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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI China: Fear of ‘Trumpcession’ mounting in Europe

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Flags of the European Union fly outside the Berlaymont Building, the European Commission headquarters, in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 29, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    European shares dropped this week as a broad sell-off took hold, fueled by mounting concerns over the fallout of “Trumpcession,” a term coined by economists to describe the turbulence triggered by “erratic” trade and economic policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

    The escalating strain in transatlantic trade relations has sparked fears that the European Union (EU) may not escape unscathed if “Trumpcession” comes to pass.

    SPIRALING ESCALATION

    Earlier this week, the EU said it would retaliate against Trump’s 25-percent tariffs on steel and aluminum with countermeasures on 26 billion euros (28 billion U.S. dollars) worth of U.S. imports, including boats, bourbon and motorbikes.

    “As the United States is applying tariffs worth 28 billion dollars, we are responding with countermeasures worth 26 billion euros,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, noting that the U.S. tariffs affect approximately 5 percent of total EU goods exports to the United States.

    Trump quickly hit back, threatening to slap a 200-percent tariff on EU wine and other alcohol products.

    “If this tariff is not removed immediately, the United States will shortly place a 200-percent tariff on all wines, champagnes and alcoholic products coming out of France and other EU-represented countries,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

    Samina Sultan, an economist at the German Economic Institute, said the resulting uncertainty harms corporate investments and the broader economy. “This could also put jobs at risk on both sides of the Atlantic.”

    Thomas Gitzel, chief economist at VP Bank in Liechtenstein, warned that the current U.S. tariffs are just the start of escalating trade barriers. “A global trade war is steadily gaining momentum, with growing risks of further intensification,” he said.

    ADDING FUEL

    Although U.S. tariffs impact just 5 percent of EU exports, they will hit the steel and automotive industries hard, which are already grappling with high costs and weak demand.

    The U.S. steel tariffs will “hit on various levels, at a time already challenging enough,” said Gunnar Groebler, president of the German Steel Association. According to the association, up to 20 percent of the EU’s steel exports go to the United States, the second-biggest export market for EU steel producers.

    Trump’s 25-percent tariffs on autos are “no small issue for the EU,” according to a study by Oxford Economics. Citing its estimates that exports from German and Italian automakers to the United States can drop by 7.1 percent and 6.6 percent due to the auto tariff, the study warned that the EU automotive industry is “highly vulnerable” to U.S. tariff threats.

    David Bahnsen, chief investment officer at the Bahnsen Group, highlighted that “tariff talk, reversal, speculation and chaos only foster uncertainty.”

    Echoing this view, Angel Gavilan, director of economy at the Bank of Spain, said uncertainty can significantly slow down the economy as people and businesses may delay consumption and investments, which lowers overall demand and slows economic growth.

    DEBT CRISIS

    Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former IMF official, warned that Trump’s tariffs could trigger a Europe-wide recession and another debt crisis in the eurozone.

    He said the German economy is in a prolonged downturn, while Italy and France face severe sovereign debt issues, citing data that shows their public debt-to-GDP ratios are now higher than during the 2010-2012 eurozone debt crisis.

    Eurozone countries are bound by a unified monetary policy from the European Central Bank. This means countries like Italy and France cannot set independent interest rates or exchange rate policies to boost domestic exports and consumption.

    Additionally, these high-debt countries are struggling to reduce their debt burden by boosting exports to Germany. But the German economy is in a weak growth phase and import demand is declining.

    Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, said it was “impossible” to guarantee that policymakers would meet the 2-percent inflation target in the short term, citing global volatility. She added that tariffs “are not good at all and are net negative on pretty much all accounts.”

    “When the magnitude and distribution of shocks become highly unpredictable, we cannot provide certainty by committing to a specific (interest) rate trajectory,” she noted. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US launches new crewed mission to bring home stranded astronauts

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    NASA and SpaceX launched a new crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday to bring home two NASA astronauts who have been stranded in space since last June.

    The spacecraft lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in the state of Florida at 7:03 p.m. Friday Eastern Time (2303 GMT), according to a NASA live broadcast.

    About two and a half minutes after the launch, SpaceX confirmed the successful separation of the rocket’s first stage. The first stage booster landed at Landing Zone 1 located near the launch pad.

    The spacecraft is currently en route to the ISS. It will take about 28.5 hours for the spacecraft to autonomously dock to the space station, scheduled at 11:30 p.m. Saturday Eastern Time (0330 GMT Sunday), NASA said.

    The new mission, codenamed Crew-10, carries NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Takuya Onishi, and cosmonaut Kirill Peskov with Russian state space corporation Roscosmos to the ISS.

    During their mission, Crew-10 is scheduled to conduct material flammability tests to contribute to future spacecraft and facility designs, NASA said, adding that the crew will engage with students worldwide via the ISS ham radio program and use the program’s existing hardware to test a backup lunar navigation solution.

    Also, one crew member will conduct an integrated study to monitor and analyze physiological and psychological changes in the human body, providing valuable insights for future deep space missions.

    Following the arrival of Crew-10 to the orbital laboratory, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission — which includes NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov — will return to Earth.

    Williams and Wilmore have been stuck in space since last June due to technical problems of Boeing’s Starliner which took them to the ISS.

    The two astronauts were initially scheduled for an eight-day mission in space, but numerous issues were detected during their trip to the ISS, including helium leaks and propulsion issues. As a result, NASA deemed the Starliner spacecraft unsafe to return with astronauts on board.

    While the Starliner spacecraft returned to Earth last September, Williams and Wilmore remained aboard the ISS for several additional months. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Why Global Civilization Initiative matters to human progress

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, attends the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting via video link and delivers a keynote address in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

    In the book-lined office of Professor Stelios Virvidakis at the University of Athens, Greece’s oldest and most esteemed academic institution, a letter is carefully preserved like a precious, delicate bridge model.

    It came from Chinese President Xi Jinping, delivered to congratulate the inauguration of the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations in the time-honored university in February 2023.

    “It was a delightful surprise to us all,” said Virvidakis, his philosopher’s gaze softening at the memory.

    In the letter, Xi noted that over 2,000 years ago, China and Greece, two civilizations glittering at each end of the Eurasian continent, made groundbreaking contributions to the evolution of human civilization.

    Now, he pointed out, it is of profound historical and contemporary significance for them to work together to promote exchanges and mutual learning and enhance the development of all civilizations.

    The well-preserved letter reflects Xi’s broader vision of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and mutual learning as a catalyst for global peace and development, a vision that has been driving his diplomatic action worldwide.

    That aspiration is best embodied in his Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), launched at a conference between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and global political parties in 2023, where he stressed that tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations play an irreplaceable role in advancing humanity’s modernization process when the future of all countries are closely connected.

    With the GCI marking its second anniversary on Saturday, Xi’s vision — to build a world where civilizations don’t collide but converse — has become ever more relevant, standing both as a nod to ancient ties and as a bold stitch in a fraying global tapestry.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and foreign leaders arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

    In recent years, some scholars and politicians in the West have been peddling once again the clash of civilizations theory, first proposed by American political scientist Samuel Huntington in 1993. They portray some civilizations as superior to others and seek to divide countries through ideological and racial lines.

    On the background of the resurgence of such sentiments is a world undergoing unprecedented transformations rarely seen in a century. Global South countries, on a collective rise, are demanding their legitimate right to modernization in louder voices, while the global deficits in peace, security, development and governance are growing ever larger.

    In Xi’s eyes, no civilization in the world is superior to others, and every civilization is equal and unique. “Civilizations have come in different colors, and such diversity renders exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations relevant and valuable,” he said in a speech at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris in 2014.

    Months after he put forward the GCI in 2023, Xi explained at an event in San Francisco that the initiative is meant “to urge the international community to address the imbalance between material and cultural advancement and jointly promote continued progress of human civilization.”

    China’s global initiatives, including the GCI, advocate for an egalitarian and inclusive order in pursuit of just and coherent global governance, said Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific and a former transport minister of Malaysia.

    In the meantime, he said, “the GCI has driven home a clear message that all nations have the right to choose their own development paths in their pursuit of modernization, which is not necessarily synonymous with Westernization.”

    In September 2024, at the opening ceremony of the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Xi put forward 10 partnership actions for modernization, with the first being “Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations.”

    “China will enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Africa, champion mutual respect, inclusiveness and coexistence of different civilizations on our way to modernization, and strive together for more fruitful outcomes under the GCI,” Xi said.

    As the world order designed to serve the interests of Western powers no longer meets the evolving needs and aspirations of Global South countries, a call for change is a natural response, said Ong, the Malaysian expert.

    “This must occur … free from any mental subordination. Only then can an environment conducive to a nation’s modernization and development be established,” he said. “In this respect, the GCI undoubtedly serves as a potent enabler.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Showcasing Scotland’s investment proposition

    Source: Scottish Government

    FM: Time to capitalise on a potential £100 billion offshore wind market.

    The Scottish Government will host a major investment event in Edinburgh tomorrow (Monday 17th March) aimed at unlocking new private investment in the country’s rapidly growing offshore wind industry.

    More than 100 stakeholders, including investors and developers, will attend the Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum, to be hosted by First Minister John Swinney.

    The Forum is taking part following a Green Industrial Strategy commitment to raise the profile of Scotland as a destination for capital investment. The Strategy identified offshore wind as one of five priority areas for Scottish Government resources and investment.

    The Scottish Government is investing up to £500 million over five years in the Scottish offshore wind supply chain to leverage an expected £1.5 billion of private investment.

    Speaking ahead of the Forum, the First Minister said:

    “The growth and success of Scotland’s offshore wind industry is not only an ambition of my Government, it is a priority for me personally. Delivering on its promise will not only deliver our global climate obligations, but create significant new jobs and economic opportunities.

    “History has shown that success stems from choosing the right time and place to capitalise on the next innovation of the era. We have already gained a significant first-mover advantage and laid the groundwork for success.

    “Now we are poised to move to the next stage of development and growth and reap the rewards of what we estimate could be a £100 billion market.

    “The Global Offshore Wind investment Forum is about “Team Scotland” showcasing the offer that Scotland’s offshore wind sector offers to global investors. We have a compelling story and a clear message that Scotland is open for business.”

    Background

    Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin and Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur will also take part in the Forum, which has been delivered by Scottish Enterprise. Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish National Investment Bank will also take part in the event. The UK Government will be represented.

    Recent investments made as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment of up to £500 million include:

    Green industrial strategy – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics Earns ‘Product Carbon Reduction’ and ‘Product Carbon Footprint’ Certifications for Neo QLED 8K and Neo QLED for Fifth Consecutive Year

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics today announced that approximately 80 models in its 2025 TV, monitor and soundbar lineups have received Product Carbon Reduction1 and Product Carbon Footprint2 certifications from TÜV Rheinland, a globally recognized certification organization based in Germany. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the premium lineups, Neo QLED 8K and Neo QLED, have received certifications, reinforcing the company’s continued efforts in carbon reduction.
     
    “Samsung Electronics is committed to driving technological innovation for a sustainable future,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As the world’s leading TV manufacturer, we will continue to be at the forefront of establishing a more energy-efficient ecosystem that benefits consumers.”
     
    Following last year’s certification of 60 models across the Neo QLED, OLED and Lifestyle TV categories, Samsung has further increased its number of certified products in 2025 to include QLED TVs. In addition, the company is also working towards obtaining certification for its Color E-Paper lineup later this year.
     

     
    The certifications from TÜV Rheinland are awarded following a rigorous evaluation of a product’s entire lifecycle — including manufacturing, transportation, usage and disposal — based on internationally recognized sustainability standards. By assessing and verifying carbon emissions at each stage, these certifications highlight Samsung’s efforts to reduce environmental impact across its product lineup.
     
    In particular, the Product Carbon Reduction certification is granted to products that have already received a Product Carbon Footprint certification and further demonstrate a measurable reduction in carbon emissions compared to their predecessors.
     
    Samsung’s leadership in energy-efficient display technology dates back to 2021, when the Neo QLED became the first 4K and higher-resolution TV to earn the Reducing CO2 certification. Since then, Samsung has continually expanded its portfolio of environmentally certified products, including QLED, Crystal UHD, Lifestyle TVs, OLED TVs and a wide range of monitors and digital signage products.
     
    For more information on Samsung’s 2025 TV lineup, please visit www.samsung.com.
     
     
    1 38 Certified models include Neo QLED 8K(QN990F, QN950F), Neo QLED 4K(QN90F, QN85F), OLED(S95F 55”/65”, S90F, S85F 77”/83”), The Frame Pro(LS03FW), LCD Signage(QMC 43”, 50”, 55”, 75”), and Soundbar(Q930F, Q800F, QS700F) products.1 42 Certified models include Neo QLED 8K(QN900F), Neo QLED 4K(QN80F, QN70F), OLED(S95F 77”/83”, S85F 55”/65”), The Frame(LS03F), QLED(Q8F, Q7F), Viewfinity S80UD, S80D, QMC 65’’/85’’, Soundbar(Q990F), EMDX 32″.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Voice of Radical America

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump’s executive order on Friday will ensure that taxpayers are no longer on the hook for radical propaganda.
    Dan Robinson, a 34-year veteran of Voice of America and its former White House correspondent, wrote last year: “I have monitored the agency’s bureaucracy along with many of its reporters and concluded that it has essentially become a hubris-filled rogue operation often reflecting a leftist bias aligned with partisan national media. It has sought to avoid accountability for violations of journalistic standards and mismanagement.”
    Voice of America’s management told staff not to call Hamas and its members terrorists, “except when quoting statements.”
    Daily Caller: “Multiple Voice Of America Reporters Have Posted Anti-Trump Content On Social Media”
    “Multiple Voice of America (VOA) reporters have repeatedly posted anti-Trump comments on their professional Twitter accounts, despite a social media policy requiring employee impartiality on social media platforms.”

    Rep. Scott Perry wrote in a 2022 letter that Voice of America has “grown exceedingly partisan over the past several years.”
    A 2016 report from Office of Personnel Management cited by Rep. Perry revealed that Voice of America Persian employees said that outlet tolerated “coercion for partisan political purposes.”
    The Washington Free Beacon: “VOA Misallocates Funds and Suppresses Negative Stories About Iran. This Lawmaker Wants To Investigate.”

    Voice of America: “What Is ‘White Privilege’ and Whom Does It Help?”
    “Today, the phrase is used passionately and widely in the context of racial profiling — police treatment of people as criminal suspects based on their race.”

    A 2022 lawsuit claimed Voice of America has “been infiltrated by anti-American, pro-Islamic state interests, and that the message of VOA had been compromised in a manner that was biased toward the Islamic state factions in Iran.”
    In October 2020, Voice of America wrote that the “allegations that Russia played a role in perpetuating the scandal to benefit Trump could undermine the emails’ credibility” downplaying the validity of the Hunter Biden laptop story.
    In July 2020, Voice of America faced criticism for “sharing a story and video appearing too favorable to presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.”
    In September 2019, the Daily Caller reported that Voice of America employed a Russian anti-U.S. propagandist.
    In May 2019, Voice of America fired reporters for their roles in canceling a broadcast midstream after pressure from the Chinese government.
    In March 2019, Voice of America ran a segment about transgender migrants seeking asylum in the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Telephone conversation with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    15 Marzo 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, had a telephone conversation this evening with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

    Given the positive outcome of the talks held in Jeddah at the beginning of the week and following this morning’s video conference called by Prime Minister Starmer, the two leaders discussed in particular the ongoing initiatives and the shared commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

    Lastly, the call provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on the recent developments in the Middle East region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risk of Venous Thromboembolism During Spaceflight

    Source: NASA

    In October 2024, NASA’s Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer (OCHMO) initiated a working group to review the status and progress of research and clinical activities intended to mitigate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during spaceflight. The working group took place over two days at NASA’s Johnson Space Center; a second meeting on the topic was held in December 2024 at the European Space Agency (ESA) facility in Cologne, Germany.

    The working group was assembled from internal NASA subject matter experts (SMEs), the NASA OCHMO Standards Team, NASA and ESA stakeholders, and external SMEs, including physicians and medical professionals from leading universities and medical centers in the United States and Canada.

    Spaceflight Venous Thrombosis (SVT)
    Spaceflight Venous Thrombosis (SVT) refers to a phenomenon experienced during spaceflight in which a thrombus (blood clot) forms in the internal jugular vein (and/or associated vasculature) that may be symptomatic (thrombus accompanied by, but not limited to, visible internal jugular vein swelling, facial edema beyond “nominal” spaceflight adaptation, eyelid edema, and/or headache) or asymptomatic. Obstructive thrombi have been identified in a very small number of crewmembers, as shown in the figure below.
    Note that the figure below is for illustrative purposes only; locations are approximate, and size is not to scale.

    With treatment, crewmembers were able to complete their mission, and anticoagulants were discontinued several days prior to landing to minimize the risk of bleeding in the event of a traumatic injury. Some thromboses completely resolved post landing, and some required additional treatment.
    Pathophysiology of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)
    The proposed pathogenesis of VTE is referred to as Virchow’s triad and suggests that VTE occurs as the result of:

    Alterations in blood flow (i.e., stasis),
    Vascular endothelial injury/changes, and/or,
    Alterations in the constituents of the blood leading to hypercoagulability (i.e., hereditary predisposition or acquired hypercoagulability).

    Note: pathophysiology are the changes that occur during a disease process; hypercoagulability is the increased tendency to develop blood to clots.

    Blood stasis, or venous stasis, refers to a condition in which the blood flow in the veins slows down which leads to pooling in the veins. This slowing of the blood may be due to vein valves becoming damaged or weak, immobility, and/or the absence of muscular contractions. Associated symptoms include swelling, skin changes, varicose veins, and slow-healing sores or ulcers. In terrestrial medicine, venous thrombosis is typically caused by damaged or weakened vein valves, which can be due to many factors, including aging, blood clots, varicose veins, obesity, pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, estrogen use, and hereditary predisposition.

    Altered Venous Blood Flow and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome
    In addition to the terrestrial risk factors of VTE, there are physiological changes associated with spaceflight that are hypothesized to potentially play a role in the development of VTE in weightlessness. Specifically, researchers have explored the effects of the microgravity environment and subsequent observed headward fluid shifts that occur, and the potential impact on blood flow. Crewmembers onboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience weightlessness due to the microgravity environment and thus experience a sustained redistribution of bodily fluids from the legs toward the head. The prolonged headward fluid shifts during weightlessness results in facial puffiness, decreased leg volume, increased cardiac stroke volume, and decreased plasma volume.
    Crewmembers have also experienced altered blood flow during spaceflight, including retrograde venous blood flow (RVBF) (the backflow of venous blood towards the brain) or stasis (a stoppage or slowdown in the flow of blood). While the causes of the observed stasis and retrograde blood flow in spaceflight participants is not well understood, the potential clinical significance of the role it may have in the development of thrombus formation warrants further investigation.

    Other physiological concerns affected by fluid shifts are being studied to consider if any relation to VTE exists. Chronic weightlessness can cause bodily fluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid to move toward the head, which can lead to optic nerve swelling, folds in the retina, flattening of the back of the eye, and swelling in the brain. This collection of eye and brain changes is called “spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome,” or SANS. Some astronauts only experience mild changes in space, while others have clinically significant outcomes. The long-term health outcome from these changes is unknown but actively being investigated. The risk of developing SANS is higher during longer-duration missions and remains a top research priority for scientists ahead of a Mars mission.

    Based on expert opinion and the assessment of the risk factors for thrombosis, an algorithm was developed to provide guidance for in-mission assessment and treatment of thrombus formation in weightlessness. The algorithm is based on early in-flight ultrasound testing to determine the flow characteristic of the left internal jugular vein and associated vasculature.

    Working Group Recommendations
    The working group recommended several areas for further investigation to assess feasibility and potential to mitigate the risk of thrombosis in spaceflight:

    Improved detection capabilities to identify when a thrombus has formed in-flight,
    Pathophysiology/factors leading to thrombi formation during spaceflight,
    Countermeasures and treatment

    For more information on the working group meeting and a complete list of references, please see the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) During Spaceflight Summary Report.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Meet the Johnson CLPS Team Supporting NASA’s Lunar Exploration Goals

    Source: NASA

    As part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, managed out of Johnson Space Center in Houston, is paving the way for conducting lunar science for the benefit of humanity.
    Through CLPS, NASA teams worked closely with commercial companies to develop a new model for space exploration, enabling a sustainable return to the Moon. These commercial missions deliver NASA science and technology to the lunar surface, providing insights into the environment and demonstrating new technologies that will support future astronauts—on the Moon and, eventually, on Mars.

    2025: A Year of Lunar Firsts
    This year has already seen historic milestones. Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully delivered 10 science and technology instruments to the Moon on March 2, 2025. It touched down near a volcanic feature called Mons Latreille within Mare Crisium, a basin over 300 miles wide in the northeast quadrant of the Moon’s near side. Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 Mission, landed near the Moon’s South Pole on March 6, marking the southernmost lunar landing ever achieved.
    The lunar deliveries for NASA have collected valuable insights and data to inform the next giant leap in humanity’s return to the Moon, helping scientists address challenges like lunar dust mitigation, resource utilization, and radiation tolerance.
    Meet the Johnson employees contributing to lunar innovations that are helping to shape the future of human presence on the Moon.
    Mark Dillard: Pioneering Payload Integration

    Mark Dillard, Blue Ghost Mission 1 payload integration manager, has been at the forefront of space exploration for more than 40 years, including 28 years with the International Space Station Program. Beyond ensuring all NASA payloads are integrated onto the lunar landers, he oversees schedules, costs, and technical oversight while fostering strong partnerships with CLPS vendors and NASA science teams.
    “I believe NASA is about to enter its next Golden Age,” said Dillard. “The enthusiasm of Firefly’s engineering team is contagious, and it has been a privilege to witness their success.”
    Dillard’s career includes five years as NASA’s resident manager in Torino, Italy, where he oversaw the development of International Space Station modules, including three logistics modules, the European Space Agency’s Columbus module, and two space station nodes.

    “Like Apollo, Shuttle, and the International Space Station Programs, Artemis will add the next building block for space exploration,” said Dillard. “The CLPS initiative is a significant building block, aiming to establish reliable and long-term access to the lunar surface.”
    Susan Lederer: Guiding Science in Real Time

    Susan Lederer, IM-2 project scientist, has spent years ensuring all the NASA instruments are fully prepared for lunar operations. She oversees real-time science operations from IM’s Nova Control Center, working to maximize the mission’s scientific return and prepare for the next generation of astronauts to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
    “We have done our best with remote data, but the only way to truly understand the Moon—how to drill for resources, how to live on another celestial body—is to go there and do the experiments,” she said. “Now, we get to do that.”
    Lederer’s path to CLPS was shaped by a background in space exploration, astrophysics, and planetary science. She has contributed to multiple spacecraft missions, including NASA’s Deep Impact mission, which sent a projectile into Comet Tempel 1, and a separate mission that retrieved a sample from asteroid Itokawa.
    On Ascension Island, a remote joint U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force base, she co-led the construction of a 20,000-pound optical telescope to study space debris. Her work spans collaborations with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, a tenure as a physics professor, and the design of impact experiments at NASA’s Experimental Impact Lab, where she used a vertical gun firing projectiles at speeds exceeding those of sniper rifles to study asteroid and comet collisions.
    Lederer has logged hundreds of hours conducting observing runs at professional observatories worldwide, where she refined both her scientific precision and her ability to repair instruments while working alone on remote mountaintops.
    As a private pilot and SciComm (the science equivalent of Capsule Communicator) for NASA’s Desert Research and Technology Studies, she honed her mission communication skills. She was also part of an international team that discovered two extrasolar planetary systems—one with a single Earth-sized planet and another with seven—orbiting ultracool red dwarf stars.
    Her expertise has uniquely prepared her to oversee real-time science operations for lunar missions in high-intensity environments.

    Lederer emphasizes the importance of both scientific discovery and the practical realities of living and working on another world—a challenge NASA is tackling for the first time in history.
    “Honestly, it’s when things don’t go as planned that you learn the most,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the surprises that we get to solve together as a team. That’s our greatest strength—the knowledge and teamwork that make this all happen.”
    Lederer credits the success of CLPS lunar deliveries to the dedication of teams working on payloads like Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment-1 and Lunar Retroreflector Array, as well as peers within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Space Technology Mission Directorate, and Intuitive Machines.
    “What we do every day in CLPS creates a new world for exploration that is efficient in schedule, cost, and gaining science and technology knowledge in these areas like we’ve never done before,” said Lederer. “It feels very much like being a trailblazer for inspiring future generations of explorers – at least that’s my hope, to keep the next generation inspired and engaged in the wonders of our universe.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Moscow metro is also women’s work!

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Metro

    Maxim Liksutov reported that over the past year the number of female train drivers in the Moscow Metro has increased by 30%.

    Moscow Metro – women are train drivers too.

    Moscow metro – women are also drivers.

    Today they operate modern Moskva trains on two metro lines: lines 4 and 15.

    Before becoming drivers, each of them completed training at the Corporate University of Moscow Transport.

    Interesting fact: on Line 4, all train drivers – both men and women – work together with assistants. This is the only metro line that is not equipped with the ALS-ARS system (automatic locomotive signaling with automatic speed control), which requires two drivers to operate the train.

    Women returned to the profession of Moscow Metro train drivers in January 2021, and their numbers continue to grow. Today, there are 120 female train drivers and their assistants. We create comfortable working conditions for all employees in accordance with the initiative of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, added Maxim Liksutov.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government allocated 2.4 billion rubles to support industrial enterprises in the Kursk region

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The work is being carried out on the instructions of the President.

    Document

    Order of March 14, 2025 No. 601-r

    2.4 billion rubles have been allocated from the Cabinet’s reserve fund for recapitalization of the state industrial development fund in the Kursk region. The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    The funds will be used to finance measures to support affected industrial enterprises.

    “The decision taken will speed up the resumption of production in border areas and ensure the observance of social guarantees for our citizens,” Mikhail Mishustin noted atat the Government meeting on March 13.

    The head of the Cabinet recalled that, on the instructions of the President, a whole range of support measures have been envisaged in the border regions, including the provision of subsidies to organizations and individual entrepreneurs for partial compensation of expenses for paying employees for forced downtime, an annual deferment of taxes and insurance premiums for citizens and organizations, grants for the restoration or relocation of production, the supply of vehicles for mobile trade, benefits for equipment leasing, and free economic zones with special conditions for entrepreneurial activity are also in effect.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Severe political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular the sexual violence and child rape – P10_TA(2025)0037 – Thursday, 13 March 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Sudan,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has continued since April 2023, with both parties fighting for control of Sudan and its resources;

    B.  whereas the conflict has forcibly displaced 13 million people; whereas nearly two thirds of Sudan’s population, including 16 million children, is in dire need of humanitarian assistance, while the healthcare system has largely collapsed; whereas humanitarian aid is being obstructed, exacerbating food insecurity, malnutrition and the spread of disease;

    C.  whereas UNICEF reports that rape as a weapon of war has become shockingly commonplace, with children particularly at risk, and that approximately 12,1 million people are at risk of gender-based violence, including rape and forced marriage; whereas since the beginning of 2024, 221 cases of child rape have been reported;

    1.  Calls on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, seek a negotiated solution and fulfil their Jeddah Declaration commitments;

    2.  Underlines the urgent need for equitable access to humanitarian relief for civilians; calls on all parties to ensure safe, timely and unhindered access to humanitarian actors, including the World Food Programme;

    3.  Strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and widespread sexual violence against women and children committed by both the SAF and RSF; urges all parties to stop these horrendous acts and war crimes, including child rape; emphasises the need for supports for survivors, including healthcare, treatment and psychosocial support, and sexual and reproductive healthcare services; demands that the perpetrators are held accountable;

    4.  Urges Sudanese authorities and all warring factions to respect international humanitarian law and cease recruiting and using child soldiers;

    5.  Urges the Council to adopt targeted measures and sanctions on entities and commanders responsible for serious human rights violations, including Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagalo, Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemedti’ Dagalo and Abu Aqla Keikel;

    6.  Urges the Council and the Commission to take action against all actors violating the UN arms embargo on Darfur, and to support its expansion to cover all of Sudan;

    7.  Urges the EU and its Member States to support the International Criminal Court’s investigation into genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, and to support the work of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, including its full access to the country; encourages the UN, the African Union and other regional organisations to support the deployment of a robust mission to protect civilians, monitor human rights and investigate sexual violence;

    8.  Calls for the EU and its Member States to increase humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries, fund supports for survivors of sexual violence, and continue funding local resilience and protection programmes, ensuring women’s and children’s rights and gender equality;

    9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Sudanese authorities, the African Union, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Pan-African Parliament.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan – P10_TA(2025)0038 – Thursday, 13 March 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Armenia and Azerbaijan,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas 23 Armenian hostages are being detained in Azerbaijan, including former de facto Nagorno-Karabakh officials and prisoners of war from the 2020 war and the ethnic cleansing that followed; whereas they are undergoing sham trials and facing serious charges that could result in illegal life imprisonment sentences;

    B.  whereas these hostages are being subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment, including through banned psychoactive methods; whereas their rights are not respected, including access to independent attorneys and interpreters and the possibility to appeal, receive family visits and be granted suspensions on health grounds; whereas this constitutes a systematic violation by Azerbaijan of international obligations regarding the treatment of prisoners;

    1.  Condemns the unjust detention of the Armenian hostages; demands their immediate and unconditional release;

    2.  Strongly denounces the ongoing sham trials and systematic violations of the fundamental rights of Armenian hostages, and calls on Azerbaijan to fully respect their right to a fair trial and to have access to medical doctors in compliance with international standards; expects an independent investigation into their ill-treatment;

    3.  Expresses deep concern at the order by the authorities in Baku to close the offices of the ICRC and UN agencies, hindering both support for the Armenian prisoners and humanitarian oversight, and calls on the authorities to review their position;

    4.  Calls for the EU and Member States’ embassies in Azerbaijan to observe the trials and regularly visit all Armenian hostages; calls on the VP/HR and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to visit them;

    5.  Calls for sanctions under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against all Azerbaijani leaders and officials committing human rights violations, in particular prosecutors and judges Jamal Ramazanov, Anar Rzayev and Zeynal Agayev;

    6.  Calls on the International Criminal Court to investigate cases of the forced displacement, persecution and ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh; calls for the full implementation of all orders issued by the International Court of Justice, including Azerbaijan’s obligation to protect from violence and bodily harm all persons captured in relation to the 2020 war;

    7.  Reiterates its strong call to suspend the 2022 EU-Azerbaijan memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership in the field of energy; insists that any future partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan be conditional on the release of all political prisoners, the improvement of the human rights situation in the country and on Azerbaijan not unduly delaying the signing of a peace agreement with Armenia and its respecting the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, including the right to return;

    8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Member States and the Presidents, Governments and parliaments of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Democracy and human rights in Thailand, notably the lese-majesty law and the deportation of Uyghur refugees – P10_TA(2025)0036 – Thursday, 13 March 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas on 27 February 2025, the Thai authorities violated international law by deporting at least 40 Uyghur refugees to China, where they risk arbitrary detention, torture and serious human rights violations; whereas other safe countries had offered to resettle the Uyghur refugees;

    B.  whereas prior to their deportation, these individuals were detained in Thai immigration centres for over a decade, where at least five Uyghurs, including minors, reportedly died due to inhumane conditions;

    C.  whereas Thailand’s lese-majesty provisions, under Article 112 of its Criminal Code, are among the strictest in the world and are not in line with Thailand’s obligations under the ICCPR;

    D.  whereas, since 2020, over 1 960 pro-democracy activists, human rights defenders and journalists, including over 280 minors, have been indicted or condemned for their opinions under repressive laws that curb freedom of expression, including the lese-majesty law, the Sedition Act, the Public Assembly Act and the Computer Crimes Act; whereas prominent activists, including Arnon Nampa, Mongkhon Thirakhot and Anchan Preelert, were sentenced to disproportionately long prison terms for peacefully criticising the monarchy, with some facing up to 50 years’ imprisonment;

    E.  whereas the Constitutional Court has dissolved the largest party and 44 of its MPs have been indicted for proposing amendments to the lese-majesty law, facing potential lifetime bans from politics; whereas several MPs, including Piyarat Chongthep, Rakchanok Srinok and Chonthicha Jangrew, are being prosecuted for their political activities and statements;

    1.  Condemns the deportation of Uyghur refugees to China; calls on the Thai authorities to immediately halt any further forced returns of refugees, asylum seekers and political dissidents to countries where their lives are at risk;

    2.  Urges the Thai Government to grant the UNHCR unrestricted access to all detained Uyghur asylum seekers and provide transparent information on their status;

    3.  Calls on China to respect the fundamental rights of the deported Uyghurs, ensure transparency about their whereabouts, grant the UNHCR access to them and release those detained;

    4.  Calls on Thailand to ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol thereto and to implement a transparent, fair and humane asylum system;

    5.  Stresses that Thailand is an important EU partner; encourages Thailand to strengthen its institutions in line with democratic principles and international human rights standards; calls on the government to amend or repeal Article 112 and other repressive laws to guarantee the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation;

    6.  Demands that amnesty be granted to all MPs and activists prosecuted or imprisoned under lese-majesty provisions and other repressive laws;

    7.  Calls on the Commission to leverage FTA negotiations to press Thailand to reform repressive laws, particularly the lese-majesty law, release political prisoners, halt the deportation of Uyghur refugees and ratify all core ILO conventions; calls on the Member States to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC;

    8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Thai and Chinese authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Social and employment aspects of restructuring processes: the need to protect jobs and workers’ rights – P10_TA(2025)0039 – Thursday, 13 March 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Articles 151 and 153 thereof,

    –  having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights,

    –  having regard to its resolution of 5 October 2016 on the need for a European reindustrialisation policy in light of the recent Caterpillar and Alstom cases(1),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2013 with recommendations to the Commission on information and consultation of workers, anticipation and management of restructuring(2),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 16 December 2021 on democracy at work: a European framework for employees’ participation rights and the revision of the European Works Council Directive(3),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 23 November 2023 on job creation – the just transition and impact investments(4),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 2 February 2023 with recommendations to the Commission on Revision of European Works Councils Directive(5),

    –  having regard to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 2015 guidelines for a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all,

    –  having regard to the La Hulpe Declaration on the future of the European Pillar of Social Rights of 16 April 2024,

    –  having regard to the Tripartite Declaration for a Thriving European Social Dialogue of January 2024(6),

    –  having regard to the Council Recommendation of 16 June 2022 on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality(7),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ (COM(2019)0640),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the Just Transition Fund(8),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 1 July 2020 entitled ‘European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience’ (COM(2020)0274),

    –  having regard to the opinion of the European Committee of the Regions of 25 May 2023 on zero long-term unemployment: the local and regional perspective(9),

    –  having regard to the Commission communication of 1 February 2023 entitled ‘A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age’ (COM(2023)0062),

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

    –  having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs,

    A.  whereas the transition to a green, digital and competitive European economy is necessary to maintain the European social model, but can itself only be achieved if people are sufficiently protected from the potential adverse social consequences of major economic changes; whereas protecting the environment and climate is imperative for long-term prosperity and well-being;

    B.  whereas social dialogue, collective bargaining and strong trade union involvement are essential for ensuring workers’ information and consultation rights during restructuring processes; whereas workers’ involvement through information-sharing, consultation and participation in company decision-making processes is more important than ever to ensure a fair and just transition, competitiveness, and the economic growth of companies and to protect jobs and workers’ collective interests, such as decent working conditions, fair wages and equal treatment; whereas the just transition is about supporting social justice and upward social convergence and ensuring fair burden-sharing, while safeguarding a sustainable, resource-efficient and competitive economy, reaching climate neutrality and fighting climate change;

    C.  whereas restructuring processes can lead to both job losses and job gains and can include and take different forms, such as internal restructuring, business expansion, closure, bankruptcy, merger/acquisition, offshoring/delocalisation, outsourcing, relocation and reshoring; whereas Council Directives 98/59/EC(10), 2001/23/EC(11) and 2002/14/EC(12) lay down the information and consultation rights of workers in the event of the restructuring of enterprises;

    D.  whereas only 40 % of European trade unions report having sufficient resources to represent workers effectively during restructuring processes(13); whereas trade union representatives trained in restructuring negotiations are 50 % more effective in preserving jobs(14); whereas, according to Eurofound, a lack of resources and skills, as well as time, have been identified as a key obstacle for social partner engagement in shaping the just transition, particularly at the local and regional levels; whereas the capacity of European Works Councils to influence restructuring processes is found to be limited and needs to be further strengthened;

    E.  whereas it is essential to ensure job creation and decent working conditions, supporting the transition to a sustainable and profitable economy, long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability; whereas the transformation of our industrial base provides an opportunity to strengthen European autonomy, reverse deindustrialisation, create secure and stable jobs and help us meet climate and environmental targets, while protecting workers’ rights and people at the heart of a social Europe; whereas retraining funding for workers made redundant as a result of large-scale restructuring has been provided through the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, benefitting thousands of European workers;

    F.  whereas companies that are restructuring should prioritise long-term objectives, such as economic sustainability and long-term employment stability, in combination with other objectives such as economic profits, while strengthening trade union involvement and corporate social responsibility in their restructuring plans; whereas small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular should be supported in this;

    G.  whereas shortages of skilled workers, including vocationally trained experts, in key sectors are a significant obstacle to the competitiveness of the EU economy and its ability to accomplish the green and digital transitions;

    H.  whereas the manufacturing industry, including the automotive, steel and microchips and semiconductors sectors, is one of the vital economic pillars in Europe; whereas these sectors provide millions of direct and indirect jobs;

    I.  whereas it is important to move towards the decarbonisation of road transport, which must be achieved in such a way as to limit job losses in the car industry, and to include all stakeholders and social partners in the transformation process; whereas affected workers should be supported by providing upskilling, reskilling and training opportunities and relevant safety nets in the event of temporary unemployment;

    1.  Underlines the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights and, in particular, principle 5 on secure and adaptable employment, including the right to fair and equal treatment regarding working conditions, principle 7 on information about employment conditions and protection in case of dismissals and principle 8 on social dialogue and involvement of workers; stresses the urgent need for an ambitious competitive European industrial policy with significant investment that will support the services of general interest(15) and innovation, while reducing the administrative burden in Member States, and deliver quality jobs in every region and sector, strengthen social progress and meet climate targets; underlines that this policy should be combined with resilient and strong national public services, such as access to social protection, decent and affordable housing, affordable, efficient and climate neutral transport, affordable and available childcare, elderly care, and support for people with disabilities;

    2.  Recognises that the EU needs to reform its economy in order to maintain its competitiveness and achieve the green and digital transitions, including through a European industrial policy; welcomes the establishment of a European Competitiveness Fund, as envisaged by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen; reiterates its call for the economic governance framework to be strengthened by a common investment instrument(16) at EU level in order to achieve the EU’s current and future priorities, including the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights; believes that such an instrument should ensure that the necessary resources are available in all relevant sectors for developing an industrial policy and for policies that support the protection and creation of quality jobs and that contribute to upward social convergence; reiterates its previous call on the Commission and the Council to reinforce the European instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency instrument (SURE) to support short-time work schemes, workers’ income and workers who would be temporarily laid off in the context of the green transition, while taking into account the outcome of the final evaluation report and considering that SURE saved 40 million jobs(17);

    3.  Highlights that the delivery of a European industrial policy for quality jobs requires the full involvement of social partners and needs to be implemented through social dialogue and collective bargaining; calls on the Commission to present an ambitious quality jobs roadmap and to implement the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights; calls on the Commission to ensure the full involvement and consultation of social partners in the design and implementation of the upcoming European clean industrial deal and to include the overall objective of ensuring job quality and stability at EU level;

    4.  Calls for the EU to adopt trade policies that promote and protect quality jobs; stresses that future trade agreements must include labour clauses in line with ILO standards to ensure that global trade protects workers and SMEs;

    5.  Urges the Commission in the context of the forthcoming revision of the European Public Procurement Directive(18) to further promote collective bargaining and the use of the social clause, and preferential treatment for companies whose workers are covered by collective agreements; underlines that contracting authorities must exclude from public tenders economic operators that have engaged in criminal activities; maintains that public procurement should strategically strengthen corporate social responsibility; highlights the importance of ensuring that European and national funds are used to facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral economy, including by promoting social dialogue and collective bargaining; considers, furthermore, that no EU financial support should go to undertakings that do not comply with the applicable working and employment conditions and/or employer obligations resulting from EU or national labour law or the relevant collective agreements; believes that this support should also be used to promote European industrial competiveness and the creation of quality jobs in the EU and promote collective bargaining and compliance with EU and national labour rights and laws, including decent working conditions; calls for EU funding and State aid by Member States to be aligned with a European industrial policy, in order to offer high-quality jobs, promote collective bargaining, respect of EU labour rights and standards, improve the competitiveness of European businesses and ensure improved working conditions;

    6.  Calls for European investments in vital sectors and essential products to strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy, as well as the digital and green transitions, such as zero-emission transport, renewable energy, clean tech and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence; insists that these investments must fully respect existing legislation on workers’ rights and strengthen community development;

    7.  Invites the Commission to monitor the trends in restructuring and their impact on employment, using data from tools such as the European Restructuring Monitor and the EU Fair Transition Observatory, which should be launched in 2025, to track the number of jobs created or lost and the companies concerned;

    8.  Acknowledges that achieving digital and green objectives will create opportunities and might at the same time require transformations or restructuring processes in many sectors; stresses that social dialogue in the anticipation and management of these processes is essential to safeguard and create quality jobs and manage unavoidable job losses with enough support and can contribute to achieving a climate-neutral economy that sustains its social, economic and environmental standards; highlights that restructuring processes must respect fundamental workers’ rights, such as the right of information and consultation; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take action to reinforce and promote collective bargaining, in full respect of the autonomy of the social partners and of the right of collective bargaining; emphasises that workers should be beneficiaries of restructuring, including when they transfer to a new equivalent job within their current firm or sector, or as they reskill to transfer to a job in a future-proof sector, all while being adequately assisted and compensated;

    9.  Emphasises that developments leading to restructuring processes should be anticipated by management, and plans for changes should start as early as possible to prevent insolvency and job losses, while involving workers’ representatives and trade unions at an early stage to ensure meaningful social dialogue, including in the case of preventive restructuring frameworks as provided for in Directive (EU) 2019/1023(19); calls on the Commission and the Member States to work in close cooperation with social partners to identify risks early and develop comprehensive plans to address employment and economic stability needs; supports, in that regard, investment in the training and capacity building of trade unions and workers’ representatives engaged in restructuring processes;

    10.  Stresses that restructuring processes also have an impact on the supply chain and can pose a considerable risk to indirect employment across the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support companies, including SMEs, undergoing restructuring processes in order to integrate into their plans the impacts on other European companies in their supply chain; further calls on the Commission and the Member States to support companies indirectly impacted by these restructuring processes to mitigate the consequences on employment;

    11.   Stresses that the EU must address shortages of skilled workers in strategic sectors in order to enhance its competitiveness; points out that addressing skills shortages and supporting workers who need to transition to a new job following a restructuring process are complementary objectives; emphasises the fact that sufficient access to reskilling and upskilling is a precondition for a successful transition to a new job in another sector; urges the Commission to take account of this in its proposals for a clean industrial deal and the Union of skills, including by expanding the role of Centres of Vocational Excellence; calls on the Commission to improve the recognition of skills across Member States and to ensure that its programmes better address the needs of vocationally trained experts;

    12.  Underlines that restructuring processes must not be used as a pretext to violate workers’ information and consultation rights, as well as the right of collective bargaining and trade union rights(20); deplores the violation of the fundamental rights of collective bargaining and of information and consultation before a decision is made; believes trade unions should be equipped with sufficient resources and capacity to assess a company’s decision to restructure and to engage the support of an independent expert; calls on the Commission, the Member States and the social partners to put in place further safeguards to ensure collective bargaining and to prevent the misuse of restructuring processes as a means to forego employers’ obligations; underlines that penalties should be imposed in instances of infringements and non-compliance;

    13.  Is alarmed that European company law provisions, as well as their interpretation in some legal cases, are creating loopholes and are enabling the circumvention of mandatory national board-level participation rules(21);

    14.  Emphasises that one of the most effective ways to prevent the need for restructuring is through the proactive anticipation and management of change through collective bargaining and information and consultation; urges the Member States to ensure quality upskilling or reskilling, life-long learning, employee training and career development support; points out that upskilling and reskilling should be prioritised as far as possible before job cuts are considered;

    15.  Underlines that gender equality should be an integral part of transition strategies and should be mainstreamed across related policy and legislative measures to strengthen the fairness of our societies; believes it is essential to ensure equal treatment and equal access to economic opportunities for women, paying attention to the most vulnerable, such as women with disabilities, single mothers, women belonging to minorities and migrant women;

    16.  Considers that an industrial plan agreed with the social partners is essential to promote the economic viability of European industrial companies and, in the worst case, prevent closures and forced redundancies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support companies, in particular SMEs, to prevent forced redundancies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to put in place mechanisms that help to avoid forced redundancies, such as temporary support programmes to protect employment during transitions, avoiding the loss of strategic industrial capacity and skilled workforces; calls on European enterprises and employers in the process of restructuring to devise and implement plans at an early stage in order to avoid job losses and maintain decent working conditions and high social standards, to the extent that this is possible; demands stronger protections against unfair dismissals and demands the necessary support for workers affected by restructuring to give them access to retraining opportunities and support, such as income support, including while searching for new employment; reaffirms that the dignity and rights of workers as well as the economic and financial sustainability of the company are important objectives to consider in the context of restructuring processes;

    17.  Welcomes the Commission’s announcement that it will propose a clean industrial deal that, in addition to speeding up decarbonisation, maintains and creates quality jobs in the green and digital sectors in the EU; emphasises that the clean industrial deal should focus on strategic industries, avoiding the delocalisation of production and loss of jobs, while strengthening the European social model and social justice;

    18.  Calls on the Commission, in close collaboration with the social partners, to consider the establishment of a framework directive to address the challenges and complexities associated with employers’ obligations in subcontracting chains and labour intermediaries in Europe to ensure decent working conditions and the respect of worker’s rights; calls for the framework directive to include measures regulating the role of labour intermediaries, other than temporary work agencies, and to introduce an EU general legal framework limiting subcontracting and ensuring joint and several liability through the subcontracting chain, in order to end abusive subcontracting and protect workers’ rights and their claims over issues such as wage arrears, the non-payment of social contributions, bankruptcy, disappearances and ‘letterbox subcontractors’ who do not pay as agreed; calls for this directive to include provisions ensuring the respect of information and consultation rights and the right to collective bargaining, including for subcontracted workers;

    19.  Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support the social partners in their efforts to include issues related to the green transition in collective bargaining at the appropriate levels; highlights that collective agreements can cover the impact of an undertaking’s activities on the environment, the protection of workers from the effects of climate change and the impact of the green transition on working conditions; calls on the EU and the Member States to further support actions and initiatives that will incentivise employers and workers to adapt to the green transition and to make collective bargaining a key tool for ensuring balanced production models that protect the environment and create quality jobs;

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

    (1) OJ C 215, 19.6.2018, p. 21.
    (2) OJ C 440, 30.12.2015, p. 23.
    (3) OJ C 251, 30.6.2022, p. 104.
    (4) OJ C, C/2024/4224, 24.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4224/oj.
    (5) OJ C 267, 28.7.2023, p. 2.
    (6) European Commission, Val Duchesse Social Partner Summit, https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1632&langId=en.
    (7) OJ C 243, 27.6.2022, p. 35.
    (8) OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1056/oj.
    (9) OJ C 257, 21.7.2023, p. 18.
    (10) Council Directive 98/59/EC of 20 July 1998 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to collective redundancies, OJ L 225, 12.8.1998, p. 16, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1998/59/oj.
    (11) Council Directive 2001/23/EC of 12 March 2001 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the safeguarding of employees’ rights in the event of transfers of undertakings, businesses or parts of undertakings or businesses, OJ L 82, 22.3.2001, p. 16, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2001/23/oj.
    (12) Directive 2002/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2002 establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the European Community, OJ L 80, 23.3.2002, p. 29, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2002/14/oj.
    (13) European Trade Union Institute for Research, 2021.
    (14) International Labour Organization, 2022.
    (15) Services of general interest comprise three different categories: economic (basic services that are carried out in return for payment, such as postal services), non-economic (such as the police, justice systems and statutory social security schemes) and social (responding to the needs of vulnerable citizens, based on the principles of solidarity and equal access, such as social security schemes, education, healthcare, employment services and social housing. Commission communication of 20 December 2011 entitled ‘A Quality Framework for Services of General Interest in Europe’ (COM(2011)0900).
    (16) European Parliament position of 23 April 2024 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the effective coordination of economic policies and multilateral budgetary surveillance and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, (Texts adopted, P9_TA(2024)0311).
    (17) Commission report of 2 June 2023 on the European instrument for Temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE) following the COVID-19 outbreak pursuant to Article 14 of Council Regulation (EU) 2020/672 – SURE after its sunset: final bi-annual report (COM(2023)0291).
    (18) Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj.
    (19) Directive (EU) 2019/1023 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on preventive restructuring frameworks, on discharge of debt and disqualifications, and on measures to increase the efficiency of procedures concerning restructuring, insolvency and discharge of debt, and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132, OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 18, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1023/oj.
    (20) Study – ‘Study on monitoring the application of the EU Quality Framework for anticipation of change and restructuring’, European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Publications Office of the European Union, 2018, https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/1c22896d-4e10-11ea-aece-01aa75ed71a1/language-en.
    (21) ‘European Court of Justice jurisprudence on the transfer of de facto company head offices’, https://worker-participation.eu/european-court-justice-jurisprudence-transfer-de-facto-company-head-offices.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney to strengthen ties with France and the United Kingdom and reaffirm Canada’s sovereignty

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister and Canada’s new government are focused on what matters most right now: creating more higher-paying jobs, building new trade relationships with reliable partners, and making Canada more secure. 

    To that end, the Prime Minister announced today that he will travel to Paris, France, London, United Kingdom, and Iqaluit, Nunavut, from March 16 to 18, 2025, to strengthen two of our closest and longest-standing economic and security partnerships, and to reaffirm Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty.

    In Paris, Prime Minister Carney will meet with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. With the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as the foundation, the leaders will focus on their shared commitment to build stronger economic, commercial, and defence ties. Prime Minister Carney will also emphasize Canada’s work to unleash the innovative and economic potential of artificial intelligence (AI) safely and responsibly. 

    In London, Prime Minister Carney will meet with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer. Their discussions will focus on strengthening transatlantic security, growing the AI sector, and the strong commercial relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom. The prime ministers will explore ways to deepen bilateral trade through the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Prime Minister Carney will also have an audience with His Majesty King Charles III.

    The Prime Minister will then travel to Iqaluit, Nunavut, on March 18 to reassert Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic. He will meet with members of the Iqaluit Patrol of 1 Canadian Rangers Patrol Group – a group critical to Arctic stability and security. 

    Prime Minister Carney will also meet with the Premier of Nunavut, P.J. Akeeagok, to learn more about the evolving needs and priorities of Arctic and Northern communities. He will reaffirm the new government’s support for growing a stronger economy across the North, reinforcing its sovereignty and security, and emphasizing our continued commitment to advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis throughout the country.

    Quote

    “Canada was built upon a union of peoples – Indigenous, French, and British. My visit to France and the United Kingdom will strengthen trade, commercial, and defence ties with two of our strongest and most reliable partners, and my visit to Nunavut will be an opportunity to bolster Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security, and our plan to unlock the North’s full economic potential.”

    Quick Facts

    • This is Prime Minister Carney’s first trip abroad since becoming Prime Minister of Canada.
    • France and the United Kingdom are key allies for Canada on the international stage. They are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the G7, and the G20, as well as permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. France is a founding member of the European Union (EU) and a leading partner in La Francophonie. The United Kingdom is a key partner to Canada in the Commonwealth.
    • In 2024, France was Canada’s third-largest merchandise trading partner in the EU and its 11th-largest trading partner globally, with two-way merchandise trade totalling $14.2 billion.
    • The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed in 2016 and has been provisionally applied since 2017. Since then, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the EU has grown by more than 60 per cent.
    • Canada and the UK share a sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III, and are among the oldest parliamentary democracies in the world.
    • The United Kingdom was Canada’s third-largest single-country trading partner for goods and services in 2024, with trade valued at $61 billion. Around 3,500 Canadian companies, 93 per cent of which are small and medium-sized enterprises, export goods to the United Kingdom.
    • In July 2023, Canada and 10 other members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) signed the United Kingdom Accession Protocol, welcoming the United Kingdom as the 12th member of the Agreement and the first successful accession candidate.
    • The Arctic region is central to Canada’s national identity, prosperity, and security. The Canadian Arctic covers 40 per cent of Canada’s territory and more than 70 per cent of its coastline. It is home to many Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited this land since time immemorial.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Winchester to consider next step for Local Government Reorganisation

    Source: City of Winchester

    The interim proposal which has been developed by the 15 councils in Hampshire and the Solent region outlines guiding principles that should be followed when developing plans for local government reorganisation across the Hampshire and Solent area of councils. It outlines how the councils are working together and seeks clarity and assurance from government on five specific challenges.

    The interim proposal does not contain proposals for what the new unitary councils will look like or what geography they will cover at this stage. However, it does state that analysis will consider existing economic geographies, principally those around Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth. Further detailed work is needed before this can happen and importantly, the opportunity for the public to have their say before final plans are submitted. 

    As well as the interim report to government, the report also sets out the council’s commitment to its council plan and ensuring staff, policies, services and assets that would be transferred are in the best possible position for integration to a new authority. Alongside the priorities in the Council Plan, key highlights include delivering Central Winchester Regeneration, adopting the Local Plan, ensuring council homes are well managed and securing Winchester City status alongside protecting the historic position of the Mayor of Winchester. 

    Leader of the Council, Cllr Martin Tod says: 

    ‘It’s a real strength that we have got all 15 councils working together across Hampshire and the Solent and have come to a common set of principles to work against. 

    Agreeing these principles early puts the focus on the needs of our local communities and recognises the importance of using a sense of place and identity to set boundaries. Importantly for us, they recognise the importance of Winchester and its economic geography.

    But this is going to be a hugely challenging project.  We have highlighted five barriers that we need absolute clarity and assurance from government on if reorganisation across Hampshire and the Solent is to succeed.’   

    From my perspective, the first thing we need clarity on is the Isle of Wight.  Can they be a council on their own?  Local council leaders all agree on this. It’s an island.  It makes no sense for them to be in a council with someone else.  If the Government can’t reassure us on that, the next stage of the process becomes almost impossible.

    The second problem is the money.  Hampshire is broke.  Reorganising councils won’t stop them being broke.  And there’s no point in creating new unitary councils if they immediately go bust.  

    The third problem is pressure on services.  The rapid increase in adults needing care, children needing special educational support and the travel to get to it, and people becoming homeless and needing somewhere to live means councils’ costs are going up much faster than the money coming in. We need an answer from the Government on that too.   

    The fourth problem is the size of councils and whether we have to use boundaries of the districts created in 1974.  Some of these are out of date and don’t reflect where and how people live now – and the communities they identify with. We need to know whether and how we can change them.

    And finally, there’s timing.  We did this initial work in a month.  We need the time to properly design new services and consult those local communities that will be most affected.  Not loads of time! But even moving from September to November will help.

    The City Council will be deciding next week whether this direction of travel makes sense. And whether the work we’re doing as a council makes sense. If we have assurances from the Government on the five challenges, and we can keep working together productively as 15 councils, I believe we can find a way to better, stronger plans that will better service people in Hampshire and the Solent – and here in the Winchester District.’

    The paper will be debated at full council on 19 March, before being referred to Cabinet for a decision on 20 March 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s joint press encounter with H.E. Mr. Md. Towhid Hossain, Foreign Adviser of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Good morning. 

    I want to thank Chief Adviser Yunus, Foreign Adviser Hossain, the interim government and the people of Bangladesh for your warm welcome. 

    And I want to send my heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Bangladesh and around the world observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.

    Ramadan is a time of reflection, spiritual renewal, and unity.

    Every year, I undertake a solidarity visit and spend time with Muslim communities living in difficult circumstances, to observe the fast with them, and to help shine a global spotlight on their plight. 

    This year, I decided to come to Bangladesh to express my solidarity with Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi people that host them.

    Fasting and having an Iftar together with the Bangladesh communities and Rohingya communities are the proof of my deep respect for the religion and the culture they represent.

    And I had an extremely moving visit to Cox’s Bazar yesterday.

    Ramadan reminds us of the universal values that connect humanity: compassion, empathy, and generosity.

    Bangladesh is a living symbol of these values through your commitment to peace, development, and humanitarian relief.

    Bangladesh is among the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping.

    I want to pay tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers, who serve in some of the most difficult and dangerous environments in the world.

    I am particularly pleased to be in Bangladesh at this important moment in your national journey.

    As the country undergoes a significant transition under the leadership of Chief Adviser Yunus, I recognize the people’s hopes for a future of greater democracy, justice, and prosperity.

    This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, and the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts towards a just, inclusive, and prosperous future.

    As the country undergoes important reforms and transitions, I want to assure you that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing.

    You can count on the UN to be your steadfast partner, working alongside the Government and the people of Bangladesh to help build a sustainable and equitable future for all.

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

    I want to underscore Bangladesh’s extraordinary generosity in responding to the Rohingya crisis.

    It is a testament to your enduring humanitarian spirit.

    For years, the people of this nation, especially the communities in Cox’s Bazar, have hosted over a million refugees fleeing violence and persecution.

    By offering Rohingya refugees sanctuary, Bangladesh has demonstrated solidarity and human dignity, often at significant social, environmental and economic cost.

    The world must not take this generosity for granted.

    I will continue to urge the international community to take greater responsibility and provide the necessary financial and political support for both the refugees and their host communities.

    But as I mentioned yesterday in Cox’s Bazaar, we are on the verge of a deep humanitarian crisis.

    With the announced cuts in financial assistance, we are facing the dramatic risk of having only 40 per cent in 2025 of the resources available for humanitarian aid in 2024. This would have terrible consequences, starting with the drastic reduction of food rations.

    That would be an unmitigated disaster. People would suffer and people would die.

    I strongly appeal to the international community to allow us to avoid this tragedy.

    More funding is absolutely essential to guarantee the minimum support to the Rohingya population in Bangladesh.

    The United Nations is fully committed to working with Bangladesh and others in finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis that enables their safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable return to Myanmar as all the Rohingyas I met yesterday expressed to me.

    I know that planning is also underway by UN Member States for a High-Level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar. 

    We know the situation there continues to deteriorate. The escalation of violence and human rights violations across Myanmar, including in Rakhine State, are causing civilian casualties and driving displacement internally and across borders. 

    I call on all parties in Myanmar to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence – paving the way for democracy to take root and creation of conditions for the dignified return of the Rohingya community.

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

    As we come together in this sacred month of Ramadan, it is more important than ever to focus on solidarity and shared humanity.
     
    In this spirit, we will continue standing with the people of Bangladesh as you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

    Once again, I am deeply honoured to share this moment with you.

    May this Ramadan bring peace, blessings, and renewed hope to all.

    And I thank you. 

    ***

    Question: My question is for you Excellency, the UN Secretary-General. As you mentioned, there is an escalation of violence in Myanmar, particularly in Rakhine, and our Foreign Advisor also have mentioned […] But my question is that how do you address a famine-like situation in Rakhine. Do you think this instability in Rakhine, by any way, will affect respectful, peaceful and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas?  What is your take on the issue?

    Secretary-General: The present situation is a situation in which there is heavy fighting between the Myanmar army and the Arakan army, and obviously in these circumstances it would be extremely difficult to have an immediate, dignified return of the Rohingya refugees.  It is absolutely essential to mobilize the whole international community, all the neighbours of Bangladesh, all the neighbours of Myanmar, to put pressure to make things move in relation to the need to find a solution, starting by ceasing the violence and at the same time, creating the mechanisms of dialogue leading to a true democratic solution in Myanmar that would naturally facilitate the return of the Rohingya refugees. At the same time, we need to intensify the humanitarian aid inside Myanmar to create the conditions for that return to be successful. And that is the reason why one of the discussions we had was about the possibility, if the circumstances allow, to have also humanitarian aid channeled from Bangladesh. But that is, obviously, a matter that would require the authorization and the cooperation of the parties to the conflict.

    Question: I’m from the Financial Express. My question is that the UN envoys who visited Dhaka recently, they told us that they’re in touch with all the stakeholders of the crisis. I mean including the Arakan army. So, do you think that the Arakan army is more favourable in resolving the Rohingya crisis repatriation? And my second question is, when you talk about the international pressure on Myanmar, do you suggest more vigorous sanctions like the Europeans do against Russia or elsewhere, against Myanmar? Thank you.

    Secretary-General: First of all, the Arakan army is an entity with which, I believe, a necessary dialogue must take place. We know that in the past, the relations between the Rakhine and the Rohingya communities were not easy, and so, I think it’s important to engage the Arakan army in order for the full respect of the rights of the Rohingya population in Rakhine. In relation to, the second question was?

    Question: On sanctions against Myanmar.

    Secretary-General: I believe that sanctions are one possible instrument. Of course we would need, and it is difficult to obtain, a Security Council approval for sanctions in relation to Myanmar, but those sanctions not being possible, I think it’s essential to increase the pressure of all the neighbours in relation to Myanmar, in order to guarantee that the fighting ends and that a way towards democracy is finally established.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches 100x Leverage Crypto Trading, No KYC, Double Deposit Bonus, and $50 Welcome Bonus

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

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    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8e4f9d5-733c-4f2d-ae59-f090c4d12acf

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66abe146-1313-4406-8203-172b691970d4

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2a4935e-2679-4e80-bf28-41777a645561

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e120da17-985e-46ec-97b5-53f836fdcff8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM statement at press conference on the Coalition of the Willing: 15 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM statement at press conference on the Coalition of the Willing: 15 March 2025

    The Prime Minister’s statement at a press conference on the Coalition of the Willing.

    Good afternoon.

    This morning I convened the largest, strongest group of countries yet behind a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. 

    Now a huge amount has happened since I brought leaders together at Lancaster House here in London, just two weeks ago. 

    President Zelenskyy has shown once again, and beyond any doubt, that Ukraine is the party of peace.

    Volodymyr has committed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.

    But Putin is trying to delay – saying there must be a painstaking study before a ceasefire can take place. 

    Well, the world needs action. Not a study, not empty words and conditions.

    So my message is very clear.

    Sooner or later, Putin will have to come to the table. 

    So, this is the moment, let the guns fall silent, let the barbaric attacks on Ukraine, once and for all, stop and agree to a ceasefire now.

    And let’s be clear why this is so important – Russia’s appetite for conflict and chaos undermines our security back here at home.

    It drives up the cost of living. It drives up energy costs.

    So this matters deeply to the United Kingdom. 

    That is why now is the time to engage in discussions on a mechanism to manage and monitor a full ceasefire and agree to serious negotiations towards not just a pause but a lasting peace, backed by strong security arrangements through our Coalition of the Willing.  

    And we won’t sit back and wait for Putin to act. 

    Instead we will keep pushing forward. 

    So the group I convened today is more important than ever.

    It brings together partners from across Europe as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with backing from others too – including Japan. 

    We agreed we will keep increasing the pressure on Russia, keep the military aid flowing to Ukraine and keep tightening the restrictions on Russia’s economy to weaken Putin’s war machine and bring him to the table. 

    And we agreed to accelerate our practical work to support a potential deal. 

    So we will now move into an operational phase.

    Our militaries will meet on Thursday this week here in the UK to put strong and robust plans in place to swing in behind a peace deal and guarantee Ukraine’s future security.

    President Trump has offered Putin the way forward to a lasting peace.

    Now we must make this a reality.

    So this is the moment to keep driving towards the outcome we want to see, to end the killing. 

    A just and lasting peace in Ukraine and lasting security for all of us. 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chair’s Statement: Leaders call on Ukraine, 15 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Chair’s Statement: Leaders call on Ukraine, 15 March 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement as Chair for the Leaders call on Ukraine in London on 15 March 2025.

    Today, I hosted a call with counterparts from across Europe, as well as the NATO Secretary General and the leaders of the EU Commission, EU Council, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to discuss our support for Ukraine.

    We underlined our unwavering commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, both now and long into the future.

    We welcomed the efforts of President Trump, President Zelenskyy and their negotiating teams to secure the remarkable breakthrough on the peace agreement in Jeddah this week, and President Zelenskyy’s commitment to the US proposal for an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, subject to agreement by Russia. 

    We agreed that now the ball was in Russia’s court, and President Putin must prove he is serious about peace and sign up to a ceasefire on equal terms. The Kremlin’s dithering and delay over President Trump’s ceasefire proposal, and Russia’s continued barbaric attacks on Ukraine, run entirely counter to President Putin’s stated desire for peace. 

    We reaffirmed our commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security, and agreed that Ukraine must be able to defend itself and deter future Russian aggression.

    Robust and credible security arrangements are the best way to ensure that any deal ends in a lasting peace. We agreed military planners would convene again in the UK this week to progress practical plans for how our militaries can support Ukraine’s future security. We will build up Ukraine’s own defences and armed forces, and be ready to deploy as a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ in the event of a peace deal, to help secure Ukraine on the land, at sea, and in the sky. 

    In the event of a ceasefire, we emphasised the need for strong monitoring arrangements, to ensure that any violations of a deal are identified and called out.  

    We agreed that in the case that President Putin refused to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, we would need to increase our efforts to strengthen Ukraine, weaken Russia’s war machine, and ratchet up pressure on President Putin to convince him to come to the negotiating table. To deliver this, we will accelerate our military support, tighten our sanctions on Russia’s revenues, and continue to explore all lawful routes to ensure that Russia pays for the damage it has done to Ukraine.

    We agreed to continue these discussions as a group in the coming days to ensure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni attends video conference meeting on Ukraine

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    15 Marzo 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, attended today’s video conference meeting organised by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, on the commitment to a just and lasting peace that can ensure the future sovereignty and security of Ukraine.

    President Meloni confirmed that Italy intends to continue working with European and Western partners and the United States to define credible and effective security guarantees, reaffirming however that Italy’s participation in a possible military force on the ground is not planned.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gems Launchpad introduces its ‘Gems Protect’ feature as a safety net for investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To provide its community with greater security and confidence, the Gems Protect risk-mitigation feature allows investors in the Gems Miner program to offset any possible financial losses

    LIMASSOL, Cyprus, March 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gems Launchpad, a community-driven launchpad built around an exclusive investor network, introduces a new financial safeguard, Gems Protect, designed to shield users who invested in its recently launched Gems Miner initiative. Gems Miner is a blockchain-based tool allowing users to generate tokens from four premium projects launched on the Gems Launchpad, enabling passive portfolio diversification. The Gems Protect system calculates the total value of a user’s mined tokens from the activation date to the current evaluation date, and if their portfolio drops by more than 25 percent, they can qualify for a claim under the protection plan.

    The idea behind these virtual miners is to provide a more robust and risk-managed architecture for Gems’s community while streamlining a more predictable and accessible path to investing in promising early-stage projects. There are three types of Gems Miners: Mini, Miners, and Mega, each offering different token generation rates. The first series of Miners unlocks earning potential by allowing users to mine tokens from these four exclusive premium projects: Incentiv, Olympus AI, RAIN, and Prodex.

    As an investment protection plan covering up to 75 percent of one’s initial investment, Gems Protect offers an additional layer of financial security. This protection mechanism is implemented via smart contracts to ensure transparency and automation. Quarterly snapshots and claim eligibility checks are executed algorithmically, eliminating the need for any potential manual intervention.

    Gems Protect is issued as a non-transferable NFT, guaranteeing transparency, traceability, and security on the blockchain. If a user purchased a Gems Miner before the introduction of this feature, they will have the opportunity to purchase Gems Protect retroactively, with the same terms and conditions.

    “We developed this new feature because we value our community and want to ensure they feel secure and confident when they invest in our launchpad projects,” says Isaac Joshua, CEO of Gems Launchpad. “We launched our Nodes and Miners initiative because diversification is highly undervalued in Web3, and with the Gems Protect feature, our community receives another layer of security. By protecting up to 75 percent of the original investment in a Gems Miner, we are providing true peace of mind.”

    More details on Gems Protect can be found here.

    About Gems:
    Gems is a distinguished crypto launchpad with the mission of unearthing genuine “gems” in the Web3 landscape through rigorous due diligence. The platform aims to bring together a robust ecosystem for blockchain projects by focusing on launching innovative ventures, expanding communities, penetrating new markets, and leveraging its international network of investors, known as Leaders, to partake in the early stages of groundbreaking projects. Gems launchpad model is driven by active community participation, creating a synergistic environment that benefits both visionaries and the adoption of pioneering ideas. For more information, visit: https://gems.vip/

    Contact:
    Ari Karp
    ari@gems.vip

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Gems Launchpad. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/59ff8895-f2cb-4c17-af5c-2d3a90c24514

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press Release of the General Secretariat of the Synod and Letter on the Accompaniment Process of the Implementation Phase of the Synod

    Source: The Holy See

    Press Release of the General Secretariat of the Synod and Letter on the Accompaniment Process of the Implementation Phase of the Synod, 15.03.2025
    Press Release from the General Secretariat of the Synod
    (Saturday 15 March 2025)
    The General Secretariat of the Synod has sent to all Bishops and Eparchs and, through them, to the entire “Holy People of God” entrusted to their care, a Letter on the accompaniment process of the implementation phase of the Synod «For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission».
    This process of accompaniment and evaluation of the implementation phase, coordinated by the General Secretariat of the Synod, was approved by Pope Francis. The Holy Father requested its dissemination to the local Churches and groupings of Churches.
    Several significant meetings for evaluating the progress made in the implementation phase will conclude in 2028 with an ecclesial Assembly in Rome.
    ***
    Letter on the Accompaniment Process of the Implementation Phase of the Synod
    (Vatican, 15 March 2025)
    To the Patriarchs and Major Archbishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches
    To all Bishops and Eparchs
    To the Presidents of the Episcopal Conferences
    To the Presidents of the International Meetings of Episcopal Conferences
    Your Beatitude, Eminence, Excellency,
    Dear Brother in Christ,
    in a spirit of communion and co-responsibility, I write to you and to the holy People of God entrusted to your care regarding the implementation phase of the Synod «For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission». The Holy Father hopes that this phase, as outlined in the Apostolic Constitution Episcopalis Communio (n. 7, arts. 19-21), receives particular attention so that synodality is increasingly understood and lived as an essential dimension of the ordinary life of local Churches and the entire Church.
    On 11 March, the Holy Father definitively approved the start of a process of accompaniment and evaluation of the implementation phase by the General Secretariat of the Synod. This process calls upon Dioceses and Eparchies, Episcopal Conferences, and the hierarchical structures of the Eastern Catholic Churches, as well as their continental groupings. They will be responsible for engaging institutes of consecrated life, societies of apostolic life, lay associations, ecclesial movements, and new communities present in their territories. It will ultimately culminate in the celebration of an ecclesial assembly in the Vatican in October 2028. For now, therefore, a new Synod will not be convened; instead, the focus will be on consolidating the path taken so far.
    In the Accompanying Note to the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the Holy Father had already specified that it «is part of the ordinary magisterium of the Successor of Peter» and and, as such, must be received accordingly. He went on to explain that it is not strictly normative but nonetheless calls on the Churches to make consistent choices. In particular, «the local Churches and groupings of Churches are now called upon to implement, in their different contexts, the authoritative proposals contained in the Document through the processes of discernment and decision-making provided for by law and by the Document itself».
    In light of these indications, therefore, the implementation phase of the Synod should be understood not as merely the “application” of directives from above, but rather as a process of “reception” of the orientations expressed in the Final Document, adapted appropriately to local cultures and the needs of communities. At the same time, it is essential to move forward together as the whole Church, harmonizing this reception across different ecclesial contexts. This is the reason for the process of accompaniment and evaluation, which in no way diminishes the responsibility of each Church.
    In line with the indications of the Final Document, the aim is to concretely realize the perspective of the exchange of gifts between Churches and within the whole Church concrete (cf. nn. 120-121). Along the way, everyone will be able to benefit from the richness and creativity of the paths taken by local Churches, gathering the fruits in their territorial groupings (Provinces, Episcopal Conferences, International Meetings of Episcopal Conferences, etc.). The process will also be an opportunity to evaluate together the choices made at the local level and recognize the progress made in terms of synodality (cf. n. 9). Thanks to this process, the Holy Father will be able to listen to and confirm the orientations deemed valid for the whole Church (cf. nn. 12 and 131). Finally, this process provides the framework within which to place the many and diverse initiatives for implementing the orientations of the Synod, particularly the results of the work of the Study Groups and the contributions of the Canonical Commission.
    It is of fundamental importance to ensure that the implementation phase serves as an opportunity to re-engage the people who have contributed and to present the fruits gathered from listening to all the Churches and the discernment of the Pastors in the Synodal Assembly: thus, the dialogue already initiated in the listening phase will continue. The process will rely on the work of synodal teams composed of priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, laymen and laywomen, accompanied by their bishop: these are fundamental tools for accompanying the ordinary synodal life of local Churches. For this reason, existing teams should be valued and possibly renewed, idle teams should be reactivated and appropriately integrated. This process will also offer Dioceses that have invested less in the synodal path an opportunity to recover the steps not yet taken and to form their own synodal teams. I invite you to communicate to the Secretariat of the Synod the composition and references of the synodal team of your Diocese or Eparchy, using the form available in the attachment.
    In this context, the announcement of the Jubilee of synodal teams and participatory bodies to be held on 24-26 October 2025, takes on particular significance. thus placing the commitment to building a Church that is increasingly synodal within the horizon of the hope that does not disappoint, which we celebrate in the Jubilee.
    The journey that will lead the whole Church to the celebration of the ecclesial assembly in October 2028 will be structured in such a way as to offer adequate and sustainable times for the implementation of the Synod’s indications, while also providing for some significant moments of evaluation:
    · March 2025: announcement of the accompaniment and evaluation process;
    · May 2025: publication of the Support Document for the implementation phase, with guidelines for its conduct;
    · June 2025 – December 2026: implementation paths in local Churches and their groupings;
    · 24-26 October 2025: Jubilee of synodal teams and participatory bodies;
    · first half of 2027: evaluation Assemblies in Dioceses and Eparchies;
    · second half of 2027: evaluation Assemblies in national and international Episcopal Conferences, Eastern hierarchical structures, and other groupings of Churches;
    · first half of 2028: continental evaluation Assemblies;
    · June 2028: publication of the Instrumentum laboris for the works of the ecclesial Assembly in October 2028;
    · October 2028: celebration of the ecclesial Assembly in the Vatican.
    As of now, the General Secretariat of the Synod is committed to accompanying and supporting the Churches on this journey.
    Your Beatitude, Eminence, Excellency,
    with this letter, I am informing you of the start of this journey before it is made public. Until then, the information contained in this letter should be considered confidential. By the end of May, we will send further communications to the Churches with more details regarding the methodology and operational procedures of the journey.
    Without the impetus of diocesan and eparchial bishops, a process like the one outlined here would not even be imaginable. As of now, I would like to express my sincere thanks to you, your collaborators, and your synodal team for your commitment to advancing a journey that is particularly close to the Holy Father’s heart, for whose health we are all praying together in these weeks.
    I greet you fraternally in the Lord, wishing you and the Church of which you are Pastor a fruitful journey toward the upcoming Easter.
    Mario Card. Grech
    Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Mission to BiH condemns all forms of violence

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

    Headline: OSCE Mission to BiH condemns all forms of violence

    SARAJEVO, 15 March 2025 — The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) condemns all forms of violence, including those targeting political actors, journalists and other citizens. 
    Violence, in any of its forms, must never be used or tolerated as a tool of political expression.
    Such acts undermine the principles of democracy and threaten the security of individuals and of communities as a whole.
    Attacks that the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina have witnessed in the last days, such as the one against Nebojša Vukanović, the RS opposition leader or targeting of Goran Dakić, journalist of Oslobođenje, highlight a dangerous trend. We support authorities’ swift and thorough action to investigate these incidents, ensuring justice and accountability for those responsible.
    The Mission calls on all leaders, including in Republika Srpska, to refrain from dangerous rhetoric that could jeopardise personal safety of citizens and create insecurity in their communities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM remarks on call with the Coalition of the Willing: 15 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM remarks on call with the Coalition of the Willing: 15 March 2025

    The Prime Minister held a call with international leaders in the Coalition of the Willing this morning.

    Good morning colleagues.

    Can I just start by thanking you all for making time for this important meeting this morning.

    We’ve got a lot to discuss because since we last met in person in London just under two weeks ago a lot has happened, particularly in the last week. 

    So it’s very important we catch up to move forward.

    I think what this week has shown, particularly the developments and progress on Tuesday, is that President Zelenskyy, who is with us this morning, has shown once again, that Ukraine is the party of peace because he has agreed to and committed to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire.

    Now what we see, and this is the centrepiece for our discussions today, is that Putin is the one trying to delay.

    And in a sense, and you all know this, if Putin is serious about peace, it’s very simple: he has to stop his barbaric attacks on Ukraine and agree to a ceasefire.

    And the world is watching.

    And my feeling is that sooner or later Putin is going to have to come to the table and engage in serious discussions.

    But, and this is a big but, for us this morning in our meeting, we can’t sit back and simply wait for that to happen.

    We have to keep pushing ahead, pushing forward and preparing for peace.

    And a peace that will be secure and that will last, and I think that means strengthening Ukraine so they can defend themselves, and strengthening obviously in terms of military capability, in terms of funding and in terms of the provision of further support from all of us to Ukraine. 

    Secondly, being prepared to defend any deal ourselves through a Coalition of the Willing. We’ve begun that process this morning and we can take it forward.

    Thirdly, and very importantly given the developments of the past few days, to keep the pressure on Putin to come to the table and I think that collectively we’ve got a number of ways that we can do that. 

    And so it’s those three areas we’ll focus on in this meeting: strengthening Ukraine, being prepared to defend any deal ourselves through a Coalition of the Willing, and keeping that pressure on Russia at this crucial time. 

    So that’s what this meeting is about.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Protection for energy customers ahead of RTS switch-off

    Source: Scottish Government

    Acting Climate Action Minister writes to Ofgem.

    Acting Minister for Climate Action Dr Alasdair Allan has asked for urgent actions to increase the pace of progress on replacing Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters ahead of the service switching off in June.

    RTS meters are out of date and energy suppliers are being encouraged by Ofgem to replace old meters with smart meters. If meters are not replaced before the service is switched off, it could mean disruption to heating and hot water supplies, and possibly higher bills for households and businesses still using the technology.

    In response to Ofgem’s consultation on an introduction of new licence conditions to the RTS, Dr Allan reiterated the Scottish Government’s repeated calls for further action to be taken to protect energy consumers as the industry works to replace thousands of meters across the country.

    Ofgem’s data from suppliers shows that between October 2024 and January 2025 around 18,700 RTS meters were replaced in Scotland. As of January 2025, there were still 146,302 RTS consumers in Scotland who need to have their meters replaced. Support for RTS energy meters ends on June 30 2025.

    Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan said:

    “Protecting consumers is the Scottish Government’s highest priority. The approach taken so far has been insufficient, and consumers cannot be blamed for the failure of the energy industry to properly plan for and respond to the RTS switch-off.

    “People who rely on the RTS will experience considerable detriment unless meters are replaced by the switch-off date – particularly in rural and island communities.

    “There is a real and pressing need for suppliers to be made to explain what their workforce plan is to get engineers to premises. Consideration should also be given to additional enforcement action to reduce no-show instances and to ensure that every household is fitted with a fully functioning meter before the deadline.

    “Due to the cost of living crisis, it is also unacceptable to expect consumers to pay for expensive re-wiring as a consequence of the RTS switch-off – they should not be confronted with any additional anxieties. The creation of a fund to support consumers in this position is critical.

    “While devolved governments do not hold the levers, the Scottish Government will work with Ofgem, the UK Government and industry to raise awareness of the RTS switch-off.”

    Background 

    Energy infrastructure and regulation is the responsibility of the UK Government. 

    Full letter from Dr Alasdair Allan to Ofgem

    Consumers may use an RTS meter if their property: 

    • has a meter that switches between peak and off-peak tariff rates, such as Economy 7 or Economy 10, or a Total Heating Total Control tariff
    • has a meter that automatically turns on heating or hot water
    • uses electric or storage heaters
    • is located in a no-gas supply area (off-grid), especially in rural areas. 
    • Advice Direct Scotland 0800 028 1456 and Citizens Advice Scotland 0800 028 1456. 

    Ofgem guidance: Replacing your Radio Teleswitch electricity meter | Ofgem

    Letter from Dr Alasdair Allan to UK Government (8 January 2025)

    Letter from Minister for Climate Action to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy Consumers reiterating calls for more support for consumers struggling with energy bills (September 2024)

    Open letter from then-Minister for Climate Action Gillian Martin urging energy suppliers to prioritise Radio Teleswitch Service customers when progressing the roll-out of smart meters (June 2024)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sea eagle management boost

    Source: Scottish Government

    Further support to help farmers and crofters.

    Livestock farmers and crofters impacted by sea eagle predation will benefit from further support to help with the management and trial of new methods of prevention of livestock loss.  

    White-tailed eagles predate lambs and young sheep in some locations  which continues to have a significant emotional and financial impact on affected farming and crofting businesses.

    The Scottish Government will provide NatureScot with an additional £534,000 taking the total for the 2025-26 Sea Eagle Management Scheme to £970,000 ensuring more support for those worst impacted.

    This will allow the maximum standard measures payment of £1,500 to help with increased shepherding and monitoring to be increased to £1,800. The cap for the contribution to enhanced measures payment will double from £5,000 to £10,000 which will help increase the time spent by shepherds in the lambing parks during the period of lambing.

    There will also be additional support provided to be shared by farms most severely impacted and which wish to develop more bespoke approaches including indoor lambing to reduce the risk of predation.

    Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:

    “We recognise that we need to ensure a balanced approach where species such as white tailed eagles come into conflict with agricultural activity especially sheep farming. The emotional and financial impacts for those worst affected cannot be underestimated.

    “I’ve been working with officials and NatureScot, as well as listening to the views of producers, to agree a way forward that allows our valued farmers and crofters to continue to successfully work the land at the same time as living alongside the sea eagle population.

    “With lambing season upon us again I hope this increase in support will help mitigate the impact and manage the tension between wildlife conservation efforts and our vital farming communities.”

    Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot Director of the Green Economy, said:

    “We welcome the Scottish Government’s increase in funding for this year’s Sea Eagle Management Scheme (SEMS), which will more than double the existing £436,000 available.

    “We are pleased to confirm that agreements will be extended or offered on that basis, with the focus being on those carrying out enhanced measures. New applicants and those with existing agreements will be contacted shortly with details of this year’s arrangements and payments. There will also be additional funding available to develop and test more in-depth management techniques for those suffering significant impacts.

    “We are committed to helping land managers to live alongside our most treasured and protected species. This additional funding clearly recognises that predation of livestock by sea eagles can have an impact on farms and crofts and this underpins commitments to support and offset the costs of farming and crofting in the presence of sea eagles.”

    Background

    Species reintroductions – Wildlife management – gov.scot

    Sea Eagle Management Scheme | NatureScot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 14.03.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    14 March 2025 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 14.03.2025

    Espoo, Finland – On 14 March 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 2,431,999 4.87
    CEUX 1,376,481 4.87
    BATE – –
    AQEU 169,328 4.88
    TQEX – –
    Total 3,977,808 4.87

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 14 March 2025 was EUR 19 391 018. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 172 084 787 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Federal Credit Union and First Financial Northwest, Inc. Announce Expected Closing Date for Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska and RENTON, Wash., March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Federal Credit Union (“Global”) and First Financial Northwest, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ GS: FFNW), the holding company for First Financial Northwest Bank (the “Bank”), jointly announced today they have set the expected closing date for Global’s acquisition of substantially all of the assets and assumption of substantially all of the liabilities (including deposit liabilities) of the Bank (the “Asset Sale”), on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2024, by and among the Company, the Bank and Global (the “Agreement”). The Asset Sale is expected to be completed on April 11, 2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining closing conditions set forth in the Agreement.

    Following the Asset Sale, the Company will take all necessary action to wind up its affairs, distribute its remaining net assets, including the remaining net cash proceeds from the purchase price paid by Global in the asset sale, to the shareholders of the Company, and dissolve under applicable Washington law. The cash consideration to Company shareholders is expected to be paid out in multiple distributions. An initial distribution to Company shareholders is expected to occur as soon as practicable after the completion of the transaction.

    Global will operate the locations of the Bank as a separately branded division of Global until the system and brand integration is completed later in 2025.

    About Global Federal Credit Union

    Global Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative with the mission of enriching lives through world-class financial services. Global was founded in 1948 at the Alaska Air Depot, and now serves more than 750,000 members online and more than 70 branches across Washington, Alaska, Idaho, California, Arizona, as well as branches on three U.S. military installations in Italy. Learn more at globalcu.org.

    About First Financial Northwest

    First Financial Northwest, Inc. is the parent company of First Financial Northwest Bank, an FDIC-insured Washington State-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Renton, Washington, serving the Puget Sound Region through 15 full-service banking offices. Visit ffnwb.com and click on the “Investor Relations” link at the bottom of the page for more information.

    Forward-looking statements:
    When used in this press release and in other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases or other public shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “believe,” “will,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management’s current expectations and forecasts regarding future events many of which are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about, among other things, our pending transaction with Global whereby Global, pursuant to the Agreement, will acquire substantially all of the assets and assume substantially all of the liabilities of the Bank, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance or financial items, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based on current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ, possibly materially from those currently expected or projected in these forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect our operating and stock performance. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or all of the parties to terminate the Agreement; delays in completing the transactions contemplated by the Agreement; the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the Global transaction on a timely basis or at all; delays or other circumstances arising from the dissolution of the Bank and the Company following completion of the Agreement; diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities during the pending Global transaction; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement of the Global transaction; adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company’s business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a recession or slowed economic growth; changes in the interest rate environment, including increases or decreases in the Federal Reserve benchmark rate and duration at which such interest rate levels are maintained, which could adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the value of assets and obligations, and the availability and cost of capital and liquidity; the impact of inflation and the current and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; the effects of any federal government shutdown; increased competitive pressures, including repricing and competitors’ pricing initiatives, and their impact on our market position, loan and deposit products; legislative and regulatory changes; the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks and related negative press about the banking industry in general on investor and depositor sentiment; disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform several of our critical processing functions; effects of critical accounting policies and judgments, including the use of estimates in determining the fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; the potential imposition of new tariffs or changes to existing trade policies that could affect economic activity or specific industry sectors; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, civil unrest and other external events on our business; and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC – that are available on our website at www.ffnwb.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this press release and in the other public statements are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    Global Credit Union
    Media Contact
    Tim Woolston
    Senior Vice President, Marketing
    907-317-9454
    t.woolston@globalcu.org

    First Financial Northwest, Inc.
    Investor Contacts
    Joseph W. Kiley III
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Rich Jacobson
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    425-255-4400

    The MIL Network –