and improvements—made possible by programs like those currently halted by this administration—have saved Americans approximately $800 billion in energy costs. 

    Stopping these programs is taking money from the pockets of Americans. For example, the Home Energy Rebates programs, funded by the IRA, has been putting money directly back in the hands of American households. The rebates help consumers save money on select home improvement projects that can lower energy bills by providing up to $14,000 per household in rebates. It is estimated that these programs will save households up to $1 billion per year on energy bills and support over 50,000 U.S. jobs. The President’s attempt to freeze the Home Energy Rebates Program means these costs will fall back on American consumers. 

    In addition to raising energy costs for American families, the President’s Executive Order is illegal. The President may not unilaterally decide to ignore the laws passed by Congress and stop funding for programs just because he disagrees with their goals. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis.

    Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law. 

    Given the importance of these programs, the unlawful actions ordered by this Administration, and the dubious actions that have been undertaken by the Department, we request additional information about the Department’s implementation of Executive Order 14154, the referenced Secretarial Order, and other related actions.

     

    Regarding Executive Order 14154, please provide answers to the following questions:

    Regarding the Secretarial Order dated January 20, 2025, please provide answers to the following questions:

    • Is ongoing work for operations at the National Labs, facilities, and other DOE sites permitted at this time or are these facilities under review as well? If so, how long will this review last? Will these labs, facilities, and sites be notified of the scope of the review?
    • Please provide a list of obligations already incurred by DOE for which the Secretarial Order now prohibits liquidating legal liabilities already incurred by the Federal government.
    • Will DOE reimburse non-Federal recipients for invoices submitted for work already performed that predates the Secretarial Order? What about for ongoing or halted work that has not yet been invoiced? If reimbursements will not be provided in either case, please provide the legal justification for failing to meet the obligations of contracts with non-Federal recipients.
    • What is the status and scope of the reviews of studies, reports, and announcements?
    • What is the guidance on processing internal and external reprogramming actions?
    • What is the status of reviewing routine reauthorizations of existing contracts and cooperative agreements?

    Additionally, please provide answers to the following questions:

    • Have any federal employees been terminated since January 20, 2025? If so, how many and in which organizations?
    • Have any federal employees been furloughed since January 20, 2025? If so, how many and in which organizations?
    • Have any federal employees been put on administrative leave since January 20, 2025? If so, how many and in which organizations?
    • Have any federal employees received notices of future required administrative leave, furloughs, or reductions in force since January 20, 2025? If so, how many and in which organizations?

    We ask for your response to our questions no later than February 7, 2025.

    Finally, we want to remind you of your oversight obligations under appropriations law.  Members of Congress of both parties have worked together to craft provisions instituting common-sense transparency and accountability measures. All executive branch agencies must proactively alert the Appropriations and other appropriate House and Senate Committees when apportionments are not made in required time periods, are approved only with conditions, or may hinder the prudent obligation of apportionments or the execution of a program, project, or activity. Agencies are also required to report all violations of the ICA to Congress. Finally, agencies may not prohibit or prevent any federal employee from having direct communication with any Member, committee, or subcommittee of Congress. All federal employees must be free to communicate directly with Congress, whether Congress has requested that communication or not.

    We hope you will work with us—not against us—to lower energy costs and help create good-paying jobs, but we demand that you follow the law as intended.

    Sincerely,

    Marcy Kaptur

    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development House Committee on Appropriations

    Patty Murray

    Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development Senate Committee on Appropriations

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Weber Named to Key Committees & Chairman for the 119th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Randy Weber (14th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced that he will continue to serve on the House Energy and Commerce (E&C)  and the Science, Space, and Technology (SST) Committees. Additionally, he has been named Chairman of the SST Energy Subcommittee and the Vice Chairman of the E&C Energy Subcommittee, where the committee focuses on advancing policies to secure America’s energy future and foster innovation. Rep. Weber was also named the Vice Chair of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) under the Republican Study Committee, where he’ll champion energy policies that empower domestic producers, leverage an all-of-the-above energy strategy, and restore America’s energy dominance on the global stage.

    “It’s an honor to continue to serve as a member on the influential Energy and Commerce Committee and to support the growth of our space exploration and energy distribution efforts—both are critical to the future of Southeast Texas,” said Rep. Weber. “My Gulf Coast district is an energy powerhouse with seven ports, seven of America’s largest petroleum refineries, three LNG plants, and 60% of the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Texas’ 14th Congressional District will provide a crucial voice as I take on these roles. Our mission is clear: to reverse the damaging policies left behind by the Biden administration and rebuild what has been broken for Southeast Texas and our nation.”

    “I am excited to name Congressman Randy Weber as the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy. Congressman Weber is a friend, a trusted colleague, and a strong conservative who is dedicated to serving our nation and protecting our values,” said Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-2). “As Vice Chairman, Congressman Weber will help to strengthen our domestic energy production while addressing the high costs of gas and electricity that have impacted families over the past four years. I look forward to working together on behalf of the American people.”

    “I am thrilled to have fellow Texan Rep. Randy Weber as the Vice-Chair of the House Energy Action Team,” said RSC Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11), who led the Task Force in the 118th Congress. “Randy’s proven track record of fighting for American energy dominance makes him an invaluable addition to the HEAT team. I look forward to working with him in the 119th Congress.”  

    “Congressman Weber’s energy expertise and values could not be more critical to the success of the SST Committee,” said Chairman Brian Babin (TX-36). “He’s a great friend, fellow Southeast Texan, and staunch ally in the fight to ensure America leads from the front. I’m looking forward to working alongside him this Congress.”

    Rep. Weber will serve on the following subcommittees:

    • Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee
    • Vice Chair of the Energy Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee
    • Environment on the Energy and Commerce Committee
    • Oversight & Investigations on the Energy and Commerce Committee

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casten Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Climate Action Under Trump Administration

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)

    January 31, 2025

    Lisle, IL — Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) convened Illinois stakeholders, leaders, and advocates for a roundtable discussion on how a federal funding freeze impacts climate action, as well as what needs to be done to protect the Inflation Reduction Act and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act from the Trump Administration.

    “It is no secret that the Trump Administration prioritizes the wants of energy producers over the needs of American energy consumers,” said Rep. Casten. “A federal funding freeze would limit Americans’ ability to access cheaper, cleaner energy sources. American consumers would feel the brunt of a freeze, but President Trump’s friends in the fossil fuel industry will thank him for their soaring profits.”

    “It is illegal and unconstitutional for the president to impound funds that have been appropriated by Congress,” continued Rep. Casten. “Every American should be alarmed that the president has shown he does not feel constrained by the law or the constitution.”

    Photos from the event can be found here.

    In addition to Rep. Casten, the following people participated in the roundtable discussion:

    • Sarah Wochos, VP of Policy and Business Development, New Leaf Energy
    • Linda Sullivan, Member, River Prairie Group of the Sierra Club
    • Jack Darin, Chapter Director, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter
    • Tucker Barry, Communications Director, Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)
    • Chelsea Biggs, Chief of Staff, Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)
    • Jordan Berman-Cutler, Director of Government Affairs, Invenergy
    • Kevin O’Rourke, SVP of Development and Public Affairs, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)
    • Jonathan Sack, Midwest Government Affairs Director, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
    • John Moore, Director, Sustainable FERC Project, Climate & Energy, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
    • Madeline Semanisin, Illinois Policy Director, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
    • Barry Matchett, Head of External Affairs, Midwest and Gulf, Clearway Energy Group
    • Bill Parsons, Chief Advocacy Office, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG)

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Nine Colleagues, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve and Protect Medicare for Physicians and Patients

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined with nine of his Democratic and Republican colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, legislation which would support physicians and protect access to care for those receiving Medicare benefits. With staff and operating costs continuing to climb, declining reimbursement rates could lead to layoffs, reduced services, and permanent closures of care facilities, especially in underserved and rural areas.

    On January 1, 2025, Medicare reimbursement cut of 2.83 percent went into effect despite a physician shortage in America. and that Medicare reimbursement for physician services have declined 33 percent from 2001 to 2025, according to the American Medical Association. With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimating a projected 3.6 percent increase in practice cost expenses this year alone, physicians could see a total 6.43 percent cut unless Congress takes action.

    Joining Congressman Krishnamoorthi are Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), John Joyce (R-OH), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Ami Bera (D-CA), and Carol Miller (R-WV).

    “America’s seniors deserve timely access to the best quality of care from physicians in their own communities, but Medicare reimbursement cuts gravely endanger that access,” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said. “Our bipartisan legislation would not only prevent those dangerous cuts but also ensure that seniors continue to have access to the high-quality medical care they deserve.”

    “Physicians in America are facing unprecedented financial viability challenges due to continued Medicare cuts. Access to affordable and quality health care for millions of seniors is in severe jeopardy,” Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., said. “Doctors see Medicare patients out of compassion, not for financial gain. The cost of caring for a Medicare patient far outpaces the reimbursement that physicians receive for seeing them. On top of that, the expense of providing care continues to rise due to medical inflation. This inflation, coupled with declining reimbursement rates, creates enormous financial pressures on physicians, forcing many to retire early, stop accepting new Medicare patients, or sell out to larger, consolidated hospital systems, private equity, or even insurance companies. The future of private practice medicine, the most cost-efficient and personalized care, is in dire straits. This bipartisan legislation prevents further cuts, provides a modest inflationary adjustment to help ease the cost of care, and ensures Medicare remains viable for both doctors and patients.”

    “Medicare payments to physicians in California’s 19th Congressional District and around the country have not reflected economic realities and rising costs of healthcare,” Congressman Jimmy Panetta said. “The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act would ensure that providers are not penalized by harmful cuts while adjusting reimbursements for inflation.  By passing this bipartisan legislation, we will protect seniors’ access to quality care and support the providers who make it possible.”

    “Throughout the country, we have seen more consolidation and less access within our health care system,” Congressman John Joyce, M.D., said. “Now, after yet another cut to the physician fee schedule, more physicians will be forced to limit the number of Medicare patients they see, or in some cases, shutter their doors. This will result in a lack of access to care for many Medicare beneficiaries. While the price to administer high-quality care has continued to rise over the last twenty years, the Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians has continued to drop. I’m proud to be part of a bipartisan solution to ensure that patients, especially those in rural and underserved areas, can continue to receive the care they need and want from the physicians they know and trust.”

    “Medicare is essential to ensuring seniors have access to care, especially in rural and under resourced communities,” Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., said. “Rising costs and administrative burdens make it clear that Medicare reimbursement policies must reflect the true costs of providing care. I’m proud to support the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act which will help make sure seniors have access to the care they deserve.”

    “Access to quality healthcare is something every senior deserves, but declining Medicare reimbursement is putting that access at risk,” Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D., said. “The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act is crucial to reversing the damaging trend of cuts that threaten our healthcare providers, especially in underserved communities. We must act now to prevent further early retirement, burnout, and consolidation in our system, ensuring that every Medicare beneficiary receives the care they need and deserve.”

    “Over the past 22 years, adjusting for inflation, physicians have essentially taken a 26% pay cut from Medicare,” Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D., said. “Their reimbursement has been flat or declining, while overhead costs have increased by about 47%: rent, labor, equipment, and insurance. I cannot think of another profession whose compensation has dropped by 26% over 2 decades. Physicians have been holding their breath, year after year, hoping that Congress will act to avert these devastating decreases in reimbursement. Without adequate reimbursement, solo and small practice physicians—most often in rural or underserved areas—are already closing their doors. It’s up to Congress to ensure that physicians are fairly compensated and can continue to practice, so that all Medicare patients have access to high-quality, affordable care, and I am proud to co-sponsor legislation that will achieve just that.”

    “Preventing the impending Medicare reimbursement cuts to physicians is critical to ensuring seniors have access to the high-quality care they deserve,” Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said. “Financial stability for providers isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s essential for protecting access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas like western New York where physician shortages have been a persistent challenge. The rising cost of delivering care, coupled with increasing administrative burdens, makes it clear that Medicare payment policies must evolve to reflect the true costs faced by physicians.” 

    “Having an outdated Medicare reimbursement rate for physicians makes it harder for healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care, putting patients at risk,” Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., said. “Physicians, unlike the rest of the players in health care, have never received an inflationary update and consistently received cuts. This bill ensures a more stable Medicare payment system, allowing providers to focus on delivering care rather than worrying about losing their practice. With this bipartisan effort, we are working toward a system that supports both doctors and patients.”

    “Seniors in West Virginia and across the country should not lose access to their local health care because of reimbursement cuts,” Congresswoman Carol Miller said. “The bipartisan Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act would increase funding for services that are necessary for Medicare patients. Physicians should have the resources they need to treat their patients and everyone, regardless of where they live, should have access to quality medical care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump’s Reckless Trade War Will Hurt American Families, Businesses, and Workers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04)

    Trump’s Reckless Trade War Will Hurt American Families, Businesses, and Workers

    While noticeably going softer on China, Trump’s tariffs hurt key allies and top trading partners Mexico and Canada

    “Donald Trump has plunged our country into a dangerous trade war and the American people will bear the cost. Thanks to Trump, American businesses will be saddled with higher costs, which could lead to higher prices on goods Americans need. Prices will likely go up the grocery store, as people still feel squeezed at the checkout counter. The price of homes is expected to increase, as materials used to build homes become more expensive, which comes as homeownership remains unaffordable to many. 

    For millions of Americans still grappling with inflation, Trump’s tariffs will be a gut punch. History should inform us that another trade war could cause devastation again. The last time Trump picked a trade fight, Wisconsin dairy farms suffered the brunt, contributing to record-level family farm bankruptcies and billions in bailouts. Trump resorted to costly bailouts to cover for his failures and have left farmers weaker in the long term.  

    In his second term, Trump continues to use tariffs as a political scheme, this time against our top allies and trading partners. Tariffs can help American industries and support our workers if they are used deliberately and carefully, but Trump’s across the board tariffs are neither. As our allies impose retaliatory tariffs, the damage will get worse. Donald Trump hasn’t even been in office for a month, and he is already breaking his promise to lower the cost of living.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: (WIP) In Touch:February 2025

    Source: Allens Insights

    The latest in competition and consumer law 6 min read

    A greener future: final sustainability collaborations guide released by the ACCC 

    On 18 December 2024, the ACCC released its final guide on sustainability collaborations.

    The guide is intended to alert businesses of when competition law risks may arise when considering sustainability collaborations (and when they are unlikely to do so), as well as the exemptions that may be available for collaborations in the public interest.

    The ACCC has sought to clarify its views on the operation of competition laws for such collaborations, acknowledging the importance of ensuring that businesses do not unnecessarily limit participation in lawful sustainability collaborations.

    The guide includes a 5 step checklist for businesses considering sustainability collaborations to help assess whether competition laws are likely to apply.

    Updates to the immunity policy for cartel conduct

    On 18 December 2024, the ACCC announced that it had updated its ‘ACCC immunity and cooperation policy for cartel conduct‘ (the Immunity Policy).

    The updates are intended to increase transparency about how the Immunity Policy is administered by the ACCC, and to update and clarify the requirements for immunity applicants.

    It is now a criteria for corporate conditional immunity (and corporate derivative conditional immunity) from ACCC-initiated civil proceedings that the corporation has implemented measures, or undertaken to implement measures, to mitigate the risk of future non-compliance with the CCA.

    The updated policy also confirms that, at the proffer stage, the ACCC will not generally permit representatives of an immunity applicant to attend ACCC interviews with a derivative immunity applicant. The ACCC will provide the immunity applicant with sufficient information to enable it to:

    • understand how its immunity application is progressing; and
    • identify and provide further material relevant to its immunity application.

    However, the ACCC will not otherwise disclose to the immunity applicant or its legal representatives the questions asked or the evidence given by a derivative immunity applicant.

    ACCC alleges price fixing cartel against Defence contractors and senior executives 

    In December 2024, the ACCC commenced civil cartel proceedings in the Federal Court against Spotless Facility Services (Spotless), Ventia Australia (Ventia) and four senior executives for alleged price fixing in relation to the supply of estate maintenance and operation services to the Department of Defence (Defence).

    Spotless and Ventia provide services to major Defence force bases under billion-dollar contracts. The ACCC alleges that, on three occasions between April 2019 and August 2022, Spotless and Ventia made or attempted to make arrangements or understandings containing provisions that had the purpose, effect or likely effect of fixing, controlling or maintaining the price at which Spotless, Ventia and a third company, BGIS, would supply these services to Defence. Spotless and Ventia are also alleged to have given effect to some of these arrangements or understandings.

    The three arrangements or understandings are alleged to have involved:

    • the exchange of text messages about what BGIS and Spotless would charge Defence;
    • communications between Spotless, Ventina and BGIS regarding seeking additional compensation from Defence; and
    • meetings in which one of the senior executives said words to the effect that Spotless, Ventia and BGIS should jointly ask Defence to pay a project management fee.

    The ACCC is seeking declarations, civil penalties, and costs against Spotless and Ventia and the four senior executives, as well as qualification orders against three of the senior executives.

    Viva Energy’s proposed acquisition of LOC Global not opposed subject to divestiture

    On 12 December 2024, the ACCC confirmed that it will not oppose (subject to undertakings) Viva Energy Group’s (Viva) proposed acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in LOC Global (LOC) from New World Corporation (NWC).

    LOC is a joint venture between Viva and NWC (with a 50% stake each) that operates over 100 ‘Liberty’ branded retail fuel and convenience sites across Australia. Viva conducts downstream fuel refining, importing, distribution and marketing in Australia. It is also the exclusive supplier of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Australia. Viva Energy and LOC overlap in the supply of retail fuel across metropolitan and/or regional locations in local markets across SA, Victoria, WA, NSW, Queensland and NT.

    In the absence of the undertaking, the ACCC was concerned that the proposed acquisition would reduce competition in certain local areas in Adelaide, Darwin, regional Queensland and regional Victoria, where LOC and Viva Energy compete closely and where there are few remaining competitors to constrain Viva.

    Viva committed to divest 14 retail fuel and convenience sites to Solo Oil Corporation (a wholly owned subsidiary of NWC).

    Furniture frenzy: Koala Living fined for false and misleading statements about consumer rights 

    Koala Living has paid a $56,340 fine after being issued three infringement notices by the ACCC for making false and misleading statements regarding consumers’ rights under the consumer guarantees and available remedies for faulty products.

    Koala Living has admitted to incorrectly informing consumers that:

    • remedies for faulty products were only available within a 72-hour period after purchase or the period of the manufacturer’s warranty;
    • Koala Living could independently determine the type of remedy provided for minor or major faults; and
    • delivery charges were not refundable.

    The ACCC’s investigation was initiated in response to consumer complaints. Koala Living has given a court-enforceable undertaking under which Koala Living has committed to:

    • provide additional compensation (amounting to 20% of the purchase price) to consumers to whom Koala Living represented that a consumer’s right to seek remedies for faulty products was limited to 72 hours and have not yet received a remedy;
    • establish a competition and consumer law compliance program and review and update its internal policies, procedures, complaints handling practices and training to ensure ACL compliance; and
    • publish corrective notices.

    Cleared for takeoff: Virgin and Qatar granted ACCC interim authorisation for cooperative conduct

    On 29 November 2024, the ACCC granted interim authorisation to Virgin Australia (Virgin) and Qatar Airways (Qatar) to engage in cooperative conduct under an integrated alliance. Subject to certain exceptions:

    • Qatar will become Virgin’s exclusive interline, codeshare and loyalty partner headquartered in the Middle East or Türkiye; and
    • Virgin will become Qatar’s exclusive interline, codeshare and loyalty partner headquartered in Australia.

    The ACCC has granted interim authorisation to allow Virgin and Qatar enough lead time to undertake the necessary planning discussions, marketing, selling and system alignment to permit Virgin to commence flying the new services by June 2025 if authorisation is ultimately granted.

    Virgin and Qatar have provided a court-enforceable undertaking under which they have committed to:

    • offering tickets to the new service as ‘subject to regulatory approval’ to ensure consumers are made aware of the nature of the tickets they are purchasing; and
    • if authorisation is not ultimately granted, re-accommodate passengers who purchased tickets for the new service during the period of interim authorisation.

    Interim authorisation remains in place until it is revoked, the application for authorisation is withdrawn, or the date the ACCC’s final determination comes into effect. A draft determination from the ACCC is expected in February 2025, with the final determination expected in March-April 2025. The parties are seeking authorisation for five years.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sara Jacobs, Sen. Tammy Duckworth Seek to Protect IVF Coverage in Final NDAA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53)

    October 24, 2024

    Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) continued their push to ensure the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) preserves the requirement contained in both the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of NDAA that requires TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). In a letter to House and Senate Armed Services Committee leadership, the lawmakers – who authored and successfully secured inclusion of the IVF coverage provisions in the House and Senate bills, respectively – called for service members and military families to receive the same level of IVF coverage that’s accessible to Members of Congress and Federal employees next year.

    Two-thirds of service members, who often spend their prime reproductive years in hazardous conditions and away from their partners, have reported experiencing family-building challenges after returning home. As a result, many TRICARE beneficiaries pay tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatment. Expanding IVF coverage would strengthen recruitment, retention, and readiness efforts – all while supporting those who have sacrificed greatly for the United States.

    Read Rep. Sara Jacobs’ and Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s Letter Here

    The lawmakers wrote:

    “Because of hard work conducted under your respective leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and House Armed Services Committee (HASC), Congress is poised to ensure the final legislative text of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA) preserves language contained in both the House-passed and Senate-reported versions of the NDAA that require TRICARE cover fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF).

    “Accordingly, we write to request that in negotiating the final conference report to accompany the NDAA, you ensure U.S. servicemembers and military families receive IVF coverage in 2025 that is on par with the IVF coverage Members of Congress and Federal employees will be provided access to in 2025 by taking one of these courses of action:

    • House recedes regarding Section 701 of H.R. 8070, and the final bill includes Section 705 of S. 4638;
    • Senate recedes regarding Section 705 of S. 4638 and the final bill includes Section 701 of H.R. 8070; or
    • The final bill merges and harmonizes Sections 701 and 705.

    “Since HASC added the provisions (sec. 701) requiring TRICARE cover fertility services, including IVF, by voice vote without controversy; and then House Republicans chose to preserve these Democratic-authored provisions in the version of the NDAA that the House narrowly passed along party-lines; we are hopeful that achieving fertility benefit parity between Members of Congress, Federal employees and members of the U.S. Armed Forces can avoid controversy and be preserved in the final NDAA that President Joe Biden signs into law.

    “In the coming months, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and United States Senators will have the opportunity to select health insurance from 2025 marketplace plans that all include high quality, affordable fertility benefit coverage—including excellent IVF coverage that, absent action by Congress, will be far superior to the restrictive fertility benefit coverage offered to U.S. servicemembers and military families under current law. Under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, Federal employees will also receive high quality fertility benefit coverage, including IVF, in 2025.

    “Importantly, every Member of Congress will be able to enroll in a 2025 marketplace plan that covers IVF services provided in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards of care and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) professional guidelines—which includes coverage of at least three complete oocyte retrievals with unlimited embryo transfers from those oocyte retrievals, and standard fertility preservation services.

    “We strongly believe U.S. servicemembers and military families deserve fertility benefit coverage in 2025 that is at least comparable to what Members of Congress will receive.

    “It would be hypocritical for Members of Congress to enjoy high quality fertility benefit coverage next year, right on the heels of denying such IVF coverage to brave Americans willing to defend our country in uniform, and the dedicated military families that sacrifice to support their loved ones’ service to our great country. That is why we strongly agree with the position taken by a broad coalition of Military Service Organizations (MSOs) and Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) that these MSOs and VSOs expressed to you in their October 10, 2024, joint letter:

    ‘The health care benefit is an earned benefit and an essential part of military compensation. Coverage should not be contingent on a service member’s willingness or ability to accept an additional service commitment. For that reason, we caution Congress against adopting Section 627 of S. 4638, which would require a service member benefiting from expanded reproductive health coverage to accept an additional service commitment of four years. Again, military members deserve coverage that is on par with civilian plans, and civilian plans make no such demands of their beneficiaries [emphasis added].’

    “We share the opposition of MSOs and VSOs to including Section 627 of S. 4638 in the final bill text because it falls woefully short of providing servicemembers and their families with comparable coverage to the coverage Members of Congress receive. Unfortunately, Section 627 goes beyond TRICARE fertility coverage requirements and injects controversial and divisive language relating to abortion services and embryonic personhood, which are contrary to the bipartisan tradition of the NDAA and distract from what should be our overriding priority: making sure that in 2025, U.S. servicemembers and military families receive high quality and affordable fertility services coverage that is on par with fertility benefits that Members of Congress and Federal employees will receive in the coming year.

    “Servicemembers are disproportionately impacted by infertility and face unique challenges in trying to start and build their families. Two-thirds of servicemembers, who often spend their prime reproductive years in hazardous conditions and away from their partners, have reported family-building challenges due to military service. Most TRICARE beneficiaries must pay out of pocket for fertility treatment, costing tens of thousands of dollars, all while navigating challenging duty station moves and a complex healthcare system bureaucracy.

    “Failing to provide high-quality IVF coverage through TRICARE would perpetuate an unfair system that forces military families to confront an impossible and unjust choice between serving their country in uniform or starting a family without the risk of financial ruin. We are gravely concerned that this will inevitably deter recruitment and retention efforts and ultimately decrease our Nation’s military readiness. Providing U.S. servicemembers and military families with robust IVF coverage is the least we can do for those Americans who have sacrificed so much for us.

    “We thank you in advance for your consideration of our request to make sure that we complete the mission of ensuring members of the U.S. Armed Forces achieve parity with Members of Congress and the civil service by finalizing a conference report and passing a NDAA that, for the first time in history, requires TRICARE cover fertility services, including IVF, without harmful and onerous restrictions that violate widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards of care and fail to comport with ASRM professional guidance.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Bush, Labor Caucus Urge Amazon to Respect its Employees’ Rights; Requests Information About Anti-Union Activities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01)

    October 21, 2024

    Washington, D.C. (October 21, 2024) — Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) joined Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Caucus members Reps. Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), and 126 other members of Congress in calling on Amazon to respect its employees’ rights and requesting information from the company about its anti-union activities.

    “Workers have a constitutional right to organize and advocate for improvements in their wages and working conditions, as well as statutory rights to engage in protected concerted activity under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA),” the members wrote in a letter to Amazon Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy.

    “We have heard concerns from our constituents who are scared to exercise these rights due to fear of reprisal from their employer, and anti-union activities from an employer as prominent as Amazon exacerbate those concerns,” the Members continued. “Therefore, in accordance with the NLRA, we urge Amazon to refrain from engaging in intimidation, retaliation, and other forms of illegal interference and to allow workers to decide on their own, whether they should join a union.”

    Unfortunately Amazon has been found to have violated federal labor law on numerous occasions, including public anti-union comments from CEO Andy Jassy. This letter comes amidst a recent wave of worker organizing activity at Amazon locations around the county. To ensure that workers rights are respected going forward, the Members requested information from Amazon and asked if it will commit to following applicable federal and state labor laws. 

    A full copy of the letter can be found here.  

    The letter was signed by 132 Members of Congress, including: Reps. Alma Adams; Gabe Amo; Becca Balint; Nanette Barragán; Joyce Beatty; Jamaal Bowman; Julia Brownley; Shontel Brown; Nikki Budzinski; Salud Carbajal; André Carson; Greg Casar; Sean Casten; Joaquin Castro; Judy Chu; Steve Cohen; Lou Correa; Joe Courtney; Jason Crow; Danny Davis; Madeleine Dean; Rosa DeLauro; Christopher Deluzio; Mark DeSaulnier; Debbie Dingell; Lloyd Doggett; Adriano Espaillat; Dwight Evans; Bill Foster; Lois Frankel; Maxwell Frost; Ruben Gallego; John Garamendi; Jesús García; Sylvia Garcia; Jared Golden; Daniel Goldman; Jimmy Gomez; Al Green; Raúl Grijalva; Chrissy Houlahan; Val Hoyle; Jared Huffman; Jonathan Jackson; Sara Jacobs; Henry Johnson; Marcy Kaptur; William Keating; Timothy Kennedy; Ro Khanna; Daniel Kildee; Andy Kim; Raja Krishnamoorthi; Greg Landsman; John Larson; Barbara Lee; Summer Lee; Teresa Leger Fernandez; Stephen Lynch; Seth Magaziner; Betty McCollum; Morgan McGarvey; James McGovern; Robert Menendez; Grace Meng; Kevin Mullin; Jerrold Nadler; Grace Napolitano; Wiley Nickel; Donald Norcross; Elanor Norton; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Ilhan Omar; Frank Pallone; Chris Pappas; Mary Peltola; Chellie Pingree; Mark Pocan; Katie Porter; Ayanna Pressley; Delia Ramirez; Jamie Raskin; Raul Ruiz; Patrick Ryan; Linda Sánchez; Mary Scanlon; Janice Schakowsky; Adam Schiff; Hillary Scholten; Brad Sherman; Mikie Sherrill; Elissa Slotkin; Adam Smith; Eric Sorensen; Darren Soto; Melanie Stansbury; Greg Stanton; Haley Stevens; Thomas Suozzi; Emilia Sykes; Mark Takano; Shri Thanedar; Bennie Thompson; Dina Titus; Rashida Tlaib; Paul Tonko; Ritchie Torres; Lori Trahan; David Trone; Lauren Underwood; Juan Vargas; Nydia Velázquez; Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Maxine Waters; Bonnie Watson Coleman; and Susan Wild.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bush, Tlaib Lead War Powers Letter to President Biden

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01)

    November 01, 2024

    Washington, D.C. (November 1, 2024) — Today, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) led a letter to President Biden questioning the involvement of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Israeli government’s expanding regional war across the Middle East, including in the ground invasions of Lebanon and Gaza, and the recent exchanges of hostilities between Israel and Iran.

    The Biden administration has deepened U.S. involvement in the Israeli government’s devastating regional war through comprehensive intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and now even the direct deployment of U.S. servicemembers to Israel. Not only do these actions encourage further escalation and violence, but they are unauthorized by Congress, in violation of Article I of the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. 

    “American military involvement in these wars has not been authorized by the United States Congress, as required by the Constitution and U.S. law. The American people have made it clear that they want to see an immediate ceasefire, an end to these wars, and the return of hostages, not deepening American involvement in potentially endless regional war,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The lawmakers asked President Biden for a detailed account of the United States military’s involvement to “command, coordinate, participate in the movement of, or accompany” Israeli forces currently engaged in hostilities in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, the West Bank, Syria, or elsewhere in the Middle East.  

    Since the start of its genocidal campaign, the Israeli government has killed over 43,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including over 16,700 children, and displaced over 90 percent of the population. With complete impunity and a blank check from the United States’ government, Netanyahu has now invaded Lebanon, where Israeli forces have killed over 2,700 people and displaced 1.2 million.

    “The Executive Branch cannot continue to ignore the law without Congressional intervention. In the absence of an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities, Congress retains the right and ability to exercise its Constitutional authority to direct the removal of any and all unauthorized Armed Forces from the region pursuant to Section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution,” the lawmakers concluded.  

    The letter was also signed by Congressman André Carson (IN-07), Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05). 

    Through a war powers resolution, Congress holds the power to direct the removal of any Armed Forces engaged in hostilities outside the territory of the United States without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. War powers resolutions are privileged, meaning that any member of the House of Representatives could force a vote on the legislation. 

    The letter is endorsed by Friends Committee on National Legislation, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Just Foreign Policy, A New Policy, Action Corps, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, National Iranian American Council Action, Peace Action, Institute for Policy Studies – New Internationalism Project, Presbyterian Church USA – Office of Public Witness, Common Defense, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, and Center for Constitutional Rights. 

    A full copy of the letter can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –