Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Workers in Northern Ireland set for pay rise with new National Minimum Wage rates

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Workers in Northern Ireland set for pay rise with new National Minimum Wage rates

    The new rates come into effect from today (Tuesday, 1 April)

    • National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increase will put more money in the pockets of up to 170,000 of the lowest paid workers in Northern Ireland.
    • Real-terms pay rise will boost wages by £1,400 per year for an eligible full-time worker.
    • New rates put more money back into the pockets of working people, boost living standards and kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    Up to 170,000 workers in Northern Ireland will today (Tuesday 1 April) receive a pay rise as the new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates take effect. 

    Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will see a real-terms pay increase of £1,400 per year, helping to provide families with better financial stability, improve living standards and kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    This uplift will deliver security for working people and ease the pressure on their day-to-day finances. It also allows for further workers to potentially benefit from positive spill-over impacts including possible wage increases for those already earning more than the legal minimum.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:

    Today’s increase to the National Minimum and Living Wages will put more money in the pockets of up to 170,000 working people right across Northern Ireland.

    This increase in incomes will help growth as part of our Plan for Change, boost living standards and provide more financial security.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We promised to make low pay a thing of the past. Now, as part of our Plan to Make Work Pay and the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, we are delivering that.

    Low pay is not only bad for workers, it prevents them from spending on our high streets and allowing local businesses to achieve their full potential.

    By ensuring that everyone gets a fair wage for the hours they work, we’re delivering the financial stability needed to kick-start economic growth and ensure our country is fit for the future.

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said: 

    Hard work deserves to be rewarded and this Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay is making that a reality.

    We’re raising the floor for workers from the North Coast to Newry, putting more money into their pockets and delivering the increased living standards needed to kickstart economic growth across Northern Ireland.

    The full increases from 1 April 2025 are:

    • National Living Wage (21+) has increased 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour
    • National Minimum Wage (18-20) has a record increase of 16.2%, from £8.60 to £10 per hour
    • National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 18%, to £7.55 per hour
    • Apprentice Rate has the largest increase of 18%, from £6.40 to £7.55 per hour
    • Accommodation Offset of £10.66 per day

    This UK Government is unashamedly pro-worker which is why this year is the first where the Low Pay Commission, the body which recommends wage rates, was instructed to include the cost of living and inflation in its assessment. 

    On top of this the Employment Rights Bill, a key pillar in the Plan to Make Work Pay, will release an additional £600 a year to some of the lowest paid workers. This will ensure that these workers receive an uplift to wages that delivers better quality of life. 

    Workers in Northern Ireland have earned this pay rise and they need to make sure they get it. Visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to check if you are eligible.

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors

    • The Accommodation Offset is the maximum daily amount which an employer can charge without it amounting to a reduction of pay for National Minimum Wage purposes.
    • Workers and employers in Northern Ireland can contact the Labour Relations Agency helpline on 03300 555 300 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or their website: www.lra.org.uk.
    • The apprenticeship rate, and for 16- to 17-year-olds rises from £6.40 per hour to £7.55 per hour.
    • The UK government will be running a campaign from the 1st of April aimed at workers and businesses to remind them about the changes. Workers are being encouraged to check their pay, to ensure they aren’t underpaid. Employers are reminded to update their payroll.
    • Workers should check their pay and have a conversation with their employer if they don’t see a pay increase to ensure they receive the correct rate. They can also speak to Acas for further advice if required.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Polytechnic University hosted the case championship “Business Solutions — Result Technologies”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The case championship “Business Solutions — Result Technologies” was held at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. It was organized by the Center for Team Building and Project Solutions of IPMEiT together with the international company “First Bit”. Multipotential teams of IPMEiT students presented their solutions to the expert jury.

    The event was opened by the Director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin: The case championship is held as part of the interaction between IPMEiT and employers. The main goal of this interaction is to reduce the gap between the education system and the requirements of the modern labor market. The key goal of today’s event is to give students from different fields of study the opportunity to solve an important practical problem formulated by the employer. Today, students will demonstrate not only their significant skills to a professional jury, but also prove that any complex problem must be solved comprehensively, multi-faceted, by different specialists. This academic year, IPMEiT will defend 21 projects as final qualifying work at the request of the employer, where in this way it is no longer a separate case that is solved, but a complex problem of the employer. Students develop programs and program portfolios to improve the activities of real enterprises. We hope that the strategic result of today’s event will be long-term cooperation with the international company “First Bit”.

    Leading HR manager of the company “First Bit” Egor Mkritchyan, thanking the organizers of the championship, emphasized: Our goal is to build a bridge between the theoretical knowledge base and practical skills that are in demand in the labor market. Such events contribute to this.

    Tatyana Chernyak, the First Bit project manager for work with universities, analyzed the teams’ work and noted: We are happy to provide students with the opportunity to work on real business cases. This became possible thanks to the support of our employees. It is nice to see how students confidently answer complex questions and do not get lost in difficult situations. We strive to continue to support students in solving current problems and implementing projects so that they enter the labor market with confidence and readiness for any challenges.

    The case championship became an important stage in the process of training highly qualified specialists ready for the challenges of the modern market. IPMEiT students were able to apply the acquired knowledge in practice, gained experience working in a team and learned how to effectively present their ideas. The participation of representatives of the First Bit company gave students the opportunity to communicate and exchange experiences with representatives of real businesses and learn about the prospects for cooperation with the company. All teams were awarded diplomas and memorable prizes.

    The winner of the case championship was the team “PoliMind” under the leadership of Associate Professor of the HSE IPMEiT Yulia Akimova. The jury members noted the systematic, comprehensive approach and the deepest understanding of business processes in the performance of this team. The second-degree winners were the team under the leadership of Associate Professor of the HSE IPMEiT Sergey Krasnov. The jury members noted the strategic vision in solving the case. The third-degree winners were the team under the leadership of Associate Professor of the HSE IPMEiT Alex Krasnov. This team received the audience sympathy prize “Case of Sympathy”, established by the Center for Team Building and Project Solutions, for the most original and creative approach.

    Deputy Director of IPMEiT Anna Chernikova emphasized: IPMEiT has long been an innovative platform where new interesting approaches and projects in educational activities are tested. Training multipotential teams is one of such educational innovations. Within the framework of the case championship, several important tasks were solved – to implement the format of project work at the request of a qualified customer, to demonstrate the possibility of implementing projects by multipotential teams and to receive an assessment of the training of our students. I believe that such events are not only interesting and useful, but are a necessary element of the educational process.

    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 United Kingdom: Payslip boost for millions as new minimum wage rates take effect

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Payslip boost for millions as new minimum wage rates take effect

    Over 3 million eligible workers set for a pay rise of up to £1,400 a year as new National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates take effect.

    • Pay rise worth an extra £1,400 per year for an eligible full-time worker delivered from today.
    • New rates put more money back into the pockets of working people, boosting productivity and ending low pay.
    • More money to be spent in Britain’s high streets, kickstarting growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    Eligible full-time workers are set for a pay boost of up to £117 from this month thanks to the Government’s increase in the National Living Wage, which comes into effect today. 

    The move – which delivers the Government’s pledge to increase living standards in the Plan for Change – will put more money straight into working people’s pockets.  

    Thanks to the decision made in the Autumn Budget, the uplift means more money can be spent on the high street to boost the local economy and help kickstart economic growth – the Government’s central mission in its Plan for Change.  

    The changes will also see a pay boost for Britain’s young people – with the National Minimum Wage for younger workers and apprentices seeing a record cash increase. 

    This is the first step towards removing the unfair minimum wage age-bands that see a 21-year-old getting paid more than a 20-year-old for doing the same job. 

    Already, the UK is second in the G7 in terms of the minimum wage relative to average wages for a full-time worker – ahead of the US, Germany and Japan. This makes it one of the most financially secure countries in the world for workers. 

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:  

    This pay rise for over 3 million of the lowest paid workers was a priority for this government and means we’re already giving hard working people more money in their pockets and a proper wage increase worth over twice the rate of inflation. 

    These changes are part of our Plan for Change – to raise living standards for people across the county, including apprentices and young people, giving them more job security and the huge pay boost they deserve too. 

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    In the last Parliament, living standards were the worst on record and sky-high inflation was crushing working people’s finances.

    Today we have raised the national minimum and living wages, meaning the lowest paid will receive an annual pay boost of up to £2,500 – something that wouldn’t have happened without my Budget last year.

    Making work pay is good for workers, will strengthen businesses’ workforces, and will grow our economy for years to come. It’s a key milestone on my number one mission to get more money in people’s pockets as we deliver our Plan for Change.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

    We promised to make low pay a thing of the past. Now, as part of our Plan for Change and the biggest upgrade to worker’s rights in a generation, we are delivering that. 

    Low pay is not only bad for workers, it prevents them from spending on our high streets and allowing local businesses to achieve their full potential.  

    By ensuring that everyone gets a fair wage for the hours they work, we’re delivering the financial stability needed to kick-start economic growth and ensure our country is fit for the future.

    The Government is spending billions to support people suffering with the cost of living pressure that were inherited by the previous administration. This includes:  

    • £7.8 billion on State Pension spending, in line with the Triple Lock commitment so pensioners don’t get left behind
    • £3 billion to freeze the fuel duty – to help Britain’s drivers
    • £1 billion, including Barnett impact, to extend the Household Support Fund in England and Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales in 2025-2026
    • £460 million on Warm Homes – to help the poorest households heath their homes
    • £25 million boost for the carers allowance to better support people caring for a loved one.

    This is on top of the additional £7.8bn that the government is spending in 25/26 to protect the value of the state pension and to reflect changes in the population. 

    The Government is clear that the mission to grow the economy and raise living standards is a top priority and a strong economy can only be built when people have financial security whilst in work. 

    Recent research from ReWAGE and the University of Warwick shows that low pay can lead to mental health issues including depression, meaning more lost days and crippling productivity, leaving employers carrying the cost burden as well increasing costs to public services such as the NHS. 

    By putting more money into the pockets of the lowest paid, this increases workers’ financial security instead offering stability to help increase staff retention and lowering recruitment costs for businesses in the long run.   

    This uplift is an essential part of the Government’s plan for long-term national renewal and growth. 

    To ensure workers get the fairest deal, this rise is also the first that has taken into account the cost of living and inflation. 

    The uplift sits alongside the Employment Rights Bill, the most significant upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, and commitments to improve economic stability, get Britain building again, kickstart a skills revolution and bring forward a modern industrial strategy, and a plan to tackle inactivity.   

    The Government recognises that businesses will need more support next year. Ahead of permanently lowering tax rates for high street retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) from 2026/27, we have prevented the current RHL relief from ending this April, extending it for one year to ensure that over 250,000 RHL properties see a full 40 per cent reduction on their liability, and we have frozen the small business multiplier. 

    Julian Richer, founder of both retailer Richer Sounds and the Good Business Charter said: 

    One of the best ways to increase living standards and productivity in the UK is to put more money straight into people’s pockets with a National Minimum Wage increase that can be spent in shops and the economy to boost growth.  

    From this increase we can expect to see employee morale, productivity and retention all going up and hopefully will benefit millions of workers. 

    TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: 

    This increase in the national minimum wage will make a real difference to the lowest paid in this country and setting out a path to end the outdated and unfair youth rates will give young workers a boost up and down the country. 

    More money in working people’s pockets means more spend on our high streets – that’s good for workers and good for local economies. 

    Debbie Crosbie, CEO, Nationwide said: 

    The Government’s Plan for Change is a welcome and clear plan for growing the economy, strengthening businesses and supporting employees.  

    Eliminating low pay will make sure that everyone shares in the progress the country makes.  

    Nationwide has long championed the national minimum and living wage and we welcome this focus on improving living standards and boosting productivity.

    Peter Jelkelby, Chief Executive and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA UK and Ireland said: 

    People are at the heart of IKEA’s success, and we recognise the challenges they face from inflationary pressures and rises in the cost of living.  

    Businesses rely on a skilled, engaged and committed workforce, so ensuring that wages reflect the cost of living is the right route to providing that.

    Centrica Group Chief Executive, Chris O’Shea, said:  

    A strong, sustainable economy needs wages that rise in line with productivity and needs to ensure people can live well.  

    As a Real Living Wage employer, we applaud this uplift in the National Minimum Wage for the millions of workers who will power the country’s economic growth. Government and business need to work together to drive prosperity to ensure workers get their fair share and to reduce inequality and raising living standards. 

    With the right policy choices—particularly in our energy sector—we have a vital opportunity to unlock billions of pounds of investment, boost growth and productivity, while creating thousands more well-paid jobs across the UK.

    Danielle Harmer, Chief People Officer, Aviva said: 

    We’re proud to be a real Living Wage Employer in the UK, including for our contractors and suppliers who work on our sites.  

    Supporting our colleagues to thrive is good for them, our business, and our customers.

    Nicola Ryan, Director of Colleague Support at One+All in Greater Manchester, said:  

     
    “We are very pleased with the increase to the National Minimum and Living Wage.

    “This is great news for the millions of lower paid workers, as we know far too many working parents and their children are in poverty.

    “We know that employees who have less financial stress do a much better job which leads to higher productivity and customer satisfaction.”

    Notes to editors:   

    • The changes from 1 April mean:
    • The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over will rise from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 per hour.
    • The National Minimum Wage for 18- to 20-year-olds rises from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour.
    • The apprenticeship rate, and for 16- to 17-year-olds rises from £6.40 per hour to £7.55 per hour.
    • If someone is concerned that they’re not being paid the correct wage, they should speak to their employer. If the problem is not resolved, they can contact Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) by phoning 0300 123 1122, or complain to HMRC in confidence using the link www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. HMRC looks into every single complaint.
    • You can report possible underpayment of the National Minimum Wage to the ACAS Helpline and also online to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC):
    • https://www.gov.uk/pay-and-work-rights
    • https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints
    • Workers and employers in Northern Ireland can contact the Labour Relations Agency helpline on 03300 555 300 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or their website: www.lra.org.uk.
    • As of 2023, the UK had the second highest minimum wage bite of the G7 countries, that is the ratio of the minimum wage relative to median wages for a full-time worker. The OECD estimate that the bite of the minimum wage in the UK was around 60%, behind France (62%), and ahead of Germany (52%), Canada (50%), Japan (46%) and the USA (26%).

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Queqi Culture Media: He Global Digital Global Launch Ceremony was successfully held in Shanghai

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Queqi Culture Media: “China Consulting Model 4.0” Global Hé Project- Cultural Science and Technology Innovation Forum and Hé Global Digital Launching Ceremony was Successfully held in Shanghai

    On March 22, 2025, successfully held the “China Consulting Model 4.0” Culture Technology Innovation Forum and Hé Global Digital Launching Ceremony of the Global Hé Project at the Shanghai Center with the theme of “Hé Promulgate World Wisdom. Hé Create Prosperous Future”. Global representatives from politics, business and academia conducted in-depth discussions on “Hé Coexistence and Technological Civilization”. This is a milestone event that marks the entry of “Hé” culture into a new era of digital communication.

    A Feast of Ideas: Chinese Wisdom Matching World Propositions

    Prof. Kou Beichen, an anthropologist, creator of the “China Consulting Model”, founder of the Hé theory in the new era, and initiator of the global Hé project, stated that in the context of accelerated changes over the past century, the “China Consulting Model” was born from the ideal of human unity, the recognition of social bottleneck issues, and the condensation of the philosophy of survival and development. After 30 years of hard work, the academic research achievements are not only China’s, but also the worlds. We hope to accelerate the dissemination of globalization through the power of technology and contribute our modest efforts to the practice of a community with a shared future for mankind and the promotion of global governance. The attendees unanimously agreed that the Kèshēng philosophy of Hé in the “China Consulting Model”, combined with the “five management and five domains” system, provides a new paradigm for global governance and has breakthrough value in the field of cross-cultural management.

    Theoretical Innovation: Six in One Promotes Peace Across the World

    At the launch ceremony, Dr. Li Ru, Chairman of the Academic Committee of Kou Beichen, founding researcher follow of the “China Consulting Model”, Dean of the Hé College of the Genovasi University College, and core leader of the global Hé project, gave a detailed introduction to the achievement system and innovative value of the “China Consulting Model”. The “China Consulting Model” integrates philosophy, management, ethics, harmony, consulting, and education, with the goal of resolving discord and promoting harmonious coexistence. It can be widely applied in research, consulting, education, culture, and technology industries, and embodies the unique value of intellectual assets, industrial development, and social welfare. In particular, the results of the formation of the global Hé education discipline innovation, have been carried out for eight years, training several excellent master’s and doctoral talents. In the future, the value generated by the systematic radiation to the United Nations, countries around the world, social organizations, family members, and individual groups will be more reflected in the prevention of cultural conflicts, communication barriers, and development contradictions. The attendees highly appreciated and eagerly anticipated.

    Technology Empowerment: ” Hé intelligent” Digitalization Embarks on the Future

    Mr. Zhao Shuo, Director of Shanghai Jupeng Group, chairman of Hainan Jupeng Culture and Technology Co., Ltd., and core leader of the global Hé project, mentioned in his keynote speech ” Hé World · Hé Future – Empowering China’s Consulting Model with Artificial Intelligence to Create a Global Paradigm for Cultural Inheritance and Technological Innovation” that Chinese civilization has lasted for five thousand years, and the ” Hé” culture, with the philosophical core of “harmony in diversity” and “harmony among nations”, provides Oriental wisdom for solving complex problems such as global governance, business decision-making, and social collaboration. And the ‘China Consulting Model’ is the crystallization of this wisdom – it is not only a theoretical framework, but also a practical methodology. Jupeng Technology has deeply integrated the “China Consulting Model” with the DeepSeek big model to create the world’s first ” Hé Theory Vertical Field Intelligent Agent” – “Harmony Intelligence” (H é AI), a new generation decision engine with “Harmony” as its soul and “Intelligence” as its body, providing global users with solutions that combine ethical warmth and technological efficiency. The development of Hé digital coding is adapted to five core scenarios, giving attendees a refreshing and uplifting experience.

    Dr. Zhang Caifang, an Academician and a scientist, was appointed as the Chief Scientist of the Global Hé Project and delivered a special report titled “Cultural Inheritance and Global Collaboration in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, which deeply analyzed the huge space for intelligent development of the “China Consulting Model”.

    Cross border collaboration: practicing a community with a shared future for mankind

    The “China Consulting Model 4.0” Culture, Science and Technology Innovation Forum and the Global Launching Ceremony of the Hé Global Digitalization Project of the Global Hé Project were glittering with the participation of the representatives from the scientific community, the cultural community, the educational community, the business community, the investment community and other well-known people from all walks of life. More than 50 representatives attended the launching ceremony, including the core leading members of the global “Hé” project, President of Genovasi University College Prof. Dr. James CL Nga, President University of East-West Medicine of, Founding President of Sino Ecowas Chamber of Commerce Ibrahim Bashiru, global “Hé” project U.S. Special Envoy Karen Li , and Central Asian Special Envoy Ren Li, etc., and the international friends of more than 30 countries and regions congratulated the “China Consulting Model” by video.

    This event not only witnessed the globalization of China’s management wisdom but also created a new path for the synergistic development of multiple cultures in the era of digital civilization. As Prof. Kou Beichen said: When the oriental gene of Hé meets the new intelligent technology, mankind will usher in the time of building a real community of destiny.

    Media Contact:
    Company:Queqi Culture Media Co., Ltd
    Contact Person:Yinyan Yang
    Web:www.queqicn.com
    Email:Yinyan.Yang@queqicn.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Queqi Culture Media Co., Ltd. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a6ec930b-bffc-4365-be2a-e03ff89c838b

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics Announces New Leadership at DX Division

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today announced that TM Roh, Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, will serve as the Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division.
     
    The company also named Won-joon Choi as the newly created Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the MX Business.
     
    TM Roh named Acting Head of the Device eXperience Division, in addition to his current role as Head of Mobile eXperience Business; previously President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business and Head of the Corporate Design Center
    Won-joon Choi named COO of Mobile eXperience Business, in addition to his current roles as Head of R&D Office and Head of Global Operation Team of Mobile eXperience Business; previously President and Head of R&D Office and Head of Global Operation Team of Mobile eXperience Business
    Cheolgi Kim named Head of Digital Appliances Business; previously Executive Vice President and Head of Strategic Marketing Office of Mobile eXperience Business

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-Evening Report: Supreme Court orders a recall of PNG parliament for no confidence vote

    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

    Papua New Guinea’s Supreme Court has ruled that Parliament must be recalled on April 8 to debate a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape.

    In a decision handed down yesterday, the court found that actions taken by the Parliament’s Private Business Committee and Deputy Speaker, Koni Iguan, in November 2024 were unconstitutional and in breach of the principle of parliamentary democracy.

    The ruling stems from an incident on 27 November 2024, when a notice of motion for a vote of no confidence was submitted to Iguan and found compliant with constitutional requirements under Section 145.

    However, the motion was rejected by invoking Section 165 of the Standing Orders, which disallows motions deemed identical in substance to those resolved within the previous 12 months.

    This restriction came into play just over two months after an earlier motion of no confidence had been defeated on 12 September.

    Iguan disallowed the motion and prevented it from being tabled in Parliament, triggering legal action from Chuave MP and deputy opposition leader James Nomane.

    The court emphasised that parliamentary democracy relies on the executive’s accountability to the people through such mechanisms as motions of no confidence.

    Overstepped mandate
    The court also found that the Private Business Committee had overstepped its mandate, taking actions that should have been handled by the Speaker or Parliament as a whole.

    PNG Prime Minister James Marape . . . “We are a government that respects the courts.” Photo: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

    Marape has responded to the decision, saying his government will respect the rule of law and comply with the court’s directives.

    “We are a government that respects the courts. The Supreme Court reads and interprets the Constitution better than all of us, and we will honour its ruling,” he said.

    Marape commands the support of more than two-thirds of the MPs in the house which enabled him to pass several major consitutional amendments last month, including declaring Papua New Guinea a Christian nation.

    He acknowledged the Supreme Court’s clarification of critical constitutional provisions which pertain to the right of MPs to introduce motions and participate in the democratic processes of government.

    “The court found that there was a vacuum in the law and has provided direction,” he said.

    “As the executive arm of government, we will not stand in the way. Parliament will sit as ordered by the court.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU at the CIS International Economic Forum: exchange of experience and prospects for cooperation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Last week, the annual International Economic Forum of the CIS member states was held in Moscow at the Congress Center of the World Trade Center on the topic: “New Impetus for the Development of the Greater Eurasian Partnership. Scientific, Technological and Innovative Development.” The forum brought together more than 2,000 participants; 13 sessions were held at the event, covering current issues of economic development, science, technology and innovation.

    Representatives of the State University of Management took an active part in the session “Science and Education: Potential for Sustainable Development of the Economy of the Greater Eurasian Partnership”: Advisor to the Rector’s Office Sergey Karseka, Head of the International Cooperation Department Inessa Bogatyreva, Associate Professor of the Department of Transport Complex Management Andrey Lipatov and a group of students from the Department of Economics and Management in the Fuel and Energy Complex of the Institute of Industry Management.

    The presentations at the session complemented each other, which allowed the topic to be fully covered and a number of proposals to be formulated for the final resolution of the Forum. Much credit for this goes to the session moderator, Chairman of the Committee on Education and Science of the CIS Business Center for Economic Development, Chairman of the Expert Council on International Cooperation in Education and Science of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education Dmitry Repnikov.

    The tone of the session was set by the speaker, First Deputy State Secretary of the Union State, Head of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements of the State University of Management Sergey Glazyev. He presented in detail the current economic situation in the CIS countries, outlined problematic issues and ways to resolve them. “90% of the growth of industrial production in the world in recent years has come from knowledge-intensive industries,” said Sergey Yuryevich.

    First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education Vladimir Sipyagin devoted his speech to the problem of the shortage of qualified personnel in the Russian Federation and defined foreign graduates of Russian universities as “an enormous human resource potential.”

    The issues of developing a unified educational space in the CIS countries and the directions of development of Russian education were revealed in her report by the Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Ksenia Trinchenko.

    The remaining speakers at the session covered such issues as grant support for scientific and technical activities, the development of a Russian language teaching system in the CIS countries, as well as the interaction of university science and business.

    After the end of the session, the representatives of the State University of Management continued their work “on the sidelines” of the Forum. They managed to communicate with all the speakers and many participants, discuss the details of the presentations and potential areas of further cooperation between the State University of Management and their structures.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/01/2025

    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 Europe: REPORT on Parliament’s estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2026 – A10-0048/2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

    on Parliament’s estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2026

    (2024/2111(BUI))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

     having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021-2027[1] and to the joint declaration agreed between Parliament, the Council and the Commission in this context[2] and the related unilateral declarations[3],

     having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2022/2496 of 15 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[4],

     having regard to the Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/765 amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[5] (”MFF Revision”),

     having regard to its legislative resolution of 16 December 2020 on the draft Council regulation laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[6],

     having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2022 on upscaling the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework: a resilient EU budget fit for new challenges[7],

     having regard to its resolution of 3 October 2023 on the proposal for a mid-term revision of the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027[8],

     having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2024 on the draft Council regulation amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[9],

     having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast)[10] (the “Financial Regulation”),

     having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[11],

     having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025[12] and the joint statements agreed between Parliament, the Council and the Commission annexed hereto,

     having regard to the Secretary-General’s report to the Bureau on drawing up Parliament’s preliminary draft estimates for the financial year 2026,

      having regard to the preliminary draft estimates drawn up by the Bureau on 10 March 2025 pursuant to Rules 25(7) and 104(1) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure,

      having regard to the draft estimates drawn up by the Committee on Budgets pursuant to Rule 104(2) of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure,

      having regard to Rule 104 of its Rules of Procedure,

      having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A10-0048/2025),

    A.  whereas the budget proposed on 10 February 2025 by the Secretary-General for the Parliament’s preliminary draft estimates for 2026 amounts to EUR 2 641 609 620 and represents an increase of 4,30 % or EUR 108 914 512 compared to 2025 budget;

    B.  whereas the Union annual inflation was 2,8 % in January 2025 according to Eurostat, up from 2,7 % in December 2024; whereas the level of expenditure in Heading 7 of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027 is based on a 2 % yearly increase;

    C.  whereas the credibility of the Parliament depends on its ability to deliver on its core budgetary, legislative and scrutiny work to the highest standard, while setting an example vis-à-vis other Union institutions to plan and conduct its spending prudently and efficiently and to reflect the prevalent economic realities;

    General framework

    1. Is concerned with the situation of Heading 7 in the current MFF; recalls that the constraints are the results of the cuts applied by the Council to the Commission’s already very low initial proposal when agreeing on the current MFF 2021-2027; regrets the Council’s opposition to the Commission’s proposal to increase the ceiling of Heading 7 in the MFF revision as from 2024; points out the failure to address the issue of the ceiling of Heading 7 in the MFF revision; highlights that the forecasted negative margin for 2026 presupposes the use of special instruments in Heading 7 for that purpose;

    2. Endorses the agreement reached in the Conciliation between the Bureau and the Committee on Budgets on 18 March 2025 to set the increase over the 2025 budget at 4,09 %, corresponding to an overall of estimates of EUR 2 636 241 620 for 2026, and to reduce accordingly the appropriations proposed on the following budget lines for a total of EUR 12 378 000:

    1 0 0 6 — General expenditure allowance, 1 4 2 — External translation services, 2 0 0 0 — Rent, 2 0 0 7 — Construction of buildings and fitting-out of premises, 2 0 2 4 — Energy consumption, 2 1 0 1 — Business applications management, 3 2 0 — Acquisition of expertise, 3 2 4 3 — European Parliament visitors’ centres, 3 2 4 8 — Expenditure on audiovisual information, 4 4 — Meetings and other activities of current and former Members;

    furthermore, it was decided to increase the level of expenditure of the preliminary draft estimates approved by the Bureau on 10 March 2025 by EUR 7 010 000 and to increase accordingly the appropriations proposed on the following budget lines:

    1 2 0 0 — Remuneration and allowances, 1 6 3 0 — Social welfare: welfare expenditure, 4 0 0 — Current administrative expenditure and expenditure relating to the political and information activities of the political groups and non-attached Members, and 4 0 3 — Funding of European political foundations;

    finally, it was agreed to modify the budgetary remarks of item 1 6 3 0 — Social welfare: welfare expenditure to include the reference to the APA Committee;

    3. Recalls that almost two-thirds of the budget is fixed by statutory obligations; notes that out of the increase of EUR 103,5 million compared to the 2025 budget an increase of EUR 85,3 million is due to statutory financial obligations, mainly for salary updates of officials and temporary staff (EUR 52,7 million), of contract agents (EUR 9,2 million) and of accredited parliamentary assistants (EUR 15,1 million); recalls that the salary indexation, in line with the Staff Regulations and Statute for Members of the European Parliament, is currently forecasted by the Commission for April 2025, July 2025, April 2026 and July 2026 at 1,2 %, 4,6 %, 0,6 % and 3,4 % respectively;

    4. Notes that the Parliament does not request any additional posts for 2026, the third year in a row;

    5. Notes that the increase for non-statutory expenditures between 2025 and 2026 is 1,96 %;

    6. Welcomes the initiative of the Secretary-General to conduct a major screening exercise aimed at identifying opportunities for administrative simplification, eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring tangible cost reductions, thereby increasing efficiency and ensuring a smart use of resources; asks the Secretary-General to provide the Committee on Budgets with semestrial updates on the actions taken and on the Action Plan on Simplification as well as their impact in terms of budget and staff; underlines that administrative procedures and human resources management represent a heavy burden for Members, in particular when hiring local assistants, and calls for simplification in that regard;

    7. Notes that Parliament’s budget should be established on a realistic basis, in compliance with the principles of budgetary discipline and sound financial management; highlights that it is essential to ensure that financial prudence and security remain key priorities while guaranteeing that these measures do not impede the efficiency, effectiveness and operational capacity of the institution and its essential staff in carrying out their duties successfully; stresses that, given the geopolitical context and the investments that the Union will have to make for its strategic autonomy, the Parliament must set an example in the management of its budget;

    8. Highlights Parliament’s role in building European political awareness and promoting Union values and policies such as the digital and green transition; stresses that transparency, accountability, gender equality and integrity are essential principles within the Union institutions and particularly Parliament as a house of European democracy;

    Strengthening Parliament’s core functions

    9. Takes note of the four new thematic Directorates-General (DGs) created in September 2024, responsible for legislative, budgetary and scrutiny activities, from the previous Directorate-General for Internal Policies, in order to improve the functioning of Parliament as a co-legislator, as one arm of the budgetary authority, and as discharge authority; requests the Secretary-General to provide the Committee on Budgets with regular updates on the evolution of work and staff in these DGs;

    10. Recognises the need for more political decision-making based on evidence and facts; takes note of the budget of EUR 16,75 million to strengthen Parliament’s administrative capacity in supporting Members in their parliamentary work and reinforcing its capacity to navigate complexity and uncertainty;

     

    11. Stresses the crucial role of political groups in providing expertise and political support to Members in their legislative and parliamentary work; underlines the need to ensure the important objective of strengthening Parliament’s capacity to support the work of Members;

    Digital transition

    12. Underlines that Parliament’s cybersecurity is a key priority; notes that the overall IT budget represents 7,40 % of the total budget in the 2026 estimates; stresses the importance of a sound cybersecurity infrastructure in geopolitically turbulent times and welcomes the increase in the appropriations dedicated to cybersecurity; supports the planned gradual increase of the cybersecurity financial appropriations to 10 % of Parliament’s ICT budget by 2027;

    13. Welcomes the adoption by the Bureau on 10 February 2025 of the Framework on an internal cybersecurity risk management, governance and control framework; recalls that investments in cybersecurity are key to protect the democratic voice of the Parliament and the Union;

    14. Welcomes investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) amounting to EUR 1 million; calls for the use of AI to be increased in order to gain efficiencies, while keeping in mind the related risks, including ethics and data protection; highlights the potential of AI to streamline administrative processes; stresses that AI deployment must balance innovation with necessary safeguards; notes that the development of AI will be closely monitored in line with the principles established by the Bureau, which include among others a thorough risk assessment with the use of new technologies; calls the Secretariat to provide solutions, such as applications and tools, to be made available to Members and staff as soon as possible;

    Green transition

     

    15. Welcomes Parliament’s environmental management system (EMAS) targets for 2025-2029; recalls that energy efficiency investments are a good method of achieving value for money; takes note of the budget of EUR 8,45 million for investments on energy efficiency and environment in the 2026 estimates to further improve the environmental performance of its buildings; notes that this corresponds to an increase of 74 % compared to 2025 budget; acknowledges however, that these environmental actions are part of the 2007 ‘Construction of building and fitting out of premises’ budget line whose grand total has decreased by EUR 3,7 million in 2026 vs 2025;

     

    16. Recalls that nearly two-thirds of Parliament’s carbon footprint originate from the transportation of people; calls for a reasonable decrease of travel for meetings that can be effectively conducted remotely or in hybrid mode and to promote a shift to low carbon alternatives for all remaining travel, in so far as this does not affect the quality of legislative and political work;

     

    17. Takes note of the projected increase in carbon credits prices, that with the current emissions levels would need an estimated EUR 900 000 for 2026; calls the administration to continue decreasing, in line with sound financial management, Parliament’s emissions over buying carbon credits; welcomes the introduction of an enhanced train offer for missions to Strasbourg as of July 2025, as a positive step towards reducing CO2 emissions;

     

    18. Notes that Parliament has installed and is continuing to install photovoltaic solar panels to further increase the share of renewable energy produced on-site to reach the target of 25 %; takes note of the answers provided by the Secretary-General to Parliament’s estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2024 pointing out that a study on the use of photovoltaic panels for Strasbourg buildings was carried out in 2022 and was completed in 2023 and that further studies were to be conducted in 2024 for viable solutions, in particular for the WEISS building;

    Multilingualism, communication and disinformation

     

    19. Highlights that multilingualism is a key principle on which Parliament’s work is based; takes note of the revision of the Code of Conduct on Multilingualism planned for spring 2025; asks that, where appropriate, Parliament capitalise on major technological evolutions in multilingualism-related services, including the development and use of AI; asks the Secretary-General to timely inform the Committee on Budgets on any budgetary impacts following this revision;

     

    20. Highlights the role played by European Parliament Liaison Offices (EPLOs) in countering foreign interference and disinformation; takes note in that regard of the work of EPLOs proactively promoting the work of Parliament in their local languages across multiple channels; highlights EPLOs’ role in the UK as the main contact point for Union nationals resident in the UK, providing them with information about the Parliament and encouraging them to vote in the European elections; requests the Bureau to expand the production and dissemination of communication materials in an accessible and inclusive manner;

     

    21. Highlights the low participation rate of young people in the recent European elections in some regions of the Union and Parliament’s role in strengthening EU citizenship education;

     

    22. Recalls the importance of the European Parliament Ambassador School programme to promote active engagement among young Europeans and of the training programme for young journalists named in honour of David Sassoli to strengthen the understanding of the Union and its functioning amongst journalists, as the best antidote against disinformation, in light of recent trends demonstrating a worrying decline in media freedom and independence across the Union;

     

    23. Recognises the importance of visitors groups as an important tool to connect citizens with the work of Members; welcomes in that regard the increase of the ceilings and cost factors for the calculation of the financial contribution to sponsored visitors as from 1 January 2025; requests the Bureau to assess the impact of the revised rules related to visitors groups in relation to travel costs taking into account market fluctuation and to avoid indirect geographical discrimination for visitors; notes that about 15 % of the quota for visitors is historically not being used by Members; calls the Secretary-General to propose to the Bureau to make the unused quota available to interested Members; notes that the budget for visitors groups represents 22 % of the overall budget of the Directorate-General for Communication;

     

    24. Notes with concern the internal rules governing Members’ visitor groups, which result in 30 % of the up-front costs having to be incurred by Accredited Parliamentary Assistants (APAs) in some circumstances; stresses the impracticability of these rules and the financial burden this places on APAs; takes note of the answers provided by the Secretary-General to Parliament’s estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2024 in regard to the rationale of the two-step approach; understands the rationale but emphasises the growing challenges this presents for APAs, particularly with the continuous shift towards more stringent rules;

    25. Stresses the increasingly challenging communication landscape and the multiple ways in which political communication should be performed, including through engaging in various social media platforms and other media; underlines the need for the political groups to convey and communicate their message across all Member States as a key principle of a well-functioning European democracy;

    Infrastructure

     

    26. Acknowledges the new approach related to buildings, where, after a period of acquisition, Parliament has entered an era of consolidation of buildings, taking into account sustainability, accessibility and mobility of Members and staff;

     

    27. Takes note that EUR 4 million are included in the 2026 estimates for studies and the contractor’s preparatory works related to the SPAAK building renovation while the overall costs are estimated at EUR 36 million; notes therefore that EUR 32 million of costs related to the SPAAK building renovation are not included in the 2026 estimates; notes that the Secretary-General intends to cover these costs by a mopping-up transfer or the use of a loan; requests the Secretary-General to provide the Committee on Budgets with detailed information on a possible loan to cover these costs, in accordance with Article 272 (6) of the Financial Regulation, as soon as possible as well as the full planning of the works including the planning of the costs; insists that costs not directly linked to the renovation works should also be clearly listed and budgeted; notes that as of December 2024, the direct costs of the SPAAK project amount to EUR 14,12 million;

     

    28. Welcomes the pilot project of DG INLO aimed at removing legionella from the pipeline sanitary system of the Parliament and highlights that the only effective way to fight the further spreading of legionella is to bring the water temperature inside the pipelines to 55 degrees Celsius for a limited time;

     

    29. Notes that it is planned to invest EUR 11,45 million in Europa Experiences in 2026; takes note of the decision by the Bureau in November 2024 to revise the concept of Europa Experience and expects the revised concept to be more cost-efficient and more attractive to visitors; regrets that there are still no Europa Experiences in Bucharest, Riga, Madrid, Lisbon, Nicosia, Valletta or Vilnius; calls for the establishment of Europa Experiences in all Member States as soon as a revised concept has been established; recalls that Europa Experiences should allow citizens to have a better understanding of the functioning of the Union and learn about our shared values; reiterates therefore that Europa Experiences are an integral part of Parliament’s ongoing engagement with Union citizens;

     

    30. Takes note that no additional financing is needed for the opening of Parliament offices in Moldova and the Western Balkans, as these would be set up within EEAS premises; stresses the importance of Parliament’s presence in these countries as a sign of European solidarity and a sign of Parliament’s commitment to the accession process;

     

    31. Takes note of the early termination of the contract with the previous provider of the Crèche Wayenberg after a number of serious allegations against the contractor; welcomes the agreement with a new provider that foresees better working conditions of the nursery staff and better quality of the service for the children; acknowledges, however, that this results in an increase of the budget necessary for this purpose, but emphasises that decent working conditions for external staff should, where relevant, be a priority consideration in public procurement of Parliament as a matter of principle;

     

    32. Reiterates the need for high quality nursing rooms in Parliament’s premises and calls on the competent services to upgrade the current facilities in terms of equipment, space and accessibility in order to make them child-friendly; calls for an impact assessment on the need for a family room within the premises of the Brussels seat of the Parliament, for children of Members without permanent residence in Brussels, mirroring the arrangements in Strasbourg;

    Others

    33. Reiterates its request, adopted at Plenary level at several occasions, for the relevant bodies to reflect on a solution enabling Members to exercise their right to vote remotely, during benefiting from maternity or paternity leave, during a certified long-term illness, taking advantage of the lessons learnt during the pandemic on the technical aspects of this voting method;

    34. Reaffirms its call for the Secretary-General to emphasise the fundamental principle that all recruitment should be based on competency while also ensuring geographical balance among all Member States at every staff level; calls on Parliament to build its own outreach capacity, with the goal of attracting to competitions quality candidates that Parliament needs, in terms of profile, age, gender and nationality and especially from under-represented countries; underscores that achieving fair geographical representation is essential to fostering a genuinely European public service; notes that Parliament has consistently taken measures to support this objective, including the organisation of nationality-specific competitions while maintaining a strict merit-based selection approach;

    35. Believes that Parliament should lead by example concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, both as an employer and as a public institution; welcomes Parliament’s policy aiming to ensure the fully independent use of Parliament buildings by persons with disabilities and supports further measures and adaptations that will be necessary in this regard; notes that the budget foresees EUR 3,7 million for this purpose;

     

    36. Stresses the fact that Parliament having a single seat could reduce the financial and environmental costs; recalls that, according to the Treaty on European Union, Parliament is to have its seat in Strasbourg; notes that permanent changes would require a Treaty change for which unanimity is needed;

     

    37. Notes that mission expenses of Members and staff amount to EUR 116 million in Parliament’s budget; calls for Parliament’s bodies to reflect on mission practices and a revision of mission rules and practices with the overall aim of continuing to improve the nature of missions and further diminishing the associated financial and environmental costs; encourages Members to use low-carbon transport alternatives and advocates for responsible and measured use of best-value flights options, and the preference for train travel where it is a viable option;

     

    38. Takes note that Article 46(2) of the Implementing Measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament provides for the possibility to finance extra costs linked to the parliamentary assistance budgets with appropriations from their General Expenditure Allowance (GEA); calls on Parliament’s administration to take the necessary measures to enable Members who wish to do so to use their GEA to cover the cost of APA missions; highlights that such a measure would address increasing costs in Members’ offices while being budgetary neutral;

     

    39. Calls on the Bureau not to index the GEA and not to grant GEA to former Members, thus allowing for significant savings in the statutory costs;

     

    40. Takes note of the Conference of Presidents’ decisions of March 2025 on the Implementing provisions governing the missions outside the three places of work of the European Parliament; recalls that Parliament has consistently voted in the Plenary since 2018 to consider lifting the overall ban on APAs participating in official delegations and missions;

    41. Welcomes the work of the APA Committee which represents around 2 000 APAs, whose work is crucial to the smooth operation of the MEP’s daily activities; notes the earmarking of EUR 10 000 in order for the APA Committee to fulfil its role and ensure sufficient resources to effectively support and properly represent the APAs;

    42. Welcomes the exceptional 10 % increase in scholarships for each trainee in 2026, budgeted for EUR 1 million in 2026 to help them cope with growing housing costs in Brussels and Luxembourg;

    43. Expects that requests voted by the Plenary should be treated by the responsible bodies as a matter of high priority;

    44.  Adopts the estimates for the financial year 2026;

    45.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution and the estimates to the Council and the Commission.

     

     

    ANNEX: DRAFT ESTIMATES

     

     

    PART III – PRELIMINARY DRAFT ESTIMATES 2026

     

     

    1. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE

    2. ESTABLISHMENT PLAN

    3. NOMENCLATURE

     

     

    1. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE

     

     

     

     

     

    Contribution of the European Union to the financing of the expenditure of Parliament for the financial year 2026

     

     

     

    Heading

    Amount

     

     

    Expenditure

    2 636 241 620

    Resources

    265 378 397

    Contribution due

    2 370 863 223

     

     

     

    REVENUES

    Title – Chapter – Article – Post

    Heading

    2026 budget

    2025 budget

    Outturn 2024

    3

    ADMINISTRATIVE REVENUE

     

     

     

    3 0

    REVENUE FROM STAFF

     

     

     

    3 0 0

    Taxes and levies

     

     

     

    3 0 0 0

    Tax on the remunerations

    111 692 059

    105 869 539

    100 337 194

    3 0 0 1

    Special levies on remunerations

    17 507 648

    16 162 194

    14 891 422

     

    Article 3 0 0 – Subtotal

    129 199 707

    122 031 733

    115 228 616

    3 0 1

    Contributions to the pension scheme

     

     

     

    3 0 1 0

    Staff contributions to the pension scheme

    131 172 690

    121 092 129

    103 628 794

    3 0 1 1

    Transfer or purchase of pension rights by staff

    5 000 000

    6 000 000

    7 338 881

    3 0 1 2

    Contributions to the pension scheme by staff on leave

    5 000

    40 000

    0

    3 0 1 4

    Contributions by Members of the European Parliament

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

     

    Article 3 0 1 – Subtotal

    136 177 690

    127 132 129

    110 967 675

     

    Chapter 3 0 — Total

    265 377 397

    249 163 862

    226 196 291

    3 1

    REVENUE LINKED TO PROPERTY

     

     

     

    3 1 0

    Sale of immovable property — Assigned revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    556 948

    3 1 1

    Sale of other property

    p.m.

    5 000

    9 203

    3 1 2

    Letting and subletting immovable property — Assigned revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    2 383 687

     

    Chapter 3 1 — Total

    p.m.

    5 000

    2 949 838

    3 2

    REVENUE FROM THE SUPPLY OF GOODS, SERVICES AND WORK — ASSIGNED REVENUE

     

     

     

    3 2 0

    Revenue from the supply of goods, services and work — Assigned revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    18 857 643

    3 2 1

    Refunds by other institutions or bodies of mission allowances — Assigned revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

    3 2 2

    Revenue from third parties in respect of goods, services or work — Assigned Revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    4 952 720

     

    Chapter 3 2 — Total

    p.m.

    p.m.

    23 810 363

    3 3

    OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE REVENUE

     

     

     

    3 3 0

    Repayment of amounts wrongly paid — Assigned Revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    22 491 561

    3 3 1

    Revenue for a specific purpose (income from foundations, subsidies, gifts and bequests) — Assigned Revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

    3 3 3

    Insurance payments received — Assigned Revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    34 996

    3 3 8

    Other revenue from administrative operations — Assigned Revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

    3 3 9

    Other revenue from administrative operations

    1 000

    1 000

    1 622 926

     

    Chapter 3 4 — Total

    1 000

    1 000

    24 149 483

     

    Title 3 — Total

    265 378 397

    249 169 862

    277 105 975

    4

    FINANCIAL REVENUE, DEFAULT INTEREST AND FINES

     

     

     

    4 0

    REVENUE FROM INVESTMENTS AND ACCOUNTS

     

     

     

    4 0 0

    Revenue from investments, loans granted and bank accounts

    p.m.

    p.m.

    4 411 026

     

    Chapter 4 0 — Total

    p.m.

    0

    4 411 026

     

    Title 4 — Total

    p.m.

    0

    4 411 026

    6

    REVENUE, CONTRIBUTIONS AND REFUNDS RELATED TO UNION POLICIES

     

     

     

    6 6

    OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS AND REFUNDS

     

     

     

    6 6 8

    Other contributions and refunds — Assigned revenue

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

     

    Chapter 6 6 — Total

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

     

    Title 6 — Total

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

     

    GRAND TOTAL

    265 378 397

    249 169 862

    281 517 001

     

     

     

    EXPENDITURE

    General summary of appropriations (2026 and 2025) and outturn (2024)

    Title – Chapter – Article – Post

    Heading

    Appropriations 2026

    Appropriations 2025

    Outturn 2024

    1

    Persons working with the institution

     

     

     

    1 0

    Members of the institution

    250 087 000

    257 937 492

    249 427 210

    1 2

    Officials and temporary staff

    982 330 058

    914 759 154

    853 989 951

    1 4

    Other staff and external services

    259 041 175

    245 453 683

    206 535 274

    1 6

    Other expenditure relating to persons working with the institution

    29 619 939

    27 939 603

    24 937 797

     

    Title 1 — Total

    1 521 078 172

    1 446 089 932

    1 334 890 232

    2

    Buildings, furniture, equipment and miscellaneous operating expenditure

     

     

     

    2 0

    Buildings and associated costs

    250 475 000

    245 925 000

    252 616 845

    2 1

    Data processing, equipment and movable property

    232 008 000

    227 708 050

    253 569 292

    2 3

    Current administrative expenditure

    7 388 000

    7 386 000

    4 830 070

     

    Title 2 — Total

    489 871 000

    481 019 050

    511 016 207

    3

    Expenditure resulting from general functions carried out by the institution

     

     

     

    3 0

    Meetings and conferences

    37 728 429

    37 121 800

    27 628 546

    3 2

    Expertise and information: acquisition, archiving, production and dissemination

    154 530 519

    153 261 150

    153 271 532

     

    Title 3 — Total

    192 258 948

    190 382 950

    180 900 078

    4

    Expenditure resulting from special functions carried out by the institution

     

     

     

    4 0

    Expenditure relating to certain institutions and bodies

    146 800 000

    140 000 000

    125 403 172

    4 2

    Expenditure relating to parliamentary assistance

    279 165 340

    263 855 176

    222 263 343

    4 4

    Meetings and other activities of current and former members

    632 000

    620 000

    593 204

     

    Title 4 — Total

    426 597 340

    404 475 176

    348 259 719

    5

    The authority for european political parties and european political foundations and the committee of independent eminent persons

     

     

     

    5 0

    Expenditure of the authority for european political parties and european political foundations and the committee of independent eminent persons

    436 160

    428 000

    100 840

     

    Title 5 — Total

    436 160

    428 000

    100 840

    10

    Reserve

     

     

     

    10 0

    Provisional appropriation

    p.m.

    3 100 000

    0

    10 1

    Contingency reserve

    6 000 000

    7 200 000

    0

    10 3

    Enlargement reserve

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

    10 4

    Reserve for information and communication policy

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

    10 5

    Provisional appropriation for immovable property

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

    10 6

    Reserve for priority projects under development

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

    10 8

    Emas reserve

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0

     

    Title 10 — Total

    6 000 000

    10 300 000

    0

     

    GRAND TOTAL

    2 636 241 620

    2 532 695 108

    2 375 167 076

     

     

    Revenue — REVENUE

    Title 3 — ADMINISTRATIVE REVENUE

    Chapter 3 0 — REVENUE FROM STAFF

    Article 3 0 0 — Taxes and levies

    Item 3 0 0 0 — Tax on the remunerations

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    111 692 059

    105 869 539

    100 337 194,29

    Legal basis

    Protocol on the privileges and immunities of the European Union, and in particular Article 12 thereof.

    Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 260/68 of the Council of 29 February 1968 laying down the conditions and procedure for applying the tax for the benefit of the European Communities (OJ L 56, 4.3.1968, p. 8, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1968/260/oj).

    Item 3 0 0 1 — Special levies on remunerations

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    17 507 648

    16 162 194

    14 891 421,72

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Article 66a thereof.

    Article 3 0 1 — Contributions to the pension scheme

    Item 3 0 1 0 — Staff contributions to the pension scheme

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    131 172 690

    121 092 129

    103 628 793,79

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Article 83(2) thereof.

    Item 3 0 1 1 — Transfer or purchase of pension rights by staff

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    5 000 000

    6 000 000

    7 338 881,09

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Article 4, Article 11(2) and (3) and Article 48 of Annex VIII thereto.

    Item 3 0 1 2 — Contributions to the pension scheme by staff on leave

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    5 000

    40 000

    0,—

    Item 3 0 1 4 — Contributions by Members of the European Parliament

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Legal basis

    Rules governing the payment of expenses and allowances to Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Annex III thereto.

    Chapter 3 1 — REVENUE LINKED TO PROPERTY

    Article 3 1 0 — Sale of immovable property — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    556 948,00

    Remarks

    This article is intended to record revenue from the sale of immovable property belonging to the institution.

    In accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations in the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    Article 3 1 1 — Sale of other property

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    5 000

    9 203,22

    Remarks

    This article is intended to record revenue accruing from the sale or part-exchange of other property belonging to the institution.

    Article 3 1 2 — Letting and subletting immovable property — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    2 383 686,62

    Remarks

    In accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations in the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    Details of expenditure and revenue resulting from loans or rents or the provision of services under this budget item shall be set out in an annex to this budget.

    Chapter 3 2 — REVENUE FROM THE SUPPLY OF GOODS, SERVICES AND WORK — ASSIGNED REVENUE

    Article 3 2 0 — Revenue from the supply of goods, services and work — Assigned revenue

    Item 3 2 0 2 — Revenue from the supply of goods, services and work for other Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    18 857 643,13

    Remarks

    In accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations in the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    This item is intended to record revenue from the repayment of welfare expenditure incurred on behalf of another institution.

    Article 3 2 1 — Refunds by other institutions or bodies of mission allowances  — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    In accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations in the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    This article is intended to record revenue from the repayment of welfare expenditure incurred on behalf of another institution.

    Article 3 2 2 — Revenue from third parties in respect of goods, services or work  — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    4 952 719,42

    Remarks

    In accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations in the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    Chapter 3 3 — OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE REVENUE

    Article 3 3 0 — Repayment of amounts wrongly paid — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    22 491 561,95

    Remarks

    In accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations in the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    Article 3 3 1 — Revenue for a specific purpose (income from foundations, subsidies, gifts and bequests) — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    In accordance with Article 21(2) of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations in the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    Article 3 3 3 — Insurance payments received — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    34 995,58

    Remarks

    In accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations in the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    This article is also intended to include reimbursement by insurance companies of the salaries of officials involved in accidents.

    Article 3 3 8 — Other revenue from administrative operations — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This article is intended to record other contributions and refunds in connection with the administrative operation of the institution.

    In accordance with Article 21 of the Financial Regulation, this revenue is to be considered as assigned revenue and gives rise to the entry of additional appropriations against the headings which bore the initial expenditure giving rise to the corresponding revenue.

    Article 3 3 9 — Other revenue from administrative operations

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    1 000

    1 000

    1 622 925,87

    Remarks

    This article is intended to record other revenue from administrative operations.

    Details of expenditure and revenue resulting from loans or rents or the provision of services under this article shall be set out in an annex to this budget.

    Title 4 — FINANCIAL REVENUE, DEFAULT INTEREST AND FINES

    Chapter 4 0 — REVENUE FROM INVESTMENTS AND ACCOUNTS

    Article 4 0 0 — Revenue from investments, loans granted and bank accounts

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    4 411 025,89

    Remarks

    This article is intended to record revenue from investments, loans granted and bank and other interest on the institution’s accounts.

    Title 6 — REVENUE, CONTRIBUTIONS AND REFUNDS RELATED TO UNION POLICIES

    Chapter 6 6 — OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS AND REFUNDS

    Article 6 6 8 — Other contributions and refunds — Assigned revenue

    Figures

    2026 estimate

    2025 estimate

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This article is intended to record, in accordance with Article 21 of the Financial Regulation, any revenue not provided for in other parts of Title 6 which is used to provide additional appropriations to finance expenditure to which that revenue is assigned.

    Expenditure — EXPENDITURE

    Title 1 — PERSONS WORKING WITH THE INSTITUTION

    Chapter 1 0 — MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTION

    Article 1 0 0 — Salaries and allowances

    Item 1 0 0 0 — Salaries

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    100 920 000

    96 171 430

    91 951 742,92

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the salary provided for by the Statute for Members.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Articles 9 and 10 thereof.

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Articles 1 and 2 thereof.

    Item 1 0 0 4 — Ordinary travel expenses

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    79 160 000

    78 700 000

    71 950 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses in connection with travelling to and from the places of work and with other duty travel.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 25 000.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 20 thereof.

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Articles 10 to 21 and 24 thereof.

    Item 1 0 0 5 — Other travel expenses

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    5 260 000

    4 800 000

    5 100 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover reimbursement of additional travel expenses and travel expenses incurred in the Member State of election.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 1 000.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 20 thereof.

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Articles 22 and 23 thereof.

    Item 1 0 0 6 — General expenditure allowance

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    44 410 000

    44 100 000

    45 734 819,18

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover, in accordance with the Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, expenses resulting from the parliamentary activities of Members.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 90 000.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 20 thereof.

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Articles 43 to 47 thereof.

    Item 1 0 0 7 — Allowances for performance of duties

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    219 000

    212 000

    205 852,17

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the flat-rate subsistence and representation allowances in connection with the duties of the President of the European Parliament.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 20 thereof.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 17 June 2009.

    Article 1 0 1 — Accident and sickness insurance and other welfare measures

    Item 1 0 1 0 — Accident and sickness insurance and other social security charges

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    3 142 000

    3 393 000

    3 083 137,39

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover accident insurance and reimbursement of medical expenses for Members and loss and theft of Members’ personal effects.

    It is also intended to cover the provision of insurance cover and assistance during a trip funded by the European Parliament or a political group, as a result of a serious illness, an accident or an unforeseen event that prevents them from continuing their journey. Such assistance involves organising the Member’s repatriation and defraying the related costs.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 200 000.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Articles 18 and 19 thereof.

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, in particular Articles 3 to 9 and 25 thereof.

    Common rules on the insurance of officials of the European Union against the risk of accident and of occupational disease.

    Joint rules on sickness insurance for officials of the European Communities.

    Commission Decision laying down general implementing provisions for the reimbursement of medical expenses.

    Item 1 0 1 2 — Specific measures to assist disabled Members

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    700 000

    1 000 000

    550 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover certain expenditure required to provide assistance for a seriously disabled Member.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Legal basis

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 26 thereof.

    Article 1 0 2 — Transitional allowances

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    2 287 000

    15 544 645

    18 921 436,05

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the transitional allowance after the end of a Member’s term of office.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 13 thereof.

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Articles 48 to 51 and 84 thereof.

    Article 1 0 3 — Pensions

    Item 1 0 3 0 — Retirement pensions (PEAM)

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    11 077 000

    11 144 000

    9 522 406,74

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the payment of an old-age pension after the cessation of a Member’s term of office.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 150 000.

    Legal basis

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 82 thereof, and Annex III to the Rules on Payment of Expenses and Allowances to Members of the European Parliament (‘PEAM rules’).

    Item 1 0 3 1 — Invalidity pensions (PEAM)

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    102 000

    96 138

    88 257,11

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the payment of a pension to Members who become incapacitated during their term of office.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Legal basis

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 82 thereof, and Annex II to the Rules on Payment of Expenses and Allowances to Members of the European Parliament (‘PEAM rules’).

    Item 1 0 3 2 — Survivors’ pensions (PEAM)

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    2 160 000

    2 126 279

    1 919 559,71

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the payment of a survivor’s or orphan’s pension in the event of the death of a Member or of a former Member.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 15 000.

    Legal basis

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 82 thereof, and Annex I to the Rules on Payment of Expenses and Allowances to Members of the European Parliament (‘PEAM rules’).

    Item 1 0 3 3 — Optional pension scheme for Members

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the institution’s contribution to the additional voluntary pension scheme for Members.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 500.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 27 thereof.

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 83 thereof, and Annex VII to the Rules on Payment of Expenses and Allowances to Members of the European Parliament (‘PEAM rules’).

    Article 1 0 5 — Language and computer courses

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    650 000

    650 000

    400 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of language and computer courses for Members.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 42 thereof.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 23 October 2017 on language and computer courses for Members.

    Chapter 1 2 — OFFICIALS AND TEMPORARY STAFF

    Article 1 2 0 — Remuneration and other entitlements

    Item 1 2 0 0 — Remuneration and allowances

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

     

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    1 2 0 0

    973 382 485

    906 471 880

    846 335 205,79

    Reserves(10 0)

     

    3 100 000

     

    Total

    973 382 485

    909 571 880

    846 335 205,79

    Remarks

    This appropriation is mainly intended to cover, for officials and temporary staff holding a post provided for in the establishment plan:

     salaries, allowances and other payments related to salaries,

     insurance against sickness, accident and occupational disease and other social security contributions,

     flat-rate overtime allowances,

     miscellaneous allowances and grants,

     payment of travel expenses for officials or temporary staff, their spouses and dependants from their place of employment to their place of origin,

     the impact of salary weightings applicable to remuneration and to the part of emoluments transferred to a country other than the country of employment,

     unemployment insurance for temporary staff and payments made by the institution to allow temporary staff to constitute or maintain pension rights in their country of origin.

    This appropriation is also intended to cover the insurance premiums in respect of sports accidents for users of the European Parliament’s sports centres in Brussels, in Luxembourg and in Strasbourg.

    This appropriation includes an envelope of EUR 633 245 related to the staff of the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 450 000.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union.

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.

    Item 1 2 0 2 — Paid overtime

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    57 573

    52 764

    55 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the payment of overtime under the conditions set out in the legal basis.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Article 56 thereof and Annex VI thereto.

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.

    Item 1 2 0 4 — Entitlements in connection with entering the service, transfer and leaving the service

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    4 100 000

    3 779 912

    3 700 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     travel expenses due to officials and temporary staff (including their families) entering or leaving the service or being transferred to another place of employment,

     installation and resettlement allowances and removal expenses due to officials and temporary staff obliged to change their place of residence on taking up duty, on transfer to a new place of employment and on finally leaving the institution and resettling elsewhere,

     daily subsistence allowance for officials and temporary staff who furnish evidence that they must change their place of residence on taking up duty or transferring to a new place of employment,

     the compensation for a probationary official who is dismissed because his or her work is obviously inadequate,

     compensation for a member of the temporary staff whose contract is terminated by the institution,

     the difference between the contributions paid by contract staff to a Member State pension scheme and those payable to the Union scheme in the event of reclassification of a contract.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union.

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.

    Article 1 2 2 — Allowances upon early termination of service

    Item 1 2 2 0 — Allowances for staff retired or placed on leave in the interests of the service

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    4 790 000

    4 454 598

    3 899 745,48

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the allowances payable:

     to officials assigned non-active status in connection with action to reduce the number of posts in the institution,

     to officials placed on leave to meet organisational needs associated with the acquisition of new skills within the institution,

     to officials and temporary management staff for political groups holding posts in grades AD 16 and AD 15 retired in the interests of the service.

    It also covers the employer’s contribution towards sickness insurance and the impact of the weightings applicable to these allowances (except for beneficiaries of Article 42c of the Staff Regulations, who are not entitled to a weighting).

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Articles 41, 42c and 50 thereof and Annex IV thereto, and Article 48a of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.

    Item 1 2 2 2 — Allowances for staff whose service is terminated and special retirement scheme for officials and temporary staff

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     the allowances payable under the Staff Regulations or Council Regulations (EC, Euratom, ECSC) No 2689/95 and (EC, Euratom) No 1748/2002,

     the employer’s contributions towards sickness insurance for the recipients of the allowances,

     the impact of the weightings applicable to the various allowances.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Articles 64 and 72 thereof.

    Council Regulation (EC, Euratom, ECSC) No 2689/95 of 17 November 1995 introducing special measures to terminate the service of temporary staff of the European Communities as a result of the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden (OJ L 280, 23.11.1995, p. 4, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1995/2689/oj).

    Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1748/2002 of 30 September 2002 introducing, in the context of the modernisation of the institution, special measures to terminate the service of Officials of the European Communities appointed to an established post in the European Parliament and temporary staff working in the Political Groups of the European Parliament (OJ L 264, 2.10.2002, p. 9, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/1748/oj).

    Chapter 1 4 — OTHER STAFF AND EXTERNAL SERVICES

    Article 1 4 0 — Other staff and external persons

    Item 1 4 0 0 — Other staff — Secretariat and political groups

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    100 945 810

    94 484 929

    81 664 730,14

    Remarks

    This appropriation is mainly intended to cover the following expenditure:

     the remuneration, including allocations and allowances, of other staff, including contract staff and special advisers (within the meaning of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union), employer’s contributions to the various social security schemes, the bulk of which are paid in to the Union institutions’ own scheme, and the impact of salary weightings applicable to the remuneration of this staff,

     the employment of temporary agency staff.

    This appropriation is not to cover expenditure on:

     other staff within the Directorate-General for Security and Safety who perform duties relating to the safety of persons and property, information security and risk assessment,

     other staff working as drivers in the Secretariat.

    Part of this appropriation is to be used for the recruitment of persons with disabilities as contract staff members, in accordance with the Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 7 and 9 July 2008.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 4 100 000.

    This appropriation includes an envelope of EUR 421 487 related to the staff of the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations.

    Legal basis

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (Titles IV, V and VI).

    General implementing provisions governing competitions and selection procedures, recruitment and the grading of officials and other servants of the European Parliament (decision of the Secretary-General of the European Parliament of 17 October 2014).

    Item 1 4 0 1 — Other staff — Security

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    57 780 573

    52 771 404

    46 021 651,49

    Remarks

    This appropriation is mainly intended to cover the expenditure on other staff within the Directorate-General for Security and Safety who perform duties relating to the safety of persons and property, information security and risk assessment.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 500 000.

    Legal basis

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (Title IV).

    General implementing provisions governing competitions and selection procedures, recruitment and the grading of officials and other servants of the European Parliament (decision of the Secretary-General of the European Parliament of 17 October 2014).

    Item 1 4 0 2 — Other staff — Drivers in the Secretariat

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    10 316 589

    9 725 704

    9 027 760,87

    Remarks

    This appropriation is mainly intended to cover the expenditure on other staff working as drivers in the Secretariat or coordinating the work of those drivers.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (Title IV).

    General implementing provisions governing competitions and selection procedures, recruitment and the grading of officials and other servants of the European Parliament (decision of the Secretary-General of the European Parliament of 17 October 2014).

    Item 1 4 0 4 — Traineeships, seconded national experts, exchanges of officials and study visits

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    15 912 203

    13 929 850

    11 341 160,19

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     emoluments for graduate trainees (scholarships), including any household allowances,

     travel expenses of trainees,

     contribution to the cost of lunches of trainees at the European Parliament’s canteens,

     additional costs directly related to a trainee’s impairment,

     sickness and accident insurance for trainees,

     costs connected with the holding of information or training sessions for trainees,

     payment of a grant to the Robert Schuman Trainees’ Committee,

     communication and outreach actions and the financing of a trainee alumni network,

     expenditure arising from movements between the European Parliament and the civil service in the Member States and candidate countries or international organisations specified in the rules,

     expenditure arising from the secondment of national experts to the European Parliament, including allowances and travel expenses,

     accident insurance for national experts on secondment,

     allowances for study visits and study grants,

     the organisation of training schemes for conference interpreters and translators, inter alia in cooperation with schools of interpreting and universities providing training in translation, as well as grants for the training and further training of interpreters and translators, purchase of teaching materials, and associated costs,

     costs related to creating distance-learning opportunities for conference interpreting agents, like e-courses on subjects related to areas of parliamentary activity or professional skills or the recruitment of trainers for courses specific to conference interpreting agents.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Legal basis

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 7 March 2005 on the rules governing the attachment of European Parliament officials and temporary staff of the political groups to national public authorities, bodies treated as such public authorities and international organisations.

    Decision of the Secretary-General of the European Parliament of 29 April 2021 on the internal rules governing traineeships in the Secretariat of the European Parliament.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 22 November 2021 on the rules governing the secondment of national experts to the European Parliament.

    Item 1 4 0 5 — Expenditure on interpretation

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    64 850 000

    64 841 796

    55 479 971,94

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the following expenditure:

     the fees and related allowances, social security contributions, travel expenses and other expenses of contract conference interpreters recruited by the European Parliament to service meetings organised by the European Parliament to meet its own needs or those of other institutions when the necessary services cannot be provided by European Parliament interpreters (officials and temporary staff),

     expenditure on conference agencies, technicians, welcoming staff and administrators used to service the above meetings where they cannot be serviced by officials, temporary staff or other European Parliament staff,

     expenditure for contracts in interpreting services concluded by the DG LINC for providing interpretation, including remote simultaneous interpretation, for non-core meeting of the European Parliament and/or requested by other institutions and entities authorised to hold meetings on European Parliament premises,

     expenses in connection with services provided to the European Parliament by interpreters who are staff members of regional, national or international institutions,

     expenses in connection with interpretation-related activities, in particular preparations for meetings and interpreter training and selection,

     expenses paid for administering payments to conference interpreters,

     expenses in connection with preservation and development of external interpretation capacity or availability schemes.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 2 600 000.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union.

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.

    Agreement on working conditions and the pecuniary regime for auxiliary conference interpreters (ACIs) (and the implementing rules therefor), as established on 28 July 1999, amended on 13 October 2004 and revised on 31 July 2008.

    Item 1 4 0 6 — Observers

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the payment of expenses relating to observers, in accordance with Rule 13 of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Article 1 4 2 — External translation services

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    9 236 000

    9 700 000

    3 000 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the translation, editing, typing, coding and technical assistance work sent to outside suppliers.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 50 000.

    Chapter 1 6 — OTHER EXPENDITURE RELATING TO PERSONS WORKING WITH THE INSTITUTION

    Article 1 6 1 — Expenditure relating to staff management

    Item 1 6 1 0 — Expenditure on recruitment

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    496 600

    371 520

    152 378,85

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     expenditure on organising the competitions provided for in Article 3 of Decision 2002/621/EC and travel and subsistence expenses for applicants invited to tests as part of a competition or selection procedure, or called for recruitment interviews or to pre-employment medical examinations,

     the costs of organising and promoting competitions and procedures for selecting staff and raising awareness of employment opportunities in the European Parliament.

    In cases duly justified by operational needs, the institution may use this appropriation to organise its own competitions and selection procedures.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Articles 27 to 31 and Article 33 thereof and Annex III thereto.

    Decision 2002/620/EC of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, the Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Ombudsman of 25 July 2002 establishing a European Communities Personnel Selection Office (OJ L 197, 26.7.2002, p. 53, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2002/620/oj) and Decision 2002/621/EC of the Secretaries-General of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the Registrar of the Court of Justice, the Secretaries-General of the Court of Auditors, the Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, and the Representative of the European Ombudsman of 25 July 2002 on the organisation and operation of the European Communities Personnel Selection Office (OJ L 197, 26.7.2002, p. 56, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2002/621/oj).

    Item 1 6 1 2 — Learning and development

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    8 958 400

    8 987 950

    8 490 662,44

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on training for improving staff skills and the performance and efficiency of the institution, e.g. via language courses for the official working languages.

    It is also intended to cover expenditure on other training courses for Members.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 1 700.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Article 24a thereof.

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.

    Article 1 6 3 — Measures to assist the institution’s staff

    Item 1 6 3 0 — Social welfare

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    350 000

    328 350

    135 748,07

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     action taken in respect of officials and other servants in particularly difficult situations,

     the financing of a grant for the Staff Committee, the APA Committee, and incidental expenditure in the Medical Services. Contributions or defrayal of expenses by the Staff Committee for participants in welfare activities will be aimed at financing activities that have a social, cultural or linguistic dimension, but there will be no subsidies for individual staff members or households,

     other institutional and interinstitutional welfare measures for officials, other servants and retired staff,

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 70 000.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Article 9(3), third subparagraph, and Article 76 thereof.

    Item 1 6 3 1 — Mobility

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    2 110 000

    2 110 000

    2 340 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure relating to mobility at the various places of work.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Item 1 6 3 2 — Social contacts between members of staff and other social measures

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    290 200

    285 000

    265 819,34

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to encourage and provide financial backing for schemes to promote social contact between staff of different nationalities, for example subsidies for staff clubs, sports associations and cultural societies, and to make a contribution to the cost of a permanent centre (for cultural and sports activities, other hobbies, a restaurant) for use during leisure time.

    It also covers financial support for interinstitutional social activities.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 600 000.

    Article 1 6 5 — Activities relating to all persons working with the institution

    Item 1 6 5 0 — Health, Safety and Inclusion

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    3 615 219

    4 088 866

    3 327 922,83

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the operating costs of the Medical Services, the Medical Leave Service, the Medical Preparedness and Crisis Management Unit, the Prevention and Well-Being at Work Unit and the Equality Inclusion and Diversity Unit in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg.

    In the medical field, this includes in particular:

     medical check-ups, the purchase of materials and pharmaceutical products,

     expenditure on medical examinations, particularly in an occupational-medicine context, on pre-recruitment medical examinations, on periodic examinations and health screening in connection with security-related, safety-critical and specific-risk posts,

     medical expert reports and on ergonomic measures,

     expenditure arising from the operation of the Invalidity Committee and in connection with adjudications and expert opinions,

     expenditure on services provided by outside medical and paramedical specialists deemed necessary by the medical officers.

    It also covers expenditure involving the purchase of certain work tools deemed necessary on medical grounds, together with expenditure on medical or paramedical service providers or personnel on short-term stand-in assignment.

    In relation to disability management and support, this appropriation is intended to cover as part of an interinstitutional policy to assist persons with a disability in the following categories:

     officials and other agents in active employment,

     spouses of officials and other agents in active employment,

     dependent children within the meaning of the Staff Regulations,

     orphans who have lost both parents and who are in receipt of an orphan’s pension,

    the reimbursement, to the extent permitted by the budget and after national entitlements in the country of residence or the country of origin have been exhausted, of expenses (other than medical expenses) recognised as necessary, resulting from the disability, supported by documentary evidence and not covered by the Joint Sickness Insurance Scheme,

     other institutional and interinstitutional welfare measures for officials, other servants and retired staff,

     the financing of specific reasonable accommodation measures or expenditure on medical analyses and welfare assessments for officials and other servants with disabilities during recruitment procedures or requiring accommodation measures as a result of events during their career, and trainees with disabilities during selection procedures, in application of Article 1d of the Staff Regulations, in particular personal assistance at the workplace, including transport, or during missions.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Article 1d, Article 1e(2), Article 33, Article 59, and Article 76 thereof and Article 8 of Annex II thereto. Council Directive 89/391/EEC of June 12, 1989 also lays ground on provisions in relation to workplace risk management.

    Item 1 6 5 2 — Expenditure on catering

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    800 000

    1 360 000

    736 268,23

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on catering for official high-level events and meetings and certain social measures agreed by the European Parliament.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Item 1 6 5 4 — Childcare facilities

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    11 751 520

    9 237 967

    8 651 259,44

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the European Parliament’s contribution to all the organisational expenditure and expenditure on services for the internal childcare facilities and outside childcare facilities with which an agreement has been concluded.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 3 300 000.

    Item 1 6 5 5 — European Parliament contribution for accredited Type II European Schools

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    1 248 000

    1 169 950

    837 737,52

    Remarks

    Implementation of Commission Decision C(2013) 4886 of 1 August 2013 on the putting into effect of the EU contribution paid on a pro-rata basis to schools accredited by the Board of Governors of the European Schools according to the number of children of EU staff enrolled, replacing Commission Decision C(2009) 7719 of 14 October 2009 as amended by Commission Decision C(2010) 7993 of 8 December 2010 (OJ C 222, 2.8.2013, p. 8).

    This appropriation is intended to cover the European Parliament’s contribution for Type II European Schools accredited by the Board of Governors of the European Schools or the reimbursement of the contribution paid by the Commission on behalf of the European Parliament for Type II European Schools accredited by the Board of Governors of the European Schools. It covers costs relating to children of European Parliament staff coming under the Staff Regulations who are enrolled in such schools.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Title 2 — BUILDINGS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENDITURE

    Remarks

    Since risk cover has been revoked by insurance companies, the risk of industrial conflicts and terrorist attacks for the European Parliament buildings needs to be covered through the general budget of the Union.

    The appropriations of this title accordingly cover all expenses in connection with damage resulting from industrial conflicts and terrorist attacks.

    Chapter 2 0 — Buildings and associated costs

    Article 2 0 0 — Buildings

    Item 2 0 0 0 — Rent

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    31 110 000

    26 900 000

    29 318 124,71

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover rent for the buildings or parts of buildings occupied by the European Parliament.

    It also covers property tax. The rentals are calculated over 12 months on the basis of existing leases or leases in preparation, which normally provide for cost of living or construction cost index-linking.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 3 000 000.

    Financial contributions from Member States or their public agencies or entities in the form of financing or repayment of costs and of associated charges relating to the purchase or use of land, buildings, as well as of charges in relation to buildings and facilities of the institution, shall be considered as external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2) of the Financial Regulation.

    Item 2 0 0 1 — Lease payments

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    751 000

    700 000

    21 420 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the annual lease payments for buildings or parts of buildings under existing leases or leases in preparation.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 50 000.

    Financial contributions from Member States or their public agencies or entities in the form of financing or repayment of costs and of associated charges relating to the purchase or use of land, buildings, as well as of charges in relation to buildings and facilities of the institution, shall be considered as external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2) of the Financial Regulation.

    Item 2 0 0 3 — Acquisition of immovable property

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    340 000

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the acquisition of immovable property. Subsidies for land and its servicing will be dealt with in accordance with the Financial Regulation.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 810 000.

    Financial contributions from Member States or their public agencies or entities in the form of financing or repayment of costs and of associated charges relating to the purchase or use of land, buildings, as well as of charges in relation to buildings and facilities of the institution, shall be considered as external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2) of the Financial Regulation.

    Item 2 0 0 7 — Construction of buildings and fitting-out of premises

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    74 357 000

    78 010 000

    75 581 353,02

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     building construction costs (works, consultants’ fees, initial fitting-out work and supplies to make buildings operational, and all related costs),

     fitting-out costs and related expenditure, and in particular architects’ or engineers’ fees.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 472 000.

    Financial contributions from Member States or their public agencies or entities in the form of financing or repayment of costs and of associated charges relating to the purchase or use of land, buildings, as well as of charges in relation to buildings and facilities of the institution, shall be considered as external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2) of the Financial Regulation.

    Item 2 0 0 8 — Other specific property management arrangements

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    8 190 000

    6 665 000

    4 227 493,47

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on property management not specifically provided for in the other articles in this Chapter, i.e.:

     waste management and treatment,

     mandatory inspections, quality checks, expert opinions, audits, compliance monitoring, etc.,

     technical library,

     management support (building helpdesk),

     taking care of building drawings and information media,

     other expenditure.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 268 000.

    Item 2 0 0 9 — Construction and fitting out of Buildings: Idea Lab

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover investments in innovative building solutions and pilot projects, namely:

     building construction costs (works, consultants’ fees, initial fitting out and supplies to make buildings fit to meet the European Parliament’s needs and all related costs),

     fitting-out costs and related expenditure, as well as architects’ and engineers’ fees.

    Article 2 0 2 — Expenditure on buildings

    Item 2 0 2 2 — Building maintenance, upkeep, operation and cleaning

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    83 870 000

    81 550 000

    78 288 453,35

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the maintenance, upkeep, operating and cleaning costs, on the basis of current contracts, for the buildings (offices, other areas and installations) rented or owned by the European Parliament.

    Before renewing or concluding contracts, the institution will consult the other institutions on the contractual terms each of them has obtained (prices, currency chosen, index-linking, duration, other clauses) with due regard for Article 167 of the Financial Regulation.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 479 000.

    Item 2 0 2 4 — Energy consumption

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    25 457 000

    28 950 000

    21 604 075,08

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover, in particular, water, gas, electricity and heating costs.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 150 000.

    Item 2 0 2 6 — Security and surveillance of buildings

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    22 610 000

    19 760 000

    18 818 361,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover essentially the costs of caretaking and surveillance in respect of buildings occupied by the European Parliament at its three habitual places of work, its information offices in the Union, the Europa Experiences and its offices in third countries.

    Before renewing or concluding contracts, the institution will consult the other institutions on the contractual terms each of them has obtained (prices, currency chosen, index-linking, duration, other clauses) with due regard for Article 167 of the Financial Regulation.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100 000.

    Item 2 0 2 8 — Insurance

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    3 790 000

    3 390 000

    3 358 982,59

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover payments in respect of insurance policy premiums.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Chapter 2 1 — DATA PROCESSING, EQUIPMENT AND MOVABLE PROPERTY

    Remarks

    In connection with public procurement, the institution will consult the other institutions on the contractual terms each of them has obtained.

    Article 2 1 0 — Computing and telecommunications

    Item 2 1 0 0 — IT governance and cyber security

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    11 004 000

    9 563 800

    10 169 079,47

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on the purchase, hire, servicing and maintenance of hardware and software and on outside assistance from IT consultants to provide assistance and support related to ICT security, enterprise architecture, market exploration and studies in the domain of information and communications technology.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Item 2 1 0 1 — Business applications management

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    79 323 800

    77 681 050

    80 586 736,76

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on the purchase, hire, servicing and maintenance of hardware and software and related work, and on outside assistance from ICT consultants for operations connected with ICT user applications management in the institution, and IT project support. It is also intended to cover expenditure on ICT tools financed jointly in the context of interinstitutional cooperation in the field of languages, provided for by the decisions taken by the Interinstitutional Committee on Translation and Interpretation.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 64 000.

    Item 2 1 0 2 — Infrastructure and operations management

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    81 745 300

    80 041 200

    86 398 356,95

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on the purchase, hire, servicing and maintenance of hardware and software and on outside assistance from IT consultants to ensure that the European Parliament’s computing and telecommunications infrastructure functions properly. That expenditure relates mainly to systems at the computer and telecommunications centre including cloud-related services, network, cabling, telecommunications and videoconferencing systems. It also relates to the voting system infrastructure, the renting or acquisition of multifunctional devices (photocopiers) and costs associated with the printing of documents.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 385 000.

    Item 2 1 0 3 — Digital workplace services and equipment

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    22 841 500

    25 209 000

    34 500 141,30

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on the purchase, hire, servicing and maintenance of hardware and software and on outside assistance from IT consultants to provide assistance, support and IT equipment for users of the European Parliament’s computing and telecommunications systems. That expenditure mainly relates to the acquisition and maintenance of individual IT equipment and to the IT support services for Members and other users.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 192 000.

    Article 2 1 2 — Furniture

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    7 470 000

    7 990 000

    8 345 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the purchase, hire, maintenance and repair of furniture, including the purchase of ergonomic furniture, the replacement of worn-out and broken furniture and office machines. It is also intended to cover miscellaneous expenditure on managing the European Parliament’s furniture stock.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Article 2 1 4 — Technical equipment and installations

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    23 468 400

    21 322 000

    28 604 422,99

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the purchase, hire, maintenance, repair and management of technical equipment and installations, and in particular of:

     miscellaneous fixed and mobile technical installations and equipment in connection with publishing, security (including software), canteens, buildings, staff training and the institution’s sports centres, etc.,

     equipment in particular for the canteens, staff shops, security, conferences, and the audiovisual sector, etc.,

     special equipment (electronic, computing and electrical) and related external services.

    This appropriation also covers publicity costs for the resale and scrapping of inventoried items and the costs of technical assistance (consultancy) with matters on which external expertise is needed.

    This appropriation also covers the cost of transporting the equipment needed to provide technical conference services anywhere in the world when requested by a Member, delegation, political group or governing body of the European Parliament. It covers transport costs and all related administrative costs.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 190 000.

    Article 2 1 6 — Transport of Members, other persons and goods

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    6 155 000

    5 901 000

    4 965 558,61

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the purchase, leasing, maintenance, use and repair of vehicles (fleet of cars and bicycles) and the hire of cars, taxis, coaches and lorries, with or without drivers, including the necessary insurance cover and other management costs. When replacing the car fleet or purchasing, leasing or hiring vehicles, preference will be given to cars that are the least polluting for the environment, such as hybrid cars.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100 000.

    Chapter 2 3 — CURRENT ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE

    Remarks

    In connection with public procurement, the institution will consult the other institutions on the contractual terms each of them has obtained.

    Article 2 3 0 — Stationery, office supplies and miscellaneous consumables

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    200 000

    296 000

    168 615,80

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the purchase of paper, envelopes, office supplies, supplies for the print shop and document reproduction workshops, etc., together with the related management costs.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 28 000.

    Article 2 3 1 — Financial charges

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    350 000

    1 850 000

    80 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover bank charges (commission, agios and miscellaneous charges) and other financial charges, including ancillary costs for the financing of buildings.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Article 2 3 2 — Legal costs and damages

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    1 795 000

    1 635 000

    844 750,49

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     the cost of hiring bailiffs to represent the European Parliament for the purpose of notification of its decisions,

     costs which may be awarded against the European Parliament by the Court of Justice, the General Court or national courts,

     the cost of hiring outside lawyers to represent the European Parliament in Union and national courts, and the cost of hiring legal advisers or experts to assist the Legal Service,

     reimbursement of lawyers’ fees in connection with disciplinary and equivalent proceedings,

     damages and interest expenses,

     compensation agreed through amicable settlement pursuant to Chapter 11 and Chapter 11a of Title III of the Rules of Procedure of the General Court or Chapter 7 of Title IV of the Rules of Procedure of the Court of Justice,

     administrative fines issued by the European Data Protection Supervisor.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Legal basis

    Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1725/oj).

    Article 2 3 6 — Postage on correspondence and delivery charges

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    268 000

    270 000

    296 196,49

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover charges for postage, processing and delivery by national postal services or private delivery firms.

    This appropriation is also intended to cover mail-handling services.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 12 000.

    Article 2 3 7 — Removals

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    1 437 000

    700 000

    1 592 272,11

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of removal and handling work carried out by removal firms or by temporary handling staff supplied by outside agencies.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Article 2 3 8 — Other administrative expenditure

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    2 388 000

    2 385 000

    1 837 968,98

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     insurance not specifically provided for in another item,

     the purchase and maintenance of uniforms for ushers, drivers, receptionists, warehouse staff, removal men and staff in the Visits and Seminars Unit, the Parlamentarium, the medical services, the security and building maintenance services and various technical services,

     miscellaneous operating and management expenses, including fees payable to the Office for the Administration and Payment of Individual Entitlements (PMO) for managing pensions payable to former Members under the Statute, expenses related to the security clearance of external persons working on the premises or in the systems of the European Parliament, purchases of goods or services not specifically provided for against another heading,

     miscellaneous purchases in connection with European Parliament’s corporate social responsibility, including Eco-Management Auditing Scheme (EMAS),

     miscellaneous services in connection with European Parliament’s financial and inventory management.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Article 2 3 9 — EMAS and sustainability activities, including promotion, and the European Parliament’s carbon offsetting scheme

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    950 000

    250 000

    10 267,38

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure related to sustainability activities in the European Parliament and Eco-Management Auditing Scheme (EMAS) activities aimed at improving the environmental performance of the European Parliament, including the promotion of these activities, and to the European Parliament’s carbon offsetting scheme.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Title 3 — EXPENDITURE RESULTING FROM GENERAL FUNCTIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE INSTITUTION

    Chapter 3 0 — MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES

    Article 3 0 0 — Expenses for staff missions and duty travel between the three places of work

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    29 470 000

    28 850 000

    21 855 556,57

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on duty travel by staff of the institution, seconded national experts, trainees and staff of other European or international institutions invited by the institution between place of employment and any of the European Parliament’s three places of work (Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg) and on missions to any location other than the three places of work. Expenditure is made up of transport costs, daily allowances, accommodation costs and compensatory allowances for unsocial hours. Ancillary costs (including cancellation of tickets and hotel reservations, electronic invoicing costs and mission insurance costs) are also covered.

    This appropriation is also intended to cover any expenditure on carbon offsetting relating to staff missions and duty travel.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 200 000.

    Legal basis

    Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, and in particular Article 71 thereof and Articles 11, 12 and 13 of Annex VII thereto.

    Article 3 0 2 — Reception and representation expenses

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    1 093 128

    1 028 900

    886 086,07

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     expenses related to the obligations of the institution regarding receptions, including in connection with work relating to the assessment of scientific options (STOA), other research and forward-looking activities and representation expenses for Members of the institution,

     representation expenses of the President when he or she is travelling outside the places of work,

     musical projects,

     representation expenses and the contribution to the secretarial expenses of the President’s office,

     the Secretariat’s reception and representation expenses, including the purchase of items and medals for officials who have completed 15 or 25 years’ service,

     miscellaneous protocol expenditure, such as on flags, display stands, invitation cards and printed menus,

     travel and subsistence expenses incurred by VIP visitors to the institution,

     visa costs relating to official travel by Members and staff,

     reception and representation expenses and the other specific expenses for Members performing official duties at the European Parliament.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Article 3 0 4 — Miscellaneous expenditure on meetings

    Item 3 0 4 0 — Miscellaneous expenditure on internal meetings

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    320 000

    370 000

    142 335,23

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the costs of the beverages, refreshments and occasional light meals served at meetings held by the European Parliament or interinstitutional meetings organised on its premises, together with the management costs for these services.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Item 3 0 4 2 — Meetings, congresses, conferences and delegations

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    3 185 301

    3 282 900

    1 351 568,80

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover, inter alia, expenses other than those covered under Chapter 1 0 and Article 3 0 0, connected with:

     the organisation of meetings outside the places of work (committees and committee delegations, political groups), including, where appropriate, representation expenditure,

     the organisation of interparliamentary delegations, ad hoc delegations, joint parliamentary committees, parliamentary cooperation committees, parliamentary delegations to the WTO, and the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO and its Steering Committee,

     the organisation of delegations to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, the EuroLat Parliamentary Assembly and the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and their bodies,

     the organisation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfMPA), its committees and its Bureau; this expenditure includes the European Parliament’s contribution to the budget of the autonomous secretariat of the UfMPA or the direct defrayal of expenses representing the European Parliament’s share of the budget of the UfMPA,

     the affiliation fees in respect of international organisations to which the European Parliament or one of its bodies belongs (Interparliamentary Union, Association of Secretaries-General of Parliaments, Twelve Plus Group within the Interparliamentary Union),

     the reimbursement to the Commission, on the basis of a service agreement concluded between the European Parliament and the Commission, of the European Parliament’s share of the cost of producing EU laissez-passer (equipment, staff and supplies), in accordance with the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union (Article 6), Article 23 of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, Articles 11 and 81 of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union and Council Regulation (EU) No 1417/2013 of 17 December 2013 laying down the form of the laissez-passer issued by the European Union (OJ L 353, 28.12.2013, p. 26, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1417/oj),

     participation in meetings of the Steering Board of the InvestEU Programme and official meetings with the competent parliamentary committees’ members (including travel expenses, accommodation and catering) of persons appointed by the European Parliament in the Steering Board of the InvestEU Programme.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Item 3 0 4 9 — Expenditure on travel agency services

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    3 660 000

    3 590 000

    3 393 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the running costs of the travel agency under contract to the European Parliament.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 6 000.

    Chapter 3 2 — EXPERTISE AND INFORMATION: ACQUISITION, ARCHIVING, PRODUCTION AND DISSEMINATION

    Article 3 2 0 — Acquisition of expertise

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    9 961 999

    6 485 000

    3 134 202,80

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     the cost of contracts with qualified experts and research institutes for studies and other research activities (workshops, round tables, expert panels or hearings, and conferences) or technical assistance activities that require specific skills and that are carried out for the European Parliament’s governing bodies, for the parliamentary committees, for the parliamentary delegations and for the administration,

     acquisition or hiring of specialised information sources, such as specialised databases, related literature or technical support, when needed to complement the expertise contracts mentioned above,

     the travel, subsistence and incidental expenses of experts and other persons, including petitioners to the European Parliament, invited to take part in committee, delegation, study group or working party meetings and in workshops,

     costs of participation of petitioners, including travel, subsistence and incidental expenses, during the official missions of the Committee on Petitions outside of the European Parliament premises,

     costs of dissemination of internal or external parliamentary research products and other relevant products, for the benefit of the institution and of the public (in particular by means of publications on the internet, internal databases, brochures and publications),

     expenditure on calling-in outside persons to take part in the work of bodies such as the Disciplinary Board,

     the cost of checks by specialised external service providers on the accuracy of documents supplied by candidates for recruitment.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 74 000.

    Article 3 2 1 — Expenditure on European parliamentary research services, including the library, the historical archives, scientific and technological options assessment (STOA) and the European Science-Media Hub

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    10 063 320

    10 134 000

    8 393 552,80

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on the work of DG EPRS and the Historical Archives of the European Parliament, particularly:

     acquisition of specialised expertise and support for the European Parliament’s research activities (including articles, studies, workshops, seminars, round tables, expert panels and conferences) which may, if necessary, be carried out in partnership with other Institutions, international organisations, research departments and libraries of national parliaments, think tanks, research bodies and other qualified experts,

     acquisition of specialised expertise in the fields of impact assessment and of ex ante and ex post evaluation, European added value, and scientific and technological options assessment (STOA),

     acquisition or hiring of books, journals, newspapers, databases, press agency products and any other information medium for the library in various formats, including costs of copyright, the quality assurance system, materials and work involved in rebinding and conservation, and other relevant services,

     the cost of outside archiving services (organisation, selection, description, transfer to different media and to paperless form, acquisition of primary archive sources),

     acquisition, development, installation, operation and maintenance of special library and archiving documentation and of special media-library materials, including materials and electrical, electronic and computerised systems, and materials for rebinding and conservation,

     costs of dissemination of internal or external parliamentary research products and other relevant products, for the benefit of the institution and of the public (in particular by means of publications on the internet, internal databases, brochures and publications),

     travel, subsistence and associated costs of experts and authors invited to attend presentations, seminars, workshops or other such activities organised,

     participation by the services responsible for Scientific and Technological Options Assessment (STOA) in the activities of European and international scientific bodies,

     the European Parliament’s obligations under international and interinstitutional cooperation agreements, including the European Parliament’s contribution to the costs of managing the Union’s historical archives in accordance with Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83,

     the costs of the European Science-Media Hub, the operations of which are overseen by the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA), in enhancing the interface between the European Parliament, the scientific community and the media, in order specifically to promote networking, training and knowledge dissemination. This includes for example:

     organising activities and dealing with expenses (including travel expenses, accommodation and catering) in connection with invitations to journalists, stakeholders and other experts to cover the activities concerned,

     setting up and maintaining networks at the interface between the European Parliament, the scientific community and the media,

     organising seminars, conferences and training courses on current scientific and technological developments and issues and on the nature and effectiveness of science journalism,

     harnessing expert information and analysis from academia, the media and other sources in the field of science and technology for the benefit of policy-makers and citizens,

     making European Parliament research and other relevant material in the field of science and technology more widely available by written, audiovisual and other means,

     developing techniques and methods for increasing the ability to identify and disseminate trustworthy sources in the field of science and technology,

     supporting the installation, upgrading and use of state-of-the-art technical equipment and media facilities in support of such dialogue,

     developing closer cooperation and, more generally, links between the European Parliament, relevant media outlets and universities and research centres in this field, including through promotion in the media of the role, and work of the European Science-Media Hub as well as its accessibility for citizens.

    This appropriation may also be used to support dialogue between the European Parliament and the university community, the media, think tanks and citizens with regard to foresight work on the long-term trends to be addressed by European Union decision-makers, both in the field of science and more broadly, through seminars, publications and other activities set out above.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983 concerning the opening to the public of the historical archives of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/1983/354/oj).

    Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2001/1049/oj).

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 28 November 2001 on rules governing public access to European Parliament documents, as last amended on 22 June 2011 (OJ C 216, 22.7.2011, p. 19).

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 2 July 2012 on rules on document management in the European Parliament.

    European Parliament resolution of 8 October 2013 on forward policy planning and long-term trends: budgetary implications for capacity-building (OJ C 181, 19.5.2016, p. 16), and in particular paragraphs 7 and 9 thereof.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 10 March 2014 on procedures governing the European Parliament’s acquisition of private archives of Members and former Members.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 15 April 2019 on the STOA rules.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 17 June 2019 on the rules of the European Parliament Library.

    Article 3 2 2 — Documentation expenditure

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    2 973 500

    3 115 000

    3 221 682,79

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     subscriptions to newspapers and periodicals and news agencies and to the publications thereof and online services, including copyright fees for the reproduction and dissemination of the above in written and/or electronic form and service contracts for press reviews and cuttings,

     subscriptions or service contracts for the supply of summaries and analyses of the content of periodicals or the storage on optical media of articles taken from such periodicals,

     utilising external documentary and statistical databases (computer hardware and telecommunications charges excepted),

     the purchase of new dictionaries and glossaries, or the replacement thereof, regardless of medium, including for the new language sections, and other works for the language services and the Legislative Quality Units.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Article 3 2 3 — Support for democracy and capacity-building for the parliaments of third countries

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    1 400 000

    1 400 000

    517 672,34

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     expenditure on programmes for the exchange of information and cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of the pre-accession countries, in particular the Western Balkans and Turkey,

     expenditure committed for promoting relations between the European Parliament and democratically elected national parliaments from third countries (other than those referred to in the previous indent) as well as with corresponding regional parliamentary organisations. The activities concerned are notably aimed at strengthening parliamentary capacity in new and emerging democracies in particular in the European Neighbourhood (South and East),

     expenditure on promoting activities in support of mediation, and programmes for young political leaders from the European Union and from countries in the wider European Neighbourhood: the Maghreb, Eastern Europe and Russia, Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and other priority countries as decided by the Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group,

     expenditure on organising the Sakharov Prize (in particular the amount of the prize, travel expenses of the winner(s) and other finalists and the costs of receiving them, operating costs of the Sakharov network and duty travel by members of the network) and on activities to promote human rights.

    These activities include information visits to the European Parliament in Brussels, Luxembourg or Strasbourg and visits to Member States and third countries. This appropriation covers, wholly or partially, the expenses of the participants, particularly travel, accommodation and daily subsistence.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 12 December 2011 establishing the Directorate for Democracy Support in the Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union.

    Article 3 2 4 — Production and dissemination

    Item 3 2 4 0 — Official Journal

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the institution’s share of the Publications Office’s expenditure on publishing and dissemination and other ancillary costs with regard to the texts to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000.

    Item 3 2 4 1 — Digital and traditional publications

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    1 579 800

    1 619 600

    2 137 349,13

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     all costs for digital publishing (Intranet sites) and traditional publishing (miscellaneous documents and printed matter subcontracted out), including distribution,

     upgrading and evolutive and corrective maintenance of editorial systems.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 10 000.

    Item 3 2 4 2 — Expenditure on publication, information and participation in public events

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    26 530 000

    27 640 000

    36 366 874,13

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     expenditure on communication relating to the values of the institution by means of information publications, including electronic publications, information activities, public relations, participation in public events, trade fairs and exhibitions,

     expenditure on communication in order to give the European Parliament a recognisable, coherent and positive public image, to develop communication products from the creative concept to the final product and capacity building towards an internal communication agency, including access to industry tools and external expert advice,

     co-financing of communication actions through a grants program in order to promote and multiply a better understanding of the identity, role and political nature of the European Parliament and to stimulate collaboration with multiplier networks,

     the cost relating to public opinion monitoring,

     the cost linked to monitoring, countering and raising awareness on the reputational risks, disinformation and hybrid threats,

     the cost of cultural projects of European interest, such as the European Parliament LUX Prize for European Cinema,

     the cost of organising and running events for young people, raising the European Parliament’s social media profile, and monitoring youth trends,

     costs relating to the mobile internet, interactive technologies, socialising spaces, collaborative platforms and changing internet user behaviour, with a view to bringing the European Parliament closer to citizens,

     the cost of in-house production, distribution and hosting by the European Parliament of web clips and other broadcast-ready multimedia material, in line with the European Parliament’s communication strategy,

     expenditure on works of art for the European Parliament, covering both the cost of acquiring and purchasing specific material and the current expenditure relating thereto, such as experts, conservation, framing, restoration, cleaning, insurance and ad-hoc transport costs.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 50 000.

    Item 3 2 4 3 — European Parliament visitor centres

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    25 180 000

    27 150 000

    26 687 400,69

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to finance installations, material and exhibitions at European Parliament visitor centres, in particular:

     the Parlamentarium — the European Parliament Visitors’ Centre in Brussels, including the mobile information points,

     reception facilities, ‘Europa Experience’ centres and information outlets away from Brussels,

     the activities of the House of European History, such as carrying out specific fitting-out work, acquiring collections, the cost of contracts with experts, and organising exhibitions, as well as its running costs, including expenditure on books, magazines and other publications related to the House of European History’s activities.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 4 000 000.

    Item 3 2 4 4 — Organisation and reception of groups of visitors, Euroscola programme and invitations to opinion multipliers from third countries

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    38 223 000

    38 496 000

    33 108 635,98

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     subsidies granted for group visits and associated supervision and infrastructure costs, the financing of traineeships for opinion multipliers from third countries (EUVP) and the running costs of the Euroscola, Euromed-Scola and Euronest-Scola programmes. The Euromed-Scola and Euronest-Scola programmes shall take place each year, with the exception of election years, on an alternating basis, on the European Parliament’s premises in Strasbourg or in Brussels,

     activities to promote the EUVP,

     expenditure related to the implementation of the new visitors’ strategy and the organisation of the open days,

     media campaigns and the organisation of the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme.

    This appropriation shall be increased every year using a deflator that takes into account movements in GNI and prices.

    Each Member of the European Parliament is entitled to invite a maximum of five groups each calendar year for a total of 100 visitors. Visitor groups officially sponsored by a Member may take part in the Euroscola programme if invited to do so by that Member.

    An appropriate amount is included for visitors with disabilities.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 525 000.

    Legal basis

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 16 December 2002 on rules governing the reception of groups of visitors and the Euroscola, Euromed-Scola and Euronest-Scola programmes, consolidated on 3 May 2004, as last amended and consolidated on 11 September and 2 October 2023.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 3 October 2016 on rules launching the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme in all Member States and Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 16 September 2019 on the continuation of the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme beyond 2019.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 16 December 2020 on the participation of UK citizens and EU27 citizens living in the UK in Parliament’s communication programmes.

    Item 3 2 4 5 — Organisation of symposia and seminars

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    5 056 400

    4 803 050

    4 413 205,23

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     expenditure or subsidies connected with the organisation of national or international symposia and seminars for opinion multipliers from the Member States, the accession countries and the countries in which the European Parliament has a liaison office or antenna, and the cost of organising parliamentary symposia and seminars,

     expenditure on special events in the Chamber in Strasbourg and Brussels in accordance with the annual programme adopted by the Bureau of the European Parliament,

     expenditure on conference management services, conference management and multilingualism support measures and tools such as seminars and conferences, meetings with providers of training for interpreters or translators, measures and actions to raise awareness of multilingualism and the profession of interpreter or translator, including a programme of grants for universities, schools and other organisations offering interpreting or translation courses, virtual communication solutions, organisation or participation in events for promotion and awareness of European Parliament careers, including events organised to enhance the attractiveness of the Luxembourgish site as well as participation in similar actions and measures organised jointly with other services in the context of interinstitutional and international cooperation,

     expenses connected with the organisation of symposia and seminars on information and communication technologies,

     the cost of inviting journalists or other opinion multipliers to plenary sittings, committee meetings, press conferences and other parliamentary activities,

     expenses related to the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize,

     expenditure for the training of and scholarship for young journalists.

     expenditure relating to the organisation of conferences, seminars and other activities covering budgetary and financial issues of relevance to European Parliament’s administration and Members’ finance, including Members’ empowerment and the financing of political structures,

     expenses connected with the organisation of symposia and seminars on security and on parliamentary democracy at interinstitutional and international levels including outreach and awareness raising, through events and communication tools such as digital communication, visual design, promotional items, printing or audio-visual productions, etc.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 25 000.

    Legal basis

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 5 October 2020 regarding the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for journalists.

    Item 3 2 4 8 — Expenditure on audiovisual information

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    22 087 500

    21 072 500

    24 575 954,24

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     the purchase, hire, maintenance, repair and management of audiovisual equipment and installations,

     the operating budget of the audiovisual sector (including services under its own control and outside assistance such as technical services for radio and television stations, provision, production and co-production of audiovisual programmes, the hiring of lines, the transmission of television and radio programmes, and other measures to develop relations between the institution and audiovisual broadcasting bodies),

     expenditure on live internet broadcasting of plenary sittings and parliamentary committee meetings,

     the establishment of appropriate archives ensuring uninterrupted media and public access to that information,

     expenditure relating to the management and maintenance of the IT infrastructure in the press room in Strasbourg.

     service contracts for (i) the supply of media monitoring and analysis in the form of summaries of news and full-text articles from media outlets, (ii) the development and maintenance of a dedicated database for the storage of such data, and (iii) the (external) human resources needed to exploit that data.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 50 000.

    Legal basis

    European Parliament Resolution of 12 March 2002 on the guidelines for the 2003 budgetary procedure (OJ C 47 E, 27.2.2003, p. 72).

    European Parliament Resolution of 14 May 2002 on the estimates of revenue and expenditure of Parliament for the financial year 2003 (OJ C 180 E, 31.7.2003, p. 150).

    European Parliament Resolution of 14 May 2003 on the estimates of revenue and expenditure of Parliament for the financial year 2004 (OJ C 67 E, 17.3.2004, p. 179).

    Item 3 2 4 9 — Information exchanges with national parliaments

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    262 000

    258 000

    142 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     expenditure committed for promoting relations between the European Parliament and national parliaments. It relates to parliamentary relations other than those covered by Chapters 1 0 and 3 0, exchanges of information and documentation, and assistance in the analysis and management of that information, including exchanges with the European Centre for Parliamentary Research and Documentation (ECPRD),

     funding of cooperation programmes and training schemes for officials of the European Parliament and national parliaments and, in general, activities to strengthen their parliamentary capacities.

    Training schemes include study visits to the European Parliament in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg; the appropriation is intended to cover all or part of the expenditure incurred by participants, in particular travelling costs, travel expenses, accommodation and daily allowances,

     cooperation measures, including those linked to legislative work, and measures linked to documentation, analysis and information and making the www.ipex.eu domain secure, including those carried out by the ECPRD.

    This appropriation aims at financing the cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments in the parliamentary scrutiny of the CFSP/CSDP, in accordance with the TEU and the TFEU, and in particular Articles 9 and 10 of Protocol No 1 on the role of national parliaments in the European Union.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Conferences of Speakers of European Parliamentary Assemblies (June 1977) and of European Union Parliaments (September 2000, March 2001).

    Article 3 2 5 — Expenditure relating to liaison offices

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    11 213 000

    11 088 000

    10 572 999,41

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure by the European Parliament’s liaison offices and antennas in the Member States and third countries:

     communication and information expenses (information and public events; internet — production, promotion, consultancy; seminars; audiovisual productions),

     activities designed to strengthen inter-parliamentary ties and legislative and stakeholders dialogue, promoting parliamentary democracy including engagement with relevant interlocutors,

     general expenditure and miscellaneous incidental expenditure (office supplies, telecommunications, delivery charges, handling, transport, storage, standard promotional items, databases and press subscriptions, etc.),

     media campaigns and the organisation of the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 10 000.

    Title 4 — EXPENDITURE RESULTING FROM SPECIAL FUNCTIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE INSTITUTION

    Chapter 4 0 — EXPENDITURE RELATING TO CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

    Article 4 0 0 — Current administrative expenditure and expenditure relating to the political and information activities of the political groups and non-attached Members

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    75 800 000

    70 000 000

    65 579 003,98

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover, in respect of the political groups and the non-attached Members:

     secretarial, administrative and operational expenditure,

     expenditure on political and information activities conducted in connection with the Union’s political activities.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 1 000 000.

    Legal basis

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 30 June 2003 on rules on the use of appropriations from budget Item 4 0 0 as last amended on 4 July 2022.

    Article 4 0 2 — Funding of European political parties

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    46 000 000

    46 000 000

    37 953 095,70

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to finance political parties at European level. Good governance and robust scrutiny of the use of funds must be ensured.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 5 000 000.

    Legal basis

    Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 10(4) thereof.

    Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 224 thereof.

    Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/1141/oj).

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 1 July 2019 laying down the procedures for implementing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (OJ C 249, 25.7.2019, p. 2).

    Article 4 0 3 — Funding of European political foundations

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    25 000 000

    24 000 000

    21 871 071,50

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to finance political foundations at European level. Good governance and robust scrutiny of the use of funds must be ensured.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100 000.

    Legal basis

    Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 10(4) thereof.

    Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 224 thereof.

    Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/1141/oj).

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 1 July 2019 laying down the procedures for implementing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (OJ C 249, 25.7.2019, p. 2).

    Chapter 4 2 — EXPENDITURE RELATING TO PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANCE

    Article 4 2 2 — Expenditure relating to parliamentary assistance

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    279 165 340

    263 855 176

    222 263 343,15

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover:

     costs relating to staff and service providers responsible for the provision of parliamentary assistance to Members, as well as costs relating to paying agents,

     mission and training expenses (external courses) for accredited parliamentary assistants and expenditure on any carbon offsetting in connection with their missions and duty travel,

     exchange differences to be met from the budget of the European Parliament in accordance with the provisions applicable to reimbursement of parliamentary assistance expenses, as well as expenditure on parliamentary assistance management support services,

     emoluments for trainees (scholarships),

     contribution to the cost of lunches of trainees at the European Parliament’s canteens,

     compensation of study visits with Members,

     travel expenses of trainees and study visitors with Members,

     sickness and accident insurance for trainees and study visitors with Members,

     costs connected with the holding of information or training sessions for trainees.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 775 000.

    Legal basis

    Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Article 21 thereof.

    Implementing measures for the Statute for Members of the European Parliament, and in particular Articles 29 to 41 thereof.

    Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, and in particular Article 5a and Articles 125 to 139 thereof.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 14 April 2014 on implementing measures for Title VII of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union.

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 10 December 2018 on the rules concerning Members’ trainees.

    Decision of the Secretary-General of the European Parliament of 29 April 2021 on the internal rules governing traineeships in the Secretariat of the European Parliament.

    Chapter 4 4 — MEETINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OF CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS

    Article 4 4 0 — Cost of meetings and other activities of former Members

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    316 000

    310 000

    300 000,00

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of meetings of the association of former Members of the European Parliament plus any other associated costs, if appropriate.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 14 January 2008 on rules governing contributions to Parliamentary associations (Budget Articles 4 4 0 and 4 4 2) as last amended on 18 October 2021.

    Article 4 4 2 — Cost of meetings and other activities of the European Parliamentary Association

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    316 000

    310 000

    293 203,56

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of meetings of the European Parliamentary Association plus, if appropriate, any other associated costs.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Decision of the Bureau of the European Parliament of 14 January 2008 on rules governing contributions to Parliamentary associations (Budget Articles 4 4 0 and 4 4 2) as last amended on 18 October 2021.

    Title 5 — THE AUTHORITY FOR EUROPEAN POLITICAL PARTIES AND EUROPEAN POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THE COMMITTEE OF INDEPENDENT EMINENT PERSONS

    Chapter 5 0 — Expenditure of the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations and the Committee of independent eminent persons

    Article 5 0 0 — Operational expenditure of the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    416 160

    408 000

    100 839,83

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the expenditure of the Authority for European political parties and European political foundations to ensure its full and independent operation.

    It covers, in particular, the expenditure specific to the Authority’s remit with regard to specialised professional training, mandate-related meetings and coordination with other Union bodies and national authorities, acquisition of tailor-made software and IT services, acquisition of expertise, consultancy services, including studies, and documentation, legal costs and damages, and publishing and information activities. It also covers expenditure to cover any invoicing by an institution in the event of an overrun as regards the volume or cost of goods or services made available to the Authority by institutions under service agreements pursuant to Article 6(4) et seq. of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 416 160. That revenue includes, in particular, support for the operation of the Authority by institutions other than the European Parliament, pursuant to Article 6(6) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014.

    Legal basis

    Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/1141/oj), and in particular Article 6(1) and (7) thereof.

    Article 5 0 1 — Expenditure related to the committee of independent eminent persons

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    20 000

    20 000

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the expenditure linked to the secretariat and the funding of the committee of independent eminent persons.

    The amount of assigned revenue in accordance with Article 21(3) of the Financial Regulation is estimated at EUR 100.

    Legal basis

    Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1141/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations (OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/1141/oj), and in particular Article 11(2) thereof.

    Title 10 — OTHER EXPENDITURE

    Chapter 10 0 — PROVISIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    3.3100.000

    0,—

    Remarks

    The appropriations entered in this chapter are purely provisional and may only be used after the adoption of the legal basis for the payment of a ‘housing allowance for staff in Luxembourg’ and after their transfer to other budget lines in accordance with the Financial Regulation.

    Chapter 10 1 — CONTINGENCY RESERVE

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    6 000 000

    7 200 000

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure resulting from budgetary decisions taken in the course of the financial year (expenditure that cannot be estimated).

    Chapter 10 3 — ENLARGEMENT RESERVE

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of the institution’s preparations for enlargement.

    Chapter 10 4 — RESERVE FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION POLICY

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on information and communication policy.

    Chapter 10 5 — PROVISIONAL APPROPRIATION FOR IMMOVABLE PROPERTY

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover property investments and fitting-out work carried out by the institution. The Bureau of the European Parliament is requested to adopt a coherent and responsible long-term strategy in the area of immovable property which takes into account the particular problem of increasing maintenance costs, renovation needs and security costs and ensures the sustainability of the European Parliament’s budget.

    Chapter 10 6 — RESERVE FOR PRIORITY PROJECTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on the institution’s priority projects under development.

    Chapter 10 8 — EMAS RESERVE

    Figures (Non-differentiated appropriations)

    2026 appropriations

    2025 appropriations

    2024 out-turn

    p.m.

    p.m.

    0,—

    Remarks

    Further to the decisions to be taken by the Bureau of the European Parliament for implementation of the EMAS action plan, in particular following the European Parliament’s carbon audit, this appropriation is intended to endow the relevant operational headings.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: TGS Launches New Multi-Client Ultra Long Offset OBN Project in the Gulf of America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OSLO, Norway (1 April 2025) – TGS, a leading global provider of energy data and intelligence, announces the commencement of a new Multi-Client Ultra Long Offset Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) data acquisition campaign in the Gulf of America. The Amendment 4 project will expand node coverage in TGS’ Multi-Client library, adding over 1,100 square kilometers in the Mississippi Canyon, Ewing Banks, and Grand Isle South areas.

    Amendment 4 will feature TGS’ Gemini enhanced frequency source, offering lower frequency and improved signal-to-noise for ultra-long offset OBN seismic compared to conventional seismic sources. This advanced frequency source will enhance input data for TGS’ elastic full waveform inversion (eFWI) algorithm, resulting in more accurate subsurface imaging of the complex subsalt geology in the region. The acquisition phase of this program is scheduled for completion in Q2 2025, with final deliverables available in Q2 2026.

    Kristian Johansen, CEO of TGS, commented: “This ongoing acquisition campaign underscores the critical role of OBN acquisition in providing our clients with superior seismic data. We are pleased to continue our efforts in the Gulf of America and look forward to supporting our clients’ needs with our advanced data acquisition and imaging solutions.”

    The project, supported by industry funding, is anticipated to deliver industry-leading subsurface imaging, enabling oil and gas operators to make more informed decisions and mitigate drilling risks.

    About TGS
    TGS provides advanced data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. With leading-edge technology and solutions spanning the entire energy value chain, TGS offers a comprehensive range of insights to help clients make better decisions. Our broad range of products and advanced data technologies, coupled with a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, make TGS a trusted partner in supporting the exploration and production of energy resources worldwide. For further information, please visit www.tgs.com (https://www.tgs.com/).

    Forward Looking Statement
    All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include volatile market conditions, investment opportunities in new and existing markets, demand for licensing of data within the energy industry, operational challenges, and reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.

    For more information, visit TGS.com or contact:

    Bard Stenberg
    VP, IR & Business Intelligence
    Mobile +47 992 45 235
    investor@tgs.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CORRECTION: First National Bank Alaska announces unaudited results for fourth quarter and full year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a release issued under the same headline on February 19, 2025, by First National Bank Alaska (OTCQX:FBAK), please note that in the third paragraph, the value of nonperforming loans as of Dec. 31, 2023 should be $4.6 million, rather than $4.7 million as originally issued. In turn, this resulted in changes to several values in the “Total Interest And Loan Fee Income” and “Total Interest Expense” rows, and the “Nonperforming Loans and OREO” and “Nonperforming Loans and OREO/Tier 1 Capital” rows, of the included financial table. The corrected release follows:

    First National Bank Alaska announces unaudited results for fourth quarter and full year 2024

    First National Bank Alaska’s (OTCQX:FBAK) net income for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $19.9 million, or $6.29 per share. This compares to a net income of $16.6 million, or $5.24 per share, for the same period in 2023.

    “Fourth quarter results concluded another year of strong financial performance in 2024,” said First National Board Chair and CEO/President Betsy Lawer. “Growth in both loans and customer deposits along with repositioning efforts in the securities portfolio enhanced the balance sheet. Growth in noninterest income along with outstanding expense management resulted in record-high net income. As we build on the momentum generated in 2024, I’m excited about where our recently expanded leadership team will take us to further help Alaskans shape a brighter tomorrow.”

    Loans totaled $2.5 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024, an increase of $24.3 million during fourth quarter 2024, and an increase of $196.6 million compared to the same period in 2023. Fourth quarter loan quality was strong with nonperforming loans of $4.3 million, 0.17% of outstanding loans compared to $4.6 million and 0.20% as of Dec. 31, 2023. The provision for credit losses totaled $0.7 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to a $0.9 million benefit for year ended Dec. 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses as of Dec. 31, 2024 totaled $18.0 million, or 0.73% of total loans.

    Fourth quarter total interest and loan fee income was $63.4 million, a 6.2% increase from $59.8 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2023. The yield on loans increased to 6.67% compared to 6.25% on Dec. 31, 2023. Interest and fees on loans and interest and dividends on investment securities increased in the fourth quarter on rate and volume improvements.

    Assets totaled $5.0 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024, decreasing by $559.5 million due to the repayments during the fourth quarter of the December 2023 advance under the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program and the July 2024 Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing. Return on assets on Dec. 31, 2024, was 1.22%, fifteen basis points higher compared to 2023.

    Deposits and repurchase agreements totaled $4.4 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024, an increase of $47.1 million during the fourth quarter, and an increase of $13.1 million since Dec. 31, 2023. Seasonal outflow was offset by new customer deposits during the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Interest expense for the quarter decreased by $0.2 million compared to the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2023, due to repayments of borrowed funds offset by mix changes in interest-bearing deposits. Net interest margin through Dec. 31, 2024, was 3.12% compared to 2.82% for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023.

    Noninterest income for fourth quarter 2024 was $7.0 million, an increase of 7.5% compared to fourth quarter 2023. Quarterly income improvement occurred within fiduciary activities and mortgage loan servicing. Noninterest expenses for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased 12.4% compared to the same period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits driven by the competitive labor market and health care costs. The efficiency ratio for Dec. 31, 2024, was 53.51% and remains better than First National’s peer groups, both in Alaska and across the nation.

    Provision for income taxes was reduced $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting certain state income tax benefits achieved in the securities portfolio.

    Shareholders’ equity was $516.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2024, compared to $464.8 million as of Dec. 31, 2023. This $51.8 million increase resulted from a decrease in the net unrealized loss position of the securities portfolio and net income retained in excess of dividends paid. Return on equity as of Dec. 31, 2024, was 13.60% compared to 13.97% as of Dec. 31, 2023. Book value per share as increased to $163.11, compared to $146.77 as of Dec. 31, 2023. The bank’s Dec. 31, 2024, Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 10.54% remains above well-capitalized standards.

    ABOUT FIRST NATIONAL BANK ALASKA

    First National Bank Alaska files a quarterly financial report with the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council. The bank’s latest Consolidated Report of Condition and Income (Call Report) is filed by the 30th of the month following quarter-end and is subsequently posted at FNBAlaska.com and OTCMarkets.com.

    Alaska’s community bank since 1922, First National proudly meets the financial needs of Alaskans with ATMs and 28 locations in 19 communities throughout the state, and by providing banking services to meet their needs across the nation and around the world.

    In 2025, Forbes selected First National as the sixth bank in the country on their America’s Best Banks list. In 2024, Alaska Business readers voted First National “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the ninth year in a row, Best Bank/Credit Union for the fourth time running, and Best Customer Service. The bank was also voted “Best of Alaska” in 2024 in the Anchorage Daily News awards, ranking as one of the top three in the Bank/Financial category for the sixth year in a row. American Banker again recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” in 2024, for the seventh consecutive year.

    For more than a century, the bank has been committed to supporting the communities it serves. In 2024, for the eighth consecutive reporting period, over a span of twenty-four years, First National Bank Alaska received an Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act performance rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Our dedicated team strives to provide exceptional customer service to meet the banking needs of our neighbors and fellow Alaskans across the state to help shape a brighter tomorrow.

    First National Bank Alaska is a Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, and recognized as a Minority Depository Institution by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as it is majority-owned by women.

    CONTACT: Corporate Communications, 907-777-3409

               
    Financial Overview (Unaudited)  
    ($ in thousands, except per common share amounts)        
      Three months ended
      Year ended
      Dec. 31,
      Sep. 30,
      Dec. 31,
      December 31,
      2024
      2024
      2023
      2024
      2023
    Income Statement          
    Total Interest And Loan Fee Income $ 63,439     $ 64,615     $ 59,761     $ 244,320     $ 214,518  
    Total Interest Expense $ 18,591     $ 21,319     $ 18,803     $ 77,599     $ 60,039  
    Provision for Credit Losses $ (118 )   $ (432 )   $ (344 )   $ 721     $ (930 )
    Total Noninterest Income $ 7,011     $ 7,293     $ 6,522     $ 28,233     $ 25,426  
    Total Noninterest Expense $ 27,696     $ 25,928     $ 24,651     $ 104,346     $ 98,168  
    Provision for Income Taxes $ 4,350     $ 7,099     $ 6,593     $ 22,839     $ 22,657  
    Net Income $ 19,931     $ 17,994     $ 16,580     $ 67,048     $ 60,010  
    Earnings per common share $ 6.29     $ 5.68     $ 5.24     $ 21.17     $ 18.96  
    Dividend per common share $ 6.40     $ 3.20     $ 6.40     $ 16.00     $ 16.00  
               
    Financial Overview (Unaudited) Quarter Ended
      12/31/2024 9/30/2024 6/30/2024 3/31/2024 12/31/2023
    Balance Sheet          
    Total Assets $ 4,997,767     $ 5,557,306     $ 5,116,066     $ 5,212,976     $ 5,730,835  
    Total Securities $ 1,928,625     $ 2,602,519     $ 2,197,788     $ 2,404,078     $ 2,384,951  
    Total Loans $ 2,469,935     $ 2,445,596     $ 2,391,593     $ 2,369,282     $ 2,273,311  
    Total Deposits $ 3,679,155     $ 3,728,181     $ 3,698,631     $ 3,665,066     $ 3,780,018  
    Repurchase Agreements $ 743,193     $ 647,043     $ 615,096     $ 571,463     $ 629,280  
    Total Deposits and Repurchase Agreements $ 4,422,348     $ 4,375,224     $ 4,313,727     $ 4,236,529     $ 4,409,298  
    Total Borrowing under the Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program $     $ 249,868     $ 249,868     $ 430,000     $ 780,000  
    Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax $ (62,985 )   $ (52,020 )   $ (86,857 )   $ (95,809 )   $ (98,378 )
    Total Shareholders’ Equity $ 516,562     $ 527,864     $ 485,167     $ 470,702     $ 464,791  
               
    Financial Measures          
    Return on Assets   1.22 %     1.15 %     1.08 %     0.95 %     1.07 %
    Return on Equity   13.60 %     12.90 %     12.30 %     11.52 %     13.97 %
    Net Interest Margin   3.12 %     3.04 %     2.98 %     2.76 %     2.82 %
    Yield on Loans   6.67 %     6.65 %     6.55 %     6.40 %     6.25 %
    Yield on Securities   2.55 %     2.49 %     2.33 %     2.36 %     1.66 %
    Cost of Interest Bearing Deposits   1.57 %     1.62 %     1.60 %     1.55 %     1.02 %
    Efficiency Ratio   53.51 %     53.59 %     54.94 %     56.00 %     54.28 %
               
    Capital          
    Shareholders’ Equity/Total Assets   10.34 %     9.50 %     9.48 %     9.03 %     8.11 %
    Tier 1 Leverage Ratio   10.54 %     10.39 %     11.12 %     9.96 %     9.85 %
    Regulatory Well Capitalized Minimum Ratio – Tier 1 Leverage Ratio   5.00 %     5.00 %     5.00 %     5.00 %     5.00 %
    Tier 1 (Core) Capital $ 579,547     $ 579,884     $ 572,024     $ 566,511     $ 563,169  
               
    Credit Quality          
    Nonperforming Loans and OREO $ 4,313     $ 4,186     $ 4,731     $ 28,634     $ 4,623  
    Nonperforming Loans and OREO/Total Loans   0.17 %     0.17 %     0.20 %     1.21 %     0.20 %
    Nonperforming Loans and OREO/Tier 1 Capital   0.74 %     0.72 %     0.83 %     5.05 %     0.82 %
    Allowance for Credit Losses $ 18,025     $ 18,550     $ 19,000     $ 18,800     $ 17,750  
    Allowance for Credit Losses/Total Loans   0.73 %     0.76 %     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.78 %
               
    Net interest margin, yields, and efficiency ratios are tax effected.      
    Financial measures are year-to-date.          
               

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin, Kelly Introduce Legislation to Increase Youth Employment Opportunities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    March 31, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today,  U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas. 

    “Far too many young Americans live in neighborhoods that lack good job opportunities and struggle with all-too-commonplace violence and danger,” said Duckworth.  “It doesn’t have to be that way, but it’s not going to get better unless we work together to do something about it. I’m so proud to join Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Kelly to reintroduce these bills that would help open up new economic opportunities for every American, no matter where they live or what community they grew up in.”

    “To invest in our future, we must invest in the next generation.  Increasing youth employment opportunities can address poverty and crime across Illinois while setting up our state’s youngest residents for a brighter future,” said Durbin.  “Congresswoman Kelly, Senator Duckworth, and I are reintroducing the HERO for Youth Act and the AID Youth Employment Act to boost federal resources for youth employment programs and incentivize businesses to hire, retain, and mentor youth.”

    “Our youth is our future,” said Kelly.  “I’m proud to partner with Senators Durbin and Duckworth once again to introduce two pieces of legislation that will invest in economic opportunities for our youth.  Better job options can help break a cycle of poverty and address roadblocks that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.”

    For many young people, lack of job experience is a prohibitive disadvantage for potential employers, which perpetuates vicious cycles of unemployment and poverty in their communities, further limiting potential for further economic growth.  In 2022, 13 percent of youth between the ages of 18-24 were neither employed nor in school, and Native American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and Black youth, as well as youth with disabilities, were disproportionately impacted.  Barriers to employment at a young age have devastating consequences on the long-term employment prospects of opportunity youth, including lower lifetime earnings, higher rates of incarceration, and opioid addiction. 

    There is clear evidence of a correlation in communities where high rates of poverty, gun violence, and chronic unemployment among youth are prevalent.  A 2017 study found that among youth participating in Chicago’s youth summer employment program, violent crime arrests decreased by nearly 33 percent.  Providing employment opportunity to youth can have a considerable impact in lowering recidivism and violent crime among youth while improving their long-term health, and economic and educational outcomes. 

    When youth are provided a pathway to employment and the workforce, employers benefit too because they are able to train and hire skilled workers.  It is estimated that between 2022 and 2032, there will be an average of 20 skilled roles with job openings for every one new worker. 

    The HERO for Youth Act would encourage the business community to become a partner in addressing youth unemployment by hiring underserved youth who reside in communities with high rates of poverty. Specifically, the bill would provide a Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) of up to $2,400 for businesses that hire and train youth ages 16 to 24 who are out of school and out of work and youth ages 16 to 21 that are currently in foster care or have aged out of the system. The legislation would expand the summer youth program under WOTC, which provides a tax credit to businesses that hire for summer employment youth ages 16 to 17 who are enrolled in school and live in highly distressed rural and urban communities known as Empowerment Zones, by doubling the amount of the credit to $2,400 and expanding the program to include year-round employment.

    The AID Youth Employment Act will make it easier for local governments and community organizations to apply directly for federal funding to create and expand summer and year-round employment programs for young people.  The legislation would establish a five-year competitive grant program for youth summer employment that also incorporate access to trauma-informed mentorship as well as job coaches.  The program would provide planning grants of up to $250,000 for 12 months or implementation grants of up to $6 million over three years.

    The HERO for Youth Act has been endorsed by National Grocers Association, National Small Business Association, National Recreation and Park Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Youth Employment Coalition, Young Invincibles, Food Industry Association, and Youth Guidance.

    The AID Youth Employment Act has been endorsed by Young Invincibles, Youth Guidance, and Chicago Urban League.

    A one-pager for the HERO for Youth Act can be found here.

    A one-pager for the AID Youth Employment Act can be found here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU launches course on cybersecurity basics for seniors

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    A course of lectures on financial and computer literacy “Basics of Cybersecurity for the Senior Generation” was launched at Novosibirsk State University on March 28. Its students were pensioners from the Sovietsky District of Novosibirsk. This course on financial literacy is conducted by Sber specialists with the support of Faculty of Economics, NSU. It is organized within the framework of the mandatory course “Service Learning”, which is being implemented in various formats in all universities of the country and is aimed at developing citizenship, responsibility, leadership qualities and patriotism in combination with professional competencies through the implementation of socially oriented projects. The tasks for students are set by social partners. They also supervise the activities of students throughout the academic semester.

    — The mandatory course “Service Learning” is an important platform for revealing the potential of young people in solving project tasks that have practical significance, and the social focus helps to more accurately build internal motivation for their solution. This is a subtle educational approach that develops the idea of volunteering, adding to it the experience of team solutions, reflection at all stages and mentoring from curators from both the university and the social partner. As part of the course, students receive a project result and reflect it on the Dobro.RF platform. It is open to everyone and can also be implemented by other regions in the course of solving similar problems, — said Elena Obukhova, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Management of the Faculty of Economics of NSU.

    One of such projects was a course of lectures on financial and computer literacy for pensioners, organized jointly with the Administration of the Sovietsky District of Novosibirsk with the support of State Duma deputy Alexander Aksenenko. The course consists of 4 lectures and three practical classes.

    — In the modern world of technological progress, fraudsters are moving into the category of cyberspace, that is, pickpocket fraud and apartment thefts are becoming less common, because people have stopped keeping paper money at home and carrying it in their wallets. Now it is a cashless world and fraudsters are already trying to steal non-cash money, so it is important to protect yourself in cyberspace, — said Nadezhda Volkova, Head of Financial Literacy and Sales Efficiency at Sberbank Siberian Bank.

    Unfortunately, the most vulnerable category of citizens to cyber fraudsters are people of retirement and pre-retirement age. Our lectures are aimed at telling about the methods of cyber fraudsters and teaching the population to identify fraudsters and not fall for their tricks.

    The information campaign about recruiting students for the 2025 course was held among the active pensioners of the Sovetsky District who had previously participated in various educational programs, including the Silver Age University, Our Favorite Front Garden, and 20 Meetings with Interesting People, which had been held since 2022. The course on cybersecurity interested the audience, and almost 200 people signed up for it.

    — The topics covered in the course are particularly relevant given the growing statistics of fraudulent actions against citizens of our country. People of retirement age are in a particularly vulnerable position. In Novosibirsk, the level of defrauded citizens is especially high in the Sovetsky District — this is noted by representatives of the local government. And the issues of financial stability and savings strategy are relevant in our unstable times. The accelerated pace of digitalization poses challenges for us and pushes us to continuous learning. The older generation is faced with new tasks, not only related to performing everyday activities using various devices and programs, but also more complex ones, such as promoting communities on social networks, preparing materials and data, — Elena Obukhova explained.

    The first part of the course of 4 lectures from Sber experts will be held at NSU. It is dedicated to financial literacy and protection from fraudsters. On April 28, Nadezhda Volkova gave a lecture on “Cybersecurity Basics for the Older Generation”. On April 4, there will be a lecture on “Data Protection on the Internet. Drops”. It will continue the topic of cybersecurity. Representatives of the older generation will be told how to protect themselves on the Internet, how to create passwords correctly so that they are memorable only to you and at the same time meet the requirements of reliability and security. Listeners will learn who drops are (this is what attackers call people with the help of whom they hide stolen funds) and how not to become a dropper yourself. On April 11, the lecture will be dedicated to digital financial assets. It will be about a new type of money, as well as what it was created for and how to handle it correctly. The first part of the course will end on April 18 with a lecture on a long-term savings program for senior citizens.

    The second part of the classes, dedicated to computer literacy, will be conducted by a team of first-year students from the Business Informatics department: Mark Roninson, Artem Kuleshov and Alexander Zhuravlev. It was developed taking into account questions and wishes from the pensioners participating in the program. It will cover topics such as storing and sending data (between devices/applications), booking tickets and hotels, shopping on marketplaces, working with messengers, a short course in preparing content for social networks, including video editing, etc.

    The first lecture was met with great interest by the audience. Its listeners left the following comments:

    “Thanks to all the organizers! The guys met us, quickly checked the lists, saw us off, and met us. A very interesting lecture! The students are great! They prepared, waited for us, cared, and tried! Thank you very much!”

    “The lecture went by in one breath. Thanks to Nadezhda Volkova – she presented the information in an interesting, accessible way and with real examples. Thanks to the organizers of this lecture course. Special thanks to the students of the NSU Economics Department for meeting us and paying attention to us until the very end of the lecture.”

    “What an interesting lecture on cybersecurity was today! Nadezhda Volkova enthusiastically shared her knowledge in this area. The hall was full, young students helped, showed the way, were attentive and polite. It was very nice!”

    “A great start to the course. Organized in a very modern way: fast, comfortable, friendly, high-quality presentation. An unexpected pleasant bonus was a tour of NSU. Thank you!”

    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 New Zealand: Making sense of turbulent times

    Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Making sense of turbulent times

    What else will 2025 bring? Collab crosses to DC to speak with Raj Kumar, founding President & Editor-in-Chief of Devex, the media platform for the global development community. Raj breaks down the current turbulent times and identifies trends to watch in the coming year. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, he is the author of the book “The Business of Changing the World,” a go-to primer on the ideas, people, and technology disrupting the aid industry.

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, J&S Farm Supply

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: J&S Farm Supply of Iowa County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “Founded on faith, family, and farming, J&S Farm Supply has been cultivating the next generation of Iowa growers since 1955,” said Chair Ernst. “This family-owned and operated small business remains a cornerstone of the Williamsburg community and continues to meet the evolving needs of agricultural producers across our state.”
    In 1955, Leighton Jones founded Jones Fertilizer to support local growers through various farming services. By 1972, Dick Schaefer joined the business, and J&S Farm Supply was born. After managing the business for nearly 50 years, Leighton passed away in 2004 and his son, Tim Jones Sr., took full ownership. Today, Tim and his son, Tim Jones Jr., have grown the family business into a full-service agriculture hub with the turf and fabrication divisions headed by his sons-in-law, Ryan Sauser and Luke Williams, respectively. Later this year, J&S Farm Supply will celebrate its 70th anniversary in Iowa.
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: POET Technologies Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company”) (TSX Venture: PTK; NASDAQ: POET), the designer and developer of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), light sources and optical modules for the AI and data center markets, today reported its audited consolidated financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024. The Company’s financial results as well as the Management Discussion and Analysis have been filed on SEDAR+. All financial figures are in United States dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise indicated.

    Management Commentary:

    “In Q4 2024, we strategically positioned our company for accelerated growth by strengthening our financial foundation, advancing critical technology developments, and implementing a new manufacturing strategy designed for rapid, profitable scaling,” stated POET Chairman & CEO, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan. “The market is experiencing unprecedented demand for photonic solutions, particularly in AI data center applications, and we’re still at the early stages of what industry experts anticipate will be a multi-year demand cycle. Despite challenging equity markets, we successfully raised an additional US$25 million through a registered direct offering, with robust investor support reflecting the market opportunity and POET’s positioning as a potential leader in the space.”

    Dr. Venkatesan continued, “Every strategic move we have made over the past several months is to ensure that POET is positioned to scale and to optimize our supply chain as we approach a revenue inflection point later this year. based on the trajectory of existing customer relationships. Our acquisition of SPX gives us full control of our technology while enabling us to shift manufacturing toward Malaysia and away from China, reducing geopolitical risk to growth, while building on our established foundry relationship with Silterra Malaysia in a familiar and friendly market. For 2025, we’re focused on developing our wafer-level manufacturing in Malaysia, expanding into telecom systems and chip-to-chip data communications applications, and leveraging the solid financial foundation we set in 2024 to accelerate both our customer pipeline, deliveries and revenue realization. POET continues to receive attention from notable industry analysts, including Lightwave+BTR and we expect this momentum, along with existing contracts and relationships with industry leaders and partners like LuxshareTech, Foxconn and Mitsubishi Electric, to lead to significant revenue acceleration in the second half of 2025.”

    The Company intends to pursue its voluntary delisting from the TSX Venture Exchange immediately following the closing of its planned US$25M financing with L5 Capital, which is expected to close within the next few weeks.

    Notable Business Highlights:

    • The Company was recognized publicly for outstanding technical leadership, receiving multiple prestigious awards, including:
      • “Elite Score” Lightwave+BTR Innovation Reviews (February 27, 2025)
      • “Best in Artificial Intelligence” 2024 Global Tech Awards (October 16, 2024)
      • “AI Innovator of the Year Gold Prize” 2024 Merit Awards (October 1, 2024)
      • “Best Optical AI Solution, 2024 AI Breakthrough Awards (June 26, 2024)
      • “Runner-Up Award for Most Innovative Hybrid PIC/Optical Integration” ECOC (October 1, 2024)
    • Closed a non-brokered private placement offering on November 26, 2024 of 5,555,556 common shares at an offering price of $4.50 and accompanying warrants to purchase 2,777,778 additional common shares at $6.00 per share for a period of five years from issuance. The Company raised gross proceeds of $25,000,002 from this offering, bringing the total equity capital raised during 2024 to $82.2 million.
    • Appointed Robert “Bob” Tirva to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee. Mr. Tirva brings over 30 years of executive experience in technology and semiconductors, having held management positions at IBM, Broadcom Corporation, Dropbox and Intermedia Cloud Communications Inc. Most recently, he was President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Sonim Technologies, Inc. until it was acquired by AJP Holding Company in 2022. Mr. Tirva currently serves on the board of Skyworks Aeronautics and was recently on the boards of Costar Technologies and Resonant, Inc.
    • Completed the acquisition of 100% of Super Photonics Xiamen Co., Ltd (“SPX”), establishing full control over SPX, for a total of $6.5 million to be paid out over five years beginning in Q1 of 2025, enabling POET to establish manufacturing outside of China independent of the JV. The Company has subsequently decided to liquidate and close the SPX operation within the next few months.
    • Established a major wafer-level assembly and test facility for optical engines in Penang, Malaysia with the signing of several agreements with Globetronics Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., a leading semiconductor manufacturer and contractor, equipping Globetronics with the capacity to manufacture an initial 1 million POET optical engines annually.

    Non-IFRS Financial Summary
    The Company reported non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) and product revenue of $29,032 in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $107,551 for the same period in 2023 and $3,685 in the third quarter of 2024. Historically the Company provided NRE services to multiple customers for unique projects that are being addressed utilizing the capabilities of the POET Optical Interposer. No billable NRE services were provided in the period. The Company only had small product revenue in Q4 2024.

    The Company reported a net loss of $30.2 million, or ($0.48) per share, in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with a net loss $5.5 million, or ($0.13) per share, for the same period in 2023 and a net loss of $12.7 million, or ($0.20) per share, in the third quarter of 2024. The net loss in the fourth quarter of 2024 included research and development costs of $3.4 million compared to $2.1 million for the same period in 2023 and $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2024. Fluctuations in R&D for a Company of this size and this stage of growth is expected on a period-over-period basis as the Company transitions from technology development to product development.

    The largest component of the Company’s loss was from the non-cash fair value adjustment to derivative warrant liability of $12.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $25,000 in the same period in 2023 and $6.2 million in the third quarter of 2024. This non-cash item relates to warrants issued in a foreign currency and is periodically remeasured. The increase was a result of the issuance of warrants and the increase in the Company’s stock price during the third quarter.

    Other non-cash expenses in the fourth quarter of 2024 included stock-based compensation of $1.4 million and depreciation and amortization of $0.5 million. Non-cash stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization in the same period of 2023 were $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Third quarter 2024 stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization were $1.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The Company had non-cash finance costs of $32,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to non-cash finance costs of $14,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and non-cash costs of $30,000 in the third quarter of 2024.

    The Company recognized other income, including interest of $511,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $54,000 in the same period in 2023 and $216,000 in the third quarter of 2024.

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company acquired the remaining 24.8% interest of SPX from SAIC. The acquisition of this interest resulted in a non-cash loss to the Company of $6,852,687.

    Cash flow from operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2024 was ($8.7) million compared to ($2.9) million in the fourth quarter of 2023 and ($5.5) million in the third quarter of 2024.

    The Company raised gross proceeds of $25.9 million, including $25 million from the issuance of units from a non-brokered private placement and $0.9 million from the exercise of warrants and stock options.

    Summary of Financial Performance
    The following is a summary of the Company’s operations over the five quarters ending December 31, 2024. This information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements filed on Sedar + on Marcy 31, 2025.

    POET TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    PROFORMA – NON-IFRS AND IFRS PRESENTATION OF OPERATIONS
    (All figures are in U.S. Dollars)
     
      Dec 31/24 Sep 30/24 Jun 30/24 Mar 31/24 Dec 31/23
               
    Revenue $29,032   $3,685   $   $8,710   $107,551  
    Research and development   3,437,683     1,765,481     2,117,828     1,922,066     2,142,003  
    Depreciation and amortization   475,281     525,955     509,699     509,260     505,869  
    Professional fees   679,156     480,871     366,839     409,726     902,368  
    Wages and benefits   758,883     667,963     780,146     768,496     676,539  
    Loss on acquisition of SPX   6,852,687                  
    Stock-based compensation (1)   1,404,995     1,525,131     1,591,741     947,502     1,050,088  
    General expense, rent and facility   474,937     465,448     448,357     570,819     317,333  
    Interest expense   31,605     30,482     20,833     19,753     13,547  
    Finance advisory fees   4,239,831     1,319,392     942,576          
    Derivative liability adjustment   12,444,661     6,179,836     1,376,761     629,824     24,865  
    Other (income), including interest   (511,448 )   (216,337 )   (174,911 )   (52,558 )   (54,047 )
    Net loss, before taxes $30,259,239   $12,740,537   $7,979,869   $5,716,178   $ 5,471,014  
    Net loss per share $(0.48 ) $(0.20 ) $(0.14 ) $(0.13 ) $(0.13 )
                                   
                                   

    About POET Technologies Inc.
    POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical modules, optical engines and light source products to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers.  POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems.  POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges in 5G networks, machine-to-machine communication, self-contained “Edge” computing applications and sensing applications, such as LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles.  POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Allentown, PA, Shenzhen, China, and Singapore.  More information about POET is available on our website at www.poet-technologies.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include expectations of industry analysts and experts with respect to industry growth, the Company’s own expectations with regard to the success of the Company’s product development efforts, the performance of its products, the expectation for revenue, including continued guidance for robust demand provided by current customers, the expected results of its operations, meeting revenue targets, and the expectation of continued success in the financing efforts, the capability, functionality, performance and cost of the Company’s technology as well as the market acceptance, inclusion and timing of the Company’s technology in current and future products and expectations for approval of proposals at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders.

    Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, forecasts of industry analysts and experts with respect to industry growth, the Company’s own expectations with regard to management’s expectations regarding the success and timing for completion of its development efforts, the introduction of new products, its sales efforts and revenue generation, its financing activities, future growth, recruitment of personnel, opening of offices, the form and potential of its joint venture, plans for and completion of projects by the Company’s consultants, contractors and partners, availability of capital, and the necessity to incur capital and other expenditures. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the failure of its products to meet performance requirements, lack of sales in its products, once released, the failure to generate sales and revenue, the failure of continued robust guidance from customers to materialize, operational risks in the completion of the Company’s anticipated projects, lack of performance of its joint venture, risks affecting the Company’s ability to execute projects, the ability of the Company to generate sales for its products, the ability to attract key personnel, and the ability to raise additional capital if needed. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information or statements are reasonable, prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise this forward-looking information and statements except as required by law.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
    120 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON, M4P 1E2- Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Carbon Streaming Announces Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carbon Streaming Corporation (Cboe CA: NETZ) (OTCQB: OFSTF) (FSE: M2Q) (“Carbon Streaming” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. All figures are expressed in United States dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The Company will host a live audio call at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. In addition, the Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sam Wong to the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) effective April 1, 2025.

    Carbon Streaming Chief Executive Officer Marin Katusa stated: “In the fourth quarter of 2024, Carbon Streaming focused on its restructuring efforts and evaluating strategic alternatives while taking significant steps to reduce costs and improve financial sustainability. We successfully reduced the number of individuals receiving full-time salaries from 24 at the start of 2024 to 4 by January 2025, resulting in significant savings to ongoing operating expenses. With cost reductions complete, our priority in 2025 is to maximize value from our existing portfolio while continuing to explore all strategic options to enhance shareholder value.  More specifically, we will evaluate all potential acquisitions, divestments, corporate transactions, and strategic partnerships. While the voluntary carbon market continues to experience difficult market conditions and many economic uncertainties exist, we are committed to adapting to market conditions and ensuring the best path forward for our shareholders. With respect to the Rimba Raya, Magdalena Bay and Sustainable Community Streams, the Company remains focused on protecting our investments and preserving our rights as we will with all our investments.”

    Annual Highlights

    • Ended the year with $37.4 million in cash and no corporate debt.
    • Reduced the number of individuals receiving full-time salaries at the Company – including employees, consultants, and directors – from 24 at the start of 2024 to 8 by year-end, with a further decrease to 4 full time employees by January 2025, resulting in significant savings in ongoing operating expenses.
    • Recognized a net loss on revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements of $58.2 million (net loss on revaluation of $32.9 million in 2023). The net loss on revaluation for each period was driven by reductions in the carbon credit production and sales profiles and carbon credit pricing assumptions, and an increase to the risk-adjusted discount rate.
    • Continued the previously-announced corporate restructuring plan, which resulted in a non-recurring restructuring charge of $2.6 million.
    • Generated $1.6 million in settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (settlements of $55 thousand in 2023).
    • Operating loss of $68.3 million (operating loss of $45.0 million in 2023).
    • Recognized net loss of $67.4 million (net loss of $35.5 million in 2023).
    • Adjusted net loss was $5.2 million (adjusted net loss of $7.6 million in 2023) (see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release).
    • Paid $8.1 million in upfront deposits for carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (paid $7.6 million in upfront deposits in 2023).

    Fourth Quarter Highlights

    • Recognized a net loss on revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements of $13.2 million (net loss on revaluation of $24.0 million in Q4 2023). The net loss on revaluation for each period was driven by reductions in the carbon credit production and sales profiles and carbon credit pricing assumptions, and an increase to the risk-adjusted discount rate.
    • Generated $0.5 million in settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (settlements of $nil in Q4 2023).
    • Operating loss of $14.9 million (operating loss of $26.8 million in Q4 2023).
    • Recognized net loss of $16.9 million (net loss of $26.1 million in Q4 2023).
    • Adjusted net loss was $0.9 million (adjusted net loss of $2.2 million in Q4 2023) (see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release).
    • Paid $2.2 million in upfront deposits for carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements (paid $2.1 million in upfront deposits in Q4 2023).

    Financial Highlights Summary

      Three months ended
    December 31, 2024
    Three months ended
    December 31, 2023
    Year ended December 31, 2024 Year ended December 31, 2023
    Carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements        
    Revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements $ (13,190)   $ (23,952)   $ (58,155)   $ (32,897)  
    Settlements from carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements1   513         1,550     55  
    Other financial highlights        
    Other operating expenses   1,760     2,691     10,340     12,035  
    Operating loss   (14,923)     (26,784)     (68,335)     (45,002)  
    Net loss   (16,932)     (26,092)     (67,369)     (35,501)  
    Loss per share (Basis and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.32)     (0.55)     (1.34)     (0.75)  
    Adjusted net loss2   (884)     (2,225)     (5,214)     (7,586)  
    Adjusted net loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)2   (0.02)     (0.05)     (0.10)     (0.16)  
    Statement of financial position        
    Cash3   37,350     51,416     37,350     51,416  
    Carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements3   9,081     60,122     9,081     60,122  
    Total assets3   48,683     117,111     48,683     117,111  
    Non-current liabilities3   112     1,083     112     1,083  
    1. Relates to the net cash proceeds generated from the Company’s carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements.
    2. “Adjusted net loss”, including per share amounts, is a non-IFRS® Accounting Standards (the “IFRS Accounting Standards”) financial performance measure that is used in this news release. This measure does not have any standardized meaning under the IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For more information about this measure, why it is used by the Company, and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure under the IFRS Accounting Standards, see the “Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures” section of this news release.
    3. Cash, carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements, total assets and non-current liabilities are presented as at the relevant tabular reporting date.

    Portfolio Updates

    Rimba Raya Stream: On April 26, 2024, the Company announced that it was informed that PT Rimba Raya Conservation (“PT Rimba”), the local concession holder for the Rimba Raya project, had its Forest Utilization Business License (the “Concession License”) revoked by the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (the “MOEF”). PT Rimba challenged the MOEF’s revocation of the Concession License, and in July 2024, the State Administrative Court of Jakarta (the “Court of Jakarta”) reached a decision on PT Rimba’s claim and declared that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void. The MOEF appealed the decision of the Court of Jakarta and in September 2024, the State Administrative High Court of Jakarta (the “High Court of Jakarta”) upheld the Court of Jakarta’s decision declaring that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void. The MOEF submitted an appeal of the decision of the High Court of Jakarta and as such, the decision of the High Court of Jakarta upholding that the revocation by the MOEF of the Concession License is void does not yet have permanent legal force. While the appeal process is underway, the interlocutory decision issued by the Court of Jakarta on May 16, 2024, requiring the MOEF to suspend the implementation of its decree in respect of the revocation of the Concession License, will remain in place.

    In October 2024, InfiniteEARTH Limited and its Indonesian subsidiary PT InfiniteEARTH Nusantara, the project operators of the Rimba Raya project (collectively “InfiniteEARTH”) delivered a notice of intent to abandon the project (the “RR Notice of Abandonment”). Pursuant to the RR Notice of Abandonment, InfiniteEARTH claims that a Regulation entitled Regulation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Number 7 Year of 2023 issued on June 14, 2023 by the Indonesian Government (“Regulation No. 7 2023”), prohibits the issuance and transfer of carbon rights from PT Rimba to InfiniteEARTH. InfiniteEARTH claims that as a result of Regulation No. 7 2023, it has been unable to economically develop or continue to operate the Rimba Raya project and that this is a force majeure event under the Rimba Raya Stream. The Company has notified InfiniteEARTH that it rejects the assertion that Regulation No. 7 2023 is an event of force majeure and has commenced an arbitration seeking, among other things, an order that the RR Notice of Abandonment is invalid or void.

    In October 2024, the Company commenced an arbitration administered by the International Centre of Dispute Resolution against InfiniteEARTH in accordance with the Rimba Raya Stream; and against the shareholders of InfiniteEARTH Limited in accordance with the Strategic Alliance Agreement (the “SAA“). The arbitration has since been bifurcated into two arbitration proceedings, dealing with (i) the Rimba Raya Stream; and (ii) the SAA.

    In October 2024, the Company also issued a Notice of Action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeking declaratory relief against the principals of InfiniteEARTH Limited and their related entities, seeking to enforce its rights in relation to guarantees and non-competition agreements related to the Rimba Raya Stream and the SAA. Some of the defendants have counterclaimed. The dispute between the Company and InfiniteEARTH arises out of acts and omissions that the Company alleges are improper and in breach of the Rimba Raya Stream, the SAA and related agreements. Management of the Company believes that delivering the Notice of Arbitration and issuing the Notice of Action in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice were important steps in preserving the Company’s legal and contractual rights.

    As a result of the uncertainty of the duration and outcome of the appeal process in respect of the Concession License and the ongoing legal dispute between the Company, InfiniteEARTH and the founders of InfiniteEARTH, the Company has reclassified the status of the Rimba Raya Stream to “Expired”. As at December 31, 2024, the Company has determined the fair value of the Rimba Raya Stream to be $nil.

    Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream: In the third quarter of 2024, Fundación MarVivo Mexico, A.C. and MarVivo Corporation (collectively, “MarVivo”) delivered a notice of intent to abandon the project (the “MarVivo Notice of Abandonment”). Pursuant to the MarVivo Notice of Abandonment, MarVivo claims that the failure to transfer the concession rights from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (“SEMARNAT”), Mexico’s environment ministry, to the jurisdiction of Mexico’s National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (“CONANP”), constitutes an event of force majeure and that it is no longer economical to develop or continue to operate the project. The Company’s position is that the attempt to abandon the project constitutes a breach of the terms of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream. The Company has notified MarVivo that it rejects the assertion that the failure to transfer the concession rights constitutes an event of force majeure and that if MarVivo abandons the project or takes steps to wind-down, this will amount to a breach of the terms of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream. As a result of the MarVivo Notice of Abandonment and the assertions of MarVivo, the Company has determined the fair value of the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream to be $nil as at December 31, 2024. The Company reserves all rights with respect to the agreements between the parties and intends to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream.

    Sustainable Community Stream: In the third quarter of 2024, the Company exercised its contractual rights to terminate the Sustainable Community Stream as a result of, among other things, the failure of the project operator, Will Solutions Inc., to meet its milestone related to the registration of its Ontario project and its failure to develop and implement the project in accordance with the project plan (including continued delays in project development activities and lower-than-expected project enrollments). As a result of the Sustainable Community Stream being terminated, the fair value of the Sustainable Community Stream was determined to be $nil as at December 31, 2024. The Company intends to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Sustainable Community Stream.

    Cerrado Biome Stream: At the time of project registration, the project planned to expand the project to 80,000 hectares by incorporating more land parcels, and to generate approximately 13 million carbon credits over a 30-year project life. Enrollment of additional land parcels has been slower than anticipated, primarily due to declining demand and lower pricing for REDD+ carbon credits. As a result, the expected revenue from carbon credit sales has decreased, reducing the financial incentive for landholders to transition from agricultural production to REDD+ project enrollment. Currently, the project consists of two land parcels covering approximately 11,000 hectares, expected to generate 1.2 million carbon credits over 30 years; however, the actual number of carbon credits issued will depend on the project’s ability to attract additional landholders. Revenue shortfalls have been driven by delays in the Verra verification process and price volatility for credits issued by REDD+ projects.

    Waverly Biochar Stream and Royalty: Following the accelerated payment of the final milestone payments in the second quarter of 2024, the project reached mechanical completion and first biochar production in the third quarter of 2024. However, additional technical challenges prevented continuous operation of the facility and have continued to delay full production capacity. The project is currently focused on securing additional funding to support commissioning, the initial facility audit, and the first output audit with Puro.earth. Verification was anticipated in the third quarter of 2025, with first issuance of carbon credits to follow immediately thereafter, but is now expected to be delayed.

    In 2023, the Company announced an agreement to provide Microsoft Corporation with carbon credits from the Waverly Biochar Stream of up to 10,000 carbon credits per year. Under this agreement, the Company is committed to delivering a minimum quantity of credits on specified future dates. If the Company is unable to fulfill this commitment, Microsoft Corporation may request that credits be sourced from an alternative project of their choosing.

    Community Carbon Stream: In 2024, the projects under the Community Carbon Stream issued over 1,600,000 carbon credits from the Mozambique cookstove project, the Uganda cookstove project, the Tanzania cookstove project, and the Uganda household safe water project. Additionally, the Community Carbon Stream generated $1.1 million in cash settlements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    On May 8, 2024, the Company amended the terms of the Community Carbon Stream resulting in, among other things, revising the Company’s economic interest to provide for a tiered streaming structure which is adjusted as certain return on invested capital thresholds are achieved, and adjusting the portfolio composition and milestone payments to focus on the five strongest projects, three cookstove projects in Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda and two water purification projects in Malawi and Uganda.

    Following the May 2024 amendment, the Company anticipates that the project’s actual emission reductions will be materially lower than previously expected due to methodological changes and declining prices, which have reduced forecasted creditable unit deployments. Concerns over emissions reduction overestimation, additionality, and verification challenges have raised questions about cookstove credit quality, prompting methodological revisions as the market adapts to evolving buyer expectations. While these changes aim to enhance credibility, they have also reduced demand and driven down prices.

    Nalgonda Rice Farming Stream: In December 2024, the Company delivered a notice to Core CarbonX Pte. Ltd. and its services provider, Core CarbonX Solutions Private Limited that an event of default occurred and is continuing due to the failure of the project to reach development completion prior to June 30, 2024. While no further action has been taken at this time, the Company reserves all rights under its agreements.

    The project was registered with Verra on February 10, 2025, using the UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism Methodology AMS-III.AU: Methane emission reduction by adjusted water management practice in rice cultivation in the VCS program (“AMS-III.AU”). Registration and first validation of the project was delayed when Verra temporarily inactivated AMS-III.AU as part of a broader review of validation and verification quality and began developing a revised rice-specific methodology to replace AMS-III.AU. During this review, Verra determined that certain projects identified as having quality issues with validations and/or verifications would remain on hold, but Core CarbonX’s projects, including the Nalgonda Rice Farming project, were approved for registration under AMS-III.AU.

    Verra released the new VCS Methodology VM0051 (Improved Management in Rice Production Systems v1.0) on February 27, 2025, which the project plans to transition to for the second monitoring period. However, the project has already applied the guidelines required under the VCS Methodology VM0051. At this time, it is not known how the transition to the new methodology will impact the project, if at all.

    As of December 31, 2024, approximately 32,000 landholders were enrolled in the project, covering 36,548 hectares of farmland. Enrollment remains ongoing, with a target of expanding to approximately 62,000 hectares. However, progress has been slower than expected due to registration delays, which have also postponed farmer compensation and, in turn, affected enrollment. The project was registered with Verra on February 10, 2025.

    Enfield Biochar Stream: In April 2024, Standard Biocarbon Corporation (“Standard Biocarbon”) achieved its first biochar production. However, technical challenges have delayed the commissioning process. Standard Biocarbon is working with PYREG GmbH, the engineer and builder of the PYREG Machines, to resolve these issues as it scales toward full operating capacity. The project continues to collect operational data required for a facility audit and official registration with the Puro.earth carbon credit standard. Currently, the project is on care and maintenance while seeking additional funding to support commissioning, the initial facility audit, and the first output audit.

    Azuero Reforestation Stream: On May 21, 2024, the Company, Microsoft Corporation and Rubicon Carbon Capital LLC (“Rubicon”) entered into a carbon credit streaming agreement, as amended on November 23, 2024 (the “Azuero Reforestation Stream”) with Azuero Reforestation Colectiva, S.A. (“ARC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ponterra Ltd. (“Ponterra”), for a reforestation project located on Azuero Province, Los Santos Province, Republic of Panama. Under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream, ARC will deliver 13.5% of the carbon credits created by the project to the Company. Additionally, Microsoft Corporation has entered into an offtake agreement to purchase 100% of the Company’s carbon credits delivered under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream through to 2040. Carbon Streaming will also act as the sole marketer of ARC’s carbon credits not already committed to the co-investors under the Azuero Reforestation Stream.

    Under the terms of the Azuero Reforestation Stream, Carbon Streaming, alongside Rubicon and Microsoft Corporation, will fund 100% of project costs over seven years. The Company agreed to make an upfront deposit of up to $7.1 million with $0.3 million paid on closing, and additional milestone payments made as the project achieves planting and sapling survival milestones, and will receive 13.5% of total credits, which is expected to be approximately 438,000 carbon credits through 2052.

    Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream: In January 2025, the Company received a Notice of Adverse Impact from Mast Reforestation SPV I, LLC (“Mast”) and the parent company of Mast, Droneseed Co. d/b/a Mast Reforestation under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream pursuant to which, among other things, Mast advised the Company that the Sheep Creek project has experienced significantly higher than expected mortality rates and that the surviving seedlings had exhibited slower than expected growth rates. As a result, Mast indicated to the Company that it no longer expects to deliver the Company the agreed-upon 286,229 carbon removal credits, referred to as forecast mitigation units (“FMUs”) under the Climate Action Reserve’s Climate Forward program under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream, as Mast no longer considers the existing Sheep Creek project plan and budget to be viable. The Company has formally responded to the Notice of Adverse Impact and requested that Mast respond to the Company’s significant concerns regarding, among other things, the timing of the delivery of the Notice of Adverse Impact, and the characterization of the cause of the adverse impact. The Company is continuing to evaluate all legal avenues available under the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream. As a result, the Company no longer anticipates generating cash flow from the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream and has determined its fair value to be $nil as of December 31, 2024.

    Feather River Reforestation Stream: In 2024, carbon credit market demand has generally shifted towards lower risk carbon credits. FMUs, which are designed to facilitate forward financing, inherently carry higher risk, leading to supply that has exceeded demand. FMU issuance is expected in 2025. However, given the uncertainties surrounding FMU sales, the Company has determined the fair value of the Feather River Reforestation Stream to be $nil as of December 31, 2024.

    Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream: In March 2025, Mast delivered the Company a notice of termination of the Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream and the Baccala Ranch project, thereby confirming it will forego any plantings. The Company had not advanced any funds for the Baccala project and the closing of the Baccala Ranch Reforestation Stream remained subject to customary closing conditions.

    Amazon Portfolio Royalty: Following a corporate reorganization, Future Carbon assigned its interests in the Yellow Ipe, ABC Norte and Gairova projects (collectively the “Ecologica Portfolio”) to Ecological Assessoria Ltda. and its affiliates (collectively “Ecologica”), and retained the Rio Madeira Project, (the “Future Carbon Portfolio”). To reflect this restructuring, the Original Amazon Royalty was replaced on April 17, 2024, by two new royalty agreements: one between the Company and Future Carbon for the Future Carbon Portfolio (the “FC Amazon Royalty”), and another between the Company and Ecologica on the Ecologica Portfolio (the “Ecologica Amazon Royalty”). Each agreement carried a purchase price of $1.5 million, maintaining the original $3.0 million investment. No additional funds were advanced by the Company as part of Future Carbon’s reorganization.

    Bonobo Peace Forest Royalty: The royalty agreement was originally intended to convert into a stream agreement upon successful validation and verification of the project. However, due to political instability in the DRC, weakened market sentiment for REDD+ projects, and a significant decline in demand for REDD+ carbon credits, Carbon Streaming decided to halt further investment. The Company currently has no plans to proceed with a stream agreement.

    The project has been seeking additional investment to support a renewed technical effort for registration under the new Verra VM0048 methodology. Given the material uncertainty surrounding fundraising for REDD+ project development, the early-stage nature of the project’s technical development, and persistent weakness in demand for REDD+ carbon credits, the Company has determined the fair value of the Bonobo Peace Forest Royalty to be $nil as at December 31, 2024.

    Strategy

    Carbon Streaming is currently focused on maximizing value from the existing portfolio of investments and pursuing all options to achieve that goal. During 2024, the Company has undergone changes to the Board and management, including the termination of certain consulting contracts, which reduced ongoing cash expenditure and streamlined decision-making. The Company continues to focus on its previously announced evaluation of strategic alternatives with a focus on maximizing value for all shareholders. These alternatives could include acquisitions, divestments, corporate transactions, financings, other strategic partnership opportunities or continuing to operate as a public company.

    The Company’s carbon credit streaming agreements are structured to retain a portion of the cash flows from carbon credit sales, with stream-specific retention varying. Project partners typically receive the balance through ongoing delivery payments under the terms of each agreement. Cash flows are subject to fluctuations based on realized carbon credit prices and agreement terms. As the Company continues to evaluate its strategic direction, it remains focused on optimizing portfolio economics and managing exposure to market volatility.

    Outlook

    Carbon Streaming continues to reposition itself for success and for maximizing shareholder value amid ongoing challenges. In May 2024, as part of its ongoing corporate restructuring first initiated in 2023, the Company announced changes to its senior management and Board after constructive discussions with certain shareholders. The Company continues to evaluate strategic alternatives for the business and remains focused on cash flow optimization through the reduction of operating expenses and a reassessment of its existing streams and royalties. Building on the previous measures implemented by the Company to reduce ongoing operating expenses, further steps have been taken in recent months, including significantly reducing employee headcount, renegotiating and amending vendor agreements to lower costs, eliminating cash-settled director’s fees to the Board and terminating certain consulting contracts. As the Company’s broader strategy continues to evolve, these recent steps are expected to result in significant reductions to annualized ongoing operating expenses when compared to 2024.

    While the Company aims to increase cash flow generation through the sale of carbon credits from several streaming agreements over the next year, there remains ongoing uncertainty regarding the evolving nature of carbon markets, including potential registry delays, project-specific issues, and methodology-related risks, in addition to impacts the industry may face as a result of general economic, political and regulatory conditions. In 2024, the Company has recognized a decrease in the fair values of the Rimba Raya Stream, the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream, the Sustainable Community Stream, and the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream to $nil as a result of the failure of the respective projects to meet their obligations under the stream agreements and ongoing legal disputes. The Company is actively pursuing all available legal remedies to protect its investments and enforce its contractual rights. Given the multiple ongoing litigation matters, the outcomes remain uncertain and could materially impact the Company’s financial position and strategic direction. Please refer to the “Legal Proceedings” section of the Company’s most recently filed MD&A for further information.

    Given the evolving nature of carbon markets and ongoing legal considerations, Carbon Streaming is focussed on maximizing value from the existing portfolio of investments and pursuing all options to achieve that goal.

    For a comprehensive discussion of the risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could impact the Company’s strategy and outlook, including without limitation, changes in demand for carbon credits and Indonesian developments described herein, investors are urged to review the section of the Company’s most recently filed AIF entitled “Risk Factors” a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    2024 Results Conference Call Details

    The Company’s management team will host a conference call on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET to provide a brief company update. Participants may join by dialing +1 289-514-5100 or toll free from North America at +1 800-717-1738. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company website until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 1, 2025.

    About Carbon Streaming

    Carbon Streaming’s focus is on projects that generate high-quality carbon credits and have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and biodiversity, in addition to their carbon reduction or removal potential. This approach aligns our strategic interests with those of project partners to create long-term relationships built on a shared commitment to sustainability and accountability and positions us as a trusted source for buyers seeking high-quality carbon credits.

    ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:
    Marin Katusa, Chief Executive Officer
    Tel: 365.607.6095
    info@carbonstreaming.com
    www.carbonstreaming.com

    Investor Relations
    investors@carbonstreaming.com

    Media
    media@carbonstreaming.com

    Non-IFRS Accounting Standards Measures

    Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Loss Per Share

    The term “adjusted net loss” in this news release is not a standardized financial measure under the IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies where similar terminology is used. These non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance, cash flows and financial position as prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards. Management believes that these non-IFRS Accounting Standards measures, together with performance measures and measures prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards, provide useful information to investors and shareholders in assessing the Company’s liquidity and overall performance.

    Adjusted net loss is calculated as net and comprehensive loss and adjusted for the revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements, the revaluation of warrant liabilities, the impairment loss on early deposit interest receivable, the revaluation of derivative liabilities, the revaluation of the convertible note, the impairment loss on investment in associate, the gain on dissolution of associate, and the corporate restructuring which the Company views as having a significant non-cash or non-continuing impact on the Company’s net and comprehensive loss calculation and per share amounts. Adjusted net loss is used by the Company to monitor its results from operations for the period.

    The following table reconciles net and comprehensive (loss) income to adjusted net loss:

      Three months ended 
    December 31, 2024
      Three months ended 
    December 31, 2023
      Year ended
    December 31, 2024
      Year ended
    December 31, 2023
     
    Net loss and comprehensive loss $ (16,932)   $ (26,092)   $ (67,369)   $ (35,501)  
    Adjustment for non-continuing or non-cash settled items:        
    Revaluation of carbon credit streaming and royalty agreements   13,190     23,952     58,155     32,897  
    Revaluation of warrant liabilities   (43)     (79)     (642)     (6,530)  
    Impairment of early deposit interest receivable           307      
    Revaluation of derivative liabilities           (680)     (686)  
    Revaluation of Convertible Note               (558)  
    Revaluation of preferred shares   2,558         2,558      
    Impairment of investment in associate               1,044  
    Gain on dissolution of associate           (104)      
    Corporate restructuring   343     (6)     2,561     1,748  
    Adjusted net loss   (884)     (2,225)     (5,214)     (7,586)  
    Loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.32)     (0.55)     (1.34)     (0.75)  
    Adjusted net loss per share (Basic and Diluted) ($/share)   (0.02)     (0.05)     (0.10)     (0.16)  
                             

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated impact of changes to the Company’s Board and management; the impact of the Company’s restructuring strategies, including evaluation of strategic alternatives; the ability of the Company to execute on expense reductions and savings from operating cost reduction measures; statements with respect to cash flow optimization and generation; its sales strategy; supporting the Company’s carbon streaming and royalty partners; timing and the amount of future carbon credit generation and emission reductions and removals from the Company’s existing streaming and royalty agreements; statements with respect to the projects in which the Company has streaming and royalty agreements in place; statements with respect to the Company’s growth objectives and potential and its position in the voluntary carbon markets; statements with respect to execution of the Company’s portfolio and partnership strategy; statements with respect to the ongoing legal process to protect the Company’s investment in the Rimba Raya project and to enforce its legal and contractual rights; statements ; and statements regarding the Company’s intention to strictly enforce its legal and contractual rights under the Sustainable Community Stream and the Magdalena Bay Blue Carbon Stream and the Sheep Creek Reforestation Stream.

    When used in this news release, words such as “estimates”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “will”, “believes”, “intends” “should”, “could”, “may” and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. They should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: general economic, market and business conditions and global financial conditions, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and stock market volatility; volatility in prices of carbon credits and demand for carbon credits; change in social or political views towards climate change, carbon credits and environmental, social and governance initiatives and subsequent changes in corporate or government policies or regulations and associated changes in demand for carbon credits; the Company’s expectations and plans with respect to current litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings; limited operating history for the Company’s current strategy; concentration risk; inaccurate estimates of project value, which may impact the ability of the Company to execute on its growth and diversification strategy; dependence upon key management; impact of corporate restructurings; the inability of the Company to optimize cash flows or sufficiently reduce operating expenses; reputational risk; risks arising from competition and future acquisition activities failure or timing delays for projects to be registered, validated and ultimately developed and for emission reductions or removals to be verified and carbon credits issued (and other risks associated with carbon credits standards and registries); foreign operations and political risks including actions by governmental authorities, including changes in or to government regulation, taxation and carbon pricing initiatives; uncertainties and ongoing market developments surrounding the validation and verification requirements of the voluntary and/or compliance markets; due diligence risks, including failure of third parties’ reviews, reports and projections to be accurate; dependence on project partners, operators and owners, including failure by such counterparties to make payments or perform their operational or other obligations to the Company in compliance with the terms of contractual arrangements between the Company and such counterparties; failure of projects to generate carbon credits, or natural disasters such as flood or fire which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of any project to generate carbon credits; volatility in the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; the effect that the issuance of additional securities by the Company could have on the market price of the Company’s common shares or warrants; global health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics; and the other risks disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Information Form dated as of March 31, 2025 filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Gender in Focus: African Development Bank’s support ignites the entrepreneurial spirit within Zimbabwean women

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    Turning Crisis into Opportunity: How Two Zimbabwean Women Entrepreneurs Are Building Thriving Businesses

    When the Covid-19 pandemic brought much of the world to a standstill, Yollanda Mambeu saw an opportunity in the crisis. Amid the strict lockdowns that shuttered countless businesses, she launched her dream venture —a cake shop in a high-density suburb of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.

    Since then, her ovens have rarely cooled. What began as a modest baking business has expanded into a thriving enterprise. Today, Mambeu supplies a wide range of baking products and accessories, from cake-making tools and spices to balloon stands, cake toppers, and edible image printing. She also offers baking lessons to aspiring entrepreneurs, aged 20 to 40, in smaller towns around Mutare.

    Mambeu now earns an average of $4,000 in monthly profit, with peaks of up to $5,000 during national holidays and festive periods. She attributes her success to training received under the Sustainable Enterprise Development of Women and Youth – Business Growth for Young Entrepreneurs project, funded by the African Development Bank. The programme, which promotes entrepreneurship and job creation, has reached 984 beneficiaries to date—over 68% of them women.

    Mambeu took part in two key training programmes: Sustainable and Resilient Enterprise and Improve Your Business, both funded by the Bank’s Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Multi-Donor Trust Fund and delivered by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe.

    “Before the training, I struggled with market visibility and branding,” she said. “I learned how to position my business, and now everything is branded—from shop windows to refrigerators. People immediately know what we offer. That change boosted our monthly profits from $1,000 to $4,000.”

    In January 2024, Mambeu formally registered her business as Yoyo’s Yummy Cakes and Baking Supplies and began advertising on local radio. The strategy paid off—by September, her customer base had quadrupled to 1,200 clients.

    Her growing brand has attracted the attention of large corporates. One of Zimbabwe’s largest milk producers appointed her as a brand ambassador, supplying her with baking milk. She now provides confectioneries to a commercial bank, the national revenue authority, and a local NGO, among other clients. To meet rising demand, she invested $2,500 in heavy-duty baking equipment and is planning to open both a bakery and a wholesale outlet.

    Mambeu’s story is echoed by Violet Mhute, a 44-year-old entrepreneur based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. Like Mambeu, she benefited from Bank-supported training—this time to help women entrepreneurs break into the male-dominated leather industry.

    Mhute founded Soko Genuine Leather in 2008 but initially struggled to establish herself in Zimbabwe’s $32 million leather sector. For years, she exported semi-processed hides to South Africa and the UK for low returns. Now, her business boasts a catalogue of high-quality leather goods—shoes, sandals, wallets, and belts—sold across Africa and beyond.

    “Entering the leather industry as a woman was tough. Accessing the right information was a constant battle,” Mhute said. “But the training gave me the tools and confidence to navigate those challenges.”

    With support from the African Development Bank and government policies that support local value addition, Mhute shifted from exporting raw materials to selling premium finished products. Her goods are now certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, enabling her to participate in international expos and tap into new markets, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the UK.

    She was also trained on how to expand her business under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. The impact has been significant: monthly profits rose from $800 to $3,100.

    Violet Mhute, founder of Soko Genuine Leather, a leather production company.

    Mhute says she now employs five young people in her growing leather business.

    Dr. Martha Phiri, Director of Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development at the African Development Bank, says the success stories of Mambeu and Mhute reflect the Bank’s sustained commitment to private sector development—particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

    “These efforts prioritize inclusion, with targeted support for underserved groups such as women and youth, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities,” said Phiri. “Through the Bank’s initiatives, we empower women entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance, skills training, and business development support.”

    Both Mambeu and Mhute say they are optimistic about the future and aim to grow their businesses further while creating jobs for others.

    “My dream goes beyond expanding my business,” said Mhute. “I want to establish an entrepreneurship institute that will help others break through the barriers in male-dominated industries—just as I have.”

    Since its launch in 2017, the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund has been a key catalyst for entrepreneurs like Mambeu and Mhute. The fund supports the African Development Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy, providing grants to empower youth-led start-ups and MSMEs operating in both the formal and informal sectors.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Business Corporation Completes 2024 Annual Filings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC) today announced that it has filed its 2024 annual report on Form 20-F, including its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, with the SEC on EDGAR as well as with the Canadian securities authorities on SEDAR+. These documents are also available on our website at https://bbu.brookfield.com/bbuc in the Reports & Filings section and a hard copy will be provided to shareholders free of charge upon request.

    Brookfield Business Partners is a global business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that provide essential products and services and benefit from a strong competitive position. Investors have flexibility to invest in our company either through Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE: BBU; TSX: BBU.UN), a limited partnership or Brookfield Business Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BBUC), a corporation. For more information, please visit https://bbu.brookfield.com.

    Brookfield Business Partners is the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield Asset Management’s Private Equity Group. Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager with over $1 trillion of assets under management.

    Please note that Brookfield Business Corporation’s previous audited annual and unaudited quarterly reports have been filed on SEDAR+ and EDGAR, and are available at https://bbu.brookfield.com/bbuc under Reports & Filings. Hard copies of the annual and quarterly reports can be obtained free of charge upon request.

    For more information, please contact:

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey, Rep. Ansari Introduce Legislation to Help Families Pay their Heating and Cooling Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Legislation would provide urgently needed relief for families as energy prices rise 
    Bill Text (PDF) | Section-by-Section (PDF)
    Washington (March 31, 2025) — Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) today reintroduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act, bold legislation to significantly expand and modernize the severely underfunded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill would ensure year-round access to affordable and reliable heating and cooling for lower-income households who experience disproportionately high energy burdens.
    Despite the urgent need for relief, in 2023, only about 18 percent of income-eligible households received LIHEAP assistance, with less than 3 percent of eligible households receiving cooling assistance. Meanwhile, low-income families spend nearly three times more on energy bills than non-low-income households, and nearly one in six households are behind on their utility bills. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act would deliver critical energy assistance to millions more households, protecting families from utility shutoffs and empowering states to address the growing threat of climate-fueled extreme heat and cold.
    “No one should have to choose between turning the heat on in the winter and putting food on the table, but that’s a sacrifice more and more families are forced to make, especially as the climate crisis exacerbates extreme weather,” said Senator Markey. “Our Heating and Cooling Relief Act would significantly expand LIHEAP so that energy assistance is available to all those who need it. It would also protect consumers from predatory practices and utility shutoffs, and boost emergency energy assistance and access to life-saving cooling relief. I will keep fighting to ensure that every household can afford the energy they need to stay healthy and safe—and to support a just transition away from fossil fuels.”
    “No one should have to make sacrifices around paying for food, rent, or essential medication to keep air conditioning on in the summer and heat on in the winter,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari. “In Arizona, this is a matter of life or death. Last year, over 600 people died from extreme heat, and Phoenix already broke our own record for the first 99-degree day of the year. Our Heating and Cooling Relief Act will expand LIHEAP so that every family can afford their energy bills – in Maricopa County, this will literally save lives.”
    The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representatives Nannette Barragán (CA-44), Wesley Bell (MO-01), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Summer Lee (PA-12), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
    “On behalf of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, I applaud Senator Markey’s introduction of the Heating and Cooling Relief Act of 2025. Senator Markey was a cosponsor of LIHEAP when it began as a temporary program in 1981 and has played a key role in transforming it into the successful program that it is today. This bill will transform LIHEAP into a program that provides year-round energy assistance, recognizing that access to cooling is now as essential as heating for low-income families. No family should have to struggle between paying their home energy bill or food, clothing, and medicine, and this bill will help protect families from having to make that difficult decision,” said Mark Wolfe, Executive Director at the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
    “This ambitious bill shines a spotlight on the energy affordability challenges faced by low-income families who urgently need access to LIHEAP,” said Olivia Wein, Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “We look forward to working with parties to refine this legislation and focus its impact on people with the greatest need.”
    “As extreme heat and climate chaos continue to intensify year after year, millions of families are grappling with the real-life, devastating consequences. These unnatural events are killing people and making them sick in their own homes. Our communities, many of whom don’t own housing and are struggling with the rising cost of living, should not have to risk their lives to avoid extremely high energy bills. In this critical moment, to save lives and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable communities, access to essential heating and cooling relief is both a necessity and a right,” said Caleb Smith, Resiliency Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
    “As extreme heat becomes increasingly dangerous with longer, more frequent, and more intense heat waves every year, it is critical people can protect themselves from unhealthy and potentially deadly home temperatures. The risk of heat-related illness, injury, and death is particularly high for families and older adults who don’t have air conditioning or can’t afford to run it. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act would help people stay safe by making crucial investments in efficient and affordable home cooling strategies. Extreme heat events kill more people than any other type of severe weather or climate disaster, but Congress can prevent some of these deaths by passing the Heating and Cooling Relief Act,” said Jill Rosenthal, Director of Public Health Policy at the Center for American Progress.
    “Too many households face a terrible choice when summer temperatures soar. Feed the kids? Pay the rent? Or stay safe from deadly heat? This critical bill will alleviate that burden by helping low-income households keep their power on and make their homes more weatherproof and energy efficient. It will also refill a long-empty emergency contingency fund, giving states an important backstop in an increasingly extreme climate,” said Juanita Constible, Senior Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
    “In the richest country in the world, no kid should have to go to bed freezing cold because their family can’t afford to keep the heat up. No one should die in their own home during heat waves because they can’t afford air conditioning. This legislation is a vital step towards lowering the cost of living for working people and ensuring every American has a safe and healthy home. It shows that tackling the climate crisis goes hand in hand with helping working people,” said Sunrise Movement Executive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay.
    “Expanding federal funding to help families afford to pay their energy bills is essential as tens of millions of American families continue to experience punishing energy burdens. President Trump’s chaotic disruption of our economy and his gutting of indispensable government programs has resulted in a crisis of energy affordability. This legislation is vitally important to ensure that American families can afford essential energy service under Trump’s disastrous economy,” said Tyson Slocum, Energy Program Director at Public Citizen.
    “No American family should have to skip heating or cooling their home to a safe and comfortable temperature just to make ends meet. The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is a commonsense update to an essential program that keeps our lights on, protects the vulnerable, and ensures we’re prepared for growing energy demand and worsening disasters. Strengthening LIHEAP is about fiscal, moral, and national responsibility. At a time of rising costs and extreme weather, this bill brings overdue reforms that put working families first, cut red tape, and modernize our response to energy emergencies. The Sierra Club is proud to support it,” said Xavier Boatright, Deputy Legislative Director at Sierra Club.
    Specifically, the Heating and Cooling Relief Act would:
    Substantially increase LIHEAP funding to ensure year-round assistance, including an additional $2 billion for emergency energy assistance and $1 billion in Just Transition Grants to help vulnerable households adapt to a changing climate;
    Broaden eligibility so that households earning up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Line or 80 percent of State Median Income can qualify, while ensuring lower energy burdens for lower-income households and capping household energy burdens at 3 percent of monthly income;
    Protect consumers from utility shutoffs, excessive late fees, and predatory energy practices that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities;
    Expand emergency assistance, ensuring extreme heat and cold are recognized as qualifying emergencies and that states can provide vital cooling relief;
    Increase funding for weatherization and home electrification, to help low-income households reduce energy costs, improve health and safety, and transition to clean, resilient energy systems;
    Streamline enrollment and outreach, improving coordination with other federal programs and increasing access through automatic enrollment and simplified verification; and
    Strengthen reporting requirements to better track affordability, equity, and climate resilience outcomes.
    The Heating and Cooling Relief Act is endorsed by National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), Center for Energy Poverty and Climate, Public Citizen, Sunrise Movement, Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Center for American Progress, Sierra Club, Citizens for Citizens, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), National Housing Law Project (NHLP), National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), Citizens Action Coalition, WE ACT, The Utility Reform Network (TURN), Climate Resolve, Indiana Conservation Voters, Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), Elevate, Evergreen Action, Center for Biological Diversity, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Climate and Community Institute, Federation of American Scientists (FAS), Solar United Neighbors Action, North Carolina Justice Center, Creation Care Partners, Faith in Place Action Fund, National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH), Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy (DAACE), Energy for All Coalition, Indiana Environmental Clean Energy J40 Corporation,  Office of the People’s Counsel – District of Columbia Government, Arizona Sustainability Alliance.
    Senator Markey is a champion for energy access, affordability, and reliability. In March 2025, he hosted a roundtable with Massachusetts LIHEAP providers, consumer advocates, and national energy assistance organizations to discuss the urgent need to strengthen and expand LIHEAP. In July 2024, Senator Markey and several New England Senators sent a letter to the Department of Energy urging it to consider the disproportionate negative impacts of LNG on New England—especially on energy prices—in its underlying environmental and economic analyses for LNG export authorization decisions. In December 2023, Senator Markey led a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission to immediately intervene, investigate, and rigorously enforce consumer protection laws against certain electric supply companies. In October 2023, he celebrated the release of $130 million in LIHEAP funding for Massachusetts, helping residents afford winter heating costs. Additionally, he has pushed for greater investments in home efficiency and electrification to help low-income families reduce their energy burdens. He originally introduced the Heating and Cooling Relief Act with Representative Jamaal Bowman in January 2022.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy – New Zealanders have new rights as power consumers

    Source: Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko

    From today, New Zealanders have new rights as power consumers under the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko’s (the Authority) Consumer Care Obligations (the Obligations). These new rules significantly increase the support people can expect from their power retailer – to help them find the best plan for their needs, understand their power use, manage bills, and stay connected.

    Authority General Manager Retail and Consumer Andrew Millar says the obligations set customer care standards that all power companies must follow, and New Zealanders can rely on.

    “The new rules include requirements for respectful communication, protection for vulnerable consumers, and fair and reasonable fees. Retailers have indicated to us that they are ready to meet these obligations, and our new retail monitoring regime means we’re ready to ensure that happens.

    “Now we want all New Zealanders to know what they can rightfully expect from their power retailer, and who to turn to if they do have a problem,” says Millar. “We’ve published this information on yourpower.co.nz

    “Kiwi households rely on electricity and deserve to receive a consistent and reliable level of customer care. With lines charges going up this year, it was particularly important to us that the Obligations are fully effective well before winter. We’ll keep an open mind about whether further strengthening of the rules is required as the Obligations are bedded-in, and we monitor for compliance and consumer outcomes.”

    The Authority advises anyone having trouble with their power provider to first contact their retailer but highlights that Utilities Disputes UDL.co.nz is the place to go for help with power related complaints.

    “Power companies are on board with the new Obligations and have worked quickly over the past four months to ensure they’re ready to comply,” Millar says. “But if you have a problem you can’t solve with them directly, you can contact UDL, who provide a free, independent service to resolve complaints between consumers and their power or gas company.”

    Support and resources for the Consumer Care Obligations are available on the Electricity Authority’s website www.yourpower.co.nz

    UDL can be contacted online at udl.co.nz or on 0800 22 33 40

    SUMMARY OF THE NEW CONSUMER CARE OBLIGATIONS

    What do the Consumer Care Obligations mean for you, and what should you do if you need support?

    What are the Consumer Care Obligations?

    The Consumer Care Obligations are minimum standards that all power companies must follow when supplying electricity to residential consumers. These obligations provide: 

    • stronger customer protections, especially for those in vulnerable situations
    • fair and respectful treatment from power companies 
    • better support for consumers experiencing financial difficulty
    • clear, transparent pricing with no unfair fees. 

    How do they protect me as a consumer?

    The Consumer Care Obligations set clear rules to ensure fairness and support for all electricity consumers. These include:

    • Protection for vulnerable customers. If you are experiencing financial hardship or rely on electricity for medical reasons, power companies must work with you to keep your power on.
    • Respectful communication. Power companies must engage with customers in a supportive and helpful manner.
    • Fair and reasonable fees.  Power companies cannot charge excessive or hidden fees. Fees must be transparent and reasonable and based on actual costs.

    What should I expect from my power company?

    Power companies are required to provide positive, practical advice on reducing bills and tailored payment plans if you are experiencing payment difficulties. You should also expect:

    • Clear communication about your energy use and bills
    • Flexible payment options if you are experiencing financial difficulties
    • Support to avoid disconnection, including tailored solutions to help you pay your bill over time.

    Your power company should support you to stay connected and avoid debt. You should expect proactive communication and referrals to support services as disconnection should be a last resort.

    What rights do I have when it comes to fees?

    Power companies must charge fair and cost-reflective fees. This means:

    • No excessive or hidden charges
    • Not using fees as a penalty (such as excessive late payment fees) 
    • No unexpected fees.

    Can my power company disconnect me?

    Your electricity provider must follow a set process before they disconnect you, which includes giving you time to pay any outstanding debt. Seek help if you need it and discuss options with your power company to manage your power costs to avoid disconnection. 

    Your power company cannot disconnect your power if they are aware that you or someone in your household is medically dependent on electricity. To ensure this protection, it is important to:

    • Inform your power company if someone in your household relies on medical equipment powered by electricity
    • Work with your provider to ensure they have the correct details recorded.

    What can I do if I’m struggling to pay my bill?

    If you are having trouble paying your electricity bill, it is important to contact your power company as soon as possible.

    Power companies are required to:

    • Offer flexible payment plans to help you manage your bills 
    • Provide information to assist with energy-efficiency 
    • Suggest suitable pricing plans based on your needs.

    The sooner you reach out, the more your power company will be able to do to help you stay connected.

    What if I’m not happy with my power company’s service?

    If you are unhappy with how your power company is treating you, there are steps you can take:

    1. Contact your power company and give them time to solve the problem
    2. If you are still unhappy, you can contact Utilities Disputes Resolution (UDL), who provide a free, independent service to resolve complaints about electricity and gas.

    If you or UDL have a serious concern about a power company’s behaviour, the Electricity Authority will investigate. 

    If you believe your power company is not meeting itsConsumer Care Obligations, you can alsoraise a concern with the Electricity Authority

    We encourage you to first contact your power company and UDL as they may be able to resolve your issue more quickly. 

    How does the Electricity Authority ensure these rules are followed?

    The Electricity Authority monitors power companies to ensure they follow the Consumer Care Obligations. If a power company fails to meet these rules, the Authority will take appropriate action to enforce compliance.

    Most power companies aim to do the right thing, but consumers should know their rights and speak up if they are not receiving fair treatment.

    Learn more about your power and consumer rights at www.yourpower.co.nz 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: BusinessNZ – Thrill seekers welcome: Health and safety reform unlocks the outdoors

    Source: BusinessNZ

    Further changes to health and safety laws should see more Kiwis exploring their own backyard and unlock further economic gains in the great outdoors.
    BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says clearer expectations around health and safety responsibilities for landowners will make agreeing to recreational activity simpler.
    “Landowners have been overly cautious when it comes to allowing access for fear of legal reprisal. In clarifying that health and safety is the responsibility of the organisation operating on site, the Government has made it easier for councils, farmers and Iwi to say ‘yes’ to more outdoor enterprise.
    “If New Zealand wants to retain its reputation as the world’s best in adventure tourism, then we need to allow thrill seekers a place to call home while accepting that there is inherent risk in some recreational activity.
    “These announced changes to health and safety laws aren’t about less responsibility – but rather setting clearer expectations around who is responsible.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Science – Flooding from underneath: New tool reveals shallow groundwater elevations – NIWA

    Source: NIWA

    A new online tool that identifies areas at risk from groundwater flooding has been developed by New Zealand scientists. Groundwater flooding occurs when the water table rises close to the surface, causing issues even before the water visibly floods the ground.
    The Shallow Groundwater Screening Tool, which identifies areas at threat from water table rises, will help hazard and land-use decision-makers understand the scale of the problem and which areas are likely to be the most vulnerable, says lead for the Future Coasts Aotearoa programme, NIWA Chief Scientist Coasts and Estuaries Dr Scott Stephens.
    Groundwater – also known as the water table – rises with sea levels, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas, and it can be pushed even higher by persistent rainfall. Groundwater flooding is often overlooked as a threat, however it is a hazard that traditional flood defences such as stopbanks and seawalls cannot contain because the water comes up from underneath. When the groundwater rises, it can saturate soil and structures, weaken infrastructure, increase liquefaction risk and worsen surface flooding from heavy rainfall. As sea levels continue to rise, groundwater levels in the coast zone and close to tidal rivers will increase accordingly. Persistent heavy rain also pushes up the water table, a phenomenon which contributed to South Dunedin’s flooding in October 2024.
    It’s not all bad – shallow groundwater can also be beneficial for some ecosystems and for buffering droughts.
    The first-of-its-kind online tool, developed as part of the NIWA-led Future Coasts Aotearoa research programme, shows areas that could be exposed to shallow groundwater hazards, right now, based on existing groundwater measurements, says Dr Stephens.
    “Increased flooding events will be a real driver of change in many places. Rising groundwater will destabilise roads and damage buildings. It could make farming uneconomic. Stormwater pipes will be persistently full. Councils and decision-makers need an accurate picture of current shallow groundwater levels to prepare for future risks by identifying what areas could be exposed to shallow groundwater as sea levels continue to rise. This tool will be useful for local, district and regional councils, engineers, infrastructure providers, and rural communities, as well as individual citizens who want to make better-informed decisions for their future.”
    Water resource consultancy Kōmanawa Solutions created the tool. Its founder Zeb Etheridge says that we are interested in the shallow water table because that’s the part of the groundwater system that’s most affected by sea level rise.
    “Two-thirds of New Zealanders live in coastal areas, meaning much of our infrastructure and land use falls within these vulnerable zones. Understanding this issue is critical for future planning.”
    The Kōmanawa Solutions team pulled together 2.4 million real-life readings of groundwater depth from around the country. To fill in the gaps, they used machine learning trained on factors that influence the water table, such as land elevation, soil type and nearness to waterways. Mr Etheridge describes the result as a risk screening tool to manage hazards, guide adaptation planning for existing land use choices, and plan future developments.
    “Local authorities are likely to undertake more detailed assessments of the areas that are shown to be potentially exposed before making any significant decisions,” he says. The tool is designed so that the certainty of detecting risky groundwater levels can be dialled up or down, as can the depth of groundwater that is of interest.
    Further updates from the research team, which includes NIWA, Kōmanawa Solutions, GNS Science, and the University of Canterbury, are in development. These include projections of rising water tables as sea levels rise and land subsidence. The team will also investigate the risk of groundwater becoming saline as seawater infiltrates it.
    The tool can be found at www.niwa.co.nz/shallow-groundwater-tool
    FAQs
    What does the Shallow Groundwater Screening Tool do?
    The tool shows areas that could be exposed to shallow groundwater, right now, based on existing groundwater measurements. The dataset covers the areas of New Zealand where the elevation is less than 100 m above sea level.
    The model results tell us the likelihood of finding shallow groundwater in every 100 x 100 m area below 100 m above sea level and allows users to select a set of model results which suit their particular purpose.
    What is the decision-support gap that this first-of-its-kind tool fills?
    This tool shows us where shallow groundwater is likely to be present, or not likely to be present. We can confirm whether shallow groundwater is present or not present at a given location, either by looking at data from existing local bores or by excavating a trial pit or hand auguring and monitoring where no previous information is available. But the depth to groundwater can vary significantly over relatively short distances and hence we cannot identify areas with potential shallow groundwater at scale without either extensive and costly investigations, or modelling.
    Who should be using the tool?
    The outputs can be used by councils, rural communities, engineers and infrastructure providers as a risk screening tool, to understand which areas could be exposed to shallow groundwater and require more detailed local investigation and assessment, and which areas are unlikely to be exposed.
    The outputs also provide information on how certain we can be that shallow groundwater is present or not present, which can be used for hazard management and development planning. In most instances, we would expect users of the information to undertake more detailed assessments of the areas that are shown to be potentially exposed before making any significant decisions.
    How can I access the tool?
    The tool can be found at www.niwa.co.nz/shallow-groundwater-tool. The spatial layers used in the tool can also be found here.
    This is a publicly available tool that anyone can use. There is a modest charge for the tool’s use that will be reinvested in related science, which could include updates to the tool.
    What is the data and process that underpins the tool?
    We know from both theory and practical experience that depth to groundwater varies with land elevation, proximity to rivers, streams, and the coastline, soil properties, and other environmental variables. The tool uses a machine learning technique to determine which combinations of environmental variables provide the best predictions of depth to groundwater.
    The machine learning model, which uses a method called Random Forest via a novel implementation developed for this study, was trained using all groundwater readings from 79,000 locations (where the well depth or screen is less than 30 m below ground level) with data available, and national datasets of environmental variables like soil properties to provide the best possible prediction of whether shallow groundwater is likely or unlikely to be present on a 100 x 100 m grid for all land below 100 m elevation.
    The model developed to create this product was trained using all accessible groundwater depth information held in Regional Council and Territorial Authority databases and in the New Zealand Geotechnical Database. This comprised readings from approximately 110,000 locations around the country.
    What is the overarching research programme that is supporting the development of the tool?
    The tool and associated research is part of the Future Coasts Aotearoa programme that aims to transform coastal lowland systems threatened by relative sea-level rise into prosperous communities. It’s an Endeavour programme funded from 2021-2026 by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, and is a collaborative effort that includes Kōmanawa Solutions and is led by NIWA.
    What other groundwater research is underway within the programme?
    Having identified the areas in our costal lowlands with shallow groundwater, a key next step is to quantify the assets such as buildings, roads and farmland which are located in shallow groundwater zones. By combining this information with soon to be completed research on the impact of rising water tables on farmland productivity and modelling of water table rise the Future Coasts Aotearoa research programme will provide insights into the scale of the challenges we will face with rising water tables and provide information to support proactive adaptation decisions.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Presses Agency Leaders on DOGE Access to Federal IT Systems and Data Repositories

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, demanded answers from 24 federal agencies on how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and DOGE-affiliated individuals, many of whom do not possess security clearances, have accessed and used data in federal information technology systems. Peters is requesting information on how individuals accessing these systems are complying with federal cybersecurity and privacy laws to protect sensitive information.  
    “Since January 23, 2025, employees working on behalf of the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), which the Administration is referring to as DOGE, have gained access to systems and databases at multiple federal agencies,” Senator Peters wrote. “Federal agencies, as part of their authorized activities, collect, maintain, and utilize an enormous amount of sensitive data to carry out their missions. This data can include personally identifiable information (PII) collected from the public, federal and contractor employee data, law enforcement sensitive data, and confidential commercial information, including from critical infrastructure operators. Failure to appropriately control access to this data creates significant privacy and security risks and may violate federal law.” 
    Recent reports indicate that individuals claiming to be DOGE employees have allegedly threatened federal agency staff with dismissal when seeking unauthorized access to federal systems and data repositories. The Trump Administration has not yet provided information about whether DOGE personnel are following legal requirements for privacy and security, including the Privacy Act, E-Government Act, and Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). There are also no details about how DOGE-affiliated individuals with system access are being vetted. 
    Given the sensitive nature of federal agency data, this lack of transparency raises concerns about the potential for data misuse. Moreover, reports suggest DOGE plans to apply artificial intelligence to agency systems and collected data. However, little is known about which AI tools may be used, what agency data will be processed, how data will be combined, or the cybersecurity consequences of allowing sensitive data to be processed with artificial intelligence tools.
    In the letters, Peters requested more information about the positions, employment details, security clearances, and reporting structures of all DOGE-affiliated individuals working at these federal agencies, along with details about which systems and data repositories were accessed by DOGE personnel, whether the systems contained sensitive or classified information, how data was transferred, and which security measures were in place. Finally, Peters pushed for information about any AI tools or models that DOGE-affiliated individuals have applied to agency data, including procurement details, use cases, and security and privacy assessments.
    Peters sent letters to the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Interior, Department of the Treasury, Environmental Protection Agency, General Services Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Personnel Management, Small Business Administration, Social Security Administration, and U.S. Agency for International Development. 
    Peters also sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office requesting an audit of DOGE’s activities, focusing on whether they are complying with established privacy and cybersecurity laws for federal agency data and systems. 
    Text of the letter to the Department of Homeland Security can be read here. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Introduces Bill to Release Illegally Withheld Funding for Wisconsin Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues introduced the Honor Farmer Contracts Act, legislation to release illegally withheld funding for all contracts and agreements previously entered into by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). President Trump’s USDA has refused to make reimbursement payments to fulfill signed contracts, without any indication of when or whether farmers will be paid the money they paid out and are owed. Farmers in Wisconsin and the organizations that serve them operate on tight margins and cannot be left waiting without funding they rightfully were awarded and planned for. This legislation would require the USDA to pay farmers all past due payments as quickly as possible to prevent them from having to shut down their operations.
    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are stiffing our farmers and processors – taking away resources these folks were guaranteed, threatening small businesses’ ability to stay open and people’s livelihoods. Wisconsin farmers work hard on tight margins and drive our rural economy forward – and there is no reason they should be left high and dry by this administration just so Elon Musk and Donald Trump can pass a tax break that makes their rich friends richer,” said Senator Baldwin. “It’s wrong and I am fighting back.”
    When farmers successfully apply to USDA programs and then spend their own dollars  under contracts with the agency, they rightfully expect that they will receive reimbursement. Similarly, farmer-serving organizations—which farmers rely upon to connect to local markets and implement practices that make them more productive and less resource intensive—are facing imminent funding crises from not being reimbursed for completed or in-progress contracted work. If not quickly made whole, these organizations will be forced to make agonizing decisions to lay off staff and stop helping farmers, destroying years of progress and investment in our agriculture economy.
    In March of this year, Senator Baldwin successfully pushed the USDA to restart payments already committed to Wisconsin Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiative recipients after calling on the Trump Administration the month prior to release the funding. She’s also called on the Trump Administration to reverse course on funding for a partnership between Wisconsin farmers and local food banks that was clawed back by the federal government earlier this month.
    The Honor Farmer Contracts Act would:
    Require USDA to unfreeze all signed agreements and contracts;
    Require USDA to make all past due payments as quickly as possible;
    Prohibit USDA from cancelling agreements or contracts with farmers or organizations providing assistance to farmers unless there has been a failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract.
    Prohibit USDA from closing any Farm Service Agency county office, Natural Resources Conservation Service field office or Rural Development Service Center without providing 60 days prior notice and justification to Congress.
    The bill is led by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and also co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse, and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) also introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
    Full text of this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: LLumin CMMS+ Achieves “Sage Intacct Recommended” Status for Delivering Seamless Maintenance and Financial Integration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LLumin, the leading CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) provider, announces the integration of its best-of-breed asset maintenance software with Sage Intacct, the powerful cloud financial management system and trusted software provider for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in industrial manufacturing and automation. Having joined the Sage ERP Partner Ecosystem, LLumin’s CMMS+ integration with Sage Intacct has earned “Sage Recommended” status and secured a new member listing on the Sage Intacct Marketplace.

    “Achieving a single source of truth is crucial for any organization, especially manufacturers striving for peak operational efficiency. The integration of LLumin CMMS+ with Sage Intacct, including our newest AI-powered features, provides manufacturers with a unified platform that eliminates data silos and enables informed, data-driven decision-making, resulting in improved maintenance and asset management,” stated Dan Miller, EVP Financials and ERP Division at Sage.

    This robust integration allows for a seamless flow of information between maintenance and finance, including intelligent time tracking and financial oversight. The software’s versatility makes it ideal for managing a wider range of assets, including facilities, fleets, and infrastructure.

    “This integration isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them. LLumin CMMS+ and Sage Intacct together enable manufacturers to proactively manage assets, minimize disruptions, and gain a decisive operations competitive edge, all while optimizing their financial performance,” said Ed Garibian, LLumin CEO.said Ed Garibian, LLumin CEO.

    The powerful rule-based workflows and automated work order generation in CMMS+, provides manufacturers the right approach to optimize maintenance operations, reduce downtime, and extend asset life. The CMMS + integration with Sage Intacct delivers a seamless connection between maintenance operations and financial records, providing such significant benefits to customers as:

    • Streamlined Spare Parts Management: Leverage LLumin’s best-in-class spare parts inventory and procurement capabilities to ensure accurate stock levels and timely reordering.
    • Elimination of Duplicate Data Entry: Automatically sync invoices for spare parts between LLumin CMMS+ and Sage Intacct, reducing manual input and minimizing errors.
    • Improved Financial Accuracy: Ensure consistency between maintenance operations and financial records by seamlessly integrating procurement data with Sage Intacct’s accounting system.
    • Enhanced Efficiency: Save time and resources by automating workflows between maintenance and finance teams, improving overall operational productivity.

    For more information about LLumin CMMS+ and its integration with Sage Intacct, please visit LLumin.com.

    About Sage

    Sage exists to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive, starting with the millions of Small and Mid-Sized Businesses served by us, our partners and accountants. Customers trust our finance, HR and payroll software to make work and money flow. By digitizing business processes and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, banks and governments, our digital network connects SMBs, removing friction and delivering insights. Knocking down barriers also means we use our time, technology and experience to tackle digital inequality, economic inequality and the climate crisis. For more information, visit Sage.

    About LLumin:

    The team at LLumin possesses decades of experience in the CMMS software industry, managing fleet, facilities, and industrial machinery for all industries. Having developed CMMS+ as a IOT and Industry 4.0 first Asset Performance and Maintenance Management solution suite, the software delivers ROI by improving Asset Uptime and OEE levels, lowering MTTR metrics, and extending the life of asset lifecycles. For more information, visit LLumin.com.

    Media Contact:

    Valerie Harding,
    Ripple Effect Communications
    Email: valerie@RippleEffectPR.com
    Tel: 617-536-8887

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09466f8f-7b16-4899-8101-07868790dd6c

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: LeddarTech to Demonstrate Advanced ADAS Sensor Fusion and Perception Solutions at Auto Shanghai 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Canada, April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-powered low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, for ADAS, AD and parking applications, announces its participation at Auto Shanghai 2025, taking place from April 23 to May 2, 2025.

    LeddarTech will be exhibiting at Booth # 1BG040 in Hall 1.2, where its team will engage with customers and industry partners to discuss its latest advancements in sensor fusion and perception technology. Attendees will also have the chance to take a live demonstration ride in the LeddarNavigator, LeddarTech’s demo vehicle equipped with LeddarVision. This AI-driven low-level sensor fusion software enhances object detection, improves situational awareness and optimizes driving automation. The demo ride offers a firsthand experience of how LeddarVision enhances ADAS performance and vehicle safety in real-world scenarios.

    At Auto Shanghai 2025, LeddarTech will showcase its latest low-level sensor fusion innovations, powered by the Texas Instruments (TI) TDA4 processor platform. LeddarTech and TI’s collaboration optimizes performance and cost, addressing key challenges in the Chinese automotive market, such as the development of “see-through” perception solutions and efficient 5V5R sensor configurations for highway “Navigate on Autopilot” (NoA) applications.

    “China is one of the fastest-growing markets for ADAS and AD technology, and we are excited to showcase how LeddarTech’s scalable and cost-efficient perception solutions help OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers achieve enhanced safety and driving intelligence,” said Clive Szeto, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development, Asia at LeddarTech. “Our collaboration with Texas Instruments and our industry-leading low-level sensor fusion technology make LeddarTech a key enabler of next-generation ADAS solutions in China and beyond.”

    Join us at Auto Shanghai 2025 to experience the future of ADAS technology firsthand. Visit LeddarTech at Booth #1BG040, schedule a meeting with our team or learn more on LeddarTech’s website.

    About LeddarTech

    A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

    LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 170 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

    Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this Press Release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which forward-looking statements also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements relating to LeddarTech’s anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: (i) our ability to continue to maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing standards following our transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market; (ii) our ability to timely access sufficient capital and financing on favorable terms or at all; (iii) our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants, including our ability to enter into any forbearance agreements, waivers or amendments with, or obtain other relief from, our lenders as needed; (iv) our ability to execute on our business model, achieve design wins and generate meaningful revenue; (v) our ability to successfully commercialize our product offering at scale, whether through the collaboration agreement with Texas Instruments, a collaboration with a Tier 2 supplier or otherwise; (vi) changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs and plans; (vii) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (viii) our ability to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (ix) potential adverse changes to relationships with our customers, employees, suppliers or other parties; (x) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xi) the outcome of any known and unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings; (xii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and (xiii) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in LeddarTech’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risk factors contained in LeddarTech’s Form 20-F filed with the SEC. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Except as required by applicable law, LeddarTech does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Maram Fityani, Media and Public Relations, LeddarTech Holdings Inc.
    Tel.: + 1-418-653-9000 ext. 623, maram.fityani@leddartech.com

    Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

    LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Welsh workers set for pay rise with new National Minimum Wage

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Welsh workers set for pay rise with new National Minimum Wage

    Up to 160,000 workers in Wales will receive a pay rise as the new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates take effect. 

    • National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increase will put more money in the pockets of up to 160,000 of the lowest paid workers in Wales.
    • Real-terms pay rise will boost wages by £1,400 per year for an eligible full-time worker.
    • New rates put more money back into the pockets of working people, boost living standards and kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    Up to 160,000 workers in Wales will today (Tuesday 1 April) receive a pay rise as the new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates take effect. 

    Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will see a real-terms pay increase of £1,400 per year, helping to provide families with better financial stability, improve living standards and kickstart growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    This uplift will deliver security for working people and ease the pressure on their day-to-day finances. It also allows for further workers to potentially benefit from positive spill-over impacts including possible wage increases for those already earning more than the legal minimum.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We promised to make low pay a thing of the past. Now, as part of our Plan to Make Work Pay and the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, we are delivering that.

    Low pay is not only bad for workers, it prevents them from spending on our high streets and allowing local businesses to achieve their full potential.

    By ensuring that everyone gets a fair wage for the hours they work, we’re delivering the financial stability needed to kick-start economic growth and ensure our country is fit for the future

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said: 

    Hard work deserves to be rewarded and this Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay is making that a reality.

    We’re raising the floor for workers from Cardiff to Colwyn Bay, putting more money into their pockets and delivering the increased living standards needed to kickstart economic growth across Wales.

    The full increases from 1 April 2025 are:

    • National Living Wage (21+) has increased 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour
    • National Minimum Wage (18-20) has a record increase of 16.2%, from £8.60 to £10 per hour
    • National Minimum Wage (under 18) has increased 18%, to £7.55 per hour
    • Apprentice Rate has the largest increase of 18%, from £6.40 to £7.55 per hour
    • Accommodation Offset of £10.66 per day

    The Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    Today thousands of the lowest paid workers in Wales will receive a pay rise worth £1,400 a year to help with household bills and improve living standards.

    Families across Wales will see this increase in their pay packets from today as the UK Government puts more money in the pockets of working people.

    This UK Government is unashamedly pro-worker which is why this year is the first where the Low Pay Commission, the body which recommends wage rates, was instructed to include the cost of living and inflation in its assessment. 

    On top of this the Employment Rights Bill, a key pillar in the Plan to Make Work Pay, will release an additional £600 a year to some of the lowest paid workers. This will ensure that these workers receive an uplift to wages that delivers better quality of life. 

    Workers in Wales have earned this pay rise and they need to make sure they get it. Visit gov.uk/checkyourpay to check if you are eligible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 24 day isolation rule non-announcement unprofessional and unworkable

    Source: ACT Party

    “New COVID isolation rules for Omicron are unworkable, and the way they were dumped on the Ministry of Health website on a Friday afternoon is unprofessional,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

    “Late on Friday, rules appeared on the Ministry of Health website to the effect that a person who tests positive must isolate for 14 days, and household members must isolate for a further 10 days.

    “The way this has been announced, or rather not announced, echoes the cancellation of the 20 January MIQ lottery. That lottery was cancelled on the website of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, that was deleted and later confirmed in the form of a tweet. This is not leadership of communication in the middle of a pandemic.

    “A Government prepared for Omicron would make clear announcements, rather than slipping critical details about isolation onto websites on Friday afternoon. Instead they have buried the rules on the Ministry of Health website with no formal announcement.

    “The rules announced are unworkable, they will lead to a domino effect where a household can be down for a month. The Ministry of Health website says ‘The isolation period for COVID-19 cases in the community is at least 14 days, including 72 hours symptom-free,’ and ‘Your household members will need to remain in isolation for at least 10 days after you have been released as a case. This means they will need to be in isolation for longer than you as the case will [sic].’

    “The effect is that if you test positive, members of your household may have to isolate for 24 days. People who cannot afford that will have a strong incentive not to get tested, defeating the purpose of the policy. If the advice is taken seriously, it will cripple the health workforce and supply chains more generally.

    “New Zealand’s advantage with COVID is that we can learn from other countries, but we are doing the opposite here. Other countries are loosening their isolation requirements to keep hospitals opening and supermarkets shelves full, but we are tightening ours.

    “By contrast, isolation rules in the UK were changed on Monday so that all people in the household of a case can leave isolation after five days if they have negative tests on two consecutive days. They have done this because their previous isolation rules devastated supply chains.

    “In New South Wales, cases are required to isolate for 14 days but critical workers can leave earlier. Unlike New Zealand, New South Wales does not automatically deem household members as close contacts and require them to isolate. It allows people to use their judgement.

    “The Government badly needs to front on this issue. It needs to explain why these rules are put in place, and why it believes the benefits of an isolation regime stricter than any other country bar China is justified. It should release the modelling it has relied on in an open and transparent way, the way this Government once promised to act.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: QCI’s Andrew Cardno to Speak on “Predicting the Future: How AI & Analytics Will Revolutionize Tribal Gaming” at the Indian Gaming Association Trade Show

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is pleased to announce that Andrew Cardno, Chief Technology & Growth Officer (CTO) at QCI, will be presenting at the Indian Gaming Association Trade Show on April 3rd at noon in San Diego, California. His session, titled “Predicting the Future: How AI & Analytics Will Revolutionize Tribal Gaming,” will delve into how artificial intelligence and data analytics are rapidly transforming the gaming industry, particularly within tribal gaming operations.

    Session Description

    AI and data analytics are transforming the gaming industry, offering powerful tools to predict player behavior, optimize operations, and enhance engagement. This session explores how tribal gaming can harness AI-driven insights while balancing innovation with privacy and cultural identity. Attendees will learn how predictive analytics will shape the future of iGaming, sports betting, and casino operations.

    Key Discussion Points

    • How AI-driven insights are reshaping tribal gaming operations
    • Leveraging predictive analytics for player retention, engagement, and profitability
    • Balancing innovative technologies with cultural identity and privacy concerns
    • Future projections for iGaming, sports betting, and casino operations

    Expert Insights

    “Tribal gaming stands on the precipice of unprecedented transformation through AI and analytics,” said Andrew Cardno, CTGO of QCI. “We look forward to showcasing how predictive modeling and data-driven insights can help tribal gaming enterprises remain competitive while preserving their cultural heritage.”

    “We are thrilled to have Andrew Cardno share QCI’s forward-thinking approach at our trade show,” said Victor Rocha, Conference Chair for the Indian Gaming Association. “His expertise in AI, analytics, and the tribal gaming market will provide an invaluable perspective to operators, regulators, and stakeholders alike.”

    For more information on Andrew Cardno’s session or to register for the Indian Gaming Association Trade Show, visit www.indiangaming.org

    ABOUT The 2025 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention
    As the premier events for the tribal gaming community, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention and Mid-Year Conference & Expo deliver the insight and strategies you need to rise to the top of the competitive gaming industry landscape. There’s no better opportunity to meet industry leaders, access cutting-edge trends and celebrate a proud tradition of success. For more information visit: www.indiangamingtradeshow.com.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Andrew Cardno
    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the realm of artificial intelligence and data plumbing. With over two decades spearheading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew’s innate ability to innovate has led him to devise numerous pioneering visualization methods. Of these, the most notable is the deep zoom image format, a groundbreaking innovation that has since become a cornerstone in the majority of today’s mapping tools. His leadership acumen has earned him two coveted Smithsonian Laureates, and teams under his mentorship have clinched 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Together with Dr. Ralph Thomas, the duo co-founded Quick Custom Intelligence, amplifying their collaborative innovative capacities. A testament to his inventive prowess, Andrew boasts over 150 patent applications. Across various industries—be it telecommunications with Telstra Australia, retail with giants like Walmart and Best Buy, or the medical sector with esteemed institutions like City Of Hope and UCSD—Andrew’s impact is deeply felt. He has enriched the literature with insights, co-authoring eight influential books with Dr. Thomas and contributing to over 100 industry publications. An advocate for community and diversity, Andrew’s work has touched over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, underscoring his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    ABOUT Victor Rocha
    Victor Rocha holds the distinguished position of Conference Chairman for the Indian Gaming Association, while also leading Victor-Strategies as its president. As the owner and publisher of Pechanga.net, he has been deeply engaged in the political landscape of U.S. tribal gaming since 1998. Rocha’s outstanding contributions to the industry have been recognized through numerous accolades, such as AGEM’s 2023 Peter Mead Memorial Award Honoring Excellence in Gaming Media & Communication, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s 2015 Tribal Gaming Visionary Award, the American Gaming Association’s 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award for Gaming Communications, Raving’s 2012 Casino Marketing Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Indian Gaming Association’s 2002 Outstanding Contribution to Indian Country, VCAT’s 2001 Catalyst Award, and Global Gaming Business Magazine’s 2000 “40 Under 40” list.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes the United States Investment Accelerator

    Source: The White House

    ACCELERATING INVESTMENT INTO AMERICA’S ECONOMY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the United States Investment Accelerator.

    • The Order establishes an office within the Department of Commerce named the United States Investment Accelerator, meant to facilitate and accelerate investments above $1 billion in the United States.
    • The Investment Accelerator will encourage companies to make large investments in the United States by: (1) reducing regulatory burdens; (2) speeding up permitting; (3) coordinating responses to investor issues across multiple Federal agencies; (4) increasing access to national resources; (5) facilitating collaboration with national laboratories; and (6) working with all 50 state governments and their economic development organizations, in each case according to applicable law.
    • The Investment Accelerator will be responsible for administering the CHIPS Program Office, where it will deliver the benefit of the bargain for taxpayers, negotiating much better CHIPS Act deals than the previous Administration.

    UNLEASHING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: President Trump believes it is in America’s interest that the Federal Government dramatically expand its assistance to companies seeking to invest and build in the United States.

    • The United States is the most powerful economy in the world, but slow, complex, and burdensome regulations make domestic and foreign investment harder than necessary.
    • An Investment Accelerator is needed to cut through red tape and ensure that businesses can quickly deploy capital and create jobs without navigating a maze of bureaucratic hurdles.
    • By streamlining processes, the Accelerator will attract both foreign and domestic investment, reinforcing America’s position as the premier destination for large-scale investment.

    SECURING AMERICA’S ECONOMIC FUTURE: President Trump is driving massive private investment and strengthening the United States economy through bold ideas that streamline government processes and put America first.

    • Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the United States has already secured more than $3 trillion in private investments during his second term.
    • Last month, President Trump signed a memorandum aimed at promoting foreign investment while protecting America’s national security interests.
    • With the Investment Accelerator in place, President Trump is supercharging the flow of capital into the United States, boosting prosperity across the nation.

    MIL OSI USA News