NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI China: Roadshow in Milan highlights China Int’l Supply Chain Expo

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    David Doninotti, secretary general of the Italian Association of Foreign Trade, speaks during a roadshow of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Milan, Italy, on March 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A roadshow of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) was held Tuesday in Milan, Italy, with bilateral cooperation highlighted and cooperation agreements signed.

    More than 200 representatives from trade and investment promotion institutions, business associations and enterprises of China and Italy participated in the event.

    Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), noted the steady progress achieved in bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy 55 years ago.

    Ren also urged further collaboration in traditional sectors while expanding partnerships in emerging fields such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy.

    The Italian representatives emphasized the strong bilateral relations between Italy and China. Amid increasing geopolitical challenges and global economic uncertainties, they expect platforms like CISCE to help foster closer supply chain cooperation, contributing to the long-term development of China-Italy and China-Europe economic and trade relations.

    The third CISCE, scheduled on July 16-20 in Beijing, is expected to focus on supply chains of advanced manufacturing, clean energy, smart vehicles, digital technology, healthy life and green agriculture. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Enerflex Ltd. Announces Leadership Transition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARC ROSSITER STEPS DOWN AS PRESIDENT, CEO, AND DIRECTOR

    PREET DHINDSA NAMED INTERIM CEO

    REAFFIRMS 2025 OUTLOOK AND CONCURRENTLY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF DIRECT SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

    CALGARY, Alberta, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enerflex Ltd. (TSX: EFX) (NYSE: EFXT) (“Enerflex” or the “Company”) today announced that Marc Rossiter has stepped down as President, CEO, and Director, effective immediately.

    Preet Dhindsa, Enerflex’s current Senior Vice President and CFO, will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dhindsa joined Enerflex in October 2023 and is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience, primarily in the energy and financial services industries.

    Joe Ladouceur, Vice President Treasury, Tax & Insurance, will serve as Interim CFO.

    The Board is undertaking a comprehensive search to identify the Company’s next CEO and has retained a leading executive search firm to assist with this process.

    Kevin Reinhart, Chair of the Board of Directors, stated, “As we look to the future and position Enerflex to create shareholder value over the long-term, the Board decided that now is the right time to undertake a leadership transition. We thank Marc for his more than 25 years of dedicated service and commitment to Enerflex, including the last six years as CEO, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

    Mr. Rossiter said, “Leading Enerflex has been a true privilege, and I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished together to propel the business forward over the past six years. Thanks to the dedication of a talented team, Enerflex is well-positioned to build on its positive momentum and I believe the Company has a bright future.”

    Mr. Reinhart added, “Preet has been instrumental in Enerflex’s efforts to “Simplify, Optimize, and Grow” and we are fortunate to have him serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. With the support and collaboration of a deep bench of executive talent, we are confident in Preet’s ability to lead Enerflex in this interim period as we complete our search for a permanent CEO.

    Enerflex’s near-term priorities remain unchanged and include: (1) enhancing the profitability of core operations; (2) leveraging the Company’s leading position in core operating countries to capitalize on expected increases in natural gas and produced water volumes; and (3) maximizing free cash flow to further strengthen Enerflex’s financial position, provide direct shareholder returns, and invest in selective customer supported growth opportunities.”

    Mr. Dhindsa commented, “I am excited to continue working closely with the Board, management, and our colleagues across the Company. Our focus remains on generating sustainable free cash flow, further improving balance sheet health, and positioning the Company for long-term growth and value creation. With the Company operating within its target leverage range, Enerflex is positioned to increase direct shareholder returns, as reflected by (1) the previously announced 50% increase of the Company’s quarterly dividend and (2) today’s concurrent announcement of the Company’s intention to implement a normal course issuer bid.”

    OUTLOOK

    All amounts presented are in U.S. Dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise stated.

    Enerflex is reaffirming its outlook for 2025, which reflects:

    1. Steady demand across the Company’s business lines and geographic regions, although Enerflex continues to closely monitor geopolitical tensions across North America, including the potential impact of tariffs. Based on currently available information, the direct impact of tariffs on Enerflex’s business is expected to be mitigated by the Company’s diversified operations and proactive risk management.
    2. Approximately 65% of the Company’s gross margin before depreciation and amortization is generated by the highly contracted Energy Infrastructure product line and the recurring nature of its After-Market Services business.
    3. The expectation that Engineered Systems’ gross margin before depreciation and amortization will be more consistent with the historical long-term average for this business line and that near-term revenue is expected to remain steady.
    4. A disciplined capital program in 2025, with total capital expenditures of $110 million to $130 million. Growth capital spending of $40 million to $60 million will focus on customer supported opportunities in the US and Middle East.

    About Preet Dhindsa

    Since joining Enerflex, Preet has spearheaded several corporate initiatives including improving balance sheet health and enhancing the global finance function. Prior to joining Enerflex, Preet served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at ENMAX Corporation, a regulated utility with energy generation and retail lines of business. Prior thereto, Preet was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Global Banking & Markets (GBM), at Scotiabank, leading international finance teams. Preet began his career as a professional accountant with KPMG and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics & Statistics from Western University and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University. Preet is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Director.

    About Joe Ladouceur

    Prior to joining Enerflex, Joe served as President and CEO of Platinum Energy Services Ltd. until he successfully managed its sale in 2022. With over 30 years of experience in the finance and energy industries, Joe has held numerous executive leadership roles with Canadian E&P, energy services, and equipment fabrication companies. He began his career with Royal Bank of Canada and RBC Dominion Securities, where he was involved in corporate banking and global energy projects. Joe holds an Honors Business Administration degree with a major in finance from the Ivey Business School in London, Ontario, a Master of Business Administration from KU Leuven in Belgium, and an Honorary Fellowship from St. Mary’s University in Calgary.

    ADVISORY REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” (and together with “forward-looking information”, “FLI”) within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are FLI. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “future”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions, (including negatives thereof) are intended to identify FLI.

    In particular, this news release includes (without limitation) forward-looking information and statements pertaining to:

    • the Company’s near-term priorities and its positioning for long-term growth and value creation;
    • the CEO transition and the CEO search, including with respect to the time it will take to complete the CEO search and the impact the CEO search and the CEO transition may have on the Company and its operations;
    • the Company’s intention to implement a normal course issuer bid, the terms and conditions of such bid, the anticipated receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and the timing associated therewith;
    • disclosures under the heading “Outlook” including:
      • expectations for steady demand across the Company’s business lines and geographic regions;
      • the potential impact of tariffs and the expectation that such impact will be mitigated by the Company’s diversified operations and proactive risk management;
      • the highly contracted Energy Infrastructure product line and the recurring nature of After-Market Services will, together, account for approximately 65% of Enerflex’s gross margin before depreciation and amortization;
      • the expectation that Engineered Systems gross margin before depreciation and amortization will be more consistent with the historical long-term average for this business line and that near term revenue will remain steady;
      • total capital expenditures in 2025 being $110 million to $130 million with growth capital spending of $40 million to $60 million focused on customer supported opportunities in the US and Middle East; and
    • the ability of Enerflex to continue to pay a sustainable quarterly cash dividend.

    FLI reflects management’s current beliefs and assumptions with respect to such things as the impact of general economic conditions; commodity prices; the markets in which Enerflex’s products and services are used; general industry conditions, forecasts, and trends; changes to, and introduction of new, governmental regulations, laws, and income taxes; increased competition; availability of qualified personnel; political unrest and geopolitical conditions; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Enerflex. More specifically, Enerflex’s expectations in respect of its FLI are based on a number of assumptions, estimates and projections developed based on past experience and anticipated trends, including but not limited to:

    • Enerflex has the financial capacity, regulatory compliance, and board approval necessary to pursue a normal course issuer bid and that market conditions will support such a buyback program within the anticipated timeframe;
    • any tariffs imposed will have a manageable impact on our operations and cost structure and increased domestic energy production will offset any negative effects of such tariffs;
    • market dynamics, including increased energy demand, infrastructure development, and production activity, will drive growth in natural gas and produced water volumes across Enerflex’s core operating countries;
    • market conditions, customer activity, and industry fundamentals will support stable demand across our business lines and geographic regions throughout 2025;
    • the high level of contractual commitments within the Energy Infrastructure product line and the predictable, recurring revenue from After-Market Services will continue;
    • existing customer contracts within the Energy Infrastructure product line will remain in effect and with no material cancellations or renegotiations over their remaining terms;
    • Enerflex will maintain sufficient cash flow, profitability, and financial flexibility to support the ongoing payment of a sustainable quarterly cash dividend, subject to market conditions, operational performance, and board approval.

    As a result of the foregoing, actual results, performance, or achievements of Enerflex could differ and such differences could be material from those expressed in, or implied by, the FLI. The principal risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting Enerflex and its business are identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in: (i) Enerflex’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, dated February 27, 2025; and (ii) Enerflex’s Annual Report dated February 26, 2025, copies of which are available under the electronic profile of the Company on SEDAR+ and EDGAR at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov/edgar, respectively.

    The FLI included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are based on the information available to the Company at such time and, other than as required by law, Enerflex disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FLI, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This news release and its contents should not be construed, under any circumstances, as investment, tax, or legal advice.

    The outlook provided in this news release is based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on Management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available. The outlook is based on the same assumptions and risk factors set forth above and is based on the Company’s historical results of operations. The outlook set forth in this news release was approved by Management and the Board of Directors. Management believes that the prospective financial information set forth in this news release has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting Management’s best estimates and judgments, and represents the Company’s expected course of action in developing and executing its business strategy relating to its business operations. The prospective financial information set forth in this news release should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Actual results may vary, and such variance may be material.

    ABOUT ENERFLEX

    Enerflex is a premier integrated global provider of energy infrastructure and energy transition solutions, deploying natural gas, low-carbon, and treated water solutions – from individual, modularized products and services to integrated custom solutions. With over 4,600 engineers, manufacturers, technicians, and innovators, Enerflex is bound together by a shared vision: Transforming Energy for a Sustainable Future. The Company remains committed to the future of natural gas and the critical role it plays, while focused on sustainability offerings to support the energy transition and growing decarbonization efforts.

    Enerflex’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFX” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFXT”. For more information about Enerflex, visit www.enerflex.com.

    For investor and media enquiries, contact:

    Preet S. Dhindsa
    Interim Chief Executive Officer
    E-mail: PDhindsa@enerflex.com

    Jeff Fetterly
    Vice President, Corporate Development and Capital Markets
    E-mail: JFetterly@enerflex.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from the Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, March 19, 2025 – Today, Canada’s Deputy Clerk to the Privy Council, and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin, issued the following statement:

    “Today, I convened a meeting of G7 National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Ukraine to discuss the ongoing peace talks, and how G7 NSAs can support Ukraine now and moving forward, in discussions to end Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.

    “I welcomed the progress of the United States (U.S.) to advance a ceasefire, including recent discussions between Ukraine and the U.S. We discussed how a ceasefire must be respected, and robust and credible security arrangements are needed to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. The importance of economic and humanitarian support was also highlighted as important to promote the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

    “I reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine and that Russia must be held to account for their acts of aggression against Ukraine. I underscored that as part of Canada’s G7 presidency, Ukraine remains a priority as the G7 works together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong, and prosperous.

    “I look forward to remaining in close and regular contact with the G7 NSAs and Ukraine on this pressing issue. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: From Sydney Harbour to the Oscars: How the Galaxy S25 Series Launched Around the World

    Source: Samsung

    To introduce the Galaxy S25 series to the world, Samsung Electronics launched a series of bold and immersive marketing campaigns across key markets — each designed to showcase the flagship lineup’s AI-powered next-generation capabilities. From an interactive watercraft experience in Australia and a metro station rebrand in Chile to a laser show in Malaysia and an esports tournament in India, these activations brought the Galaxy S25 experience directly to consumers through dynamic and engaging events.
     
    Samsung Newsroom explores some of the standout campaigns that marked the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series worldwide.
     
     
    [Australia] Elevating Morning Commutes With the Galaxy Go Fleet
    
     
    In Australia, Samsung launched the Galaxy Go Fleet — a fleet of custom-branded watercraft that transformed daily commutes across Sydney Harbour and the Brisbane River into an interactive Galaxy S25 experience. Passengers on board had the opportunity to test key Galaxy AI features, including Now Brief and Audio Eraser, and experienced firsthand how the Galaxy S25 series helps them start and navigate their day with ease.
     
     
    [Peru] Introducing the Galaxy AI Train on Lima Metro’s Line 1

     

    View this post on Instagram

     
    A post shared by Samsung Perú (@samsungpe)

     
    Samsung Peru became the first tech company in Peru to rebrand a metro train by introducing the Galaxy AI Train on Lima Metro’s Line 1, a key transportation route serving over 500,000 passengers daily. In celebration of the Galaxy S25 series launch, passengers received exclusive metro cards and promotional goods — further enriching their unique transportation experience.
     
     
    [Chile] Transforming Tobalaba Metro Station and Illuminating Santiago’s Night Sky

     
    Samsung Chile made its mark in Santiago with two high-profile activations to celebrate the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. Tobalaba Metro Station, one of the city’s busiest transit hubs, was officially renamed “Galaxy AI” — immersing daily commuters in the Galaxy S25 experience.
     
    
     
    The celebrations continued with a spectacular drone light show where over 300 drones illuminated Santiago’s night sky with stunning visual arrangements alluding to Galaxy AI and the Galaxy S25 series. The synchronized performance mesmerized spectators, turning the city skyline into a dazzling tribute to Samsung’s latest mobile innovations.
     
     
    [United States] Bringing Stunt Action to the Oscars With Galaxy AI

     
    In the U.S., Samsung celebrated the Galaxy S25 Ultra during the 2025 Oscars with two high-energy ads featuring stunt performers — developed in collaboration with Disney Advertising, ArtClass Content, Empire Stunts, Kimmelot, Maximum Effort, More Media and Really Original. The campaign highlighted the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s advanced AI-powered video-editing capabilities such as Audio Eraser, a feature that removes unwanted background noise. By demonstrating how Galaxy AI enhances both professional filmmaking and everyday content creation, the initiative put stunt professionals in the spotlight — recognizing their contributions to the industry while showcasing Samsung’s state-of-the-art mobile technology.
     
     
    [United Kingdom] Celebrating Everyday Moments With a Personal Touch

     

    View this post on Instagram

     
    A post shared by Samsung UK (@samsunguk)

     
    Samsung U.K. embraced a more personal approach by highlighting how the Galaxy S25 Ultra enhances daily life. Through engaging social media content created in collaboration with Anaïs Gallagher and Molly Moorish-Gallagher, Samsung demonstrated the Auto Trim feature, which allows users to effortlessly edit their favorite video clips and even generate highlight reels. Additionally, the campaign illustrated how the Galaxy S25 Ultra, through the Now Brief feature, integrates itself into users’ bedtime routines by providing personalized updates and content — thereby helping them wind down more easily after a busy evening.
     
     
    [Malaysia] Lighting Up Kuala Lumpur With Fireworks and Laser Beams

     
    Samsung Malaysia celebrated the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series with spectacular fireworks and a laser show over the Merdeka 118 tower. In addition, Samsung hosted the Edit & Win contest — inviting participants to creatively edit a fireworks image using Galaxy AI’s many tools for a chance to win a Galaxy S25 Ultra.
     
     
    [Brazil] Capturing São Paulo From the Sky With the Galaxy S25 Ultra

     
    In Brazil, Samsung launched a unique experience at Sampa Sky, São Paulo’s highest observation deck accessible to the public. Suspended 150 meters above ground level, visitors had the opportunity to capture breathtaking views of the city skyline with unparalleled clarity and detail using the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200MP main camera and AI-enhanced 100x space zoom. The campaign also showcased Galaxy AI’s advanced editing tools, demonstrating how users can seamlessly refine and enhance their shots.
     
     
    [Italy] Pushing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Limit in the Dolomites
    
     
    Samsung Italy hosted the Galaxy Wintercamp in the Dolomites where nine athletes and creators spent three days pushing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to its limits in extreme alpine conditions. Participants used Now Brief to optimize their planning and employed the device’s 200MP camera and AI-enhanced photography tools to capture breathtaking ski descents, tricks and ice performances.
     
     
    [India] Taking Center Stage at the #PlayGalaxy Cup

     
    In India, Samsung hosted the third edition of the #PlayGalaxy Cup — one of the biggest esports events in the country. The tournament saw India’s top gamers compete against one another using the Galaxy S25 Ultra, allowing them to experience the device’s advanced display, next-level processing power and AI-driven gaming enhancements firsthand. Streamed live, the competition demonstrated how the Galaxy S25 series is designed to meet the demands of high-intensity gameplay while delivering a smooth, immersive experience.
     
     
    [Thailand] Bringing Star Power to the Launch in Bangkok

     
    Samsung Thailand celebrated the Galaxy S25 series launch with the Galaxy S25 | Here AI am Music Fest, a high-energy event featuring celebrities, influencers and fan activities. Attendees enjoyed interactive games with #TeamGalaxy stars and tested the latest Galaxy AI features. The night culminated in a blue carpet walk and an AI-powered concert where Galaxy AI helped curate the show with a blend of music, technology and entertainment.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump is ignoring the power of nationalism at his own peril

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney

    US President Donald Trump has exploited American nationalism as effectively as anyone in living memory. What sets him apart is his use of national humiliation as a political emotion. Any presidential candidate can talk their country up, but Trump knows how to talk his country down.

    Trump’s consistent message has been that American problems – trade deficits, job losses, illegal immigration, crime and even drug addiction – are the result of deliberate acts by other countries. The really humiliating part is that American politicians let it happen.

    Many Americans have welcomed Trump’s message that their country’s problems can be solved by reestablishing international dominance. They see this nationalist approach as an overdue corrective to the “globalist” foreign policies of the post-second world war era.

    But people in other countries also have feelings of national pride and aspire to be free from foreign domination. This should be obvious, but so far Trump is ignoring the power of nationalism in other countries even as he harnesses it in his own. This makes his foreign policy job a lot harder.

    How Canadians have rallied against Trump

    Take the example of Canada.

    When Trump was elected to his second term in November 2024, it seemed certain there would soon be a Canadian prime minister who was more aligned with him than Justin Trudeau. Trudeau’s unpopularity had dragged the Liberal Party down, and the populist Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre looked set to win the this year’s election.

    As he prepared for a trade war with Canada, Trump could have concentrated his fire on his enemies in the doomed Liberal government. Instead, he spent months insulting Canada’s national identity. He repeatedly said Canada should be the “51st state of the US”, calling Trudeau “governor”.

    Trump says ‘Canada was meant to be our 51st state’ in a Fox News interview.

    Americans can dismiss Trump’s talk of annexing Canada as a joke, but Canadians can’t. Regardless of whether Trump would ever follow through with attempting an annexation, his language is an attack on Canadian sovereignty. No one with any sense of national pride would tolerate it.

    An Angus Reid poll found the number of people saying they had a “deep emotional attachment” to Canada rose from 49% to 59% from December 2024 to February 2025. That emotional attachment is visible in everything from “buy Canadian” campaigns to Canadians booing the US national anthem at hockey games.

    The Liberals, under new leader Mark Carney, are also experiencing a remarkable bounce-back in the polls.

    Another Angus Reid poll shows that voting intention for the Liberals has surged from 16% in December to 42% now. They are now leading the Conservatives, who have 37% support. Some are now anticipating a snap election could be called in days.

    Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has sometimes been likened to Trump, has also led a ferocious pro-Canadian resistance to American tariffs, getting his own re-election boost.

    Trump’s defenders often claim his chaotic bluster is simply a negotiating tactic, a way of spooking others into accepting terms more favourable to him. If so, this tactic is backfiring in Canada.

    Trade wars require sacrifices. Citizens must pay more for the sake of protecting their countries’ industries. Canadians seem a lot more willing to make that sacrifice than Americans, who are mostly confused that their friendly neighbour has suddenly been recast as an enemy.

    The importance of national identity

    Other countries have shown they will not cave easily, either, as Trump puts their national identity at stake.

    Demanding to buy another country’s territory, as Trump keeps doing with Greenland, a self-governing territory under Danish control, may be even more insulting than threatening to take it, as he keeps doing with Panama. Each time Greenlanders, Danes and Panamanians refuse Trump, his credibility erodes further.

    Trump talks about the territory of other countries in terms of “real estate”, even suggesting the United States should “redevelop” Gaza after evicting the Palestinians.

    But sovereign land is not real estate. In a world of nation-states defined by territory, even sparsely inhabited territory has “sacred value”. This is particularly true for peoples seeking statehood on their land.

    “Sacred values” are things people see as non-negotiable because they are linked to their sense of identity and moral order in the world. Researchers warn that offering money in exchange for sacred values is deeply offensive, and likely to harm, rather than help, negotiations.

    There is a reason why governments hardly ever sell their territory to other countries anymore. Empires may have done in this in the past, but not nations. They view their lands, and the people who live on them, as inalienable from the nation.

    Trump clearly doesn’t understand this concept. He has shown no empathy for Ukraine, a country whose territory actually has been invaded. He accused Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy of wanting to prolong the war so he could “keep the gravy train going”, as if harvesting US aid dollars was the real reason Ukrainians were fighting for their country’s existence.

    Trump’s contempt for Ukraine, Canada, Greenland, Gaza, Denmark and Panama has reverberations far beyond these places. It signals that his brand of American nationalism has no place for anyone else’s national aspirations or sovereignty.

    This will not promote the deal-making Trump wants because no one trusts an unstable, imperial power to stick to its agreements. It would be painful for many countries to reduce their dependence on the United States, but it would be more painful to give away their national dignity.

    David Smith 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. Trump is ignoring the power of nationalism at his own peril – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-ignoring-the-power-of-nationalism-at-his-own-peril-252299

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Note to Correspondents: on US – Russia – Ukraine understandings

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General welcomes the announcements by President Donald Trump of the United States and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation regarding an energy infrastructure ceasefire, as well as negotiations towards implementing the initiative concerning the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. He also welcomes the announcement that President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine agreed on a partial ceasefire against energy and that technical teams will discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea.  These steps represent important confidence-building measures that can facilitate further discussions among all relevant actors towards de-escalation of the war. He hopes that it will pave the way for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that fully respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
     

    Reaching an agreement on safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, with security commitments, and in line with the UN Charter and international law would be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains. It would reflect the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets.
     
    The Secretary-General has consistently supported the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.
     
    The Secretary-General also remains closely engaged in the continued implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation on global food security.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Germany delivers 32 trucks to support aid convoy for Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Germany on Wednesday delivered 32 trucks to the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) to join its convoy for aid delivery to Gaza.

    JHCO Secretary-General Hussein Shibli thanked Germany for its continued support, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in delivering aid to those in urgent need.

    The German Embassy in Jordan, at the handover ceremony, said the Jordanian humanitarian corridor is a “lifeline” for Gaza and its residents, who are in dire need of assistance.

    Due to its strategic geographical position, Jordan has been playing a key role in facilitating the flow of aid into the besieged enclave.

    Additionally, the Jordan Armed Forces’ Royal Medical Services Directorate received the seventh batch of German medical aid, including treatments and equipment. German Ambassador Bertram von Moltke said Germany has supplied Jordanian field hospitals in Gaza with approximately 16 tonnes of medical supplies since 2023. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump, Zelensky agree to ‘partial ceasefire against energy’ in Ukraine

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The White House said U.S. President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone call on Wednesday agreed to “a partial ceasefire against energy” between Russia and Ukraine.

    The phone call came one day after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday in their phone talks that the peace in Ukraine “will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire” in Ukraine.

    U.S. and Ukraine’s “technical teams will meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss broadening the ceasefire to the Black Sea on the way to a full ceasefire” in Ukraine, said a statement signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

    Trump and Zelensky discussed the situation in Kursk and “agreed to share information closely between their defense staffs as the battlefield situation evolved,” said the statement.

    During the phone conversation, Zelensky asked for additional air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile systems, and “President Trump agreed to work with him to find what was available particularly in Europe,” said the statement.

    Trump also discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants with Zelensky and told the latter: “The United States could be very helpful in running those plants. American ownership of those plants would be the best protection for that infrastructure and support for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.”

    Zelensky wrote on X after speaking to Trump, “One of the first steps toward fully ending the war could be ending strikes on energy and other civilian infrastructure. I supported this step, and Ukraine confirmed that we are ready to implement it.”

    However, the White House statement on Wednesday did not mention that the partial ceasefire would apply to civilian infrastructure as Zelensky suggested.

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed at a press briefing later on Wednesday that all intelligence sharing between the United States and Ukraine will continue. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel expresses ‘sorrow’ over UN staffer’s death in Gaza, denies responsibility

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Israel on Wednesday expressed “sorrow” over the death of a Bulgarian United Nations staff member in strikes on UN guesthouses in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah but said an initial investigation found no Israeli involvement in the incident.

    The United Nations said the staffer, employed by the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), was killed when two UN facilities were hit. Five other personnel sustained serious injuries.

    Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein said a preliminary inquiry “found no connection” between Israeli military operations and the strike.

    “The circumstances of the incident are being investigated,” he said, adding that Israel facilitated the evacuation of the victim’s body and the wounded from the site.

    The injured would receive treatment in Israeli hospitals, he said in a post on social media platform X.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack as a violation of international law. “All UN premises’ locations are known to parties to the conflict, who are obligated to protect them,” a UN spokesperson said in a statement.

    Guterres extended condolences to the victim’s family, noting that the death brought the number of UN staff killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023 to at least 280.

    “These premises were well known by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and they were ‘deconflicted’,” UNOPS chief Jorge Moreira da Silva said, adding that it was clear UN personnel were inside at the time.

    “This was not an accident, this was an incident,” he told reporters, saying additional information was being gathered.

    Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military denied targeting the compounds. “Contrary to reports, the IDF did not target a UN facility in Deir al-Balah,” it said in a statement.

    The incident occurred as Israel renewed military operations in Gaza, which officials say are aimed at Hamas militants. Gaza health authorities reported more than 400 Palestinian deaths since Tuesday, including at least 170 children and 80 women, after Israel resumed strikes following a weeks-long ceasefire that began on Jan. 19.

    Israel’s military said the operations were intended to “eliminate Hamas threats” and would continue “until strategic objectives are achieved.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU unveils white paper on defense amid US uncertainty

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The European Commission on Wednesday introduced a comprehensive plan to enhance the European Union’s (EU) defense capabilities, aiming to bolster military readiness and reduce reliance on non-EU allies amid uncertainty over future U.S. support for NATO.

    “The security architecture that we relied on can no longer be taken for granted. Europe is ready to step up. We must invest in defense, strengthen our capabilities, and take a proactive approach to security,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.

    At the core of the plan is the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, and a defense package providing financial levers to EU member states for boosting investment in defense capabilities. These are part of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, the Commission said.

    The white paper outlines key priorities, including addressing critical defense gaps identified by EU member states and strengthening Europe’s defense industry through increased joint procurement efforts.

    It also emphasizes the need to increase military support for Ukraine and expand the EU-wide defense market by streamlining regulations to improve efficiency and cooperation. Currently, EU nations operate a wide array of different weapons systems, limiting interoperability and efficiency.

    As part of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, the Commission has set limits on fiscal flexibility for defense spending, capping financial deviations by EU member states at a maximum of 1.5 percent of GDP per year during the activation of the national escape clause, for a period of up to four years.

    Earlier this month, von der Leyen introduced an 800-billion-euro (874.64 billion U.S. dollars) plan to significantly boost defense spending across the bloc. The plan established a 150-billion-euro loan program to help EU countries invest jointly in critical military assets, with the Commission committed to mobilizing an additional 650 billion euros.

    EU leaders had agreed to activate the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact in a coordinated manner, which allows increased defense spending and provides immediate budgetary flexibility across member states.

    The new blueprint was unveiled ahead of a summit of EU government leaders, where European defense remains a top agenda topic. (1 euro = 1.09 U.S. dollars) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Push to Save Task Force Combating Threats to Election Officials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and 28 Democratic colleagues in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to continue the essential work of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Election Threats Task Force, which directs the Department’s efforts to protect election officials from rising threats and acts of violence.
    The senators’ letter comes as the Trump administration has significantly rolled back the federal government’s capacity to fight against foreign and domestic election security threats. On Attorney General Bondi’s first day in office, she disbanded the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Foreign Influence Task Force, hindering efforts to address secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries. Additionally, the administration has fired or put on leave dozens of officials responsible for combating foreign election interference at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and has reportedly frozen all of CISA’s ongoing election security work. The administration has also defunded CISA’s nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
    “Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections,” wrote the senators.
    “Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law,” they continued.
    In addition to Sens. Warner, Padilla, and Durbin, the letter was also signed by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
    In 2023, Sen. Warner joined his colleagues in sponsoring the Election Worker Protection Act, legislation that would provide states with proper resources to ensure the safety of these workers. Leading up to the 2024 elections, Sen. Warner also repeatedly raised the alarm about the elevated threat environment. As Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, he hosted open hearings to call on representatives from both the U.S. government and large tech companies to testify about their knowledge of and efforts to crack down on foreign malign influence online. He also warned of Russia and Iran’s attempts to influence the 2024 election. Sen. Warner sent a letter to CISA to push for more robust efforts to get ahead of these threats.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Attorney General Bondi:
    We write to strongly urge you to continue the critical law enforcement work of the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force, which protects election officials from ongoing threats and acts of violence. Given the recent disturbing personnel and policy decisions at the Department and the lack of transparency about the future of the Task Force, we request an immediate update on the status and activities of the Task Force, as well as what resources will be provided to ensure its important work continues so that election officials of both parties can safely administer our elections.
    The Task Force was established in the wake of the 2020 election cycle when election officials across the political spectrum began facing unprecedented threats of violence intended to thwart the peaceful transfer of power that is the hallmark of our democracy. In close collaboration with state and local law enforcement, the Task Force has assessed thousands of complaints of suspected threats of violence and investigated and prosecuted violent offenders. Over the years, these threats have not only continued but escalated.  The Task Force has investigated fentanyl-laced letters, bomb threats, and swatting incidents—serving as a legacy of the 2020 election and impacting the ways election officials interact with voters in their communities.
    Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse. Similarly, 48 percent of local election officials know of someone who has left their job because of fear for their safety—a troubling loss of institutional knowledge needed for the smooth running of elections. Election workers continue to fear for their safety, so it is critical that the work of the Task Force continues to deter and counter these threats. In this challenging environment for election officials, it is essential to our democracy that they can continue to rely on the Department to uphold the law.
    Moreover, the federal government’s ability to fight election interference has been greatly hampered in the early weeks of this Administration. Dozens of officials at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), who are responsible for combatting foreign election interference, have been fired or put on leave. CISA has also reportedly frozen all of its ongoing election security work, including defunding its nationwide program to train local officials and monitor threats through the “Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.” Additionally, on your first day in office, you signed a directive disbanding the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, which was aimed at responding to secret influence campaigns waged by China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries.
    We request a response on the status and future plans of the Election Threats Task Force, the extent of resources and personnel dedicated to its work, and how it plans to incorporate related work previously led by CISA and the Foreign Influence Task Force by March 31, 2025.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale expands in Germany with the acquisition of OLB, making TARGOBANK a universal bancassurer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                    

    Strasbourg and Düsseldorf, March 20, 2025

    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale expands in Germany with the acquisition of OLB, making TARGOBANK a universal bancassurer

    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale has reached a major milestone in the development of its banking and insurance model in Europe with the signature of an agreement to acquire 100% of German bank Oldenburgische Landesbank (OLB) via its subsidiary TARGO Deutschland GmbH (TARGOBANK).

    This transaction, on a scale not seen since the acquisition of Citibank in Germany in 2008 (renamed TARGOBANK), demonstrates the solidity and ambitions of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. Already present in Germany, the mutual banking group is strengthening its foothold in Europe’s largest economy.

    This move accelerates TARGOBANK’s path to becoming a universal bancassurance player in Germany, following the model of its parent company. The consolidated group will become the tenth largest bank in Germany in terms of assets, with a comprehensive offering in corporate financing serving Mittelstand companies and in retail banking.

    The estimated impact of the transaction is -115 basis points on Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s CET1. This transaction is subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities, in particular the European Central Bank (ECB) and the competition authorities.

    Germany, the mutual banking group’s second-largest domestic market

    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale aims to become a leading bancassurer in Europe. While it was the fifth largest banking group and tenth largest insurer in France in 2024, the group already generated 20% of its revenues internationally.

    Germany is the group’s second-largest domestic market, where it operates through several of its subsidiaries, in particular TARGOBANK, ACM Deutschland, and CIC. Thanks to its financial solidity, operating performance and technological edge, the group has major advantages to enable it to succeed in this consolidating market.

    OLB, a leading bank in Germany

    Founded in Lower Saxony, one of Germany’s largest states, where it has a strong foothold, OLB is a universal bank with operations throughout Germany. Thanks to an effective strategy of sustained growth over the past ten years, it serves one million customers. With more than €30 billion in assets, it is one of the leading financial institutions in Germany.

    OLB is active in two buoyant markets. It offers strong expertise in private banking and wealth management, providing a full range of banking and insurance services to individuals and professionals. It also stands out for its expertise in corporate financing (corporate, commercial real estate) and business acquisitions (LBO and acquisition finance).

    Togetherness Performance Solidarity: a successfully launched plan in its second year

    After the first year of the Togetherness, Performance, Solidarity strategic plan which closed with very high 2024 results for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, 2025 marks a major turning point for the mutual banking group.

    TARGOBANK’s acquisition of OLB will enable it to significantly amplify its transformation as a universal bancassurer in Germany, complementing the launch of ACM Deutschland’s commercial activities in the second half of 2025. In addition to offering rapid growth prospects for its retail mortgage lending business, TARGOBANK will be able to strengthen its position in the SME and mid-cap markets (Mittelstand companies), in wealth management and specialized financing, with the potential for synergies in revenue and cost efficiency for the medium term.

    With this transaction, TARGOBANK becomes the tenth largest bank in Germany. The consolidated group serves 4.8 million customers with total balance sheet of €79 billion.

    “The acquisition of OLB, marks a major milestone for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, fully aligned with its strategic plan Togetherness Performance Solidarity. We have the ambition to expand our activities in Europe, and specifically in Germany, largest European economy. With our subsidiaries TARGOBANK, which will integrate OLB, and ACM Deutschland, we are committed to become a bancassurer across the Rhine” said Daniel Baal, Chairman of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale:

    “Our group’s history shows that it has the ability to successfully complete external growth transactions, in particular those of CIC, and, more recently, TARGOBANK and Cofidis. This strategic investment reflects our determination to become a leading bancassurer in Europe by integrating the resources and values of OLB into TARGOBANK. We are building for the long run.” added Éric Petitgand, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

    “This acquisition marks a decisive step in Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s development in Germany. The respective and complementary expertise of TARGOBANK and OLB’s employees will enable us to significantly speed up our transformation as a universal bancassurer in the strategic German market. There is significant business and customer growth potential among individuals, professionals and businesses,” adds Isabelle Chevelard, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of TARGOBANK and Head of the German market for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

    Stefan Barth, CEO of OLB, welcomes the transaction: “Over the past few years, OLB has pursued a dynamic growth strategy with remarkable results. We are proud to join Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, with which we share common values, to build together a stronger banking group.”

    Acquisition by Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale,
    via TARGO Deutschland GmbH,of Oldenburgische Landesbank AG (OLB)

    The Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale and TARGOBANK teams, in accordance with the applicable competition laws, will work closely with the OLB teams to facilitate completion of the transaction in the interest of customers, members, elected representatives and employees.

    This project is subject to the usual conditions precedent and in particular the approval of the competent regulatory and competition authorities. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.

    About OLB

    OLB is a universal bank that operates nationwide in Germany, and has over 150 years of experience in Lower Saxony. Under the OLB and Bankhaus Neelmeyer brands, the bank advises more than a million customers, in the retail, business, corporate and diversified lending segments. OLB has a network of 80 branches and nearly 1,700 employees.

    Thanks to a solid acquisition strategy over the last ten years (private banking operator Bankhaus Neelmeyer in 2017; Bremer Kreditbank, formerly KBC Bank Deutschland, in 2018; Wüstenrot Bank AG Pfandbriefbank in 2019 and more recently Degussa Bank in 2024), OLB has diversified its activities (retail banking, corporate banking serving Mittelstand companies, private banking, project finance, Pfandbrief refinancing, etc.) to become a universal bank.

    At December 31, 2024, OLB had net banking income of nearly €750 million, a cost/income ratio of less than 43%, and net income after tax of €270 million. OLB also saw its balance sheet assets surpass the €30 billion threshold, enabling it to become, in early 2025, a major financial institution supervised as such by the European Central Bank.

    Press contacts
    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale: Aziz Ridouan – +33 (0)6 01 10 31 69 – aziz.ridouan@creditmutuel.fr
    Corporate Communication Department: +33 (0)3 88 14 84 00 – com-alliancefederale@creditmutuel.fr
    TARGOBANK: pressestelle@TARGOBANK.de
    OLB: presse@olb.de

    About Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale

    One of France’s leading bancassurers with 77,000 employees serving 31 million customers, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale has 4,200 branches which offer a diversified range of services to private individuals, local professionals and companies of all sizes.

    As the first French banking group to adopt the status of a mission-driven company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale is made up of the following Crédit Mutuel federations: Centre Est Europe (Strasbourg), Sud-Est (Lyon), Ile-de-France (Paris), Savoie-Mont Blanc (Annecy), Midi-Atlantique (Toulouse), Loire-Atlantique et Centre-Ouest (Nantes), Centre (Orléans), Normandie (Caen), Dauphiné-Vivarais (Valence), Méditerranéen (Marseille), Anjou (Angers), Massif Central (Clermont-Ferrand), Antilles-Guyane (Fort-de-France) and Nord Europe (Lille).

    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale also includes Caisse Fédérale de Crédit Mutuel, Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel (BFCM) and all its subsidiaries, in particular CIC, Euro-Information, Assurances du Crédit Mutuel (ACM), TARGOBANK, Cofidis, Beobank in Belgium, Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel (BECM), Banque Transatlantique, Banque de Luxembourg and Homiris.

    Find out more at creditmutuelalliancefederale.fr

    About TARGOBANK

    TARGOBANK has almost 100 years of experience in the German banking market. It serves 3.8 million private, business and corporate customers.

    TARGOBANK offers simple and attractive banking products with high quality service so as to build a long term relationship with its customers. With a network of 340 branches spread in more than 250 cities in Germany aswell as a service accessible online and by telephone around the clock, TARGOBANK combines the benefits of a digital bank as well as local support whether in the local branch or at the customer’s home.

    TARGOBANK is headquartered in Düsseldorf. It employs 7,400 people throughout Germany, including 2,000 working for its customer center in Germany. There are also administrative buildings in Mainz (Factoring), Düsseldorf (Leasing & Investment Finance) and Frankfurt (Corporate & Institutional Banking).

    As a subsidiary of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, one of the strongest banks in Europe, TARGOBANK is a reliable partner for its customers.

    Further information: www.TARGOBANK.de

                                                    

    Strasbourg and Düsseldorf, March 20, 2025

    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale expands in Germany with the acquisition of OLB, making TARGOBANK a universal bancassurer

    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale has reached a major milestone in the development of its banking and insurance model in Europe with the signature of an agreement to acquire 100% of German bank Oldenburgische Landesbank (OLB) via its subsidiary TARGO Deutschland GmbH (TARGOBANK).

    This transaction, on a scale not seen since the acquisition of Citibank in Germany in 2008 (renamed TARGOBANK), demonstrates the solidity and ambitions of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale. Already present in Germany, the mutual banking group is strengthening its foothold in Europe’s largest economy.

    This move accelerates TARGOBANK’s path to becoming a universal bancassurance player in Germany, following the model of its parent company. The consolidated group will become the tenth largest bank in Germany in terms of assets, with a comprehensive offering in corporate financing serving Mittelstand companies and in retail banking.

    The estimated impact of the transaction is -115 basis points on Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s CET1. This transaction is subject to the approval of the regulatory authorities, in particular the European Central Bank (ECB) and the competition authorities.

    Germany, the mutual banking group’s second-largest domestic market

    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale aims to become a leading bancassurer in Europe. While it was the fifth largest banking group and tenth largest insurer in France in 2024, the group already generated 20% of its revenues internationally.

    Germany is the group’s second-largest domestic market, where it operates through several of its subsidiaries, in particular TARGOBANK, ACM Deutschland, and CIC. Thanks to its financial solidity, operating performance and technological edge, the group has major advantages to enable it to succeed in this consolidating market.

    OLB, a leading bank in Germany

    Founded in Lower Saxony, one of Germany’s largest states, where it has a strong foothold, OLB is a universal bank with operations throughout Germany. Thanks to an effective strategy of sustained growth over the past ten years, it serves one million customers. With more than €30 billion in assets, it is one of the leading financial institutions in Germany.

    OLB is active in two buoyant markets. It offers strong expertise in private banking and wealth management, providing a full range of banking and insurance services to individuals and professionals. It also stands out for its expertise in corporate financing (corporate, commercial real estate) and business acquisitions (LBO and acquisition finance).

    Togetherness Performance Solidarity: a successfully launched plan in its second year

    After the first year of the Togetherness, Performance, Solidarity strategic plan which closed with very high 2024 results for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, 2025 marks a major turning point for the mutual banking group.

    TARGOBANK’s acquisition of OLB will enable it to significantly amplify its transformation as a universal bancassurer in Germany, complementing the launch of ACM Deutschland’s commercial activities in the second half of 2025. In addition to offering rapid growth prospects for its retail mortgage lending business, TARGOBANK will be able to strengthen its position in the SME and mid-cap markets (Mittelstand companies), in wealth management and specialized financing, with the potential for synergies in revenue and cost efficiency for the medium term.

    With this transaction, TARGOBANK becomes the tenth largest bank in Germany. The consolidated group serves 4.8 million customers with total balance sheet of €79 billion.

    “The acquisition of OLB, marks a major milestone for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, fully aligned with its strategic plan Togetherness Performance Solidarity. We have the ambition to expand our activities in Europe, and specifically in Germany, largest European economy. With our subsidiaries TARGOBANK, which will integrate OLB, and ACM Deutschland, we are committed to become a bancassurer across the Rhine” said Daniel Baal, Chairman of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale:

    “Our group’s history shows that it has the ability to successfully complete external growth transactions, in particular those of CIC, and, more recently, TARGOBANK and Cofidis. This strategic investment reflects our determination to become a leading bancassurer in Europe by integrating the resources and values of OLB into TARGOBANK. We are building for the long run.” added Éric Petitgand, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

    “This acquisition marks a decisive step in Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale’s development in Germany. The respective and complementary expertise of TARGOBANK and OLB’s employees will enable us to significantly speed up our transformation as a universal bancassurer in the strategic German market. There is significant business and customer growth potential among individuals, professionals and businesses,” adds Isabelle Chevelard, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of TARGOBANK and Head of the German market for Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.

    Stefan Barth, CEO of OLB, welcomes the transaction: “Over the past few years, OLB has pursued a dynamic growth strategy with remarkable results. We are proud to join Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, with which we share common values, to build together a stronger banking group.”

    Acquisition by Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale,
    via TARGO Deutschland GmbH,of Oldenburgische Landesbank AG (OLB)

    The Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale and TARGOBANK teams, in accordance with the applicable competition laws, will work closely with the OLB teams to facilitate completion of the transaction in the interest of customers, members, elected representatives and employees.

    This project is subject to the usual conditions precedent and in particular the approval of the competent regulatory and competition authorities. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.

    About OLB

    OLB is a universal bank that operates nationwide in Germany, and has over 150 years of experience in Lower Saxony. Under the OLB and Bankhaus Neelmeyer brands, the bank advises more than a million customers, in the retail, business, corporate and diversified lending segments. OLB has a network of 80 branches and nearly 1,700 employees.

    Thanks to a solid acquisition strategy over the last ten years (private banking operator Bankhaus Neelmeyer in 2017; Bremer Kreditbank, formerly KBC Bank Deutschland, in 2018; Wüstenrot Bank AG Pfandbriefbank in 2019 and more recently Degussa Bank in 2024), OLB has diversified its activities (retail banking, corporate banking serving Mittelstand companies, private banking, project finance, Pfandbrief refinancing, etc.) to become a universal bank.

    At December 31, 2024, OLB had net banking income of nearly €750 million, a cost/income ratio of less than 43%, and net income after tax of €270 million. OLB also saw its balance sheet assets surpass the €30 billion threshold, enabling it to become, in early 2025, a major financial institution supervised as such by the European Central Bank.

    Press contacts
    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale: Aziz Ridouan – +33 (0)6 01 10 31 69 – aziz.ridouan@creditmutuel.fr
    Corporate Communication Department: +33 (0)3 88 14 84 00 – com-alliancefederale@creditmutuel.fr
    TARGOBANK: pressestelle@TARGOBANK.de
    OLB: presse@olb.de

    About Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale

    One of France’s leading bancassurers with 77,000 employees serving 31 million customers, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale has 4,200 branches which offer a diversified range of services to private individuals, local professionals and companies of all sizes.

    As the first French banking group to adopt the status of a mission-driven company, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale is made up of the following Crédit Mutuel federations: Centre Est Europe (Strasbourg), Sud-Est (Lyon), Ile-de-France (Paris), Savoie-Mont Blanc (Annecy), Midi-Atlantique (Toulouse), Loire-Atlantique et Centre-Ouest (Nantes), Centre (Orléans), Normandie (Caen), Dauphiné-Vivarais (Valence), Méditerranéen (Marseille), Anjou (Angers), Massif Central (Clermont-Ferrand), Antilles-Guyane (Fort-de-France) and Nord Europe (Lille).

    Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale also includes Caisse Fédérale de Crédit Mutuel, Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel (BFCM) and all its subsidiaries, in particular CIC, Euro-Information, Assurances du Crédit Mutuel (ACM), TARGOBANK, Cofidis, Beobank in Belgium, Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel (BECM), Banque Transatlantique, Banque de Luxembourg and Homiris.

    Find out more at creditmutuelalliancefederale.fr

    About TARGOBANK

    TARGOBANK has almost 100 years of experience in the German banking market. It serves 3.8 million private, business and corporate customers.

    TARGOBANK offers simple and attractive banking products with high quality service so as to build a long term relationship with its customers. With a network of 340 branches spread in more than 250 cities in Germany aswell as a service accessible online and by telephone around the clock, TARGOBANK combines the benefits of a digital bank as well as local support whether in the local branch or at the customer’s home.

    TARGOBANK is headquartered in Düsseldorf. It employs 7,400 people throughout Germany, including 2,000 working for its customer center in Germany. There are also administrative buildings in Mainz (Factoring), Düsseldorf (Leasing & Investment Finance) and Frankfurt (Corporate & Institutional Banking).

    As a subsidiary of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, one of the strongest banks in Europe, TARGOBANK is a reliable partner for its customers.

    Further information: www.TARGOBANK.de

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Tech Secretary to bang the drum for closer AI partnership with the US

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    UK Tech Secretary to bang the drum for closer AI partnership with the US

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle will set out Britain’s credentials as the global hub for AI investment on a visit to the United States this week (18th-25th March).

    Strengthening UK-US ties to boost AI investment.

    UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle will set out Britain’s credentials as the global hub for AI investment during his visit to the United States this week (18 to 25 March), highlighting how both countries can evolve their special relationship in the age of AI as the UK government puts the technology at the heart of its Plan for Change.  

    Speaking at Nvidia’s annual conference in San Jose (20th March), Peter Kyle will outline how the government is “rewiring” Britain’s economy to run on AI, paving the way for communities across the country to seize on the transformative opportunities presented by the technology and moving wealth creation away from just Silicon Valley and London.  

    Addressing business leaders, developers and innovators, the Technology Secretary will lay out his vision for how AI and advanced technologies are being put to work to help solve some of our most complex shared challenges, as Britain becomes a by-word for innovation.

    The technology is already being harnessed in the UK to improve public services and spark fresh economic growth – a central pillar of the government’s Plan for Change. Peter Kyle will now outline how the UK’s AI sector – valued at over $92 billion and projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2035 – will position Britain as the second leading AI nation in the democratic world, with a wealth of investment opportunities now being opened to US companies and financial backers alike. 

    Central to his message will be Britain’s readiness for AI investment, with a particular focus on how ‘the relics of economic eras past will be transformed into the UK’s innovative AI Growth Zones’.

    A key component of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, these are strategically designated areas designed to rapidly attract large-scale AI investment through streamlined regulations and dedicated infrastructure.

    These hotbeds of AI development represent a pipeline of new opportunities for companies to scale up and innovate, with the Technology Secretary to call for investors to step forward and participate in a new kind of partnership.  

    Speaking at Nvidia’s annual conference, the Technology Secretary is expected to set out how these Growth Zones, with access to large power connections, and a planning system designed to cut the time it takes to start up construction, will help to build a compute infrastructure which the UK ‘has never seen before’. 

    The government has already received hundreds of proposals from local leaders nationwide and industry, underscoring Britain’s readiness to leverage artificial intelligence to rejuvenate communities and drive economic growth across the country. 

    This will drive higher living standards across the UK – a primary focus for the government over the next four years – with AI Growth Zones poised to deliver the jobs, investment, and the thriving business environment which will put more money in people’s pockets and realise its Plan for Change.

    At the Nvidia conference, the Technology Secretary is expected to say: 

    In empty factories and abandoned mines, in derelict sites and unused power supplies, I see the places where we can begin to build a new economic model. 

    A model completely rewired around the immense power of artificial intelligence. 

    Where, faced with that power, the state is neither a blocker nor a shirker – but an agile, proactive partner. 

    In Britain, we want to turn the relics of economic eras past into AI Growth Zones.

    As part of the visit, Peter Kyle will also meet with key companies in the US tech sector including Open AI, Anthropic, Nvidia, and Vantage – banging the drum for more companies to set up shop in the UK as their Silicon Valley home from home. 

    Additionally, the Technology Secretary is expected to say: 

    There is a real hunger for investment in Britain, and people who are optimistic about the future, and hopeful for the opportunities which AI will bring for them and their families.

    States owe it to their citizens to support it. Not through diktat or directive, but through partnership.

    The Prime Minister and the President of the United States have placed AI at the heart of the trans-Atlantic relationship. Visiting the White House last month, the Prime Minister confirmed both nations are setting to work on a new economic deal which will put advanced technologies at its heart.  

    Since laying out its new vision for AI at the start of the year and giving the technology a frontline role in delivering the government’s Plan for Change, the UK has already seen a wealth of backing from American investors who are looking to set up a home from home on British shores.  

    Major recent investments include a £12 billion commitment from Vantage Data Centers to significantly expand Britain’s data infrastructure, creating approximately 11,500 jobs. Last month, the UK Government also formalised a partnership with Anthropic to enhance collaboration on leveraging AI to improve public services nationwide. 

    By deepening these partnerships with leading US tech firms and investors, the UK’s AI sector is poised for sustained growth as it continues removing barriers to innovation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM: Barrow a blueprint for positive impact of defence spending across the country

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM: Barrow a blueprint for positive impact of defence spending across the country

    Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.

    • Keir Starmer joins Vanguard Class submarine crew returning home from nuclear deterrent patrol to thank them for their silent service
    • Comes as he visits Barrow to lay the keel of the next generation Dreadnought submarine, the next generation of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
    • Prime Minister announces His Majesty The King will confer the ‘Royal’ title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security
    • New £28 million funding package for T-Levels set to benefit Furness College in Barrow to support submarine builders of the future.

    Barrow is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country, the Prime Minister will say while on a visit to the town today.

    It comes as he announces the King has agreed to confer the ‘Royal’ title to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s unique and critical contribution to national security as home of nuclear submarine building in the UK.

    The visit follows the Prime Minister secretly joining submariners returning home to loved ones a few days ago, hearing firsthand the ‘hot’ debrief of their long operational tour keeping the UK and NATO Allies safe.

    The Prime Minister boarded the boat as it returned to UK waters, known as ‘a Day Zero’, to thank submariners for their months of silent service deep under water. He is the first Prime Minister to join a Day Zero since 2013.

    The Prime Minister also met families waiting for their relatives to return from sea, many of which had experienced significant life milestones while their loved ones were on deployment, including four submariners who returned home to newborn children.

    Since 1969, the nuclear deterrent has been the cornerstone of UK security and continuously delivered by the Royal Navy – with at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrolling the seas undetected at all times. 

    The keel for the first nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine was laid in Barrow in 1959, before its launch in 1960. Two years later, the UK declared its nuclear capability to NATO.

    And this afternoon, the Prime Minister will lay the keel to the first boat of the next generation nuclear armed submarines, knowns as the Dreadnought class. 

    Dreadnought will deliver the next generation of our nuclear deterrent, to protect our people and allies from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life for decades to come.

    It is also expected to support more than 30,000 jobs across the country, from the heart of BAE Systems in Barrow, to small and medium enterprises up and down the country. 

    Barrow will also play a vital role in delivering the AUKUS programme – a joint endeavour between Australia, the United States and the UK – with the first SSN-AUKUS attack submarines being built at the BAE Systems site.

    Last month, the Prime Minister announced that this government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.

    That will equate to an extra £13.4 billion on defence, allowing this government to go further than ever to make sure the benefit of that investment is felt in British people’s pockets. 

    The Barrow submarine workforce alone has grown by more than 1000 people in the past six months, with those working in the defence nuclear sector earning approximately 20% above the national average wage.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    When I say that our Plan for Change is delivering security for working people and renewal for our country, there is no better blueprint than Barrow.

    Defence spending here is supporting highly skilled jobs, driving opportunities for young people and delivering world class capabilities to keep us all safe, but it’s also crucially putting money in the pockets of hardworking people.

    This week, I saw firsthand the sacrifice our submariners are making every day to keep our country safe, but I know they are only able to do that because of the support of the town of Barrow.

    Each and every person living and working in Barrow is contributing to our nation’s defence, whether that is building our world-class submarine programme, or supporting the workforce here through vital public services or proud family businesses.

    The Prime Minister will also announce that His Majesty the King has agreed to confer the title ‘Royal’ to the Port of Barrow in recognition of the town’s undue role in guaranteeing the nation’s security.

    The title is a recognition of the dedication and commitment of the people of Barrow in delivering the submarines that protect the nation, now and for decades to come. His Majesty hopes to visit the town in due course to mark the town’s proud heritage and prosperous future. 

    As part of recognising that contribution, and ensuring the community is able to continue delivering the nuclear deterrent for generations to come, new funding to support the wider community will be announced by the Prime Minister.

    That will include a new £28 million funding package for T-Levels, delivered by providers across England including Furness College in Barrow.

    The funding will help to equip and inspire students to be the next generation of submarine builders, with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, and leading to skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher education both in the defence sector and beyond.

    This is on top of the Barrow Transformation Fund, a £200 million government package to strengthen the local economy, support sustainable growth and boost opportunities for the people of Barrow.

    As part of that fund, a £5 million pot to invest in schools to boost aspiration and support the needs of the young people of Barrow will also be opened.

    The funding priorities will be co-designed with representative leaders from across Barrow’s schools, ensuring the money is spent by the people who know best about how to improve the future of young people in the town.

    The fund also delivers on the government’s commitment to ensure those on the frontline of public services are empowered in decision making.

    A further £5 million will be provided for grants to community and voluntary organisations to allow local people to improve their local area.

    Defence Secretary John Healey said:

    Today’s keel laying is a demonstration of our government delivering for defence and fulfilling our first duty: to keep the British people safe.

    Our triple lock pledge for Britain’s nuclear deterrent will see all four Dreadnought-class submarines built in Royal Barrow – a generational commitment that is transforming this town. This is one of the most complex projects ever undertaken in this country, representing the very best of British engineering.

    Our commitment to the nuclear deterrent is unshakeable – it is the ultimate guarantor of our national security and the security of our NATO allies. And this national endeavour is also an engine for jobs and growth in Barrow and beyond.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councils backed with over £500m to restore family services

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Councils backed with over £500m to restore family services

    Funding for preventive services doubled to over half a billion pounds to drive restoration in family and parenting support across every English council.

    More vulnerable children will be prevented from falling through the cracks as the government restores vital family support services, delivering on its plan for change to give every child the best start in life. 

    New guidance sets a clear expectation on all councils and their partners to reform family support services to enable earlier intervention and better protect children from harm.  

    Key reforms include introducing a single ‘front door’ to support services in every local area. This will make it clear to families struggling with complex needs such as mental health issues, disabilities and substance misuse, where and how they can access help. 

    This could mean embracing digital services or bringing different teams and services into an existing setting, such as a family hub. Bringing help from health visitors, housing support teams and mental health specialists into one place, will make it clear to parents where to access help and improve join up with existing universal support. 

    Thousands more family help leads will be matched with families to coordinate support and resources, taking responsibility for getting them the support they need to stop issues escalating. This will importantly end the frustrating experience of vulnerable families being passed from team to team, forced to tell their story time and time again.  

    These radical reforms are all backed by over half a billion pounds for councils in 2025/2026 – double their allocation in previous years – rebuilding the vital support infrastructure needed to reduce the number of children going into care.  These changes are urgently needed, with eight in ten parents unable to access the services they need in their child’s early years.  

    The measures build on the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to better support vulnerable children. Representing the single biggest piece of child protection legislation in a generation, the bill paves the way for a unique child identifier, like an NHS number, a register of children not in school, and a requirement for every council to have multi-agency child safeguarding teams.

    Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby said: 

    For too long, vulnerable children and families have been left to struggle – battling fragmented services and receiving support when it’s too late.  

    Backed by over £500m and delivering our Plan for Change, we’re putting an end to this injustice and building back crumbling family support services, to keep children safe and enable more families to achieve and thrive together. 

    Whether seeking help with supporting a child’s development or for substance misuse, families can feel assured that they will get the right help at the right stage, as this government delivers the real change that matters to families.

    The government inherited a broken system, with children and families facing poor outcomes and barriers to opportunity. 

    While spending on services for families at crisis point – which local authorities have a legal duty to provide – has skyrocketed by £4 billion since 2013, investment in early preventative support which isn’t statutory has plummeted by £900m. 

    At the same time, those known to children’s services are seven times more likely to face permanent exclusion from school and care-experienced young people making up around a quarter of the adult prison population. 

    Minister for Children and Families, Janet Daby, visited a children’s centre in Redbridge to hear about the implementation of reforms so far.

    One parent said:

    I want to be the best father I can be for my children, but I was struggling to parent and build meaningful bonds.

    I self-referred myself after finding out about the services online. The team facilitated a plan for me, which included attending a parenting programme to learn more parenting skills and understand how I can improve my relationship with my children. So far, it’s taught me a lot and had a really positive impact on my family.

    Reflecting on their experience, another local parent said:

    After being referred by our school, my family was matched with a coordinator to support challenges with my children’s disabilities. I was facing a lot of red tape and struggling to navigate the system. After providing us with a whole-family plan, my coordinator has made this much smoother and really helped to bridge our relationship with the school. They’ve also made sure I have access to support for lots of other challenges, including mentoring and housing.

    I was hitting lots of walls trying to get help, but the service has really transformed by experience – I wish I’d known about this sooner so I could have referred myself.

    These reforms will driver greater collaboration between agencies, bringing together professionals with different expertise and backgrounds to ensure children don’t fall through the cracks.  

    From the point parents are expecting a baby, support services such as parenting skills, domestic abuse counselling and financial advice will be wrapped around the family, with the needs of the whole family considered throughout their journey.  

    Chief Executive Officer at the National Children’s Bureau, Anna Feuchtwang, said:

    The Families First Partnership Programme has enormous potential to provide earlier support and better address the needs of children within their family networks.

    With further investment in preventative services, shared workforce development and stability, these reforms present a huge opportunity to reorient child and family services towards enabling and supporting wellbeing.

    It is critical that roll out is informed by the ongoing evidence from the FFC pathfinders and that all children, including those with disabilities, are able to benefit.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to platform trial looking at the efficacy of anti-amyloid drugs to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s related dementia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A platform trial published in The Lancet Neurology looks at the efficacy of anti-amyloid drugs that could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Prof Robert Howard, Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, UCL, said:

    “The press release claims that gantenerumab treatment can delay or prevent the appearance of dementia, but this is not supported by the data and could give false hope to patients and their families about what treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are able to do.

    “Anyone who understands how to look at the results of a clinical trial will recognise that this paper reports the failure of gantenerumab to show treatment efficacy on any prespecified clinical outcomes in randomised controlled comparisons between drug and placebo. And, sadly, because of this and other negative trials, development of gantenerumab has been abandoned.

    “However, the authors carried out many further analyses from a small number of participants who chose to continue treatment in an open-label extension to the randomised controlled trial. Because this was an open-label extension, there was no randomly allocated placebo group to compare the effects of treatment to. Instead, the results from an “extended control” group were used for comparison and a large number of differently defined treatment groups were run through the analyses, increasing the risk that any apparent differences with treatment would be due to chance. For these reasons, no responsible clinical trialist should claim on the basis of these data to have shown a 50% lowering of the risk of developing dementia symptoms. If you look at the wording of the Summary of the published paper, you will see that such a claim does not appear, as presumably the scientific peer reviewers and editorial staff would not have permitted such a misleading overstatement to be published in the Journal.

    “I hope that journalists will question why the conclusions of the peer reviewed article are so different from the headline content of the press release and won’t disseminate what is unhelpful misinformation about the potential of a drug to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

     

    Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation, Alzheimer’s Society, said:

    “As with all antiamyloid trials, this study stemmed from research funded by Alzheimer’s Society, shedding light on the role of amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease.  

    “These exciting early-stage results hint that long-term antiamyloid treatments, started before Alzheimer’s disease symptoms appear, could potentially delay symptom onset. 

    “However, these results need to be treated with caution; this trial focuses on a very small group of individuals with genetic forms of Alzheimer’s disease. Longer-term follow up of this group and larger studies will tell us more about the effect of these drugs in these types of Alzheimer’s. 

    “Ultimately, the field hopes to see similar progress in preventative trials of antiamyloid treatments in people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life, which affects the majority of people with dementia. 

    “This is a hugely exciting time in dementia research and there is hope on the horizon for all affected by this condition – research will beat dementia.”  

     

    Prof Charles Marshall, Professor of Clinical Neurology, Queen Mary University of London, said:

    “This study focusses on a rare group of people with genetic mutations that cause Alzheimer’s disease that runs in famiilies. These people are of particular interest because we know for certain that they will develop Alzheimer’s disease, and can estimate when they are likely to develop it, making them an ideal group to evaluate preventive treatments.

    “It seems from these results that if treated for long enough with a drug that reduces amyloid beta protein in the brain we can delay the development of symptoms in those who will go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, and this is very exciting. There are two major limitations of the study. The first is that it was a secondary evaluation of a relatively small number of people who were treated for a long time, and therefore the results are not as certain as they would have been if they were the main trial result. The other limitation is that gantenerumab is not nearly as effective as some of the other amyloid reducing treatments that are now available, suggesting that we may be able to do even better than these results suggest.

    “I look forward to seeing more results from the other treatments that are now being given in this trial. It is giving tremendous hope to the families that have these rare genetic mutations, and these results suggest that in years to come we may have preventive treatments to offer them.”

     

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

    “This study by Bateman and colleagues shows promising preliminary results of an experimental treatment in people with rare inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease.  People who inherited a gene that causes early onset Alzheimer’s disease received the drug gantenerumab to remove sticky amyloid pathology before they developed symptoms.  Scientists observed that the 22 people who took the drug for the longest (an average of 8 years)  had delayed progression of cognitive symptoms.  While this study is important scientifically as evidence that amyloid-lowering drugs may potentially be able to delay symptom onset,  there are several important limitations to consider.  As the authors acknowledge, the delay in symptom onset with treatment was only found in people who were treated for an average of 8 years, probably because amyloid pathology accumulates in the brain for at least 10 years before symptom onset.  This study also did not include a control group receiving placebo alongside the drug which is a very important control.  Further, the drug used in this study, gantenerumab, has been discontinued by the company that developed it because it did not slow symptoms of the more common non-genetic forms of Alzheimer’s disease in a trial with over 1,900 participants.  While this study does not conclusively prove that Alzheimer’s disease onset can be delayed and uses a drug that will not likely be available, the results are scientifically promising.”

    ‘Safety and efficacy of long-term gantenerumab treatment in dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease: an open label extension of the phase 2/3 multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled platform DIAN-TU Trial’ by Bateman et al. was published in Lancet Neurology at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 19th March. 

    Declared interests:

    Prof Robert Howard “No COIs”

    Dr Richard Oakley “this study stemmed from research funded by Alzheimer’s Society” as this is factually accurate.”

    Prof Charles Marshall “I have no relevant conflicts”

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones  “I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed: Trump’s Move to Shutter Voice of America is a Victory for Russia & China That Runs Counter to U.S. Interests

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Noting that the U.S. cannot maintain its global interests through military might alone, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today rebuked President Donald Trump’s order to eliminate major components of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which manages Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and more.

    Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, says the Trump-Musk retreat from diplomacy and American leadership on the world stage is a gift to Russia and China and makes America less secure.  Senator Reed argues that investing in the ‘soft power’ of fact-based news organizations like Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks, and more helps counter authoritarian propaganda, spreads facts, and advances peace, freedom, and American interests worldwide.

    Primarily a radio broadcaster, VOA was founded in 1942 to counter Nazi propaganda, and reaches 360 million people a week – including Russians and other countries where Vladimir Putin’s state run propaganda machine has heavy influence.  Like other USAGM entities, it offers objective and accurate reporting and American viewpoints to overseas audiences in dozens of languages.

    Today, Senator Reed issued the following statement:

    “The Trump Administration’s move to shutter these pro-democracy, free speech media organizations is a self-inflicted wound and a severe blow to American interests worldwide.  It is a gift to Putin and Xi.  Instead of surrendering the information war to authoritarian regimes, the U.S. should work with our allies to ensure a free and unbiased press can continue to reach and inform audiences who have no viable alternative to state-run propaganda.

    “Journalists from Voice of America and Radio Free Europe not only bring fair-minded news to people in closed societies, but they help increase our understanding of these places.  Pulling the plug on their mission undercuts America’s vital interests around the globe.  It diminishes our capacity to combat disinformation and promote freedom and democracy.  Repressive regimes aren’t pulling back here, they are increasing their investments in international media activities.  China alone spends billions on international media and influence activities, dwarfing the legitimate efforts of VOA to inform international audiences. State-run Chinese propaganda outlets are racing to influence and grow their audiences in Africa and other regions that Trump is abandoning.

    “Instead of weakening America’s diplomatic infrastructure, the Trump Administration should promote fact-based, multi-language media that counters propaganda and advances freedom and democracy. 

    “True to their mission, Voice of America and Radio Free Europe have a measure of editorial independence from presidential administrations.  Therefore, their reporting may criticize various aspects of U.S. policy.  That seems to be what President Trump really can’t abide.  He routinely calls members of the press “the enemy of the people.”  His Administration strips away reporters’ access when they report facts he doesn’t like. There is a reason the Kremlin and repressive regimes are celebrating Trump’s move and that should make more Americans question it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2023 Article IV Consultation with El Salvador

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    March 19, 2025

    Washington, DC: On March 20, 2023, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with El Salvador.

    Despite a series of adverse external shocks, the Salvadoran economy has fared relatively well to date, and is estimated to have grown by 2.8 percent in 2022. Annual inflation jumped to 7¼ percent, mainly due to high global food prices while fuel price inflation was moderated by large subsidies. Vulnerabilities mounted, with international reserves falling below 2 months of imports. In the context of limited financing options, the fiscal deficit narrowed to 2½ percent of GDP, but fiscal policy is expected to turn expansionary in 2023. Under current policies, public debt is on an unsustainable path. 

    The economy is expected to grow by 2.4 percent in 2023, but the outlook is fragile, given the macroeconomic imbalances and a less favorable international environment. A comprehensive and credible policy package is urgently needed to put public debt on a firmly declining path and strengthen macroeconomic and financial stability.

    Over a year after the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender, its use has been minimal but risks for financial and market integrity, financial stability, and consumer protection remain and need to be addressed. 

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors noted the strong post‑pandemic recovery supported by the authorities’ timely responses to shocks and the improved security situation. Pointing to the fragile outlook amid rising risks and vulnerabilities, Directors urged the authorities to adopt a comprehensive plan to address macroeconomic imbalances, including unsustainable public debt and limited reserve coverage, along with structural reforms to support stronger, inclusive growth.

    Directors welcomed recent fiscal efforts but underscored the urgent need for an ambitious fiscal consolidation plan, based on greater revenue mobilization and efficiency of spending, including better targeting energy subsidies and social safety nets and rightsizing the wage bill. This is critical to put public debt on a firm downward trajectory and allow a gradual return to international capital markets. Restoring and upgrading the Fiscal Responsibility Law would also improve the transparency and credibility of fiscal policy. Directors stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the pension system to limit contingent liabilities.

    Directors noted that the banking system remains healthy but cautioned against rising exposures to the sovereign and the erosion of liquidity buffers. They called for raising banks’ reserve requirements, enacting promptly the Financial Stability Bill, closing regulatory gaps, and continuing to implement the 2020 Safeguards Assessment recommendations.

    Directors underscored the importance of narrowing the scope of the Bitcoin law and removing Bitcoin’s legal tender status. They noted that while Bitcoin has had a minimal impact on financial inclusion, high risks to financial integrity and stability, fiscal sustainability, and consumer protection persist. Directors urged that Bitcoin transactions be transparently disclosed, together with the financial statements of public companies operating in the Bitcoin ecosystem. They also called on the authorities to carefully weigh the implications of the new crypto assets legislation and avoid expanding government exposure to Bitcoin.

    Directors stressed the importance of structural reforms to strengthen governance, the investment climate and productivity. They called for continued efforts to strengthen fiscal transparency, public procurement, AML/CFT legislation, and the independence of the judicial system. Directors also stressed the importance of enhancing human capital, infrastructure, and climate resilience, as well as continuing to upgrade the statistical framework.

    El Salvador: Selected Economic Indicators

    I. Social Indicators

    		  

    Per capita income (U.S. dollars, 2021)

    4,408

    		  

    Population (million, 2021)

    6.5

    		  

    Percent of pop. below poverty line (2021)

    24.6

    		  

    Gini index (2019)

    		  

    39

    		  
                     

    II. Economic Indicators (percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    		  
     
               

    Proj.

    		  

    2018

    2019

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    		  
                     

    Income and Prices

    		                

    Real GDP growth (percent)

    2.4

    2.4

    -8.2

    10.3

    2.8

    2.4

    1.9

    		  

    Consumer price inflation (average, percent)

    1.1

    0.1

    -0.4

    3.5

    7.2

    4.1

    2.1

    		  

    Terms of trade (percent change)

    -3.9

    1.7

    4.8

    -7.6

    -1.6

    5.0

    0.7

    		  

    Sovereign bond spread (basis points)

    424

    453

    760

    837

    1,485

    …

    …

    		  
                     

    Money and Credit

    		                

    Credit to the private sector

    57.3

    59.1

    66.3

    61.8

    63.1

    61.2

    60.0

    		  

    Broad money

    54.8

    59.1

    70.4

    61.5

    58.5

    58.5

    60.5

    		  

    Interest rate (time deposits, percent)

    4.2

    4.3

    4.1

    3.9

    …

    …

    …

    		  
                     

    External Sector

    		                

    Current account balance 

    -3.3

    -0.4

    0.8

    -5.1

    -8.3

    -5.4

    -5.3

    		  

    Trade balance

    -21.7

    -21.2

    -21.0

    -28.6

    -31.4

    -27.5

    -27.4

    		  

    Transfers (net)

    20.6

    21.0

    24.4

    25.9

    24.0

    22.9

    22.4

    		  

    Foreign direct investment

    -3.2

    -2.4

    -1.1

    -1.1

    -0.2

    -1.6

    -2.2

    		  

    Gross international reserves (mill. of US$)

    3,569

    4,446

    3,083

    3,426

    2,440

    2,798

    3,382

    		  
                     

    Nonfinancial Public Sector

    		                

    Overall balance

    -2.7

    -3.1

    -8.2

    -5.6

    -2.5

    -3.4

    -3.4

    		  

    Primary balance

    0.9

    0.6

    -3.8

    -1.1

    2.2

    0.3

    0.4

    		  

    Of which: tax revenue

    18.0

    17.7

    18.5

    20.1

    20.3

    19.0

    19.0

    		  

    Public sector debt 1/

    70.4

    71.3

    89.4

    82.4

    77.2

    76.1

    78.3

    		  
                     

    National Savings and Investment

    		                

    Gross domestic investment

    18.4

    18.3

    18.9

    22.2

    20.7

    19.8

    19.4

    		  

    Private sector 2/

    15.7

    15.9

    16.9

    19.6

    18.8

    17.4

    17.1

    		  

    National savings

    15.1

    17.9

    19.8

    17.1

    12.4

    14.5

    14.2

    		  

    Private sector

    14.7

    18.0

    25.4

    19.5

    12.8

    14.9

    14.9

    		  
                     

    Net Foreign Assets of the Financial System

    		                

    Millions of U.S. dollars

    2,655

    3,372

    3,618

    3,022

    1,114

    1,227

    1,400

    		  
                     

    Memorandum Items

    		                

    Nominal GDP (billions of US$)

    26.0

    26.9

    24.6

    28.7

    31.6

    33.7

    35.1

    		  
                     

    Sources: Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador, Ministry of Finance, and IMF staff estimates.

    		  

    1/ Gross debt of the nonfinancial public sector.

    		  

    2/ Includes inventories.

    		  

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summing up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/19/pr25069-el-salvador-imf-executive-board-concludes-2023-article-iv-consultation-with-el-salvador

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Finds Feeding Our Future Mastermind and Co-Defendant Guilty in $250 Million Pandemic Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MINNEAPOLIS – Two individuals have been convicted by a federal jury for their roles in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    “Aimee Bock and Salim Said took advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out a massive fraud scheme that stole money meant to feed children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.  “The defendants falsely claimed to have served 91 million meals, for which they fraudulently received nearly $250 million in federal funds.  That money did not go to feed kids.  Instead, it was used to fund their lavish lifestyles. Today’s verdict sends a message to the community that fraud against the government will not be tolerated.”

    “Stealing from the federal government is stealing from the American people – plain and simple. The egregious fraud uncovered in the Feeding our Future case represents the blatant betrayal of public trust. These criminals stole hundreds of millions in federal funding meant to feed hungry children during a crisis and instead funneled it into luxury homes, cars and lavish lifestyles while families struggled,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The FBI will not allow criminals to rob federal programs and walk away unscathed. We will expose their schemes, dismantle their networks, and ensure they face the full weight of justice.”

    “Aimee Bock, Salim Said, and others took advantage of a global pandemic to rob food programs, aimed at serving those in need, of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars during a time when so many people were struggling,” said Ramsey Covington, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Instead of overseeing the distribution of meals to low-income children, Bock’s organization enabled meal site operators to commit fraud. This verdict is the product of dedicated investigators and prosecutors to bring accountability to those who brazenly stole from the American public. IRS Criminal Investigation is deeply committed to working with our partner agencies to combat these types of fraud schemes and ensure our American tax dollars serve their intended purpose.”

    “Today’s verdict reaffirms how critical a role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service plays in protecting the American consumer from these types of fraudulent schemes and in ensuring that the nation’s U.S. mail stream is not used by criminals to prey upon our citizens and programs intended to aid those in need during difficult times.  The bold egregious nature in which these fraudsters victimized our children and programs intended to feed them during a world-wide pandemic illustrates their callous disregard for human decency and overall greed,” Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division stated. “This investigation is a tremendous example of how the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our FBI law enforcement partners can work side by side in an effort to bring these fraudsters to justice.”

    Historically, the Federal Child Nutrition provided meals to children in school-based programs or activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waived some of the standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Among other things, the USDA allowed for-profit restaurants to participate in the program, as well as allowed for off-site food distribution to children outside of educational programs. 
    As proven at trial, Aimee Bock, 44, was the founder and executive director of Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit organization that was a sponsor participating in the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Salim Said, 36, former co-owner of Safari Restaurant, was jointly tried with Bock. Together, they oversaw a massive fraud scheme carried out by sites under Feeding Our Future’s sponsorship. 

    As proven at trial, Feeding Our Future employees recruited individuals and entities to open Federal Child Nutrition Program sites throughout the state of Minnesota. These sites, created and operated by Bock, Said, and others, fraudulently claimed to be serving meals to thousands of children a day within just days or weeks of being formed. Bock and Said created and submitted false documentation, including fraudulent meal counts consisting of fake attendance rosters purporting to list the names and ages of the children receiving meals at the sites each day. Feeding Our Future submitted these fraudulent claims to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and then disbursed the fraudulently obtained Federal Child Nutrition Program funds to their co-conspirators involved in the scheme.

    To accomplish their scheme, Bock and Said created dozens of shell companies to enroll in the program as food program sites, and to receive and launder the proceeds of their fraudulent scheme. In exchange for sponsoring these sites’ fraudulent participation in the program, Feeding Our Future received more than $18 million in administrative fees to which it was not entitled. In addition to the administrative fees, Feeding Our Future employees solicited and received bribes and kickbacks from individuals and companies sponsored by Feeding Our Future. Many of these kickbacks were paid in cash or disguised as “consulting fees” paid to shell companies created by Feeding Our Future employees to make them appear legitimate.

    As proven at trial, Said’s Safari Restaurant reported approximately $600,000 in annual revenue in each of the three years prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, Safari Restaurant enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. By July 2020, Said claimed to be serving meals to 5,000 children per day, seven days a week. In total, Said claimed to have served over 3.9 million meals to children from the Safari Restaurant food site between April 2020 and November 2021. Said also claimed that Safari Restaurant provided more than 2.2 million meals to other food sites involved in Feeding Our Future’s fraud scheme.

    In total, Feeding Our Future opened more than 250 Federal Child Nutrition Program sites throughout the state of Minnesota, and in doing so, went from receiving and disbursing approximately $3.4 million in federal funds in 2019 to nearly $200 million in 2021. Throughout the course of their scheme, Feeding Our Future fraudulently obtained and disbursed more than $240 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. The defendants used the proceeds of their fraudulent scheme to purchase luxury vehicles, residential and commercial real estate in Minnesota as well as property in Ohio and Kentucky, real estate in Kenya and Turkey, and to fund international travel.

    After a six-week trial, Bock was convicted on four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of bribery, and one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery. Said was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit federal programs bribery, eight counts of bribery, one count conspiracy to commit money laundering and five counts of money laundering. 

    The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph H. Thompson, Matthew S. Ebert, Harry M. Jacobs, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Warren Man Sentenced to Prison for Hate Crime of Defacing Predominantly Black Church

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – A Warren, Michigan man was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for spray-painting swastikas, the word “die,” and other graffiti on a predominantly Black church in Roseville, Michigan, Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck announced.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mac Warner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Chevoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    According to court documents, David Bluer, 34, pleaded guilty on December 3, 2024, to one count of damaging religious property. As part of his guilty plea, Bluer admitted that in October 2021, he spray-painted several swastikas, the word “die,” and other graffiti on the Roseville church, because of the race and color of individuals associated with the church.  Specifically, the defendant admitted that he intentionally defaced the church because the church serves a predominantly Black congregation and has a Black pastor. In addition, Bluer spray-painted swastikas, a racist slur and symbols, and other graffiti on the public bathroom of Trombly Park, in Warren, Michigan. The racist graffiti included the statement “DaviD KiLLS Ni**ERS.”

    “The defendant’s attack, motivated by race and color, instilled fear in not only the mostly Black congregants of the church, but damaged the entire community’s sense of safety. Our office will always vigorously prosecute those who commit unlawful bias-motivated acts and seek justice for the victims,” Acting U.S. Attorney Beck said.

    “The sentence of David Bluer sends a stern warning to anyone who seeks to invoke fear and hatred towards a specific group of individuals. The FBI is committed to upholding the U.S. Constitution, investigating civil rights violations and the protection of the American People,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. The hate-driven criminal acts committed by Mr. Bluer were halted through the relentless investigative efforts of members from the FBI Detroit’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Roseville P.D., Warren P.D., as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, whose collaboration was crucial in securing this successful prosecution.”

    The FBI Detroit Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Frances Carlson for the Eastern District of Michigan and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni meets with European Parliament President Metsola in Brussels

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    19 Marzo 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in Brussels today.

    The meeting provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on the issues on the agenda for tomorrow’s European Council meeting and Euro Summit, starting with the latest developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. Lastly, there was a particular focus on boosting European competitiveness.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Women Champion Environmental Justice, Biodiversity, Commission Hears

    Source: United Nations 4

    In an interactive dialogue on environmental conservation, protection and rehabilitation, the Commission on the Status of Women today heard from speakers who called on Governments to bridge the gap between policy and practice and empower Indigenous women and other marginalized groups in a world where progress is “being slashed by anti-rights actors that are in the league with fossil-fuel industries and tech billionaires”.

    The Commission’s two-week annual session has centered on accelerating the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing, where world leaders pledged to achieve gender equality and uphold women’s rights.  Today’s panel discussion centred on cultivating a coordinated response to the triple planetary crisis — climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution — while emphasizing the need to reinvigorate efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Another dialogue was held on peaceful and inclusive societies.

    Lorena Aguilar, Executive Director at Kaschak Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls at Binghamton University in New York, said that the discussion will centre on the key barriers Indigenous women face in securing land and resource rights, exploring how Governments and non-State actors, including academia, civil society and international organizations, can more effectively support Indigenous communities in overcoming these challenges.  Speakers will also examine the disconnect between policy and practice, particularly the obstacles preventing young women from pursuing education and careers in fields that foster their meaningful participation in the green and blue economies.  Looking ahead to 2030, she said, the dialogue will showcase best practices and scalable strategies that align the Beijing Platform for Action with the SDGs, advancing gender-responsive climate and environmental action.

    Exclusion of Women from Green, Blue Economies

    Manasiti Omar, Founder and Executive Director of Spring of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, said that, as a young Indigenous woman who has personally encountered the barriers hindering young women’s participation in the green and blue economies, she knows that the promise of a just transition will remain unfulfilled if powerful obstacles persist.  Too often, young women especially those from Indigenous, rural and marginalized communities struggle to access education, employment and leadership opportunities in climate and environmental action.  “The reality is a system designed to exclude young women,” she said.  On paper, many Governments have policies promoting environmental education, technical training and gender inclusion, yet these commitments rarely translate into real, tangible opportunities.  Structural inequalities, financial constraints, cultural biases and a lack of mentorship or institutional support create layers of exclusion that prevent young women from fully engaging in the green and blue economies.  It is important to dismantle these barriers, bridge the gap between policy and practice, and create pathways that empower young women to lead in climate and environmental action.  “I have seen first hand that, when young women are given the right opportunities, we don’t just participate, we transform entire communities, but we cannot do it alone,” she said.

    Need to Address Structural Inequalities

    Astrid Puentes Riaño, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, said that she is the first woman to serve as a UN Rapporteur and the first person from the Global South in this role, covering not only the environment, but also climate, toxins and water.  “This is the kind of changes, of course, that we need,” she added.  However, true progress isn’t about checking boxes; it requires a systematic and sustained approach to breaking barriers that have historically excluded women, particularly those from marginalized and Indigenous communities.  Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, she said it is essential to ensure that policies promoting gender inclusion in environmental governance translate into real opportunities.  This means addressing structural inequalities, ensuring access to education and leadership roles, and creating pathways for women to actively participate in shaping climate and environmental action.  The need for expertise-driven, inclusive leadership is more critical than ever, and only by dismantling these barriers can truly create a just and sustainable future.  “Women and girls in marginalized situations are not only victims; we are also key actors for change,” she stressed.

    Hopes Slashed by Anti-Rights Actors

    “I am angry at what is happening in the world today,” said Sascha Gabizon, Executive Director of Women Engage for a Common Future and Co-Facilitator of the Women’s Major Group on SDGs.  She recalled working in Beijing at the fourth World Conference on Women 30 years ago.  “We had so much hope that we could make this world a better place,” she added, emphasizing:  “But, unfortunately, our work is being slashed by anti-rights actors that are in the league with fossil-fuel industries and tech billionaires that are clearly only interested in their own profit.”   Authoritarian regimes are trying to silence and criminalize climate activists and women environmental rights defenders.  In the Caucasus, where she works, the Government has rolled back gender equality laws and institutions and silenced feminist and civil society organizations through what they call foreign agent laws, a tactic which is spreading also now in other countries.  Half of the CO2 emissions come from only 36 fossil-fuel corporations annually, she noted.  Each year, $700 billion go into subsidies for fossil fuels.  “That is where we should be cutting,” she said, adding that “billionaires produce more carbon in 90 minutes than each of you in your entire life”.  She urged the need to continue to mobilize and collectively organize, to engage in policy processes, “to claim our seats, to go on strikes, to go onto the streets and to implement gender just solutions on the ground”.

    Solar Farming

    Valbona Mazreku, Founder and Director of Milieukontakt Albania, said that integrating gender-responsive policies into climate adaptation is crucial.  Over 50 per cent of rural women in Albania are engaged in agriculture, yet they have limited access to resources and technology, and “only 8 per cent of agricultural land is owned by women”, restricting their ability to make sustainable land-use decisions.  Highlighting the high cost of water, she said her organization worked with a group of farmers from a small village in south-east Albania to develop Piskova Solar Farming, a renewable energy cooperative.  It also created a curriculum on renewable energy aimed at young people “to influence women’s career aspirations in the energy sector”, she said.  Noting that the organization’s trainers and experts are women, she said:  “We not only break down gender stereotypes, but also prepare the next generation for participation in the green economy.”  Women should not just be seen as victims of climate change, but as key agents of change, she said, calling on UN-Women to partner with local organizations.

    Fisherwomen ‘Guardians of Local Biodiversity’

    Yuli Velásquez, Director of the Federation of Artisanal, Environmental and Tourist Fishermen of Santander, Colombia, speaking via video, said that, while her fishing community is male dominated, it is the fisherwomen of the Federation who serve as guardians of local biodiversity.  They are on the front lines of fighting for environmental justice, she said, highlighting several examples, including their work gathering evidence about water pollution in the Magdalene River.  Highlighting the crucial role of “community water monitoring”, she said:  “We are now learning how to do so with technical tools and instruments,” to facilitate this data-collection.  Women in her community who spoke out against corruption have received threats. “We have spoken out robustly,” she said, but due to prevailing impunity, the cases are often closed.  This demonstrates the need for stronger State institutions to ensure investigation and prosecution of crimes against social and environmental activists.

    __________

    * The 16th meeting was not covered.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Tech – 48% of all 2025 unicorns work in AI sector – Finbold Research

    Source: Finbold

    Finbold research found that during the first quarter of 2025, as many as 48% of the 23 startups that attained unicorn status – exceeded $1 billion in valuation – were involved with the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

    Furthermore, 70% of these AI unicorns are concentrated in the top ten biggest startups, as seven out of eleven fall within the range between $1.6 billion and $2.8 billion.

    Most artificial intelligence startups are from the US, though two emerged in the UK, one in Israel, and one in Sweden. Interestingly, given the recent developments in the country, none of the billion-dollar startups were located in China in 2025.

    Regarding specialization, a plurality of 45% of these firms are involved with healthcare technology, including the biggest new unicorn: Abridge.

    AI remains a powerful venture capital magnet

    While there is a significant synchronization between company valuation and funding received, it is noteworthy that the second-smallest of the new unicorns – the UK’s Cera – received the most money from venture capitalists: $582 million.

    Cera simultaneously showcases that many of these companies aren’t new, as it was founded in 2016, but also that AI continues to have the ability to draw massive investments from institutional investors as much as from retail traders.

    As Andreja Stojanovic, a co-author of this research, pointed out:

    “Given AI’s explosive growth, it’s surprising that even more AI unicorns haven’t emerged in 2025. Artificial intelligence has been a major driver of growth since the public release of ChatGPT in late 2022. Publicly traded companies that are either directly involved with the technology or strongly linked to the sector in investor perception have been some of the strongest stock market performers in recent years.”

    At face value, it appears certain that 2025 will feature many more AI unicorns. However, recent disruptions in the sector that emerged from China, as well as the fears that the US may have already entered a recession, could still diminish venture capital spending.

    Read the full story with statistics at: https://finbold.com/48-of-all-2025-unicorns-work-in-ai-sector/

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova held a meeting of the Presidential Commission on Veterans Affairs

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova held the first meeting of the Commission under the President of the Russian Federation on Veterans’ Affairs in its new composition. The members of the commission discussed the results of the implementation of measures to improve the socio-economic situation of veterans of the Great Patriotic War, as well as issues of informing participants in the special military operation about the support measures they are entitled to and the mechanisms for receiving them.

    “The President of the country declared 2025 the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. Today, the most important topic on the agenda is support for veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Those who, without sparing themselves, 80 years ago brought Victory closer, defended our country, their loved ones and their home. Historical memory and truth are our responsibility to future generations,” Tatyana Golikova emphasized.

    In accordance with the decree of the President, a one-time payment will be made to all those who fought for the Motherland on the anniversary of the Great Victory. Over 23 billion rubles have been allocated for these purposes; payments will be received by almost 332 thousand citizens. Preparations for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory are being carried out at all levels. The head of state has instructed federal and regional authorities to provide all possible assistance to veterans in resolving issues of their social protection. One of the priority tasks is to provide medical care, dispensary observation and drug provision to veterans of the Great Patriotic War.

    Much attention is paid to those who stood up to defend our country in the conditions of a special military operation. The government maintains a dialogue with the participants of the SVO on an ongoing basis, taking into account which additional decisions are made. Thus, a new section “Procedure for providing medical care to combat veterans” has been included in the program of state guarantees for free provision of medical care to citizens. Since January of this year, SVO participants have been undergoing medical rehabilitation and spa treatment in 12 rehabilitation centers of the Social Fund.

    A system of providing complexes of state services, services, measures of active employment policy, measures of state support, as well as mechanisms of interaction with employers has been formed on the basis of regional employment services. Monitoring of participants of the SVO and members of their families who applied to employment services for employment purposes has been organized, according to which more than 18.5 thousand participants of the SVO and members of their families applied to employment services, they were provided with more than 58 thousand services. In addition, training of SVO participants has been organized, and within the framework of the national project “Personnel” it is envisaged to reimburse part of the costs to the employer for equipping workplaces for employment of persons with disabilities.

    Other measures are also being taken. The government has issued a number of instructions aimed at informing participants of the SVO about the support measures they are entitled to and the mechanisms for receiving them in various areas – taxation, education, housing, medicine, rehabilitation, prosthetics and others. At the instruction of the head of state, a special section has been created on the Unified State Services Portal, which contains all the necessary information for SVO participants and their family members about existing support measures – from federal to municipal, and a search for measures depending on the life situation has been implemented.

    Following the meeting, Tatyana Golikova instructed the commission members to send proposals to the Russian Ministry of Labor for their compilation in order to formulate a work plan for the commission for 2025. In addition, she instructed:

    — The Ministry of Labor of Russia, together with the Social Fund of Russia and other government agencies, shall ensure control over the implementation of the lump-sum payment established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 15, 2025 No. 15 “On the lump-sum payment to certain categories of citizens of the Russian Federation in connection with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945”;

    — The highest executive bodies of the subjects are recommended to continue implementing measures to improve the socio-economic situation of veterans of the Great Patriotic War together with veteran, volunteer and public organizations, paying special attention to proactively resolving issues of material and living conditions, including citizens living in remote areas, and, if necessary, to provide additional targeted assistance and support measures to veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Also, together with medical organizations, within the framework of the powers established by federal legislation and the legislation of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, to ensure that veterans of the Great Patriotic War undergo medical examinations and dispensary observation on an ongoing basis, including by sending medical workers to the veteran’s home, organizing the delivery of the veteran to the medical organization and back using transport purchased within the framework of the national project “Demography” and regional programs for the modernization of primary health care;

    — In order to provide the most complete and timely information to participants of the SVO and their family members about the possibility of receiving social support measures and the conditions for their provision, the highest executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation shall update information on the Unified Portal about current regional measures of social support for participants of the SVO and their family members and the conditions for their provision (hereinafter referred to as on an ongoing basis upon updating or adoption of relevant regional acts) and ensure that participants of the SVO and their family members are informed about the possibility of receiving information about available social support measures on the Unified Portal;

    — The Russian Ministry of Health, together with the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, should work on the issue of expanding the information section of the Unified Portal in terms of filling it with information on the provision of medical care to participants in the SVO and their family members, including issues of providing psychological and psychotherapeutic care, medical rehabilitation and spa treatment;

    — The State Foundation “Defenders of the Fatherland” together with the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation shall submit to the commission proposals aimed at raising awareness among participants of the SVO and their family members on monitoring satisfaction with the completeness and quality of social support measures, assistance and services provided to them.

    At the next meeting of the commission, it is planned to consider issues related to the employment of SVO participants.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 20.03.2025, the deposit auction of JSC “SME Corporation” will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Date of the deposit auction 03/20/2025. Placement currency RUB. Maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) 1,415,000,000.00 Placement term, days 29. Date of depositing funds 03/20/2025. Date of return of funds 04/18/2025 Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 20.00 Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) 1,415,000,000.00 Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1 Auction form, open or closed (Open).

    The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 10:30 to 10:40. Applications in competition mode from 10:40 to 10:50. Setting the cutoff percentage rate or recognizing the auction as failed before 11:30.

    Additional terms

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: About 120 large facilities were commissioned under the state program “Construction” in 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The comprehensive state program “Construction” was approved in 2022 to implement state policy in the field of construction and management of state capital investments.

    “In order for construction in the country to be carried out reliably, with the fulfillment of all the set tasks, it is important to have a long-term program. Thus, the comprehensive state program “Construction” is designed to increase the efficiency of budget funds allocated to the industry, accelerate the commissioning of important facilities, and ensure the achievement of priority goals of state policy in the field of construction. Cash execution of expenses of the register of capital construction projects and real estate included in the “Construction” program, according to the results of 2024, amounted to about 99%. Last year, permission was received to commission 119 capital construction projects. These are large socially significant facilities. Moreover, 19 of them were commissioned ahead of schedule,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    In particular, the construction and reconstruction of sections of the M-7 Volga, M-51, M-53, M-55 Baikal, R-255 Siberia, A-360 Lena and many other highways has been completed.

    Among social facilities, the construction of the regional clinical anti-tuberculosis dispensary in Saratov with 453 round-the-clock beds has been completed. The new medical institution will improve the quality of prevention of respiratory diseases.

    Another significant object is the new building of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. It is decorated with a large light atrium with a panoramic view of Kadashevskaya Embankment. Transformable partitions are installed in the halls, which allow for faster and more convenient changes of expositions.

    Work on projects within the framework of the comprehensive state program in 2024 was carried out by 48 main administrators of federal budget funds.

    In addition, special attention is paid to reducing unfinished construction projects.

    “As part of the measures taken to complete construction and reduce the number of unfinished capital construction projects, cumulatively in 2024, 113 unfinished construction projects were excluded from the federal register of unfinished capital construction projects, including 84 projects due to the implementation of management decisions adopted by the presidium (headquarters) of the Government Commission for Regional Development in the Russian Federation. Of these, 34 projects have been completed,” noted Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Irek Fayzullin.

    A significant number of procedures for monitoring the implementation of projects have been transferred to electronic form using the Electronic Budget system, which has made it possible to reduce some administrative procedures and has had an impact on reducing the investment and construction cycle.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: InternetNZ – Concern about AI remains high amongst New Zealanders

    Source: InternetNZ

    A recent Internet Insights survey conducted by InternetNZ has revealed that a large majority of New Zealanders (68%) are worried about the potential malicious use of AI and the lack of regulation surrounding it. While only 10% of respondents expressed more excitement than concern, 44% reported feeling more concerned than excited.
    InternetNZ Chief Executive Vivien Maidaborn believes that widespread acceptance of AI is still yet to come, but acknowledges that New Zealanders are taking the initiative to understand AI and its implications.
    Maidaborn stated, “We’re mostly still getting to grips with AI and exploring what it means to us. The concern that New Zealanders are expressing is reasonable, given the lack of awareness and education or Governmental guidance there is about it.”
    The survey also highlighted specific areas of concern, with 68% of respondents highly concerned about AI being used for malicious purposes. Other major concerns included insufficient regulation and laws (62%), inaccurate information from AI (62%), and unintended harm caused by AI (60%).
    Despite these concerns, 73% of New Zealanders admitted to knowing only ‘a little’ about AI, and 12% said they know nothing at all. Misuse of intellectual property was also a concern for 52% of respondents.
    Maidaborn emphasised the need for Government action to protect citizens from potential harm as AI continues to evolve, stating, “The New Zealand public bears the brunt of people creating tools and releasing them to the market without regulation, so we need our government to be thinking about what guidelines, policies, and laws are required to keep us safe and informed.
    “She also highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI benefits New Zealanders, stating, “The main focus for AI needs to be getting it to add value to our lives and to help us as New Zealanders, and that remains yet to be seen.”
    Currently, New Zealand is ranked 40th on the Oxford University Government AI Readiness Index. The United States, Canada, UK, France, and Australia are all in the top ten.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 8th Joint Working Group Meeting between INDIA-GERMANY on Agriculture held today.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    8th Joint Working Group Meeting between INDIA-GERMANY on Agriculture held today.

    Cooperation in digital agriculture, seeds sector, mechanization & technology, horticulture sector, animal husbandry and fisheries were discussed in detail.

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

    The meeting was chaired by co-chaired by Ms. AlkaUpadhyay, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Ms. Silvia Bender, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Cooperation in digital agriculture, seeds sector, mechanization & technology, horticulture sector, animal husbandry and fisheries were discussed in detail.

    The 8th India-Germany Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Agriculture was co-chaired by Ms. AlkaUpadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Ms. Silvia Bender, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), on 19th March 2025 at the National Agricultural Science Complex, PUSA, New Delhi.

    In her welcome address, Ms. Upadhyay underscored the strong ties between India and Germany, highlighting the robust collaboration on global issues and the strategic partnership nurtured through the Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) since 2011. She emphasized the significance of cooperation in the agricultural sector, particularly in digital technologies, and noted the impressive agricultural trade between the two nations. She also pointed out ongoing collaborations in agroecology, seed production, and sustainable practices, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening ties and exploring new avenues for agricultural cooperation.

    Ms. Silvia Bender expressed Germany’s deep appreciation for its partnership with India and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, especially in agriculture and allied sectors. She acknowledged the common challenges faced by both countries and stressed the importance of working together to find innovative solutions. She further reiterated Germany’s readiness to share its experience and vision to enhance cooperation in agriculture.

    Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu provided an insightful overview of India’s agricultural achievements, emphasizing its pivotal role in both domestic and global food security. He highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the Digital Agriculture Mission, the LakhpatiDidi Program, KrishiSakhi, and efforts to empower farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Mr. Sahu also elaborated on programs such as Natural and Organic Farming, Crop Insurance, e-NAM, and AgriSURE, all aimed at advancing the agriculture sector and fostering rural development.

    In discussing areas of cooperation, Dr.PramodMehreda highlighted the crucial role of digital agriculture, emphasizing the importance of exchanging best practices in the use of digital technologies for pest and disease management.

    The meeting focused on critical areas of cooperation, including artificial intelligence, digitization in agriculture, mechanization, the seed sector, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.

    The German delegation included representatives from BMEL, its subordinate authorities, and various institutions.From Indian side, Joint Secretaries of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, and Mechanisation participated in the meeting along with representatives of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

     

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    MG/RN/KSR

    (Release ID: 2113081) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects three dangerous drugs cases at airport with seizure worth about $58.4 million (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs detects three dangerous drugs cases at airport with seizure worth about $58.4 million  
    In the first case, through risk assessment, Customs on March 17 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as graphite furnace machine and arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands at the airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers found about 25kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of about $11.8 million, concealed in the consignment. 
     
    After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday in Tsim Sha Tsui and arrested a male consignee, aged 20. Customs officers later escorted the arrested person to an industrial building unit in Kwai Chung for a search and further seized about 760g of suspected heroin and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia.
     
    An investigation is ongoing.
     
    In the second case, through risk assessment, Customs yesterday inspected 48 cargoes arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand at the airport. About 152kg of suspected cannabis budswith an estimated market value of about $39 million were found concealed inside. 
     
    After a follow-up investigation, Customs discovered that an overseas company had commissioned a local freight forwarding company to collect the batch of goods and arranged  transshipment of the goods to the UK via air channel. Customs has contacted the overseas law enforcement agencies concerned to conduct follow-up investigations.
     
    In the third case, a 33-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, via Istanbul, Türkiye, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 15kg of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $7.1 million inside her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested. She has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 20).
         
    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
     
    Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
     
    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

    Customs also reminds that cannabis and tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) are classified as dangerous drugs under the Ordinance. Importation of products (including food or drinks) containing cannabis or THC into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Ordinance are complied with. In order to avoid breaching the law inadvertently, special attention should be paid to the packaging labels of food and drinks.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 23:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES OTT to stream DFB-Pokal semi-finals & grand finale live in India, delivering world-class football action to fans

    Source: Government of India (2)

    WAVES OTT to stream DFB-Pokal semi-finals & grand finale live in India, delivering world-class football action to fans

    WAVES OTT launches exclusive contest for Indian fans: win a trip to Germany for the DFB-Pokal final

    India-Germany football partnership strengthens:  DFB-Prasar Bharati agreement paves the way for 20 young Indian footballers to train in Germany

    Posted On: 19 MAR 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Football fans in India have exciting news as WAVES OTT, in partnership with DFB-Pokal, will stream the semi-final matches live on April 2nd and 3rd, followed by the grand finale on May 24th, 2025. To strengthen football ties between India and Germany, Prasar Bharati and DFB have signed an important agreement to bring more football content to India and launch an Under-17 talent search tournament, where 20 young Indian players will get a chance to train in Germany.

    Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati stated, “This collaboration with DFB not only brings top-tier football action to Indian audiences but also opens doors for our young footballers to gain international exposure. By integrating high-quality content with grassroots development, we are fostering a stronger football culture in India and providing our youth with unprecedented global opportunities.”

    Dr. Holger Blask, Managing Director of the DFB GmbH & Co. KG, added: “We are extremely proud and excited about this groundbreaking cooperation with Prasar Bharati. Their unparalleled free to air reach through WAVES and DD Sports sets the cornerstone of DFB’s strategy to democratize the DFB-Pokal. With its truly aspirational character and many David vs Goliath moments the DFB-Pokal fits perfectly to the Indian football fans.”

    In a landmark move to strengthen Indo-German football ties, a letter of exchange was signed between DFB and Prasar Bharati, enhancing India’s access to world-class football content. This collaboration will also pave the way for an India-wide Under-17 talent search tournament, where 20 promising young players will be selected for an exclusive training program in Germany, facilitated by DFB and its partner Brand Next.

    Adding to the excitement, an exclusive contest is launched, giving two lucky Indian fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Germany for the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin*. Participants must download the WAVES OTT app, watch the DFB-Pokal semi-final matches and answer simple questions. The winners will be announced during the last semi-final match and will have the chance to witness the thrilling finale live in Germany.

    As part of its commitment to football education and outreach, WAVES OTT will also feature a DFB-Pokal tutorial series, providing users with historical insights, archival footage, and expert analysis to deepen their understanding of Germany’s prestigious knockout tournament.
    About DFB-Pokal

    DFB-Pokal (Deutscher Football-Bund Pokal) is Germany’s premier domestic football cup competition, organized by the German Football Association (DFB).

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Navin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2112974) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –