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Category: China

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s speech marking 100th anniversary of trade union federation published

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 7 — A speech delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, at a conference held on April 28 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions and honor model workers and exemplary individuals, has been published as a booklet.

    The booklet, published by the People’s Publishing House, is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Supports UN’s Central Role in Promoting Global AI Governance: China’s UN Ambassador

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    UNITED NATIONS, May 7 (Xinhua) — China will support the central role of the United Nations in promoting global governance of artificial intelligence (AI), China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong said Tuesday at a meeting of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building.

    According to him, AI, as a strategic technology leading to a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, is fundamentally changing the work and life of people.

    Fu Cong recalled that in October 2023, China put forward the Initiative on Global AI Governance, proposing its approach to global AI governance – it should be discussed by everyone, promoted by everyone, and benefit everyone.

    “Capacity building has long been a cornerstone of global AI governance,” he said.

    In July 2024, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted by consensus a resolution jointly proposed by China and the AI capacity-building core group. China has since launched the Action Plan on AI Capacity-Building for All and jointly initiated the establishment of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building with Zambia. These efforts aim to build broad partnerships and take concrete measures to implement the UNGA resolution and the Global Digital Compact, so that everyone can benefit from the digital transformation and no country or person is left behind, Fu added.

    “When it comes to cooperation in building AI capabilities, China not only takes initiatives, but also takes corresponding actions,” the Chinese representative emphasized.

    Fu Cong noted that since the adoption of the UNGA resolution, China has organized two productive workshops in Beijing and Shanghai, bringing together more than 180 participants from over 40 countries. These events have become valuable platforms for sharing best practices and discussing future actions on global AI governance.

    In addition, last month, China and Zambia, on behalf of the Group of Friends, sent questionnaires to the wider UN membership and international organizations to gather their views and expectations on the Group. Based on the feedback received, China will regularly hold events to promote policy exchanges, knowledge sharing and practical cooperation.

    China’s Permanent Representative to the UN reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing AI for the good and for all.

    “I am confident that through our joint efforts, we can contribute to a more inclusive AI development that benefits everyone,” Fu Cong concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lao President to visit Russia to take part in celebration of 80th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Xinhua | 07. 05. 2025

    Keywords: will attend, president of laos, anniversary of victory, russia, war, celebration, aim of strengthening lao, expansion of bilateral cooperation, lao television, russian relations, anniversary of victory, state visit, vladimir putin, celebrations, wednesday, reports

    VIENTIANE, May 7 (Xinhua) — Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith will lead a high-ranking delegation to Russia on a state visit from May 8 to 10 at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen Lao-Russian relations and expand bilateral cooperation.

    During the visit, Thongloun Sisoulith will also take part in celebrations dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Lao National Television reported on Wednesday. –0–

    Source: Xinhua

    Lao President to Visit Russia and Take Part in Celebration of 80th Anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War Lao President to Visit Russia and Take Part in Celebration of 80th Anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s foreign exchange reserves rose by 1.27 percent in April.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) — China’s foreign exchange reserves stood at 3.2817 trillion U.S. dollars as of the end of April 2025, up 41 billion U.S. dollars or 1.27 percent from the end of March, data released by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) showed Wednesday.

    China’s foreign exchange reserves rose in April, driven by the combined effects of currency translation and asset price changes, the ministry said in a statement.

    The resilience and vitality of China’s economy have helped maintain the stability of the country’s foreign exchange reserves, the statement said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE leads delegation to visit Qatar and Kuwait

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a business delegation to visit Qatar and Kuwait on May 10. The visit aims to further strengthen exchanges and connections with the Middle East region in areas such as finance, trade, investment, and innovation and technology (I&T), and to promote the latest advantages and opportunities in Hong Kong to local political and business communities.
     
    Noting that the Middle East region is experiencing rapid development with abundant capital, Mr Lee said the region is actively seeking to diversify risks, particularly by channelling investments into China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR), aligning with the global economic shift towards the East. Qatar and Kuwait are both economically vibrant and fast-growing countries in the Middle East region. Qatar boasts the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita among the member states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and serves as a crucial aviation hub in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Kuwait, currently the rotating President of the GCC, ranks third in GDP per capita among GCC member states and possesses one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds.
     
    He highlighted that this marks his first time leading Mainland enterprises in addition to leaders from industry and commerce and professional sectors of Hong Kong in an outbound mission, aiming to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle in connecting the Mainland and the world. It also aims to give full play to Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” by deepening international exchanges and co-operation, acting as a bridge to serve enterprises in going global and attracting external investment. At the same time, it also demonstrates the complementary advantages of co-operation between Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises, creating synergies and providing comprehensive supply chain services.
     
    The HKSAR Government officials joining the Business Delegation from Hong Kong and the Mainland led by the Chief Executive of the HKSAR include the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip; the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho; and the Director of Information Services, Mrs Apollonia Liu.
     
    Members of the delegation include more than 50 representatives from the business community of Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises. This includes over 30 leaders from industry and commerce and professional sectors of Hong Kong and over 20 entrepreneurs from Mainland provinces such as Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong. The delegation spans fields including finance, industry and commerce, trade, infrastructure, I&T, energy, and transport and logistics.
     
    Mr Lee will visit Qatar on May 11 and 12 and depart for Kuwait on the evening of May 12. During the visit, he will meet with local government leaders to enhance communication and establish collaborative consensus, enabling businesses to clearly understand the policy directions of co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the governments of both countries, and leading the promotion of cultural exchanges. He will also lead the delegation to visit facilities and enterprises to gain insights into the latest developments in such areas as finance, trade, and I&T, exploring new opportunities. He will also attend exchange events to introduce Hong Kong’s advantages and investment opportunities to the local business community.
     
    Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on May 15. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ROC (Taiwan) government congratulates Singapore on successful completion of general election

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    ROC (Taiwan) government congratulates Singapore on successful completion of general election

    • Date：2025-05-04
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    May 4, 2025
    No. 134

    Singapore smoothly completed the election of its 15th Parliament on May 4. The result was a victory for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the People’s Action Party that he leads. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere congratulations to the people and government of Singapore on the successful conclusion of yet another parliamentary election.

    Taiwan and Singapore have long shared cordial ties. Bilateral cooperation has developed steadily in recent years, with the two sides maintaining close exchanges in economics, trade, semiconductors, technology, culture, and other domains. Taiwan looks forward to building on the existing foundations to further deepen collaboration with Singapore, jointly respond to global and regional challenges, and contribute to the advancement of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. (E) 

     

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA congratulates Australia on successful completion of federal election

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA congratulates Australia on successful completion of federal election

    • Date：2025-05-04
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    May 4, 2025
    No.136

    Australia held a federal election on May 3 to elect its 48th Parliament, including all 150 seats of the House of Representatives and 40 of the 76 seats in the Senate. According to the results, the ruling Australian Labor Party won a majority of seats. The smooth and peaceful election process was characteristic of a mature democracy. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses sincere congratulations to the people and government of Australia.

    Taiwan and Australia share the universal values of democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and human rights. Bilateral relations have continued to steadily grow in recent years. Collaboration is close in such fields as economics and trade, science and technology, information security, energy, and whole-of-society defense resilience. Last August, the Australian Senate passed an urgency motion refuting China’s flagrant misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. The passage of the motion underlined the staunch cross-party support for Taiwan in the Australian Parliament.

    Building on these robust foundations, the government of Taiwan hopes to further enhance cooperation in all domains with the new government of Australia and jointly work to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Top 25 global banks post 9.4% revenue growth YoY in 2024 but profits under pressure, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The world’s top 25 global banks reported 9.4% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth in 2024 despite global economic pressures, with Sberbank Rossii, BBVA, and UBS Group standing out as key performers. However, profit margins were mixed, as many banks faced higher costs, regulatory tightening, and geopolitical uncertainty, highlighting the growing gap between revenue performance and overall financial health, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Most of the top 25 banks reported YoY growth in their top-line performance, with Sberbank Rossii and BBVA emerging as top performers, posting a growth of 54% and 30.3%, respectively. UBS Group also registered a growth of 22.3%.

    Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Sberbank Rossii emerged as the top performer in revenue defying broader geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures. The bank reported double-digit revenue growth, supported by a strong rebound in Russia’s domestic economy, stabilizing inflation, and high interest margins but its net income sharply declined into negative territory, reflecting the combined impact of macroeconomic instability, currency depreciation, and mounting operational constraints due to international sanctions.”

    Similarly, BBVA achieved a 28.9% growth in interest income, driven by its geographic diversification, particularly in Mexico and Turkey, where interest margins widened significantly.

    Another bank to deliver outstanding results was UBS Group, with revenue jumping 22.3% YoY, and a robust five-year CAGR of 17.4%—largely reflecting its landmark takeover of Credit Suisse. However, net income plummeted by over 80%, underscoring the short-term cost burdens and integration risks associated with the acquisition.

    Top Chinese banks—ICBC, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China—reported modest revenue and income growth. ICBC’s 2024 revenue marginally declined (-0.6% YoY), while Agricultural Bank posted the strongest five-year CAGR in assets among the Chinese peers (8.8%). Margin compression due to policy-induced rate caps and slower domestic economic growth weighed on profitability. Nonetheless, their asset bases continue to expand steadily, reflecting domestic dominance and strong government backing.

    JPMorgan Chase led the revenue charts with an impressive $278.9 billion in 2024, representing a YoY growth of 16.5% and a five-year CAGR of 16.5%. The surge was underpinned by elevated net interest income amid sustained high rates and robust trading performance. Its net income reached $58.5 billion (18% YoY growth), with asset growth moderating to 3.3%, reflecting balance sheet prudence amid tightening regulations.

    Bank of America and Citigroup also benefitted from the high-rate cycle. Citigroup notably recorded a 13.96% revenue CAGR, with 2024 revenues at $170.8 billion. However, asset contraction (-2.4% YoY) reflects restructuring and divestments in underperforming regions.

    European banks, long plagued by negative rates and fragmented markets, appear to be rebounding. BNP Paribas and HSBC posted robust revenue CAGR of 13.1% and 14% respectively, supported by diversified global operations and cost rationalizations. Notably, Societe Generale and Credit Agricole recorded revenue CAGR above 17%, with net income rebounds of over 60% YoY, albeit from low bases. These turnarounds suggest successful strategic pivots and a more favorable interest rate environment in the Eurozone.

    Grandhi concludes: “Looking ahead, global banks face a mixed landscape. Easing inflation could trigger interest rate cuts in the US and Europe, potentially impacting net interest margins. However, this may be offset by the revival in credit demand and easing capital costs. Regulatory tightening, especially in the US and China, will challenge profitability. Additionally, banks exposed to emerging markets must navigate currency volatility and political instability.

    “Digital transformation and green financing will remain pivotal themes. Institutions investing in fintech partnerships, AI-led customer engagement, and ESG-aligned lending are likely to outperform.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: GlobalData revises down global MAT insurance industry growth forecast due to increased US tariffs

    Source: GlobalData

    The global marine, aviation, and transit (MAT) insurance industry, which was forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% before the imposition of the reciprocal tariff from the US, is now expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during 2025-29, in terms of written premiums, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    On April 02, 2025, the US President announced “reciprocal” tariffs on imports. These tariffs include a base 10% plus additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 245%. Higher tariffs are typically imposed on specific products, but the blanket tariff rate of 10% on all countries will negatively impact the global economy. The countries that are mostly dependent on exports to the US will be severely impacted. However, there is a hold on this tariff for 90 days, except for China.

    According to GlobalData’s Insurance Database, the US accounted for around 50% of the global MAT insurance premiums in 2024. As per the revised forecast, high reciprocal tariffs will reduce US MAT insurance premiums by 1.4% in 2025, whereas the premiums of global MAT insurance will be impacted by 0.7%. The US is the largest importer in the world, with Mexico, China, Canada, Germany, and Japan being the top 5 exporting countries in 2023, accounting for 53% of the total US imports.

    GlobalData expects the CAGR of MAT insurance premiums during 2025-29 to reduce by 0.5pp in Mexico, 0.6pp in China, 0.5pp in Canada, 0.5pp in Germany, and 0.2pp in Japan.

    Swarup Kumar Sahoo, Senior Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The ‘Liberation Day’ tariff will disrupt the global MAT insurance as the premium growth will slow down in 2025 and subsequent years compared to the previous forecast. Although the global MAT business will experience a temporary surge during April-June 2025 due to the 90-day pause in the tariff, the growth will slow down once the tariff is in place. This will also impact the profitability of MAT insurers across the world.”

    The US has imposed a tariff in the range of 20% (Germany and Italy) to 245% (China) on the top 10 exporters, which contribute 69% of the total US imports, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). Marine cargo business of all the markets except Canada and Mexico will be impacted, whereas for Mexico and Canada, which account for 29% of the total US imports, the aviation cargo and transit insurance will be disrupted.

    Sahoo adds: “The decline in MAT premiums growth rate will be due to both a decline in exports and the value of exported goods. In case the exporter absorbs the cost of the tariff, the cost of goods will go down, and this will reduce the sum insured and the respective premium amount. On the other hand, if the importer bears this, it will be passed on to the consumer, leading to a decline in demand.”

    To offset higher tariffs, importers have started either consolidating shipments or increasing the order size. The risk of theft and damage has increased due to the concentration of high-value goods at various points. Furthermore, the imposition of revised tariffs across countries will create complexities in customs clearance, leading to an increase in demurrage and detention fees.

    Insurers are expected to incur additional costs to rewrite such policies by considering the complexities and associated additional risks. Additionally, increased claims in marine cargo, aviation cargo, and transit will impact the profitability of insurers.

    Starting May 02, 2025, the US will eliminate the exemption of import tariffs on goods under $800 from China and Hong Kong. Due to this, DHL has suspended high-value business-to-consumer shipments to the US. Also, various airlines have suspended air cargo services for high-value goods. This will directly impact the air cargo insurance business.

    Sahoo concludes: “The imposition of the higher tariff will disrupt the global MAT insurance, impacting premiums growth, while increasing the associated risks. Insurers need to be vigilant as higher claims would erode profitability. Furthermore, MAT insurers in the US will lose their global market share as they write half of the global MAT business.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Top 25 global banks post 9.4% revenue growth YoY in 2024 but profits under pressure, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The world’s top 25 global banks reported 9.4% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth in 2024 despite global economic pressures, with Sberbank Rossii, BBVA, and UBS Group standing out as key performers. However, profit margins were mixed, as many banks faced higher costs, regulatory tightening, and geopolitical uncertainty, highlighting the growing gap between revenue performance and overall financial health, finds GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Most of the top 25 banks reported YoY growth in their top-line performance, with Sberbank Rossii and BBVA emerging as top performers, posting a growth of 54% and 30.3%, respectively. UBS Group also registered a growth of 22.3%.

    Murthy Grandhi, Company Profiles Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Sberbank Rossii emerged as the top performer in revenue defying broader geopolitical and macroeconomic pressures. The bank reported double-digit revenue growth, supported by a strong rebound in Russia’s domestic economy, stabilizing inflation, and high interest margins but its net income sharply declined into negative territory, reflecting the combined impact of macroeconomic instability, currency depreciation, and mounting operational constraints due to international sanctions.”

    Similarly, BBVA achieved a 28.9% growth in interest income, driven by its geographic diversification, particularly in Mexico and Turkey, where interest margins widened significantly.

    Another bank to deliver outstanding results was UBS Group, with revenue jumping 22.3% YoY, and a robust five-year CAGR of 17.4%—largely reflecting its landmark takeover of Credit Suisse. However, net income plummeted by over 80%, underscoring the short-term cost burdens and integration risks associated with the acquisition.

    Top Chinese banks—ICBC, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China—reported modest revenue and income growth. ICBC’s 2024 revenue marginally declined (-0.6% YoY), while Agricultural Bank posted the strongest five-year CAGR in assets among the Chinese peers (8.8%). Margin compression due to policy-induced rate caps and slower domestic economic growth weighed on profitability. Nonetheless, their asset bases continue to expand steadily, reflecting domestic dominance and strong government backing.

    JPMorgan Chase led the revenue charts with an impressive $278.9 billion in 2024, representing a YoY growth of 16.5% and a five-year CAGR of 16.5%. The surge was underpinned by elevated net interest income amid sustained high rates and robust trading performance. Its net income reached $58.5 billion (18% YoY growth), with asset growth moderating to 3.3%, reflecting balance sheet prudence amid tightening regulations.

    Bank of America and Citigroup also benefitted from the high-rate cycle. Citigroup notably recorded a 13.96% revenue CAGR, with 2024 revenues at $170.8 billion. However, asset contraction (-2.4% YoY) reflects restructuring and divestments in underperforming regions.

    European banks, long plagued by negative rates and fragmented markets, appear to be rebounding. BNP Paribas and HSBC posted robust revenue CAGR of 13.1% and 14% respectively, supported by diversified global operations and cost rationalizations. Notably, Societe Generale and Credit Agricole recorded revenue CAGR above 17%, with net income rebounds of over 60% YoY, albeit from low bases. These turnarounds suggest successful strategic pivots and a more favorable interest rate environment in the Eurozone.

    Grandhi concludes: “Looking ahead, global banks face a mixed landscape. Easing inflation could trigger interest rate cuts in the US and Europe, potentially impacting net interest margins. However, this may be offset by the revival in credit demand and easing capital costs. Regulatory tightening, especially in the US and China, will challenge profitability. Additionally, banks exposed to emerging markets must navigate currency volatility and political instability.

    “Digital transformation and green financing will remain pivotal themes. Institutions investing in fintech partnerships, AI-led customer engagement, and ESG-aligned lending are likely to outperform.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: GlobalData revises down global MAT insurance industry growth forecast due to increased US tariffs

    Source: GlobalData

    The global marine, aviation, and transit (MAT) insurance industry, which was forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% before the imposition of the reciprocal tariff from the US, is now expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during 2025-29, in terms of written premiums, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    On April 02, 2025, the US President announced “reciprocal” tariffs on imports. These tariffs include a base 10% plus additional tariffs ranging from 10% to 245%. Higher tariffs are typically imposed on specific products, but the blanket tariff rate of 10% on all countries will negatively impact the global economy. The countries that are mostly dependent on exports to the US will be severely impacted. However, there is a hold on this tariff for 90 days, except for China.

    According to GlobalData’s Insurance Database, the US accounted for around 50% of the global MAT insurance premiums in 2024. As per the revised forecast, high reciprocal tariffs will reduce US MAT insurance premiums by 1.4% in 2025, whereas the premiums of global MAT insurance will be impacted by 0.7%. The US is the largest importer in the world, with Mexico, China, Canada, Germany, and Japan being the top 5 exporting countries in 2023, accounting for 53% of the total US imports.

    GlobalData expects the CAGR of MAT insurance premiums during 2025-29 to reduce by 0.5pp in Mexico, 0.6pp in China, 0.5pp in Canada, 0.5pp in Germany, and 0.2pp in Japan.

    Swarup Kumar Sahoo, Senior Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The ‘Liberation Day’ tariff will disrupt the global MAT insurance as the premium growth will slow down in 2025 and subsequent years compared to the previous forecast. Although the global MAT business will experience a temporary surge during April-June 2025 due to the 90-day pause in the tariff, the growth will slow down once the tariff is in place. This will also impact the profitability of MAT insurers across the world.”

    The US has imposed a tariff in the range of 20% (Germany and Italy) to 245% (China) on the top 10 exporters, which contribute 69% of the total US imports, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). Marine cargo business of all the markets except Canada and Mexico will be impacted, whereas for Mexico and Canada, which account for 29% of the total US imports, the aviation cargo and transit insurance will be disrupted.

    Sahoo adds: “The decline in MAT premiums growth rate will be due to both a decline in exports and the value of exported goods. In case the exporter absorbs the cost of the tariff, the cost of goods will go down, and this will reduce the sum insured and the respective premium amount. On the other hand, if the importer bears this, it will be passed on to the consumer, leading to a decline in demand.”

    To offset higher tariffs, importers have started either consolidating shipments or increasing the order size. The risk of theft and damage has increased due to the concentration of high-value goods at various points. Furthermore, the imposition of revised tariffs across countries will create complexities in customs clearance, leading to an increase in demurrage and detention fees.

    Insurers are expected to incur additional costs to rewrite such policies by considering the complexities and associated additional risks. Additionally, increased claims in marine cargo, aviation cargo, and transit will impact the profitability of insurers.

    Starting May 02, 2025, the US will eliminate the exemption of import tariffs on goods under $800 from China and Hong Kong. Due to this, DHL has suspended high-value business-to-consumer shipments to the US. Also, various airlines have suspended air cargo services for high-value goods. This will directly impact the air cargo insurance business.

    Sahoo concludes: “The imposition of the higher tariff will disrupt the global MAT insurance, impacting premiums growth, while increasing the associated risks. Insurers need to be vigilant as higher claims would erode profitability. Furthermore, MAT insurers in the US will lose their global market share as they write half of the global MAT business.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney tells Donald Trump ‘Canada is not for sale’ in a high-stakes Oval Office meeting

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Stewart Prest, Lecturer, Political Science, University of British Columbia

    In a day of congenial menace at the White House, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney picked his spots carefully. He got his key message across — but got a largely unrelated earful in exchange from United States President Donald Trump.

    A trip to the White House has become a rite of passage for leaders around the world, with a series of predictable elements in the Trump era — from the blindside on social media to the handshake and the tense sitdown in the newly gilded Oval Office.

    Within the first few minutes of the meeting, Carney took an opportunity to interject with a clear pushback against Trump’s repeated assertions that Canada should become the “51st state.”

    The comments were carefully calibrated, using Trump’s own preferred language of real estate. After pointing out that some properties simply are not for sale, like the White House and Buckingham Palace, Carney asserted that Canada “will not be for sale, ever.”

    Trump repeatedly demurred in response, replying “never say never” and later in the meeting, “time will tell.” Carney, however, mouthed “never” as the president spoke — ostensibly joking but, in fact, clearly serious.

    Much of the rest of the meeting was dominated by Trump’s commentary, holding forth on everything from Carney’s recent election victory — for which the president claimed credit — to American attacks on Yemen and trade with China.

    Carney didn’t bite

    Without mentioning them by name, Trump also found time to remind the assembled media of his contempt for Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and Canada’s former finance minister Chrystia Freeland — now handling the transport and internal trade portfolio for Carney — referring to her as “terrible.”

    Carney didn’t take the bait, and for the most part, seemed content to let Trump hold court, interjecting a couple of times to correct or redirect points Trump raised.

    In particular, Carney made clear that he sees the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USCMA) as a basis for future talks, committed Canada to a “step change” in its military investment and vowed to contribute to the president’s war on largely fictional fentanyl trafficking across the Canada-U.S. border.

    Carney also pushed back against Trump’s insistence that the U.S. does not need Canada, noting that the country is America’s “biggest client.” He was alluding to the fact that Canada buys more goods from the U.S. than any other country.

    Carney’s verbal pushback was further reinforced with some very effective face acting, reminiscent of Kamala Harris’s debate performance. The Carney head tilt seems destined to join the internet meme pantheon, a shortcut for “that’s sus” — “suspect” — that belongs to the ages.

    At the same time, almost everything Carney did say was met with skepticism and rebuttal.

    Indeed, the very idea of a new trade agreement and an end to tariffs on Canada was treated as an open question by Trump, who suggested that while USMCA was a “fine” agreement — miles better in his view than the very similar NAFTA agreement that preceded it — such a deal may no longer be needed.

    At one point, he even suggested USMCA be terminated outright.

    False claims

    As always, misinformation featured prominently in the president’s comments throughout the meeting with Carney. He returned repeatedly to his false claims about the U.S. subsidizing Canada. In doing so, he again confused a trade deficit with a financial subsidy. These falsehoods, moreover, were never directly rebutted by Carney.



    Read more:
    Trump’s obsession with trade deficits has no basis in economics. And it’s a bad reason for tariffs

    At another point, Trump said Canada could do nothing to convince him to remove tariffs.

    He later expanded on the point, returning to the idea that tariffs on things like Canadian energy, steel, aluminium and cars were not part of a trade negotiation, but rather an explicit attempt to end trade between the two countries in an attempt to reindustrialize the American economy.

    Simply put, under a thin veneer of supposed friendship and convivial conversation, Trump implied the U.S. no longer wants fair trade between the two countries, but no trade — unless it comes with an end to Canadian independence.

    Given the importance of the bilateral relationship, the meeting went as well as Canadians — and sympathetic Americans — could reasonably hope. Trump and his assembled cabinet secretaries did not gang up on Carney as they did on Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this year.

    Instead, the meeting reinforced the idea that the two countries are indeed friends and they will continue to talk about the issues that divide them.

    Carney came across as polite yet assertive, and was largely treated with the respect due to a foreign head of government.

    Tariffs, trade

    At the same time, the two sides could not even agree on what they disagreed on. Carney emphasized the need for a refurbished agreement between the two countries addressing trade irritants in much the same way the two countries have done for decades. He went so far as to point out that the U.S. has taken advantage of the agreement with its approach to tariffs.



    Read more:
    Trump’s proposed tariffs against Canada and Mexico may be illegal, but that’s not the real problem

    Trump, conversely, remained committed to a project to fundamentally reorganize the American economy in a way that does not include Canada as an independent trading partner.

    As the president said, “time will tell” whose vision ultimately triumphs. But in the meantime, Canadians should expect a decidedly frosty friendship to continue.

    Stewart Prest 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. Mark Carney tells Donald Trump ‘Canada is not for sale’ in a high-stakes Oval Office meeting – https://theconversation.com/mark-carney-tells-donald-trump-canada-is-not-for-sale-in-a-high-stakes-oval-office-meeting-255931

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Buddha’s foster mother played a key role in the orphaned prince’s life – and is a model for Buddhists on Mother’s Day

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Megan Bryson, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Tennessee

    Prince Siddhartha with his foster mother Mahaprajapati. A 1910 painting by Maligawage Sarlis. Photo by MediaJet, 2009 via Wikimedia Commons

    Mother’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on what motherhood means in different religions and cultures. As a scholar of Buddhism and gender, I know how complicated Buddhist attitudes toward mothers can be.

    The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, taught that family ties were obstacles to enlightenment. According to the Buddha, attachment to family causes suffering because family relationships eventually end and cannot offer lasting contentment. The main goal of Buddhism is to break the cycle of rebirth, which is characterized by suffering.

    However, one family tie remained important for the Buddha – his relationship with his mother. Even after the Buddha left home, he continued to honor two mother figures – his biological mother, Maya, and his foster mother, known as Mahaprajapati Gautami in Sanskrit and Mahapajapati Gotami in the Pali language, which was used for early Buddhist scriptures in ancient India. These women played key roles in the Buddha’s life story, and they continue to inspire Buddhists today. Mahaprajapati specifically inspires women as the first Buddhist nun.

    Many Buddhist scriptures describe reproduction and pregnancy in negative terms because they continue the cycle of rebirth. But Buddhist scriptures also express love and gratitude for mothers, especially the Buddha’s two mother figures.

    Maya, the birth mother

    Maya and Mahaprajapati were sisters who both married the Buddha’s father, Suddhodana, who ruled the region of Kapilavastu along the India-Nepal border. Maya’s name means “illusion,” which refers to a Hindu and Buddhist concept that the material world conceals the true nature of reality.

    Maya’s dream of the Buddha’s conception. Pakistan, second to third centuries C.E.
    © The Trustees of the British Museum, CC BY-NC-SA

    Miracles related to Maya appear throughout stories of the future Buddha Siddhartha’s conception, gestation and delivery. Siddhartha is the Buddha of the current world cycle, but in Buddhist tradition there were other Buddhas in the past and there will be more Buddhas in the future. Each one goes through many rebirths before they attain Buddhahood, and each Buddha’s final rebirth follows the same pattern. According to Buddhist texts, Buddhas-to-be wait for the right time to be born, they choose their own parents, and they are not conceived through sexual intercourse.

    Early Buddhist texts claim that Siddhartha chose Maya as his mother because of her purity and entered her right side in the form of an elephant while she was sleeping. According to some Buddhist scriptures, during Maya’s pregnancy the future Buddha never actually touched her womb, which was considered impure in early Indian Buddhism. When Siddhartha was born, he is said to have emerged from Maya’s right side as she stood, holding onto a tree branch.

    The future Buddha Siddhartha being born from Maya’s right side as she stands, holding the tree. India, 11th century C.E.
    Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Purchase, Gift of Dr. Mortimer D. Sackler, Theresa Sackler and Family, and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 2007

    Maya died seven days after her son’s birth, meaning that she did not live to see him become an enlightened Buddha. As the Buddha, even though Siddhartha encouraged his followers to leave domestic life and cut family ties, he never forgot his birth mother.

    Thanks to her good karma, Maya had been reborn in the heavens as a god, but in Buddhism gods are not as spiritually advanced as Buddhas. The Buddha used his spiritual powers to travel to the heavens, where he preached to Maya and encouraged her progress on the Buddhist path.

    One Chinese text claims that Maya spontaneously lactated upon hearing her son’s words, showing that the bond between mother and son remained strong even after her death.

    Mahaprajapati, the foster mother

    Siddhartha’s aunt Mahaprajapati became his foster mother after Maya died. She cared for the young Siddhartha and breastfed him, having just given birth to her own biological son, Nanda.

    When Siddhartha was preparing to leave home to follow a spiritual path, the chariot driver tried to convince him to stay by reminding Siddhartha how Mahaprajapati nursed him and telling Siddhartha he should be grateful for her motherly kindness.

    Siddhartha left home anyway, which caused Mahaprajapati to collapse out of grief. According to the Mahavastu, the earliest Sanskrit biography of the Buddha, her “eyes, as a result of her tears and grief, had become covered as with scales, and she had become blind.” It was only after Siddhartha returned as the Buddha that her sight was restored.

    A scene depicting the Buddha in the center with Mahaprajapati to his right, pleading with him to establish a nuns’ order. Pakistan, second to third centuries C.E.
    © The Trustees of the British Museum, CC BY-NC-SA

    At around the same time as the Buddha’s return to his kingdom of Kapilavastu, his father Suddhodana died, making Mahaprajapati a widow. The books with rules for Buddhist monks and nuns, known as the Vinaya, report that Mahaprajapati approached the Buddha to ask whether women like her, as well as women whose husbands had become monks, could leave home to join the Buddha’s monastic order.

    The Buddha eventually agreed to this request but warned that including women as nuns would cut short the lifespan of Buddhist teachings in the world from 1,000 years to 500 years. Mahaprajapati became the first Buddhist nun, reaching enlightenment before passing away at the age of 120.

    Scholars of Buddhism do not necessarily treat this episode as literally true, but instead see it as a reflection of mixed attitudes toward admitting women as nuns in the early Buddhist community. These mixed attitudes can still be seen today – for example, in the unwillingness to reinstate the order of nuns in Southeast Asia, which died out centuries ago.

    In Buddhism, nuns must be ordained by a group of 10 fully ordained monks and fully ordained nuns. An order of nuns still survives in China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, where Mahayana Buddhism is practiced. However, the monastic leaders in Southeast Asia, where Theravada Buddhism is practiced, decided that Mahayana nuns could not ordain Theravada nuns, leaving countries such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar without fully ordained nuns.

    Legacies of the Buddha’s mothers

    Both Maya and Mahaprajapati were loving mothers in the Buddha’s life story, but it is Mahaprajapati who has remained more of an inspiration for Buddhist women.

    Reiko Ohnuma, a scholar of South Asian Buddhism, argues that Maya is remembered in Buddhist tradition as an idealized, if passive, maternal figure. Her death shortly after the future Buddha’s birth serves as a reminder that life is impermanent and characterized by suffering.

    In contrast, Mahaprajapati lived a full life and played an active role in both raising the future Buddha and in advocating for women to join the monastic community. Early Buddhists may not have fully supported the inclusion of women in the Buddhist monastic community, but the nuns’ order was established nonetheless.

    Mahaprajapati made this opportunity possible thanks to her unique position as the Buddha’s foster mother.

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

    – ref. Buddha’s foster mother played a key role in the orphaned prince’s life – and is a model for Buddhists on Mother’s Day – https://theconversation.com/buddhas-foster-mother-played-a-key-role-in-the-orphaned-princes-life-and-is-a-model-for-buddhists-on-mothers-day-255368

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: After Strong Quarter, Radware Announces U.S. Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAHWAH, N.J., May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, is executing an aggressive strategy to expand its market presence and accelerate growth across its cloud services business in the U.S. The company is making strategic new hires, adding tech alliances, and reinforcing its commitment to AI innovation. The announcement follows Radware’s report on its strong first quarter financial results.

    “Increasing business opportunities have led us to fast track an aggressive U.S. growth plan,” said Roy Zisapel, Radware’s president and chief executive officer. “We are doubling down our efforts in the region. This includes strengthening our bench of security experts, bringing more technical support and cloud delivery services closer to our customer base, and stepping up our competitive game. Our new U.S. executives have built a revenue generation engine designed to win customers and increase market share.”

    New U.S. leadership
    Radware is investing in a new team of seasoned security leaders, charged with overseeing growth across the region. Radware’s new U.S executives include Constance (Connie) Stack, chief growth officer; Randy Wood, senior vice president of North American sales; and Joshua Bafalis, director of acquisition sales.

    Stack joined Radware from NextDLP where she was CEO. During her 24-month tenure, she grew ARR by more than 300%, resulting in the company’s successful acquisition by Fortinet in August 2024. Wood previously served as senior vice president of North American sales at Akamai for five years, delivering consistent double-digit growth in application security during that time. Bafalis, formerly regional vice president of sales at Cloudflare, played a key role in scaling the Cloudflare channel and alliance business.

    Expanding workforce
    To accelerate growth, Radware has filled 30+ new positions in the U.S. across sales, marketing, cloud services, and customer support. The company has added account executive roles and cloud service engineers tasked with facilitating cloud delivery and a follow-the-sun service model. Interested candidates should visit the Radware careers page.

    New tech alliances
    In April, Radware announced a collaboration with SUSE. The partnership brings together the industry’s only Kubernetes Web Application and API Protection (KWAAP) from Radware with SUSE® Rancher Prime and SUSE® Security. The unique combination provides a world-class solution for modern application developers who need to secure distributed Kubernetes workloads at scale.

    Investing in AI
    Radware accelerated its AI innovation with the launch of AI SOC Xpert, a next-gen cloud service designed to fight AI-driven threats using agentic-AI threat detection and response. This addition to the Radware®EPIC-AI™ platform empowers SOC teams to instantly detect attacks, access real-time forensics, and deploy one-click, AI-generated remediation—cutting mean time to resolution by up to 95%.

    U.S. senior leadership commentary
    “Having spent the last 25 years of my career scaling early- and late-stage, venture- and PE-funded security start-ups to successful acquisitions, I know how to grow a SaaS business,” said Connie Stack, Radware’s chief growth officer. “We are putting these growth strategies into place, at scale at Radware. We have the tech and the team to dominate the U.S. application security market.”

    “Joining Radware is an exciting move,” said Randy Wood, Radware’s senior vice president of North American sales. “I know this space and the players in it; I’m confident that Radware’s superior tech can and will beat the competition. I see a clear path for Radware to lead. The strength of our first quarter performance is just the beginning—what’s ahead is even bigger.”

    “Many U.S. enterprises are still navigating their journey to the cloud and require both on-prem and cloud solutions,” said Josh Bafalis, Radware’s director of acquisition sales. “Unlike cloud-only competitors, Radware bridges on-prem and cloud seamlessly. We offer the expertise and tech to support businesses at every stage of their cloud transition without multi-vendor chaos and integration complexity.”

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, and YouTube.

    ©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” For example, when we say in this press release that our superior tech can and will beat the competition, we are using forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AI technologies that present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications and hardware that are developed by others; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The election of a new pope is announced with smoke: what do the colours mean, and how are they made?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Clare Johnson, Professor of Liturgical Studies and Sacramental Theology and Director of the ACU Centre for Liturgy, Australian Catholic University

    For nearly 800 years the Catholic Church has utilised the process of the conclave to elect a new pope. “Conclave” means “with a key”, indicating the cardinal-electors are locked up with a key to conduct their deliberations.

    With no direct communication to the outside world, a key feature of the papal election process is the use of smoke to signal the result of ballots and to announce the election of a new pope.

    Black smoke means a new pope has not been elected. White smoke means there is a new pope.

    So where does this tradition come from – and how do they achieve the different coloured smoke?

    Sending messages with smoke

    Smoke signals are one of the oldest forms of long-distance communication between humans. For millennia, smoke signals have been used to indicate danger, to call for a gathering of tribes/nations, to transmit news and to warn of enemy invasions

    Many indigenous peoples (such as those of North America, South America, China and Australia) are known for their sophisticated use of smoke signalling techniques to indicate specific messages to those at a distance.

    These techniques can include changing the location of the fire (such as halfway up or at the top of a hill), adjusting the colour of smoke (using different types of foliage or damp/dry foliage) and the interruption or diversion of the smoke column at different intervals to produce particular patterns of smoke.

    Catholic incense

    Catholics utilise smoke in many rituals in the form of incense.

    Incense (from the Latin incendere, meaning “to burn”) signifies prayer, sacrifice and reverence for people and objects. This fragrant smoke symbolises the prayer of the assembly rising up to God. Psalm 141:2 asks “may prayer be set before you like incense”. In Revelations 8:3–5, an angel is “given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people”.

    Catholics use incense during entrance processions, as with these altar boys swinging the thurible.
    Bilderstoeckchen/Shutterstock

    Catholics inherited their use of incense from its use in Jewish temple rituals and Greek imperial court rituals.

    The smoke from the incense is used to show reverence toward the Gospel book, the presiding celebrant, the gifts of bread and wine offered at Mass, the altar, cross, the Easter Candle and the body of the deceased at a funeral.

    This holy smoke is a visual and olfactory signal of the congregation’s offerings of supplication and praise rising up to God.

    Crafting the smoke

    Once the conclave begins, the only form of communication between the cardinal-electors and the outside world will be smoke signals sent through the chimney of a stove specially installed in the Sistine Chapel for the duration of the conclave.

    The 1878 conclave was held at the Sistine Chapel. Smoke, depicted here, indicated there was no new pope.
    Wikimedia Commons

    The tradition of burning the ballots goes back to at least 1417, though it wasn’t until the 18th century that the first chimney was installed in the Sistine Chapel. At this time, the appearance of smoke at set times indicated no new pope had been elected; while the absence of smoke indicated there was a new pope.

    Prior to this it is likely that a new pope was simply announced from the loggia (central balcony) of St Peter’s Basilica and a written announcement was posted outside for people to read.

    Since 1914, white smoke has indicated the election of a new pope. A stereotypical association of the colour of the smoke – white (positive) and black (negative) – lies behind the use of the two contrasting smoke colours.

    In 1904, Pius X (who was pope from 1903–14) mandated that all notes taken by cardinals during the election were to be burned along with the ballots themselves. This burning of notes also increased the volume of smoke, making it clearly visible to the public outside when his successor Pope Benedict XV was elected in 1914.

    The use of chemicals to ensure either black or white smoke was introduced after the 1958 conclave when damp straw added to papers from an unsuccessful ballot did not ignite at first. White smoke appeared before eventually turning black, causing confusion among the crowd gathered outside.

    A crowd watches as black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel at the 1922 conclave.
    Wikimedia Commons/Bibliothèque nationale de France

    In 2013, the Vatican Press Office released the chemical formulae used to create black and white smoke.

    To generate black smoke, potassium perchlorate and anthracene (a component of coal tar) fuelled with sulfur are electrically ignited. To generate white smoke, potassium chlorate, milk sugar and pine rosin are ignited.

    Using these smoke signals, the cardinals can communicate from within the conclave immediately and directly to the faithful awaiting the announcement of the Church’s 267th Pope.

    Clare Johnson 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 election of a new pope is announced with smoke: what do the colours mean, and how are they made? – https://theconversation.com/the-election-of-a-new-pope-is-announced-with-smoke-what-do-the-colours-mean-and-how-are-they-made-255595

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Elcogen and Casale SA sign Memorandum of Understanding

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Elcogen, a leading European manufacturer of technology that enables the efficient production of affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity, today announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Casale, a global provider of technologies and integrated engineering solutions to produce ammonia and other base chemicals. This is a non-exclusive Memorandum that will enable the parties to collaborate on green ammonia and other Power-to-X (P2X) projects.

    Under this MoU, the two companies will explore commercial projects of mutual interest, with a view to integrating Elcogen’s solid oxide electrolysis stack and stack module technology into Casale’s plants, and potentially other P2X applications globally. In turn, Elcogen can provide their technology platform and related technical services to support Casale in its process design efforts for developers on the international market.

    This partnership marks a significant milestone in the green energy transition, with the possibility of combining Casale’s proven, mature process design expertise with Elcogen’s cutting-edge Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) technology for highly efficient green hydrogen production.

    Driving the future of sustainable solutions with green hydrogen

    Ammonia production, which today relies primarily on hydrogen derived from natural gas, has traditionally been dependent on fossil fuels, making it a significant source of CO2 emissions. However, by coupling green hydrogen technology into ammonia production and leveraging renewable energy sources, the new process can significantly reduce emissions, offering a cleaner and more sustainable solution for the industry. Combining Elcogen’s efficient SOEC technology with Casale’s high-performance ammonia solutions, the parties will be able to propose leading solutions to the green ammonia market. SOEC is ideally suited to integration with industrial processes, producing hydrogen directly where it is needed as feedstock.

    “Solid oxide technology is on track to reach cost parity with PEM and Alkaline systems soon, and once it does, it will offer even greater value. With a lower levelised cost of hydrogen, greater scalability, and a lack of reliance on precious materials like iridium and platinum, it’s a future-proof technology that’s expected to become a key player in the green ammonia space as it matures. This will provide a competitive advantage to both companies,” said Mikael Jansen, Director of Business Development at Elcogen, adding, “This MoU is an exciting step forward. With over 100 years of experience, Casale is a world-class player, and we are humbled that a major ammonia technology provider shares our same vision. Together, we are making a tangible contribution to world sustainability goals. We’re poised to set a new standard for sustainable ammonia production”.

    SOEC technology offers unparalleled advantages compared to water electrolysis. It requires less electricity to produce hydrogen due to faster and more efficient kinetics, and it can use steam generated from the waste heat of industrial processes – such as ammonia production – further reducing the electricity needed for hydrogen production. Unlike water electrolysis, it produces little to no waste heat itself. The elcoStack® technology platform operates at a lower temperature compared to many other solutions while retaining high efficiency and power densities, providing a simpler and more cost-efficient solution for integrating solid oxide technology into an electrolyser system.

    “Observing Elcogen’s achievements in solid oxide technology, we see a highly complementary fit with Casale’s deep expertise in process integration and plant design. This collaboration opens new possibilities for industrial applications of green hydrogen, particularly in ammonia production and also in other technologies. We believe this partnership will allow both companies to explore innovative solutions in the Power-to-X space, building on our shared commitment to accelerate the energy transition,” said Federico Zardi, CEO of Casale SA.

    Elcogen Contact: Laura Quinton, Communications Manager, Laura.Quinton@elcogen.com +358(0)456163133

    Casale Contact: Maria San Antonio Alonso, Marketing & Communications Manager, m.sanantonio@casale.ch +41 91 6419330

    About Casale

    Founded in 1921, Casale is a privately-owned Swiss company headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, with over a century of expertise offering integrated technologies, engineering, contracting and construction solutions for the chemical and fertilizer industries. With more than 450 professionals across Switzerland, the Czech Republic, China, India, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Brazil, Casale is a global leader in sustainable fertilizer production technologies.

    Casale is among the few licensors that can provide the entire fertilizer production chain of ammonia, urea, nitric acid, nitrates, phosphates, in addition to key chemicals such as melamine, methanol. Focused to build sustainable plants for a better planet, the portfolio of solutions also includes innovative technologies to produce green and blue ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen delivering thus a complete range of solutions for new plants and for plants retrofits (revamping).

    Casale delivers, both for plant revamping and new plants, a comprehensive range of services and products including:

    • know-how and licensing of core technologies
    • full range of engineering services, from feasibility studies to basic, FEED, and detail design
    • equipment and materials supply
    • EP/EPC project contracting
    • digital solutions for plant control and management
    • repair and maintenance services

    Casale offers a full range of services consistently prioritizing continuous innovation and operational excellence. Casale’s ability to weave its deep commitment to the research and development of clean technologies into every aspect of its design, construction and renovation projects underlines its leadership in energy transition and sustainability.

    www.Casale.ch

    About Elcogen

    Elcogen develops and supplies solid oxide fuel cell and electrolysis technologies, enabling the production of affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity across diverse sectors, from residential to large-scale industrial applications. Founded in 2001, the Company has its registered office in the UK, its main headquarters in Tallinn, Estonia, and R&D centres of excellence in both Estonia and Finland. Serving a growing global customer base, Elcogen’s fuel and electrolyser cells, stacks, and modules are integrated into third-party systems, delivering exceptional performance and reliability. In addition to the supply of components, Elcogen offers comprehensive services to support technology integration, ensuring seamless adoption and optimal functionality of its solutions in various applications. These systems are designed to unlock the full potential of renewable energy, offering superior efficiency compared to traditional technologies. Together with its partners, Elcogen is shaping a sustainable energy landscape and leading the way to a net-zero future.

    www.elcogen.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Radware Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Highlights

    • Revenue of $72.1 million, an increase of 11% year–over–year
    • Cloud ARR of $80 million, an increase of 19% year-over-year
    • Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.27 vs. $0.16 in Q1 2024; GAAP diluted EPS of $0.10 vs. $(0.03) in Q1 2024
    • Cash flow from operations of $22.4 million in Q1 and $72.9 million over the trailing 12 months

    TEL AVIV, Israel, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, today announced its consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “We had a strong start to 2025 with first quarter revenue rising 11% year-over-year, marking our third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. In addition, our strong non-GAAP EPS growth and cash flow from operations reflect the high leverage in our business model,” said Roy Zisapel, Radware’s president and CEO.

    Financial Highlights for the First Quarter 2025
    Revenue for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $72.1 million:

    • Revenue in the Americas region was $27.4 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 1% from $27.1 million in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Revenue in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) region was $28.4 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 25% from $22.7 million in the first quarter of 2024.
    • Revenue in the Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) region was $16.3 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 7% from $15.3 million in the first quarter of 2024.

    GAAP net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $4.3 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss of $1.2 million, or $(0.03) per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024.

    Non-GAAP net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $11.8 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $6.8 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2024.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term bank deposits, and marketable securities of $447.9 million. Cash flow from operations was $22.4 million in the first quarter of 2025.

    Non-GAAP results are calculated excluding, as applicable, the impact of stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets, litigation costs, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net, and tax-related adjustments. A reconciliation of each of the Company’s non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is included at the end of this press release.

    Conference Call
    Radware management will host a call today, May 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss its first quarter 2025 results and second quarter 2025 outlook. To participate on the call, please use the following numbers:
    U.S. participants call toll free: 1-877-704-4453
    International participants call: 1-201-389-0920

    A replay will be available for seven days, starting two hours after the end of the call, on telephone number 1-844-512-2921 (US toll-free) or 1-412-317-6671. Access ID 13752770.

    The call will be webcast live on the Company’s website at: http://www.radware.com/IR/. The webcast will remain available for replay during the next 12 months.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information and Key Performance Indicators
    In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Radware uses non-GAAP measures of gross profit, research and development expense, selling and marketing expense, general and administrative expense, total operating expenses, operating income, financial income, net, income before taxes on income, taxes on income, net income and diluted earnings per share, which are adjustments from results based on GAAP to exclude, as applicable, stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets, litigation costs, acquisition costs, restructuring costs, exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net, and tax–related adjustments. Management believes that exclusion of these charges allows for meaningful comparisons of operating results across past, present, and future periods. Radware’s management believes the non-GAAP financial measures provided in this release are useful to investors for the purpose of understanding and assessing Radware’s ongoing operations. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included with the financial information contained in this press release. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures in evaluating and operating the business and, as such, has determined that it is important to provide this information to investors.

    Annual recurring revenue (“ARR”) is a key performance indicator defined as the annualized value of booked orders for term-based cloud services, subscription licenses, and maintenance contracts that are in effect at the end of a reporting period. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or to replace either of those items. ARR is not a forecast of future revenue, which can be impacted by contract start and end dates and renewal rates and does not include revenue reported as perpetual license or professional services revenue in our consolidated statement of operations. We consider ARR a key performance indicator of the value of the recurring components of our business.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AI technologies that present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications and hardware that are developed by others; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, and YouTube.

    ©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    CONTACTS
    Investor Relations:
    Yisca Erez, +972-72-3917211, ir@radware.com

    Media Contact:
    Gerri Dyrek, gerri.dyrek@radware.com

    Radware Ltd.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (U.S. Dollars in thousands)
           
      March 31,   December 31,
      2025   2024
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    Assets      
           
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents 114,239   98,714
    Marketable securities 55,118   72,994
    Short-term bank deposits 122,361   104,073
    Trade receivables, net 25,036   16,823
    Other receivables and prepaid expenses 9,627   14,242
    Inventories 13,511   14,030
      339,892   320,876
           
    Long-term investments      
    Marketable securities 31,229   29,523
    Long-term bank deposits 124,968   114,354
    Other assets 2,203   2,171
      158,400   146,048
           
           
    Property and equipment, net 14,584   15,632
    Intangible assets, net 10,758   11,750
    Other long-term assets 36,492   37,906
    Operating lease right-of-use assets 17,560   18,456
    Goodwill 68,008   68,008
    Total assets 645,694   618,676
           
    Liabilities and equity      
           
    Current liabilities      
    Trade payables 3,646   5,581
    Deferred revenues 119,329   106,303
    Operating lease liabilities 4,642   4,750
    Other payables and accrued expenses 55,678   51,836
      183,295   168,470
           
    Long-term liabilities      
    Deferred revenues 69,505   64,708
    Operating lease liabilities 12,497   13,519
    Other long-term liabilities 14,319   14,904
      96,321   93,131
           
    Equity      
    Radware Ltd. equity      
    Share capital 756   754
    Additional paid-in capital 560,833   555,154
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (140)   1,103
    Treasury stock, at cost (366,588)   (366,588)
    Retained earnings 130,194   125,850
    Total Radware Ltd. shareholder’s equity 325,055   316,273
           
    Non–controlling interest 41,023   40,802
           
    Total equity 366,078   357,075
           
    Total liabilities and equity 645,694   618,676
    Radware Ltd.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
    (U.S Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
             
        For the three months ended
        March 31,
        2025   2024
        (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
             
    Revenues   72,079   65,085
    Cost of revenues   13,990   12,812
    Gross profit   58,089   52,273
             
    Operating expenses, net:        
    Research and development, net   18,776   18,896
    Selling and marketing   31,281   29,701
    General and administrative   6,463   7,339
    Total operating expenses, net   56,520   55,936
             
    Operating income (loss)   1,569   (3,663)
    Financial income, net   4,875   3,608
    Income (loss) before taxes on income   6,444   (55)
    Taxes on income   2,100   1,167
    Net income (loss)   4,344   (1,222)
             
    Basic net income (loss) per share attributed to Radware Ltd.’s shareholders   0.10   (0.03)
             
    Weighted average number of shares used to compute basic net income (loss) per share   42,663,787   41,750,203
             
    Diluted net income (loss) per share attributed to Radware Ltd.’s shareholders   0.10   (0.03)
             
    Weighted average number of shares used to compute diluted net income (loss) per share   44,192,474   41,750,203
    Radware Ltd.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information
    (U.S Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
           
      For the three months ended
      March 31,
      2025   2024
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    GAAP gross profit 58,089   52,273
    Share-based compensation 120   79
    Amortization of intangible assets 992   992
    Non-GAAP gross profit 59,201   53,344
           
    GAAP research and development, net 18,776   18,896
    Share-based compensation 1,223   1,722
    Non-GAAP Research and development, net 17,553   17,174
           
    GAAP selling and marketing 31,281   29,701
    Share-based compensation 3,076   2,551
    Non-GAAP selling and marketing 28,205   27,150
           
    GAAP general and administrative 6,463   7,339
    Share-based compensation 1,479   2,395
    Acquisition costs 153   220
    Non-GAAP general and administrative 4,831   4,724
           
    GAAP total operating expenses, net 56,520   55,936
    Share-based compensation 5,778   6,668
    Acquisition costs 153   220
    Non-GAAP total operating expenses, net 50,589   49,048
           
    GAAP operating income (loss) 1,569   (3,663)
    Share-based compensation 5,898   6,747
    Amortization of intangible assets 992   992
    Acquisition costs 153   220
    Non-GAAP operating income 8,612   4,296
           
    GAAP financial income, net 4,875   3,608
    Exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net 492   153
    Non-GAAP financial income, net 5,367   3,761
           
    GAAP income (loss) before taxes on income 6,444   (55)
    Share-based compensation 5,898   6,747
    Amortization of intangible assets 992   992
    Acquisition costs 153   220
    Exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net 492   153
    Non-GAAP income before taxes on income 13,979   8,057
           
    GAAP taxes on income 2,100   1,167
    Tax related adjustments 62   62
    Non-GAAP taxes on income 2,162   1,229
           
    GAAP net income (loss) 4,344   (1,222)
    Share-based compensation 5,898   6,747
    Amortization of intangible assets 992   992
    Acquisition costs 153   220
    Exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net 492   153
    Tax related adjustments (62)   (62)
    Non-GAAP net income 11,817   6,828
           
    GAAP diluted net income (loss) per share 0.10   (0.03)
    Share-based compensation 0.14   0.16
    Amortization of intangible assets 0.02   0.02
    Acquisition costs 0.00   0.01
    Exchange rate differences, net on balance sheet items included in financial income, net 0.01   0.00
    Tax related adjustments (0.00)   (0.00)
    Non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share 0.27   0.16
           
           
    Weighted average number of shares used to compute non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share 44,192,474   42,875,058
    Radware Ltd.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
    (U.S. Dollars in thousands)
             
        For the three months ended
        March 31,
        2025   2024
        (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    Cash flow from operating activities:        
             
    Net income (loss)   4,344   (1,222)
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:        
    Depreciation and amortization   3,152   2,943
    Share-based compensation   5,898   6,747
    Amortization of premium, accretion of discounts and accrued interest on marketable securities, net   (161)   (73)
    Decrease in accrued interest on bank deposits   (1,790)   (9)
    Increase (decrease) in accrued severance pay, net   61   (58)
    Increase in trade receivables, net   (8,213)   (219)
    Decrease (increase) in other receivables and prepaid expenses and other long-term assets   (186)   605
    Decrease in inventories   519   1,004
    Increase (decrease) in trade payables   (1,935)   1,406
    Increase in deferred revenues   17,823   8,894
    Increase in other payables and accrued expenses   3,164   1,483
    Operating lease liabilities, net   (234)   (379)
    Net cash provided by operating activities   22,442   21,122
             
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
             
    Purchase of property and equipment   (1,112)   (1,774)
    Proceeds from (investment in) other long-term assets, net   109   (25)
    Investment in bank deposits, net   (27,112)   (17,898)
    Investment in, redemption of and purchase of marketable securities ,net   16,194   3,502
    Proceeds from other deposits   5,000   –
    Net cash used in investing activities   (6,921)   (16,195)
             
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
             
    Proceeds from exercise of share options   4   –
    Repurchase of shares   –   (839)
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   4   (839)
             
    Increase in cash and cash equivalents   15,525   4,088
    Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period   98,714   70,538
    Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period   114,239   74,626
    Radware Ltd.
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET INCOME (LOSS) TO EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA (NON-GAAP)
    (U.S Dollars in thousands)
           
      For the three months ended
      March 31,
      2025   2024
      (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
    GAAP net income (loss) 4,344   (1,222)
    Exclude: Financial income, net (4,875)   (3,608)
    Exclude: Depreciation and amortization expense 3,152   2,943
    Exclude: Taxes on income 2,100   1,167
    EBITDA 4,721   (720)
           
    Share-based compensation 5,898   6,747
    Acquisition costs 153   220
    Adjusted EBITDA 10,772   6,247
           
           
      For the three months ended
      March 31,
      2025   2024
           
    Amortization of intangible assets 992   992
    Depreciation 2,160   1,951
      3,152   2,943

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on President Trump’s Threats to Use Military Force in Mexico and Greenland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the lead Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Western Hemisphere subcommittee, released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s statements threatening to use U.S. military force to violate Mexican sovereignty and invade a NATO ally:
    “Throughout my travels in Virginia, I’m hearing about the need to stabilize our economy and lower prices—not start new wars right across our southern border in Mexico, or with our NATO ally Denmark. Using U.S. military personnel in this manner would be a waste of taxpayer money and military resources at a time when we should be focusing on how to best counter real adversaries like China, Russia and Iran, and on serious law enforcement initiatives to tackle the threats posed by cartels.
    “The Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare wars and to authorize the use of military force; there is no authorization for military action within Mexican or Danish territory. Should Trump order unauthorized military action in Mexico or Greenland, I will immediately file legislation to force a vote to stop it. If we’re going to order our young men and women in uniform to risk their lives in conflict, we owe it to them to have a robust debate and vote.”
    For years, Kaine has been the leading voice in Congress raising concerns over Presidents’ efforts to expand the use of military force without congressional authorization. In September of 2017, Kaine wrote a piece in TIME warning of the consequences if Trump pulled out of the nuclear deal with Iran. In July of 2018, Kaine wrote a piece in The Atlantic warning that President Trump was blundering toward war with Iran. In 2020, Kaine’s bipartisan war powers resolution seeking to avoid a needless war with Iran passed both houses of Congress with bipartisan majorities. Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations of Military Force and formally end the Gulf and Iraq Wars was passed by the Senate in 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How do you put a tariff on movies? Here’s what Trump’s plan could mean for Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark David Ryan, Professor, Film, Screen, Animation, Queensland University of Technology

    Kirk Wester/Shutterstock

    US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a plan to impose a 100% tariff on movies “produced in foreign lands” could have a massive impact on the global entertainment industry.

    Film and television production is increasingly part of an interconnected global system. Hollywood’s major studios and global streaming giants use a diverse range of locations around the world, sometimes working across multiple countries for a single project.

    Doing so allows them to leverage production incentives and tax shelters offered by different countries, take advantage of exchange rates to lower their production costs, and more.

    They also film offshore, for example in China, as strategic co-productions and feature iconic locations and local actors to appeal to audiences in that specific national market.

    Many countries have become important hubs in this global system of production. Australia is a significant player. So, how exactly might Trump’s tariffs work? And why is so much Hollywood film made internationally in the first place?

    ‘Movies made in America’

    Trump made the announcement in a post on the social media network Truth Social. But his original statement is vague and lacks crucial detail.

    Based on his post, this proposal could include any foreign movie imported into the United States. More likely, though, it refers to US movies filmed (in part or wholly) overseas.

    Trump’s statement only singles out movies. He doesn’t mention television series for broadcasters, or specifically film and television programs made for streaming platforms.

    This suggests a focus on movies made by Hollywood studios. It may or may not include content made by streamers such as Netflix.

    Tariffs on tickets?

    Movies are a kind of intellectual property. They’re intangible products or services, not physical goods. If a tariff was applied to movies, they’d become the first service in the current trade war to receive one.

    So what tariffs or regulations could be applied?

    One option would be a levy on distributors releasing US movies made overseas. Another option would be to adapt the French TSA model, which levies a tax on all cinema tickets. In France, this money is reinvested into the local industry. The US could impose such a tax on tickets for films with production components overseas.

    Both options would pass the costs on to consumers. A drop in already fragile cinema attendance or revenues could simply cause studios to reduce the number of movies made for theatrical release.

    Studios might instead concentrate on making movies and television series for their own streaming platforms, such as Disney+ and Paramount+.

    One option could be to impose a tax directly on tickets for US cinemagoers.
    bbernard/Shutterstock

    Taxing production

    Could the tax be imposed in other ways? Many US studio movies, and television programs, are at least partly, if not wholly, filmed internationally. But they are still US-controlled movies and still dominate the box office in many countries worldwide.

    Could the revenue of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024), filmed on the Gold Coast in Australia, specifically be targeted and taxed for being made overseas, in contrast to a Hollywood movie made completely at home?

    Would there be a sliding scale based on how much of a film is shot overseas? Would the tax apply to post-production or only production? The process of reviewing and enforcing this would be complex.

    Another option may be taxing the portion of a movie’s production budget obtained from foreign tax incentives.

    Major blockbusters filming in Australia are eligible for tax rebates and incentives, which can equate to almost half, or more, of the money they spend in Australia. But exactly how the US would review and regulate such a tax is again unclear.

    Many of the major film studios now have their own dedicated streaming platforms.
    Tada Images/Shutterstock

    Australia’s film industry

    International film and television production expenditure in Australia now averages A$880 million each year. International movies alone account for about half of that figure.

    And the number of movies and television series being filmed in Australia has increased dramatically since the outbreak of COVID.

    Production expenditure here on both local and international productions jumped from just over $1 billion in 2019–20 to about $2.4 billion in 2022–23.

    There are numerous reasons for this. Australia became a more popular international production hub after serving as a “production bubble” during the pandemic, as restrictions forced filming to shut down in many other countries. Relationships were forged between local producers, crews, film agencies and studios.

    The reputation of places like the Gold Coast, known for talented crews and stunning filming locations, has also played an important role in continually luring studios back.

    The biggest draw card

    But the major reason is the strong pull of Australia’s tax incentives for filming content here.

    In Australia, international film and television programs are eligible for a 30% “location offset” on eligible production expenditures. If a project qualifies, producers will receive a provisional certificate, and they can claim a fixed 30% rebate for expenses in an income tax return for the relevant year.

    There’s also a 30% offset on eligible post-production and visual effects work. And these incentives can be “stacked” on top of an extra 10–15% in incentives from state screen agencies (such as Screen QLD).

    Some combined federal and state-based production offsets amount to rebates of 50%, or more, of a project’s production spend in Australia.

    Why Australia is worried

    International productions, which are quite different to local film and television programs, generate employment for many local actors and technical professionals. The loss of this film production would dramatically reduce employment for local professionals.

    If these levies are imposed only on movies that screen theatrically, then television series and streaming films and series could continue to film in Australia unaffected. That would lessen the impact on local industries. If the definition includes both, the impact could be dramatic.

    Mark David Ryan has received funding from the Gold Coast Film Commission. He is affiliated with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

    – ref. How do you put a tariff on movies? Here’s what Trump’s plan could mean for Australia – https://theconversation.com/how-do-you-put-a-tariff-on-movies-heres-what-trumps-plan-could-mean-for-australia-255948

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Lawler Delivers Opening Remarks at Hearing on Counterterrorism

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Michael Lawler delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled, “Maximum Impact: Assessing the Effectiveness of the Bureau of Counterterrorism and the Path Forward.”

    Watch Here

    -Remarks-

    Good afternoon, and thank you to our witnesses for being here today. From the Houthis in Yemen to al-Shabaab in the Sahel to ISIS in Afghanistan, global terrorism remains a persistent and evolving threat to the safety and security of Americans both at home and abroad. Terrorism endangers lives, destabilizes regions, disrupts commerce, and undermines U.S. interests worldwide.

    While countering violent extremism has long required a comprehensive whole-of-government approach, the threat landscape has evolved, yet our counterterrorism strategy has not kept pace. Today, we examine the critical role of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism and the Bureau of Counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of State.

    Established by Congress in 1998, the Coordinator for Counterterrorism was created to serve as a central node for U.S. diplomatic efforts to combat terrorism abroad. Now housed within the Bureau of Counterterrorism, the Coordinator leads a team that advances U.S. counterterrorism policy and coordinates with partner nations globally.

    The Bureau’s work includes diplomatic engagement, designating terrorist entities, implementing targeted assistance programs, and training foreign law enforcement, border control, and judicial officials to identify, disrupt, and prosecute terrorist actors and networks. These overseas investments provide national security benefits at home.

    To succeed in today’s evolving environment, the Bureau must function effectively within the broader interagency framework, coordinating closely with partners such as the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, and various intelligence and law enforcement agencies. A clearly defined mission and delineated authorities are essential to prevent duplication and conflict.

    Effective coordination is especially critical when confronting state sponsors of terrorism, particularly Iran. In 2024, Iran exported an estimated 587 million barrels of oil, a 10.75% increase from the previous year. These revenues likely support terrorist proxies, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

    I’m especially interested in how the Bureau disrupts financial and trade networks fueling Iran’s terrorism, and whether our security assistance aligns with counterterrorism priorities. The Bureau can assess partner nation capabilities, but it’s unclear how these assessments influence funding decisions. For instance, Morocco and Lebanon face different threats but receive similar foreign military financing.

    We should consider whether the Bureau should have a more formal role in prioritizing security assistance when counterterrorism is the primary objective. At a time when adversaries like China and Russia seek to undermine U.S. leadership, it’s critical for Congress to strengthen the authority, mission, and effectiveness of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism.

    Through reauthorization, we must ensure every dollar spent and every diplomat deployed supports American safety and security. Under the Trump administration, we now have the opportunity to modernize our counterterrorism approach and chart a stronger path forward.

    Our witnesses today bring valuable experience from leading the Bureau and analyzing U.S. security policy. Their testimony will help identify structural challenges and key reforms needed from Congress.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Milesight UG65-868M-EA

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    View CSAF

    1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • CVSS v4 6.1
    • ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
    • Vendor: Milesight
    • Equipment: UG65-868M-EA
    • Vulnerability: Improper Access Control for Volatile Memory Containing Boot Code

    2. RISK EVALUATION

    Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow any user with admin privileges to inject arbitrary shell commands.

    3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

    3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

    The following versions of UG65-868M-EA, an industrial gateway, are affected:

    • UG65-868M-EA: Firmware versions prior to 60.0.0.46

    3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

    3.2.1 Improper Access Control for Volatile Memory Containing Boot Code CWE-1274

    An admin user can gain unauthorized write access to the /etc/rc.local file on the device, which is executed on a system boot.

    CVE-2025-4043 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:N).

    A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2025-4043. A base score of 6.1 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:H/SA:N).

    3.3 BACKGROUND

    • CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Energy
    • COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
    • COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: China

    3.4 RESEARCHER

    Joe Lovett of Pen Test Partners reported this vulnerability to CISA.

    4. MITIGATIONS

    Milesight released the latest firmware Version 60.0.0.46 for the UG65 gateway. Users can download the latest firmware from the Milesight download center.

    Please contact Milesight technical support for more information about this issue and for instructions for installing the latest firmware.

    CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as:

    • Ensure that principles of least privilege are followed.
    • Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the Internet.
    • Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
    • When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

    CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.

    CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

    CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.

    Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.

    Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.

    No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time.

    5. UPDATE HISTORY

    • May 6, 2025: Initial Publication

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jiangsu Normal University delegation visits Polytechnic

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University and Jiangsu Normal University continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, which started in 2015. The Polytechnic was visited by a representative delegation from China, which included Vice-Rector of Jiangsu Normal University Dong Xiaochen, Secretary of the SPbPU-CPU Joint Engineering Institute Yin Yanping, Director of the Electrical Institute of CPU Duan Na and Deputy Director of the Joint Engineering Institute Wang Li.

    Over the years of cooperation, the Joint Engineering Institute SPbPU-CPU, opened in 2016, has trained more than a thousand graduates in the fields of electronics, mechanical engineering, infocommunication technologies and communication systems. The annual student intake is 200-250 people, and the total number of students exceeds 2000. At the Russian Language Center based at the CPU, Chinese students are jointly taught by teachers from our universities.

    Representatives of the universities discussed plans to expand cooperation at the meeting. SPbPU proposed to include new areas: artificial intelligence, digital technologies in construction, intelligent systems for managing production processes, energy, including nuclear and digital, where the university has unique experience.

    The key challenge remains the level of Russian language proficiency among Chinese students. To achieve this goal, it is planned to strengthen knowledge control by sending more SPbPU teachers to China to conduct classes and assessments.

    As part of the development of our long-term partnership, we strive to optimize educational programs so that they meet modern standards and requirements. Particular attention is paid to strengthening the language base: we propose to gradually improve the level of proficiency in Russian by involving SPbPU experts in student assessment, – noted Vice-Rector of Jiangsu Normal University Dong Xiaochen.

    The parties agreed to expand the areas and implement new educational models.

    We were the first to create such an institute. We are confident that we will remain leaders in international educational partnership. Our task is to maintain the quality of training, relying on the unique competencies of our universities, – emphasized the Vice-Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU Dmitry Arsenyev.

    The development of the Joint Engineering Institute opens up new opportunities for strategic partnership in the field of high technologies, combining advanced educational methods and research potential.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort to Open July 5

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    SHANGHAI, May 7 (Xinhua) — LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort, the world’s largest Legoland, will officially open on July 5, its operator Merlin Entertainments announced Wednesday.

    “The announcement of the grand opening date is a major milestone for LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort,” said John Jacobsen, chief strategy officer at Merlin Entertainments, adding that the Shanghai resort “will bring the LEGO experience to life on a grand scale.”

    Located in Shanghai’s Jinshan District, the 318,000 square metre resort is a LEGO theme park and hotel for children aged 2 to 12 and their families.

    The resort features more than 75 interactive rides, shows and entertainment structures, as well as thousands of LEGO models across eight exciting “lands”.

    Shanghai is emerging as a key investment destination for international theme park operators looking to capitalise on China’s expanding entertainment and travel market.

    The influx of new international brands follows the success of two major predecessors: Shanghai Disney Resort and Universal Beijing Resort. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: China and Russia have the same views on promoting a multipolar world and democratizing international relations – Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, May 7 (Xinhua) — China and Russia effectively shoulder the responsibilities befitting major powers and share the same views on promoting a multipolar world and democratizing international relations, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an interview with Xinhua.

    As the diplomat noted, China and Russia are major world powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council. Beijing and Moscow share the same views on promoting a multipolar world and democratizing international relations, and are firm in upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, clearly opposing hegemonism and power politics. The two sides are jointly pursuing the path of promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, supporting each other’s major international initiatives and achieving fruitful results in the application of the principle of multilateralism, Zhang Hanhui added.

    The modern world is undergoing changes unseen in a century, the diplomat said. According to him, China and Russia will continue to expand the solidarity of the Global South, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, as well as an inclusive and beneficial economic globalization. China and Russia will properly fulfill their responsibilities as major powers, hold high the banner of genuine multilateralism, jointly safeguard the international system with the UN as the core, expand and strengthen cooperation within the SCO and BRICS, protect the interests and unite the joint efforts of the Global South, and promote the development of the global governance system in the direction of greater fairness and rationality, the diplomat said.

    This year, Beijing and Moscow are working together to ensure the success of the “Year of China” in the SCO, support Brazil in hosting the BRICS summit and the climate conference, and support South Africa in organizing the G20 summit, Zhang Hanhui noted. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania – B10-0265/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alexandr Vondra, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Ivaylo Valchev, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0265/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania

    (2025/2690(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Tanzania;

    – having regard to Rules 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. Whereas Tundu Lissu, Chair of the opposition party Chadema and a prominent Tanzanian opposition leader, has been subject to repeated threats, harassment, and persecution by the Tanzanian authorities due to his political activities and outspoken criticism of the government;

    B. Whereas Tundu Lissu narrowly survived an assassination attempt in 2017 and was forced into exile due to continued threats to his life, only to face renewed persecution upon his return to Tanzania;

    C. Whereas reports indicate that Tundu Lissu was recently arrested under dubious charges and now faces a credible risk of torture, inhumane treatment, or extrajudicial execution while in custody;

    D. Whereas the Tanzanian police prevented opposition from holding meetings and other political gatherings, subjecting participants and organisers to mass arrest, arbitrary detention and unlawful force and to journalists was denied their right to freedom of expression;

    E. Whereas journalists and media in Tanzania have also been persecuted and their fundamental freedoms are constantly violated by the authorities;

    F. Whereas international human rights organizations have condemned the targeting of opposition figures in Tanzania especially during 2024 a year marked by the forced arrest and disappearance of four government critics, one of whom has been confirmed dead/killed;

    1. Strongly condemns the arrest and continued persecution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of the main opposition party Chadema, and expresses deep concern over serious risk to his life and well-being while in custody;

    2. Strongly condemns the fact that Tanzania still retains death penalty in law even if has not been actively used for the last 10 years;

    3. Calls on the Tanzanian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Tundu Lissu and to ensure his safety, fair treatment, right to due process and full access to medical care and legal representation, in accordance with Tanzania’s international human rights obligations;

    4. Urges the Government of Tanzania to uphold the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and political pluralism, and to refrain from any actions that may intimidate, silence, or endanger opposition figures and civil society actors;

    5. Reiterates the need for the EU to ensure that its development cooperation with Tanzania is consistent with the promotion of human rights and democratic governance, keeping also in mind Russia’s and China’s growing influence and role in the region;

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Tanzanian Government, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the African Union, and the East African Community.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Introduction of regulations that violate the principles of the single market and weaken the competitiveness of the European battery sector – E-001710/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001710/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Dworczyk (ECR)

    The Commission is widely promoting its initiatives to boost the competitiveness of the EU economy. The simplest and most effective way to achieve this would be to protect and develop the sectors in which Europe has achieved a significant foothold. Unfortunately, the vested interests of some Member States and regulations introduced in a dubious manner are effectively killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

    The battery sector is a case in point. Thanks to huge investments, Poland is a leader in the production of lithium-ion batteries, an important element of the green transition and electro-mobility that gives Europe a chance to compete with China and the US. Instead of exploiting this potential, the Commission is pushing through regulations by way of a delegated act[1] which, under the guise of climate protection, introduce a methodology for calculating carbon footprints[2] that favours countries with low-carbon energy mixes and hits countries such as Poland hardest. Consequently, the Commission is weakening the European economy by undermining the principles of fair competition and the functioning of the single market – one of the greatest achievements of European integration.

    • 1.Why does the proposed methodology not take into account the actual energy consumption of production facilities or the decarbonisation measures taken, being based solely on the overall national energy mix?
    • 2.Bearing in mind that the introduction of such a methodology threatens to destroy the battery sector in Poland and weaken the competitiveness of this industry in the EU, what measures will the Commission take to ensure that the new regulations comply with the principles of equal treatment and fair competition in the single market?
    • 3.How does the Commission justify adopting such a far-reaching regulation with economic and legal implications by means of a delegated act rather than through the ordinary legislative procedure?

    Submitted: 29.4.2025

    • [1] A delegated act, pursuant to Article 290 TFEU, enables the Commission to supplement or amend non-essential elements of a legislative act, with limited oversight from the Parliament or the Council, which may only reject or accept the act as a whole. Unlike the ordinary legislative procedure, there is no possibility for amendments to be tabled or for interinstitutional negotiations to take place.
    • [2] The methodology for calculating the carbon footprint is based solely on the national energy mix, ignoring the actual energy consumption of production facilities and their decarbonisation efforts.
    Last updated: 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on violations of religious freedom in Tibet – B10-0248/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Ville Niinistö, Catarina Vieira, Maria Ohisalo, Erik Marquardt, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Leoluca Orlando
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0248/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Violations of Religious Freedom in Tibet

    (2025/2692(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Tibet,

    –  having regard to article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

    –  having regard to Articles 4 and 36 of the PRC Constitution,

    –  having regard to Rules 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.   whereas under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the Chinese Government has become increasingly more oppressive of religious minorities, for example by pursuing a policy of sinicization and assimilation of Tibetan Buddhism; whereas religious freedom conditions in China are among the worst in the world; whereas the  UN  indicated that there is prominent and credible evidence of China committing serious human rights violations against the Uyghur community which may amount to crimes against humanity;

    B.  whereas Tibetan Buddhists are systematically targeted by Chinese authorities; whereas Tibetan religious leader Humkar Dorje Rinpoche died allegedly while in custody in Vietnam following concerted actions with China’s Ministry of State Security on 29 March 2025; whereas the 11th Panchen Lama was abducted in 1995 and held captive ever since; whereas Tibetan children are forcibly enrolled in boarding schools aiming to erase their Tibetan identity; whereas the Tibetan population are under systematic surveillance through mandatory apps;

    C.   whereas the degradation of the human rights situation in China has put a strain on the relation with the EU and decisively contributed to making the rivalry dimension of the relation more prominent;

    1.   Strongly condemns the repression of religious minorities and the violation of universal human rights in Tibet by the PRC;

    2.   Urges the PRC to immediately end its oppressive assimilation policy and restriction of freedom of religion in Tibet and against other minorities;

    3.  Calls for an independent investigation into the death of Humkar Dorje Rinpoche and for the immediate release of the Panchem Lama; urges the EU to address PRC’s repression against diaspora groups and the Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC;

    4.   Reiterates its call on the PRC to reengage with the representatives of the 14th Dalai Lama with a view to establishing genuine autonomy for Tibetans within China;

    5.   Demands that the EU impose sanctions on officials and entities responsible for human rights violations in Tibet; stresses that since the introduction of sanctions for the human rights violations in Xinjiang in 2021 the situation has not improved and recalls Parliament’s requests for additional measures;

    6.   Insists that the systemic deterioration of human rights in China, including the situation in Tibet and in Xinjiang, and prominent individual cases such as Sakharov laureate Ilham Tohti, must feature prominently on the agenda of the next EU-China summit;

    7.  Calls on the EU to lead action at the UN Human Rights Council to create an independent investigative mechanism into China’s human rights abuses;

    8.   Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the HR/VP, the Member States, the Chinese authorities and government and the United Nations.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on violations of religious freedom in Tibet – B10-0259/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alberico Gambino, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Assita Kanko, Michał Dworczyk, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Bogdan Rzońca, Alexandr Vondra, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Maciej Wąsik, Marlena Maląg
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0259/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    (2025/2692(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on China and Tibet,

     

    A.  whereas on March 29, 2025, Tibetan Buddhist leader Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche reportedly  died under unclear circumstances in Chinese custody in Vietnam following his disappearance;

     

    B. whereas the legitimate 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, was abducted by Chinese authorities in 1995 and has been missing ever since;

     

    C. whereas May 17th marks the 30th anniversary of his abduction;

     

    D. whereas on January 2025, several monks from Kirti Monastery in Ngaba were detained for participating in a prayer ceremony commemorating Dalai Lama’s teachings, reportedly held without formal charges and denied access to legal representation;

     

    E. whereas the human rights situation inside Tibet  continues to deteriorate, with  reports of arbitrary detention, surveillance, cultural repression, and restrictions on movement and expression; whereas Tibetan Buddhism is increasingly subject to state interference, including mandatory alignment with the ideology of the Chinese Communist Party, state-controlled religious education, and the imposition of political content into monastic life; whereas religious communities have the right to carry out their essential functions freely, without external coercion;

     

    F. whereas UN experts have underlined that nearly one million Tibetan children are being  forcibly placed in state-run residential schools aimed at cultural and linguistic assimilation, where Tibetan language and traditions are excluded, reflecting a broader policy of forced assimilation;

     

    1. Expresses deep concern over the suspicious disappearance and sudden death of Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche in Chinese custody in Vietnam;

     

    2. Calls on Vietnam and China to determine the circumstances of Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche’s disappearance, death and the hast cremation of his body without his family’s consent;

     

    3. Condemns the abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, by the Chinese authorities and demands verifiable information about his fate;

    4. Urges the PRC government to fully respect its obligations under international law in Tibet, particularly with regard to the protection of cultural identity, freedom of religion or belief; condemns ongoing policies and practices that lead to the systematic erosion of Tibetan cultural and religious heritage, including restrictions on religious expression, interference in the selection of religious leaders, and the imposition of state ideology in monastic institutions;

    5. Calls on the EU to impose targeted sanctions under EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Chinese officials responsible for religious repression in Tibet; Encourages EU institutions and Member States to support Central Tibetan Administration’s efforts to preserve Tibetan culture and religion in exile;

    6. Expresses its support for the Tibetan Buddhist community to freely appoint the community’s religious leaders and uphold their cultural, linguistic, and religious freedoms without interference, and the right to preserve their distinct identity; recalls the EU’s firm position that the succession of the Dalai Lama must be determined solely by Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and condemns the PRC’s attempts to manipulate this process

    7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the EU Institutions, Member States, the government of the People’s Republic of China, and the government of Vietnam

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet – B10-0253/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch, Susanna Ceccardi
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0253/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    (2025/2692(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

     

    A.   whereas the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, was abducted by the People’s Republic of China authorities in 1995, at the age of six, just 3 days after being recognised by the Dalai Lama; whereas since that day he has not been seen again;

     

    B.   whereas the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama is one of the most troubling cases of religious and cultural repression in Asia in recent decades;

     

    C.   whereas the Chinese authorities deliberate and systematically targets influential Tibetan leaders, with enforced disappearances, persecutions, arbitrary arrests, physical abuses, prolonged detentions, and many other forms of oppression being an unacceptable pattern; whereas Tulku Hungkar Dorje is another example of a Tibetan leader being persecuted by the Chinese government;

     

    D.  whereas according to international human rights reports, the Chinese government has been systematically restricting the size of Buddhist monasteries and other institutions, evicting monks and nuns from monasteries, and prohibiting them from freely practicing;

     

     

    1.  Urges the Chinese government to, immediately and unconditionally, release to the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, as well as all the rest of arbitrarily arrested Tibetan leaders;

     

    2. Condemns in the strongest possible terms the fact that the Chinese government has been systematically oppressing Tibetan leaders with brutal measures, including enforced disappearances and restrictions on religious freedom;

     

    3. Condemns the systematic violations of the human rights by the Chinese authorities reported in Tibet;

     

    4.  Urges to the Chinese authorities to immediately stop its repression against freedom of religion, and refrain from monitoring, harassing, detaining or otherwise intimidating leaders and members of religious groups; strongly condemns the systematic attacks to restrict religious activities in China, and, in particular the legislation on Administrative Measures for Religious Activity Venues, which increase party-state oversight of such activities, introducing propaganda elements into religious content, as well as the forced affiliation of bishops with the state-controlled Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association;

     

    5. Is deeply concerned about the increasing levels of attacks, coercion, discrimination, harassment, violence and repression against religious freedom as a global phenomenon; in particular, condemns in the strongest possible terms the persecution against Christians, the most persecuted religious group in the world;

     

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the relevant parties.

     

     

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet – B10-0251/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

    B10‑0251/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the violations of Religious Freedom in Tibet

    (2025/2692(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regards to its previous resolution on the People’s Republic of China (PRC);

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

    A. Whereas Article 36 of the PRC Constitution states that citizens “enjoy freedom of religious belief” and explicitly prohibits any discriminating against citizens on the basis of their religious beliefs; whereas Article 11 of the Law on Regional National Autonomy provides that “the State shall protect normal religious activities,” and Article 3 of Measures for the Management of Religious Professionals reaffirms the “nation’s principle of religious independence and self-management”;

    B. Whereas the Regulations on Religious Affairs restrict contact with overseas religious institutions and travel abroad, limit the amount of donations, and mandate that the religious publications comply with guidelines of the Chinese Communist Party’s Propaganda Department;

    C. Whereas the Administrative Measures for Religious Clergy require religious groups to “strengthen political education” and clergy to pledge allegiance to the CCP and “persist in the direction of the Sinicization of the country’s religions”;

    D. Whereas the Measures for the Administration of Tibetan Buddhist Temples of 1 December 2024 further tightened state control over Tibetan Buddhism;

    E. Whereas the CCP’s United Front Work Department exercises direct control over all aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, including the recognition of lamas, the management of religious venues, organizations, personnel, and educational institutions; whereas the PRC government claims ultimate authority over the appointment of the next Dalai Lama;

    F. Whereas since 1994 PRC authorities have reportedly carried out widespread “patriotic re-education” in Tibetan Buddhist communities, restricted religious practices, destroyed sites and symbols, persecuted clergy, and detained individuals for honouring the Dalai Lama;

    G. Whereas Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, then six years old, disappeared along with his parents from their village in Tibet on 17 May 1995, just three days after being recognized by the Dalai Lama as the eleventh reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, and his whereabouts remain unknown;

    H. Whereas these violations of religious freedom and efforts to “Sinicize” faiths reflect broader discriminatory policies against ethnic minorities, consistent with similar repression in other regions, notably against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang;

     

    1. Condemns all forms of religious persecution in Tibet and across the PRC, including forced indoctrination and discrimination based on religion or belief;

    2. Calls for a clear separation between State and religion in China, grounded in principles of independence and non-interference in religious affairs;

    3. Asserts that the current rules and policies on religious activities go beyond the legitimate goal of protecting State secularism and “maintain and promote harmony among different religions, within the same religion, and between religious and non-religious citizens” recalled in the Administrative Measures for Religious Clergy;

    4. Urges the PRC authorities to uphold its Constitution and cease all forms of discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities;

    5. Calls on the PRC government to provide credible information regarding the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family and to permit their safe return to Tibet;

    6. Instructs to forward this resolution to the EU and PRC authorities.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –