Source: European Parliament
The next Committee meetings will take place on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, 10.00 – 12.30 (Coordinators’ meeting) and 14.30 – 17.30 in meeting room SPINELLI (3E-2).
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Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP
Category: Europe
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MIL-OSI Economics: Celebrating women in gaming: Pioneers and innovators
Source: Microsoft
Headline: Celebrating women in gaming: Pioneers and innovators
Women have been influential figures across all areas of the gaming world—from design and development to storytelling and production. As we continue to break down barriers and champion diverse perspectives, we’re proud to amplify the voices of those who have shaped the industry’s past and are shaping its future.
In our exclusive interview with Roberta, she reflects on her pioneering journey in the gaming industry and shares her insights into her love of mysteries, the creation of Laura Bow; one of the first heroines in gaming, advise for young women looking to get into gaming, and what inspired her to return with a new adventure, Colossal Cave. Her groundbreaking work in interactive storytelling has inspired generations of creators, and her thoughts on the past, present, and future of women in gaming offer invaluable perspectives on the road ahead.
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As we honor the accomplishments of women in gaming, let’s also look toward the future. The work being done today by women in this industry is setting the stage for a new generation of creators who will continue to push boundaries and inspire others. Let’s ensure that women’s voices are heard, celebrated, and given the platform they deserve—today and every day.
Discover Games Shaped by Women Creators
Celebrate International Women’s Day through the power of play. During March and beyond, you can play a variety of game collections highlighting iconic games and franchises created by women developers, showcasing how their unique perspectives have shaped the gaming world we know today.
Check out a few highlights from our full Xbox Game Collection celebrating International Women’s Day:
KeyLocker – A Cyberpunk turn-based rhythm JRPG. Play as the singer and songwriter, B0B0. Fuel your moves with the electric power of music on this unforgiving planet by using real-time execution of moves in rhythm game style! Choose a unique class, battle the authorities, unlock the secrets of Saturn, play in your own band’s concerts, and hack into the network to bring an end to this corrupt system, for better or worse.
Play KeyLocker TodayDungeons of Hinterberg – Welcome to Hinterberg, a new tourist hotspot in the idyllic Austrian Alps! You play as Luisa, a burnt-out law trainee taking a break from her fast-paced corporate life to conquer the Dungeons of Hinterberg. There are plenty of dungeons to find and adventures to be had in Hinterberg – will Luisa be sent packing on her first day, or remain to become a Master Slayer? Only one way to find out…
Play Dungeons of Hinterberg Today
Avowed – Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?
Play Avowed TodaySpirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To –Samar is a young witch working the spirit-swapping night shift in the eastern outskirts of Demashq. A recent spike in spirits crossing over from another dimension breaks the chill atmosphere of their night shift, so with her trusty Familiarz by her side, she sets off into the city to find out what’s happened. With a popular band scheduled to kick off their big comeback tour in Demashq, Samar needs to work quickly before the city is overrun with stans and spirits alike!
Play Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To Today
Mexico 1921: A Deep Slumber – An intriguing narrative adventure where you try to solve a hundred-year-old mystery: who planned the assassination of President Álvaro Obregón? You play as Juan Aguirre, a photojournalist who will interview and photograph subjects, collect historical data and report the news that will shape Mexican history. Join Juan in post-revolutionary Mexico City to discover why Mexico ain’t no place for the weak. Developed hand in hand with the National Newspaper Library and the Popular Arts Museum, this game will be an interactive archive of Mexican post-revolutionary history.
Play Mexico 1921: A Deep Slumber Today
Colossal Cave –Embark on a timeless journey through a sprawling cave system packed with treasures, creatures, mazes, and wits-defying puzzles. The great grandpappy of adventure games will test you and tickle your problem-solving skills as you unearth its plot and secrets. Through cunning trial-and-error you will crawl through tight squeezes, encounter impressive caverns, collect inventory, locate treasure, thwart dwarf attacks, all while keeping your eye on the score before your lamp goes out.
Play Colossal Cave Today
Spotlighting Women Gaming Pioneers
Marcella Churchill – Sr. Director of Brand at SEGA of America
Marcella Churchill is a visionary leader in brand marketing with a track record of spearheading global brand campaigns at LucasArts, EA, Zynga, Discord, and now Sega of America. At Sega, she is redefining transmedia storytelling, transforming iconic franchises into multimedia powerhouses. She has played a key role in elevating Sonic the Hedgehog to new heights, leading brand marketing endeavors supporting blockbuster films, hit TV series, major brand partnerships, and best-selling games. Beyond Sonic, Marcella is driving the resurgence of beloved franchises like Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Persona, and Like a Dragon, expanding their reach and legacy. Passionate about innovation, she is dedicated to growing Sega’s global brand, crafting unforgettable fan experiences, and pushing the boundaries of brand marketing and gaming entertainment.
Q: You’ve seen incredible growth in the Sonic brand, from successful games to record-breaking movies. What do you think has been the key to Sonic’s ability to cross storytelling mediums and what’s next on the horizon for you and your team?
A: Sonic’s evolution from a beloved video game character to a full-fledged entertainment icon is a testament to the passion and dedication of our team. We’ve focused on staying true to the heart of Sonic—his energy, attitude, and sense of adventure—while expanding his storytelling across games, film, TV, comics, and beyond. By embracing a transmedia approach, we’ve introduced Sonic to new audiences while deepening the experience for longtime fans. The success of the films, alongside hit games like Sonic Frontiers and Sonic X Shadow Generations, has reinforced the strength of the franchise, and last year’s brand marketing campaign featuring the Year of Shadow was a significant moment, culminating in the movie release of ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’.
Looking ahead, we have a lot in store for Sonic fans. While we can’t reveal everything yet, our team is committed to delivering exciting new, unique experiences and pushing the brand further. Whether through innovative game projects, fresh storytelling opportunities, or unexpected collaborations, we’re focused on keeping Sonic’s momentum strong and continuing to surprise and delight fans worldwide.
Q: As a woman in a leadership role in gaming, how have you seen Marketing in the gaming industry evolve over the years and where do you see it going?
A: Marketing in the gaming industry has evolved significantly, shifting from traditional print and TV ads to digital-first, community-driven strategies. Early on, marketing was heavily reliant on big-budget campaigns and retail partnerships. Still, engagement has become more personalized, pervasive, and interactive with the rise of social media, influencers, live service models, and more opportunities to collaborate with brands through collaborations and lifestyle partnerships. Players now expect direct communication, behind-the-scenes access, and content tailored to their interests. Looking ahead, I see marketing continuing to blend data-driven insights with creative storytelling, lifestyle partnerships, leveraging user-generated content, and emerging platforms to foster deeper player engagement and brand loyalty.
Q: As a leader in the gaming industry, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to build a career in marketing and gaming and how can they best prepare for the future you see ahead?
A: My advice to young women aspiring to build a career in marketing and gaming is to stay curious, build a strong network, and embrace creativity and data-driven decision-making. The industry thrives on innovation, so developing a deep understanding of player communities, emerging technologies, and digital marketing trends will be key. Seek mentors, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms where you may be the only woman. As the industry evolves, staying adaptable and continuously learning will be essential for long-term success.
Wonder Stormbreaker – Head of Studio Marketing at Undead Labs
As the Head of Studio Marketing at Undead Labs, Wonder Stormbreaker plays a crucial role in ensuring that the studio’s projects, particularly the State of Decay franchise, connect with audiences on a deep level. With a strong passion for storytelling and community engagement, Wonder’s work is centered around building immersive experiences for fans and amplifying Undead Labs’ voice in the gaming world. Whether through innovative marketing campaigns or leading the charge in social media outreach, Wonder is always thinking about how to bring players into the fold and create lasting relationships with the community.
Q: As Head of Studio Marketing, how do you approach creating authentic connections with fans and building a community around Undead Labs’ games?
A: One of my core values is integrity: be who you say you are and do what you say you’re going to do. That’s what players expect from us. We build strong relationships by delivering on what we’ve promised. To do that, we place a high value on players’ experiences and expectations. Trust is at the heart of strong relationships between studios and players.
Q: State of Decay has a passionate fanbase. What do you think has been the key to building that loyalty, and how do you keep the game’s community engaged over time?
A: It’s important to our studio culture that we never lose sight of the worth and power of an individual.State of Decay’s popularity began as a grassroots movement. Personal touch is a priority for how we build community. I ask thorny questions: How do we make a larger, global audience feel connected and cared for? How do we automate what we do here to serve even more players, without depersonalization? We know we won’t always get the answers right on the first try, and frankly, I hate that. I would love to knock it out of the park the first time, every time. The important thing is that our players have evidence that we’re always improving their experience.
Q: Marketing in the gaming industry can be very dynamic and fast-paced. How do you stay ahead of trends, and what excites you most about the future of game marketing?
A: It’s important to think of games as one piece of the “entertainment-verse.” I have a theater and film background and often look to the film industry for clues about where we are headed, but really, it’s about how games fit into people’s lives when everything is vying for attention.
It’s easy to be swept into our own silos, even an Xbox silo. Right now, I’m working with the Turn 10 team on a few projects which is incredible for inspiration and new perspectives. I read industry newsletters like A16z’s speedrun and Naavik, as well as current event roundups like Mo News and Semafor. This may be surprising, but I avoid almost all social media. The firehose of micro-entertainment on social platforms can overwhelm the big picture, and the big picture is most interesting to me. That’s where vision flourishes.
Empowering Women Streamers with South of Midnight
In South of Midnight, we step into the shoes of Hazel, a strong, rough-edged protagonist navigating a world inspired by the American Deep South. Tasked with fixing what’s broken, Hazel must adapt to a hostile environment that’s barely recognizable. This month, Team Xbox continues its commitment to empowering women protagonists and celebrating women in the gaming industry in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). As part of this, Xbox is partnering with the creator agency Instinct3 on a campaign to support and elevate emerging women streamers for South of Midnight. This initiative offers smaller, up-and-coming streamers the chance to apply and receive early access codes for the game. Focused on those who may not yet have the reach of more established streamers, the campaign aims to shine a spotlight on women creators by sponsoring their streams and giving them a platform to grow.
In the spirit of empowering women, streamers will support each other through Twitch’s raid mechanics, directing viewers from one stream to the next. These streams and raids will kick off with South of Midnight Early Access on April 3. Details will be shared via Xbox Wire DACH, along with opportunities to win Game Pass codes.
The campaign application opens on International Women’s Day, March 8, and runs through the month. Selected streamers will receive Game Pass and game codes, joining our paid campaign for Early Access.
Gaming with Impact
Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting women with Xbox. The organizations below will be available on the Rewards hub:
- Women in Games International – Women in Games International works to cultivate resources such as advanced knowledge sharing, access to technology, and actionable mentorship programs to normalize diversity in the games industry through increased representation. (US only)
- National Center for Transgender Equality – NCTE advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people. In the nation’s capital and throughout the country, NCTE works to replace disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, opportunity, and justice. (US Only)
Xbox players 18 and older can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games, completing Game Pass Quests (terms apply), and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Start earning for impact today and redeem your points for great rewards. Donate your points on the Rewards hub or on the Rewards redeem page.
Wallpapers and Dynamic Backgrounds
The Xbox International Women’s Day design is available today as an Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background on console – follow these steps to apply the dynamic background:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.
You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Evolving Political Reality, Security Council Speakers Urge Breakthrough on Syria’s Chemical Weapons Compliance
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The new political reality in Syria presents an opportunity to obtain long-overdue clarifications on the Syrian chemical weapons programme, rid the country of all such weapons and ensure long-term compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today.
“The importance of closing all outstanding issues related to Syria’s chemical weapons dossier cannot be overstated,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, during her briefing to the 15-member Council.
Although the previous Syrian authorities submitted 20 amendments to Syria’s initial declaration, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Declaration Assessment Team was never able to confirm that the information was accurate. Over the last 11 years, the Team has raised and reported a total of 26 outstanding issues with Syria’s declaration.
“The OPCW Technical Secretariat has reported that the substance of the 19 outstanding issues remains a ‘serious concern’ as it involves large quantities of potentially undeclared or unverified chemical warfare agents and chemical munitions,” she added.
The OPCW Fact-Finding Mission and the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team have documented the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and in several incidents, identified the Syrian Arab Armed Forces as the perpetrators. The OPCW Technical Secretariat has reported that Syria continued to use, and possibly produce, chemical weapons after joining the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013. “The situation left by the previous Syrian authorities is extremely worrying,” she went on to stress.
But, there are some encouraging signs. The OPCW Director-General recently received assurances that the new authorities are committed to destroying any remains of the chemical weapons programme, bringing justice to the victims and ensuring Syria’s compliance with international law. A new focal point for chemical weapons matters within the Syria’s Foreign Ministry travelled to The Hague for in-person meetings with the OPCW Technical Secretariat on how to advance the OPCW’s “Nine-Point Action Plan for Syria”.
In the coming days, a team of experts from the OPCW Technical Secretariat will be deployed to Damascus to establish OPCW’s permanent presence in Syria and start jointly planning deployments to chemical weapons sites. While the commitment of the caretaker authorities in Syria to fully cooperate with the OPCW Technical Secretariat is commendable, the work ahead will not be easy and will require additional resources from the international community. “I urge the members of this Council to unite and show leadership in providing the support that this unprecedented effort will require,” she said.
In the ensuing discussion among Council members, many speakers took note of the developments reported to date, underscoring them as important steps towards implementing relevant Council resolutions and securing Syria’s fulfilment of its international commitments. Several speakers also stressed the importance of ensuring that chemical weapons do not fall into the hands of non-State actors.
Need to Prevent Transfer of Mass Destruction Weapons to Terrorists
“Terrorists cannot be allowed to have access to weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons,” Pakistan’s delegate said. The new Syrian authorities must address long-standing questions and ensure unimpeded access to enable the OPCW to independently and fully verify the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria, he emphasised. China’s delegate also said that effectively resolving the Syrian chemical issue will help prevent chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. Resolving the issue of Syrian chemical weapons should be a top priority for the international community, he added, warning that the risk of terrorist organizations within Syria expanding their position in the country “remains high”.
Greece’s delegate stressed the importance of “securing chemical weapons-related locations and materials therein, during the [political] transition” in Syria. According to the latest OPCW monthly reports, he noted, no monthly report was received recently from Syria and its authorities have not completed declaring all the chemical weapons it currently possesses, including sarin, sarin precursors and chlorine. The interim Government must work constructively with OPCW to close the 19 outstanding issues, and thus to confirm that it has abandoned the use of chemical weapons and concluded the total destruction of stockpiles.
Several speakers highlighted the plight of the Syrian people, with Slovenia’s delegate emphasizing that Syrian civilians still await justice after 14 years of bloody conflict. “The use of chemical weapons has always resulted in a human tragedy,” she recalled. The representative of Denmark, Council President for March, speaking in her national capacity, stressed the importance of justice for Syrians who were victim to the Assad regime’s horrific chemical attacks. “The toppled regime of Bashar al-Assad had used these inhumane weapons against its own people in at least nine cases documented by independent investigations,” echoed France’s delegate. And for more than 11 years, the Assad regime obstructed the work of OPCW, he recalled.
‘Historic Opportunity’ for Renewed Momentum
“This is an opportunity that must not be squandered,” the representative of Panama stressed, echoing many speakers who also spotlighted this moment as a unique chance for Syria to start fresh. Efforts are being made to rebuild institutions and restore the rule of law. In the same vein, he also echoed several speakers as he expressed concern over increasing clashes and tensions across the country. “We urge all parties to halt this escalation and to prioritize dialog and stability,” he urged.
“We have a historic opportunity to close this dark chapter in history and to start a new one — creating a Syria that is safer for its people and more secure for the region and the world,” said the representative of the United States, underscoring that all elements of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons programme must now be secured, declared and safely destroyed under international verification. This imperative is two-fold: to bring Syria into compliance with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and critically, to ensure that any remaining elements do not end up in the wrong hands, she said. However, “the window of opportunity is short”, she cautioned, highlighting “a tremendously important mission” before OPCW.
The fall of the Assad regime presents “a golden opportunity” to destroy Syria’s remaining chemical weapons programme, said the speaker for the United Kingdom, as he welcomed the commitments already made by the Syrian interim authorities to fully cooperate with OPCW. For things to progress, however, the international community must provide the financial and technical assistance that is required. He also urged Israel to de-escalate their actions in Syria, adding that such military moves risk destabilizing an already fragile situation. The representative of Republic of Korea also called on regional actors to refrain from actions that could impede Syria’s full implementation of its Chemical Weapons Convention obligations. Israel’s air strikes could not only create a risk of contamination, but also lead to the destruction of valuable evidence for investigations related to past use of chemical weapons. “Broader accountability measures must be pursued as part of Syria’s political transition,” he stressed.
Moscow Questions Expert Deployment to Chemical Weapons Sites
The Russian Federation’s delegate stated that his country was instrumental in Syria’s accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013, which placed its chemical arsenal under international control. “On the whole, we support any progress that would help resolve the remaining outstanding issues in Syria’s initial declaration,” he said. However, he expressed doubts about the OPCW’s ability to carry out its technical mandate impartially, citing long-standing concerns over the politicization of its work. Cautioning against the deployment of full-fledged OPCW teams in Syria, he argued that any conclusions such missions might reach “won’t enjoy the trust of the international community”. Given the uncertain conditions in the country, verifying the presence of chemical weapons is “not the top priority for the current authorities,” he said, emphasizing: “We need to understand this and not push ahead with this topic.”
Other speakers commended recent diplomatic progress, with Algeria’s delegate, speaking also for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Somalia, acknowledging the recent engagement between Syria and OPCW and the designation by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of a new focal point for chemical weapons matters. He commended Qatar’s “instrumental role” as a revitalizing channel for engagement. While recognizing the challenges faced by the Declaration Assessment Team in addressing all outstanding issues, he welcomed the readiness of the new Syrian leadership to inaugurate a new chapter of open and transparent relations with the Organization.
Türkiye’s delegate said that the high-level discussions during this visit of the OPCW Director-General “represent a crucial turning point in establishing direct cooperation between Syria and the OPCW, putting an end to years of stagnation”. Echoing several other speakers, he commended Qatar for temporarily assuming the role of representing Syria’s interests at OPCW, and also called on the Council to take decisive action against Israel’s expansionist and destabilizing acts.
New Foreign Policy, New Phase of Cooperation
For his part, Syria’s representative said his country is “keen to adopt a new foreign policy” grounded in international law, and to honour its obligations under international legal instruments it has acceded to. Accordingly, he reiterated his country’s commitment to cooperate with OPCW and “close this file once and for all”. However, he stressed that Israel’s aggression against several military and civilian facilities in Syria on 9 December 2024 complicates the relevant logistical, technical and practical challenges.
Highlighting “a new phase of cooperation” with OPCW, he requested that Syria’s privileges and rights as a State party — which have been suspended — be restored and collective punitive measures be lifted. “This undermined its efforts to achieve economic development and meet the needs of its people,” he observed, adding that Syria is keen today to eliminate the threat posed by prohibited chemical weapons, promote international peace and stability and “ensure that these atrocities will not occur in the future”.
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A message from Christine Jardine on International Women’s Day
Source: Liberal Democrats UK
That means pushing our revolutionary parental leave and childcare policies – helping more mothers return to the workplace should they want to, and fighting against the gender pay gap. Or our plans to end period poverty and ensure that survivors of violence against women and girls are properly supported in the criminal justice system.
Women deserve an ambitious vision from political parties of how their lives can be improved. So it’s disappointing that the government seems to have missed opportunities to make this a reality. They removed the target for women’s health hubs in the latest NHS mandate, while their Crime & Policing Bill fails to mention domestic abuse once.
The fight for equality continues. Liberal Democrats will keep pushing on these issues and others, to deliver the positive future that all women deserve.
Of course, accelerating action also means supporting the tireless campaigners who are already doing fantastic work. I am especially grateful to the groups within our own party who are pushing for change. Lib Dem Women and the Campaign for Gender for Balance are just some examples, who lead the fight to get more women involved in politics.
We as a party – and a country – have come so far. If we keep working together, we can go even further.
Happy International Women’s Day.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Almost 84 thousand people have moved from dilapidated housing in the Northwestern Federal District since 2019
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 7, 2025
In the Northwestern Federal District, the resettlement of people from houses unfit for habitation continues.
In the Northwestern Federal District, people are being resettled from uninhabitable buildings. Vladimir Putin set the task of reducing the emergency housing stock and improving the living conditions of people living there for the Russian construction industry. Since 2019, when the implementation of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” began, the subjects of the Northwestern Federal District have resettled 1.5 million square meters of housing recognized as uninhabitable, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.
“Resettlement of emergency housing is one of the tasks that the Government keeps under special control. We are working on solving this problem together with the regions. Under the national project “Housing and Urban Environment”, almost 84 thousand citizens have been resettled from emergency housing in the district to date. The unsuitable housing stock has been reduced by 1.5 million square meters. The resettlement program not only helps improve the quality of life of thousands of Russians, but also contributes to the renewal of urban development and the creation of a comfortable urban environment. Since 2025, these tasks have been solved within the framework of the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – said the Deputy Prime Minister.
According to Marat Khusnullin, in the Northwestern Federal District, the largest number of residents moved from dilapidated housing in the Arkhangelsk Region – 26.1 thousand people, the Leningrad Region – 12.7 thousand people, the Komi Republic – 10.4 thousand people, the Republic of Karelia – 9.4 thousand people and the Vologda Region – 7.1 thousand people.
The General Director of the Territorial Development Fund, Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, noted that many regions are working ahead of schedule, completing assigned tasks in a shorter time frame.
“In addition, it has already become a good tradition that regions connect their mechanisms to solve the problem of resettling emergency housing, create their own resettlement programs. Thus, the subjects of the Northwestern Federal District, at the expense of their budgets, resettled 13.2 thousand people out of the total number. Here we can note the Komi Republic, where the region independently resettled 3.8 thousand people, and the Arkhangelsk Region, where, thanks to the initiative of the subject, almost 3 thousand citizens improved their housing conditions,” said the head of the Territorial Development Fund.
The program for resettling citizens from emergency housing stock is supervised by the Russian Ministry of Construction. Its operator is the Territorial Development Fund.
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.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Moscow Exchange roundtable participants discussed equal career opportunities for all
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
March 6, 2025
Moscow Exchange held a round table dedicated to equal career opportunities in public Russian companies.
Representatives of Russian business, consultants and experts in the field of sustainable development and stock exchange infrastructure discussed current issues and best practices of Russian companies aimed at ensuring equal career opportunities, and also assessed their contribution to popularizing the concept of sustainable development in the financial market.
As part of the event, Moscow Exchange presented the results of a study on the disclosure of non-financial information by 65 issuers – companies from the first and second levels of the Moscow Exchange quotation list that issued non-financial reports for 2023. According to the results of the study, 94% of companies disclose general information about the gender and age of employees, gender composition depending on the job level – 82%, but only 51% of issuers disclosed information on initiatives in the field of equal opportunities between men and women.
The event ended with the traditional ringing of the stock exchange bell, which is held in support of international initiatives to ensure equal career opportunities. These days, stock exchanges around the world demonstrate their commitment to these initiatives and draw attention to current issues in this area.
Elena Kuritsyna, Senior Managing Director for Issuer and Government Relations at Moscow Exchange:
“Every year in March, we hold a ceremonial ringing of the stock exchange bell in support of international initiatives to ensure equal career opportunities. This is one of the fundamental principles of the long-term sustainable development program, and the best practices of Russian companies can serve as a starting point for its popularization. Moreover, equal opportunities are a concept that affects each of us, daily influencing our career paths in business, science, sports and other areas of life. In today’s conditions, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of a balanced approach to recruitment and rewarding employees. Its widespread application can have a positive effect on the entire economy and society.”
Moscow Exchange is doing a lot of work with market participants in the field of sustainable development and is demonstrating by its own example the impact of implementing sustainable development principles. In 2025 Moscow Exchange included in updated ESG ranking Russian financial organizations, compiled by the National Rating Agency (NRA). Based on the degree of implementation of sustainable development principles in its strategic and operational activities, the exchange is included in the first, highest group of the ranking.
Moscow Exchange as an issuer adheres to the best practices in the field of non-financial reporting disclosure. In 2024, the fifth sustainability report, and for the first time a climate report has been prepared. The company has environmental policy, which defines the basic principles, objectives and priorities of the exchange’s activities in the field of environmental protection and nature management.
In January 2025, Moscow Exchange presented an updated version of the guide for issuers “How to comply with best sustainability practices”.
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HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Money Market Funds Are the Main Trend of 2024 in the Retail Mutual Fund Segment
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
The value of assets under management by the management company in 2024 increased to 26.3 trillion rubles, which is 25.8% more than the value at the end of the previous year.
The main increase in funds was provided by closed-end mutual investment funds (ZPIF). The driver of this market segment in the fourth quarter was individual ZPIFs, and interest in real estate funds also remained.
In the retail segment, almost the entire inflow of funds came from money market exchange-traded funds. Their popularity grew throughout the year, and in the fourth quarter it reached its peak: the net inflow of funds was the highest since the existence of such funds (452 billion rubles). The average weighted return of ruble exchange-traded money market mutual funds for 2024 was 18.1%.
Read more in“Review of key performance indicators of management companies” for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Preview photo: Bangkok Click Studio / Shutterstock / Fotodom
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HTTPS: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23437
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MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak discussed the development of a national model of target conditions for doing business with representatives of federal authorities, regions and business associations
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 7, 2025
Alexander Novak, together with Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Maxim Oreshkin, held a meeting on the development of a national model of target conditions for doing business.
“The President has set national development goals, and one of the key tasks is to ensure that the economy grows at a rate higher than the world average and maintain fourth place in the world in terms of purchasing power parity. To do this, we need to achieve sustainable growth rates and increase the volume of investment in fixed assets by 60%. One of the areas of work to achieve these indicators is the constant improvement of the investment climate. On the instructions of the President, the Ministry of Economic Development, together with the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, is developing a national model of target conditions for doing business,” said Alexander Novak.
The national model includes priority areas and target indicators at the federal and regional levels to simplify the launch and operation of a business in Russia.
“The Government is currently developing a plan for structural changes in the Russian economy in order to remove restrictions that prevent rapid growth. Target conditions for doing business are one of the key elements of this work. Our task is to reduce losses, unnecessary steps and ineffective stages along the investment process,” said Maxim Oreshkin.
“The goal of the national model is to solve specific problems of improving the business climate through reforms that businesses need. To measure changes, it is necessary to develop target indicators of efficiency at the federal and regional levels. That is, to determine the criteria for assessing the activities of government bodies in working with businesses. At all stages – from registering a legal entity to entering the international market,” said Maxim Reshetnikov, head of the Ministry of Economic Development.
The Minister noted that the formation and implementation of the national model play a key role in the plan of measures for structural changes in the economy until 2030. The implementation of the model will affect not only the provision of a favorable institutional environment and improvement of the business climate, but also the solution of other strategic tasks. For example, stimulating investment, providing financial resources for economic growth, and developing the labor market.
11 working groups headed by representatives of companies and government bodies are engaged in identifying procedural and process-related difficulties in doing business at various stages of the life cycle of enterprises. The first results have shown that there are both long-standing issues and promising areas for reform.
For example, these are bankruptcy and competition laws, out-of-court settlement mechanisms, issues of labor market flexibility, diversification of business financing sources, and improvement of law enforcement practices in energy infrastructure.
Svetlana Chupsheva, Director General of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, reported on regional indicators of the national model of target conditions for doing business. She focused on the methodology for determining and monitoring target indicators at the regional level.
“At the regional level, it is planned to use 29 key indicators of the National Investment Climate Rating. The average results of 20 leading regions were taken as benchmarks by 2027, and the results of the leading five by 2030. We plan to approve them at the next meeting of the State Council Commission on Investments. Then, together with the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia and the regions, we will develop action plans to achieve the set goals,” the head of ASI said.
Federal indicators will be reflected in regional ones for mandatory implementation at the local level. Thus, the rating will remain a tool for measuring the state of the investment climate. And the model will determine where and what problems need to be solved in order to improve the conditions for business operations.
Representatives of regions, business associations and federal agencies also took part in the meeting.
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.
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MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/07/2025, 17-10 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXSS1 (Akron B1P2) were changed.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
07.03.2025
17:10
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 07.03.2025, 17-10 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 85.42) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 910.84 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 13.75%) of the RU000A0JXSS1 (Akron B1P2) security were changed.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen and Secretary General Sinirlioğlu on recent political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Joint statement by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen and Secretary General Sinirlioğlu on recent political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Joint statement by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen and Secretary General Sinirlioğlu on recent political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina | OSCE
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Home Newsroom News and press releases Joint statement by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen and Secretary General Sinirlioğlu on recent political developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Rounds Reintroduce Legislation to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying American Farmland and Agricultural Businesses
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
03.07.25
WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week joined Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in reintroducing the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, legislation to ban individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land and businesses located near U.S. military installations or sensitive sites.
“Foreign adversaries are buying up U.S. farmland which is a threat not only to our food security, but our national security. Our legislation will prevent these bad actors from purchasing farmland and agricultural businesses near our strategic assets to better protect our nation from those with malign intentions,” said Hoeven.
The PASS Act is also cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
In February 2025, President Trump issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) to promote foreign investment while protecting America’s national security interests. In the NSPM, the President specifically mentioned adopting new rules to stop China from “buying up America.”
Specifically, the PASS Act would:
Ban purchases of agricultural land by individuals/entities controlled by North Korea, China, Russia and Iran near military installations and sensitive sites.
Make the Secretary of Agriculture a voting member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for all covered transactions involving the purchase of agricultural land, biotechnology, and any other transaction related to the agriculture industry in the United States.
Give the U.S. Department of Agriculture the ability to refer cases to CFIUS for review if there is reason to believe an agriculture land transaction may raise a national security concern. -
MIL-OSI Europe: The Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed a UNESCO conference on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan
Source: Government of Iceland
The dire situation of women and girls in Afghanistan was discussed at a conference held at the initiative of Iceland at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris today on the occasion of International Women’s Day. A video address from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, was delivered at the beginning of the conference where the Minister emphasized that the international community must not forget the human rights of Afghan women and girls.
“The international community must remain firm in supporting Afghan women and girls. Their full enjoyment of all their human rights, including the right to education, should be our ultimate goal. Advocacy must be relentless and strategic, ensuring that the rights of Afghan women and girls remain a global priority. ” said the Minister in her address.
Prior to that, Mr. Xing Qu, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, addressed the conference and gave an overview of the situation in Afghanistan and UNESCO’s action in the fields of education and culture. A diverse group of Afghan women activists and NGO representatives participated in two panel discussions and shared the immense challenges they face following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021.
Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are banned from attending school after the age of 12. Women are only allowed to receive healthcare services from other women, and last year, they were banned from pursuing healthcare education. This situation is putting the lives and health of half the population at risk, with Afghanistan having the highest female mortality rate in the world, and half of the population facing severe poverty. [Additional content will be added tomorrow, including Richard Bennett]. Finally, video testimonies from women living in Afghanistan were shown, in which they described their circumstances, followed by lively discussions in the hall.
UNESCO is responsible for SDG 4 on Education and plays an important role in Afghanistan. The Organization has trained teachers, who provide education in Afghan provinces and for Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries, in collaboration with NGOs. It has also organized online distance learning, aired educational programs on the radio, and made partnership agreements universities so that women can complete higher education outside the country. Iceland serves as a member of the UNESCO Executive Board for the period 2021-2025 and has led negotiations on resolutions on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, in collaboration with the Group of Friends of Afghanistan in UNESCO.
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MIL-OSI: Bigbank 2024 Audited Annual Report
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
The Management Board of Bigbank has compiled the audited Annual Report for 2024. Compared to the unaudited interim report published on 26 February, there are no differences in the financial results.
The consolidated Annual Report for 2024 of Bigbank AS is attached to this announcement and is also available on the bank’s investor page: https://investor.bigbank.eu/reports.
The report will be presented for approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders.
Growth in Operating Volumes in 2024
- Total assets grew to 2.78 billion euros, increasing by 491 million euros (+21%).
- The deposit portfolio grew to 2.39 billion euros, increasing by 456 million euros (+24%).
- The gross loan portfolio grew to 2.2 billion euros, increasing by 535 million euros (+32%).
- Net profit totalled 32.3 million euros.
- Return on equity (ROE) stood at 12.5%.
Bigbank AS (www.bigbank.eu), with over 30 years of operating history, is a commercial bank owned by Estonian capital. As of 31 December 2024, the bank’s total assets amounted to nearly 2.8 billion euros, with equity close to 270 million euros. Operating in nine countries, the bank serves more than 167,000 active customers and employs over 500 people. The credit rating agency Moody’s has assigned Bigbank a long-term bank deposit rating of Ba1, along with a baseline credit assessment (BCA) and an adjusted BCA of Ba2.
Argo Kiltsmann
Member of the Management Board
Tel: +372 53 930 833
Email: Argo.Kiltsmann@bigbank.ee
www.bigbank.eeAttachments
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Council host International Women’s day event
Source: City of Preston
On Monday 3 March, the Town Hall opened its doors to host a networking event for International Women’s Day.
The day saw a panel of local women speak about their experiences in the workplace and how they have implemented change.
This year’s theme was ‘Accelerate Action’ and community members from across Preston were invited to attend to listen to the key speakers and have the opportunity for networking.
This showcased the number of strong female role models present within the community and the collective drive towards equality in Preston.
The speakers were:
- Mrs Amanda Parker – His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire
- Superintendent Sally Riley – Lancashire Constabulary, Chair of Inspire – The Women in Policing Network
- Miss Zaynab Jogi – Self-Defence Trainer and Mountaineer
- Dr Kailash Parekh – MBE, Community Champion and Educationalist
- Dr Chinyere Ajayi – Course Lead at the School of Health, Social Work and Sport, UCLan
- Mrs Sarah Threlfall – Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Community and Wellbeing at Preston City Council
There were also stalls shining a light on the work carried out in the community by:
- Lancashire Women
- Sahara
- Ashton Food Aid and Penwortham Care and Share representing Preston Food Network
According to data from the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress it will take 133-years to reach full gender parity, which is roughly five generations from now.
One of the best ways to forge equality is to understand what works and do more of this faster.
More than 50 women attended this networking event, and they were catered for by participants of the Lady Boss course – a programme engaging with a group of 10 non-registered, home-based female cooks from minority communities who were interested in gaining a food safety qualification, registering with the local authority for food safety purposes, and incorporating as a business.
By the end of the programme, all members had achieved a Level 2 Food Safety certification.
The food was delicious and off the back of this success, they received another booking for an upcoming event in Preston.
Reflecting on the event, Councillor Nweeda Khan, Preston City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Social Justice said:
It was an honour to be part of the International Women’s Day networking event today, and it was inspiring to hear from women from different career paths contributing towards a change in the workplace.
Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Levy Artisan Market set for spring opening
Source: City of Manchester
A new monthly artisan day and night market to open in Levenshulme from April 2025.
Manchester City Council and Independent Street, known for its successful events around the Northwest, have collaborated to bring a new market offering on the former, much loved Levy Market site.
The new market which will be known as Levy Artisan Market will bring freshly baked produce, independent food stalls, and unique artisan products to the already vibrant area of Levenshulme.
Levy Artisan Market will launch on Sunday 13th April and will take place the second Sunday of every month. There will also be an exciting night market on the last Friday of every month from 25th April 25.
Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Levy Market has been a long standing and much-loved institution for the local community and it’s traders, imbued a rich heritage and an asset which has set foundations for other markets to thrive.
“We are really proud to welcome Independent Street’s Artisan Levy Market onto the site, the end product of a collaborative approach to bring a new market offering to the people of Levenshulme.
“The new market will provide a unique space for small businesses, artisans, and food vendors, allowing them to thrive whilst also contributing to the local economy and offering residents and visitors access to high-quality products, delicious street food, and a welcoming social environment.
“We hope it will become more than just a market – but rather a hub for creativity, enterprise, and community spirit.”
The monthly Sunday Artisan Markets at Levy will offer family-focused events, from live entertainment and children’s workshops to food tastings and cultural celebrations, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The monthly Friday Night Markets will offer a newly designed food court area with a large selection of some of the best street food in town, plus live music, good vibes and a large seating area for people to kick back, relax and welcome in the weekend.
Lisa Cowley, Director of Independent Street, says: ‘’We are thrilled to have been selected to launch this iconic market back onto the Manchester Market scene.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome back Levy’s loyal customers and introduce The New Levy Artisan Market to a new generation of visitors. With a focus on community, sustainability, and high-quality, local produce, we hope to make Levy Artisan Market the heart of Manchester for years to come.”
The Levy Artisan Market is set to showcase Manchester’s rich tapestry of Artisans and creators and also serve as a catalyst for driving footfall into Levenshulme’s established shops, cafes, restaurants and independents. It will once again continue to emphasise supporting small businesses and providing a space for entrepreneurs to thrive.
Local councillors have collaborated with council officers to revive a market in Levenshulme, which has been deeply missed by both residents and visitors. Beyond its economic impact, the market fosters a strong sense of belonging, encouraging people to shop locally, connect with their neighbours, and celebrate the diversity of Levenshulme.
To celebrate the launch, Levy Artisan Market will be hosting a grand opening event on Sunday April 13th, featuring live music performances, incredible artisans, a street food area plus a free crafting table and activities for its smallest visitors. The event will run from 11am and everyone is invited to join in.
If you are interested in showcasing at the new Levy Artisan Market contact lisa@independentstreet.co.uk.
Organisers are also on the hunt for local community groups and musicians to join in. Applications to trade can be made through the website independentstreet.co.uk
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MIL-OSI Security: One of Atlanta Police Department’s Most Wanted Fugitives Sentenced for Multiple Counts of Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ATLANTA – Jordan Pack has been sentenced for two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
“Pack continued to possess firearms and commit violent offenses after being previously convicted of a violent felony,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “This case is another example of the effective law enforcement partnerships in our district that enable the successful prosecutions of dangerous repeat offenders like Pack.”
“This sentence reflects ATF commitment to ensure that those with a history of crime are held accountable”, said Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. Convicted felons possessing firearms presents a danger to the community and ATF along with our law enforcement partners will work hard to remove them from our community.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: In October 2008, Jordan Pack was convicted of Armed Robbery (involving a firearm) in the Superior Court of Douglasville, Georgia. He was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with 10 years to serve in custody and the remainder to be served on probation. He was released from prison in April 2018.
On October 22, 2021, officers responding to a motor vehicle collision in Dacula, Georgia, arrested Pack for giving false identifying information to a police officer. A crossbody satchel that Pack was wearing at the time of his arrest contained live .38 caliber ammunition, and officers later learned that, after the accident, Pack had discarded a .38 caliber Taurus revolver under a nearby vehicle. Upon recovering the revolver, officers discovered that the firearm was loaded with the hammer cocked.
Later, on June 17, 2022, Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers responded to the scene of a shooting at a single-family home in Northwest Atlanta. A female resident of the home advised that, following a domestic dispute, Pack had threatened to shoot her. He then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, fired multiple shots into the air, and fled the scene. Both the victim and her young child were present in the home at that time. Officers recovered five spent .45 caliber shell casings from the driveway of the home.
On August 10, 2022, officers with the APD fugitive unit located Pack at an apartment complex in Southwest Atlanta. Pack was working at the location as an armed security guard (under the alias “William Tate”) and in possession of a Tokarev 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. During a search of Pack incident to his arrest, officers recovered a .45 caliber Highpoint semi-automatic pistol which was loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition in a high-capacity magazine, a pair of brass knuckles, a pocketknife, a canister of bear mace, and a large machete. In addition, during a search of Pack’s vehicle, officers seized the Tocarev shotgun, two magazines, 14 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun shells, and several .45 caliber cartridge casings.
On March 6, 2024, Chief District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. sentenced Jordan Pack, also known as “William Tate,” 35, of Atlanta, Ga., to 66 months of incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release. Pack pleaded guilty to the charges on November 12, 2024.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Atlanta Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Joshua May, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesika French and Norman Barnett, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
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MIL-OSI Africa: African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) to Weigh in on Africa’s Refining Future at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
PARIS, France, March 7, 2025/APO Group/ —
Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary, African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA), is confirmed to speak at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris this May, sharing insights on the critical developments and opportunities shaping the future of refining and distribution across the continent.
ARDA, a key player in advancing Africa’s refining capabilities, is at the forefront of enhancing the region’s downstream infrastructure to meet growing energy demand and fuel economic development. With a focus on improving refining capacity, expanding distribution networks and driving cleaner fuels adoption, ARDA is working to modernize the sector through strategic collaborations, policy advocacy and industry innovation. This includes ARDA’s comprehensive roadmap to modernize refineries, enhance distribution logistics and promote cleaner fuel solutions, positioning Africa as a key player in the global energy market.
IAE 2025 (apo-opa.co/4kw0LOD) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Kragha’s participation at IAE 2025 comes at a pivotal moment as Africa’s refining sector prepares for significant growth. In Nigeria, the Dangote Oil Refinery, Africa’s largest crude processing facility, is on track to reach full operational capacity this March, processing 650,000 barrels per day (bpd). Expected to meet 100% of Nigeria’s demand for all refined petroleum products, the refinery recently made its first purchase of Algeria’s light sweet Saharan Blend crude, marking a milestone for intra-African crude trading. South Africa has also announced plans to rehabilitate and expand the capacity of the Sapref refinery to 600,000 bpd, emphasizing the country’s need for a mega refinery and seeking regional partnerships to develop one.
Angola is developing three new refineries to boost capacity, with the 60,000 bpd Cabinda refinery scheduled to start operations in July 2025. Additionally, the Fouta Refinery in the Republic of Congo, designed to produce 2.5 million tons of petroleum products per year, is expected to be operational by the end of this year. With a focus on addressing the challenges of energy demand, improving fuel quality and ensuring sustainability, ARDA is playing a crucial role in facilitating the transformation of the sector.
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MIL-OSI: Euronext announces volumes for February 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Euronext announces volumes for February 2025
Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 7 March 2025 – Euronext, the leading European capital market infrastructure, today announced trading volumes for February 2025.
Monthly and historical volume tables are available at this address:
euronext.com/investor-relations#monthly-volumes
CONTACTS
ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com Investor Relations Aurélie Cohen Judith Stein +33 6 15 23 91 97 MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com Europe Aurélie Cohen +33 1 70 48 24 45 Andrea Monzani +39 02 72 42 62 13 Belgium Marianne Aalders +32 26 20 15 01 France, Corporate Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella +33 1 70 48 24 45 Ireland Andrea Monzani +39 02 72 42 62 13 Italy Ester Russom +39 02 72 42 67 56 The Netherlands Marianne Aalders +31 20 721 41 33 Norway Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund +47 41 69 59 10 Portugal Sandra Machado +351 91 777 68 97 Corporate Solutions Coralie Patri +33 7 88 34 27 44 About Euronext
Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway, and Portugal.
As of December 2024, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal host over 1,800 listed issuers with around €6 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.
For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.
Disclaimer
This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.
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MIL-OSI Global: Why increasing rates of tuberculosis in the UK and US should concern everyone
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tom Wingfield, Deputy Director of the Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Reader in Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; and Honorary Research Associate at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and, University of Liverpool
With one of the largest tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in US history, Kansas has more to worry about than its recent Super Bowl defeat. During the past year, 67 people with TB have been detected. This comes on the back of increasing rates of TB in the US year on year since the start of the COVID pandemic.
Rather than a relic of the Victorian era, TB is the world’s most enduring pandemic, killing more people each year than any other single infection. While more common in low-income countries, TB continues to be found in more deprived communities, cities, prisons, homeless populations, and in black, Asian and Indigenous people, including in wealthy countries such as the US and UK.
TB outbreaks in wealthy countries act as a canary in a coalmine, reflecting cracks in national public health systems. More broadly, TB outbreaks in any setting have deeper implications for the struggle to end TB globally.
TB is an airborne infection that doesn’t respect borders. With increasing mass movement, including due to climate change and war, the maxim “TB anywhere is TB everywhere” is more resonant today than ever.
In the UK, TB rates consistently declined between 2011 and 2020. But, like the US, this decline reversed since COVID emerged in early 2020.
In 2023, there was a 13% increase in the number of people who became unwell with TB in England, compared with 2022.
At 9.5 people with TB per 100,000 people per year, England is in jeopardy of losing its “low TB incidence” status (less than ten people with TB per 100,000 people per year).
Rates of TB in England have a stark social gradient, with the poorest 10% of people having five times higher rates of TB than the richest 10%.
In the UK, there is a cost of living crisis. Many people, especially the poorest, are struggling to put food on the table. TB is a social disease of poverty that thrives where there is overcrowding, undernutrition and poor working and living conditions.
But the increase in TB in the UK cannot be put down to greater risk of disease alone. The response of the health and social care system to prevent and cure TB is crucial.
The BCG vaccine, currently the only TB vaccine, is not nearly as effective as we would like at preventing disease. There is hope on the horizon with several vaccines under development, but their effect may be impeded by vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation.
BCG is still the only TB vaccine, but it’s not highly effective.
TuktaBaby/ShutterstockOther barriers to address include lack of TB awareness, continuing TB-related stigma, understaffing of vital TB community nursing teams, and a breach between health and social care sectors to support those vulnerable to TB.
For countries with lower incidence of TB across Europe and North America, many TB policies are targeted at identifying and treating TB in groups who are most at risk of being exposed to the disease, including people moving from regions of the world where TB is more common.
Patterns of migration to the UK changed significantly following Brexit. A need to expand the workforce, particularly in health and social care, has led to active recruitment and movement of people from higher TB burden countries. This is relevant because, in England, four in five people with TB were born outside the UK, and rates among this group increased by 15% between 2022 and 2023.
Screening migrant populations as part of their visa application process pre-entry is effective at identifying people with infectious TB. But prevention is better than cure, and there remains a gap in screening for TB infection or TB disease without symptoms.
Providing well-tolerated, preventive TB treatment can reduce the risk of developing active TB disease by 85% in the future. Yet the screening programme in the UK is under-resourced, with just 11.5% of eligible migrants screened for TB infection in 2023.
We should not overlook the fact that rates of TB also increased, although to a lesser extent (3.9%), among people born in the UK – the first time this has happened for many years.
Among both UK-born and non-UK-born populations, often overlapping social risk factors such as homelessness, asylum seeker status, drug or alcohol misuse, incarceration and mental health disorders continue to drive TB. These factors, which jumped by 27% between 2022 and 2023, not only increase the likelihood of TB disease but are associated with much lower rates of cure.
Early diagnosis and treatment of TB are crucial to prevent long-term health issues or even death. The sooner someone starts effective treatment, the sooner they stop being infectious, helping to reduce the spread of TB. Improving access to diagnosis and care will lower TB transmission.
Unacceptable delays in treatment
Nearly a third of people with TB in the UK experience a delay of four months between the onset of their symptoms (commonly cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss) and taking their first anti-TB medicine. This unacceptable delay is similar to (or even longer than) the treatment delays we have documented in low- and middle-income countries with much higher TB burdens, including Peru, Nepal and Mozambique.
In the UK, most people are entitled to free NHS care, and TB care and prevention is free to all. However, the NHS is overwhelmed and policies relating to healthcare recovery costs of visitors and migrants can prevent people with TB, wherever they are from, from getting timely care. This situation poses a public health threat to us all.
Effective TB prevention and care is possible. While current tools are imperfect, albeit with recent progress in diagnostics and treatment, researchers around the world are further advancing science and innovation in the fight against TB. This includes the promise of nutritional supplementation, financial and social support, and a new TB vaccine. Providing timely support to everyone with TB remains fundamental to our response to this illness of poverty.
To end TB, whether in the US, UK, or globally, we would do well to remember and apply the old medical adage: treat the person, not the disease.
Tom Wingfield is supported by grants from: the Wellcome Trust, UK (209075/Z/17/Z); the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Wellcome, UK (Joint Global Health Trials, MR/V004832/1); the Medical Research Council (Public Health Intervention Development Award “PHIND”, APP2293); the Medical Research Foundation (Dorothy Temple Cross International Collaboration Research Grant, MRF-131–0006-RG-KHOS-C0942); and UNITAID (2022-50-START-4-ALL). Tom is an honorary research associate at the Department of Global Public Health, Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and is also an ad hoc consultant for the World Health Organization and the Stop TB Partnership.
Jessica Potter has previously received research funding from Medical Research Council UK. She chairs a grassroots network called UK Academics and Professionals to end TB and is an advisory member of the Innovations Constituency of the Stop TB Partnership.
Kerry Millington receives funding from UK aid from the UK government for the research programme that she works on. Views expressed are those of her own and do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
– ref. Why increasing rates of tuberculosis in the UK and US should concern everyone – https://theconversation.com/why-increasing-rates-of-tuberculosis-in-the-uk-and-us-should-concern-everyone-249202
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MIL-OSI Global: Does Kneecap’s Bafta win signal changing UK attitudes to British colonialism in Ireland?
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Finola Kerrigan, Professor of Marketing, University of Birmingham
Riotous Irish film Kneecap has attracted much critical and public acclaim since it debuted at Sundance in January 2024 as the festival’s first Irish-language film, winning the prestigious NEXT audience award.
Its Irish premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh the following July saw it scoop best Irish film, the audience award and the Irish language feature film award. It was selected also as an entry for best international feature film and best original song at this year’s Oscars (but was unsuccessful in securing a nomination). Now Kneecap’s latest film honour comes from Britain, where its writer and director Rich Peppiatt won outstanding debut at the Baftas last month.
The film, which mixes fantasy with reality, tells the hilarious tale of struggling real-life Irish-language rap group Kneecap (who play themselves in the film) as they become the unlikely face of the civil rights campaign to recognise the Irish language – also known as Gaelic. The bio on the group’s website states theirs “is a voice which comes screaming from the too-often deprived areas of the North of Ireland, speaking in a language which is too-often ignored”.
The social and political impact of the arts and culture has long been established. Funding is often available for films that support the cultural agenda of nation states, and this plays a significant role in terms of soft power, a concept developed by political scientist Joseph Nye.
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Academic Alan Bradshaw’s review captures the complexity of the themes of the film and its attempt to distance younger people – “the ceasefire generation” – from those of us who lived through the period of civil unrest commonly referred to as the Troubles.
The Kneecap rappers are focused on advocating for the rights (cearta) of the people of Northern Ireland. Their open criticism of British rule, expressed through their music and film led to objections to them receiving public subsidies from the British taxpayer.
However, consideration of the funding for the production reflects the central themes of the film. Northern Ireland Screen, the BFI, Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán (Ireland’s independent media regulator) and TG4 (an Irish public service broadcaster providing film and television in Gaelic) collectively funded the film, demonstrating the strong creative collaborations that have developed over the past few years across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
While it is not uncommon to see UK-Irish co-productions – ironically, perhaps, the UK and Ireland are largely treated as one territory for film distribution – usually such collaboration is related to the shared use of English. In this case, Irish language is at the centre of the storytelling, highlighting the contentious history behind this shared use of English.
The Irish language is not just the language in which the story is told, it is at the very heart of the film. In 2020, the Gaelic film Arracht (English title Monster), a story of the Irish famine, was screened in British cinemas and was Ireland’s entry for the 2020 Academy Awards, but it was not nominated for any awards in the UK.
While Arracht dealt with the famine, illustrating the destructive impact of colonial rule on the Irish people, culture and language, in 2022 An Cailín Ciúin (A Quiet Girl)
demonstrated the beauty of the Gaelic language and provided many audiences outside of Ireland with their first opportunity to see a film in Irish.Kneecap shifts the focus forward to contemporary Northern Ireland and the fight to resuscitate and reinstate the Irish language in the six counties still under British rule. This was eventually recognised in 2022 when the UK parliament passed the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act.
The film’s Bafta win and Oscar entry follow on from The Quiet Girl, which made it onto the Academy Awards’ shortlist for best international feature film and garnered Bafta nominations for best film not in the English language, and best screenplay (adapted), in 2023.
Although in terms of pace and energy, Kneecap and The Quiet Girl could not be more different, both films are in the Irish language. The Quiet Girl earned over US$6.5 million (£5 million) globally at the box office – the first film in the Irish language to break the US$1m mark – while Kneecap has earned US$4.5 million so far.
Kneecap’s Oscar ambitions may have been thwarted, but its success at the Baftas demonstrates the significance of film in terms of reflecting contemporary politics, shining a light on UK-Irish relations and the relevance of Northern Ireland both politically and culturally.
The 1998 Good Friday agreement, brought an end to the Troubles, and addressed the decades of imbalance in the rights of Northern Irish Catholic citizens in relation to governance, civil and political rights as well as cultural rights.
The right to use the Irish language was finally acknowledged as a cultural right and was reinstated as an official language of Northern Ireland in 2022 following the repeal of a penal law from 1737 which established English as the only language permissible in courts.
This fundamental right to your native language is the key theme in Kneecap, focusing on opposing the legacy of British colonial oppression of language and culture. Its success in receiving public funding, delighting UK critics and audiences alike, as well as winning a prestigious British film award is well worth reflecting upon.
Does this demonstrate that Britain is beginning to recognise the damage of colonialism on the psyche, culture and economics of those who are oppressed and disposed? Is this acceptance of the living legacy of colonialism?
Giving the Bafta for outstanding debut for Kneecap to Peppiatt – an Englishman living in Belfast – can perhaps be seen as the start of such recognition. But it may be too early for a film opposing colonial British rule to be awarded the award for outstanding British film.
Finola Kerrigan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Does Kneecap’s Bafta win signal changing UK attitudes to British colonialism in Ireland? – https://theconversation.com/does-kneecaps-bafta-win-signal-changing-uk-attitudes-to-british-colonialism-in-ireland-251634
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MIL-OSI Video: How Does the EU Help Ukraine?
Source: Council of the European Union (video statements)
How much aid has the EU provided to Ukraine?
With various reports in the news and on social media, let’s clarify the facts:
€135 billion – remember this figure.
Since day one of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EU and its member states have been Ukraine’s strongest supporters.
In fact, this happens to be the largest aid operation in EU history.
In this video, we’ll show how EU solidarity is helping Ukraine and its people.
At almost €135 billion, the EU’s support is massive.
And it’s more than just military aid – it’s a historic effort to help Ukraine now and prepare it for the future as a member of the European Union.———————–
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X – https://x.com/EUCouncilTo find out more, visit the Council’s web explainer on EU aid to Ukraine : https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-solidarity-ukraine/
Visit our channel for more informative videos – www.youtube.com/user/eucouncil
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00:00 – Who’s given Ukraine the most financial support?
00:38 – Military assistance: Strengthening Ukraine’s defense
00:58 – Training Ukrainian soldiers: Strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces
01:08 – Emergency relief: Addressing immediate humanitarian needs
01:28 – Rebuilding Ukraine: Restoring critical infrastructure
01:42 – Economic stability: Keeping Ukraine running
01:59 – Supporting refugees: A safe haven in the EU
02:11 – Russian immobilized assets
02:22 – Preparing Ukraine for EU membership
02:29 – The EU stands with Ukraine
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MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Council decides to impose additional freeze on assets of Bashar al-Assad’s entourage
Source: Switzerland – Federal Council in English
During its meeting on 7 March 2025, the Federal Council decided to impose an additional freeze on the assets of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his entourage. The Assad government fell last December after 24 years of rule. With this measure, the Federal Council wants to ensure that, regardless of developments in the area of sanctions, no funds of the former Assad government can flow out of Switzerland.
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MIL-OSI USA: Sen. RaShaun Kemp Celebrates Senate Passage of Senate Bill 93 to Ban Three-Cuing System
Source: US State of Georgia
ATLANTA (March 7, 2025) — Yesterday, Senate Bill 93 passed out of the Senate. The bill bans the use of the three-cuing methods to teach reading. The three-cuing method relies on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues to help students identify words, often leading to issues with a student’s ability to read.
“I’m honored to have my first bill pass through the Senate with bipartisan support,” said Sen. RaShaun Kemp (D–Atlanta). “Three-Cuing sets our students up for failure by teaching them to guess, preventing them from learning how to read properly, and going against the science of reading. Requiring our educators to use evidence-based methods when teaching literacy will give them a stronger foundation for their academic careers. I want to thank Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, and my Senate colleagues for supporting this legislation. I’m proud to be one of many legislators working to make Georgia the number one state for literacy.”
This legislation asks the Professional Standards Commission to ensure evidence-based methods are used to prepare future educators. Teacher preparation programs will be required to follow the science of reading and employ methods proven to teach students effectively. SB 93 now moves to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.
SB 93 can be found here.
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Sen. RaShaun Kemp represents the 38th Senate District, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0105 or by email at rashaun.kemp@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
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MIL-OSI Europe: International Women’s Day – France launches its international strategy for a feminist foreign policy (7 Mar. 2025)
Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:On this International Women’s Day, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed our priority focus on women’s rights by launching the first international strategy for a feminist foreign policy (2025-2030). Developed through a participatory process involving more than 200 national and international partners, this strategy sets a clear and ambitious course to place women’s rights and equality at the heart of our foreign policy and reaffirms its basic priorities: defending sexual and reproductive rights and health; support for feminist organizations; the education of girls; the fight against gender-based violence; women’s economic independence; and women’s participation in public life and decision making.
On March 7, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs announced several important measures to step up our efforts in this area.
To begin with, our diplomatic and consular network is accelerating its efforts to implement its feminist foreign policy on the ground and protect citizens who suffer violence abroad. In 2025, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will sign an agreement with SaveYou, a platform that offers support for French families that have experienced violence at the hands of spouses or relatives abroad. A guide that provides information to consular services on welcoming and supporting these victims will also be made available to French representatives elected by citizens living abroad.
The Minister also joined the coalition supporting the She Decides initiative, which works to ensure that women are free to make decisions about their own bodies, lives and future. Our feminist foreign policy is part of France’s commitment to strong and effective multilateralism, which raises up the voices of women and girls in the UN and in all forums. Women must be able to play an essential role in negotiation and mediation processes.
France reiterated its commitment to support women’s rights via feminist organizations. Since 2020, we have directly supported more than 1,400 feminist organizations in 73 countries through the Support Fund for Feminist Organizations (FSOF).
While maintaining our commitment to women’s rights in the face of such contemporary challenges as climate change, global health and food security, France is also working in the digital field and on artificial intelligence. In 2024, we joined with the Netherlands to present the first UN resolution on online violence against women and girls; it was adopted. At the AI Action Summit, we originated the first statement on the consideration of gender equality in the development of AI, which was adopted by 12 countries. This effort also translates into work on the ground: the Laboratory for Women’s Rights Online, launched in 2024, supported five innovative projects on different continents aimed at assisting women who have suffered violence in the digital environment.
France actively promotes a response to gender issues in armed conflicts and peacekeeping. On March 7, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot announced France’s first contribution to the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, the largest UN fund devoted to supporting women and civil society organizations in crisis situations.
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs also actively implements a feminist foreign policy with regard to professional equality between male and female employees. It continues to combat gender stereotypes and to fight all forms of discrimination, sexist and sexual violence, and harassment, including in a private context. It is working to improve support for parents and to better support employee health. The “J’attends un enfant” (“I am Expecting a Child”) booklet, which informs employees of their rights as parents, was published this month.
France is fully committed to this effort and in 2025 it will host its first Feminist Foreign Policy Summit, following the one held in Mexico last year.
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MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement: Business Secretary and Fujitsu Services Ltd
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News storyJoint Statement: Business Secretary and Fujitsu Services Ltd
Joint Statement by UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Paul Patterson, Director, Fujitsu Services Ltd, on Horizon redress
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds today (Friday 7 March) met chiefs for Fujitsu in Tokyo to begin talks over the cost of redress for victims of the Horizon Scandal.
As part of a two-day visit to Japan, the Business Secretary met the company’s Chief Executive Takahito Tokita and Paul Patterson, Director of Fujitsu Services Ltd, and welcomed their commitments on compensation.
The meeting comes as new statistics published today show £768 million has been paid to over 5,100 claimants across all redress schemes, representing a more than tripling of the total amount of redress paid to victims by government since the end of June 2024.
Speaking after the meeting, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
Today’s meeting with Fujitsu in Tokyo was productive and encouraging. I welcome their agreement to begin talks on compensation ahead of the Williams inquiry’s conclusion, and that they join the UK Government in our commitment to tackling this grave injustice.
We must never forget the lives ruined by the Horizon scandal and no amount of redress can take away that pain. But justice can and must be done. This government is determined to hold those responsible to account, and will continue to make rapid progress on compensation and redress.
Since we took office, we have more than tripled the total amount of redress paid to victims, and today we took another significant step towards justice.
Joint Statement by UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Paul Patterson (Director, Fujitsu Services Ltd):
The Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds MP (UK Secretary of State, Business and Trade), Takahito Tokita (CEO, Fujitsu Limited) and Paul Patterson (Director, Fujitsu Services Limited) held a positive and constructive meeting in Japan today.
The UK Government welcomes Fujitsu’s repeated commitment to its moral obligation to contribute to the Government’s compensation for the victims of the Post Office scandal. Ahead of the completion of Sir Wyn Williams’ Horizon IT Inquiry, the Secretary of State and Mr Patterson agreed to progress discussions regarding Fujitsu’s contribution, acknowledging many parties are involved.
Officials from the Department for Business and Trade will continue to engage with Fujitsu representatives in full. The UK Government will not make a running commentary on these discussions but welcomes them and is grateful for Fujitsu’s engagement with Sir Wyn Williams’ Inquiry and its continued focus on delivering its public services commitments in the UK.
Updates to this page
Published 7 March 2025
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MIL-OSI Security: Officer pleads guilty over unauthorised searches on police systems
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A Metropolitan Police officer has pleaded guilty to four counts of misconduct in public office over a series of unauthorised searches for information which he shared in WhatsApp chats with members of the public.
Police Constable Matthew Olive, 26 who was attached to the Professional Standards Directorate, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 7 March.
He previously appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 24 December.
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Smithson, who leads the Professional Standards Directorate, said:
“PC Olive abused his position, searching confidential police systems to look up information for no other purpose than to satisfy his own interests and those who he passed information on to.
“His colleagues, and the public, rightly expect those who are trusted to access sensitive information to do so only for legitimate policing reasons.
“By misusing his privileged position, he will have done further damage to the trust between the police and the public that we are collectively working so hard to rebuild.
Following his guilty plea, PC Olive will now face a misconduct hearing at the earliest opportunity.
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MIL-OSI Global: J.D. Vance has become Trump’s attack dog, but he’s yet to prove himself a worthy successor
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Hargy, Visiting Research Fellow in International Studies, Queen’s University Belfast
The US vice-presidency is famously rather dull and mostly frustrating, according to some of the people who have taken on the role.
“I do not propose to be buried until I am dead,” Daniel Webster is believed to have said, after turning down the vice presidency in 1839. “I would a great deal rather be anything, say professor of history, than vice president,” said Theodore Roosevelt, just before taking the job.
J.D. Vance, the current vice-president, appears to have little intention of sitting back in the shadows while waiting for his chance at the top job. Instead, the former marine turned politician is rapidly turning into Donald Trump’s high-profile attack dog.
His aggressive questioning of Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky in a televised press conference at the White House on February 28, switched the tone of the whole event from uncomfortable to disastrous.
“Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America … and the president of the United States of America, who is trying to save your country,” Vance said to Zelensky, before pushing the Ukrainian president to respond.
The press conference, which had been set up to sign a US-Ukraine mineral deal, descended into chaos, and ended with Donald Trump deciding that he was not prepared to go ahead, and Zelensky was not ready.
The New York Times White House correspondent Michael Shear described the astonishing spectacle of a vice-president inserting himself into a tense diplomatic melee as both a sign of Vance’s “media savvy”, as well as his desire to not be “relegated to the B-team” and a determination not to be in the shadow of Elon Musk.
It also demonstrated Vance’s awareness of something Trump expects from all subordinates: being publicly defended by them.
Steadfast loyalty to Trump is a non-negotiable prerequisite. As Dartmouth College professor, Russell Muirhead, and Harvard professor emerita, Nancy L. Roenblum, have said: “Trump’s problem is not that he requires loyalty to his agenda … It is that he demands personal loyalty.”
Vance understands this, which has been evidenced in acts such as publicly backing Trump’s argument that his executive power should not be challenged by the courts. On X, the vice-president argued that, “Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.”
J.D. Vance on his role in the Zelensky press conference. Tough on allies
On the foreign policy front, the vice-president has also come out fighting, and showing his willingness to be Trump’s rottweiler in all arenas. Last month in Munich Vance used a speech to reprimand the continent’s leaders for stepping away from fundamental values by suppressing free speech.
Vance went on to criticise the US’s European allies some days later when he called out a UK-France plan for European troops to guarantee peace in Ukraine, stating the proposal was unworkable and could not be guaranteed by “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years”.
A key advantage that Vance enjoys over his Republican predecessor, Mike Pence, is that he does not have to navigate between the Republican establishment and Maga factions of the party. Both these worlds have coalesced around Trump. Vance is also considered, like Trump, to be a spokesperson for Maga values.
Where did Vance come from?
Only a few years ago, however, Vance was far from a Trump loyalist. In 2016 he referred to Trump as “cultural heroin” and worried he could be “America’s Hitler”.
Vance, 40, is the third youngest vice-president in US history. In his 2016 best-selling biography, Hillbilly Elegy, Vance told of his difficult upbringing in Ohio and Kentucky as well as offering his own personal insight into the struggles facing impoverished white working-class people. Vance’s memoir made him a coveted analyst during the first Trump administration to explain the president’s appeal to these communities.
Vance appears in lockstep with Trump on almost all foreign policy issues, particularly Ukraine, and his pro-Russia position. Even before his election to the Senate in 2022, Vance had made known his opposition to US aid to the country in support of its military campaign against Russia. In a podcast interview he said, “I’ve got to be honest with you. I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other.”
One area of difference could be with his position on the western military alliance. In his address to the Munich Security Conference Vance said: “I don’t think that we should pull out of NATO, and no, I don’t think that we should abandon Europe. But yes, I think that we should pivot.”
It is unclear if the same can be said of Donald Trump. Germany’s new chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, issued a blunt warning: “We must prepare for the possibility that Donald Trump will no longer uphold NATO’s mutual defence commitment unconditionally”.
John Bolton, a former National Security Advisor to Trump, believes the current commander-in-chief is shifting the goalposts on what he demands from fellow Nato members relating to defence spending and by setting targets that few European states can meet.
In the early weeks of this second Trump administration, Vance has sought to remain a loyal subordinate and someone who will “reinforce (Trump’s) hard-right agenda”, according to Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a research non-profit.
Just over four weeks into his new role, however, Vance has yet to secure the total endorsement from his boss to be his heir apparent. During an interview on Fox News on February 10, when asked if he viewed Vance as his inevitable successor in 2028, Trump responded: “No, but he’s very capable.”
The clearly ambitious Vance knows the next four years could make or break his ability to get the top job, and right now he is betting that his attack-dog status could help win him that role.
Richard Hargy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. J.D. Vance has become Trump’s attack dog, but he’s yet to prove himself a worthy successor – https://theconversation.com/j-d-vance-has-become-trumps-attack-dog-but-hes-yet-to-prove-himself-a-worthy-successor-250554
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MIL-OSI Global: Woolly mice are a first step to resurrecting mammoths, but there’s a very long way to go
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Benjamin Tapon, PhD student, Queen Mary University of London
US biotechnology company Colossal Laboratories and Biosciences has a radical proposal: it wants to resurrect the woolly mammoth from extinction. In a preprint paper published on March 4, scientists at Colossal report making a significant step towards this objective. They genetically modified the DNA of mice to give them mammoth-like traits in their hair shape, colour and length.
By testing out their methods in a familiar laboratory animal, the researchers can make sure they work before applying them to Asian elephants – the closest living relatives of the mammoth.
De-extinction is an idea which, if successfully implemented, would allow us to bring back any species from the dead. It means that no animal could go truly extinct as long as we can obtain its DNA.
However, mammoths were heavily adapted to a cold climate and a biome – an area with specific climate, vegetation and animal life – that no longer exists.
The Siberian habitats once roamed by the creatures – known as the mammoth steppe – are significantly warmer today. Many of the animals and plants they lived among have also disappeared, and the regions are now home to new ones that never lived alongside the mammoth.
Attempts to reintroduce woolly mammoths in our modern tundras could therefore prove difficult, and have untold repercussions on the current ecosystem. Against a background of climate change, these tundras are only going to get warmer and less suitable for an animal like the mammoth.
Nevertheless, Colossal is pushing ahead with efforts to recreate these striking creatures. Asian elephants diverged from mammoths around 6.7 million years ago and share over 95% of their DNA. Colossal plans to bridge this gap by transforming the genomes of Asian elephants to make them more like those of woolly mammoths.
Scientists have obtained high-quality woolly mammoth DNA sequences from carcasses preserved in Siberian permafrost. These genomes (the full complement of DNA in the cell) have allowed scientists to compare the genes that differ between the mammoth and the Asian elephant.
Multiplex editing
In order to generate their beauty prize-worthy mice, Colossal’s scientists used a range of highly advanced genome editing techniques to modify the sequence of DNA in the mouse. Regions of mouse DNA can be changed so they resemble genes in other organisms, such as a woolly mammoth.
These techniques are known collectively as multiplex editing and include the best known method, Crispr-Cas9. Multiplex genome editing gives scientists the ability to target and affect several genes at once (up to seven at a time in this case).
The scientists modified ten genes in total in their mice, in different combinations. Interestingly, only three were changed to resemble genes found in the woolly mammoth. The other seven had been previously identified to cause hair variation in mice, and produce traits somewhat similar to those found in mammoth hair. Although these are not mammoth gene variants, modifying them demonstrates the team’s ability to edit several genes at once through multiplex editing.
The environment once roamed by mammoths has long disappeared.
Matis75 / ShutterstockTwo of the three mammoth-associated genes (Krt27 and Tgfa) have previously been linked to hair texture, based on comparisons with Asian elephants. Another gene, Fabp2, is thought to have facilitated efficient fat metabolism in mammoths – a presumed evolutionary adaptation to cold.
Modifying the Krt27 and Tgfa hair genes in mice led to a change in texture, making some hairs longer and rougher and others wavier and zigzaggy. The fact these gene modifications produced physical traits seen in mammoth hair provides a way of verifying the genes are indeed associated with changes in hair pattern, and therefore contribute to the mammoth’s distinctive woolliness. But editing the mice so they had the Fabp2 gene variant from mammoths led to no observable physical difference.
Of the seven mouse-identified genes modified by the researchers, one (a variant of the Mc1r gene) led to the shiny blond coat colour. At least one mammoth carcass dug up from the Siberian permafrost has a similar coat colour, so the change is certainly evocative of these ice age creatures.
A much bigger task
Although this is an exciting study into an area of research with incredible potential, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. While Asian elephants are the closest thing we currently have to mammoths, it would take a lot more than a few tweaks to hair length and squiggliness to meaningfully make a mammoth out of an elephant.
While George Church, the Harvard genetics professor who founded Colossal, claims that modifying 65 genes in Asian elephants will accomplish this goal, the reality is likely to be more complicated.
Indeed, the fact that editing the Fabp2 gene – associated with fat metabolism in mammoths – led to no observable difference in the mice is one example of the many gaps in our understanding of mammoth genetics. Put another way, this shows that we have some way to go to fully understand the causal relationship between genes and phenotype – the visible characteristics in a living organism.
Increasing the number of simultaneously targeted genes from seven to 65 could also introduce various unintended consequences, including accidentally modifying unintended DNA regions similar to the target sequence (known as the off-target effects of genome editing). It also remains difficult to achieve changes in all genes at once; here too, scaling up from seven to 65 will pose a noteworthy challenge.
On top of this, even if Colossal manages to make all 65 gene changes in their Asian elephants, there are likely to be many more differences between mammoth and elephant genomes that have not yet been identified. These include genes involved in behaviour, and in regions of the genome that dictate when genes are switched on or off. While mice are an extremely well studied experimental organism, elephants are less well characterised.
As a proof of concept, this research is fascinating, although it remains to be seen whether Colossal’s goal of creating an elephant-mammoth hybrid by 2028 is achievable. It would be more likely to generate a mammoth-like Asian elephant than something exactly like the ice age creature.
Finally, it is worth considering the end goal of this branch of research. Mammoths went extinct only 4,000 years ago, but at this point they had already been pushed into a fraction of their initial range – restricted to a tiny surviving population on Wrangel island in the Russian Arctic.
Another of Colossal’s objectives is to bring back the thylacine, a carnivore that once lived in Tasmania. Given it went extinct due to active hunting in the 20th century, the thylacine should at least still have suitable habitat.
However, if the goal is simply to counteract extinction, more sustainable efforts to avoid future extinctions might be better than expensive genetic engineering. De-extinction cannot replace efforts to preserve the one planet we have, and all the living organisms we share it with.
Benjamin Tapon receives funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, through the LIDo DTP.
Alex de Mendoza receives funding from European Research Council and the Royal Society.
– ref. Woolly mice are a first step to resurrecting mammoths, but there’s a very long way to go – https://theconversation.com/woolly-mice-are-a-first-step-to-resurrecting-mammoths-but-theres-a-very-long-way-to-go-251640
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MIL-OSI Europe: Sciences Po Students are Taking Part in Four Ambitious Cross-European Projects
Source: Universities – Science Po in English
Students in front of the entrance at 1 St-Thomas (credits: Pierre Morel) Virtual Undergraduate Open House day 2025
Come meet our teams and students at our campuses.
Virtual Graduate Open House day 2025
Meet faculty members, students and representatives and learn more about our 30 Master’s programmes.
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MIL-OSI Security: Detectives arrest man following Ruislip stabbing
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Met officers have arrested a 19-year-old man allegedly responsible for a stabbing which left a teenager critically injured in Ruislip.
Officers were called to Victoria Road at 16:55hrs on Thursday, 6 March. A 16-year-old boy was treated for stab wounds.
He was later taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Inspector Tony Smith, leading the investigation from the Met’s policing team in north-west London, said:
“We recognise this is a distressing incident and we have upped local foot patrols and will ensure there is a visible police presence over the weekend.
“Although we have a suspect in custody, we are working round the clock to build a picture of what happened and I would ask anyone with information to contact us immediately.”
A crime scene remains in place. Victoria Road remains closed from the Stonefield Way junction to the Field End Road roundabout. We are encouraging people to avoid the area where possible to minimise congestion.
Anyone with information that could assist police, or who may have captured the assault on a doorbell or dash cam, is asked to call 101 or visit ‘X’ @MetCC and quote 5631/06Mar.
You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.