Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Chinese companies suspected of corruption carrying out European Global Gateway projects – E-001172/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001172/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mariusz Kamiński (ECR)

    China’s economic expansion, particularly in Africa, is a strategic challenge. Chinese companies are active stakeholders in 78 ports in 32 African countries, acting as builders, investors and operators.

    However, many Chinese investments lead to over-indebtedness and financial dependence of African countries on Beijing. Experts warn that Chinese companies are being awarded contracts thanks to corruption and government support, and implementing them with minimal involvement of local communities, most of the work being done by Chinese workers using Chinese materials. In addition, the speed of project implementation is coming at the expense of quality. At the same time, China is exploiting African natural resources on a massive scale, leaving no substantial benefits for the local economies. All this while African countries are encouraged to embrace China’s development model and support Beijing on the international stage.

    Europe’s response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative was to be the Global Gateway project, which would provide an alternative in the form of transparent and sustainable investments.

    China’s expansion in Africa and Latin America was extensively discussed at the latest meeting of the Delegation for Relations with China. However, the experts were unable to answer the following question, which I refer to the Commission:

    • 1.Is it true that contractors for Global Gateway investments include Chinese companies?
    • 2.Given the arguments set out above, does the Commission not consider that Chinese companies which engage in corrupt practices and which benefit from unfair government support should be excluded from tenders funded by European taxpayers?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Potential financing of EU projects by USAID – E-000928/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000928/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alexander Jungbluth (ESN)

    The United States Governmental Agency for International Development (USAID) is suspected of having hugely influenced the political decision-making process in EU Member States, among others, by making payments in the billions to questionable NGOs and media outlets worldwide. After US President Donald Trump put an end to these alleged illegal activities, according to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, 63 NGOs tied to George Soros applied for EU funding.[1]

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm that 63 George Soros-linked NGOs have requested EU funding? If so, which ones, how much money has been applied for, for what intended purpose and has any funding been approved?
    • 2.Has the Commission itself or any organisation associated with it ever received money from USAID or any USAID-linked body and, if so, how much and for what purpose?
    • 3.What specific action is the Commission taking to prevent foreign funding from influencing the political decision-making process in EU Member States?

    Submitted: 5.3.2025

    • [1] https://x.com/PM_ViktorOrban/status/1891788592730476821
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – ‘Men Having Babies’ surrogacy conference – E-002599/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission remains committed to upholding children’s and women’s rights within the framework of its competences. Substantive family law, such as rules on the definition of family and on surrogacy, falls within the competence of the Member States. Each Member State therefore decides its position as regards surrogacy.

    EU law already requires Member States to recognise the parenthood of children as established in another Member State for the purposes of children’s rights derived from EU law, such as the rights to enter or reside in another Member State[1].

    Based on Article 81(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Commission adopted a proposal[2] on the recognition of parenthood between Member States to protect all children’s rights, including children’s rights derived from national law, such as the rights to inheritance and maintenance. Negotiations in the Council on the proposed legislation — which requires adoption by unanimity — are ongoing.

    Given that, under international[3] and EU law[4], all children have the same rights, the Commission proposal covers the recognition of parenthood established in a Member State irrespective of how the child was conceived or born, and irrespective of the child’s type of family.

    The proposal thus includes the recognition of the parenthood of children born abroad through surrogacy, provided the parenthood has been established in a Member State.

    The exploitation of surrogacy, among others, is included as a form of exploitation in the Anti-Trafficking Directive, modified by Directive (EU) 2024/1712 of 13 June 2024[5].

    It targets those who coerce or deceive women into acting as surrogate mothers, without prejudice to the national rules on surrogacy, including criminal law or family law.

    • [1] This was confirmed, including as regards children with same-sex parents, by the Court of Justice in its judgment of 14 December 2021 in the VMA case (C-490/20).
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022PC0695, 7 December 2022, COM(2022) 695.
    • [3] In particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) and the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).
    • [4] Including the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1712/oj

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Equal pay for equal work or work of equal value – E-000370/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive 2006/54/EC[1] prohibits sex-based discrimination in employment and occupation including in pay, translating the equal pay principle of Article 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU into detailed legislation that EU Member States have to follow.

    An evaluation of the directive found that the application of the principle is hindered by a lack of transparency in pay systems, a lack of legal clarity and awareness on the concept of work of equal value, and by procedural obstacles faced by victims of discrimination[2].

    To remedy these shortcomings and following an impact assessment[3], Directive (EU) 2023/970[4] aims to strengthen the implementation of the equal pay principle through pay transparency and supports the elimination of gender bias in pay mechanisms.

    The directive requires Member States to ensure that analytical tools are made available to employers which support the assessment and comparison of the value of work.

    It also strengthens enforcement mechanisms by providing for better compensation, more effective sanctions (fines) and better support of victims of pay discrimination through equality bodies and workers’ representatives.

    The directive entered into force in June 2023 and Member States have to transpose it by June 2026.

    The Commission has also made funds available to Member States under the 2024 Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme[5] on gender equality to develop guidance and/or tools for gender-sensitive job evaluation and classification systems to help employers assess work of equal value in compliance with the principle of equal pay[6].

    Moreover, the European Institute for Gender Equality is preparing a step-by-step toolkit on gender-neutral job evaluation and classification systems building on the existing Commission and International Labour Organisation guidance[7].

    • [1] Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006, OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23-36.
    • [2] Evaluation of the relevant provisions in the directive 2006/54/EC implementing the Treaty principle on ‘equal pay for equal work or work of equal value’, SWD(2020) 50 final, 5.3.2020.
    • [3] Impact assessment accompanying the document Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council to strengthen the application of the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value between men and women through pay transparency and enforcement mechanisms, SWD/2021/41 final, 4.3.2021.
    • [4] Directive (EU) 2023/970 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023, OJ L 132, 17.5.2023, p. 21-44.
    • [5] Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme overview available at: https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme-overview_en
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-results?isExactMatch=true&programmePeriod=2021%20-%202027&frameworkProgramme=43251589&topicAbbreviation=CERV-2024-GE&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=title
    • [7] International Labour Organisation, Promoting Equity: gender-neutral job evaluation for equal pay, A step-by-step guide, 2009, available at https://www.ilo.org/publications/promoting-equity-gender-neutral-job-evaluation-equal-pay-step-step-guide; Commission Staff Working Document SWD/2013/0512 final available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52013SC0512
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Annual report on implementation of the common security and defence policy, 2024 – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    During the April plenary session, the European Parliament will vote on its 2024 annual report on implementation of the common security and defence policy (CSDP). It calls, inter alia, for support to Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, increased defence spending, stronger EU-NATO relations and enhanced military capabilities.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Trans-European transport infrastructure: Driving economic growth and enhancing security – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Trans-European transport infrastructure is vital for the EU’s economic stability, resilience and security. It helps the efficient movement of goods, services and people, thereby reinforcing economic activity, strengthening supply chains and enhancing the overall security of the continent. Its foundation is the TEN-T Regulation, along with additional measures on urban mobility, multimodal passenger hubs, traffic management systems, freight terminals, charging infrastructure for alternative fuels, and military mobility.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – EU fisheries agreement with Guinea-Bissau – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    During its April plenary session, Parliament is due to vote on giving its consent to the conclusion of a new protocol to the existing EU fisheries partnership agreement with the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. Besides granting fishing opportunities to EU vessels in Guinea-Bissauan waters, the protocol aims to promote the sustainable management of fisheries resources and support the country’s blue economy sectors.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Parliament’s guidelines for the 2026 EU budget: Section III – European Commission – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The 2026 EU budget will be the second to last one under the current multiannual financial framework (MFF), which covers the period from 2021 to 2027. The European Parliament contributes to shaping proposals for the next year’s European Union budget through a set of guidelines reflecting its stance. The draft guidelines, as adopted by the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) on 20 March 2025, express Parliament’s commitment to building a resilient, sustainable and prosperous future for the EU. Parliament is expected to vote its guidelines during its April plenary session, before the Commission adopts the draft 2026 budget in early summer.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Delivering on the EU Roma strategy and the fight against discrimination in the EU – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    International Roma Day has been marked on 8 April every year since 1990. This day provides an opportunity to discuss the situation of Roma people and celebrate their culture. In the run-up to International Roma Day in 2025, the Council of the EU and the Commission will make statements in plenary, taking stock of progress in implementing the EU Roma strategy and the fight against discrimination within the EU.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Annual report on implementation of the common foreign and security policy, 2024 – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP) contributes to the Union’s objectives of preserving peace, strengthening international security, promoting international cooperation, and developing and consolidating democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted its annual report on the implementation of the CFSP on 30 January 2025. Parliament will hold a debate and vote on the report during its April plenary session.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – The European oceans pact: State of play – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    During Parliament’s April plenary session, a debate will address the planned European oceans pact. This initiative should serve as a model for sustainable ocean governance, and enhance the coherence of EU oceans policy. The European Commission intends to introduce the pact at the third UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – ‘One substance, one assessment’ package – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    During its April 2025 plenary session, the European Parliament is expected to adopt its position on a package of three proposals aimed at making safety assessments of chemicals faster, simpler and more transparent by optimising the work of EU agencies involved and creating a common data platform on chemicals.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Human rights and democracy in the world: Assessing EU action in 2023 – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The latest annual report from the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on EU external action to promote human rights and democracy covers 2023. It highlights a worsening environment marked by multiple crises and conflicts, growing social inequalities, and increasing pressure on multilateral governance and rules-based international cooperation. During its April plenary session, the European Parliament is due to vote on its own yearly resolution on human rights and democracy in the world, responding to the High Representative’s report and recommending future EU action.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Energy-intensive industries – 26-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Energy-intensive industries are crucial to the EU economy, enabling numerous strategic value chains. As these industries face significant challenges, including declining competitiveness, the EU is actively developing strategies to support them. During the April plenary session, MEPs will debate future action following a question to the Commission, and vote on a resolution proposing measures to strengthen these industries.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures to combat domestic violence and protect children – E-002802/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Both Directive (EU) 2024/1385[1] and the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention[2] consider children who have witnessed domestic violence as victims of said violence themselves.

    Specific requirements of protection and support under both instruments include specialised, age-appropriate medical and psychosocial care, as well as child-sensitive provision of shelters.

    The directive requires Member States to ensure that authorities have access to relevant information when assessing the best interests of the child in civil proceedings concerning them, though decisions on parental custody lie with Member States, and to take the risk of child abuse when assessing the victims’ protection needs[3].

    In case an offender has rights of access, Member States must create safe spaces where such access can take place, under the supervision of trained professionals, where appropriate.

    The recommendation on integrated child protection systems[4] calls on Member States to set up special support and early intervention programmes for child victims, their family and other caregivers as soon as the competent authorities have any indication of violence.

    The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV)[5] programme funds activities such as the establishment of help centres and child helplines[6], improving accessibility of services for victims of gender-based violence and domestic violence, training for professionals and exchanges of best practices at EU level.

    The Justice Programme[7] also supports the protection of children through child-friendly justice by strengthening capacities of specialised staff so that they are able to access child-friendly procedures[8], and raise awareness of concerned children, before, during and after judicial proceedings.

    • [1] Directive — EU — 2024/1385 — EN — EUR-Lex https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng
    • [2] Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence https://rm.coe.int/168008482e
    • [3] Directive 2024/1385, Article 16(3), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng
    • [4] Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 adopted 23 April 2024 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child at https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32024H1.238
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2021/692 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014, OJ L 156, 5 May 2021, 1-21 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2021:156:TOC).
    • [6] Child Helpline International (https://childhelplineinternational.org/) funded under the CERV programme, provides mental health support to children. This support can include emotional, psychological, and sometimes legal support for children who contact the helpline.
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2021/693 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Justice Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1382/2013 (OJ L 156, 5.5.2021)- provides funding opportunities for stakeholders working to protect children and their rights in the area of justice.
    • [8] Under an indirect management grant under the European Commission’s justice programme to the Council of Europe, a joint European Commission and Council of Europe project will help to better protect children.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Recognition of gender apartheid – E-000022/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the EU has been expressing concerns on the breaches of fundamental rights of Afghans, notably of women and girls, also directly with the Taliban.

    In 2023, the EU listed five Taliban individuals under the EU Global Human Rights Sanction Regime for their role in depriving Afghan girls and women of their right to education, access to justice and equal treatment between men and women[1].

    In reaction to the most recent (December 2024) restrictions ordering to suspend medical education for women and girls the European External Action Service has promptly issued a statement[2].

    Moreover, the EU is supporting all efforts aiming at strengthening the respect of human rights and accountability mechanisms, notably through United Nations’ led initiatives.

    The term ‘gender apartheid’ is not used in international law. But, the policies and practices of the Taliban may amount to gender persecution, which is recognised as a crime against humanity in accordance with Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court[3] (ICC), to which Afghanistan is a party.

    The EU has recalled this fact on several occasions, also reminding that accountability for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international law must be ensured, notably in the September 2021[4] and March 2023[5] Council conclusions.

    The ICC is an independent judicial institution established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of committing the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.

    The EU does not interfere with the investigative work of the ICC, as this would violate the independence and impartiality of the court.

    • [1] The listed individuals are the acting Taliban Ministers of Higher Education and the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (March 2023) and the Taliban Ministers of Education and Justice and the acting Taliban Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan (July 2023),
      https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2023:069I:FULL, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32023R1499
    • [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/afghanistan-statement-spokesperson-latest-restrictions-imposed-taliban-women-and-girls_en
    • [3] https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/RS-Eng.pdf
    • [4] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11713-2021-REV-2/en/pdf
    • [5] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-7264-2023-INIT/en/pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland signs Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    On 27 March Federal Councillor Albert Rösti will sign the Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law in Strasbourg on Switzerland’s behalf. By signing the agreement, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to the responsible use of AI technologies in accordance with fundamental rights.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Test the e-ID and other electronic credentials free of charge

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    From today, the public can try out how the electronic identity (e-ID) and other electronic credentials will work in the future. The federal government is providing a free test environment for this purpose. Individuals and public authorities can now develop their own electronic credentials on the trust infrastructure on a trial basis and enjoy the benefits of the e-ID.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Provocative EU funding for the jihadist regime that is killing people in Syria – E-001155/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001155/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), Kostas Papadakis (NI)

    A few months after Türkiye, Israel and the US intervened in Syria and jihadists toppled the state, thousands of killings and atrocities have been taking place, with religious and ethnic minorities and political opponents being targeted in particular. The EU, as well as the Nea Dimokratia Government in Greece and the other parties – which had welcomed this intervention by intentionally spreading illusions about an ‘inclusive political process’ and a ‘smooth democratic transition’ – have been proven wrong. It is indicative that the December 2024 European Council conclusions referred to ‘a historic opportunity to reunite and rebuild the country’.

    The much-hailed partition of Syria is demonstrably being dictated by major conflicting geostrategic interests pursued by the USA, Türkiye, Israel, Russia, the EU and others, and by the desire of monopolistic groups to exploit the country’s wealth as well as trade and energy corridors.

    Can the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy answer the following:

    • 1.What view does she take of the fact that the EU is supporting, provocatively defending and providing funding worth EUR 2.5 billion – as announced by the President of the Commission – for the jihadist regime that is killing people in Syria and committing horrific crimes and atrocities against the Syrian people, children, religious and ethnic minorities and political opponents?
    • 2.What view does she take of the fact that the EU and national governments, such as that of Greece, are complicit in promoting the partition of Syria and the persecution of its people?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Infringement procedure against Italy – honorary judges’ working conditions – E-001154/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001154/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Lupo (S&D)

    On 3 October 2024, the Commission announced crucial decisions for action against Italy in its October infringements package. In particular, the Commission invited the country to comply with EU law concerning the working conditions of honorary judges. The Commission had already sent a reasoned opinion in July 2023 but Italy had not provided adequate responses or taken corrective measures.

    The Commission then issued a supplementary reasoned opinion, highlighting the failure of Italian legislation to align with EU labour law. Various categories of honorary judges, considered volunteers, do not enjoy ‘worker’ status, suffering from unfavourable treatment compared to their professional counterparts regarding sickness, injury, maternity and remuneration. Despite the planned legislative changes, Italy has not presented plans to address the situation of honorary judges appointed after 15 August 2017.

    The Commission initiated the infringement procedure in July 2021 and Italy now has two months to respond. This prompts the following questions:

    • 1.What does the Commission intend to do to address Italy’s failure to implement the relevant directives?
    • 2.What guarantees and tools can the Commission use to overcome the Italian Government’s inaction?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU harmonisation and scope for national bans on PFAS – E-001152/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001152/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Per Clausen (The Left)

    During structured dialogue in the Parliament on 18 March, Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné spoke about the need for harmonisation and regulatory simplification in the EU.

    One of the questions raised, which, however, the Commissioner did not answer during the dialogue, concerned how the harmonisation strategy can affect the scope for countries to be groundbreakers in the EU.

    Therefore:

    How will the campaign to bring about harmonisation affect the scope for individual countries to take the lead and, for instance, introduce more far-reaching bans on PFAS than the EU currently has in place? How, specifically, will it be ensured that increased use of harmonisation will not mean that EU countries have to relax the rules and bans they already have in place on hazardous chemicals? What is the Commission specifically doing to learn from countries that provide more extensive protection against hazardous chemicals than there is at EU level?

    Submitted: 19.3.2025

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Webb Sees Galaxy Mysteriously Clearing Fog of Early Universe

    Source: NASA

    Using the unique infrared sensitivity of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, researchers can examine ancient galaxies to probe secrets of the early universe. Now, an international team of astronomers has identified bright hydrogen emission from a galaxy in an unexpectedly early time in the universe’s history. The surprise finding is challenging researchers to explain how this light could have pierced the thick fog of neutral hydrogen that filled space at that time.
    The Webb telescope discovered the incredibly distant galaxy JADES-GS-z13-1, observed to exist just 330 million years after the big bang, in images taken by Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) as part of the James Webb Space Telescope Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES). Researchers used the galaxy’s brightness in different infrared filters to estimate its redshift, which measures a galaxy’s distance from Earth based on how its light has been stretched out during its journey through expanding space.

    The NIRCam imaging yielded an initial redshift estimate of 12.9. Seeking to confirm its extreme redshift, an international team lead by Joris Witstok of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, as well as the Cosmic Dawn Center and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, then observed the galaxy using Webb’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph instrument.
    In the resulting spectrum, the redshift was confirmed to be 13.0. This equates to a galaxy seen just 330 million years after the big bang, a small fraction of the universe’s present age of 13.8 billion years old. But an unexpected feature stood out as well: one specific, distinctly bright wavelength of light, known as Lyman-alpha emission, radiated by hydrogen atoms. This emission was far stronger than astronomers thought possible at this early stage in the universe’s development.
    “The early universe was bathed in a thick fog of neutral hydrogen,” explained Roberto Maiolino, a team member from the University of Cambridge and University College London. “Most of this haze was lifted in a process called reionization, which was completed about one billion years after the big bang. GS-z13-1 is seen when the universe was only 330 million years old, yet it shows a surprisingly clear, telltale signature of Lyman-alpha emission that can only be seen once the surrounding fog has fully lifted. This result was totally unexpected by theories of early galaxy formation and has caught astronomers by surprise.”

    Before and during the era of reionization, the immense amounts of neutral hydrogen fog surrounding galaxies blocked any energetic ultraviolet light they emitted, much like the filtering effect of colored glass. Until enough stars had formed and were able to ionize the hydrogen gas, no such light — including Lyman-alpha emission — could escape from these fledgling galaxies to reach Earth. The confirmation of Lyman-alpha radiation from this galaxy, therefore, has great implications for our understanding of the early universe.
    “We really shouldn’t have found a galaxy like this, given our understanding of the way the universe has evolved,” said Kevin Hainline, a team member from the University of Arizona. “We could think of the early universe as shrouded with a thick fog that would make it exceedingly difficult to find even powerful lighthouses peeking through, yet here we see the beam of light from this galaxy piercing the veil. This fascinating emission line has huge ramifications for how and when the universe reionized.”
    The source of the Lyman-alpha radiation from this galaxy is not yet known, but it may include the first light from the earliest generation of stars to form in the universe.
    “The large bubble of ionized hydrogen surrounding this galaxy might have been created by a peculiar population of stars — much more massive, hotter, and more luminous than stars formed at later epochs, and possibly representative of the first generation of stars,” said Witstok. A powerful active galactic nucleus, driven by one of the first supermassive black holes, is another possibility identified by the team.
    This research was published Wednesday in the journal Nature.
    The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
    Downloads
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    View/Download all image products at all resolutions for this article from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
    View/Download the research results from the journal Nature.

    Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.govNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
    Bethany Downer – Bethany.Downer@esawebb.orgESA/Webb, Baltimore, Md.
    Christine Pulliam – cpulliam@stsci.eduSpace Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.

    Read more about cosmic history, the early universe, and cosmic reionization.
    Article: Learn about what Webb has revealed about galaxies through time.
    Video: How Webb reveals the first galaxies
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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Snail, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CULVER CITY, Calif., March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNAL) (“Snail” or “the Company”), a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Highlights

    • ARK: Survival Ascended. On October 25, 2023, the Company launched its flagship remake of the ARK franchise leveraging Unreal Engine 5’s stunning graphics and introduced a game-altering cross-platform modding system, ushering in a new era of creativity.
      • ARK: Survival Ascended was ranked the top #1 selling game on Steam on launch day.  
      • Since its launch, ARK: Survival Ascended sold 3.4 million units and has an average of 94,000 daily active users (“DAUs”) with a peak of 308,000 DAUs.
    • ARK: Survival Evolved. In the three months and year ended December 31, 2024, ARK: Survival Evolved averaged a total of 136,000 DAUs and 135,000 DAUs, respectively.
      • ARK: Survival Evolved units sold were approximately 621,000 for the fourth quarter 2024 as compared to 745,000 units during the same period in 2023.  
      • Units sold for the year ended December 31, 2024 were approximately 2.3 million, as compared to 4.4 million units during the year ended December 31, 2023.
    • Product and Business Updates:
      • Game portfolio expansion: In December 2024, we released the highly anticipated next-gen ARK mobile game, ARK Ultimate Mobile Edition on iOS and Android platforms. In the launch month, over 2 million users downloaded the mobile game across the two mobile platforms. In an effort to further broaden our game portfolio, we acquired eleven games through our gaming network and partners in 2024. We expect to release nine acquired games in 2025. A few notable titles include Honeycomb: The World Beyond – A sci-fi survival adventure where players assume the role of a bioengineer navigating the mysterious planet Sota7, Echoes of Elysium – an airship survival RPG set in a breathtaking procedural world of mystery and discovery, and Robots at Midnight – a retro-futuristic action-RPG aiming to captivate players with its dynamic gameplay and immersive storytelling.
      • New Product Segment: To bring more entertainment to our users, we have soft launched a short film mobile application on iOS and Android platforms. The short film mobile application, SaltyTV, brings exclusive, original stories from heart-racing thrillers to jaw-dropping romances to our viewers. We have released thirty-one short film dramas to date and expect a consistent roll out of new short film dramas throughout 2025 and beyond.    
      • Growing Indie Portfolio: Snail Games showcased its expanding indie catalog at Steam Scream Fest, featuring a variety of immersive and genre-diverse titles that enhance player engagement and reinforce the company’s presence in the indie gaming space.

    Net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $26.2 million as compared to $28.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in revenues during the three months ended December 31, 2024 was due to a reduction in sales of ARK that was partially offset by the recognition of deferred revenues upon the release of ARK: Survival Ascended DLC’s.

    Net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $84.5 million, an increase of $23.6 million, or 38.7%, compared to $60.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in net revenues was due to an increase in recognition of deferred revenues of $32.2 million related to the ARK franchise, an increase in Bellwright sales of $5.9 million, partially offset by a decrease in total ARK sales of $13.0 million, a decrease in ARK Mobile sales of $1.0 million and a decrease in the Company’s other titles of $0.7 million.

    Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $1.1 million compared to a net income of $2.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net income is a result of increased research and development costs of $3.0 million to support our future game releases partially offset by an increase in gross profit of $1.4 million, a decrease in advertising and marketing expenses of $0.9 million and an increase in expenses related to the revaluation of outstanding and exercised warrants of $1.5 million.

    Net income was $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to a net loss of $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing an increase of $10.9 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net revenue of $23.6 million, decreased general and administrative expenses of $2.9 million, partially offset by increased research and development costs of $6.5 million, increased costs of revenues of $5.9 million, a decrease in income tax benefit of $3.0 million and an increase in expenses related to the revaluation of outstanding and exercised warrants of $1.2 million..

    Bookings for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $17.0 million as compared to $52.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was due to the strong release of ARK: Survival Ascended on the Steam, PlayStation and Xbox platforms in 2023.

    Bookings for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $75.7 million as compared to $85.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was due to increased sales at a higher average selling price (“ASP”) driven by the release of ARK: Survival Ascended in the fourth quarter of 2023. The releases of Bobs Tall Tales and Bellwright along with the ARK: Survival Ascended DLCs, Scorched Earth in April 2024, Aberration in September 2024 and Extinction in December 2024 partially offset the decrease in unit sales in 2024 but each product release was at a lower ASP than the initial release of ARK: Survival Ascended.

    Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the three months ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $2.0 million, or 55.6%, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in net income of $1.3 million, a decrease in interest expense and interest expense – related parties of $0.4 million, and a decrease in provision for income taxes of $0.3 million.

    EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $3.2 million as compared to a loss of $9.7 million in the prior year period. EBITDA increased by $12.9 million, or 133.4%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily because of an increase in net income of $10.9 million and a decrease in the benefit from income taxes of $3.0 million, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense and interest expense – related parties of $0.8 million.

    As of December 31, 2024, unrestricted cash was $7.3 million versus $15.2 million as of December 31, 2023.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In addition to the financial results determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, Snail believes Bookings and EBITDA, as non-GAAP measures, are useful in evaluating its operating performance. Bookings and EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures that are presented as supplemental disclosures and should not be construed as alternatives to net income (loss) or revenue as indicators of operating performance, nor as alternatives to cash flow provided by operating activities as measures of liquidity, both as determined in accordance with GAAP. Snail supplementally presents Bookings and EBITDA because they are key operating measures used by management to assess financial performance. Bookings adjusts for the impact of deferrals and, Snail believes, provides a useful indicator of sales in a given period. EBITDA adjusts for items that Snail believes do not reflect the ongoing operating performance of its business, such as certain non-cash items, unusual or infrequent items or items that change from period to period without any material relevance to its operating performance. Management believes Bookings and EBITDA are useful to investors and analysts in highlighting trends in Snail’s operating performance, while other measures can differ significantly depending on long-term strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which Snail operates and capital investments.

    Bookings is defined as the net amount of products and services sold digitally or physically in the period. Bookings is equal to revenues, excluding the impact from deferrals. Below is a reconciliation of total net revenue to Bookings, the closest GAAP financial measure.

        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Fiscal Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (in millions)  
    Total net revenue   $ 26.2     $ 28.6     $ 84.5     $ 60.9  
    Change in deferred net revenue     (9.2 )     24.0       (8.8 )     24.8  
    Bookings   $ 17.0     $ 52.6     $ 75.7     $ 85.7  

    We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before (i) interest expense, (ii) interest income, (iii) income tax provision (benefit from) and (iv) depreciation expense. The following table provides a reconciliation from net income (loss) to EBITDA:

        Three Months Ended
    December 31,
        Fiscal Year Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
        (in millions)  
    Net income (loss)   $ 1.1     $ 2.4     $ 1.8     $ (9.1 )
    Interest income and interest income – related parties     (0.1 )           (0.3 )     (0.1 )
    Interest expense and interest expense – related parties     0.1       0.5       0.7       1.5  
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     0.3       0.6       0.6       (2.4 )
    Depreciation expense     0.2       0.1       0.4       0.4  
    EBITDA   $ 1.6     $ 3.6     $ 3.2     $ (9.7 )

    Webcast Details

    The Company will host a webcast at 4:30 PM ET today to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results. Participants may access the live webcast and replay on the Company’s investor relations website at https://investor.snail.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Snail’s intent, belief or current expectations. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of Snail’s business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, plans and objectives. The statements Snail makes regarding the following matters are forward-looking by their nature: growth prospects and strategies; launching new games and additional functionality to games that are commercially successful; expectations regarding significant drivers of future growth; its ability to retain and increase its player base and develop new video games and enhance existing games; competition from companies in a number of industries, including other casual game developers and publishers and both large and small, public and private Internet companies; its ability to attract and retain a qualified management team and other team members while controlling its labor costs; its relationships with third-party platforms such as Xbox Live and Game Pass, PlayStation Network, Steam, Epic Games Store, My Nintendo Store, the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store and the Amazon Appstore; the size of addressable markets, market share and market trends; its ability to successfully enter new markets and manage international expansion; protecting and developing its brand and intellectual property portfolio; costs associated with defending intellectual property infringement and other claims; future business development, results of operations and financial condition; the ongoing conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas, on its business and the global economy generally; rulings by courts or other governmental authorities; the Company’s current program to repurchase shares of its Class A common stock, including expectations regarding the timing and manner of repurchases made under this share repurchase program; its plans to pursue and successfully integrate strategic acquisitions; and assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

    Further information on risks, uncertainties and other factors that could affect Snail’s financial results are included in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) from time to time, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. You should not rely on these forward-looking statements, as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of such risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to Snail, and Snail does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    About Snail, Inc.

    Snail is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs and mobile devices.

    For additional information, please contact: investors@snail.com 

     
    Snail, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
        December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
                 
    ASSETS                
                     
    Current Assets:                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 7,303,944     $ 15,198,123  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowances for credit losses of $523,500 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023     9,814,822       25,134,808  
    Accounts receivable – related party     2,336,274        
    Loan and interest receivable – related party     105,759       103,753  
    Prepaid expenses – related party     2,521,291       6,044,404  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,846,024       639,693  
    Prepaid taxes     7,318,424       9,529,755  
    Total current assets     31,246,538       56,650,536  
                     
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents     935,000       1,116,196  
    Accounts receivable – related party, net of current portion     1,500,592       7,500,592  
    Prepaid expenses – related party     9,378,594       7,784,062  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     4,378,352       4,682,066  
    Intangible assets, net     973,914       271,717  
    Deferred income taxes     10,817,112       10,247,500  
    Other noncurrent assets     1,683,932       164,170  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets, net     1,279,330       2,440,690  
    Total assets   $ 62,193,364     $ 90,857,529  
                     
    LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
                     
    Current Liabilities:                
    Accounts payable   $ 4,656,367     $ 12,102,929  
    Accounts payable – related parties     15,383,171       23,094,436  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     4,499,280       2,887,193  
    Interest payable – related parties     527,770       527,770  
    Revolving loan     3,000,000       6,000,000  
    Notes payable           2,333,333  
    Convertible notes, net of discount           797,361  
    Current portion of long-term promissory note     2,722,548       2,811,923  
    Current portion of deferred revenue     3,947,559       19,252,628  
    Current portion of operating lease liabilities     1,444,385       1,505,034  
    Total current liabilities     36,181,080       71,312,607  
                     
    Accrued expenses     265,251       254,731  
    Deferred revenue, net of current portion     21,519,888       15,064,078  
    Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion     57,983       1,425,494  
    Total liabilities     58,024,202       88,056,910  
                     
    Commitments and contingencies                
                     
    Stockholders’ Equity:                
    Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 9,626,070 shares issued and 8,275,795 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024, and 9,275,420 shares issued and 7,925,145 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023     962       927  
    Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,748,580 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.     2,875       2,875  
    Additional paid-in capital     25,738,082       26,171,575  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (279,457 )     (254,383 )
    Accumulated deficit     (12,117,385 )     (13,949,325 )
    Treasury stock at cost (1,350,275 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023)     (3,671,806 )     (3,671,806 )
    Total Snail, Inc. equity     9,673,271       8,299,863  
    Noncontrolling interests     (5,504,109 )     (5,499,244 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     4,169,162       2,800,619  
    Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and stockholders’ equity   $ 62,193,364     $ 90,857,529  
     
    Snail, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
     
        Three months ended
    December 31,
        Years Ended
    December 31,
     
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
                             
    Revenues, net   $ 26,214,296     $ 28,570,222     $ 84,467,047     $ 60,902,098  
    Cost of revenues     14,866,526       18,646,615       54,236,342       48,306,403  
                                     
    Gross profit     11,347,770       9,923,607       30,230,705       12,595,695  
                                     
    Operating expenses:                                
    General and administrative     3,943,985       3,900,961       12,867,210       15,816,088  
    Research and development     4,123,964       1,165,382       11,647,293       5,057,421  
    Advertising and marketing     192,235       1,094,146       1,523,398       1,582,464  
    Depreciation     68,420       86,222       303,714       432,306  
    Loss on disposal of fixed assets             427               427  
    Total operating expenses     8,328,604       6,247,138       26,341,615       22,888,706  
                                     
    Income (loss) from operations     3,019,166       3,676,469       3,889,090       (10,293,011 )
                                     
    Other income (expense):                                
    Interest income     35,451       31,443       260,679       129,854  
    Interest income – related parties     504       504       2,005       2,000  
    Interest expense     (88,776 )     (570,523 )     (723,038 )     (1,531,719 )
    Other income (expense)     (1,527,706 )     (55,351 )     (981,223 )     265,980  
    Foreign currency transaction loss     43,741       (42,574 )     11,686       (68,180 )
    Total other income (expense), net     (1,536,786 )     (636,501 )     (1,429,891 )     (1,202,065 )
                                     
    Income (loss) before benefit from income taxes     1,482,380       3,039,968       2,459,199       (11,495,076 )
                                     
    Provision for (benefit from) income taxes     362,623       643,728       632,124       (2,400,652 )
                                     
    Net income (loss)     1,119,757       2,396,240       1,827,075       (9,094,424 )
                                     
    Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests     (215 )     (1,128 )     (4,865 )     (8,349 )
                                     
    Net income (loss) attributable to Snail, Inc.   $ 1,119,972     $ 2,397,368     $ 1,831,940     $ (9,086,075 )
                                     
    Comprehensive income (loss) statement:                                
                                     
    Net income (loss)   $ 1,119,757     $ 2,396,240     $ 1,827,075     $ (9,094,424 )
                                     
    Other comprehensive income (loss) related to currency translation adjustments, net of tax     (48,600 )     33,302       (25,074 )     52,817  
                                     
    Total comprehensive income (loss)   $ 1,071,157     $ 2,429,542     $ 1,802,001     $ (9,041,607 )
                                     
    Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders:                                
    Basic   $ 248,176     $ 516,955     $ 400,576     $ (1,960,813 )
    Diluted   $ 248,176     $ 516,955     $ 400,576     $ (1,960,813 )
                                     
    Net income (loss) attributable to Class B common stockholders:                                
    Basic   $ 871,796     $ 1,880,413     $ 1,431,364     $ (7,125,262 )
    Diluted   $ 871,796     $ 1,880,413     $ 1,431,364     $ (7,125,262 )
                                     
    Net income (loss) per share attributable to Class A and B common stockholders:                                
    Basic   $ 0.03     $ 0.07     $ 0.05     $ (0.25 )
    Diluted   $ 0.03     $ 0.07     $ 0.05     $ (0.25 )
                                     
    Weighted-average shares used to compute income (loss) per share attributable to Class A common stockholders:                                
    Basic     8,183,918       7,914,564       8,045,469       7,909,715  
    Diluted     8,183,918       7,914,564       8,045,469       7,909,715  
                                     
    Weighted-average shares used to compute income (loss) per share attributable to Class B common stockholders:                                
    Basic     28,748,580       28,748,580       28,748,580       28,748,580  
    Diluted     28,748,580       28,748,580       28,748,580       28,748,580  
     
    Snail, Inc. and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
     
    For the years ended December 31,   2024     2023  
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities:                
    Net income (loss)   $ 1,827,075     $ (9,094,424 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                
    Amortization – intangible assets, net     7,804       1,384,862  
    Amortization – loan origination fees and debt discounts     62,855       124,595  
    Accretion – convertible notes     222,628       306,664  
    Loss on change in fair value of warrant liabilities     1,332,815       32,883  
    Depreciation – property and equipment     303,714       432,306  
    Stock-based compensation expense     (890,208 )     848,035  
    Loss (gain) on disposal of fixed assets           427  
    Credit losses           581,498  
    Deferred taxes, net     (569,601 )     (2,644,964 )
                     
    Changes in assets and liabilities:                
    Accounts receivable     15,319,987       (18,939,465 )
    Accounts receivable – related party     3,663,726       3,824,775  
    Prepaid expenses – related party     1,928,581       (8,245,966 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (1,206,331 )     501,104  
    Prepaid taxes     2,211,331        
    Other noncurrent assets     (1,523,065 )      
    Accounts payable     (7,183,648 )     2,992,856  
    Accounts payable – related parties     (8,001,265 )     3,176,177  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     46,542       626,764  
    Interest receivable – related party     (2,005 )     (2,000 )
    Lease liabilities     (266,800 )     (205,520 )
    Deferred revenue     (8,849,259 )     24,765,261  
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (1,565,124 )     465,868  
                     
    Cash flows from financing activities:                
    Repayments on promissory note     (89,374 )     (79,897 )
    Repayments on notes payable     (2,333,333 )     (6,500,000 )
    Repayments on convertible notes     (1,020,000 )      
    Repayments on revolving loan     (3,000,000 )     (3,000,000 )
    Borrowings on notes payable           3,000,000  
    Cash proceeds from exercise of warrants     220,000        
    Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes           847,500  
    Refund of dividend withholding tax overpayment           1,886,600  
    Purchase of treasury stock           (257,093 )
    Payments of offering costs in accounts payable     (262,914 )     (342,318 )
    Release of restricted escrow deposit           1,003,804  
    Net cash used in financing activities     (6,485,621 )     (3,441,404 )
                     
    Effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents     (24,630 )     51,670  
                     
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents     (8,075,375 )     (2,923,866 )
                     
    Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period     16,314,319       19,238,185  
                     
    Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash equivalents – end of period   $ 8,238,944     $ 16,314,319  
                     
    Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information                
    Cash paid during the period for:                
    Interest   $ 467,188     $ 934,523  
    Income taxes   $ (1,100,302 )   $ 248,388  
    Noncash finance and investing activity during the period for:                
    Debt converted to equity   $ (60,000 )   $  
    Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for a lease liability   $ (85,588 )        
    Liabilities converted to equity upon exercise of warrants   $ 176,750          
    Acquisition of software in accounts payable – related parties   $ 290,000     $  
    Acquisition of license rights in accrued expenses and other liabilities   $ 420,000     $  
    Issuance of warrants in connection with equity line of credit   $     $ (105,411 )

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Agriculture Committee adopts two decisions to enhance transparency, notifications

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Agriculture Committee adopts two decisions to enhance transparency, notifications

    Tariff-Rate Quotas (TRQs) allow a specified quantity of a product to be imported at a lower tariff rate, while any quantity exceeding that limit is subject to higher tariffs.
    Triennial reviews of Nairobi and Bali decisions
    The Chair announced that members successfully concluded the third triennial review of the Nairobi Decision on Export Competition in December 2024 through a written procedure. The outcome package includes the Review Report (G/AG/39 ) and a decision on a comprehensive export competition notification requirements and formats (G/AG/2/Add.2 ). This streamlines the relevant notification requirements adopted in 1995 (G/AG/2 ) and integrates the export competition questionnaire (ECQ) from the Nairobi Decision. She thanked members for their constructive engagement in reaching consensus.
    Members also adopted a key document on enhanced transparency of TRQ administration notifications (RD/AG/134/Rev.2)  in order to implement the Bali Decision on Tariff Rate Quota administration. Members hailed the successful adoption of the decision on TRQ notifications (G/AG/2/Add.3), recognizing it as the culmination of months of hard work and productive dialogue.
    Members also launched discussions on the second triennial review of the operation of the Bali Decision and shared their expectations of the review.
    Updates on agricultural market developments, food security
    Members heard updated reports from the World Food Programme(WFP), the International Grains Council (IGC) and the World Bank on the latest developments in food security and agriculture. The organizations were invited to the Committee to share information and experiences as a follow-up to  the report and recommendations of the work programme undertaken pursuant to the MC12 declaration on food insecurity.
    The WFP warned that the world is entering a period of high uncertainty, marked by a worsening global food security crisis and humanitarian funding cuts. It estimated that 343 million people suffered from acute food insecurity across 74 countries in 2024 — nearly 200 million more than pre-pandemic levels.
    The WFP stressed that conflict remains the primary driver of food insecurity in war zones, including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza and Somalia. Other factors, such as climate change, economic instability, rising food prices and currency depreciation, continue to affect food supply in developing economies.
    The WFP urged governments to find political solutions to end conflicts, strengthen food systems and enhance support for local economies. It also called for governments to secure funding to protect vulnerable populations and build community food resilience.
    The IGC projected record grain production and a global rebound in grain trade in 2025–26, driven by strong demand from Asia and Africa, as well as other positive market trends. The IGC also outlined its ongoing efforts to improve and standardize trade statistics for rice through better classification of rice types in global trade. It has also developed a dashboard for net food-importing countries to track market changes and refine food security strategies.
    The World Bank echoed concerns raised by the WFP and IGC, stating that acute food insecurity remains at record levels, with an estimated 713–757 million people undernourished. It introduced its Global Challenge Program on Food and Nutrition Security, which includes early warning systems, cross-sectoral approaches to nutrition, and improved access to climate finance for smallholders.
    The World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to nutrition security, emphasizing its alignment with global efforts such as the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris and its integration of nutrition objectives across health, agriculture and social protection investments.
    Members thanked the international organizations for their updates. Some highlighted concerns over food insecurity in least developed countries (LDCs) and net food-importing developing countries (NFIDCs), citing conflict, climate change and high import dependency as key challenges. Others emphasized the need for greater financial support for food and climate resilience while urging the WTO to address the root causes of food insecurity through further agricultural reforms.
    Members also discussed follow-up to Food Security Work Programme recommendations (G/AG/38) from the 12th Ministerial Conference. The Chair commended members’ efforts in implementing some of these recommendations within the Committee and the Working Group on Trade, Debt and Finance. Some members stressed the need to turn recommendations into concrete actions, including informal dedicated workshops to share experiences.
    Review of the NFIDC list 
    Divergences remain on the annual review of the NFIDCs list, which is undertaken annually in the Committee’s March meeting. Some members favoured a data-based review exercise requiring NFIDCs to present updated statistics, whereas some others saw no basis to submit such data by NFIDCs beyond their inclusion in the list.
    The discussion concluded without a common understanding of whether the annual review had been accomplished. Some members called for continued discussions in subsequent meetings, while others opposed extending talks beyond the annual March meeting. At the same time, members agreed that the current list (G/AG/5/Rev.12) remains valid unless consensus dictates otherwise.
    Review of agricultural policies
    A total of 208 questions were raised by members concerning individual notifications and specific implementation matters during the meeting. This peer review process allows members to address issues related to the implementation of commitments outlined in the Agreement on Agriculture. Of these, 31 issues were raised for the first time, while 15 were recurring matters from previous Committee meetings.
    The 31 new items covered a range of topics, including Australia’s food and fibre program, Brazil’s rural initiative, Canada’s multiple farm and dairy support programs, and the European Union’s tariffs on Russian agri-food imports. Other topics included India’s sugar support and tariff changes on Bourbon whiskey, Indonesia’s various farm support policies, and Japan’s support for CO₂ reduction and fertilizer procurement. Members also reviewed Paraguay’s financial assistance to farmers, Switzerland’s farm payments, Thailand’s debt relief measures and rice support, Türkiye’s tax and pricing systems, the United Kingdom’s productivity-boosting scheme, and the United States’ applied tariffs and multiple farm support programs.
    Since the previous meeting in November 2024, a total of 110 individual notifications have been submitted to the Committee, covering market access, domestic support, export competition and notifications in the context of the NFIDC Decision. The majority of these notifications — 45 in total — pertain to export competition.
    The Chair urged members to submit timely and complete notifications and to respond to overdue questions, stressing the critical importance of enhanced transparency.
    All questions submitted for the meeting are available in G/AG/W/252. All questions and replies received are available in the WTO’s Agriculture Information Management System (AG IMS).
    Technology transfer
    The Chair reported productive discussions at an informal meeting on 13 February regarding guidance on how to pursue further discussions on technology transfer in 2025.
    Some members expressed interest in shifting discussions from experience-sharing to the WTO framework of rules and its role in promoting agricultural innovations and technologies. While they acknowledged that the Agreement on Agriculture provides a clear policy and legal basis for agricultural technology transfer — essential for improving food security and rural development — barriers remain in accessing these technologies, highlighting the need for affordable innovations. To address these challenges, these members suggested future seminars to discuss both policy considerations under the Agreement on Agriculture and practical country case studies.
    Some members also emphasized the need for the Committee to further explore sustainable agriculture, with a focus on practical, expert-led discussions. One suggestion was to highlight the importance of capacity building in developing economies, supported by strengthened collaboration with regional research centres.
    The Chair noted the need to continue discussions on this agenda item at the next meeting, which will help the incoming Chair plan future work.
    Other business
    The Chair said that the election of the new Chair will be considered at the June meeting, as the consultation process is still ongoing.
    The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) briefly introduced its 2025 work plan (G/AG/GEN/248). In close cooperation with the WTO, the IICA will organize a seminar in Paraguay in the second half of the year to train government officials from the region on improving their notification capacity and negotiation skills.
    Next meeting
    The next meeting of the Committee on Agriculture is scheduled for 23-24 June 2025.

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The ImaSpiiR-X consortium receives support from France 2030 to improve the management of cancer and cardiovascular diseases through medical imaging

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: The ImaSpiiR-X consortium receives support from France 2030 to improve the management of cancer and cardiovascular diseases through medical imaging

    France 2030 has announced its support for the ImaSpiiR-X consortium, providing €18.2 million in funding over 60 months to move from black-and-white X-ray medical imaging (which displays only tissue density) to full-colour spectral imaging (capable of identifying tissue composition). To achieve this, the consortium will develop next-generation flat-panel detectors that will provide enriched digital radiographic images, along with advanced analysis algorithms.

    ImaSpiiR-X will help physicians in real time to perform more comprehensive and accurate diagnoses, better guide their procedures with the assistance of an advanced imaging system, and therefore save precious minutes in patient care. This is particularly crucial for certain critical conditions such as strokes (cerebrovascular accidents), during which two million neurons are lost every minute. Strokes are the leading cause of disability and the third-leading cause of death in France.

    ImaSpiiR-X brings together key national players from industry and academia: Trixell, the project coordinator, CEA, Thales, Pyxalis, and Claude Bernard University Lyon 1. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region within the world-class competitiveness clusters of Minalogic and Lyonbiopôle, they complement each other by providing the necessary expertise in materials, semiconductors, electronics, and algorithms, with breakthrough technologies serving the medical community. These five partners will oversee the technological development of the project, preclinical validations, and industrial optimisation for the commercialisation of spectral flat-panel detectors. They will also rely on a team of international medical experts.

    This project will strengthen the French ecosystem, a global leader in interventional radiology and real-time image-guided surgery, while improving the quality of care provided to patients. The flat-panel detectors resulting from this collaboration will be manufactured in France, with the majority of supplies sourced from more than 200 French suppliers.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Leaders must unite to resist all who undermine the international legal order, in Ukraine and beyond

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Speaking ahead of Thursday’s summit in Paris, where a coalition of states bringing together leaders across Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Türkiye will discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:

    “As European and other leaders come together to affirm their determination to defend Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression, Amnesty International calls on them to prioritize justice for Ukraine and center their proposals on human rights protection for all.  

    “Russia has perpetrated all manner of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including deadly deliberate airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the torture and enforced disappearance of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war, and executions and killings of individuals in Russian captivity. It has also overseen the forcible transfer of children to Russia, the suppression of non-Russian identities and a campaign of harassment and intimidation to ensure compliance with Russian authorities in Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories.

    “We urge leaders at the summit to do all within their power and authority to put a stop to these heinous crimes, protect the people of Ukraine and uphold their rights to justice, accountability, and reparation. We call on the leaders to ensure that those most impacted by Russia’s war of aggression have their voices heard and their needs met.

    By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

    “As the people of Ukraine and many others caught up in the world’s conflicts demonstrate daily, justice and freedom from oppression are secured though resistance that upholds human rights, shared values and a clear-minded vision for a better, more just future.

    “The coalition of European and other states must recognize that their stand for Ukraine is grounded on a broader vision: a vision for the freedom and human security of Ukrainians and all people the world over; a vision grounded in the promise of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today’s leaders must defend those standards steadfastly, without fear or favour.

    “In this instance, it is the Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin that are the aggressors. But many world leaders, from Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump to Xi Jinping and Nayib Bukele, are actively undermining the international rule of law. We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe – and many of them finding comfort in Presidents Putin and Trump’s shared disdain for international law and willingness to sacrifice justice and victims’ rights.

    “European Leaders in particular must be alert to this ominous trend. They must reject the double standards that have become the hallmark of European international policy, painfully evident in its failure to protect the people of Gaza from Israel’s genocide. By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    “Instead, Europe must build a different, broader and much stronger international coalition – one capable of withstanding not only Russia’s belligerent ambitions, but also of protecting human rights, and the multilateral and international legal order. Supporting Ukraine demands that they hold all governments to the same standards they apply to Russia. It demands too that they enforce the arms embargo to Sudan and rectify all instances of double standards. Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive the European leaders’ position of any international credibility.”

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Leaders at Paris summit urged to defend international rule of law ‘without fear or favour’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Leaders from Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Türkiye to meet tomorrow in Paris

    The coalition will discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression

    Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive European leaders’ position of any international credibility

    ‘We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe’ – Agnès Callamard

    Speaking ahead of Thursday’s summit in Paris, where a coalition of states bringing together global leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and defense against Russian aggression, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “As European and other leaders come together to affirm their determination to defend Ukraine against Russia’s war of aggression, Amnesty International calls on them to prioritise justice for Ukraine and center their proposals on human rights protection for all.  

    “Russia has perpetrated all manner of war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, including deadly deliberate airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the torture and enforced disappearance of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war, and executions and killings of individuals in Russian captivity. It has also overseen the forcible transfer of children to Russia, the suppression of non-Russian identities and a campaign of harassment and intimidation to ensure compliance with Russian authorities in Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories.

    “We urge leaders at the summit to do all within their power and authority to put a stop to these heinous crimes, protect the people of Ukraine and uphold their rights to justice, accountability, and reparation. We call on the leaders to ensure that those most impacted by Russia’s war of aggression have their voices heard and their needs met.

    “The coalition of European and other states must recognise that their stand for Ukraine is grounded on a broader vision: a vision for the freedom and human security of Ukrainians and all people the world over; a vision grounded in the promise of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today’s leaders must defend those standards steadfastly, without fear or favour.

    “In this instance, it is the Russian authorities and Vladimir Putin that are the aggressors. But many world leaders, from Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump to Xi Jinping and Nayib Bukele, are actively undermining the international rule of law. We watch with alarm as increasingly authoritarian leaders are rising to power across the globe – and many of them finding comfort in Presidents Putin and Trump’s shared disdain for international law and willingness to sacrifice justice and victims’ rights.

    “European Leaders must reject the double standards that have become the hallmark of European international policy, painfully evident in its failure to protect the people of Gaza from Israel’s genocide. By failing to enforce international law anywhere, Europe’s leaders help weaken it everywhere.

    “Europe must build a different, broader and much stronger international coalition – one capable of withstanding not only Russia’s belligerent ambitions, but also of protecting human rights, and the multilateral and international legal order. Supporting Ukraine demands that they hold all governments to the same standards they apply to Russia. It demands too that they enforce the arms embargo to Sudan and rectify all instances of double standards. Persisting with a selective, inconsistent approach to international law will deprive the European leaders’ position of any international credibility.”

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK The Speaker marks Women’s History Month in Speaker’s House.

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Earlier this month, the Speaker welcomed Members, House staff and special guests to Speaker’s House to mark Women’s History Month. They heard from Kirith Entwistle MP and Katie Lam MP as they honoured the history makers and trailblazers that were local to them.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQykjZ1HevU

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions and Spring Statement with British Sign Language (BSL) – 26 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Following PMQs, Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivers the Spring Statement in the House of Commons.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    X/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUIq5bbbp8M

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Spring Statement – 26 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivers the Spring Statement in the House of Commons.

    Watch PMQs and the Spring Statement with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/IUIq5bbbp8M

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YEezaqCgDk

    MIL OSI Video