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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Competitiveness of the European coking industry – E-000264/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000264/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mirosława Nykiel (PPE)

    One of the Commission’s main priorities, as set out in its political guidelines, is ensuring the competitiveness of European industry.

    Many sectors, including the coking sector, are facing unfair competition from global players, as is the case with Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa. In 2023 alone, Indonesia’s coking coal exports increased by over 400%, seriously disrupting the European market.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.How will the Commission learn from its mistake in relying too heavily on Russian gas and prevent Europe from becoming reliant on imports of a strategic raw material that is essential for steel production, including in the context of industrial security and defence?
    • 2.What specific measures will the Commission take to protect the European market and local jobs in the context of the dire situation of European coking factories caused, among other things, by unfair competition from Indonesia and China?
    • 3.Considering that European coking factories, including Polish factories, adhere to strict environmental standards, in stark contrast to the very different approach to environmental protection in the Far East, what action will the Commission take to ensure the competitiveness of the European market, while also protecting the environment and ensuring high ecological standards?

    Submitted: 22.1.2025

    Last updated: 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of public funds for environmental lobbying – P-000317/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000317/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Jordan Bardella (PfE), Christophe Bay (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Malika Sorel (PfE), Pierre-Romain Thionnet (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), Alexandre Varaut (PfE)

    It has been reported[1] that the Commission has funded environmental organisations, including those supported by former Commissioner Frans Timmermans in connection with the Nature Restoration Law. Subsidies amounting to EUR 700 000 have reportedly been used to steer the public debate towards the greenest positions. This funding raises questions about the use of public funds and compliance with the principles of transparency and ethics.

    Swift clarification is essential to ensure the proper use of public funds and restore citizens’ trust in the European institutions. In this regard:

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm whether public subsidies have been used to encourage organisations to lobby for its own legislative proposals, and if so, to what extent?
    • 2.What measures have been taken to prevent public funds from being used for indirect lobbying, in particular through the LIFE programme, which promotes green laws?
    • 3.How does the Commission ensure transparency and impartiality in the award and use of subsidies allocated to organisations carrying out lobbying activities?

    Supporters[2]

    Submitted: 24.1.2025

    • [1] Lobbyschandaal in Brussel: EU betaalde milieuclubs in het geheim voor promotie van groene plannen Timmermans – Alexander Baaker – De Telegraaf – 22 January 2025.
    • [2] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Matthieu Valet (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE)
    Last updated: 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU interference in Romanian political affairs – E-000256/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000256/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    On 6 December 2024, the Romanian Constitutional Court invalidated the outcome of the first round of the presidential election on the grounds of alleged electoral violations and foreign interference. This has sparked institutional chaos and mass demonstrations, with citizens denouncing the cancellation of the ballot and viewing this decision as a disguised coup d’état aimed at keeping a pro-EU government excluding a proportion of the Romanian people in place in the country,

    Many Romanian citizens accuse the European Union, and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in particular, of wanting to impose pro-European leaders while marginalising opposition movements.

    This state of affairs raises serious questions as to respect for national sovereignty and the credibility of the European institutions.

    • 1.How can the Commission justify its increasing involvement in the internal democratic processes of certain Member States, flying in the face of the principle of subsidiarity?
    • 2.What arrangements does it intend to put in place to ensure that the European institutions do not interfere in the sovereign decisions of the Member States, particularly in electoral matters?
    • 3.Does it acknowledge that such perceived meddling may exacerbate public distrust of the European Union and fuel social tensions?

    Submitted: 21.1.2025

    Last updated: 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Empa Young Scientist Fellowship: Young researcher sheds light on quantum molecules

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Empa researcher Eve Ammerman wants to bring quantum technologies one step closer to application by combining quantum effects with light. This should enable future quantum-based devices to communicate better with existing technologies. Her research project is being supported with a two-year Empa Young Scientist Fellowship.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: US startups secure over half of high-value VC deals announced globally during 2024, finds GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    US startups secure over half of high-value VC deals announced globally during 2024, finds GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    The US maintained its dominance in the global venture capital (VC) landscape in 2024, securing over half of all high value* deals. With a commanding 56.6% share by high-value VC deal volume and 64.5% by value, the US significantly outpaced other markets, underscoring strong investor confidence in its startup ecosystem amid the evolving economic conditions and shifting global investment trends, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The US-based startups attracting big-ticket deals showcases the solid confidence VC investors have in the country’s startup ecosystem. It is also noteworthy that the US was distantly followed by China, which accounted for 12.3% and 14.4% share of high-value VC deal volume and value, respectively, during 2024.”

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that the US saw the announcement of 291 high-value VC deals during 2024 while the total value of these deals stood at $92 billion. Meanwhile, a total of 63 high-value VC deals worth $20.6 billion were announced in China during the same period.

    Bose adds: “Of the top 10 countries by high-value VC deals volume in 2024, two were from North America while Europe and the Asia-Pacific region had four countries each.”

    The UK occupied the third position by high-value VC deals volume in 2024, followed by Germany, India, Canada, Singapore, France, Japan and Switzerland.

    Bose concludes: “The concentration of high-value VC deals in a few key markets highlights the evolving dynamics of global venture funding. While the US continues to dominate, the presence of multiple European and Asia-Pacific countries in the top rankings signals a broader diversification of investor interest, driven by innovation and emerging growth opportunities worldwide.”

    * ≥ $100 million

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA publishes its draft final technical standards on reporting of data on charges for credit transfers and payments accounts, and shares of rejected transactions

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its final draft Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) on reporting of data on charges for credit transfers and payments accounts, and shares of rejected transactions. The ITS deliver on the mandate in the Instant Payment Regulation (IPR) amending the SEPA Regulation, and aim at standardising reporting from banks, payment institutions and e-money institutions (i.e. Payment Service Providers – PSPs) to their National Competent Authorities. The reported data will help to ensure consumers benefit from access to instant credit transfers, and that the latter are no longer more expensive than regular credit transfers. Following its public consultation, the EBA has postponed the first harmonised reporting from PSPs by 12 months, from April 2025 to April 2026.

    The ITS specify uniform reporting templates, instructions, and methodology for the purpose of reporting of charges for credit transfers, payment accounts and shares of rejected transactions due to the application of the EU sanctions regime.

    In developing the ITS, the EBA has sought to find the appropriate balance between the competing aims of obtaining the data required for a robust analysis of the impact of the amended SEPA Regulation on the pricing of payment accounts and credit transfers, and the shares of rejected transactions, on the one hand, and the need to avoid an excessive reporting burden for the industry on the other.

    The ITS will also support the European Commission in monitoring whether consumers benefit from access to instant credit transfers, and that instant credit transfers are not more expensive than regular credit transfers.

    As part of reducing the burden on the industry, and in response to comments received to the consultation, the draft final ITS postpone the deadline set in the amended SEPA Regulation for the first harmonised reporting by 12 months, to April 2026, and the subsequent reporting from the National Competent Authorities to the EBA and the European Commission to October 2026. The additional 12 months will provide sufficient time for the European Commission to adopt the EBA’s final draft ITS, and for the EBA to develop the taxonomy, datapoint model and validation rules, which the industry then needs to implement. Until the first reporting, National Competent Authorities should deprioritise collecting data from the PSPs, discourage institutions from providing unharmonised reporting prior to the availability of the EBA’s taxonomy, datapoint model and validation rules, and not take enforcement action in relation to PSPs that do not report in 2025.

    Legal basis, background and next steps

    Article 15(5) of the SEPA Regulation stipulates that “The EBA shall develop draft implementing technical standards to specify uniform reporting templates, instructions and methodology on how to use those reporting templates for the purposes of reporting as referred to in paragraph 3. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford City Council confirms new Interim Executive Director for Children’s Services

    Source: City of Salford

    Salford City Council has confirmed that Becky Bibby has been appointed as the new interim Executive Director for Children’s Services. She will begin her new role from Monday 3 February.

    She will take up the position following a recent internal recruitment process, with the position being vacated by Melissa Caslake, who has now been appointed as Interim Chief Executive, following the departure of Tom Stannard. Both positions are significant statutory roles, with the appointments bringing continuity to the organisation and ensuring that the council fulfils its statutory responsibilities. 

    Becky joined Salford City Council in 2009, initially as Education and Childcare Strategy Manager for Children’s Services Early Years. Since then, she has also been Head of Service for Starting Life Well and Helping Families, before her current role as Director for Early Help and School Readiness. Prior to joining Salford City Council, she started her career initially as a Nursery Nurse, before taking up a role in Children’s Services at Tameside Council.  

    Her focus will now be on achieving UNICEF accredited Child Friendly City status for Salford, guiding the service through possible upcoming inspections and a key piece of work around lobbying for SEND educational provision in the city. 

    As part of the vision to creating a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city as outlined in the council’s corporate plan This is our Salford, there is a commitment to prioritise support for children and young people. This includes a focus on educational improvement and children and young people’s development. 

    Recent activity to support this includes the development of a Literacy Hub, bringing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Little Hulton and the new soon-to-be completed Youth Zone. In addition, the council has retained Youth Service provision and the five Salford Family Nurseries it operates, it is currently reviewing its Local Cultural Education Partnerships (LCEP) and is developing a new a sports and leisure strategy for the city, with children and young people at its heart.

    Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Becky into this role. Since joining Salford City Council, she has worked tirelessly to champion the needs of children and young people, with a focus on support for early intervention and prevention for children, young people, and families. She has successfully led integrated locality-based children, young people and families’ resources and functions that deliver effective early help and early years services across the city.

    She has led the improvements to Salford Families Nurseries and plays a key role in our ambition to become a UNICEF accredited Child Friendly City. She is also an integral part of the management team which received a successful OFSTED inspection, with the service being rated as ‘good’ with ‘outstanding’ leadership and care leaver support. 

    Melissa Caslake, Interim Chief Executive at Salford City Council added “Becky has a great affinity with the council, the city and its children and young people. with over 15 years of experience and service to our city, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the position and an understanding of the continued work required to deliver quality services to our children and young people as well as the challenges the service faces.” 

    New Interim Executive Director for Children’s Services, Becky Bibby said “This is a huge honour to be taking up this position and working to support and champion the needs of Salford’s children and young people. I am committed to building on the great work we have already developed across the service, and I look forward to working alongside Melissa Caslake, elected members and with colleagues to ensure we support our city’s youngest and most vulnerable residents.”

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    Date published
    Tuesday 4 February 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK government seeks out quantum industry experts for advisory board to accelerate deployment of game-changing technology

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Key specialists are being called upon to join a board advising the UK government in seizing the transformative potential of quantum technologies today.

    • UK’s leadership on breakthrough quantum tech celebrated as the International Year of Quantum begins today
    • DSIT is looking for experts from industry and academia to advise on how to further accelerate the benefits of quantum for the UK
    • UK delegation, led by National Technology Advisor Dave Smith, will visit the UNESCO HQ in Paris to celebrate 100 years of quantum breakthroughs and the subsequent benefits, from drug discoveries to boosts in cybersecurity

    Key specialists are being called upon to join a board advising the UK government in seizing the transformative potential of quantum technologies today (Tuesday 4 February).  

    An Expression of Interest (EOI) has now launched for new members to join DSIT’s Quantum Strategic Advisory Board (SAB).  

    The recruitment push comes as a UK delegation is set to fly the flag for British quantum at a global event in Paris celebrating quantum’s remarkable impact on the world in the past century. 

    With at least 160 companies active up and down the country, the UK is home to the second largest quantum sector globally, strongly supported by investment from the public and private sectors. 

    To raise awareness of how quantum innovations are improving our lives by driving growth, creating jobs and delivering breakthroughs in fields like healthcare, UK officials, led by the National Technology Advisor, will mark the start of the International Year of Quantum in Paris today. 

    The event, convened by UNESCO, marks 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics, and brings together the leading lights in the field from across the entire world to exchange ideas and showcase best practices in quantum science education, research and industry applications.   

    Quantum technologies harness the unique properties of subatomic particles to process information and solve pressing problems in a new way. New innovations in quantum, such as improved health diagnostics and future proofing cyber security to make our streets safe, will help drive the government’s Plan for Change.   

    To seize the potential of this technology and support the UK’s vision to be a leading quantum-enabled economy, DSIT is expanding and bolstering its Quantum Strategic Advisory Board.  

    UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:  

    Joining the Quantum Advisory Board is a great opportunity for those who understand the potential of quantum best to help harness the benefits of quantum for the economy and society.

    This government restates its commitment to quantum science and technology and the advice of the Board will be invaluable as we continue to play a key role in ensuring the UK maintains its leadership in this area.

    UK National Technology Advisor, Dave Smith said: 

    It’s only right that in 2025 we are celebrating quantum’s transformative potential. From telecommunications to improved medical imaging, quantum science and technology has been central to the groundbreaking innovations of this century.

    The future innovations that could emerge from this technology will help us to benefit from the enlightened combination of long-term partnership from academia, government and the private sector. They will benefit all of us in our daily lives and grow brilliant UK companies and create jobs.

    Leading experts from academic and industry can apply to join the Board, chaired by Sir Peter Knight, and advise the UK government on quantum technologies, contributing to the implementation of the National Quantum Strategy.   

    As a critical technology that offers solutions in almost every sector, from healthcare to energy, quantum will form an important part of the government’s forthcoming industrial strategy. 

    Notes to editors 

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 300

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Interim report 2: Report on the National Nuclear New-build Coordinator’s mission regarding the expansion of nuclear power in Sweden – January 2025

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Interim report 2: Report on the National Nuclear New-build Coordinator’s mission regarding the expansion of nuclear power in Sweden – January 2025 – Government.se

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    Report from Ministry of Climate and Enterprise

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    The National Nuclear New-build Coordinator’s second interim report
    provides a clarified recommendation on how a programme organisation may be designed. The coordinator recommends the establishment of a stateowned company that invests in new nuclear power capacity. By investing in several projects that get financial support from the state’s financing model, lock-in effects regarding learning can be avoided. In this way, a higher costefficiency and a more responsible use of tax-payers money can be achieved.

    The coordinator also proposes regional cooperation with neighbouring
    countries regarding skills and supply chains.

    The report also provides a follow-up of activities of the National Nuclear
    New-build Coordinator since the previous interim report (June 2024), a
    summary of ongoing activities for new nuclear power and an assessment of
    the possibility to fulfil the goals in the Swedish Government’s roadmap for
    new nuclear power.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: Lords debates Renters’ Rights Bill

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

    Members discuss abolishing fixed term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies.

    Find out more and see who’s taking part https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2025/january/renters-rights-bill-on-lords-agenda/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

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

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

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A5C4gH89LA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local government expenditure and income in 2023-24

    Source: Scottish Government

    A National Statistics Publication.

    The Chief Statistician has released figures on local government finance in 2023-24. These figures provide a comprehensive overview of the financial activity of local government, including revenue expenditure and income; capital expenditure and financing; reserves; debt; and pensions.

    Revenue expenditure is the cost of delivering services each year. Local authorities’ net revenue expenditure in 2023-24 was £14,296 million. Education and Social Work were the services with highest net revenue expenditure, accounting for £6,960 million and £4,604 million respectively.

    Net revenue expenditure on Central Services increased by 103.2 per cent, or £352 million, between 2022-23 and 2023-24. Of this increase, £260 million was due to Equal Pay payments that were made by Glasgow City Council during 2023-24.

    Capital expenditure is expenditure that creates the buildings and infrastructure necessary to provide services, such as schools and roads. Local authorities incurred £3,689 million of capital expenditure in 2023-24. This was predominantly financed by grants and contributions of £1,704 million and borrowing of £1,640 million.

    Usable reserves are local authorities’ surplus income from previous years which can be used to finance future revenue or capital expenditure. At 31 March 2024, local authorities held £4,258 million of usable reserves.

    When local authorities borrow money or use credit arrangements to finance capital expenditure, a debt is created which has to be repaid from future revenues. In 2023-24, as a result of the statutory flexibility granted by Ministers, local authorities made debt repayments of minus £67 million. That is, rather than repay debt, they received a windfall of £67 million as a result of the service concession flexibilities.

    Background

    Scottish Local Government Finance Statistics (SLGFS) 2023-24 is based on final, audited figures provided by local authorities (where available, or draft accounts if these have not yet been audited).

    Further information on Local Government Finance statistics publications and data collections can be found on the Scottish Government website.

    These statistics have been produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: #ItsNotOK – sexual violence victims urged to seek support

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which began yesterday (Monday 3 February), is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of these crimes and, using the hashtag #ItsNotOK, encourages people to raise awareness and help get more coverage of this important subject.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “It’s Not OK to have to deal with sexual abuse or sexual violence. It’s Not OK to suffer in silence. And It’s Not OK to have to deal with it on your own.

    “This Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, we want victims to understand that no matter what happened, you deserve support – it wasn’t your fault, we’ll listen to you, and we’ll believe you.”

    Rape Crisis England and Wales runs a 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line providing specialist support to anyone aged 16 and over who has experienced something sexual that they didn’t want, didn’t consent to or is feeling confused about, no matter when or where it happened. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit Abuse Support Line.  

    There are a wide range of services in the West Midlands which offer guidance and support to anyone who has experienced rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse including The Haven Wolverhampton (details at https://www.havenrefuge.org.uk/), Black Country Women’s Aid (https://blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk/) and a number of other organisations (details at Support after rape and sexual assault).

    And the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s No Excuse For Abuse website includes details of a range of support services including charities, refuges and specialist support for LGBTQ+ and male victims.

    People can report sexual abuse or violence to West Midlands Police by calling 101 for non-emergencies or via Live Chat online. Dial 999 if a sexual assault has just taken place or someone is in immediate danger.

    Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week runs until Sunday (9 February, 2025). For more information, visit Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Northern Ireland firm expands into new markets after new partnership between UKEF and Ulster Bank

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    UKEF’s support helping Maxflow gain access to capital through its General Export Facility (GEF) will see the business expand into new export markets.

    Ryan Wylie, Managing Director of Maxflow, and Leona McNicholl, Senior Relationship Manager at Ulster Bank

    • Maxflow supplies Northern Ireland-made industrial pressure washers, generators, parts and pressure-washing accessories, and is aiming to reach new export markets.

    • Maxflow Power Products Limited is the first company in Northern Ireland that has been awarded UKEF-backed facility from Ulster Bank.

    Maxflow, a Northern Ireland-based manufacturer of industrial pressure washers and power products, is accelerating its growth with a finance package issued by Ulster Bank and guaranteed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government’s export credit agency. This partnership supports Maxflow to expand its operations, enter new export markets, and grow its customer base.

    With over 25 years of industry experience, Maxflow’s ability to grow as a business has been furthered by UKEF and Ulster Bank’s financial support which also recently included a multi-million pound support package for a Management Buy Out (MBO). 

    This has enabled better management of cash flow-related challenges, often associated with scaling operations and meeting customer demand. With this support, Maxflow can maintain high stock levels, ensuring consistent availability for its customers and reinforcing its reputation as a reliable supplier in a competitive market.

    With significant revenue coming from exports, entering new export markets presents exciting new opportunities for growth.

    This is the first time that Ulster Bank and UKEF have worked in partnership to issue a trade loan facility for a Northern Ireland business. The loan facility was guaranteed through UKEF’s General Export Facility (GEF), a product which helps SME exporters to access more working capital and scale up their operations. Through the GEF scheme, SMEs accessed over £576 million in working capital loans in the last financial year.

    Liz McCrory MBE, UKEF Export Finance Manager for Northern Ireland, added:

    We are proud to support Maxflow as they build on their success. UKEF’s collaboration with Ulster Bank in this working capital finance deal is a prime example of how our General Export Facility can boost the confidence of SMEs in Northern Ireland to achieve their growth ambitions and venture into new export markets.

    Ryan Wylie, Managing Director of Maxflow, commented:

    We couldn’t be more excited about Maxflow’s growth. Our commitment to exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on being a reliable, go-to partner, ensuring our customers can always count on us to deliver exactly what they need, when they need it.

    Expanding into new geographical markets is a transformative step for Maxflow, and the support from Ulster Bank and UK Export Finance has been crucial in helping us seize this opportunity. The ability to manage cash flow effectively while maintaining high stock levels has allowed us to meet the demands of this new market and position ourselves for sustained growth.

    Maxflow’s expansion also includes significant investment in infrastructure. A new factory is currently under construction, with phase one expected to be completed by 2025. This facility will consolidate operations, streamline logistics, and enhance efficiency, supporting Maxflow’s long-term growth plans.

    Maxflow is creating new job opportunities in Cookstown, Northern Ireland through investing in a new factory. With a team of 25 employees and ongoing expansion, the company remains dedicated to being a market leader in industrial power product solutions.

    Leona McNicholl, Senior Relationship Manager at Ulster Bank, commented:

    We’re proud to support Maxflow as they take this exciting step to expand their operations into new export markets. This milestone highlights the importance of providing businesses with the right financial tools to achieve their growth ambitions. Ulster Bank remains committed to supporting Northern Ireland’s businesses, helping them seize new opportunities and grow and this is very evident in the level of support provided to Maxflow in their growth plans through working capital facilities as well as supporting the recent MBO.

    Maxflow’s story showcases how strategic financial partnerships, infrastructure investments, and a focus on customer-centric operations can drive significant growth. As the company continues to expand, it remains committed to its vision of being a market leader in industrial power product solutions.

    Contact 

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    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens made budget fairer, greener and better for Scotland

    Source: Scottish Greens

    04 Feb 2025 Finance

    This budget makes vital progress on child poverty and climate action.

    More in Finance

    More children will be fed, buses will be cheaper and nature will be protected as a result of changes made to the Government’s budget by the Scottish Greens, says the party’s finance spokesperson Ross Greer ahead of a debate and vote taking place today.

    Through negotiations late last year the Scottish Greens secured record investment in climate action, a funding increase for local services including schools, social care and bin collections, free ferry travel for young islanders and free bus travel for asylum seekers. They also increased the tax paid when buying a second or holiday home, giving a boost to first-time home buyers.

    And last week it was announced that the Greens had also secured free school meals for thousands more S1-S3 pupils, more funding for nature restoration and a year-long trial where bus fares in one region of the country will be capped at no more than £2.

    Mr Greer said:

    “As a direct result of Green negotiations, this budget will lift more children out of poverty, make buses cheaper and help tackle the climate crisis.

    “No child should be hungry at school, and the extra meals secured by Green MSPs will take us one step closer to eradicating that hunger completely. This builds on the extension of universal free school meals to P4 and P5 which the Scottish Greens delivered a few years ago.

    “We are determined to make it cheaper to get the bus. That’s why we will launch a year-long trial in one region where bus fares are capped at £2, something we are confident will be successful enough to then roll out across all of Scotland.”

    Mr Greer added:

    “There is a huge contrast between everything the Scottish Greens have delivered for people and planet, and a Scottish Labour Party who allowed the SNP’s budget to pass without securing a single change of their own. 

    “While others played silly games, Green MSPs worked to support families in poverty and protect our natural environment.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work Capability Assessment draft regulations: letter to Dr Stephen Brien

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence from the DWP to SSAC’s Chair following the judgment in the judicial review into the lawfulness of the consultation on the Work Capability Assessment descriptor changes.

    Documents

    Work Capability Assessment draft regulations: letter to Dr Stephen Brien

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    Details

    Correspondence from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Dr Stephen Brien, Chair, Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) setting out the main findings of the judgment in the judicial review into the lawfulness of the consultation on the Work Capability Assessment descriptor changes.

    Given this judgment, the letter confirms that the draft regulations which would have delivered the Work Capability Assessment descriptor changes, and which were presented to the Social Security Advisory Committee in May 2024, will be withdrawn by the Department for Work and Pensions. Therefore, following discussion between SSAC and DWP, this brings to a conclusion SSAC’s scrutiny of the draft regulations.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Discover more about the University of Aberdeen As part of a week of celebrations at the University of Aberdeen, members of public are invited to enjoy a family friendly ‘Discovery Day’ at Elphinstone Hall.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Check out the University’s Discovery Day on Monday 10 FebruaryAs part of a week of celebrations at the University of Aberdeen, members of public are invited to enjoy a family friendly ‘Discovery Day’ at Elphinstone Hall.

    As Discovery Day falls during the midterm holidays, it is an ideal opportunity for families to come along and sample just a flavour of some of the research currently taking place – and it’s a mixed pot with something for everyone!” Dr Chris Croly

    Discovery Day is part of a programme of events celebrating Founders’ Week, which marks the 530th anniversary of the University, and will take place on Monday (February 10). 

    Researchers from across the University will be on hand with interactive activities to demonstrate just some of the ground-breaking research currently being undertaken. From the fascinating world of microfossils to the making of a magic book, to Chinese craft activities to the Rowett Institute’s ‘mini-mart’, there will be plenty going on to keep everyone occupied. 

    Those who come along can also enjoy tours of the Old Aberdeen campus, or a visit to the Zoology Museum, while TechFest will also be attending with some of their family-friendly STEM activities. 

    Dr Chris Croly, Public Engagement with Research Manager at the University said: “We are all very excited to be opening the doors of Elphinstone Hall to families from across the region as we celebrate 530 years of the University of Aberdeen! 

    “When Bishop Elphinstone established the University all those years ago, its foundational purpose was to be open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others, and this is still the ethos of the University today. As Discovery Day falls during the midterm holidays, it is an ideal opportunity for families to come along and sample just a flavour of some of the research currently taking place – and it’s a mixed pot with something for everyone! I hope anyone who takes the opportunity to visit us, enjoys the day and learns a little bit more about some of the research currently underway around our campuses.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation launches on travel improvements to A61 junctions and B6481 Pontefract Road

    Source: City of Leeds

    The second stage of consultation has launched today to improve two key roads linking Leeds to Wakefield and Pontefract.

    Run in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the consultation aims to make it safer and more accessible to walk, wheel and cycle, as well as improving bus reliability. 

    The consultation follows on from a previous public engagement where residents were asked about initial proposals for the schemes. Results from the first round include:

    • When asked about the zone in which there were proposed improvements to A61 Jumbles Lane and Carlton Lane junctions, 53% of respondents felt positive towards the proposals, while 28% felt negative.
    • When asked about the zones in which there were proposed improvements to B6481 Pontefract Road, 52% of respondents felt positive towards the proposals, while 33% felt negative.

    For the A61 in Lofthouse, the proposals focus on two key junctions which have known safety concerns, lack of safe crossing points for school students and pedestrians, and cars travelling at speed – the A61 Jumbles Lane junction and the A61 Carlton Lane junction.

    Improvements to B6481 Pontefract Road, from Thwaite Gate to M1 junction 44, focus on creating a segregated cycle track along the route, linking to existing cycling provision on the A639 Thwaite Gate, allowing residents a safer and more direct route to Leeds City Centre and the ability to access businesses along the industrial estate, which often operates night-time shifts which are not suited to public transport use.

    If the proposals were to go ahead, a £9.14million funding pot from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, ringfenced to transport schemes, would be invested to carry out the works – £2m for the A61 and £7.14m for Pontefract Road.

    Proposals for the A61 include:

    • Wider pavements and footpaths, including doubling pavement width on Long Thorpe Lane, on the approach to Rodillian Academy, to help students and people feel safer when walking in the area
    • Shared-use footways to help cyclists travel easily and safely
    • New traffic signals at the Jumbles Lane junction to help improve traffic flow and offer safe crossings for people walking and cycling in the area.
    • Traffic signals to be fitted with new technology which will give buses priority and improve bus journey times and reliability
    • On-carriageway cycle lanes and advanced stop lines at the Jumbles Lane junction
    • Existing traffic island crossing, near Nisa Local, upgraded to a signalised pedestrian crossing to make it easier for people walking to cross
    • A road closure for motor vehicles at the Carlton Lane/A61 junction. This is a hotspot for collisions, and vehicles travel at speed along the road. Motor vehicles will access Carlton Road via Jumbles Lane.
    • New landscaping and greenery

     Proposals for B6481 Pontefract Road include:

    • Wider pavements and footpaths to allow safer access to bus stops and local businesses
    • New and improved crossing facilities for people on foot and wheeling at various key locations
    • New, separate cycle crossing facilities for people cycling, at various key locations
    • Creation of a one-way, segregated cycle path either side of Pontefract Road, linking to existing provision on A639 Thwaite Gate. Some areas of shared use footways.
    • Signalising of the rail bridge tunnel – shuttle working traffic lights will be installed to control the flow of vehicles, allowing one direction of traffic to pass at a time, improving safety and bus reliability
    • New landscaping and greenery

    Following feedback, the council is proposing to deliver these improvements first to meet the funding deadline, subject to the second round of consultation. The remaining proposals which are not currently being taken forward may be revisited in future should funding become available.

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:

    “This scheme will create a safer and more accessible experience for all types of road user on these roads. The proposals help people access Leeds City Centre, local amenities and employment by creating alternative, sustainable ways to travel to essential destinations.

    By offering safe and easy alternatives to the car, we can help to meet our Leeds Transport Strategy targets and create a prosperous, less congested Leeds, with healthier residents”.

     Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: 

    “These proposals will make it easier and safer for everyone to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport on two busy routes. I’d encourage people to have their say so that we can continue building a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire for all.”

    Have your say

    You can have your say before the consultation closes on 11.59pm on 10 March 2025.

    1.      Feedback online by visiting the Your Voice webpage.

    2.      Attend one of our in-person drop-in events:

    • Wednesday 12 February 2025, 6:30-9pm – Main Hall, The Rodillian Academy, Longthorpe Lane, WF3 3PS.
    • Tuesday 18 February 2025, 11am-3pm – Hunslet Library, Waterloo Road, LS10 2NS. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos ranked in the top 5% of the IT Services industry in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                                    Press Release

    Atos ranked in the top 5% of the
    IT Services industry in the 2024
    S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment

    Paris, France – February 4, 2025 – Atos Group today announces that it has been recognized by S&P Global as one of the most sustainable companies worldwide in its industry for the 11th consecutive year. Atos achieved a score of 74/100 in the 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), placing Atos within the top 5% of the IT services industry among 166 companies assessed with an average industry score of 32/100. This high rating reflects Atos’ long-standing dedication to sustainability and its exemplary performance in Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) practices.

    The assessment highlighted significant strengths in environmental management and the transparency of sustainable reporting, recognizing Atos’ ambitious environmental program, which started 14 years ago.

    Alexandra Knupe, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Atos comments “Atos is proud to rank within the top 5% of IT services companies globally. The S&P Global CSA recognizes our commitment and continuous development towards excellence in Environmental, Social & Governance practices. By continuously improving our practices, we aim to set a benchmark in the industry and contribute positively to global environmental and social challenges”.

    The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment is an annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices. It covers over 10,000 companies globally. The CSA has been assessing sustainability criteria that are both general and industry-specific since 1999. More information about the CSA methodology can be found here.

    Atos has recently been awarded a “Platinum” EcoVadis Medal for its commitment to sustainability for the 5th consecutive year, following 8 years of receiving the EcoVadis Gold Medal. Find out more about Atos’ CSR program here.

    ***

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 82,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Florence Vayleux | florence.vayleux@atos.net | +33 (0) 6 32 12 22 96

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get winter strong – free flu vaccinations still available

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    They include all adults aged 65 years and over, people who live in a care home for older adults, people aged 6 months to 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable, frontline health and social care staff including those working in care homes for older adults, and pregnant women.

    Those eligible can get their vaccination without an appointment at one of a number of pop-up clinics being held in Wolverhampton until the end of March.

    They include clinics at: Sainsburys, Bentley Bridge, from 11am to 6pm on Thursdays 6 February, 20 February, 6 March and 20 March; Queen Square, Wolverhampton, from 9am to 3pm on Fridays 7 February, 21 February, 7 March and 21 March; and Sainsburys, Raglan Street, Wolverhampton, from 9am to 3pm on Thursdays 13 February, 27 February, 13 March and 27 March.

    Clinics are also operating in other parts of the Black Country – for full details please visit 
    Flu pop-up vaccination clinics.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “It’s vital that we all do everything we can to protect ourselves from winter illnesses such as flu, especially those of us who may be at higher risk.

    “I would therefore encourage anyone who is yet to have their flu vaccination this winter to get it at one of the pop-up clinics taking place over the next few weeks, and ideally sooner rather than later.”

    Anyone not eligible for a free flu vaccination is reminded that they can still get it for a small charge at participating pharmacists.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Metropolitan of Pskov and Porkhov Matthew visited the Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On February 3, the Polytechnic University was visited by Metropolitan of Pskov and Porkhov, Abbot of the Holy Dormition Pskov-Pechersky Monastery Matfey (Kopylov). The visit was part of the events in honor of the 125th anniversary of the Polytechnic University. The guest got acquainted with the history of the university and its current activities, and discussed opportunities for cooperation.

    The tour of the university began with the Main Academic Building, where Metropolitan Matfey of Pskov and Porkhov got acquainted with the gallery of outstanding polytechnic scientists. In the SPbPU History Museum, its director Valery Klimov spoke about the most important events in the history of the Polytechnic, presented interesting facts and showed key exhibits. In the Technopolis Polytechnic research building, the university’s scientific secretary Dmitry Karpov demonstrated a model of the SPbPU campus.

    During the visit, the bishop met with the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy. The meeting was also attended by the vice-rector for youth policy and communication technologies Maxim Pasholikov and a member of the initiative group to save the church in Belskoye Ustye Valery Silin.

    The Church of the Ascension of the Lord is located in the village of Belskoye Ustye in the Porkhov District, where the grave of Prince Andrei Gagarin, an outstanding Russian scientist and engineer, the first director of the Polytechnic University, is also located. The 18th-century church is the largest patrimonial church in the Pskov land, which has no analogues in the architectural heritage of the region. It is an integral part of the cultural and historical complex, which includes the estate of Prince A. G. Gagarin in Kholomki, the main building of which was restored by the Polytechnic University in 2013, as well as the outskirts of Porkhov with their unique fortresses, churches and temples.

    The Church of the Ascension of the Lord is one of the pearls of the Pskov region for tourists, especially for pilgrims. It is important to develop tourist routes around Pskov. Together we contribute to the great cause of the revival of Russian history, Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    The meeting participants considered possible areas of cooperation in the reconstruction of the church, ways of attracting benefactors, organizing a board of trustees for the implementation of the project, as well as the possibility of opening a Sunday school at the church.

    The first Church of the Ascension of the Lord was built in 1796 with funds from Colonel Artemon Kozhin in his estate Belskoye Ustye in Porkhov district. In the early 1860s, Artemon Osipovich’s son, Pyotr, decided to build a new church, as the old one had fallen into disrepair. The new building was erected according to the design of the St. Petersburg architect Shestakov in the style of early classicism with elements of baroque. In October 1898, a church-parish trusteeship was founded, and in November 1887, a church-parish school began operating.

    A. G. Gagarin often visited the church, and after his death on December 22, 1921, he was buried in this church and buried in the local cemetery. In 1921-1922, a colony of the House of Arts was opened in the estate of Prince Gagarin. Among its participants were famous writers and artists K. I. Chukovsky, E. I. Zamyatin, M. L. Lozinsky, M. L. Slonimsky, M. M. Zoshchenko, V. F. Khodasevich, O. E. Mandelstam and others. All of them regularly visited the Church of the Ascension of the Lord. In 1921, the colony held a memorial service for Alexander Blok there. In the 1960s, the church was closed due to its emergency condition.

    In 2014, an initiative group was created, which included the heads of SPbPU, representatives of the Pskov Region Committee on Culture, Pskov State University, the administration of the Porkhov District, and the St. Petersburg branch of the All-Russian public movement “Orthodox Russia”. Since 2017, active work has been underway to restore and rebuild the church.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Registration for the business ideas competition has started at the Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Polytechnic University has opened registration for the fifth youth competition of entrepreneurial and business ideas, The Blue Ocean Open Polytech Entrepreneurship Competition — 2025. The event is aimed at developing strategies for creating markets free from competition.

    Blue Ocean Strategy was developed in the early 2000s by INSEAD business school professors Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne. Contestants study six basic analytical tools of Blue Ocean Strategy in a special platform, apply them to solve a practical case and develop an entrepreneurial idea.

    Since 2020, the event has been gathering students from different countries who want to understand how to create a product based on the concept of value innovation, when the consumer gets new value and the manufacturer reduces costs.

    During the competition, more than 850 representatives from Russia and foreign countries took part in it. These are teams of 1 to 4 people, consisting of university students and postgraduates, as well as college students and high school students.

    The organizers are the Foundation for the Support and Development of Innovations “Polytech”, the Higher School of Industrial Management of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU, the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” of SPbPU.

    The competition is held remotely and includes the following stages:

    registration — team formation from February 1 to 28; study of the basics of the Blue Ocean strategy — solving a practical case from March 1 to 31, summing up the results is planned from April 1 to 7 with further announcement of the results of the second stage on April 8; development of a Blue Ocean strategy for a startup, entrepreneurial idea or idea generation from scratch by April 20, summing up the results will take place from April 21 to 28, announcement of the competition results is planned for April 29.

    This year, the case for the second stage was proposed by the company “Profilans IT”. Participants need to propose IT projects for the development and training of students. The company is ready to assist the best authors who present real and marketable projects in their implementation. The results of the competition will be shown in the format of a video presentation.

    The award ceremony will take place in May. All teams that pass three stages of the competition will receive certificates of participation. Winners and prize winners will be awarded diplomas and additional points for admission to the Polytechnic University’s master’s program in the IPMEiT areas without exams based on winning the portfolio competition: 60 points will be awarded to winners, 40 points to prize winners.

    The prize fund of the competition is 160,000 rubles. The general partner (Profilans IT) provided 140,000 rubles.

    For first place the team will receive 60,000 rubles, for second place – 40,000 rubles, for third place – 20,000 rubles.

    The prize for the most technologically advanced project is 20,000 rubles.

    A special prize “To the captain of the winning team” (20,000 rubles) was provided by the competition partner, General Director of PSS LLC Pavel Balobanov.

    Registration can be done on the portal Leader Idand in social networks “Vkontakte”.

    Contacts

    The chairman of the jury is associate professor of the Higher School of Industrial Management Anastasiy Klimin, Klimin_ai@spbsta.ru.

    Manager – student of the bachelor’s program “Marketing” of the Higher School of Industrial Management, winner of the competition for the 2021-2022 academic year Kristina Shabalina, Shabalin2.Koy@ed.Sspbstst.ru.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: A new research and production building was built for the marine technical university in St. Petersburg

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The construction of a new research and production building for the Saint Petersburg State Marine Technical University has been completed. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. This is the only university in Russia that trains specialists in the entire spectrum of shipbuilding specialties.

    “Creating comfortable conditions for students to study and live is one of the priorities of our construction complex. On the instructions of the President, a network of world-class university campuses is being created. Some of these projects are being implemented by the public-law company “Single Customer in Construction”. At the same time, the infrastructure of other universities is being developed. For example, for students of the St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University, the construction of a new building of the research and production building has been completed. We have already received a certificate of conformity. The construction of this building will give students the opportunity to acquire practical skills and in-depth knowledge in the field of marine technology,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    The building will provide the material resources necessary for students to acquire industrial skills.

    “Construction work in the new building for the maritime university was carried out within the framework of the comprehensive state program “Construction”, supervised by the Ministry of Construction of Russia. The research and production building consists of two blocks – production and administrative. The first part of the building is represented by three functional zones, where the Institute of Laser and Welding Technologies, training rooms for mechanical processing and a training shipyard will be located,” said Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Yuri Gordeev.

    Overall, the construction of the new facility will ensure the development of the university’s research potential.

    “The total area of the new educational building is more than 2.6 thousand square meters. It is planned to put it into operation in 2025,” said Karen Oganesyan, General Director of the Unified Customer PPC.

    Saint Petersburg State Marine Technical University is a leading center of advanced scientific, technical and educational technologies.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Groundbreaking Ebola vaccination trial launches today in Uganda

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    GENEVA, Switzerland, February 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

    In a global first, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners today launched a first ever vaccine trial for Ebola from the Sudan species of the virus, and at an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency.

    The principal investigators from Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), with support from WHO and other partners, have worked tirelessly to get the trial ready in 4 days since the outbreak was confirmed on 30 January. It is the first trial to assess the clinical efficacy of a vaccine against Ebola disease due to Sudan virus. The speed was achieved through advanced research preparedness, while ensuring full compliance with national and international regulatory and ethical requirements.

    The candidate vaccine was donated by IAVI, with financial support from WHO, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and support from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    “This is a critical achievement towards better pandemic preparedness, and saving lives when outbreaks occur,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General.  “This is possible because of the dedication of Uganda’s health workers, the involvement of communities, the Ministry of Health of Uganda, Makerere University and UVRI, and research efforts led by WHO involving hundreds of scientists through our research and development Filoviruses network. We thank our partners for their dedication and cooperation, from IAVI for donating the vaccine, to CEPI, EU HERA and Canada’s IDRC for funding, and Africa CDC for further support. This massive achievement would simply not be possible without them.”

    In 2022, during the previous outbreak of Ebola disease (also from the Sudan species of the virus) in Uganda, a randomized protocol for candidate vaccines was developed. Principal investigators were designated under the leadership of the Minister of Health, and teams were trained to allow such a trial to take place during an active outbreak.

    The randomized vaccine trial to assess the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) candidate vaccine was launched at a ceremony in Kampala today by the Minister of Health of Uganda. WHO is co-sponsoring the trial. WHO was represented by Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme and Deputy Director-General, and the WHO representative to Uganda Dr Kasonde Mwinga, along with other colleagues.

    Three vaccination rings were defined today. The first ring involves about 40 contacts and contacts of contacts of the first reported and confirmed case, a health worker who has died.

    Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are progressing through clinical development, as of now, there is no licensed vaccine available to effectively combat a potential future outbreak of Ebola disease from the Sudan species of the virus. Licensed vaccines exist only for the disease caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaïre ebolavirus. Likewise for treatments, approved treatments are only available for Ebola virus.

    The vaccine for the trial was recommended by the independent WHO candidate vaccine prioritization working group. If the candidate vaccine is effective, it can contribute to controlling this outbreak and generate data for vaccine licensure.

    In 2022, the research teams were trained in good clinical practice (GCP) and standard operating procedures for such trials. They completed refresher training in recent days. WHO colleagues experienced in trials and in ring vaccination arrived in Uganda over the weekend to support the trial implementation and GCP compliance.

    The vaccine doses were pre-positioned in the country. WHO worked with the principal investigators and national authorities and the vaccine developer to review cold chain documentation and ensure the doses were stored correctly over the previous years. As part of the signed agreement with the Ministry of Health, WHO has a signed agreement with IAVI for additional doses of the candidate vaccine to be made available shortly.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Open up about your mental health on Time to Talk Day

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Research has found that nearly 2 thirds of people put on a brave face to avoid talking about their mental health, and nearly half are less likely to open up as they don’t want to worry others.

    Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, it is an opportunity for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Time to Talk Day is all about starting the conversation about mental health.

    “Good mental health is important to all of us and talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health. It can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.

    “That’s why this Time To Talk Day, we want everyone to get comfortable and start talking about mental health.”

    People can get involved in 1 of 2 events taking place in Wolverhampton to mark Time to Talk Day. The Rethink Sanctuary Hub is hosting games of mental health bingo, quizzes, conversations and more at 01902/Urban Rooms, Queen Square, on Thursday from 10am to 4pm, and Central Library will be hosting a Time to Talk coffee morning on Friday from 10.30am to noon – both events are free and all are welcome.

    It can be hard to open up and share your feelings, but talking can make a big difference to how you feel. The Time to Talk website has handy hints to help you start a conversation here.

    The Better Health – Every Mind Matters website available features lots of NHS approved tips and advice to help you to be kind to your mind and look after your wellbeing.

    If you or someone you know is struggling, there are lots of options for support. For someone to talk to, call SANE on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm to 10.30pm), Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours), Rethink Mental Illness on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm) or Mind on 0300 123 3393.

    If you need urgent help with your mental health or you are struggling to cope, call NHS 111 and select option 2 (mental health option) to be connected to mental health support, or text 07860 025281.

    Wolverhampton Sanctuary Hub offers out-of-hours support. Book a face-to-face appointment by calling freephone 0808 802 2288, texting 07860 065168 or emailing wolverhamptonsanctuaryhub@rethink.org.

    NHS Talking Therapies offers brief psychological therapy for people experiencing common mental health problems including anxiety, depression, stress and low mood.

    Hub of Hope offers a wide range of local support. And remember that your GP is there to help you with your mental health as well as your physical health.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: More than 2 thousand km of utility networks have been updated under a program with the participation of the federal budget since 2023

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    In 2023, a program to modernize public utilities infrastructure with support from the federal budget was launched. Under it, over 2,000 utility networks were built and modernized in Russian regions, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “One of the key areas of work of the Russian construction complex in the coming years is the modernization of the public utility infrastructure. This is an extremely important area that directly affects the comfort, mood and well-being of our citizens. At the same time, housing and communal services are one of the most sensitive industries, requiring a lot of attention and work. On the instructions of the President, by 2030, Russia needs to improve the quality of public utilities for 20 million citizens. To achieve this goal, within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, we will actively engage in the modernization of the industry. At the same time, there are already certain results. Under the program, with the involvement of the federal budget, over 1.1 thousand events in the public utility sector have been implemented in two years. Since 2023, major repairs, construction and reconstruction of more than 2 thousand km of public utility networks, as well as industrial facilities, including boiler houses, water intake, wastewater treatment facilities have been carried out,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the largest volume of work was carried out by Smolensk Region, where 209.2 km of networks were updated and 6 facilities were put into operation, Sverdlovsk (189.3 km), Chelyabinsk (137.8 km and two facilities) Regions, the Republics of Tatarstan (128 km) and Bashkortostan (115 km).

    “Renovation of housing and communal services is extremely important for improving the quality of life of people, ensuring the safety and energy efficiency of residential buildings. It is important to increase the pace of this work. In 2024 alone, 704 events were implemented under the program with the participation of support from the federal budget, including the construction and modernization of 1.5 thousand km of networks and the commissioning of 11 industrial facilities,” said Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services Irek Faizullin.

    Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, CEO of the Territorial Development Fund, the operator of this program, reported that the modernization of the communal infrastructure in the country will be based on data from the automated information system (AIS) of the FRT.

    “It is impossible to improve what cannot be measured. Therefore, the first thing is accounting. It is necessary to understand where and what specific problems need to be solved as a matter of priority. Therefore, in the AIS FRT, we have formed a database of all key elements of the public utility infrastructure. It includes 240 thousand objects, about 1 million km of utility networks and about 12 thousand resource-supplying organizations. Based on this data, together with the Ministry of Construction and the regions, we are preparing a comprehensive plan for the modernization of the public utility infrastructure. We will make every effort to successfully achieve the goals of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – noted Ilshat Shagiakhmetov.

    The program for the modernization of public utilities infrastructure is being implemented within the framework of Government Resolution of December 8, 2022 No. 2253Under this mechanism, regions receive subsidies for the renovation of public utility facilities and networks.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Carlo Zontilli reappointed AISE Deputy Director

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    3 Febbraio 2025

    With a Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (‘DPCM’) signed by President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni, Italian Army Division General Carlo Zontilli has been reappointed Deputy Director of the External Intelligence and Security Agency (‘Agenzia Informazioni e Sicurezza Esterna’, ‘AISE’). The Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (‘Comitato parlamentare per la sicurezza della Repubblica’) has been informed of the appointment.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: General Figliuolo appointed AISE Deputy Director

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    21 Dicembre 2024

    With a Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers (‘DPCM’) signed by President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni, Italian Army Corps General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo has been appointed Deputy Director of the External Intelligence and Security Agency (‘Agenzia Informazioni e Sicurezza Esterna’, ‘AISE’). The appointment is for a period of two years, and the Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (‘Comitato parlamentare per la sicurezza della Repubblica’) has been informed thereof.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Empowering women in business: Bangladeshi female entrepreneurs embark on a landmark trade mission to the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs representing eight businesses are set to lead a trade mission to the UK.

    A group of diverse and inspirational Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs representing eight businesses are set to lead a trade mission to the United Kingdom in February 2025, with support from the UK Government SheTrades Programme. During the visit, they will be showcasing their businesses, meeting investors and exploring new opportunities.

    Their visit will involve high-level discussions with investors, legislators and corporate executives in the UK and promote cross-border trade between the two countries including under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The DCTS is the UK’s generous preferential trading scheme which provides duty-free, quota-free trade to Bangladesh on everything but arms. The DCTS gives Bangladesh the opportunity to potentially save £317m in tariffs annually on the country’s exports to the UK, the highest among all countries eligible for DCTS.

    British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke hosted a send-off reception at her residence on 3 February to congratulate the entrepreneurs ahead of their departure to the UK.

    The International Trade Centre is implementing this initiative to bring 50 women-led businesses from four Asian countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Mongolia) and six African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Mozambique) to Manchester on 11 February to hold business-to-business (B2B) meetings with UK companies. Women-led companies in the fresh and processed food, textiles and clothing, handicrafts, beauty, information technology and business process outsourcing sectors will have one-on-one meetings with British buyers who want to diversify their supply chains and increase the competitiveness of their products.

    The businesses chosen from Bangladesh are TMSS ICT and Handicrafts, SuperTel, Opus Technology, Tarango Bangladesh, Parijat Bangladesh, TANIS Bangladesh and Leatherina. Five of these companies already possess the certification needed to enter the UK market and the remaining three are currently being supported by the British Standard Institute (BSI) with necessary accreditation.

    This Mission is hosted in partnership with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and financed by UK International Development as part of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme. The London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce are also supporting the event.

    British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said:

    The UK government is incredibly proud to support this remarkable group of Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs to develop new markets in the UK. Their inventiveness, tenacity and spirit of entrepreneurship serve as evidence of the enormous potential of Bangladeshi women-led enterprises.

    As Bangladesh and the UK continue to expand our bilateral trade through the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the UK will remain a steadfast partner. This trade mission will further solidify our trade and investment relationship.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: AT&T extends voice core relationship with Nokia to drive new services, faster deployment times, and operational efficiencies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    AT&T extends voice core relationship with Nokia to drive new services, faster deployment times, and operational efficiencies

    • Multi-year expansion deal will support AT&T in delivering on its vision of securely providing customer-focused networks and automation that drive new services, faster deployment times, and operational efficiencies.
    • Deal includes Nokia 5G IMS Voice Core and Nokia Digital Operations software.
    • AT&T will utilize Nokia’s voice core applications through the Nokia Cloud Platform to streamline network activities, enhance automation, and minimize manual intervention.

    4 February 2025

    Espoo, Finland – AT&T is extending its voice core relationship with Nokia in a multi-year expansion deal that will support the U.S. operator in delivering on its vision of securely providing customer-focused networks and automation that drive new services, faster deployment times, and operational efficiencies.

    AT&T is evolving its current Nokia IMS Voice Core to include Voice over New Radio (VoNR). The updated IMS Voice Core is a fully cloud-native architecture that enables flexible scaling and increased automation to improve AT&T’s time to market with new services and yield greater cost savings.

    Yigal Elbaz, Senior Vice President, Technology & Network Services at AT&T, said: “With focused execution and investment, AT&T continues to make excellent progress in realizing automation at all levels of its network and service operations. We are pleased to continue our relationship with Nokia to further optimize our network operations and enable new services that better support our customers’ evolving needs.”

    The U.S. operator will utilize Nokia’s voice core applications through the Nokia Cloud Platform (NCP) to streamline network activities, enhance automation, and minimize manual intervention. NCP reflects Nokia’s multi-cloud strategy of providing operators with the infrastructure of their choice.

    AT&T will also use Nokia Digital Operations software solutions, open and designed for multi-vendor networks, to deliver capabilities that automate the design, delivery, and assurance of customer services at scale.

    Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said: “As a long-time collaborator with AT&T, Nokia fully understands the important journey AT&T is on to enhance automation, reduce complexity, decrease deployment times, and perform operational workflows faster to better serve its customers, and glean more value from its network. Through our network solutions, Nokia will boost AT&T’s network agility, efficiency, and service offerings.”

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

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

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

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

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  • MIL-OSI: Jabra Launches the PanaCast 40 VBS, the First 180-Degree Android-Powered Video Bar Designed for Small Rooms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Jabra extends its premium collaboration portfolio with PanaCast 40 VBS (Video Bar System), the only small room Android-bar that captures the entire room with 180-degree field of view
    • The PanaCast 40 VBS has advanced audio technology for exceptional voice clarity with quick and easy installation, ensuring a seamless setup experience
    • Future-proof investment with flexible deployment options on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or permanent BYOD setups and managed seamlessly with Jabra+

    BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ISE — Today, Jabra, the world’s leading professional audio brand, announced the launch of the PanaCast 40 VBS, the only Android-powered video bar designed specifically for small meeting rooms that captures the entire room with 180-degree field-of-view (FoV). This latest innovation builds on the success of Jabra’s PanaCast 50 VBS, bringing the same powerful performance to smaller spaces in a more compact and cost-effective package.

    As more organizations transition back to the office and hybrid work environments become the norm, the demand for efficient small meeting space solutions continues to grow. These spaces often pose unique challenges for video collaboration, as traditional solutions struggle to capture all participants equally—particularly those seated closer to the screen—while some lack video conferencing equipment altogether. This imbalance can result in empty meeting rooms and gaps in communication, underscoring the need for solutions that provide clear, inclusive experiences for everyone, regardless of location.

    The PanaCast 40 VBS bridges this gap by delivering an all-in-one solution that transforms small meeting rooms into high-performing collaboration hubs. With its wide field of view, exceptional audio quality, and seamless usability, the PanaCast 40 VBS ensures every participant is seen and heard clearly, enabling organizations to fully utilize their small spaces and bring collaboration to new heights.

    Redefining collaboration for small spaces

    Globally, less than 3% of small meeting spaces, or huddle rooms, are video enabled*, leaving millions of these rooms underutilized and underserved. The PanaCast 40 VBS addresses this challenge with its innovative dual-camera systems, delivering a seamless 180-degree field of view through advanced stitching technology. This ensures full room coverage, making every participant clearly visible on video.

    The video capabilities are matched by the advanced audio performance, which stems from the GN group-wide unique sound processing capabilities. The sound is powered by a single high-quality speaker and six microphones with adaptive beamforming. Intelligent audio algorithms enhance sound clarity for exceptional voice pickup, so every word is heard clearly and accurately, fostering more natural and engaging virtual interactions and ensuring remote participants feel fully included.

    The PanaCast 40 VBS reimagines what’s possible for huddle rooms, transforming small spaces into comfortable collaboration areas and allowing facility managers to unlock the full potential of these underutilized spaces.

    Designed for ease of use and rapid deployment

    Designed with simplicity and ease of use at its core, the PanaCast 40 VBS offers a straightforward installation process—from unboxing to mounting to the first meeting. Its intuitive setup ensures that even first-time customers can get their systems up and running in seconds, making collaboration effortless.

    New packaging enhances the deployment experience further by allowing provisioning without the need to remove the product from the box. The design also features easy cable routing, reducing installation time. The PanaCast 40 VBS is ideal for quick and easy installations in small rooms, such as Express Install for Microsoft Teams Rooms.  

    It also ensures a consistent and seamless experience for small meeting spaces by sharing many of the same accessories as its medium room counterpart, the PanaCast 50 VBS. This enables simplified operations for administrators and flexibility across different room sizes, making the PanaCast 40 VBS a versatile and efficient solution for modern office needs.

    A future-proof investment

    The PanaCast 40 VBS is built to adapt to the evolving needs of modern workplaces, particularly for small Android environments. With its certified compatibility for Android environments, it offers flexibility with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and BYOD deployment options.

    To enhance usability and longevity, the PanaCast 40 VBS includes optional accessories such as a touch controller and a detachable faceplate for easy cleaning. It can also be purchased as a bundle, with both the PanaCast 40 VBS and the touch controller included. Seamless integration with ecosystem partners ensures a future-proof investment, complemented by up-to-date manageability through Jabra+ software and the reassurance of Jabra Warranty+ services.

    Holger Reisinger, SVP Enterprise Video Business Unit at Jabra said: “The modern workplace is undergoing a transformation, with organizations reimagining how their spaces can drive productivity and collaboration. Small rooms, phone booths and huddle spaces are a cornerstone of this evolution, yet they’ve often been overlooked by traditional video solutions. With the PanaCast 40 VBS, we’re addressing this gap by delivering a flexible, intuitive, and future-proof Android solution that empowers teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of room size or platform preference.”

    Key features of the PanaCast 40 VBS include:

    • Full-room coverage – 180-degree field-of-view with dual cameras and 4x digital zoom
    • Superior audio – 1 speaker and 6 microphones, enhanced by intelligent audio algorithms for crystal-clear sound and voice pickup
    • Streamlined setup – New packaging enables provisioning without removing the product from the box
    • Consistent experience – Shared touch controller and stand with the PanaCast 50 VBS medium room solution for seamless integration across spaces
    • Effortless installation – Simplified cable routing and protection for easy, clean setup
    • Flexible deployment – Compatible with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and BYOD setups
    • MDEP-based solution (Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform) – Delivers strengthened security and enhanced meeting experiences
    • Intelligent Meeting Space – Enables users to personalize and set virtual meeting space boundaries – perfect for open-plan offices or glass-walled rooms
    • Always up to date – Managed via Jabra+, ensuring the latest features and functionality
    • Reliability – Backed by Jabra Warranty+ for added peace of mind
    • Modern design – Clean, professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly into contemporary workspaces
    • Practical features – Easy-clean cover and ADA compliance for enhanced usability

    Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS will be available from Mid-2025. MSRP: $1,499. For more information please visit https://www.jabra.com/panacast40vbs.

    *Frost and Sullivan, 2024

    Note to editors 

    Hayley Minardi
    Manager, PR & Communications, North America
    hminardi@jabra.com  

    About Jabra

    Jabra is a world leading brand in audio, video and collaboration solutions – engineered to empower businesses. Proudly part of GN Group, we are committed to bringing people closer to one another and to what is important to them. Jabra engineering excellence leads the way, building on over 150 years of pioneering work within GN. This allows us to create integrated tools for contact centers, offices, and collaboration to help professionals work more productively from anywhere. www.jabra.com

    Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). GN’s solutions are sold in 100 countries across the world.  Visit our homepage GN.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. 

    © 2024 GN Group. All rights reserved. Jabra® is a registered trademark of GN Group. All other trademarks included herein are the property of their respective owners (design and specifications are subject to change without notice).

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc30d00d-063a-40a9-ad5b-70d4406a3597

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c026aaa2-62ef-4c1c-9b32-bd137bad8bc4

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d94cff48-9b76-41f5-81d5-e2143affc28a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/989c5fb5-678a-4287-b7f3-9f7266ce11c3

    The MIL Network –