NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Candidates for the title of “Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science” have been approved

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A key meeting of the Council of the Consortium of Educational and Scientific Organizations was held, dedicated to the approval of candidates for the honorary title of “Ambassador of Russian Education and Science”. In February 2023, an agreement was signed on the consortium for the implementation of the “Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science” program, among its participants is the Polytechnic University. The session considered 21 submissions from 12 Russian universities. The Polytechnic nominated Liu Wei (China) and Issa Togo (Mali).

    The activities of both candidates have been promoting Russian education abroad for decades. Secretary General of the Institute of Russia at Tsinghua University Liu Wei has been overseeing scientific and technical cooperation with the Russian Federation since 2002. Dozens of projects have been implemented under her leadership, including Russian-Chinese dialogues on innovation, the creation of Russian language testing centers, and youth competitions.

    A 1985 graduate of the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute, associate professor at SPbPU and Honorary Consul of Mali in St. Petersburg, Issa Togo coordinates academic ties with African universities, participates in the reform of higher education in Mali and heads a large-scale hydroelectric project.

    The consortium council unanimously approved the candidates, sending the documents for final approval to the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. If successful, Liu Wei and Issa Togo will join the ranks of 24 current ambassadors from 22 countries.

    “Liu Wei and Issa Togo are not just allies, but living bridges between cultures. Their dedication to education is the polytechnic spirit in action: when a graduate, wherever he is, continues to carry the banner of his alma mater. We are proud that it is our candidates who set the tone in promoting Russian values abroad. Their recognition is an investment in the future, where science and education know no boundaries,” commented Dmitry Arsenyev, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at SPbPU.

    Under the program “Ambassadors of Russian Education and Science”, which unites 44 universities of the country, since 2023, 24 experts from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America have been awarded the title. Polytechnic University is traditionally among the most active participants in the initiative.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government tasks Business Sweden with promoting further investment in Swedish battery value chain

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Government decided today to task Business Sweden with stepping up its efforts to promote investments in the Swedish battery value chain, i.e. in all parts of production. The aim is to enable capital and important expertise to be brought into and retained in the Swedish business sector. The assignment also includes helping relevant companies and national, regional and local actors with advice and contacts.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco: His Majesty the King Congratulates Montenegro President on National Day

    Source: APO


    .

    His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović, on the occasion of his country’s national day.

    In this message, the Sovereign expresses His warmest congratulations along with His best wishes of good health and happiness to President Milatović, and of further progress and prosperity to the Montenegrin people.

    “I should like to say how much I value the relations based on friendship and cooperation between our countries. I am sure we share a strong desire to strengthen our ties and expand our cooperation to various sectors, for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” HM the King writes.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pedestrians struck by a tram at Staniforth Road

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Pedestrians struck by a tram at Staniforth Road

    Collision between a tram and two pedestrians at Staniforth Road, Sheffield, 22nd June 2025.

    The crossing involved in the accident.

    At around 16:14 on 22 June 2025, a tram operating on the Sheffield Supertram network was involved in a collision with two pedestrians on a crossing at Staniforth Road, Sheffield. The tram was travelling at around 15 mph (25 km/h) at the time of the collision. The pedestrians, who were young people, were both injured in the accident, one of them seriously.

    The crossing is situated just to the south of the road junction where Woodbourn Road meets Staniforth Road. At the time of the accident, the two pedestrians, who had previously travelled north along Woodbourn Road, were moving eastwards over the crossing.

    The road junction is protected by road traffic lights and tram signals, while signs and road markings inform crossing users of the presence of trams and instruct them to look both ways. Users approaching the crossing from Woodbourn Road are separated from the tramway by a fence. This is around 44 metres long and ends at the crossing.

    Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the incident. It will also consider:

    • the actions of those involved and the factors that may have influenced them
    • the audibility of warnings to users by trams at such crossings
    • the instruction and assessment of tram drivers
    • the management of risk at this crossing and the wider strategy of South Yorkshire Future Tram Ltd (the operator of the Supertram system) for identifying, assessing and mitigating risks at crossings such as that at Staniforth Road
    • any underlying management factors.

    Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the tramway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

    We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

    You can subscribe to automated emails notifying you when we publish our reports.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Trade Policy updated to benefit citizens and allies

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK Trade Policy updated to benefit citizens and allies

    Boost for British consumers and Developing Countries as UK launches new trade measures

    • New measures will make it easier for developing countries to trade, supporting jobs and economic growth in the UK overseas. 
    • UK businesses and consumers to benefit from more competitively priced imports as part of upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme. 
    • Part of the UK’s Plan for Change and recently launched Trade Strategy to grow trade with markets of the future, strengthen global partnerships and deliver for British households. 

    British consumers and businesses are set to benefit from a package of new trade measures unveiled today (10 July), which will simplify imports from developing countries — helping to lower prices on everyday goods while supporting jobs and growth in some of the world’s poorest nations.

    The measures will give UK consumers greater access to competitively priced imports — from clothes to food and electronics — as upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) make it easier for businesses to trade with the UK, helping to lower prices on the high street.

    Upgrades include simplified rules of origin, enabling more goods from countries like Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines to enter the UK tariff-free — even when using components from across Asia and Africa. They also ensure countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia continue to benefit with zero tariffs on products like garments and electronics.

    This will open up new commercial opportunities for UK businesses to build resilient supply chains, invest in emerging markets, and tap into fast-growing economies.

    Ministers briefed British business leaders and Ambassadors from around the world on the changes at a joint Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) reception in London today.

    Minister for International Development Jenny Chapman, said: 

    The world is changing. Countries in the Global South want a different relationship with the UK as a trading partner and investor, not as a donor.

    These new rules will make it easier for developing countries to trade more closely with the UK. This is good for their economies and for UK consumers and businesses.

    Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander, said: 

    No country has ever lifted itself out of poverty without trading with its neighbours.

    Over recent decades trade has been an essential ingredient in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty around the globe.

    The DCTS allows some of the world’s poorest countries to export to the UK duty and quota-free, with over £16 billion in UK imports benefiting from tariff savings since its launch in June 2023.

    In addition to the DCTS changes, the UK will:

    • offer targeted support to help exporters in developing countries access the UK market and meet import standards; and
    • make it easier for partner countries to trade services — such as digital, legal, and financial services — by strengthening future trade agreements. This will create new opportunities for UK businesses to collaborate and invest in fast-growing sectors. 

    The reforms will support trade with emerging markets in Asia and Africa, strengthening the UK’s global partnerships, with major retailers such as M&S and Primark expected to benefit.  

    Director of Sourcing, Marks & Spencer PLC, Monique Leeuwenburgh said:

    We are supportive of changes to the DCTS rules of origin for garments.

    The ongoing collaboration between the government and retail industry has provided clarity and certainty for businesses in good time.

    This change will enable us to maintain our long-standing and trusted relationships with our key partners in Bangladesh, to deliver the same great quality Clothing & Home products at great value for our customers.

    Interim Chief Executive at Primark, Eoin Tonge said:

    We welcome the changes to the DCTS rules of origin for garments which remove the potential cliff edge when a country graduates from Least Developed Country status.

    This will help us to maintain our existing supply chain strategy in our key sourcing markets in Asia, such as Bangladesh and Cambodia.

    We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the government on these changes and their responsiveness to the concerns of UK retailers in this very technical area of trade policy.

    Adam Mansell, CEO, The UK Fashion & Textiles Association said said:

    UKFT welcomes these additional changes to the Rules of Origin under the DCTS, which will bring real benefits to the fashion industry in the UK and in DCTS countries.

    The new rules demonstrate a genuine commitment from the government to modernise trade policy to support global economic growth.

    At a time of such uncertainty in international trade, these reforms are especially welcome.

    Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Sri Lanka, said:

    We warmly welcome the UK’s Trade Strategy.

    The new rules allowing greater regional sourcing for garments while retaining duty-free access to the UK are a game-changer.

    With the UK as our second-largest apparel market, this will boost exports, support livelihoods, and help us compete more fairly with global competitors.

    The updated rules are part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer which aims to support economic growth in partner countries while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods. 

    And just last month, the UK’s Trade Strategy was published in further support of the Plan for Change to grow the economy, strengthen international ties, and deliver for households across the UK. 

    Notes to editors: 

    • Launched in 2023, following the UK’s exit from the EU, the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is the UK’s flagship trade preference scheme, covering 65 countries and offering reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products. 
    • The UK is committed to growing services trade with developing countries, supporting digital trade and professional services. 
    • The announcement follows engagement with UK businesses and international partners, major importers and trade associations.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford has the third lowest high street vacancy rate – new data

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford city centre has the third lowest vacancy rate of the UK’s major high streets, new data has revealed. 

    The Centre for Cities report, Checking out: The varying performance of high streets across the country, compares the retail performance of UK’s 63 largest cities and towns. 

    It draws on millions of anonymised card transactions and new estimates of local retail vacancy rates. 

    The report found that Oxford city centre had an estimated high street vacancy rate of 9% – just behind Cambridge (8.5%) and London (7.4%). 

    By comparison, the worst performing cities and towns were Newport (19%), Bradford (18%) and Blackpool (17.6%). 

    The Centre for Cities report was released last week. 

    Oxford city centre 

    Oxford had the third best-performing high street while still having a relatively high number of shops for the population. 

    Oxford has 1.7 shops per 1,000 people in the catchment area – more than Cambridge (1.6) and more than double London (0.8).  

    The number of shops in Oxford is the same as Bradford, where the vacancy rate is 18%. 

    Oxford also stood out in the data as having a relatively small catchment area – compared to London or Liverpool – while still having a low vacancy rate.  

    Centre for Cities said this was likely to be the result of the size of Oxford’s visitor economy. 

    Centre for Cities report 

    The report found that the three key reasons for high vacancy rates were: 

    • Low local spending power
    • Too much retail space
    • Retail spending leakage to bigger cities 

    It said that successful city centres had “risen to the challenge of out-of-town shopping and online retail by pivoting from retail towards food”. 

    Centre for Cities made a series of recommendations, including that the Government allocates more funding to remake city centres with more office space, improved public realm and fewer shops, and that cities increase the size of the catchment by building more homes in inner-city locations. 

    For more information, visit the Centre for Cities website. 

    Oxford City Council 

    Oxford City Council has taken a proactive approach to city centre management, guided by the City Centre Action Plan adopted in 2022. The plan focuses on strengthening the city centre’s resilience by diversifying how spaces are used and supporting a vibrant, sustainable mix of retail, social, and cultural activity.  

    This includes pedestrian-friendly improvements to Market Street and St Michael’s Street, and nearly £8 million of investment to future-proof the Covered Market and support independent businesses.  

    To reinvigorate the look of vacant units, the Council has also worked with landlords, agents and community groups to activate shopfronts. This not only keeps the streets looking good, but it also helps to promote the work of local organisations. 

    Reaction 

    “Oxford is fortunate to have a strong local economy and a beautiful city centre that people from all over the world want to visit. 

    “But Oxford City Council also made deliberate choices that have helped boost the city centre. We chose to put Oxford’s largest shopping centre in Oxford city centre, rather than on the edge of the city, and our housing company, OX Place, is building new homes at high density to help increase the number of people who live in the city centre, as well as encouraging the building of hotels to encourage visitors to our city to stay overnight and spend more money in our local economy. We have also worked hard as a landlord and with other landlords to support independent businesses, such as through our wonderful Covered Market. 

    “We continue to see investment in our City Centre, from the rebuilding of the Clarendon Centre to the redevelopment by All Souls College of the shops at the top of the High Street by the Covered Market entrances. The City Centre constantly changes to reflect national trends away from retail and toward hospitality and experience, but we are also keen to preserve traditional retail and independents alongside. 

    “We cannot rest on our laurels, but I am really pleased to see Oxford recognised as one of the best performing city centres in the UK.” 

    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank A/S share buyback programme: transactions in week 28

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 31/2025

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

    Tel +45 74 37 37 37
    Fax +45 74 37 35 36

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    14 July 2025  

    Dear Sirs

    Sydbank A/S share buyback programme: transactions in week 28
    On 26 February 2025 Sydbank A/S announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,350m. The share buyback programme commenced on 3 March 2025 and will be completed by 31 January 2026.

    The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank A/S and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

    The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

      Number of shares VWAP Gross value (DKK)
    Accumulated, most recent
    Announcement

    1,188,000

    		  

    505,716,560.00
    07 July 2025
    08 July 2025
    09 July 2025
    10 July 2025
    11 July 2025    		 10,000
    10,000
    10,000
    10,000
    10,000    		 474.80
    481.32
    489.39
    485.33
    482.33    		 4,748,000.00
    4,813,200.00
    4,893,900.00
    4,853,300.00
    4,823,300.00
    Total over week 28 50,000   24,131,700.00
    Total accumulated during the
    share buyback programme

    1,238,000

    		  

    529,848,260.00

    All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

    Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

    Following the above transactions, Sydbank A/S holds a total of 1,238,285 own shares, equal to 2.41% of the Bank’s share capital.

    Yours sincerely
            
    Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
    CEO        Deputy Group Chief Executive

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank A/S share buyback programme: transactions in week 28

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 31/2025

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

    Tel +45 74 37 37 37
    Fax +45 74 37 35 36

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    14 July 2025  

    Dear Sirs

    Sydbank A/S share buyback programme: transactions in week 28
    On 26 February 2025 Sydbank A/S announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,350m. The share buyback programme commenced on 3 March 2025 and will be completed by 31 January 2026.

    The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank A/S and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

    The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

      Number of shares VWAP Gross value (DKK)
    Accumulated, most recent
    Announcement

    1,188,000

    		  

    505,716,560.00
    07 July 2025
    08 July 2025
    09 July 2025
    10 July 2025
    11 July 2025    		 10,000
    10,000
    10,000
    10,000
    10,000    		 474.80
    481.32
    489.39
    485.33
    482.33    		 4,748,000.00
    4,813,200.00
    4,893,900.00
    4,853,300.00
    4,823,300.00
    Total over week 28 50,000   24,131,700.00
    Total accumulated during the
    share buyback programme

    1,238,000

    		  

    529,848,260.00

    All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

    Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

    Following the above transactions, Sydbank A/S holds a total of 1,238,285 own shares, equal to 2.41% of the Bank’s share capital.

    Yours sincerely
            
    Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
    CEO        Deputy Group Chief Executive

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /Roundtable on China’s Economy/ China’s state-level economic and technological development zones promote regional coordinated development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — China’s national-level economic and technological development zones (NTDZs) have served as powerful engines of regional growth, spurring industrial development in both prosperous and less developed regions, a guest speaker said at the latest edition of the China Economic Roundtable hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

    These national-level economic and technological development zones play a leading role in their respective provinces or regions. Specializing in key industries, the economic and technological development zones expand the economic influence of developed regions and accelerate the development of less developed regions, said Ji Xiaofeng, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Investment of the Ministry of Commerce.

    Ji Xiaofeng noted that economic and technological development zones not only function as platforms for global opening-up, but also as centers for the orderly movement of industries across regions. By strengthening the cluster development of competitive and leading industries, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China will fully utilize the beneficial influence of the zones on the regions, she added.

    For example, the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone is actively expanding its industrial and supply chains to neighboring areas, allowing local enterprises to benefit and achieve mutual growth.

    According to Ji Xiaofeng, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China also gives priority to deepening ties between leading regional enterprises in the industry through interaction between eastern and western economic and technological development zones.

    In 1984, China established its first national-level economic and technological development zone in the northeastern city of Dalian. By 2024, the number of such zones had reached 232, with a gross regional product of 16.9 trillion yuan (about $2.36 trillion). -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Foreign Experts Discuss Sustainable Development of the SCO in Shanghai

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    SHANGHAI, July 14 (Xinhua) — The SCO Think Tank Forum 2025, themed “Promoting Sustainable Development Guided by the Shanghai Spirit,” was held from Saturday to Sunday at the SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation (China) based at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.

    Nearly 100 experts and scholars from leading universities and think tanks in China and abroad attended the forum. They held in-depth exchanges of views on the issues of “SCO and the Transformation of the Global Governance System,” “SCO’s Own Construction and Reform,” “Striving for Sustainable Common Security,” “Inclusiveness, Win-Win, Mutually Beneficial Cooperation, and Striving for Common Prosperity,” “Searching for Universal Values in the Diversity of Civilizations,” and “Development Prospects for the SCO.”

    Rector of Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Director of the Office of the Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation of the SCO /China/ Liu Xiaohong noted that over the past 20 years, guided by the “Shanghai Spirit”, the SCO has achieved significant success in regional security, economic cooperation and humanitarian exchanges and serves as an important example of a new type of regional cooperation mechanism. She also expressed hope that the forum will give new impetus to regional cooperation.

    According to Sun Zhuangzhi, Director of the Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the launch of the “SCO Year of Sustainable Development” within the framework of China’s rotating chairmanship of the SCO will contribute to the development of global governance in a more just and rational direction and will make the SCO’s contribution to promoting peace and development throughout the world.

    Speaking at the event, former SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov suggested that SCO think tanks focus on priority tasks, including aligning national strategies for transport infrastructure development, developing a unified mechanism for monitoring carbon emissions with the involvement of national environmental agencies, and expanding research into SCO humanitarian diplomacy, which, he said, not only reflect the realities of the current geopolitical and economic context, but also outline a concrete agenda that can transform the SCO from a platform of declarations into a mechanism for practical solutions.

    The forum was jointly organized by the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, the SCO Center for International Legal Training and Cooperation (China), the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and the China Center for SCO Studies. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Former Deputy Head of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration Expelled from CPC

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — Former deputy head of China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration Zhang Tianfeng has been expelled from the Communist Party of China for serious violations of party discipline and laws, an official statement said Monday.

    The decision was made following an investigation conducted by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervisory Committee with the approval of the CPC Central Committee.

    During the investigation, it was found that Zhang Tianfeng had lost his ideals and beliefs and was resisting the organizational inspection.

    Ignoring the “Eight-Point Rules” of the CPC Central Committee, Zhang Tianfeng made gifts of money and gifts in violation of relevant regulations. He was also found to have attended banquets that could affect his impartial performance of official duties.

    He violated the Party’s organizational principles by extracting benefits for others in the process of nominating and appointing cadres, in exchange for which he received money and material goods.

    Moreover, he abused his official position and other state resources for personal gain, using his influence in the tobacco sector to engage in “leveraging” transactions, as well as on behalf of third parties in concluding contracts for projects and advancing up the career ladder, for which he illegally received from them monetary and material assets on an especially large scale, the statement said.

    Following the investigation, a decision was made to confiscate his illegally obtained income, as well as to transfer his case to the prosecutor’s office for further consideration and the initiation of criminal prosecution, the document says. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China invites Chinese and foreign journalists to cover events in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — Journalists from China and abroad have been invited to cover events in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

    The online registration system will be available at http://kzjn80reg.zgjx.cn from July 15 to July 29, 2025.

    Overseas journalists, as well as journalists from the Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Taiwan, can apply for accreditation through the system.

    For the convenience of journalists, a press center will be operating in Beijing during the events, providing services such as holding press conferences and briefings, coordinating interviews, and distributing updated news through the official website and its Wechat account. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A magnitude 6.9 earthquake has struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Maluku province

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    JAKARTA, July 14 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 jolted waters southwest of Southeast Maluku Regency in Indonesia’s Maluku Province at 12:49 p.m. Monday local time, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said.

    The epicentre was located approximately 170 km southwest of Southeast Maluku, with the hypocentre at a depth of 108 km, BMKG reported on its website.

    Due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is often subject to seismic activity. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK The monarch’s seat in Parliament

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

    The Sovereign’s throne in the House of Lords chamber is hard to miss. Designed after the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey @westminsterabbeylondon, it is used by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament. Discover more about the history and significance of the throne with Parliament’s Curator of the Historic Furniture and Decorative Arts Collection, Eloise.

    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:

    • X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk
    • 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/shorts/wDYSANluyVw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Future of the Post Office to be shaped by postmasters and customers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Future of the Post Office to be shaped by postmasters and customers

    Government launches the Post Office Green Paper, the first comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years.

    • First comprehensive review of the Post Office in 15 years, with customers and postmasters shaping its future.
    • Post Office Green Paper will seek to transform the organisation’s culture in the wake of the Horizon scandal and changing customer demands.
    • Better services at the heart of new £118 million subsidy to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further network investment, moving the organisation closer to delivering growth in line with the Plan for Change.

    Postmasters and the public will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Post Office for the first time in 15 years, as the Government sets out its vision for the next decade for the organisation.

    The Post Office Green Paper, published today, will move further and faster to deliver a decade of renewal for customers and postmasters, building on the cultural reset being led by Post Office Chair Nigel Railton that will be so crucial to its success.

    Working hand in hand with postmasters and the public the Government will ensure the network is put on a path to a strong and sustainable future with Post Office branches remaining at the heart of communities across the UK.

    This includes on the Post Office’s ownership model, with concepts including mutualisation on the table for consideration following the publication of the final Horizon Inquiry report later this year.

    The report is expected to provide recommendations on improving the structure of the Post Office so that this miscarriage of justice is never allowed to occur again, protecting postmasters whilst also providing reassurance for customers.

    This follows an unprecedented period in which the Post Office has faced a series of major challenges, from the Horizon IT scandal to significant changes in consumer behaviour, such as a rise in online shopping and falling demand for traditional post.

    Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said:

    Post Offices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities across the country. However, after fifteen years without a proper review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon scandal, it’s clear we need a fresh vision for its future.

    This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Office in the years ahead.

    I look forward to hearing the views of customers, business owners and postmasters so we can build a Post Office capable of serving the public for generations to come.

    The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 6th October 2025. It will examine key areas including:

    • How Post Office services should evolve to meet changing consumer needs
    • Ways to strengthen the relationship between the Post Office and its postmasters
    • Options for modernising the network while ensuring services remain within local reach
    • Ensure the Post Office is well-equipped to adapt to consumer trends
    • How the Post Office can improve and develop the banking services it provides

    Research published alongside the Green Paper today also highlights the important role the Post Office still plays in the daily lives of people and businesses, adding social value of around £5.2 billion per year to households and £1.3 billion annually to small and medium sized businesses.

    As part of the Government’s commitment to securing the future of this vital national institution, Ministers have also announced plans to award a new subsidy package of up to £118 million to fund the Post Office’s Transformation Plan and further investment to improve the network.

    This funding will protect key services, including access to cash deposits and withdrawals as well as key government services, such as passport applications and the DVLA, alongside helping the Post Office deliver cost-saving measures in its Transformation Plan, part of the New Deal for Postmasters.

    Notes to editors:

    • The Green Paper and details on how to respond to the consultation can be found here.
    • The £118 million in funding is subject to the completion of subsidy control processes and compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.
    • The Post Office operates over 11,500 branches across the UK.
    • Last month, the Government achieved the milestone of £1 billion in compensation payments to over 7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal.
    • Research published alongside the Green Paper can be found under Annex A: The Value of the Post Office Network

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wheely good fun – Stomp for Stamps returns to get families moving

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Children across Portsmouth are being invited to step into summer with Stomp for Stamps – a free, fun-filled treasure hunt that encourages families to explore the city’s green spaces while walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting.

    Backed by Portsmouth City Council’s Pompey Monsters initiative, Stomp for Stamps is designed to inspire healthier, more active lifestyles and promote cleaner air across the city. The challenge is open to all primary-aged children and their families, offering an inclusive and engaging way to enjoy the outdoors.

    To take part, families can collect a free map book and pencil pack from any Portsmouth library. Each of the five routes features a friendly Pompey Monster and a hidden plaque with an animal or insect design. Children can take colourful rubbings of the plaques and collect a sticker from the library for each one they complete.

    The Stomp for Stamps challenge runs during school summer holidays from Wednesday 23 July to Monday 1 September 2025. Children who complete at least three routes will earn a special prize – a reusable Pompey Monsters metal water bottle, which will be handed out by schools when the new term begins.

    Additionally, and new for 2025, children can also take part in the ‘decoder challenge’, where they can hunt for symbols along each route to reveal a hidden phrase. Those who crack the code will be entered into a prize draw to win a brand-new telescope.

    Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
    “I’m pleased to see Stomp for Stamps return for 2025 – this is a brilliant and low-cost way to keep children active and entertained over the summer holidays, exploring the city’s green spaces together, learning new skills, and making memories – all while helping to create cleaner air for Portsmouth. With exciting new prizes and accessible routes, this year’s challenge promises to be the best yet.”

    Most routes are designed to be wheelchair and pushchair-friendly, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun. Along the way, children will build confidence in map-reading, enjoy creative activities, and discover new parts of the city while travelling in healthy, sustainable ways.

    To get started, families can visit their local library to collect a free map and pencil pack.

    For more information, visit: www.travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/stompforstamps

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft increases the efficiency of technological equipment

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Specialists from the Ufa corporate scientific institute have developed a design for a gear reducer installed at the Bashneft-UNPZ treatment facilities (part of Rosneft). The part was manufactured according to the scientific institute’s drawings and implemented in the production process.

    The research institute has been working on import substitution of parts at Ufa oil refineries since 2024. The institute plans to develop 3D printing from polymers and composites. Potentially, this method can produce more than 5,000 spare parts for Rosneft enterprises. Currently, pilot tests of impellers of electric motors for booster and oil pumps made of plastic are being conducted at the largest production asset of the Company, RN-Yuganskneftegaz. Based on the test results, serial production of parts is planned.

    Rosneft is actively implementing an import substitution program, including in the area of providing oil refineries with spare parts. The innovative approach of 3D scanning allows creating a high-precision digital 3D model, on the basis of which Russian enterprises manufacture spare parts that are not inferior to foreign parts in terms of quality characteristics.

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 14, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Holy Mass in the Pontifical Parish of San Tommaso da Villanova in Castel Gandolfo

    Source: The Holy See

    Holy Mass in the Pontifical Parish of San Tommaso da Villanova in Castel Gandolfo, 13.07.2025
    At 10.00 this morning, fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Holy Father Leo XIV presided over Holy Mass in the Pontifical Parish of San Tommaso da Villanova in Castel Gandolfo.
    The following is the homily delivered by the Pope during the Eucharistic Celebration, after the proclamation of the Gospel:

    Brothers and sisters,
    I have the joy of celebrating this Eucharist with you. I greet all those present, the parish community, the priests, and His Eminence, the Bishop of the Diocese, and the civil and military authorities.
    In this Sunday’s Gospel, we have heard one of Jesus’ most beautiful and moving parables. We all know the parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37).
    That parable constantly challenges us to think about our own lives. It troubles our dormant or distracted consciences, and warns us about the risk of a complacent faith that is satisfied with the outward observance of the law but incapable of feeling and acting with the same merciful compassion as God.
    The parable is really about compassion. True, the Gospel story speaks of the compassion that moved the Samaritan to act, but it first speaks of how others regarded the wounded man lying on the roadside after being attacked by robbers. We are told that a priest and a Levite “saw him and passed by” (v. 32). Of the Samaritan, however, the Gospel says, “he saw him and had compassion on him” (v. 33).
    Dear brothers and sisters, how we look at others is what counts, because it shows what is in our hearts. We can look and walk by, or we can look and be moved with compassion. There is a kind of seeing that is superficial, distracted and hasty, a way of seeing while pretending not to see. We can see without being touched or challenged by the sight. Then too, there is seeing with the eyes of the heart, looking more closely, empathizing with the other, sharing his or her experience, letting ourselves be touched and challenged. This way of seeing calls into question the way we live our life and the responsibility we feel towards others.
    The parable speaks to us first about God’s way of seeing us, so that we in turn can learn how to see situations and people with his eyes, so full of love and compassion. The Good Samaritan is really a figure of Jesus, the eternal Son whom the Father sent into our history precisely because he regarded humanity with compassion and did not walk by. Like the man in the Gospel who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, humanity was descending to the depths of death; in our own day too, we have to confront the darkness of evil, suffering, poverty and the riddle of death. Yet God has looked upon us with compassion; he wanted to walk our same path and come down among us. In Jesus, the Good Samaritan, he came to heal our wounds and to pour out upon us the balm of his love and mercy.
    Pope Francis, who often reminded us that God is mercy and compassion, once referred to Jesus as “the compassion of the Father toward us” (Angelus, 14 July 2029). Saint Augustine tells us that, as the Good Samaritan who came to our aid, Jesus “wanted to be known as our neighbor. Indeed, the Lord Jesus Christ makes us realize that he is the one who cared for the half-dead man beaten by robbers and left on the side of the road (De Doctrina Christiana, I, 30.33).
    We can understand, then, why this parable is so challenging for each of us. If Christ shows us the face of a compassionate God, then to believe in him and to be his disciples means allowing ourselves to be changed and to take on his same feelings. It means learning to have a heart that is moved, eyes that see and do not look away, hands that help others and soothe their wounds, shoulders that bear the burden of those in need.
    In today’s first reading, we hear the words of Moses, who tells us that obeying the Lord’s commandments and turning our minds and hearts to him does not involve multiplying outward acts, but rather looking to our own hearts and discovering that there God has written his law of love. If we realize deep down that Christ, the Good Samaritan, loves us and cares for us, we too will be moved to love in the same way and to become compassionate as he is. Once we are healed and loved by Christ, we too can become witnesses of his love and compassion in our world.
    Brothers and sisters, today we need this “revolution of love.” Today, the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Jericho is the road travelled by all those who descend into sin, suffering and poverty. It is the road travelled by all those weighed down by troubles or hurt by life. The road travelled by all who fall down, lose their bearings and hit rock bottom. The road travelled by all those peoples that are stripped, robbed and pillaged, victims of tyrannical political systems, of an economy that forces them into poverty, and of wars that kill their dreams and their very lives.
    What do we do? Do we look and walk by, or do we open our hearts to others, like the Samaritan? Are we content at times merely to do our duty, or to regard as our neighbor only those who are part of our group, who think like us, who share our same nationality or religion? Jesus overturns this way of thinking by presenting us with a Samaritan, a foreigner or heretic, who acts as a neighbor to that wounded man. And he asks us to do the same.
    The Samaritan, wrote Benedict XVI, “does not ask how far his obligations of solidarity extend. Nor does he ask about the merits required for eternal life. Something else happens: his heart is wrenched open… If the question had been ‘Is the Samaritan my neighbor, too?’ the answer would have been a pretty clear-cut no, given the situation at the time. But Jesus now turns the whole matter on its head: the Samaritan, the foreigner, makes himself the neighbor and shows me that I have to learn to be a neighbor deep within and that I already have the answer in myself. I have to become like someone in love, someone whose heart is open to being shaken up by another’s need” (Jesus of Nazareth, 197).
    Looking without walking by, halting the frantic pace of our lives, allowing the lives of others, whoever they may be, with their needs and troubles, to touch our heart. That is what makes us neighbors to one another, what generates true fraternity and breaks down walls and barriers. In the end, love prevails, and proves more powerful than evil and death.
    Dear friends, let us look to Christ, the Good Samaritan. Let us listen again today to his voice. For he says to each of us, “Go and do likewise” (v. 37).
    _____________________
    Words of the Holy Father at the end of Holy Mass
    At this moment, I would like to present a small gift to the Parish Priest of this pontifical parish, in memory of our celebration today. The paten and chalice with which we celebrate the Eucharist are instruments of communion, and they can be an invitation to all of us to live in communion, and truly to promote this fraternity, this communion that we live in Jesus Christ.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work set to start on Bilston Market redevelopment

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    City of Wolverhampton Council is investing more than £5 million in major improvements to the market that will deliver “the absolute best market in the West Midlands” with more modern, more accessible, and more vibrant spaces for traders and the local community.

    Works are set to officially begin on Wednesday 23 July and will feature better access for pedestrians from the bus and Metro station, a new canopy, new toilets, stall improvements and improved public spaces. It is set to be completed by June 2026.

    Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said that despite the discovery of difficult ground conditions at the market site, the council was “100% committed” to delivering the full scheme as agreed with traders.

    He said: “Delivering a first class, improved and modern market – the absolute best market in the West Midlands – with better access is an absolute priority for us – and I’m pleased to see work begin so we can deliver for our traders and the people of Bilston.

    “Unfortunately, surveys revealed far more challenging ground conditions at the site than we had anticipated, so we have had to re-engineer parts of the project. This has driven up the cost of the scheme – but I can assure traders we will not compromise on our ambition and will deliver the full scheme exactly as agreed with them.”

    Council bosses have identified additional contingency funds of up to £2.5 million to address the re-engineered scheme and other factors.

    The Council also said it will freeze rent costs of the indoor and outdoor market traders and is investing £15,000 in activities and events in and around the indoor market to help drive footfall.

    Councillor Simkins added: “We promised traders they’d be the first to know once we got the timeline of the works, and I met with them face to face first this morning to talk through the plans and let them know how we’re supporting them while the works take place.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Family Ties: Siblings strengthen readiness, relationships during African Lion 2025

    Source: United States Army

    Back to

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)

    DODJI, Senegal — For many service members, participating in an international military exercise can feel like joining a larger, multinational family. For U.S. Army Maj. Carolyn Vandeventer and her younger brother, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Stuart Vandevick, that sentiment is literal.

    The siblings were both deployed to Senegal in support of African Lion 2025 (AL25), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual combined joint exercise. Vandeventer, a logistics officer assigned to the 79th Theater Sustainment Command (Forward), U.S. Army Reserve, based in Vicenza, Italy, and Vandevick, a key member of the exercise’s mayor cell assigned to the 561st Regional Support Group in Elkhorn, Nebraska, are sharing a rare opportunity to serve together while supporting multinational training at Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2) in Dodji.

    This year’s iteration of AL25 emphasizes readiness, interoperability and relationship-building to enhance warfighting capabilities among partner nations. In that spirit, the Vandeventer siblings reinforce a core principle of the exercise: strong teams are built on trust, collaboration—and sometimes, family.

    “It started off as a joke over Thanksgiving,” said Vandeventer. “I told Stuart, ‘Hey, your new unit falls under mine now. Want to come to Senegal?’ But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.”

    What started as a joke soon turned into reality.

    “We’ve both been in the Army for over 19 years,” said Vandeventer. “But we’ve never actually worked the same mission—until now.”

    Vandevick quickly accepted the offer.

    Tasked with overseeing base operations and sustainment efforts as part of the mayor cell, his responsibilities complemented his sister’s strategic role in managing logistics at the operational level. Together, their coordination added a personal dimension to an already complex multinational effort.

    “Having Carolyn here makes the mission more personal,” said Vandevick. “It underscores how building trust and close relationships—whether with a sibling or a multinational partner—is essential to overcoming challenges and getting the job done.”

    Their shared experience also illustrates the broader objective of African Lion: strengthening ties and improving readiness across allied and partner forces.

    “African Lion thrives on personal connections that reinforce military cooperation,” said U.S. Army Col. Matthias E. Greene, the senior U.S. officer for AL25 in Senegal. “Having siblings serve side by side underscores our emphasis on building genuine partnerships at every level.”

    In Senegal, AL25 featured field training exercises, live-fire ranges and medical readiness operations conducted by troops from Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, the Netherlands, Senegal and the U.S.

    Across the wider theater, more than 10,000 participants from over 50 nations took part in coordinated activities across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.

    Vandeventer said having her brother nearby was both operationally useful and personally meaningful.

    “Because we’ve both been in the Army a long time, working together here has felt natural,” she said. “He understands how the mayor cell functions from his background in a regional support group, and that’s helped me tremendously. We’re in sync in a way only siblings can be—sometimes it feels like we can read each other’s minds.”

    Beyond the mission, she says, the deployment offered something even rarer: time together.

    “Other than Thanksgiving, I hadn’t seen him in years,” she said. “Serving overseas, I don’t get many chances like this. Getting to video call our parents from the same place—from a continent away—was something special.”

    Their bond hasn’t gone unnoticed.

    “People in the dining facility or the tactical operation center (TOC) will see us interact and ask someone nearby, ‘Wait, are they related?’” Vandevent said, laughing. “The looks on their faces are priceless. I’ll give Stuart a big bear hug—definitely not standard between a field grade officer and an NCO—and we’ll both say, ‘Yes way.’”

    African Lion 25 reinforces U.S. and partner nations’ readiness and collective resolve to ensure peace through strength.

    About African Lion

    AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win.

    About SETAF-AF

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

    Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China edge USA to conclude women’s VNL

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China claimed another come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the United States on Sunday, closing the women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) preliminaries with four consecutive wins.

    Wu Mengjie led China with 27 points on 26 kills and an ace, while Zhuang Yushan and Gong Xiangyu contributed 18 and 14 points, respectively. The Chinese team rallied past the hosts 18-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-16, 18-16 for their third five-set win in Arlington.

    Earlier in the week, China had also defeated the Dominican Republic and Germany in five sets, and Canada 3-1.

    “I am pleased with the resilience demonstrated by our players,” said China head coach Zhao Yong.

    Trailing 5-4 in the tiebreak, China went on a 5-1 run to level the score at 9-9. After Wang Yuanyuan delivered a key block to give China a 14-13 lead, the Americans fended off three match points before Wu’s smash and a final point from Zhuang sealed the win.

    China finished fifth among the 18 teams in the preliminary round, with nine wins, three losses, and 24 points. They will face Poland, the fourth-place finisher and host of the Finals, in the quarterfinals.

    The United States, led by Sarah Franklin’s 32 points, ended eighth with a 7-5 record. They will take on top-seeded Italy for a spot in the semifinals.

    Brazil, Japan, Turkey, and Germany also advanced to the Finals, which will be held in Lodz, Poland, from July 23 to 27.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Himax and Rabboni Join Forces to Launch World’s First Scalable Multi-Scenario Endpoint AI Sensing System – bboni Ai Enabling Real-Time AI Inference on Wearable Devices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan and HSINCHU, Taiwan, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, and Rabboni Co., Ltd. (“Rabboni”), a Taiwan-based company integrating next-generation semiconductor sensing and edge computing to enable smart living, smart sensing and wearable devices, today jointly announced the unveiling of bboni Ai, the world’s first multi-scenario endpoint AI sensing system. bboni Ai integrates Rabboni’s high-precision IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) motion sensors with Himax’s ultralow power WiseEye2 AI processor, opening a new chapter for real-time endpoint AI inference for wearable devices and accelerating the transition of AI from concept to real-world implementation.

    WiseEye2 AI processor features a high-performance architecture built on Cortex-M55 cores and is equipped with the Ethos-U55 AI inference engine. It supports always-on sensing, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), and a multi-level power management structure. The design empowers dynamic adjustments in core voltage and frequency based on the scenarios of wearable devices, enabling data collection, event triggering, and endpoint AI inference at ultralow power consumption of just a few milliwatts. This architecture significantly reduces reliance on cloud transmission, effectively lowering latency and power consumption. It also enhances real-time responsiveness and data privacy, delivering a commercially viable endpoint AI solution for devices requiring long-hour operation. Notably, WiseEye™ AI can also collaborate with cloud-based large language models (LLMs), further enhancing the device’s ability to perceive, understand, and interact with complex real -world scenarios.

    bboni Ai Brings AI to the Endpoint: On-Device AI Processing. No Cloud Needed

    Featuring integrated motion sensing capability and ultralow power AI powered by Himax’s WiseEye2 AI processor, the bboni Ai system enables real-time motion analysis, posture recognition, and behavior interpretation directly on the endpoint device, eliminating the need for cloud computing. With low-latency, high-efficiency, and privacy-preserving on-device AI, bboni Ai delivers a truly scalable and deployable endpoint AI solution. bboni Ai not only enhances system stability but also meets the stringent requirements for data immediacy and security in applications such as healthcare and education.

    bboni Ai Transforms Everyday Life Across Diverse Wearable Applications: Demonstrates broad real-world readiness across multiple use cases

    • Smart Healthcare: Supports WHO’s ICOPE (Integrated Care for Older People) framework, facilitating seniors to monitor physical function and rehabilitation progress at home, reducing the cost of care
    • Sports Technology: Real-time detection of user movements and behavior, providing instant motion feedback, optimizing training postures through AI analysis, improving training efficiency and reducing the risk of injury
    • Education and Interaction: Enables hands-on STEM and AI education by leveraging motion sensing and behavior analysis to foster interdisciplinary learning and innovation, cultivating the next generation of talent

    Powered by Taiwan–Based Team with bboni Ai Developer Program to Launch in July 2025

    To accelerate the development of innovative AI applications, Himax will officially launch the bboni Ai Developer Program in late-July 2025. This initiative will provide a complete set of APIs and SDKs, inviting developers, academic institutions, and corporate partners jointly to create a robust and commercial-ready endpoint AI ecosystem, advancing Taiwan’s AI technology around the globe.

    “The bboni Ai system was entirely developed by a Taiwanese team, integrating key technologies such as semiconductor design, sensor technology, AI algorithms, and software-hardware integration, showcasing Taiwan’s technical strength in smart sensing and endpoint AI,” said Richard Chiang, Chairman of Rabboni.

    “WiseEye’s ultralow power and always-on sensing capabilities make it a perfect fit for power-constrained endpoint devices, especially wearable applications in smart care, interactive education, and health monitoring that require long-hour operation,” said Mark Chen, Vice President of Smart Sensing Business at Himax. “Himax is excited to collaborate with Rabboni to integrate our respective technological strengths and bring AI out of the conceptual stage and into everyday life, enabling truly meaningful smart applications.”

    About Rabboni Co., Ltd.

    Rabboni Co., Ltd., originating from Silicon Instruments Co., Ltd. founded in 2009, is dedicated to integrating next-generation semiconductor sensing and edge computing to build the foundation of smart living. The company empowers professionals across various service domains to achieve digital and AI transformation, thereby enhancing their value-added services. For years, Rabboni has supported National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) in university social responsibility (USR) programs and MIT-collaborated science outreach projects, as well as medical research initiatives. Through these efforts, Rabboni has developed interdisciplinary platform technologies and established a comprehensive industry chain for smart sensing and wearable technologies.

    Rabboni also introduced the TEA Innovation Service Platform, inspired by the concept: “Technology x Experts x Aids = Brew better futures.” In collaboration with Himax’s engineering team, Rabboni successfully completed the development of the bboni Ai platform. An Endpoint AI Startup Competition will soon be co-hosted by Himax, Rabboni, and NYCU, featuring the world’s tiniest and ultralow power bboni Ai system.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEyeTM Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,609 patents granted and 370 patents pending approval worldwide as of June 30, 2025.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Company Contacts:

    Karen Tiao, Head of IR/PR
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1320 of 30 June 2025 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/1320 of 30 June 2025 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: France: Financial System Stability Assessment

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Preview Citation

    Format: Chicago

    International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department “France: Financial System Stability Assessment”, IMF Staff Country Reports 2025, 180 (2025), accessed July 14, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229017428.002

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    Summary

    The French financial system has proven resilient to the shocks of the last five years but faces headwinds from domestic and external policy uncertainty and high fiscal consolidation needs. Bank-insurance conglomerates that include four Global Systemically Important Banks dominate the financial landscape, and financial markets have become increasingly complex in the post-Brexit environment. Banks’ capital and liquidity buffers remain high, but with low profitability versus peers.

    Subject: Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), Commercial banks, Credit, Crime, Financial institutions, Financial regulation and supervision, Financial sector policy and analysis, Financial sector stability, Loans, Macroprudential policy, Money, Mutual funds, Stress testing

    Keywords: Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), Commercial banks, Credit, Financial sector stability, Liquidity requirements, Loans, Macroprudential policy, Mutual funds, Stress testing

    Publication Details

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Chinese city of Fuyuan, bordering Russia, where the songs “Jasmine” and “Valenki” met

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HARBIN, July 14 (Xinhua) — The familiar sounds of folk songs echoed in Fuyuan, a city in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province that borders Russia, as a party between China and Russia was held earlier this month. Five Russian singers in red national costumes touched the hearts of those in attendance with their heartfelt rendition of the Chinese song “Jasmine” in its original language, amidst applause from spectators from both countries.

    Natalia Efimycheva, the Russian artist who performed the song “Jasmine,” said that they love Chinese culture, this time they not only sang traditional Chinese folk songs, but also brought a Russian song “Valenki.” Many of their Chinese friends also expressed their love for Russian culture to her.

    This event became another link promoting Chinese-Russian cultural exchanges and cross-civilizational learning among representatives of the two countries. Shortly before this, in early July, Fuyuan City hosted the Second Meeting of the Ussuli River and Lakes Tourism Association, during which exciting cross-border tourism routes were presented.

    Fuyuan City, known as the “East Pole of China”, is separated from Russia by the Ussuri and Heilongjiang (Amur) Rivers on the east and north sides respectively.

    Every year, from May to October, the rivers come alive with the Fuyuan-Khabarovsk river service. Cargo ships cut through the waters, and Chinese and Russian tourists wave to each other on cruise ships.

    Fuyuan is currently seeking new horizons in cross-border cooperation with the Russian Far East, strengthening ties and deepening cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, infrastructure, ecology and cultural tourism.

    Walking along the main shopping streets of Fuyuan, you will see bilingual signs everywhere, in Chinese and Russian. Even taxi drivers here can communicate in simple Russian.

    In recent years, Fuyuan has been actively promoting the “China-Russia cross-border tourism route”, inviting travelers to discover the unique traditions and exotic customs of the region.

    Gubat Gumalatovich Gubatov, Deputy Chairman of the Khabarovsk Regional Branch of the Association “Opora Rossii” noted that Fuyuan is a beautiful city, it is located not far from Khabarovsk, but its landscapes are so unique that they will undoubtedly attract many Russians.

    The exoticism of Russia also attracts Chinese tourists. “In the morning I met the first ray of sunshine at Dongji Square /East Pole/, and after lunch I will try real Russian cuisine in Khabarovsk!” shared his impressions a Chinese tourist with the surname Li from Hainan Province /South China/. “This is a very special experience!”

    With customs clearance procedures continuing to be simplified, this cross-border tourist route is becoming popular, with more than 300 tourists passing through Fuyuan every day during peak season.

    Fuyuan City authorities proudly present unique tourist routes, demonstrating achievements in preserving the fishing culture of the Hezhe ethnic group and in the ecological protection of Heixiazi Island (Big Ussuri Island).

    In addition, other cities and counties of the association, such as Mishan, Hulin and Raohe, presented their rich tourism and cultural resources along the Usuli River. Guests from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Korsakov, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk and other Russian cities also introduced the meeting participants to local cultural and tourism resources that can help strengthen exchanges and develop cooperation in the field of Sino-Russian cross-border tourism.

    Acting Minister of Tourism of Khabarovsk Krai Elena Vladimirovna Tsymbal said that Khabarovsk and Fuyuan have broad prospects for cooperation in the fields of cultural tourism, economy and trade, etc. In the future, she hopes to strengthen cooperation with Fuyuan in many aspects, such as study tours, medical tours, scientific and technical tours, industrial tours and agricultural tours.

    Trade relations between the two border cities are growing stronger day by day. In 2024, the total volume of imported and exported goods through the Fuyuan cargo port was more than 80,000 tons. In the pavilions of the Fuyuan border mutual trade zone, more than 20,000 types of Russian goods are neatly displayed on the shelves. Chocolate, candy, honey cake, etc. are popular with consumers. According to Xie Jinglong, a staff member, since the center opened in 2015, a total of 37,000 tons of imported goods have been transported, and the trade turnover has amounted to nearly 688 million yuan.

    “In the future, travel between Fuyuan and Khabarovsk will be more convenient, trade will be more dynamic, and cultural exchanges will be more profound,” said He Dahai, secretary of the Fuyuan Party Committee. He said that with the continuous improvement of infrastructure, Fuyuan and Khabarovsk are rapidly becoming leading cities in Sino-Russian cooperation. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Alisa and Eleonora Shenfeld International String Instrument Performers Competition has started in Harbin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HARBIN, July 14 (Xinhua) — The opening ceremony of the 2025 Alice and Eleonora Shenfeld International String Competition was held in Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Sunday. More than 100 top performers from 22 countries are taking part in the competition, which has become an important part of the Harbin Summer Music Festival.

    The competition’s chairperson and head of the Sisters Shenfeld International Music Society, Xue Suli, said the event helps promote musical culture around the world and identify talented performers.

    Harbin boasts a century-long musical history, said Vice Mayor Wang Bo. He noted that the competition, which has been held in Harbin on an ongoing basis since 2020, is a signature event of the Harbin Summer Music Festival, promoting string music and cultural exchanges.

    The competition, named after musicians Alice and Eleonora Shenfeld, was established in 2013. In 2014, the event was first presented in Harbin and has since been held there four times. In 2017, the competition received membership in the World Federation of International Music Competitions /WFIMC/, and in 2021, it joined the WFIMC board of directors as the first member from China. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magnitude 7.0 earthquake hits Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands – GFZ

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    HONG KONG, July 14 (Xinhua) — A 7.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands at 05:49 GMT on Monday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said.

    According to preliminary data, the epicenter was located at a point with coordinates of 6.35 degrees south latitude and 131.35 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 10.0 km. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cameroon’s incumbent president has announced his decision to run for another presidential term.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    YAOUNDE, July 14 (Xinhua) — Cameroonian President Paul Biya on Sunday announced his decision to run for re-election in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12.

    “I am running for president. Rest assured that my determination to serve you is in line with the urgency of the tasks before us,” P. Biya said in a letter published on his social networks.

    He said the “welfare of youth and women” would be his top priority.

    P. Biya, 92, who ruled Cameroon for 43 years, is seeking an eighth presidential term. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia network APIs now available on Google Cloud Marketplace, making it even easier for developers to utilize

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia network APIs now available on Google Cloud Marketplace, making it even easier for developers to utilize

    • The Nokia network APIs available on Google Cloud Marketplace are Quality of Service on Demand, Number Verification, and Device Location Verification.

    14 July 2025 
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that three of its network APIs – Quality of Service on Demand, Number Verification, and Device Location Verification – are now available on Google Cloud Marketplace, making it even easier for thousands of developers around the world to access the APIs to write applications that developer customers can use.

    Google Cloud Marketplace offers a universal catalog of solutions from Google Cloud and its partner ecosystem for customers to discover and use.

    Developers can use the Nokia APIs exposed via Google Cloud Marketplace to tap into multiple mobile networks and create new applications, in conjunction with the capabilities provided by Nokia’s Network as Code platform with developer portal, which gives developers standardized access to network functions without having to navigate any of the underlying network technologies. Additional Nokia APIs are expected to be available on Google Cloud Marketplace in the future.

    “The availability of Nokia APIs on Google Cloud Marketplace is about giving developers easy access and simplified use of trusted network intelligence. This is just the latest step in Nokia’s efforts to connect programmable network assets to leading developer ecosystems,” said Shkumbin Hamiti, Vice President and Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services, Nokia.

    Nokia APIs are patterned after GSMA Open Gateway and CAMARA open standards, allowing developers to run applications that work globally, enabled by Nokia’s growing CSP partnership network.

    Through automation, the Quality of Service on demand API can effectively ask a network for guaranteed and reliable connectivity for a specified amount of time, such as for a live stream at a large event with thousands of people.

    Nokia’s Number Verification API can verify whether a phone number belongs to the person using it, allowing industries such as financial services and retail to mitigate fraud and enhance user verification.

    Similarly, Device Location Verification can authenticate a commercial transaction request to a device owner, based on the owner’s phone location and the location from which the request is coming.

    “This collaboration with Nokia empowers developers and enterprises by delivering advanced telecom network capabilities directly through Google Cloud Marketplace. Making network APIs like Number Verification and Device Location Verification easily accessible unlocks new possibilities for secure, intelligent digital experiences, underscoring the value created when telco and cloud innovation converge,” said Muninder Singh Sambi, VP and GM, Networking and Security, Google Cloud.

    About Nokia 

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

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

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

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    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com 

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