Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New trial awards quota to fishers delivering sustainability and growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New trial awards quota to fishers delivering sustainability and growth

    UK fishers demonstrating environmental, social, and economic benefits from quota use to be awarded additional quota.

    UK fishers demonstrating how they will deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits will be awarded with additional quota this week.

    Following last year’s successful pilot, the 2025 Quota Application Mechanism trial has been expanded to include English non-sectoral over-10-metre vessels alongside producer organisations with English members.

    Around 8,658.8 tonnes of quota will be awarded to applicants who scored highest against the environmental, social, and economic criteria based on how they will use the additional allocation.

    Measures to be rewarded include:

    • investments in improved fishing gear, reducing environmental impacts while enhancing selectivity to minimize unwanted catches;
    • acoustic deterrents to help protect vulnerable marine wildlife by preventing accidental entanglement in fishing gear;
    • employment of local crew, strengthening coastal communities by providing sustainable livelihoods and preserving traditional fishing heritage;
    • vessel upgrades focused on crew safety and welfare to ensure that fishing remains a viable career with improved working conditions.

    Amongst other stocks, 535 tonnes of North Sea Cod, 1162 tonnes of North Sea Saithe, and 213 tonnes of Western Skates and Rays will be awarded to sectoral and non-sector fishers.

    Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner said:

    I’m delighted to see the expanded Quota Application Mechanism rewarding fishers who demonstrate clear commitments to sustainability.

    By allocating quota based on environmental, social, and economic criteria, we’re charting a new course for UK fisheries that balances conservation with economic prosperity. It’s a vital step towards building a sustainable and profitable fishing industry, as part of our Plan for Change.

    Dale Rodmell, Chief Executive of Eastern England Fish Producers Organisation Ltd. said:

    We appreciate the efforts made by the government to make a new approach to quota allocation work. 

    It recognises the efforts we are making to realise environmental, social and economic benefits from under-utilised and additional quota resulting from the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

    Paul Stone, Director of Stone Marine Services (South West) Ltd, said:

    It’s really something to help diversify and enables us to free up more options and rest areas which are tight for quota, helping us to fish sustainably. It’s been life-changing to the company; it makes life easier for the crew and the fish quality is better.

    It’s nice to be recognised. As a small private company, it means a heck of a lot.

    Shaun Hayter, Director of Bubba Shrimp Ltd, said:

    Being awarded this quota will make a massive difference. It will keep us fishing all year and the crew busy. It gives other grounds a rest and makes everything financially viable.

    I’ve been really looking forward to this year and so has the crew. It’s a massive opportunity and seems like a step in the right direction.

    The quota has been drawn from England’s additional quota allocation and anticipated underutilised non-sectoral quota.

    This trial represents a significant shift from standard quota allocation methods, introducing a criteria-based approach that aims to enhance sustainable fisheries management by considering broader environmental outcomes alongside the social and economic interests of fishing communities.

    Lessons from this trial will shape how fishing quotas are allocated in the future, helping protect fish stocks and support fishing communities for the long-term.

    Further information

    The breakdown of tonnages to be awarded as a part of the 2025 Quota Application Mechanism is as follows:

    • 535.2 tonnes of North Sea Cod (165.5T of this is to the non-sector)
    • 1166.7 tonnes of North Sea Saithe (24.7T of this is to the non-sector)
    • 2830 tonnes of North Sea Herring (20T of this is to the non-sector)
    • 212.9 tonnes of Western Skates and Rays (75T of this is to the non-sector)
    • 3914 tonnes of Western Mackerel (4T of this is to the non-sector)
    • This is subject to the applicants accepting the Quota.

    Eastern England Fish Producers Organisation was awarded:

    • 369.7T of Cod North Sea
    • 1141.7T of Saithe North Sea
    • 155T of Herring North Sea
    • 137.9T of Skates & Rays Western
    • 1340T of Mackerel Western

    Humberside Fish Producers’ Organisation was awarded:

    • 2655T of Herring North Sea
    • 2570T of Mackerel Western

    As part of the conditions for receiving the quota, applicants have committed to delivering a range of benefits including:

    Environmental performance

    • Advanced monitoring technologies like remote electronic monitoring provide real-time data on fishing activities, supporting sustainable management of marine resources.
    • Investments in improved fishing gear, reducing environmental impacts while enhancing selectivity to minimize unwanted catches.
    • Participation in scientific studies to contribute vital information that strengthens our understanding of marine ecosystems and stock health.
    • Fuel-saving techniques to not only reduce operational costs but also lower carbon emissions.
    • Acoustic deterrents to help protect vulnerable marine wildlife by preventing accidental entanglement in fishing gear.

    Social contribution

    • Employment of local crew, strengthening coastal communities by providing sustainable livelihoods and preserving traditional fishing heritage.
    • Vessel upgrades focused on crew safety and welfare ensure that fishing remains a viable career with improved working conditions.
    • Engagement with local apprenticeship schemes to create pathways for young people to enter the industry, securing its future.
    • Participation in careers fairs to raise awareness about opportunities in the fishing sector, attracting diverse talent to the industry.

    Economic benefits

    • Landings into UK ports stimulate local economies through direct employment and supporting additional dockside businesses.
    • Supply to local and domestic processors strengthens our food security while adding value to catches within the UK economy.
    • Use of local business services creates multiplier effects, where fishing activity supports a broader network of maritime and coastal enterprises.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost to British business in the USA as top UK legal firms travel stateside

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Boost to British business in the USA as top UK legal firms travel stateside

    Justice Minister Sarah Sackman has joined home-grown lawtech firms in Chicago this week to showcase how the UK legal sector is putting AI at the front and centre of its services.

    • UK delegation of Lawtech experts promote UK business on the world stage
    • Artificial intelligence, technology and innovation at the top of the agenda
    • Part of Plan for Change to support UK legal sector and drive economic growth

    In a boost for British business, a delegation of the best and the brightest legal minds have visited Illinois and New York as part of the Great Legal Services campaign, alongside the Department for Business and Trade.

    In both cities, the group met with hundreds of other law firms, businesses and investors from around the world at major lawtech conferences – helping them increase their international business and further boost the UK economy.

    Figures show trade in legal services between the US and UK was worth £2.2bn in 2022. Some of the companies in the delegation already turn over £20 million a year and have clients around the world, including in the USA, Singapore and Australia.

    Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

    We’re kickstarting our economy by harnessing the power of AI, technology and innovation in law. Backing British lawtech will boost businesses and attract international investment as part of our Plan for Change.

    In a fast-changing global market, UK law and lawtech are at the cutting edge. This trade mission and Government investment in lawtech will ensure the UK stays in pole position for law while growing the wider economy.

    These events support UK lawtechs – companies which make technology or software to provide legal services – to win business and grow their market presence in the United States.

    The trip also helped develop a pipeline of US lawtech firms to be set up or expanded in the UK, further cementing the UK’s position as a world leader in legal services and legal technology and supporting smaller regional firms to trade internationally.

    His Majesty’s Consul General, British Consulate-General, Richard Hyde said:

    Chicago is home to one of the largest and most dynamic legal sectors in the US.

    There are huge opportunities for the brightest and best UK legal tech companies.

    We were excited to welcome this ministerial led trade mission; it is opening doors for UK innovators and driving growth in the UK and in Illinois.

    This mission comes following a recent announcement that the Lawtech UK programme, a government-backed initiative to drive digital transformation in the domestic legal services industry, will be funded for another year to help further the UK’s leading position in the global legal services market.

    Overall, the UK’s legal sector generates £37 billion for the UK economy every year.  In recent months key agreements have been made with other nations to strengthen the sector – including agreements with Switzerland, Japan, and Greece – by allowing UK lawyers to practise abroad. 

    Notes to editors:

    • The GREAT Legal Services campaign was launched in 2017 to promote and support the strength of English and Welsh Law, the UK’s world-renowned independent judiciary, and our legal expertise to the global market, including legal technology. 

    • In the last financial year, the campaign generated more than 800 business connections for UK legal professionals and reached over 2.6 million online in key markets across the world.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Trust Stamp Denmark Joins Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COPENHAGEN, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trust Stamp (Nasdaq: IDAI), the Privacy-First Identity Company™ has been selected as one of the five companies to join the competitive Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV 2025 program. The initiative supports impact-driven technology companies addressing critical global challenges through strategic partnerships, and Trust Stamp’s selection for the program underscores its innovative, privacy-first identity solutions and its potential to drive meaningful social impact on a global scale.

    The Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV program is a globally recognized platform that provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and strategic resources to companies that develop scalable and impactful technologies. By joining this program, Trust Stamp Denmark will collaborate with Mastercard and industry leaders to scale its impact and extend the reach of its privacy-first identity solutions. The company will focus on advancing financial inclusion, supporting humanitarian aid efforts, and enabling secure digital access for underserved communities. This partnership reinforces Trust Stamp Denmark’s commitment to ethical, privacy-focused identity solutions that drive financial inclusion and digital transformation on a global scale.

    Trust Stamp delivers privacy-first, interoperable identity solutions that empower underserved communities to securely access essential services without compromising personal data. By irreversibly converting biometrics into tokens using proprietary technology, Trust Stamp enhances fraud prevention, operational efficiency, and digital inclusion while ensuring the highest standards of security and privacy.

    “We are very excited to grow our engagement with Mastercard through the Lighthouse MASSIV program. Financial and societal inclusion is at the core of our Mission and by working with Mastercard we have the potential to improve the lives of tens of millions of people. By advocating for adaptable identity solutions and breaking vendor lock-in, we, together with partners in the MASSIV PROGRAM, can empower governments and organizations to implement sustainable and future-proof digital identity systems that prioritize universality, security, and privacy,” said Jonathan Patscheider, Vice President of Trust Stamp Denmark.

    Trust Stamp’s AI-powered identity solutions are designed to provide security and trust in digital transactions while preserving user privacy. As part of the Mastercard Lighthouse MASSIV program, Trust Stamp Denmark will collaborate with Mastercard and industry leaders to drive innovation in identity technology, creating sustainable and scalable solutions that empower individuals and organizations worldwide.

    For more information about Trust Stamp and its initiatives, visit www.truststamp.ai.

    Inquiries
    Trust Stamp                                                   Email: Shareholders@truststamp.ai

    Jonathan Patscheider

    Vice President, Trust Stamp Denmark         

    About Trust Stamp

    Trust Stamp is a global provider of AI-powered services for use in multiple sectors including banking and finance, regulatory compliance, government, healthcare, real estate, communications, and humanitarian services. Its technology empowers organizations via advanced solutions that reduce fraud, tokenize and secure data, securely authenticate users while protecting personal privacy, reduce friction in digital transactions, and increase operational efficiency, enabling customers to accelerate secure financial inclusion and reach and serve a broader base of users worldwide.

    With team members from twenty-two nationalities in eight countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Trust Stamp trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq: IDAI).

    Safe Harbor Statement: Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Remarks 

    All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The information in this announcement may contain forward-looking statements and information related to, among other things, the company, its business plan and strategy, and its industry. These statements reflect management’s current views with respect to future events-based information currently available and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ukraine Donor Platform confirms support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Ukraine Donor Platform confirms support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction

    The Ukraine Donor Platform’s Steering Committee held its thirteenth meeting today, gathering for the second time in person in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv.

    The meeting brought together senior representatives of Platform members, observers and international financial institutions. 

    The UK reiterated our absolute commitment to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and is engaging with key allies in support of this effort. The UK reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine and our determination to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term economic stability, resilience, and recovery. 

    Budget financing needs 

    Finance Minister Marchenko confirmed Ukraine’s external financing needs for 2025, projected at USD 39.3 billion. Through joint efforts, including the financing being mobilised by the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loan initiative, resources have been secured to cover its external budget financing needs for 2025. 

    Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK’s total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to £15 billion: £10 billion in military support (including our £2.26 billion ERA Loan contribution), and £5 billion in non-military support. The UK’s non-military support comprises £4.1 billion in fiscal support through World Bank loan guarantees to bolster Ukraine’s economic stability and support vital public services, and £977million in bilateral support, including £477million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the region since the start of the full-scale invasion.  

    Recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine 

    Ukraine presented its top recovery and reconstruction priorities for 2025, based on the fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment and the Single Project Pipeline established by the Government of Ukraine: energy, heating, water supply and sanitation, housing and transport. Delivering effective support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction is a key priority for the Platform and donors committed to further strengthen their engagement on this track. The UK emphasised the importance of long-term planning for recovery and reconstruction, including efforts to support social recovery which will be vital for underpinning economic recovery. 

    Ukraine has withstood the winter season, surmounting the impact of Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure, with the strong support of the donor community. The UK will continue to support Ukraine in realising its vision of a cleaner, more modern, decentralised energy system.  

    The UK and other partners noted the importance of insurance for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction and for supporting international trade and investment. Work continues on facilitating a return of global reinsurance businesses to Ukraine. 

    Reforms driving sustainable growth and progress towards EU accession 

    Many participants welcomed Ukraine’s strong and continuing progress on reforms, including on the implementation of the Ukraine Plan, which are essential to improve the business climate, attract foreign direct investment and support economic development, and support Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory.  

    Enhancing public investment management for recovery and reconstruction 

    Ukraine updated on its progress towards an effective, transparent and well-coordinated public investment management system, which is crucial for its successful recovery and reconstruction. An integral part will be the two project preparation facilities under development – the Ukraine PPF, to be administered by the Government of Ukraine with support from the World Bank, and Ukraine FIRST, to be administered by the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The facilities are expected to be operational by the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025), which will take place in Rome on 10-11 July, hosted by the Governments of Italy and Ukraine. 

    Stakeholder engagement 

    The Steering Committee discussed the Business Advisory Council’s latest input and commended its members’ efforts to identify concrete steps to boost private sector investment in Ukraine. It also held a productive exchange of views with representatives of Ukrainian civil society, with a focus on human capital. This discussion also served as a preparatory event for the human dimension of URC 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DfE Update: 2 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    DfE Update: 2 April 2025

    Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Details

    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Information 2025 to 2026 student financial support scheme guides published
    Information Maths and English continuous professional development grant competition
    Information Maths and English condition of funding academic year 2025 to 2026
    Information Post-16 budget grant and Teachers’ pension scheme employer contribution grants (TPSECG)
    Information 2025 to 2026 high needs operational guide has been updated
    Information FE initial teacher education (ITE) bursaries programme for academic year 2025 to 2026

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information The national non-domestic rates claim form for 2025 to 2026 is now open
    Information Pupil premium allocations for 2025 to 2026 financial year
    Information 2025 to 2026 student financial support scheme guides published
    Information Maths and English continuous professional development grant competition
    Information Maths and English condition of funding academic year 2025 to 2026
    Information Post-16 budget grant and Teachers’ pension scheme employer contribution grants (TPSECG)
    Information 2025 to 2026 high needs operational guide has been updated
    Information Capital funding to improve the condition of schools 2025 to 2026
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only – stress workshop
    Events and webinars RPA members only – stress workshop

    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Information The national non-domestic rates claim form for 2025 to 2026 for local authorities who are also billing authorities is now open
    Information Section 251 budget collection 2025 to 2026
    Information Pupil premium allocations for 2025 to 2026 financial year
    Information Dedicated schools grant (DSG) 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026 allocations
    Information Schemes for financing schools updated for 2025 to 2025
    Information 2025 to 2026 high needs operational guide has been updated
    Information 2025 to 2026 student financial support scheme guides published
    Information Maths and English continuous professional development grant competition
    Information Maths and English condition of funding academic year 2025 to 2026
    Information Post-16 budget grant and Teachers’ pension scheme employer contribution grants (TPSECG)
    Information Capital funding to improve the condition of schools 2025 to 2026
    Events and webinars Risk protection arrangement (RPA) members only – stress workshop
    Events and webinars RPA members only – stress workshop

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan

    UK Core Group Statement to Introduce Item 2 Resolution on South Sudan. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

    Thank you, Mr President.

    I am honoured to present, on behalf of a core group of Albania, Ireland, Norway and the UK, this draft resolution on Advancing Human Rights in South Sudan, which proposes to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for a further year.  

    We do so against a deeply alarming backdrop in South Sudan, with increased fighting in many parts of the country, and the recent arrest of First Vice President, Riek Machar.

    We call on President Kiir to reverse that action. And we urge South Sudan’s collective leadership to engage with regional efforts to de-escalate the situation, and work together to deliver the peaceful, just and prosperous future that South Sudan’s people deserve. A future that was set out in the 2018 Peace Agreement. 

    Mr President, it is clear that the Commission for Human Rights continues to play a critical role in delivering that future. The current events are a sobering reminder that the Commission’s monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation, and its support to accountability, remain as vital today as when it was first established by consensus in 2016.

    Let me also use this opportunity to praise the efforts of others also working tirelessly to improve the human rights situation in South Sudan, including the Office of the High Commissioner, and the UN Mission in South Sudan, headed by Special Representative Nicholas Haysom.

    Mr President,

    We regret that we have been again unable to reach consensus with South Sudan, and reach a single, consolidated text.

    However, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my colleague and friend, Ambassador Deng of South Sudan, for the ongoing, and constructive discussions that we have had, which have helped enrich this text. I would also like to welcome the continued cooperation by the government of South Sudan with the Commission in Juba.

    Mr President, 

    We note, as in previous years, South Sudan’s call for enhanced technical assistance.  We accordingly support draft resolution L.23 from the African Group. 

    Taken together, the two resolutions ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach to improving human rights, with technical assistance and capacity building continuing in addition to independent scrutiny of the human rights situation.

    We therefore urge the Council to adopt this draft resolution and extend the mandate of the Commission, and to vote in favour of the text, should a vote be called.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister leads tributes to Christina McKelvie

    Source: Scottish Government

    Parliament endorses Motion of Condolence.

    First Minister John Swinney led Parliament in a Motion of Condolence for Christina McKelvie MSP, who sadly died on 27 March.

    Party leaders, government Ministers and MSPs from across the chamber joined the First Minister in paying tribute to Christina, in the presence of her family.

    The First Minister said:

    “Every cause to which Christina devoted herself was underpinned by the core values that she held throughout her life – equalities, fairness and social justice.

    “She was a lifelong campaigner on nuclear disarmament. A proud feminist. A staunch socialist, a committed Trade Unionist. A nationalist and an internationalist – deeply devoted to Scotland realising her potential as an independent nation at the heart of Europe.

    “In all, Christina made every day count. Even in recent years, when facing her cancer diagnosis, Christina was still thinking of others. She publicly encouraged women to check themselves and to attend their screening appointments. 

    “She was so passionate about trying to improve the lives of others through her work as Minister for Drugs and Alcohol policy, that she was determined not to step back from her duties until she absolutely had to last summer.

    “Christina was a much-loved member of the SNP family, but it was of course her own family that brought her the greatest happiness in her life. Everyone who knew Christina and her partner – our parliamentary colleague and my Party’s Deputy Leader, Keith Brown – could see how much happiness that they have brought each other. She always spoke of her pride in her sons Jack and Lewis as they grew up. And more recently, Christina had the unbridled joy of becoming a Granny.

    “I express my deepest sympathy, and that of the government, to all of Christina’s family and friends at their very personal loss.

    “In Christina’s heart, there was room for all of us. She was one of the kindest and the most generous people I have ever met in my life. My government has lost an outstanding Minister. My party has lost one of its finest Parliamentarians. And many people – of all parties and of none – have lost a true friend.

    “But I know that we will all feel the glow of Christina’s warmth for years to come.”

    About Christina

    • Christina was born on 4 March 1968. She became an MSP in 2007 latterly representing Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse from 2011.
    • She was Minister for Equalities from 2018 to 2023, when she became Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, and was Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy from February 2024.
    • As an MSP she was Convener or the European and External Relations Committee and a member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe between 2016 and 2018, and then Convener of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee from September 2016 until she was appointed a Minister in 2018.
    • Christina was a long standing and active member of the SNP and was also a trade unionist with Unison during her time working in social work services in Glasgow.
    • The Scottish Parliament has opened an online book of condolence. Comments left online will be collated and sent to Christina’s family.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: From Greenland to the Blockchain: NORDO Meme Coin Turns Trump’s Arctic Ambition into Viral Political Satire

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NUUK, Greenland, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new crypto project is grabbing attention by mixing humor, politics, and polar bears. NORDO, a meme coin inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s infamous 2019 proposal to “buy Greenland,” has transformed a real-world political controversy into a thriving meme-based movement on the blockchain.

    The Origin: A Political Gaffe Becomes a Meme

    In 2019, Trump publicly floated the idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark. The suggestion sparked global ridicule and was firmly rejected by Danish and Greenlandic officials. Soon after, “Greenland is not for sale” became a viral meme.

    Now, in 2025, that meme has evolved into NORDO, a satirical crypto project built around a fictional conflict between Trump and a defiant polar bear protecting Greenland’s sovereignty and climate.

    What is NORDO?

    NORDO is more than a meme coin—it’s a platform for political commentary, digital creativity, and community-driven humor. The project uses storytelling and satire to highlight issues such as:

    • Climate change awareness
    • Political absurdity and internet culture
    • Decentralized community engagement
    • Memes as tools of activism and resistance

    Trump’s exaggerated persona and the image of a stoic polar bear defending the Arctic form the core of NORDO’s visual identity and meme ecosystem.

    Viral Growth and Online Movement

    NORDO has exploded across Twitter, TikTok, and Telegram, driven by a dedicated meme community. The project’s slogan, “Democracy has claws”, has become a viral catchphrase, often shared alongside satirical videos of Trump being outwitted or stopped by the arctic bear.

    NORDO’s official Twitter account @GreenlandBear, posts daily political memes, cold climate jokes, and social commentary wrapped in meme format, gaining attention from both crypto enthusiasts and casual meme lovers.

    Official Links

    Website: nordobear.com
    Twitter: @GreenlandBear
    Telegram: t.me/greenlandnordo

    Contact:
    Steven
    rarebear@nordo.wtf

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the NORDO. 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. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    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 assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. 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/6776fd94-5786-41ef-a1ba-7d8cbd524c0a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU launches humanitarian air bridge after Myanmar earthquake

    Source: European Union 2

    Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and the broader region, the EU is channelling further assistance to strengthen relief efforts. This includes sending 80 tonnes of tents, child protection kits, health and water and sanitation kits to Mandalay for distribution by EU partners.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How to Test Drive Adulthood and Change Your City for the Better

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Participants of the Youth Parliament in the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg

    Volunteering is helping with specific actions, and an active life position is promoting and implementing initiatives for the benefit of society. This is the motto of the first deputy chairman of the student council of SPbGASU, head of the Open For Students project Ivan Baranovsky (a third-year student of the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Economy) and the editor-in-chief of the student council of SPbGASU Alexandra Polyanskaya (a second-year master’s student of the Faculty of Architecture). They have already accumulated a solid baggage of good deeds, successfully implemented many ideas and, as they admit, do not intend to stop there. We talk to them about their initiatives, supported by the Youth Parliament under the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, and the priority areas that they are developing.

    – How did your path to social activity and the volunteer movement begin?

    Ivan Baranovsky: The path of volunteering began in elementary school. What prompted it? Probably a simple desire to help. I realized that seeing happy faces in response, for whom you try to do something without asking for anything in return, is the most pleasant result. I get pleasure when I help people. Our university has a well-developed student government, thanks to which volunteering develops. In fact, we all do volunteering in one way or another throughout our lives: we help friends, the elderly, strangers. It became the starting point for me in active social activities.

    Alexandra Polyanskaya: I started doing social work back in the St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Industry named after A. L. Stieglitz, where I joined the team of a grant project to create a media center. I have always been attracted by the opportunity to turn ideas into real products that others see and appreciate. And when I entered the master’s program at SPbGASU, I decided to continue what I had started: I joined the student council, completed the POTOK and Open for Students training programs. I wanted not just to study, but to create events, help the guys from the university, and develop the media direction. Volunteering and activism gave me the tools for this – from organizing events to working with people whose stories inspire.

    – What areas of volunteering are particularly in demand today and how are they developing in our university and city?

    Alexandra Polyanskaya: Media volunteering and projects related to patriotic education are in high demand now. For example, our university requires organizers, content creators, photographers, videographers, and designers to hold the events of the Golden Faculty or Architectural Seasons. This is a large team of diverse specialists, primarily from the student council media center, which trains these specialists to join its team under the Open for Students program. In addition, we are actively developing the media direction: in the last year alone, we have launched websites for elections, Olympiads, and workshops using neural networks. Such skills help activists in life: thanks to them, they can find a decent part-time job while studying. In St. Petersburg, there is a growing demand for projects that unite young people around common values: for example, helping the families of SVO participants or preserving historical memory. The state supports and encourages activists. Thus, Ivan received two honorary medals for his active civic position and contribution to public life.

    Ivan Baranovsky: When I learned about the awards, I was quite surprised: yes, I volunteered at the call of my heart, often went and collected humanitarian aid to the SVO zone, participated in charity events, helped the families of SVO participants, but I didn’t even think about any award. The first medal was awarded for assistance in conducting the Special Military Operation. The second medal, “Active Participant in the Volunteer Movement,” is for activities in the field of volunteerism.

    – What skills does active social activity help to develop?

    Ivan Baranovsky: Being active in public life develops communication and management skills, and most importantly, the ability to motivate your team to implement a project at the idea level. The student council is a small test drive of adult life: here you gain a lot of experience and expand your circle of acquaintances for the realization of yourself and others. The city has many opportunities for the comprehensive development of students, many youth organizations that also develop volunteering in one form or another.

    Alexandra Polyanskaya: Working in the student council of our university allows you to discover incredible opportunities in yourself that you never even knew about! Student council events became one of the compelling reasons for me to enroll in the master’s program at SPbGASU. Self-development in these areas is inevitable. For example, for the needs of the student council to implement our collective ideas, I mastered web design and the basics of UX/UI, although I had no experience in this area before. Organizing a workshop on neural networks for Young Design forced me to immerse myself in the world of AI tools in order to explain them clearly even to beginners. In general, volunteering for me is an opportunity to live thousands of lives at once, try myself in completely different areas and improve in what I already understand. Recently, Ksenia Vitsina, chairperson of the student council of SPbGASU, noted that after the student council, our guys want to work in the same active team, with a developed corporate culture.

    – You are taking part in the Youth Parliament of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg of the second convocation. It is appropriate to note your personal growth. What are your achievements in this area?

    Ivan Baranovsky: The Youth Parliament of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg is an advisory and consultative body that works on a voluntary basis. Its goal is to facilitate the activities of the Legislative Assembly in the area of legislative regulation of the rights and legitimate interests of young people. Our team of four people put forward an initiative to completely update the design of contactless smart cards (BSC) and contactless electronic smart cards (BEPK). This initiative passed the second reading, now all that remains is to hold a competition for the best design. I hope that this summer the design of the cards in St. Petersburg will completely change.

    I am also developing two initiatives for federal legislation: the first concerns the rules for advertising placement, the second is to supplement the Federal Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” (No. 2300-1). I will be able to tell you more about it later.

    Alexandra Polyanskaya: The Youth Parliament is a structure that helps active young people influence the life of the city. Here we support youth projects, interact with the city administration and promote ideas that are aimed at improving the life of the city and, in the long term, the country. Now, for example, we are developing socially useful ideas for federal legislative initiatives. I am working on ideas for the Federal Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage, including the topic of zoological parks, which overlap with my master’s thesis. This topic combines two areas that excite me at once – architecture as a life’s work and love for animals.

    We have just started our activities in the Youth Parliament, but I am sure that there is a lot of good ahead, as we receive incredible support from the curator of the Youth Parliament, Advisor to the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Maryana Borisovna Yakovleva.

    Vanya and I are on different committees, but I promote and defend his legislative initiatives, and Vanya helps me with project ideas. Our personnel reserve also includes the head of the SECOND HOM project, a student of the construction faculty, Olga Kostyleva.

    – How do you manage to combine your studies with active social activities? And what plans have you outlined for yourself?

    Ivan Baranovsky: It’s hard to combine. But I don’t intend to retreat: I need to successfully graduate from university, enroll in a master’s program, and implement all the ideas I have planned for 2025.

    Alexandra Polyanskaya: Strict planning helps to combine studies with active social activities. Without it, everything turns into chaos from a large number of different tasks. In such cases, notepads and reminder apps help. Although in reality, sometimes it is extremely difficult to manage everything due to the workload and specifics of the faculty. I prioritize my studies.

    At some point, there were so many tasks that I wanted to have a separate person to plan them, but nothing is impossible. You can contact Vanya and me on the topic of legislative and project initiatives: for example, now we are working on helping the SECOND HOM student council project hold the Russia-China festival. Vanya works more with projects, and I – in the field of legislation, mainly related to architecture and construction. Now I am also trying to improve my knowledge of legislation in general. At present, we are developing ideas for federal initiatives to solve certain problems. One of them is to provide students studying in a specialized field with the opportunity to participate in the examination of cultural heritage sites. I think it is very important for students to prove themselves in the professional field even before receiving a diploma, in order to gain initial experience. Then they are more likely to work in their profession, and good young people will come to the industry.

    I plan to enroll in graduate school and do not rule out that I will stay to work at the university in order to motivate the younger generation to take an active life position both in the professional environment and in public life.

    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 USA: Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2023

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that arts and cultural economic activity, adjusted for inflation, increased 6.6 percent in 2023 after increasing 3.8 percent in 2022 (chart 1 and table 1). By comparison, the broader economy, as measured by real gross domestic product (GDP), increased 2.9 percent in 2023 after increasing 2.5 percent in 2022 (chart 1). Arts and cultural economic activity accounted for 4.2 percent of GDP, or $1.17 trillion, in 2023 (tables 2 and 3).

    Real (inflation-adjusted) value added for core arts and cultural production industries, which include performing arts, museums, design services, fine arts education, and education services, increased 5.5 percent in 2023. Supporting arts and cultural production industries, which include art support services and information services, increased 7.1 percent in 2023 (chart 2 and table 1).

    • Performing arts increased 3.5 percent in 2023 after increasing 24.9 percent in 2022. One of the leading contributors to the increase was performing arts companies, which increased 31.6 percent in 2023 after increasing 42.0 percent in 2022.
    • Museums increased 18.0 percent after decreasing 12.0 percent.
    • Design services increased 6.3 percent after increasing 8.0 percent.
    • Education services increased 1.8 percent after increasing 3.9 percent.

    Nominal value added

    Nominal value added (not adjusted for inflation) increased 7.6 percent nationally in 2023 (table 2). The leading contributor to the increase was supporting arts and cultural production industries (table 4). Supporting arts and cultural production industries increased 6.8 percent to a level of $873.8 billion; the leading contributor to the increase was information services. Core arts and cultural production industries increased 10.6 percent in 2023 to a level of $265.8 billion; the leading contributors to the increase were performing arts and design services.

    In 2023, nominal value added in arts and cultural production industries increased in 47 states and the District of Columbia. The percent change across all states ranged from 14.7 percent in Nevada to –3.4 percent in Louisiana (table 2).

    In Nevada—the state with the largest increase in value added—promoters of performing arts and similar events, publishing, and performing arts companies were the leading contributors to the increase in value added. In Louisiana—the state with the largest decrease in value added—motion pictures was the leading contributor to the decline (table 4).

    For all states and the District of Columbia, the arts and cultural share of total GDP ranged from 9.8 percent in Washington state to 1.2 percent in Delaware. The share for most states ranged between 2 and 5 percent. Washington state, the District of Columbia, New York, California, and Nevada were the only areas where the arts and cultural share of total GDP exceeded 5 percent (table 3).

    The top arts and cultural production industries varied among the states. In Washington state, publishing and retail industries were the leading contributors to the share of total state GDP. Government and advertising were the leading contributors in the District of Columbia. Broadcasting and “other information services” were the leading contributors in New York. Other information services and motion pictures were the leading contributors in California. Other information services and promoters of performing arts and similar events were the leading contributors in Nevada (table 3).

    Employment

    Arts and cultural employment nationwide increased 0.3 percent in 2023. The total number of arts and cultural jobs for the nation was 5.4 million. Arts and cultural employment increased in 27 states. The percent change across all states ranged from 7.6 percent in North Carolina to –6.6 percent in Hawaii (table 8).

    North Carolina had 167,254 jobs related to arts and culture, representing 3.3 percent of all jobs in the state. Government and retail industries were the leading contributors to the increase in arts and cultural employment in North Carolina. In Hawaii, construction and motion pictures were the leading contributors to the decrease in arts and cultural employment (table 9).

    Compensation

    Arts and cultural compensation nationwide increased 3.6 percent in 2023. Arts and cultural compensation increased in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The percent change across all states ranged from 12.7 percent in Nevada to –6.9 percent in Georgia (table 8).

    Update of arts and cultural production statistics

    Today, BEA released updated national-level arts and cultural production statistics on output, value added, intermediate inputs, employment, and compensation from 1998 to 2022, with new statistics for 2023, and updated state-level statistics on value added, employment, and compensation from 2001 to 2022, with new statistics for 2023. The 2017 to 2023 statistics primarily reflect the incorporation of new and updated source data as well as the results of the 2024 annual update of BEA’s National and Regional Economic Accounts. The updates to the 1998 to 2016 statistics reflect the incorporation of the 2023 comprehensive update of BEA’s National and Regional Economic accounts. These data, combined with new and revised arts and cultural production-specific source data, allow the arts and cultural production statistics to capture the dynamics of this sector more accurately.

    BEA’s Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account is supported by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

    For arts and culture definitions, statistical conventions, and more, visit “Additional Information.”

    Next release: March 2026
    Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account, U.S. and States, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Poultry Meat Marketing Regulations to be amended to support industry through bird flu outbreaks

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Poultry Meat Marketing Regulations to be amended to support industry through bird flu outbreaks

    Poultry meat marketing regulations amended

    As announced by the Government today (02 April), free-range poultry meat producers and processors will no longer need to change how free-range poultry meat is labelled when mandatory housing measures are introduced.

    Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced to protect poultry from the spread of disease, after 12 weeks, free-range poultry has to be labelled as indoor reared. The Poultry Meat Marketing Standards Regulation in England will be amended so that this time limit is removed, enabling free-range poultry meat to be marketed as such for the duration of any mandatory housing measure.

    In recent years, outbreaks of avian influenza in England have led to the introduction of mandatory housing measures which on several occasions have exceeded the 12-week maximum derogation period.

    The amendment to existing legislation, which will be introduced in England through a Statutory Instrument, will mean that free-range poultry meat can, as long as the rest of the criteria on which free-range is granted are met, continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures.

    The move will cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence.

    Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs said:

    Our priority is to support English free-range poultry farmers while ensuring clear and fair labelling for consumers. Amending the poultry meat marketing regulations will enable the sector to keep costs down and remain competitive.

    This Government will restore stability and confidence in the sector introducing a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security alongside nature’s recovery.

    Following the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry in England and subsequently in Scotland and Northern Ireland, in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, the UK is no longer free from HPAI. The risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe is currently assessed as very high.

    The proposal to remove this derogation period for England and Scotland was supported by the majority of respondents to an eight-week consultation undertaken late last year. Similar legislative changes are to be introduced by the Scottish Government.

    More information can be found on our latest situation page Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England – GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New fund to tackle hatred against Muslims

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New fund to tackle hatred against Muslims

    The new Combatting Hatred Against Muslims Fund will provide funding to monitor incidents of anti-Muslim hate and for support for victims.

    • Efforts to tackle anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia bolstered by improved strategic approach following highest level of anti-Muslim hatred incidents recorded this year 

    • Incidents monitored, increased awareness of hate-crime and better support for victims will help create safer streets as part of the government’s Plan for Change 

    • New ideas and proposals will support in tackling religiously motivated hatred against Muslims head on  

    A new fund to provide a comprehensive service to monitor anti-Muslim hate and support victims has today (2 April) been announced, with applications opening on Monday, 7 April.   

    Last year, police-recorded hate crime statistics found almost two in five of all religious hate crimes targeted Muslims, an increase of 13% in comparison to the year before.   

    With cases on the rise, up-to-date and detailed information on incidents and drivers of this form of hatred will play a fundamental part in supporting the government to combat anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobia and ensure Muslim communities feel safe and supported.   

    The establishment of the fund also contributes to the government’s broader commitment to creating safer streets as part of the Plan for Change, with addressing the rise of anti-Muslim hate playing a crucial part in building safer, stronger and more cohesive communities for all.  

    Minister for Faith, Lord Khan, said:  

    “Putting an end to the shocking rise of targeted attacks against Muslims requires a thorough understanding of the nature and scale of the hatred our Muslim communities face.  

    “That’s why we’re taking a crucial step forward this week to open this fund, seek new ideas and solutions and tackle this hatred head on.  

    “Combatting this unacceptable rise of religiously motivated hatred will create a more tolerant and understanding society for everyone, making our streets safer and delivering on our Plan for Change.”

    As well as monitoring and reporting incidents, the grant recipient will work to increase awareness of what hate crime is, encourage victims to come forward to report incidents, and facilitate support for victims of hate. They will work alongside a network of local and national partners and stakeholders including the government, and faith and belief groups to deliver on this vital work.  

    The fund is open to applications from a single organisation, or a group of organisations to work together to deliver an accurate record of hate incidents across England.   

    The competition window will be open for six weeks from the 7 April, closing on 18 May at 23:59.   

    The full prospectus, including a link for registration to apply, can be found here.  

    This follows action taken earlier this year to establish a working group to provide the government with a definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia. Further details on this can be found here: Government launches working group on Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia definition – GOV.UK 

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors:  

    • Up to £650,000 funding will be made available in the 2025/26 financial year, and up to £1 million per year financial year for 2026/27 and 2027/28.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tariffs will confirm NI as colony of EU

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister MP:-

    “Once the USA imposes tariffs and the EU responds with counter-tariffs, Northern Ireland’s colonial status will be obvious.

    “This is because EU tariffs, not UK measures, will apply to American goods coming into Northern Ireland. The reason is of the most fundamental of constitutional importance, namely, that NI is subject to the EU’s Customs Code and it is under this foreign code that tariffs will be enforced on US goods coming into this part of the U.K.

    “Just as the Customs Code can impose tariffs and checks on GB goods, so it will impose tariffs on US exports to the EU.

    “Those unionists who continue to implement the Union-dismantling Protocol need to waken up to what is happening with their acquiescence.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Secretary signs Brand Scotland partnership in Washington

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Scottish Secretary signs Brand Scotland partnership in Washington

    A new agreement with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will see them support Brand Scotland in the US and around the world.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray is further strengthening diplomatic, cultural and business ties with the United States during a five-day visit this week to Washington DC and New York.

    As part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, Brand Scotland is boosting economic growth by promoting Scottish products and services and while attracting international inward investment.

    While in Washington, Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray signed a strategic partnership agreement with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to promote Scotland worldwide.

    As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, Brand Scotland supports delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth. This new partnership aims to support Scottish businesses in trading internationally, encouraging foreign direct investment, and promoting Scottish culture globally.

    Thirty performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo including pipers, drummers, fiddle players and dancers have accompanied the Secretary of State on his visit to the United States. They kicked off with a performance at Washington’s iconic Capitol building to mark the beginning of Tartan Week.

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

    “Scotland has an enviable international reputation, with our culture, products and services renowned worldwide. This partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – one of Scotland’s most iconic cultural institutions – will help us champion Brand Scotland across the world.

    “Kickstarting growth is the key to delivering the government’s Plan For Change, and selling Scotland to the world will deliver that. This Tartan Week we will be celebrating Scottish culture and seeking new opportunities for growth. I can think of no better way to start than with a performance by the Tattoo in front of an iconic building.”

    Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:

    “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are delighted to partner with Brand Scotland to bring the very best of Scotland to the USA for Tartan Week. Showcasing Scottish heritage on the global stage is at the heart of the Tattoo, and we are thrilled to inspire audiences while promoting Scotland not just in the USA, but around the world.”

    The Tattoo has long been a cultural ambassador for Scotland, and their presence in the US and on future trade missions will encourage investment and promote Scottish business through performances and profile. The Tattoo Performers will also march with the Secretary of State down 6th Avenue in New York as part of the annual Tartan Day parade on Saturday 5 April.

    The Tattoo will go on to support Brand Scotland trade missions in Japan and Australia later in the year.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAF to protect European skies on NATO’S eastern flank

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    RAF to protect European skies on NATO’S eastern flank

    UK jets will protect the skies of NATO’s eastern flank once again, working for the first time with Sweden to protect Polish airspace.

    Defence Minister Lord Coaker at a ceremony in Poland to kick off the enhanced air policing mission.

    UK jets will protect the skies of NATO’s eastern flank once again, working for the first time with Sweden to protect Polish airspace.

    British built Typhoon jets arrived in Eastern Poland today, to take part in a NATO enhanced air policing mission.

    RAF pilots will join up with Swedish Airforce Gripen fighter jets, as Europe steps up together to defend NATO airspace. The deployment is the first time that Swedish fighter jets will take part in air policing on the territory of another NATO Ally since they joined the alliance in 2024.

    Touching down in Poland on Tuesday (1 April), Defence Minister Lord Coaker met with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Marcin Kosiniak-Kamysz and Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson, to outline the UK’s commitment to European security and to mark the start of the operation.

    Defence Minister Lord Coaker said:

    The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies.

    This latest air policing mission in Poland displays the UK’s ability to operate effectively with NATO’s newest member in Sweden and deter our common adversaries across the alliance’s airspace, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad.

    The mission comes as European NATO allies are stepping up on European security and defence spending. NATO remains the cornerstone of UK Defence and this government will continue to pursue a “NATO first” defence policy and take on a leadership role in the alliance.

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority, and an integral part of its Plan for Change. The work of defence is critical to the security and stability of the UK, keeping us secure at home and strong abroad, whilst supporting all of the Government’s five missions as a foundation of its plan.

    Poland is also a key UK defence and security partner, NATO Ally and partner in the European Group of Five (E5). Our nations have both been large supporters of Ukraine and have the led the way in increasing defence spending in Europe. 

    In last week’s Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced an additional £2.2 billion for defence in 2025/26. This comes on top of the announcement of the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, as the government will hit 2.5% of GDP spend by April 2027, and has a commitment to hit 3% in the next Parliament.

    This mission follows on from 2024’s successful air policing missions across the continent. In April 2024, six Typhoon fighter jets with over two hundred personnel were stationed in Romania defending NATO’s eastern border. Followed on by an August 2024 deployment of four cutting edge F-35B jets to Iceland, defending NATO airspace in the high north.

    This time, six British built typhoons from II (AC) Squadron will be patrolling Polish airspace, having travelled from RAF Lossiemouth.

    ​RAF Typhoons and Voyagers also conduct NATO air policing in the UK through the Quick Reaction Alert Force, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth and Brize Norton, protecting UK airspace 24/7, 365 days a year.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Georgia’s foreign agents legislation raises concerns over negative impact on civil society, OSCE human rights office says

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Georgia’s foreign agents legislation raises concerns over negative impact on civil society, OSCE human rights office says

    Georgia’s foreign agents legislation raises concerns over negative impact on civil society, OSCE human rights office says | OSCE
    Skip navigation

    Navigation

    Navigation

    Home Newsroom News and press releases Georgia’s foreign agents legislation raises concerns over negative impact on civil society, OSCE human rights office says

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Aero Capital Solutions Raises Fourth Aviation Investment Vehicle

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aero Capital Solutions, Inc. (“ACS”), a world-class leasing platform that specializes in mid-life narrowbody aircraft, announces the final closing on its fourth and largest aviation investment vehicle with total aggregate equity commitments of $936 million. The vehicle was oversubscribed with a diverse investor base of new and existing relationships which include institutional investors, registered investment advisers, and single and multi-family offices. In addition to the $936 million of equity, ACS has negotiated two debt facilities led by Deutsche Bank and Atlas SP and is targeting over $3.5 billion in total capital for deployment.

    Jason Barany, ACS’ CEO & CIO, commented, “As we continue to operate in a capacity constrained environment, we are finding interesting risk adjusted opportunities and increased deal flow. With committed capital, our integrated platform and asset focused approach, ACS will continue to be a trusted and integral partner to airlines worldwide.”

    Adam Davidson, ACS’ EVP of Business Development, added, “We are grateful for the strong support from such a sophisticated and diverse group of investors. Raising our fourth investment vehicle will allow us to continue to grow with our valued partners and build on our successful track record in the mid-life aircraft space.”

    As of its final close on March 28, 2025, the investment vehicle was approximately 72% called, comprised of 160 commercial aircraft closed or under contract to close. The current portfolio includes a mix of mid-life Boeing and Airbus narrowbody aircraft on-lease to a diversified group of airlines around the world.

    Vedder Price serves as legal counsel to ACS.

    About Aero Capital Solutions, Inc.
    Aero Capital Solutions, Inc. (“ACS”) is a leading lessor of mid-life aircraft and engines with over $2.7 billion in AUM. Since it was founded in 2010, ACS has deployed more than $5 billion in aircraft assets in conjunction with institutional finance partners and via privately offered investment vehicles. ACS has 60 employees and offices in Austin, TX, Dublin, Ireland, and Singapore.

    Web: aerocapitalsolutions.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK sanctions corrupt actors in Guatemala

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK sanctions corrupt actors in Guatemala

    The UK has sanctioned seven corrupt actors whose actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala.

    • The UK has sanctioned seven corrupt actors whose actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala, including former President Alejandro Giammattei and Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras
    • This forms parts of a wider sanctions package against corrupt individuals linked to Moldova, Georgia and Guatemala
    • This is the latest action in the Foreign Secretary’s campaign to tackle corruption and dirty money around the world, global threats that undermine the very foundations of free and democratic societies

    The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has announced today a series of sanctions against individuals from Moldova, Georgia, and Guatemala. In Guatemala, the UK remains deeply concerned by continued attempts to undermine the Arévalo Government by corrupt actors with links to the previous administration. 

    Among the members of the “Pacto de Corruptos” (Pact of the Corrupt) facing sanctions are former President of Guatemala Alejandro Giammattei, his associate Miguel Martinez, and the Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras. In office, Giammattei profited from significant acts of corruption including re-appointing Porras to target his political rivals and undermine anti-corruption investigations. Porras and her cronies have achieved this by undermining the operational independence of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity and prosecuting journalists, lawyers and judges. Porras also attempted to annul the 2023 election and hinder the 2024 transition of power to President Arévalo. Meanwhile, Melvin Ernesto Quijivix Vega, former head of the National Institute of Electrification (Instituto Nacional de Electrificacion), embezzled more than 14.5m quetzales (£1.5m) of public funds. 

    Independent investigative reporting and the activities of civil society groups often play a crucial role in informing sanctions of this kind. But Porras and the Pacto de Corruptos have weaponised their powers against Guatemalan journalists who have tried to hold them to account. This led to the closure of noted investigative newspaper El Periódico and the jailing of its founder, following an investigation into a bribe from a Russian mining company to former President Giammattei in exchange for favourable exploration licences and port access.  

    Individuals targeted by today’s sanctions will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes, denying them entry to the UK and preventing them from holding funds or economic resources in the UK and its overseas territories. 

    These sanctions reaffirm the UK’s commitment to combating corruption and protecting the institutions designed to hold these unscrupulous individuals to account. The UK continues to stand with all Guatemalans in defence of democracy and the rule of law, and against those who trample on these principles for personal gain.

    Background 

    Today the UK has sanctioned: 

    • Alejandro Giammattei, former President of Guatemala;
    • Maria Consuelo Porras, Attorney General of Guatemala; 
    • Jose Curruchiche, Head of the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (Fiscalía Especial contra la Impunidad);
    • Cinthia Monterroso, Prosecutor and Head of Unit at the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (Fiscalía Especial contra la Impunidad);
    • Angel Pineda, Secretary General of the Public Ministry (Ministerio Publico);
    • Melvin Quijivix, former Head of the National Institute of Electrification (Instituto Nacional de Electrificacion); 
    • Miguel Martinez, associate of Giammattei and former Head of the Centre of Government (Centro de Gobierno).

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson fights Biden-era rule that forces federal funds to pay for prison inmates’ transgender surgeries, hormonesRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) — South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined a coalition of 24 state attorneys general in filing a friend-of-the-court brief opposing efforts to force the federal government to provide sex-change surgeries and cross-sex hormone treatments to prison inmates. 

    “We cannot allow woke ideology passed down by activist judges or self-interest groups to dictate every aspect of our society,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill for policies that promote a radical agenda. These are matters that should be determined by the people and their elected leaders, not imposed through cultural or political pressure. The integrity of our institutions and the well-being of our communities must come before the divisive and costly agenda that undermines them.” 

    Attorney General Wilson argues that the allowance of this rule will set a dangerous precedent and urges the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to rule against it for the main reason that the Constitution grants policymakers the authority to determine whether to allow controversial and unproven medical interventions. Additionally, the Eighth Amendment does not prevent policymakers from making categorical decisions on disputed medical issues. 

    Attorney General Wilson defends the constitutional authority of states to regulate medical treatment, especially controversial and experimental procedures, and affirms that inmates are not entitled to demand taxpayer-funded gender-transition surgeries. 

    The brief emphasizes that medical policy decisions, especially when involving unresolved scientific debates and significant ethical concerns, are rightly left to the judgment of state lawmakers, not interest groups or activist judges. The brief also points to numerous studies showing serious risks associated with gender-transition procedures, including complications, regret, infertility, and elevated suicide rates.  

    Attorney General Wilson joins the brief with Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.  

    You can read the full brief here. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: E Ink and AUO Display Plus to Form Joint Venture for Large-Sized ePaper Module Production

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BILLERICA, Mass., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E Ink (8069.TW), the originator, pioneer, and global commercial leader in electronic paper (ePaper) technology, today announced the signing of a term sheet to form a joint venture (JV) with AUO Display Plus (ADP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUO. Both companies will jointly invest TWD 390 million to establish large-sized Electrophoretic Display (EPD) module production lines at AUO’s Longke site in Taoyuan, with mass production expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.

    According to the term sheet, ADP will hold a 51% stake in the JV, while E Ink will hold the remaining 49%. The JV company will combine E Ink’s advanced ePaper materials and technology leadership, AUO Group’s strength in panel design, smart manufacturing, and production management, as well as ADP’s customer base and global market footprint in smart retail and digital signage sectors, driving aggressive expansion in large-sized ePaper display applications.

    “Leveraging our world-leading ePaper technology, E Ink is committed to building a robust and forward-looking industry ecosystem in close collaboration with our supply chain partners,” said Johnson Lee, CEO of E Ink. “E Ink and the AUO Group have maintained a long-standing partnership—from the early days of TFT backplane supply to now co-founding a joint venture for high-spec large-sized ePaper module production. This milestone reflects not only our shared strength and determination to advance the ePaper industry, but also E Ink’s continued support for its partners. Looking ahead, E Ink will continue to enhance innovation and manufacturing capabilities in ePaper materials, working hand-in-hand with ecosystem partners to expand the scale and competitiveness of the large-sized ePaper sector. Together, we aim to accelerate the adoption of ePaper display applications and unlock broader market opportunities.”

    “AUO Group values strategic partnerships to develop diverse display technologies within the ecosystem. With our strong know-how in display technologies and strength in smart manufacturing, we create value with partners across various sectors, offering customers more innovative and customized products and services,” said Dr. Frank Ko, CEO and President of AUO. “The strategic partnership between ADP and E Ink integrates technology, manufacturing, and marketing resources, providing more competitive products, a robust supply chain, and more comprehensive solutions to market demands. We aim to seize the market opportunity by leveraging a stronger ecosystem for large-sized color ePaper sector.”

    As ESG principles gain global momentum, ePaper is increasingly favored by the smart retail and digital signage industries for its low-carbon, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly characteristics. Through this partnership, E Ink and ADP will leverage E Ink’s cutting-edge ePaper material innovations and AUO Group’s extensive expertise in display technologies and smart manufacturing. Together, the companies aim to deliver high-quality, durable display solutions, establish a comprehensive and reliable large-sized ePaper supply chain, and accelerate their expansion in the fast-growing large-sized ePaper market.

    About E Ink
    E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT’s Media Lab, provides an ideal display medium for applications spanning eReaders and eNotes, retail, home, hospital, transportation, logistics, and more, enabling customers to put displays in locations previously impossible. E Ink’s electrophoretic display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its low power displays enable customers to reach their sustainability goals, and E Ink has pledged using 100% renewable energy in 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. E Ink has been recognized for their efforts by receiving, validation from Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and is listed in both the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Indexes. Listed in Taiwan’s Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world’s largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information, please visit www.eink.com. E Ink. We Make Surfaces Smart and Green.

    Contact:
    V2 Communications for E Ink
    eink@v2comms.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94fbeb27-cf94-47e2-ad83-ec08fc96feea

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Orrön Energy AB

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The shareholders of Orrön Energy AB (publ), 556610-8055 (“Orrön Energy” or the “Company”), are hereby given notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held on 5 May 2025 at 11.00 (CEST). The meeting will be held digitally.

    Shareholders may choose to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting by attending the digital meeting in person, through a proxy or by postal voting.

    Vote at the Annual General Meeting

    Those who wish to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting must:

    • be entered as a shareholder in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on 24 April 2025 or, if the shares are registered in the name of a nominee, request that the nominee registers the shares in their own name for voting purposes in such time that the registration is completed by 28 April 2025; and
    • give notice of attendance at the Annual General Meeting to the Company in accordance with the instructions set out in the section “Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting” or submit a postal vote in accordance with the instructions set out in the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” no later than 28 April 2025.

    Important information regarding participation and voting

    The Board of Directors has decided to hold the Annual General Meeting as a digital meeting combined with an option to vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Association.

    For terms and instructions for online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting, please refer to the section “Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting” below.

    For terms and instructions for voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting, please refer to the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” below.

    Please note that despite thorough preparations, it cannot be ruled out that online participation or voting at the Annual General Meeting do not work as intended due to technical complications attributable to shareholders. The Annual General Meeting will be held regardless of any such complications and there is a risk that votes submitted online at the Annual General Meeting are not registered. Consequently, those who want to be certain of being able to exercise their voting rights should vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting.

    Please also note that it will not be possible to vote both by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting and online at the Annual General Meeting. If a postal vote has been submitted in accordance with the terms and instructions for voting by post and such postal vote has not been withdrawn by the shareholder no later than 28 April 2025, the Company will consider the postal vote at the Annual General Meeting.

    It is possible to vote by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting and still follow the Annual General Meeting without exercising any voting rights online, please see the section “Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting” below for more information.

    Online participation and voting at the Annual General Meeting
    Those who wish to participate at the digital Annual General Meeting in person or through proxy shall give notice of attendance to the Company no later than 28 April 2025 either:

    • electronically through the Company’s website, www.orron.com (only applicable to individuals);
    • by post to Computershare AB, Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm (Att. “Orrön Energy’s AGM”);
    • by telephone to +46 (0)8 518 01 554 on weekdays between 09.00 and 16.00 (CEST); or
    • by email to info@computershare.se.

    The notice of attendance shall state name, personal identification number or corporate registration number, address, telephone number and, where relevant, the number of accompanying advisors (not more than two).

    To participate and vote online, a stable network connection must be maintained throughout the Annual General Meeting. Online participation is possible via a computer, a smartphone or a tablet, provided the device is equipped with an up-to-date operating system and the latest software version. Access to the meeting will be facilitated via a web browser, ensuring a seamless and secure connection to the digital platform.

    Those who give notice of attendance at the Annual General Meeting will receive login instructions on the admission card which will be sent to the address stated in the notice of attendance. On the day of the Annual General Meeting, the digital platform will open for login from 10.00 (CEST), and participants must log in no later than 11.00 (CEST) to attend.

    In connection with each voting item, shareholders will be able to choose between the alternatives “Yes”, “No” and “Abstain”. Engagement and questions during the meeting will be facilitated through a dedicated written Q&A function.

    Those who do not wish to participate or vote online in person may exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting through a proxy in possession of a written, signed and dated proxy form. In order for the proxy to obtain login instructions to the digital platform, the proxy’s name, personal identification number or corporate registration number and address must be included in the notice of attendance. A proxy form issued by a legal entity must be accompanied by a copy of a certificate of registration or a corresponding document of authority for the legal entity. Template proxy forms in Swedish and English are available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com. Proxy forms, certificates of registration and other documents of authority shall be appended to the notice of attendance. Please note that notice of attendance must be given even if a shareholder wishes to exercise its rights at the meeting through a proxy. A submitted proxy form does not count as a notice of attendance.

    Voting by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting
    Those who wish to exercise their voting rights by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting shall use the voting form and follow the instructions available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com. The postal vote must be received by the Company no later than 28 April 2025. The postal vote shall be sent either:

    • electronically in accordance with the instructions available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com;
    • by email to info@computershare.se; or
    • by post to Computershare AB, Box 5267, SE-102 46 Stockholm (Att. “Orrön Energy AGM”).

    If a shareholder’s voting rights are exercised by proxy, a power of attorney and other authorisation documents must be enclosed with the voting form. A proxy form is available on the Company’s website, www.orron.com, and will be sent to shareholders upon request.

    Shareholders who wish to exercise their voting rights by post in advance of the Annual General Meeting may still follow the Annual General Meeting online (without also exercising voting rights online). In order to receive login instructions, please elect for this option in the voting form.

    Proposed agenda
    1.   Opening of the Annual General Meeting.
    2.   Election of Chair of the Annual General Meeting.
    3.   Preparation and approval of the voting register.
    4.   Approval of the agenda.
    5.   Election of one or two persons to approve the minutes.
    6.   Determination as to whether the Annual General Meeting has been duly convened.
    7.   Presentation by the Chief Executive Officer.
    8.   Presentation of the annual and sustainability report and the auditor’s report, the consolidated financial statements and the auditor’s Group report as well as the remuneration report prepared by the Board of Directors and the auditor’s statement on compliance with the policy on remuneration.
    9.   Resolution in respect of adoption of the income statement and the balance sheet and the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet.
    10.   Resolution in respect of disposition of the Company’s result according to the adopted balance sheet.
    11.   Resolution in respect of discharge from liability of members of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer.
    12.   Resolution in respect of the remuneration report prepared by the Board of Directors.
    13.   Nomination Committee proposals:

    • Proposal for the number of members of the Board of Directors.
    • Proposal for remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors.
    • Proposal for election of Chair and other members of the Board of Directors.
    • Proposal for remuneration of the auditor.
    • Proposal for election of auditor.

    14.   Resolution in respect of the number of members of the Board of Directors.
    15.   Resolution in respect of remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors.
    16.   Resolutions in respect of Board members:
    a)   re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as a Board member;
    b)   re-election of Jakob Thomasen as a Board member;
    c)   re-election of Peggy Bruzelius as a Board member;
    d)   re-election of William Lundin as a Board member;
    e)   re-election of Mike Nicholson as a Board member;
    f)   election of Richard Ollerhead as a Board member; and
    g)   re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
    17.   Resolution in respect of remuneration of the auditor.
    18.   Election of auditor.
    19.   Resolution for the 2025 Long-term, Performance-based Incentive Plan (LTIP 2025).
    20.   Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through:
    a)   an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1; or
    b)   an equity swap arrangement with a third party.
    21.   Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on new issue of shares and convertible debentures.
    22.   Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on repurchase and sale of shares.
    23.   Closing of the Annual General Meeting.

    Proposals for resolutions to be presented at the Annual General Meeting of Orrön Energy on 5 May 2025

    Items 2 and 14–18: Resolutions in respect of Chair of the Annual General Meeting, number of members of the Board of Directors, remuneration of the Chair of the Board of Directors and other members of the Board of Directors, election of Chair of the Board of Directors and of other members of the Board of Directors, and remuneration of the auditor and election of the auditor
    Orrön Energy’s Nomination Committee for the 2025 Annual General Meeting consists of Aksel Azrac (Chair, Nemesia S.à.r.l.), Sussi Kvart (Handelsbanken Fonder) and Richard Ollerhead (JNE Partners LLP). The Nomination Committee for the 2025 Annual General Meeting, appointed by shareholders jointly holding approximately 46 per cent of the shares and voting rights in Orrön Energy as per 1 August 2024, proposes the following:

    • Advokat Klaes Edhall to be appointed as Chair of the Annual General Meeting or, if he is absent, any other person appointed by the Nomination Committee.
    • Six members of the Board of Directors to be appointed without deputy members.
    • Remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and the Chair of the Board of Directors, including in respect of Committee membership, to be as follows: (i) annual fees for the members of the Board of Directors of EUR 60,000 (excluding the Chair of the Board of Directors); (ii) annual fees for the Chair of the Board of Directors of EUR 120,000; (iii) annual fees for Committee members of EUR 5,000 per Committee assignment (other than Committee Chairs); and (iv) annual fees for Committee Chairs of EUR 10,000; with the total fees for Committee work (including fees for Chairs of Committees) not to exceed EUR 50,000.
    • Re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen, Jakob Thomasen, Peggy Bruzelius, Mike Nicholson and William Lundin as members of the Board of Directors and election of Richard Ollerhead as a member of the Board of Directors for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting. Mr. Ollerhead is a British national born in 1986. Mr. Ollerhead graduated from Balliol College at the University of Oxford, where he obtained a degree in Physics and Philosophy. Mr. Ollerhead worked between 2008 and 2014 at Taconic Capital Advisors in London. From 2015 to 2018 he was part of the European investment team at MSD Partners, which spun out at the end of 2018 as JNE Partners LLP. Mr Ollerhead is a partner at JNE Partners LLP, responsible for a range of equity investments. JNE Partners LLP is the Investment Manager of JNE Master Fund LP, a subsidiary of which (JNE Partners Luxembourg S.à r.l.) is a major shareholder in the Company. Mr. Ollerhead currently holds no Board memberships.
    • Re-election of Grace Reksten Skaugen as Chair of the Board of Directors for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
    • The auditor’s fees shall be payable upon approval of their invoice.
    • Re-election of the registered accounting firm Ernst & Young AB as the auditor of the Company, which intends to appoint authorised public accountant Anders Kriström as the auditor in charge, for a period until the end of the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

    Item 3: Preparation and approval of the voting register
    The Board of Directors proposes that the register prepared by Computershare AB (on behalf of the Company) based on the Company’s share register, shareholders attending in person or through proxy and postal votes received by the Company is approved as voting register for the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 10: Resolution in respect of disposition of the Company’s result according to the adopted balance sheet
    The Board of Directors proposes that no dividend is distributed and that all distributable funds are brought forward.

    Item 19: Resolution for the 2025 Long-term, Performance-based Incentive Plan (LTIP 2025)
    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish a long-term, performance-based incentive plan in respect of Group Management and a number of key employees of Orrön Energy on the terms and conditions set out below (“LTIP 2025”).

    Background and purpose
    The reason for establishing LTIP 2025 is to align the interests of Group Management and other key employees with the interests of the shareholders, and to provide market appropriate reward reflecting continuity, performance and commitment. The Board of Directors believes that the proposed LTIP 2025 will provide Orrön Energy with a crucial component to a competitive total compensation package to attract and retain executives who are critical to Orrön Energy’s future success.

    The performance-based LTIP 2025 has been designed by the Compensation Committee based on market practice and through engagement with the Company’s shareholders, other stakeholders and a remuneration consultant. The plan introduces performance conditions related to total shareholder return and strategic targets which determine the final award for the long-term incentive plan.

    It is considered that the LTIP 2025, as the share option plans in the past, is best financed through delivery of shares allowing the Company to continue to allocate all available capital towards growth.

    The Board of Directors intends to propose to future Annual General Meetings to establish long-term incentive (“LTI”) plans based on principles corresponding to the currently proposed LTIP 2025. In order to be eligible to participate in such future LTI plans, each participant needs to build towards a meaningful shareholding in Orrön Energy, meaning that a certain portion of any allotted shares pursuant to LTIP 2025 (and any future LTI plans) shall be retained until the required level of shareholding has been met.

    Implementation of LTIP 2025
    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting 2025 resolves on the implementation of the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the terms and conditions set out below.

    Terms and conditions

    (a)   Awards under LTIP 2025 are proposed to be made to approximately 9 permanent employees of the Orrön Energy Group (the “Participants”), comprising the CEO and other members of Group Management, as well as certain other key employees. The Board of Directors may, within the total number of shares available under LTIP 2025, invite a limited number of additional Participants in LTIP 2025 following recruitment to the Orrön Energy Group.

    (b)   LTIP 2025 gives the Participants the possibility to receive shares in Orrön Energy subject to uninterrupted employment and the fulfilment of performance conditions over a three-year performance period commencing on 1 June 2025 and expiring on 31 May 2028 (the “Performance Period”). The performance condition is two-fold, where the two conditions have a 75 per cent and 25 per cent weighting in determining the vesting of awards under LTIP 2025 (the “Performance Conditions”). The first Performance Condition is based on the share price growth and dividends (“Total Shareholder Return”) of the Orrön Energy share compared to the Total Shareholder Return of a peer group of companies (the “Peer Group”) (the “Total Shareholder Return Performance Condition”), with a 75 per cent weighting. The second Performance Condition is based on the achievement of strategic performance targets (the “Strategic Performance Condition”), with a 25 per cent weighting. At the beginning of the Performance Period, the Participants will, free of charge, be granted awards (“LTIP Awards”) which, to the extent that i.a. one or both Performance Conditions are partially or fully met, entitle the Participant to be allotted, also free of charge, shares in Orrön Energy (“Performance Shares”) as soon as reasonably practicable following the end of the Performance Period.

    (c)   The LTIP Awards (i.e. the number of Performance Shares that a Participant may be allotted following the expiration of the Performance Period, provided that i.a. one or both of the Performance Conditions are partially or fully met) to be awarded to each Participant shall be calculated as follows:

                     LTIP Award = A multiplied by B divided by C multiplied by D, where

                     A = the Participant’s monthly gross base salary applicable as at the date of grant of the LTIP Award;

                     B = a number of months as determined by the Board of Directors in respect of each Participant, taking into account such factors as industry benchmarking and the Participant’s position within the Orrön Energy Group (but in any case, subject to a maximum    cap of 36 months);

                     C = the volume weighted average price of the Orrön Energy share on Nasdaq Stockholm for the period between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025; and

                     D = the product of the factors representing the proportional increases in the number of Performance Shares under award for each dividend (if any) until allotment, calculated by dividing the value of the Orrön Energy share at closing on the ex-dividend date plus the declared dividend by the value of the share at closing on the ex-dividend date.

            Fractions of allotted Performance Shares shall be rounded-off to the immediate lower whole number.

            Considering the volume weighted average share price of the Orrön Energy share between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 of SEK 5.9, the total number of Performance Shares that may be allotted under LTIP 2025 as at the date of award of the LTIP Awards (assuming 100 per cent vesting) is 4,450,000, corresponding to approximately 1.6 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in Orrön Energy. In addition, considering additional Participants (if any) following recruitment and increased awards due to dividends (if any), and the expected social charges linked to award, it is proposed that the total number of Performance Shares under LTIP 2025 shall not exceed 5,450,000.

    (d)   Allotment of Performance Shares will be determined by the Board of Directors after the expiration of the Performance Period on the basis of LTIP Awards made and is conditional on (i) the Participant retaining his or her uninterrupted employment in the Orrön Energy Group until the expiry of the Performance Period and (ii) the extent to which (if any) one or both of the Performance Conditions have been met. The LTIP Award will compensate for dividends distributed (if any), and to ensure further alignment with shareholders’ interests, LTIP 2025 will do so by increasing the number of Performance Shares under award proportionally during the award period through the formula described in (c) above, entailing also a reinvestment of dividends received during the award period. The Board of Directors may reduce (including reduce to zero) allotment of Performance Shares at its discretion, should it consider the underlying performance not to be reflected in the outcome of the Performance Conditions.

    (e)   Minimum and a maximum levels for the Performance Conditions to be fulfilled have been established by the Board of Directors. In order for the LTIP Awards to give Participants entitlement to the maximum number of Performance Shares, the maximum level for both Performance Conditions must have been fulfilled.

    1. In respect of the Total Shareholder Return Performance Condition, the fulfilment of which shall result in an entitlement of a maximum of 75 per cent of the maximum number of Performance Shares, the Performance Condition calculation will be made based on a comparison of Total Shareholder Return of the Orrön Energy share to the Peer Group, comparing the three month period of January to March 2025 prior to the commencement of the Performance Period, with the three month period of January to March 2028 prior to the end of the Performance Period. The LTIP Awards will vest based on the comparative Total Shareholder Return of the Orrön Energy share from no vesting below the 38th percentile performance and with vesting at or above the 38th percentile performance on a straight line basis to 100 per cent vesting of this performance condition at the 75th percentile performance or above. The Performance Condition calculation will be performed by the Board of Directors.
    2. In respect of the Strategic Performance Condition, the fulfilment of which shall result in an entitlement of a maximum of 25 per cent of the maximum number of Performance Shares, the measurement of the Performance Condition will be based on an assessment at the end of the Performance Period, relative to the commencement of the Performance Period, of the fulfilment of strategic performance criteria set by the Board of Directors, reflecting key performance targets such as power generation, investments, financial, sustainability and growth through brownfield and greenfield projects, M&A transactions, geographical or technological expansions and other value accretive events. The Performance Condition fulfilment assessment will be performed by the Board of Directors.
    3. The Performance Conditions described in point 1 and 2 above may each individually lead to a 75 and 25 per cent vesting of the LTIP Awards, respectively, and may also vest partially, leading to a partial vesting of the LTIP Awards. Should both Performance Conditions be fully met, 100 per cent of the LTIP Awards will vest. Orrön Energy intends to present the level of fulfilment of the LTIP 2025 Performance Conditions in the 2028 Annual Report.

    (f)   The Participants will not be entitled to transfer, pledge or dispose of the LTIP Award or any rights or obligations under LTIP 2025, or exercise any shareholders’ rights regarding the LTIP Awards during the Performance Period.

    (g)   Shares allotted under LTIP 2025 (or any future LTI plans) shall be subject to certain disposition restrictions, meaning that the Participants shall be building towards a meaningful shareholding in Orrön Energy. The required level of shareholding will be either 50 per cent or 100 per cent (200 per cent for the CEO) of the Participant’s annual gross base salary based on the Participant’s position within the Orrön Energy Group. Notwithstanding this requirement, the Company may pay part or whole of the allotment of Performance Shares in cash in order to facilitate the payment of the Participant’s tax liabilities, or as otherwise may be determined by the Board of Directors. However, a minimum of 50 per cent of the allotted Performance Shares (after taxes and social security charges) under LTIP 2025 will be required to be retained until the required level of shareholding has been met.

    (h)   Recalculation of the Performance Conditions and the LTIP Awards, including the number of Performance Shares allotted, shall take place in the event of an intervening dividend in kind, bonus issue, split, preferential rights issue and/or other similar corporate events.

    Structure and administration

    The Board of Directors of Orrön Energy will be responsible for the structure and administration of LTIP 2025, as well as for the detailed terms and conditions applicable between Orrön Energy and the Participants. The detailed terms and conditions will be adopted within the scope of the terms and conditions and guidelines stated herein. In connection therewith, the Board of Directors will be entitled to adopt different terms and conditions for LTIP 2025 regarding, among other things, the Performance Period and allotment of Performance Shares in the event of commencement or termination of employment during the Performance Period, e.g. due to new recruitments, illness, disability, death, redundancy, contractual retirement and other exceptional circumstances determined by the Board of Directors.

    The Board of Directors will be entitled to make adjustments in order to comply with special rules or market conditions abroad. In the event that delivery of Performance Shares to Participants cannot take place under applicable law or at a reasonable cost and employing reasonable administrative measures, the Board of Directors will be entitled to decide that Participants may, instead, be offered a cash settlement. In the event of a change of control, all LTIP Awards under LTIP 2025 will vest in full.

    Peer Group

    The Board of Directors has reviewed the Peer Group and determined that it shall consist of the following companies for LTIP 2025: ABO Energy, Arise, Cloudberry, Energiekontor, Eolus Vind, Fortum, Magnora, Ørsted, PNE, Scatec, Solaria and TRIG. The Board of Directors shall have the power to amend the Peer Group in order to maintain a representative and relevant group of companies during the Performance Period.

    Delivery of shares, costs etc.

    In order to secure the delivery of shares to the Participants and cover potential costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to issue up to 5,450,000 warrants of series 2025:1 (see item 20 a) of the proposed agenda)

    In the event the nine-tenth (9/10) majority requirement applicable to the Board of Directors’ proposal to issue and transfer warrants of series 2025:1 under item 20 a) of the proposed agenda is not satisfied, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company may hedge its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into (or maintaining) an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the Participants) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the LTIP 2025 (see item 20 b) of the proposed agenda).

    The LTIP 2025 will be accounted for in accordance with the accounting standard IFRS 2 and the costs will be charged to the income statement over the Performance Period. The maximum cost for granting LTIP Awards under LTIP 2025, excluding costs related to delivery of the Performance Shares, is approximately 0.25 MEUR, assuming 100 per cent vesting.

    Effects on key figures
    Under the assumptions set out in item (c) above and upon full allotment of Performance Shares, the number of shares under LTIP 2025 amounts to 4,450,000 shares in Orrön Energy (subject to recruitments and adjustments for dividends), corresponding to approximately 1.6 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in the Company. If the total number of Performance Shares under LTIP 2025 reaches the cap of 5,450,000 shares in Orrön Energy, it will correspond to approximately 1.9 per cent of the current total number of shares and votes in the Company.

    Preparation of the proposal
    The proposal for LTIP 2025 has been prepared by the Compensation Committee and resolved on by the Board of Directors.

    Other incentive schemes in Orrön Energy
    For a description of the Company’s other LTIP’s, reference is made to the Company’s Annual and Sustainability Report for 2024, note 21, and the Company’s website, www.orron.com.

    Majority requirement
    The proposal to implement LTIP 2025 requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal regarding the issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1 under item 20 a) of the proposed agenda requires support from shareholders representing not less than nine-tenth (9/10) of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting. A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal regarding the equity swap arrangement under item 20 b) of the proposed agenda requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 20: Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through (a) an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1 or (b) an equity swap arrangement with a third party

    Background
    Under the LTIP 2025 proposed by the Board of Directors under item 19 of the proposed agenda, the Company has an obligation, subject to certain conditions, to deliver shares in the Company to the Participants in the LTIP 2025.

    In order to secure the Company’s obligation to deliver shares and to cover a portion of the costs (including taxes and social security charges), the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to issue and transfer up to 5,450,000 warrants of series 2025:1 on the terms and conditions set out in item 20 a) below. In the event the nine-tenth (9/10) majority requirement applicable to the proposed warrant settlement method is not satisfied, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company hedges its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the participants) on the terms and conditions set out in item 20 b) below.

    The Board of Directors considers the warrant settlement method to be the preferred alternative since the costs for an equity swap arrangement are significantly higher than the costs for issuing and transferring warrants. If the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve the proposed warrant settlement method under item 20 a) below with the requisite majority, the Board of Directors intends to withdraw its equity swap arrangement proposal under item 20 b) below.

    Item 20 a): Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through an issue and transfer of warrants of series 2025:1
    In order to secure the Company’s obligation to deliver shares under the LTIP 2025, the Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meetings resolves to issue and transfer warrants of series 2025:1 in the Company on the following terms and conditions:

    1. A maximum of 5,450,000 warrants shall be issued.
    2. The right to subscribe for warrants shall, with deviation of the shareholders’ preferential rights, rest with the Company itself.
    3. The reason for deviating from the shareholders’ preferential rights is to secure the Company’s obligations to deliver shares and to cover any costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025.
    4. Subscription for the warrants shall take place on a separate subscription list not later than 1 November 2025.
    5. The warrants shall be issued free of charge.
    6. Each warrant shall entitle the holder to subscribe for one new share in the Company. The subscription price for each new share shall be equal to the quotient value of the Company’s share.
    7. The warrants may be exercised during the period from and including 1 June 2025 up to and including 1 June 2029.
    8. The new shares shall carry rights to dividends for the first time on the record date for dividends that occurs after subscription has been effected.
    9. The subscription price and the number of shares for which each warrant entitles subscription may be re-calculated under certain circumstances as set forth in the complete terms and conditions for the warrants.
    10. Upon exercise of all 5,450,000 warrants, the Company’s share capital will increase by SEK 66,312.15 (based on a quotient value of approximately SEK 0.01). If the subscription price exceeds the quotient value of the shares, the excess amount shall be allotted to the non-restricted statutory reserve (Sw. den fria överkursfonden).
    11. The Company may transfer up to 5,450,000 warrants (a) free of charge to Participants (and/or a designated third party) for the purpose of enabling the delivery of shares in the Company under the LTIP 2025 and (b) at a price equal to the fair market value of the warrants as determined using a customary valuation method to a designated third party for the purpose of covering any costs (including taxes and social security charges) under the LTIP 2025.

    The complete terms and conditions for the warrants of series 2025:1 will be available at the Company and on the Company’ website, www.orron.com, not later than three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.

    The resolution shall be conditional upon that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal under item 19 of the proposed agenda.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires support from shareholders representing not less than nine-tenth (9/10) of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 20 b): Resolution in respect of delivery of shares under the LTIP 2025 through an equity swap arrangement with a third party
    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to approve that the Company may hedge its obligations under the LTIP 2025 by entering into (or maintaining) an equity swap arrangement with a third party, whereby the third party in its own name shall be entitled to acquire and transfer shares (including to the participants) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the LTIP 2025.

    The resolution shall be conditional upon that the Annual General Meeting resolves to establish the LTIP 2025 in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal under item 19 of the proposed agenda.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires support from shareholders representing more than half (1/2) of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 21: Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on new issue of shares and convertible debentures
    The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting resolves to authorise the Board of Directors to decide, at one or more occasions until the next Annual General Meeting:

    (i)    to issue no more than 28,500,000 new shares with consideration in cash or in kind or by set-off; and

    (ii)    to issue convertible debentures with consideration in cash or in kind or by set-off, where the number of shares that may be issued after conversion shall not exceed 28,500,000.

    The Board of Directors may resolve to deviate from the shareholders’ preferential rights. If the Board of Directors resolves to deviate from the shareholders’ preferential rights, the reason shall be to enable or facilitate acquisitions of companies or businesses or other major investments.

    The total number of shares that can be issued based on the proposed authorisations under (i) and (ii) may not together exceed 28,500,000. If the authorisation is exercised in full for issues with deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, the dilution effect is approximately ten per cent.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires the support of shareholders representing at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast and of the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

    Item 22: Resolution in respect of authorisation for the Board of Directors to resolve on repurchase and sale of shares

    The Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors is authorised, during the period until the next Annual General Meeting, to decide on repurchases and sales of the Company’s shares on the following terms and conditions:

    1. The maximum number of shares repurchased shall be such that shares held in treasury from time to time do not exceed ten per cent of all shares of the Company.
    2. The maximum number of shares that may be sold is the number of shares that the Company at such time holds in treasury.
    3. Repurchase of shares may be made (a) on Nasdaq Stockholm or (b) in accordance with an offer directed to all shareholders.
    4. Repurchase and sale of shares on Nasdaq Stockholm may take place only at a price within the spread between the highest bid price and lowest ask price prevailing and disseminated by Nasdaq Stockholm from time to time. Repurchases of shares in accordance with an offer directed to all shareholders may also take place at a market premium in relation to the price prevailing and disseminated by Nasdaq Stockholm from time to time.
    5. The repurchases and sales shall be made in accordance with the provisions concerning the purchase and sale of a company’s own shares under applicable stock exchange rules and other applicable rules and regulations.

    The purpose of the authorisation is to provide the Board of Directors with an instrument to optimise the Company’s capital structure and to enable the use of own shares as consideration for or as financing of acquisitions of companies or businesses, to secure obligations under incentive plans and to cover costs, including social security charges, that may arise as a result of incentive plans.

    The Board of Directors’ reasoned statement pursuant to pursuant to Chapter 19, Section 22 of the Swedish Companies Act will be available at the Company and on the Company’s website, www.orron.com, not later than three weeks prior to the Annual General Meeting.

    A resolution in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal requires the support of shareholders representing at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast and of the shares represented at the Annual General Meeting.

    Number of shares and votes in the Company
    Orrön Energy’s share capital amounts to SEK 3,478,713.38, represented by 285,905,187 shares. Each share carries one vote. Orrön Energy holds, as of the date of this notice, no treasury shares.

    Shareholders’ right to request information

    The Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer shall, if a shareholder so requests and the Board of Directors considers that it may do so without significant damage to the Company, give information at the Annual General Meeting regarding circumstances that could affect the assessment of an item on the agenda and circumstances that could affect the assessment of the Company’s or a subsidiary’s financial situation. The duty to give information also applies to the Company’s relationship with another Group company and the consolidated financial statements.

    Additional documentation
    Complete proposals and other documents that shall be made available prior to the Annual General Meeting pursuant to the Swedish Companies Act and the Swedish Corporate Governance Code are available at Orrön Energy’s office (Hovslagargatan 5 in Stockholm) and on www.orron.com. The documents will be sent to shareholders free of charge upon request if their postal address is provided.

    Handling of personal data and external participants
    For information on how personal data is processed in connection with the Annual General Meeting, see the privacy notices of Euroclear Sweden AB and Computershare AB available at their respective websites, www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf. and
    www.computershare.com/se/gm-gdpr.

    It will not be possible for the Company to verify if any external persons are following the Annual General Meeting online. Consequently, the Board of Directors has resolved to allow persons who are not shareholders to follow the Annual General Meeting online.

    Stockholm in April 2025
    ORRÖN ENERGY AB (PUBL)
    The Board of Directors

    For further information, please contact:

    Robert Eriksson
    Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
    robert.eriksson@orron.com

    Jenny Sandström
    Communications Lead
    Tel: +41 79 431 63 68
    jenny.sandstrom@orron.com

    Orrön Energy is an independent, publicly listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: “ORRON”) renewable energy company within the Lundin Group of Companies. Orrön Energy’s core portfolio consists of high quality, cash flow generating assets in the Nordics, coupled with greenfield growth opportunities in the Nordics, the UK, Germany and France. With significant financial capacity to fund further growth and acquisitions, and backed by a major shareholder, management and Board with a proven track record of investing into, leading and growing highly successful businesses, Orrön Energy is in a unique position to create shareholder value through the energy transition.

    Forward-looking statements
    Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside the company’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and the company has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: From IBM to OpenAI: 50 years of winning (and failed) strategies at Microsoft

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Frédéric Fréry, Professeur de stratégie, CentraleSupélec, ESCP Business School

    Paul Allen (L) and Bill Gates in 1970 at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington state, US. Microsoft was created five years later. Author unknown/Wikimedia

    Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary. This article was written using Microsoft Word on a computer running Microsoft Windows. It is likely to be published on platforms hosted by Microsoft Azure, including LinkedIn, a Microsoft subsidiary with over one billion users. In 2024, the company generated a net profit of $88 billion from sales worth $245 billion. Its stock market value is close to $3,000 billion, making it the world’s second-most valuable company behind Apple and almost on a par with NVidia. Cumulative profits since 2002 are approaching $640 billion.

    And yet, 50 years ago, Microsoft was just a tiny computer company founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico by two former Harvard students, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, aged 19 and 22. The twists and turns that enabled it to become one of the most powerful companies in the world are manifold, and can be divided into four distinct eras.

    First era: Bill Gates rides on IBM’s shoulders

    At the end of the 1970s, IBM was the computer industry’s undisputed leader. It soon realized that microcomputers developed by young Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, such as the Apple II, would eventually eclipse IBM’s mainframes, and so the IBM PC project was launched. However, it soon became clear that the company’s hefty internal processes would prevent it from delivering a microcomputer on schedule. It was therefore decided that various components of the machine could be outsourced using external suppliers.



    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!


    Several specialized companies were approached to provide the operating system. They all refused, seeing IBM as the enemy to be destroyed, a symbol of centralized, bureaucratic computing. Mary Maxwell Gates, who sat on the board of an NGO next to the IBM chairman, suggested the name of her son William, nicknamed Bill, who had just founded Microsoft, and the first contact was established in 1980.

    The problem was that Microsoft was focused on a programming language called BASIC and certainly not specialized in operating systems. Not that this was ever going to be a problem for Bill Gates, who, with considerable nerve, agreed to sign a deal with IBM to deliver an operating system he didn’t have. Gates then purchased the QDOS system from Seattle Computer Products, from which he developed MS-DOS (where MS stands for Microsoft).

    Gates, whose father was a founding partner of a major Seattle law firm, then made his next move. He offered IBM a non-exclusive contract for the use of MS-DOS, which gave him the right to sell it to other computer companies. IBM, which was not used to subcontracting, was not suspicious enough: the contract brought fortunes to Microsoft and misery to IBM when Compaq, Olivetti and Hewlett-Packard rushed to develop IBM PC clones, giving birth to a whole new industry.

    Success followed for Microsoft. It not only benefited from IBM’s serious image, which appealed to businesses, but also received royalties on every PC sold on the market. In 1986, the company was introduced on the stock market. Bill Gates, Paul Allen and two of their early employees became billionaires, while 12,000 additional Microsoft employees went on to become millionaires.

    Second era: Windows, the golden goose (courtesy of Xerox)

    In the mid-1980s, microcomputers were not very functional: their operating systems, including Microsoft’s MS-DOS, ran with forbidding command lines, like the infamous C:/. This all changed in 1984 with the Apple Macintosh, which was equipped with a graphic interface (icons, drop-down menus, fonts, a mouse, etc.). This revolutionary technology was developed in Xerox’s research laboratory, even though the photocopy giant failed to understand its potential. On the other hand, Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, was largely inspired by it: to ensure the success of the Macintosh computer, Jobs asked Microsoft to develop a customized version of its office suite, in particular its Excel spreadsheet. Microsoft embraced the graphic interface principle and launched Windows 1 in 1985, which was soon followed by the Office suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

    Over the following years, Windows was further improved, culminating in Windows 95, launched in 1995, with an advertising campaign costing over $200 million, for which Bill Gates bought the rights of The Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up”. At the time, Microsoft’s world market share in operating systems exceeded 70%. This has hardly changed since.

    In 1997, Microsoft even went so far as to save Apple from bankruptcy by investing $150 million in its capital in the form of non-voting shares, which were sold back three years later. During one of his famous keynote speeches, Steve Jobs thanked Bill Gates by saying: “Bill, thank you. The world’s a better place.” This bailout also put an end to the lawsuit Apple had filed against Microsoft, accusing it of copying its graphic interface when designing the Windows operating system.

    Third era: bureaucratization, internal conflicts and a failed diversification strategy

    In the mid-1990s, computing underwent a new transformation with the explosion of the World Wide Web. Microsoft was a specialist in stand-alone PCs, with a business model based on selling boxed software, and it was ill-prepared for the new global networks. Its first response was to develop Internet Explorer, a browser developed from the takeover of the Mosaic browser designed by the Spyglass company, a bit like MS-DOS in its day. Internet Explorer was eventually integrated into Windows, prompting a lawsuit against Microsoft for abuse of its dominant position, which could have led to the company’s break-up. New competitors, such as Google with its Chrome browser, took advantage of these developments to attract users.

    In 2000, Bill Gates handed over his position as Microsoft CEO to Steve Ballmer, one of his former Harvard classmates, whose aim was to turn the company into an electronics and services company. Over the next fifteen years, Ballmer embarked on a series of initiatives to diversify the company by including video games (Flight Simulator), CD encyclopedias (Encarta), hardware (mice, keyboards), MP3 players (Zune), online web hosting (Azure), game consoles (Xbox), phones (Windows Phone), tablets and computers (Surface).

    While some of these products were successful (notably Azure and Xbox), others were bitter failures. Encarta was quickly swamped by Wikipedia and Zune was no match for Apple’s iPod. Windows Phone remains one of the greatest strategic blunders in the company’s history. In order to secure the company’s success in mobile telephony and compete with the iPhone, Microsoft bought the cell phone division of Finland’s Nokia for $5.4 billion in September 2013. The resulting integration was a disaster: Steve Ballmer wanted Microsoft’s phones to use a version of Windows 10, making them slow and impractical. Less than two years later, Microsoft put an end to its mobile phone operations, with losses amounting to $7.6 billion. Nokia was sold for just $350 million.

    One of the outcomes of Microsoft’s multiple business initiatives has been an explosion in the number of its employees, from 61,000 in 2005 to 228,000 in 2024. Numerous internal disputes broke out between different business units, which sometimes refused to work together.

    These turf wars, coupled with pervasive bureaucratization and effortless profitability (for each Windows installation, PC manufacturers pay around $50, while the marginal cost of the license is virtually zero), have hindered Microsoft’s capacity for innovation. Its software, including Internet Explorer 6 and Windows Vista, was soon mocked by users for its imperfections, which were continually plugged by frequent updates. As some people noted, Windows is equipped with a “safe” mode, suggesting that its normal mode is “failure”.

    Fourth era: is Microsoft the new cool (thanks to the Cloud and OpenAI)?

    In 2014, Satya Nadella replaced Steve Ballmer as head of Microsoft. Coming from the online services division, Nadella’s objective was to redirect Microsoft’s strategy online, notably by developing the Azure online web hosting business. In 2024, Azure became the world’s second-largest cloud service behind Amazon Web Services, and more than 56% of Microsoft’s turnover came from its online services. Nadella changed the company’s business model: software is no longer sold but available on a subscription basis, in the shape of products such as Office 365 and Xbox Live.

    Along the way, Microsoft acquired the online game Minecraft, followed by the professional social network LinkedIn, in 2016, for $26.2 billion (its largest acquisition to date), and the online development platform GitHub in 2018 for $7.5 billion.

    Between 2023 and 2025, Microsoft invested more than $14 billion in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, giving it a particularly enviable position in the artificial intelligence revolution. ChatGPT’s models also contribute to Microsoft’s in-house AI, Copilot.

    Over the past 50 years, thanks to a series of bold moves, timely acquisitions and failed strategies to diversify, Microsoft has evolved significantly in its scope, competitive advantage and business model. Once stifled by opulence and internal conflicts, the company seems to have become attractive again, most notably to young graduates. Who can predict whether Microsoft will still exist in 50 years? Bill Gates himself says the opposite, but he may be bluffing.

    Frédéric Fréry ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    ref. From IBM to OpenAI: 50 years of winning (and failed) strategies at Microsoft – https://theconversation.com/from-ibm-to-openai-50-years-of-winning-and-failed-strategies-at-microsoft-253576

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: What parents need to know to talk to their children about the manosphere

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Annabel Hoare, PhD Student in Gender-Based Political Violence, Anglia Ruskin University

    BearFotos/Shutterstock

    The success of Netflix drama Adolescence, along with concerns about misogynistic influencers such as Andrew Tate, has brought the “manosphere” into public discussion.

    Many parents, particularly of young boys, may fear they don’t know enough about what their children are exposed to online. I research radical misogyny online, and the pathways by which young people encounter these spaces. Here is what parents should know about this content.

    What is the manosphere?

    The manosphere is a network of communities that create, consume and distribute content online aimed at men and boys. It includes multiple groups that differ in their aims and focus, but are all largely anti-feminist.

    These groups discuss masculinity, but also topics such as health, gaming, politics and finance. They trivialise hateful rhetoric through memes, comedy and trolling (provocation or bullying for amusement) by framing it as self-help, entertainment and tools for financial success. This can make it difficult for parents to identify and for children to realise the extreme messages they are being exposed to.

    Manosphere content is promoted by various influencers on popular social media platforms. These influencers often showcase unattainable wealth and status, selling the illusion that followers can achieve success by adopting their teachings.

    The most notable manosphere influencer is Andrew Tate, who rose to fame in 2022. He and his brother Tristan are currently under investigation in Romania for charges of rape, human trafficking and money laundering, and in the UK for rape and human trafficking. However, he is not the only influencer out there.

    In recent years, there have been a number of incidents of violence that have been linked to manosphere content. The extent of real-world effects is difficult to measure, and not everyone who engages with the manosphere will go on to commit violence. But it’s clear that these communities can promote violence or spread harmful ideas about women and girls.

    It is important to note, however, that this content also harms men and young boys. The manosphere promotes unrealistic expectations and extreme measures which can lead to poor self-esteem, mental health problems and, in some cases, suicide. This content preys on vulnerabilities and insecurities of boys and young men, especially related to social isolation and sexual rejection.

    Misinformation and pseudoscience

    Much of the content that spreads in the manosphere is based on disinformation or pseudoscientific theories. These provide an easy framework for men to assess and improve their status while framing women and feminism as the problem.

    For example, the “80/20 rule” refers to the pseudoscientific theory that 80% of women are only attracted to the top 20% of men. In the manosphere, this rule is used to blame women for mens’ feelings of sexual or romantic rejection.

    Influencers and community members promote step-by-step instructions that people can follow to improve their social standing. Many of these guides involve extreme or harmful physical transformations in a phenomenon known as “looksmaxxing”, which can even involve facial surgery in a bid to increase their sexual “value”.




    Read more:
    ‘Looksmaxxing’ is the disturbing TikTok trend turning young men into incels


    The manosphere has an expansive lexicon which is used to incite hatred towards women and fuel rivalry between men. Common terms include:

    • Red pill: TRP, the manosphere’s core philosophy, derived from the Matrix, frames the red pill as an awakening to feminism’s oppression of men. The blue pill represents ignorance, and the black pill, used by incels, as accepting their “terminal” celibacy status.

    • Amog (alpha male of the group), Alpha, Gamma, Omega, Sigma, Sub-5 – These terms categorise and compare men and their social status. While sigma and alpha males or Amogs are considered the top of the hierarchy, the terms gamma, omega, and sub-5 denigrate men perceived to be of a lower status.

    • White Knight, Soyboy: Derogatory terms describe men who are viewed as being subservient to women.

    • Awalt (All women are like that), Foid/Femoid (female humanoid), Becky, Carousel: Terms used to denigrate and dehumanise women.

    Parents should not panic if they hear their children using manosphere terms. They may not fully understand their meanings and may have encountered them innocently. However, changes in how boys talk about women and girls, withdrawal from family and friends, and frequent use of these terms can be an indication that they are being influenced by the manosphere.

    Supporting your child

    Most adolescents will come across manosphere content at some point. A recent survey found that 59% of boys accessed manosphere content through innocent and unrelated searches. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they endorse the misogynistic values spread by these groups.

    Here are some steps you can take to support your child.

    1. Explore online together

    Research commissioned by media regulator Ofcom found that children were more likely to come across harmful content if their parents are less engaged in what they are doing. Watching content that relates to your children’s hobbies, and sending them content you think they would like, can help train algorithms to promote more moderate content and open up an avenue for discussion.

    Engaging online with your child can be a natural way to start conversations about what they are exposed to. It is important that you are not trying to intervene or critique, but rather understand why they enjoy watching certain influencers or content.

    2. Encourage reflection and media literacy

    Research suggests that teaching children to be sceptical about what they see online can inoculate them against mis- and disinformation.

    The most obvious disinformation they are most likely to come across in the manosphere may be in the form of statistics, summaries of “academic” reports, and news articles about instances of female aggression or false rape allegations. They may also come across misleading content in educational or self-help posts, about improving their appearance or how to be successful.

    Ask your children why they trust certain influencers and where they think their friends get their information. These kinds of questions can help them develop their own fact-checking skills without it seeming like a lesson.

    3. Ask open-ended questions

    Asking children about what they consume or what slang they use online can feel cringe. The best way to get around this is to ask simple open-ended questions such as “How do boys in your class talk about girls?” or “Have you ever heard of…?”

    What you hear may be shocking, but approach it with curiosity and without judgment or dismissal to let them know they can share things with you.

    If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour, you can also get support from resources such as Young Minds mental health support, the Center for Countering Digital Hate’s free parents guide or the government’s radicalisation helpline ACT Early. Getting support from government services is not a punishment. It won’t go on a person’s criminal record, but can provide access to governmental services like Prevent.

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

    ref. What parents need to know to talk to their children about the manosphere – https://theconversation.com/what-parents-need-to-know-to-talk-to-their-children-about-the-manosphere-252984

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Engineering hope: how I made it my mission to help rebuild Ukraine’s critical infrastructure

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nadiia Kopiika, Research Fellow, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham

    The war in Ukraine is often marked by specific dates, like February 24, 2022 – the day of the full-scale invasion. But for many Ukrainians, that February never really ended. For me, then a 22-year-old master’s student in construction engineering, that day shattered everything I understood about my future. I was glued to my phone, refreshing news updates in a frantic attempt to make sense of the chaos.

    The distant echoes of explosions rumbled through the city, shaking windows and setting off endless car alarms. Air raid sirens wailed, their sound slicing through the early morning stillness. Outside, people hurried past with suitcases, their faces pale and tense, while others lined up at pharmacies and ATMs, their hands trembling as they stocked up on essentials.

    My family and friends sent frantic messages (Are you safe? Are you leaving? What do we do?) but no one had an answer. Fear settled in like a second skin, thick and suffocating. The streets, once familiar, now felt unrecognisable, transformed by the weight of uncertainty.

    We were all touched by the war, including my family. My father, who is a scientist and professor of Mykolaiv University of Shipbuilding, voluntarily joined the military forces to fight for Ukraine and give my family the possibility to work and study while the war raged outside.

    Meanwhile, my hometown, Mykolaiv – previously a strategically important shipbuilding and port city on the Black Sea – became a key stepping-stone for Russian forces on the road to Odesa. It is very close to currently occupied territories and the frontline.


    The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.


    Controlling access to the city and its bridges was crucial in the battle for Ukraine. The destruction of these bridges cut off vital supply routes, leaving Mykolaiv isolated and struggling to hold the line. What were once ordinary crossings became symbols of survival, as the city fought to stay connected and withstand the siege.

    As my home was attacked, I realised something fundamental: bridges were not just engineering projects. They were lifelines.

    Engineering hope

    Rebuilding bridges and roads is about more than repairing physical structures; it is about restoring security, economic stability and vital connections between communities. A collapsed bridge isolates people from essential services, disrupting supply chains and deepening vulnerability. The war has exposed just how critical Ukraine’s infrastructure is for survival.

    Mykolaiv is one of the hardest-hit regions. According to the Ukrainian government, more than 20 bridges were destroyed or severely damaged by Russian attacks, including the Inhul Bridge, a vital artery for the city.

    The Snihurivka Bridge, another key crossing, was also wiped out, leaving thousands stranded without reliable access to healthcare and supplies. For months, humanitarian aid and commerce were forced onto alternative, unreliable routes, further isolating communities. The reconstruction of key bridges in my home region has allowed life to resume, but the scale of the challenge across the country remains immense.

    A destroyed bridge in Irpin, near Kyiv.
    Taras Fedorenko/Ukraine Media Centre, CC BY-NC

    Elsewhere, the destruction has been just as devastating.. The Irpin Bridge, north-west of Kyiv, which once carried 40,000 vehicles a day, became a symbol of both loss and survival. Ukrainian forces had to destroy the bridge to stop Russian advances on Kyiv. Thousands of civilians fled across its wreckage under fire.

    Science: a light in the dark

    Fast forward to the autumn of 2022. Ukraine’s power grid was under relentlessattack. Entire cities were plunged into darkness. I sat at my desk in Lviv, in western Ukraine, where I have been working on my PhD thesis. My laptop battery was draining and a single candle flickered beside me. I was writing a research paper on strengthening methods for buildings and infrastructure. Yet, all around me real infrastructure was collapsing, making my work feel disconnected from reality.

    Laptop battery draining and a single candle flickers during one of the regular power cuts.
    Nadiia Kopiika

    The city had endured weeks of missile strikes targeting critical infrastructure and power cuts became part of daily life. Simple tasks like boiling water for tea, charging a phone, or even sending an email became unpredictable challenges. The hum of generators filled the streets and people lined up at charging stations trying to stay connected. The darkness wasn’t just outside, it seeped into everything, a constant reminder that the war was never far away.




    Read more:
    Ukraine: the UN’s ‘responsibility to protect’ doctrine is a hollow promise for civilians under fire


    At that moment, a question struck me: what if science could help rebuild Ukraine? Could research, something that had once felt so theoretical, actually make a difference in the aftermath of war?

    My supervisor introduced me to BridgeUkraine: a research alliance of people focused on rebuilding Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. It was founded by two leading experts in disaster recovery and engineering: Stergios-Aristoteles Mitoulis, the head of structures at the University of Birmingham’s School of Engineering and Sotirios Argyroudis, reader of infrastructure engineering at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Brunel University.

    The project aimed to not only repair what was damaged but to build better infrastructure: homes that are more resilient, more sustainable and ready for future crises. Mitoulis recalled that the whole idea for BridgeUkraine was born out of a deeply personal moment:

    I first thought of BridgeUkraine when I spoke with my former MSc student, Marat Khodzhaiev, who was in Ukraine when the war started. He was stranded in his house and at risk of missing the opportunity to graduate from his MSc course in the UK. All bridges around him had collapsed, there was no escape route. His wife was pregnant at the time. That call made me realise the urgent need, not only to rebuild infrastructure, but also to support and empower Ukrainian engineers to build their future. BridgeUkraine became more than just a research alliance, it became a mission that ensures that Ukraine’s recovery will be driven by its own people, equipped with the best knowledge and tools to rebuild their country.

    The KSE Institute estimates that more than 300 bridges across Ukraine require urgent reconstruction, with damages exceeding US$2.6 billion. But this isn’t all about infrastructure; it is about securing Ukraine’s independence and ensuring that its economy and society can function even under the most difficult conditions. Every bridge rebuilt is a step toward recovery, a restored connection between families and communities, and a symbol of resilience.

    To address these challenges, rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure cannot follow conventional methods. The sheer scale of destruction demands a new approach, one that not only restores what was lost but strengthens the country for the future.

    At BridgeUkraine, we are developing solutions that prioritise resilience over quick fixes. Instead of rebuilding vulnerable structures, we are integrating sustainable materials, climate-adaptive engineering, and strategic planning to ensure that Ukraine’s transport networks are built to last.

    Rebuilding fairly and efficiently

    A comprehensive assessment conducted by the government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and the United Nations estimates that the total cost of Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery stands at approximately €506 billion (US$524bn) over the next decade. This underscores the necessity for continued and enhanced international support to address the extensive needs arising from the conflict.

    There are no academic guidelines on how to rebuild after such destruction. What is the most effective way to approach reconstruction in this context? We quickly came to the realisation that conventional methods were too slow and rigid to address the urgent and widespread damage.

    Our research team wanted to re-imagine how to rebuild infrastructure and homes that are resilient to future challenges, from war-related destruction to climate-induced disasters. As Mitoulis told me:

    Rebuilding infrastructure is not just about restoring roads and bridges, it’s about rebuilding lives. Our approach is centred on people, ensuring that the infrastructure is designed by Ukrainians, for Ukrainians. It must not only reconnect communities but also support economic recovery and long-term resilience.

    But such ethical reconstruction must be inclusive, sustainable and community-driven, ensuring that those who depend on infrastructure have a say in how it is rebuilt.

    Reconstruction must be a participatory, creative effort – one that rebuilds cities with beauty and meaning, connecting them to their past while preparing for the future. Too often, post-war recovery efforts have been dictated by external donors, prioritising short-term economic gains over long-term resilience.

    People like me, who have grown up in these places, understand the culture, the rhythm of daily life, and the importance of preserving identity as well as buildings. We want to see our cities restored in a way that reflects our history and spirit.

    For example, in post-second world war Warsaw, reconstruction efforts initially ignored the city’s historical character in favour of Soviet-style urban planning. It was only through the persistence of local architects and historians that parts of the Old Town were painstakingly restored to reflect their original designs.

    Ukraine cannot afford such myopic, profit-driven decision-making. Instead, it must empower local communities, integrating their knowledge, needs and skills into the reconstruction process.




    Read more:
    Rebuilding Homs: how to resurrect a city after years of conflict


    This vision started to take shape through workshop discussions with experts in geography and urban planning. Everyone agreed on the need for an adaptable transportation system where modular designs and relocatable, prefabricated bridges (like the Mabey bridge in US) could respond to evolving demands and disruptions.

    Similarly, at the ReBuild Ukraine 2024 conference leading engineers, policymakers and researchers showcased groundbreaking technologies designed to accelerate reconstruction while reducing long-term environmental and economic risks (for example, nature-based solutions, 3D-printing, Virtual Reality and Building Informational Modelling).

    Revolutionising damage assessment with AI, radar and satellite imagery

    But to effectively plan for recovery and reconstruction, it’s crucial to first accurately characterise the damage. A clear picture of what has been destroyed allows for smarter decisions, prioritising the most urgent repairs and using resources effectively.

    Our latest research, published in Automation in Construction, introduces a faster, more precise way to assess damage to key infrastructure, particularly bridges. Bringing together expertise from a large multidisciplinary team, we developed a new approach that combines satellite images and radar and artificial intelligence to swiftly and accurately analyse damage.

    This technology allowed us to assess the condition of bridges remotely, without having to be onsite in dangerous or inaccessible areas. By providing rapid, data-driven insights, our method helps ensure that reconstruction efforts start where they are needed most, speeding up recovery and making rebuilding efforts more effective.

    We tested this approach on numerous bridges in the Irpin region of Ukraine, and the results were striking. It significantly improved both the speed and accuracy of damage assessments. Using Sentinel-1 SAR images (radar satellite images from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus program), crowdsourced data (photos and reports from people on the ground), and high-resolution imagery, we developed a comprehensive approach for damage detection and classification.

    This approach works on multiple levels: it provides a big-picture view of damage across entire regions while also zooming in on specific structural issues in individual bridge components. By combining satellite data with detailed images, our method makes damage assessments more precise, faster and safer, ensuring that reconstruction efforts focus on the most critical areas first.

    These findings can play a crucial role in damage and needs assessment such as those conducted by the World Bank.

    Sustainable infrastructure

    In war zones, destruction often affects vital humanitarian and evacuation corridors, making it essential to prioritise reconstruction based on factors such as the national importance of a bridge, its role in border crossings, and its impact on social services.

    For instance, the failure of a bridge could disrupt emergency response efforts, further complicating recovery.

    But rebuilding after a disaster is also an opportunity to create something stronger, smarter, built to last – and with a sustainable focus.

    From the first day of the invasion, Nadiia began volunteering at Lviv Polytechnic National University helping to weave camouflage nets.
    @kathryn_moskalyuk

    Given Ukraine’s commitment to net-zero emissions and resilience, we expanded our research [and published a study] which introduced an innovative model for rebuilding infrastructure that can withstand future hazards while minimising carbon emissions. At its core, the model features a “smart prioritisation system” that helps decision-makers allocate resources effectively. It assesses key factors such as repair urgency, community impact and long-term durability, ensuring that rebuilding efforts provide the greatest benefits where they are needed most.

    For example, when assessing damaged structures, the system prioritises projects that will provide the most long-term benefits. That might mean restoring energy systems to prevent future blackouts or repairing bridges that serve as key evacuation routes and economic lifelines.

    As Stanislav Gvozdikov, deputy director of Euro-integration Process at Ukraine’s State Road Research Institute, told me: “Every bridge we restore, every road we reopen, isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about restoring life, reconnecting families and ensuring that communities have the resilience to withstand whatever comes next.”

    This is already a reality near my home town, Mykolaiv, where newly rebuilt bridges have restored transport links and also revived local economies, giving people hope for the future.

    But no one rebuilds a country alone.

    The UK-Ukraine 100-year agreement, announced in February 2025, underscored a deep commitment to Ukraine’s security, economic resilience, and post-war reconstruction. The partnership recognises the importance of cooperation between the UK and Ukraine to strengthen technological innovation and to increase collaboration in transport more widely.

    I’ve also had the privilege of working with some of the brightest minds in the field, including more than 50 practitioners, consultants, academics, institutions and international bodies. This alliance of experts was united by a shared vision: to change the way the world approaches post-war reconstruction.

    A key part of this mission is training engineers, equipping them with the latest knowledge in damage assessment, resilience-based and people-centred design and international standards to lead Ukraine’s reconstruction.

    We come from different backgrounds – engineering, economics, policy, humanitarian efforts, and governmental bodies. But we all share the same motivation in wanting to help our country.

    Leading researchers from Ukraine specialising in AI technologies, infrastructure engineering, sustainable and energy-saving buildings or climate change, are also members of BridgeUkraine. AI-specialist, Ivan Izonin has spoken passionately about how he believes that the collaborative efforts we have started “will lay the foundation for large-scale scientific projects that will be pivotal in post-war reconstruction…”. While Natalya Shakhovska , also a specialist in AI, recalled: “My activity in the BridgeUkraine alliance gave me the opportunity to align my research to critical infrastructure assessment, enabled by my AI modelling…Today I really feel included, I understand that my expertise is helping [my country’s recovery]”

    Another enthusiastic Ukrainian researcher, Khrystyna Myroniuk, who specialises in building physics, told me how the collaboration had given her the opportunity to continue her “research on sustainable housing solutions for Ukraine”.

    Stopping the brain drain

    One of the most critical challenges facing Ukraine today, aside from the physical destruction, is the brain drain – the mass exodus of skilled professionals who left the country in search of safety and better opportunities abroad.

    This trend has had a significant impact on the country’s ability to rebuild. Engineers, architects and other highly trained specialists have long been a pillar of Ukraine’s development. But the war has forced many to leave, with no clear path back to contribute to the reconstruction effort. BridgeUkraine is helping to reverse this trend by offering a compelling reason for these skilled professionals to return.

    A dog walks on a restored bridge in Mykolaiv.
    Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration/Ukraine Media Centre, CC BY-NC

    Our engagement with Ukrainian engineers then sparked another idea: what if we trained local professionals to apply our expertise, equipping them to drive this transformation within their engineering communities?

    This vision became the foundation of the Empower Ukraine programme, through which, over 5,000 engineers and scientists will be trained in European (Eurocodes) and international design standards.

    This ensures that Ukraine’s recovery is driven by its own people, equipped with the latest global knowledge. By bridging the knowledge gap and integrating the best methods and ideas from across Europe, Ukraine can position itself as a leader in resilient infrastructure design.

    Our research was taken up by the Ministry of Restoration of Ukraine. Stanislav Gvozdikov collaborated with us to launch a joint programme of Continuing Professional Development seminars for engineers designed to help them stay up to date with the latest knowledge and skills in their field. To date, our expertise has been shared with over 1,500 Ukrainians.

    Argyroudis emphasised to me how critical the role of engineers will be in Ukraine’s reconstruction, saying: “It’s about rebuilding Ukrainian identity as a country.”

    The ultimate goal is to build a culture of innovation and self-reliance among local professionals who have the expertise and passion to drive this change.

    Professionals can now contribute to projects and be part of a larger community of practice, which brings together engineers, academics and international partners.

    I am, personally, incredibly proud to have had the privilege, over the past two years, to help empower Ukrainians to develop world-leading research that accelerates their country’s recovery.

    Shaping tomorrow

    My hometown, Mykolaiv, still bears the scars of war. Returning there, I saw firsthand what was lost. But also what could be rebuilt. War has taken, and continues to take so much, but it has also forged a new generation of engineers who understand that our profession is no longer just about calculations and designs. It is about resilience, survival and national recovery.

    Three years ago, I would have imagined a very different career for myself. But today, I know that engineering is more than my profession, it is my mission.

    I am committed to ethical and inclusive infrastructure recovery in Ukraine, because science must be the foundation of national resilience. Ethical reconstruction must prioritise people over profits, creating systems that empower and strengthen communities.

    Ukraine’s recovery is about setting a global precedent for post-conflict reconstruction. Our research, training programs and commitment to innovation are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected Ukraine, offering a paradigm shift to the war-torn world. Because rebuilding is about more than replacing the past. It is about creating a future that can withstand whatever comes next.


    For you: more from our Insights series:

    To hear about new Insights articles, join the hundreds of thousands of people who value The Conversation’s evidence-based news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

    Nadiia Kopiika receives funding from British Academy. She is affiliated with University of Birmingham, UK and Lviv Polytechnic National University, Ukraine.

    ref. Engineering hope: how I made it my mission to help rebuild Ukraine’s critical infrastructure – https://theconversation.com/engineering-hope-how-i-made-it-my-mission-to-help-rebuild-ukraines-critical-infrastructure-251857

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Lords committee investigates impact of the Autism Act

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    A new Lords committee has been set up to investigate the impact of the Autism Act 2009 and the government’s autism strategy, and whether or not they are improving the lives of autistic people.

    The Autism Act 2009 Committee is launching its call for evidence, asking to hear from you. Find out more and share your views by Monday 2 June https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/770/autism-act-2009-committee/news/206238/call-for-evidence-launched-to-mark-world-autism-acceptance-day/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • X: ukhouseoflords
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords…
    • Instagram: ukhouseoflords
    • Facebook: ukhouseoflords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflo…
    • LinkedIn: the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfPtajFmXmI

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government unlocks £10 billion private investment into the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government unlocks £10 billion private investment into the UK

    The Minister for Investment has signed a new partnership with Singaporean bank OCBC, which will help unlock £10 billion of investment into key priority sectors in the UK.

    • Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson signs new partnership with OCBC, Singapore’s second largest bank, to facilitate £10 billion investment into the UK.
    • Agreement will increase UK-Asia Pacific collaboration and support investment into priority growth sectors including energy, infrastructure and real estate.
    • Comes in the wake of ratification of CPTPP – a massive trade deal with the region – helping to create economic growth and supporting the Plan for Change.

    New collaboration between the UK government and one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia will unlock £10 billion of investment into Britain, boosting economic growth and driving forward the government’s Plan for Change.   

    Today [Wednesday 2 April], Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson has signed the new MoU with the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited’s (OCBC) Head of Global Corporate Banking Elaine Lam.    

    The bank aims to finance £10 billion of investment from the Asia Pacific region into priority growth sectors including energy, infrastructure and real estate by 2030.   

    Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said:

    This £10 billion commitment from OCBC is a major vote of confidence in the UK economy. Not only will it help create more opportunities in real estate and infrastructure, but will also back our clean energy industry, a key growth sector identified in our upcoming Industrial Strategy.” 

    We have the most open, stable and connected economy in the world – and our Plan for Change will encourage more international companies to invest here, delivering long-term growth that supports good, skilled jobs across the country.

    Under the newly expanded Office for Investment, OCBC will collaborate with the government to promote the UK as a hub for businesses, investors and services, attracting billions of pounds worth of investment from Asia and supporting the government’s growth mission.    

    As one of the largest banks in Southeast Asia, OCBC brings valuable private capital from Asia into the UK. OCBC’s plan to finance £10 billion worth of investment until 2030 signifies the significant opportunities from Asia and is a huge vote of confidence in the UK economy.    

    OCBC Head of Global Corporate Banking Elaine Lam said:

    The UK and Singapore share historically deep ties and OCBC is proud to play a part in further strengthening the relationship with this agreement. Our UK business has grown significantly over the years and our London branch is now the largest in our international network. The growth has been driven by developments in sectors such as real estate, renewables, energy transition as well as digital and core physical infrastructure.  

    These align with the priority sectors outlined in the UK’s industrial strategy and we will double down on our efforts to drive further growth in these areas. We are also committed to supporting UK companies that are keen to establish or expand operations in Singapore and Southeast Asia. We look forward to building on our strong track record in the UK to deliver on these goals.

    The UK and Asia-Pacific trading relationship is worth £126 billion. This new partnership will create more opportunities in key growth driving sectors identified in the government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, and build on the UK’s CPTPP ratification – expected to boost the economy by £2 billion a year in the long-term.   

    The collaboration will also help facilitate further trade and investment with the APAC region, as the UK remains committed to free and fair trade, with a pro-business approach focused on reducing barriers to investment.   

    The government’s new modern Industrial Strategy will deliver long-term, sustainable, inclusive growth right across the UK by driving investment into the economy and hardwire stability for investors, giving them the confidence to plan not just for the next year, but for the next 10 years and beyond.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Campaign to tackle dirty money steps up with new sanctions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Campaign to tackle dirty money steps up with new sanctions

    UK sanctions corrupt actors undermining democratic governments in Foreign Secretary’s latest steps to crack down on corruption and illicit finance.

    • UK sanctions pro-Kremlin operation responsible for destabilising Moldova
    • Cronies used by corrupt leaders to undermine democracy and rule of law in Georgia and Guatemala also included in new crackdown
    • Action marks latest step in Foreign Secretary’s campaign to tackle threats to UK from corruption and illicit finance

    Pro-Kremlin operatives responsible for rigging elections in Moldova are among those hit with sanctions today (2 April), which will freeze assets and ban travel.

    This crackdown is the latest in the Foreign Secretary’s campaign to tackle corruption and dirty money, which is vital to protect the UK public from organised criminals and safeguard our democracy.

    The sanctions target a network of pro-Russian actors named Evrazia operating in Moldova on behalf of corrupt fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, previously designated by the UK in 2022, to destabilise Moldovan democracy and spread Russia’s malign influence.

    Evrazia, a Russian non-profit, has been used by Shor to bribe Moldovan citizens to vote “no” in last year’s referendum on joining the EU. Moldovan police have said that approximately 130,000 citizens received a total of $15 million from Evrazia – with payments ranging from $50 per month for “supporters” to over $2,500 per month for “leaders”.

    Today’s sanctions target the founder and director of Evrazia Nelli Alekseyevna Parutenko and member of Evrazia’s management board Natalia Parasca, as well as Evrazia itself and another of Shor’s key political operatives, Marina Tauber.

    These sanctions expose the Kremlin’s attempts to undermine and destabilise democracies in Eastern Europe. By targeting corrupt actors and their enablers, the UK is using its powers to create a more hostile environment for corruption and illicit finance and deter threats to the safety and security of Britain.

    This marks the next step in the government’s ambitious agenda to tackle the devastating impacts of corruption and illicit finance, both at home and overseas, and deliver the UK’s national security under the Plan for Change.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    These sanctions send a clear message. We will not stand idly by as Russia undermines democracy and the rule of law, threatening the national security of countries we consider friends and partners.

    Left unchecked, this kind of insidious corruption can erode the very foundations of our society and open doors for Russia and other malign actors to expand their influence and compromise the stability of our neighbours and the UK.

    We must protect the institutions designed to hold these unscrupulous individuals to account, and the independent investigative journalists whose hard and often dangerous work exposes the truth behind their actions.

    Minister Doughty met earlier today with journalists from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) to express support for their tireless and risky work exposing corruption and bringing those responsible to justice.

    The independent investigative reporting by the OCCRP and the activities of civil society groups such as Transparency International often play a crucial role in informing sanctions of this kind.

    Today’s sanctions also target corrupt officials and prosecutors in Georgia and Guatemala, who are sabotaging democratic governance and undermining judicial impartiality by abusing their power.

    In Georgia, this includes the leaders of the ‘Judicial Clan’ – a group of party-political judges who are abusing their position to influence court rulings and undermine the rule of law for the benefit of the ‘Georgian Dream’ party and their control of Georgia’s judicial system.

    In Guatemala, the sanctions are targeted at former President Giammattei and his ‘Pacto De Corruptos’ (‘Pact of the Corrupt’) – a cabal of officials and prosecutors still operating under the current Attorney General who have sought to undermine the anti-corruption reforms of President Arévalo by interfering in prosecutions and threatening investigators.

    Background

    The individuals and entity designated for sanctions today are: 

    Moldova

    • Evrazia, a non-governmental organisation that acts on behalf of pro-Russian Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor;
    • Nelli Parutenko, founder and director of Evrazia;
    • Natalia Parasca, member of the Evrazia management board and former leader of the Shor-backed Renaissance Party;
    • Marina Tauber, former leader of the Shor Party.

    Guatemala

    • Alejandro Giammattei, former President of Guatemala;
    • Maria Consuelo Porras, Attorney General of Guatemala;
    • Jose Curruchiche, Head of the Special Prosecution Office Against Impunity (FECI), who has undermined corruption investigations into Giammattei and his allies;
    • Cinthia Monterroso, Prosecutor and Head of Unit at FECI;
    • Angel Pineda, Secretary General of the Public Ministry, who has undermined corruption investigations into Giammattei and his allies, and targeted anti-corruption journalists, judges and prosecutors;  
    • Melvin Quijivix, former Head of the National Institute of Electrification, who misappropriated public funds for the benefit of his own businesses;
    • Miguel Martinez, close associate of Giammattei.

    Georgia

    • Levan Murusidze, member of the High Council of Justice of Georgia and member of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals;
    • Mikheil Chinchaladze, Chairman of the Tbilisi Court of Appeals.

    About the OCCRP

    The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project is a global network of investigative journalists that exposes organised crime and corruption so citizens can hold powerful politicians and officials to account.

    About Transparency International

    Transparency International is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit and works with like-minded partners across the world to end the injustice of corruption. Its mission is to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. As part of the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium, TI uses OCCRP’s investigative reporting to seek legal redress for victims of corruption, and advocate for reforms to close down the systems and networks that enable corruption to thrive, demanding greater transparency and integrity in all areas of public life.

    Definitions

    • Asset freeze: an asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person. It also prevents funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person. UK financial sanctions apply to all persons within the territory and territorial sea of the UK and to all UK persons, wherever they are in the world.
    • Travel ban: a travel ban means that the designated person must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom, providing the individual is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971. 

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Island’s Forces community to shine at Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day 2 April 2025 Island’s Forces community to shine at Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day this summer

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day will return this year, paying tribute to the Island’s dedicated forces community with a day of honour and recognition.

    The event, on Sunday, 29 June, will once again be held beachside at Eastern Gardens in Ryde, where last year large crowds were treated to an awe-inspiring display by the Red Arrows.

    While many exciting details for 2025 are still under wraps, attractions already confirmed include thrilling cannon and musket displays, promising plenty of booms and bangs, and an impressive marching parade with four bands and more than 100 cadets.

    Additionally, the Army Air Corps is bringing back their Gazelle helicopter, offering attendees a chance to step into the cockpit, handle the controls, and snap a memorable selfie! It’s a day to reflect on the courage and service of our Armed Forces, while offering unique experiences for all who attend.

    Event organiser, Ian Dore, said: “With the Red Arrows soaring over the Solent skies last year, Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day was packed to the rafters in support of the Island’s forces community.

    “Attended by all ages, broadcast live on radio and featured on the BBC, it’s set to return again this year. 

    “I start slinging irons in fires around September the year before the event, but it’s now that things really ramp up.

    “The ground elements of the event are nearly complete, with just a few tweaks needed as additional assets come online, but you can expect some firm favourites to return.”

    Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day is a chance for Islanders to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

    From currently serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets, the popular event provides a much-valued morale boost for the troops and their families.

    The location itself provides the perfect opportunity to display land, sea and air attractions, along with all you’d expect at an Armed Forces Day.

    Ian added: “As we progress, more attendees will be announced, and it’s shaping up to be colossal. Last year’s attendance was just shy of 10,000 people, making it the second most attended single-day event on the Island, after the Isle of Wight Festival.

    “In part, that is due to who and what was taking part, but it is also testament to the support Islanders have for the Armed Forces community, which, by the way, is around 11 per cent of the Island’s population.

    “As the official strapline says, show your support. Mark your calendars for Sunday, 29 June, for the official Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day. It’s going to be one of the must-attend events of the summer!” 

    More details will be released over the coming weeks on the official website and Facebook page.

    PHOTO: Event organiser Ian Dore, Alec Penstone and Sqn Leader Graeme ‘Musky’ Muscat from RAFAT.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lancaster City Council makes strong progress on improvement plan A team of local government experts has praised Lancaster City Council for successfully delivering a plan to make its services even better.

    Source: City of Lancaster

    A team of local government experts has praised Lancaster City Council for successfully delivering a plan to make its services even better.

    Following a Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) in April 2024, the council was told how it could make improvements to the way it serves the public.

    A recent review of a plan for delivering these changes found that 85% of recommendations are on track and progressing well.

    Particular praise was given for the council’s approach to community wealth building, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.

    Key areas of progress include:

    • Strengthened Community Partnerships: The Lancaster District Strategic Partnership (LDSP) has been formally established, bringing together key stakeholders, including local universities, NHS partners, third-sector organisations, and the Chamber of Commerce.
       
    • Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: The council has taken strategic steps towards developing an inclusive economic strategy, incorporating insights from Lancaster University’s ‘Before Eden’ research.
       
    • Commitment to a Sustainable Future: An early ‘call for sites’ process has been successfully implemented, ensuring alignment with the council’s Local Plan and climate action goals.
       
    • Enhanced Leadership and Governance: The council has invested in leadership development for senior officers and councillors, including dedicated training programmes and scrutiny enhancements.
       
    • Financial Sustainability: The ‘Fit for the Future’ transformation programme is driving efficiency, with a focus on aligning financial planning with long-term priorities and asset management.

    Mark Davies, chief executive of Lancaster City Council, welcomed the findings: “The peer challenge process has helped to highlight some of the excellent work by staff and Elected Members to continually improve the council and the services we provide. The positive feedback from the LGA confirms that our strategic vision is making a real impact and we are delivering key improvements for our residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

    “One of the areas the peer team highlighted was our Fit for the Future programme and the way the council is transforming its services in response to the continuing tough financial times in which local authorities are operating. This programme is helping to identify where we can become even more efficient while continuing to provide good services for our communities.”

    A peer challenge is when representatives from councils nationwide spend time with another council to evaluate their performance, assess their ambition for residents, and determine if adequate resources are in place to fulfil those objectives. In the city council’s case, the peer challenge team gathered information and views from more than 50 meetings, in addition to further research, and spoke to more than 130 people, including a range of council staff, councillors and external stakeholders.

    Last updated: 02 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom