NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local man sentenced for importing and supplying drugs24 July 2025 A 31-year-old man has today been sentenced before Jersey’s Royal Court to 480 hours community service and 12 months’ probation for the importation and supply of controlled drugs. Jonathan Andrew Falle,… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    24 July 2025

    A 31-year-old man has today been sentenced before Jersey’s Royal Court to 480 hours community service and 12 months’ probation for the importation and supply of controlled drugs. 

    Jonathan Andrew Falle, from Jersey, was arrested by Jersey Customs and Immigration Officers at his home address on 8 September 2024, following the postal interception of approximately 2 grams of cocaine. 

    Following his initial arrest, officers intercepted a further two packages addressed to him which were found to contain a total of 7.21 grams of cocaine. Falle was interviewed by officers but declined to answer questions put to him. 

    Analysis of a mobile phone seized from Falle showed messaging via messaging apps, Telegram, MSN and WhatsApp services relating to parcels being imported into the Island and the supply of cocaine, ketamine and MDMA (ecstasy). 

    The investigation identified that Falle ordered, advertised, bought and sold small quantities of Cocaine, Ketamine, MDMA powder and MDMA pills between February 2023 and September 2024. The approximate value of the cocaine seized was £2,250. 

    Falle appeared before the Magistrates Court on 17 April 2025 and pleaded guilty to both the importation of cocaine and the supply of cocaine, MDMA and Ketamine. He was remanded in custody until sentencing today. 

    Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, said: “The postal importation of cocaine by Falle has led Officers to discover that he had been supplying drugs for over a year to a number of individuals. Whilst the importations were small, he made money from supplying drugs.” 

    Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cooperation should be the leitmotif of China-EU relations – Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China /detailed version-1/

    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 24 (Xinhua) — No matter how the international situation develops, cooperation should be the main theme and partnership the correct definition of China-EU relations, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Thursday.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen co-chaired the 25th China-EU leaders’ meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.

    Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation between China and the EU has shown steady development and produced fruitful results.

    History has repeatedly proven that when there is mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual openness, China-EU cooperation runs smoothly and benefits both sides; when there is alienation and discord in their relations, cooperation encounters obstacles that cause both sides to suffer, he continued.

    According to Li Qiang, China and the EU have a wide range of common interests and have no fundamental contradictions.

    “In this changing and turbulent international environment, it is of utmost importance for China and the EU, the two major global powers and two largest markets, to establish close cooperation,” he said, adding that it is not only a natural choice for their development but also in line with the demands and expectations of the international community.

    As long as China and the EU sincerely support free trade, the international economy and trade will remain dynamic. As long as they firmly adhere to the principle of multilateralism, the trend toward a multipolar world will continue to strengthen, the Chinese premier said.

    China will continue to cooperate with the EU to achieve greater progress in this relationship and bring greater benefits to the people of China and the EU and beyond, Li Qiang said. -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 United Kingdom: New flood warning service rolled out across Greater Manchester

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New flood warning service rolled out across Greater Manchester

    Flood warning service expanded to provide early warning of flooding to communities in Cheadle, Stockport and Platt Bridge. Residents can register for free.

    Defra

    The Environment Agency has expanded its flood warning service across Cheadle, Stockport and the Platt Bridge area of Wigan to ensure more people than ever across Greater Manchester are warned about any imminent risk of flooding. 

    The new flood warnings cover almost 800 homes and businesses and will see a warning message issued when flooding is forecast and then again to warn users if impacts are likely.  

    Flood warnings tell people about the risk of flooding to their home or business, and help people make informed decisions about how to respond. There are three types of warning – Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Severe Flood Warning.  

    Residents can register for the new service for free and choose to receive notifications via phone call (voice recording), text or email and by fully registering, people can also sign up to receive warnings for multiple locations.

    Improving the Service

    The new flood warning areas have been added as part a result of new modelling and data – part of the Environment Agency’s drive to continually improve the flood warning service it provides across the country.

    Several of the new locations to receive flood warnings were places that flooded over the New Year period.

    Laila Berry, Flood Resilience Team Leader at the Environment Agency, said:  

    We know all too well the devastating impact that flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority.  

    Our staff use the latest technology to monitor rainfall, river and tide levels 24 hours a day to forecast flooding.

    The extension of our flood warning service will allow even more people across Stockport, Cheadle and Wigan to take action and stay safe if flooding is likely to occur.

    “We would encourage all of those people in new flood warning areas to fully register their preferred details via Gov UK or Floodline for free, for both their safety and peace of mind.”

    Be Prepared for Flooding

    Householders are encouraged to prepare if they receive a Flood Alert which could mean packing a bag that includes medicines, insurance documents and anything else they wouldn’t want to lose if flooding were to take place.

    A Flood Warning calls on people to act now which means turning off gas, water and electricity and moving family and pets to safety. A Severe Flood Warning means you are in immediate danger and should follow advice from the emergency services. 

    The accuracy of flood warnings improves over time as the Environment Agency gather more data and get a better understanding of how the river reacts to heavy rainfall. In the short term in new flood warning areas, there may be a higher than normal occurrence of false alarms, due to them always being issued on the side of caution.

    There are over 1.6 million users registered to receive flood warnings at the touch of a button across the country. These flood warnings are generated from river level data which is collected via an extensive monitoring network across England.

    The data is combined with weather forecasts, river models and other information to produce location specific flood forecasts. 

    Find Out More

    Home and business owners will be auto enrolled to the Flood Warning service via their mobile network. However, to get the most benefit out of the service the Environment Agency is encouraging people to register directly with them by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188, or visiting https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings where they can register preferred contact details and sign up for multiple locations if appropriate. 

    Know what to do when you receive a flood warning and download this flood plan – https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/what-to-do-in-a-flood

    To sign up to the new flood warning service please visit: http://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings  or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

    People can also check your long term flood risk at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/long-term-flood-risk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Irregular migration of people: UK statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Irregular migration of people: UK statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    Ambassador Holland updates the Permanent Council on the UK’s newly introduced Global Irregular Migration Sanctions Regime.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Fifty years ago, the Helsinki Final Act recognised the movement of migrants as a key issue for both States and individuals. Twenty years ago in Ljubljana, our Ministers acknowledged in Ministerial Council Decision 2/05 that migration was becoming increasingly diverse and complex, requiring both national and transnational responses. They identified ways the OSCE could contribute and tasked the Secretary General and OSCE structures to address migration across all three dimensions.

    That same year, Ministers adopted the Border Security and Management Concept. While reaffirming that border security is a matter of national sovereignty, we committed to enhancing mutually beneficial inter-State cooperation to address terrorism, organised crime, illegal migration, and the trafficking of weapons, drugs, and people. These threats remain persistent. We must respond nationally and through cooperation. Protecting our borders is protecting our national security.

    In the UK, our Border Security Command is building a more coherent and controlled system to tackle threats, including Organised Immigration Crime (OIC). Our newly established OIC Domestic Taskforce will strengthen how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted by police, law enforcement, and the justice system.

    We are also focused on the enablers of OIC. The online environment must not be a safe haven for criminal networks. The UK is committed to working with online platforms to prevent their use in facilitating irregular migration.

    To support this, we are strengthening our legislative framework. Our Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill introduces new counter-terror-inspired powers to target those who supply, or handle items used in immigration crime. It also enhances data-sharing powers to support law enforcement and immigration operations, both domestically and with international partners.

    On 22 July, we introduced the world’s first standalone Global Irregular Migration Sanctions Regime. This innovative tool enables us to impose sanctions related to people smuggling, human trafficking, and organised immigration crime.

    As Chair of the Security Committee, I look forward to September’s events marking the 20th anniversary of the Border Security and Management Concept. It will be a timely opportunity to reflect on how our practices must evolve to meet emerging challenges while upholding fundamental rights and OSCE principles, and I invite interested participating States to join us in considering how we can build on the OSCE’s mandates in this area.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi extends condolences to Putin over plane crash in Russia

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

    BEIJING, July 24 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent a message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the heavy casualties caused by the crash of a Russian passenger plane.

    In the message, Xi said he was shocked to learn that a Russian passenger plane had crashed in Russia’s Amur Region, causing heavy casualties. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he conveyed deep condolences over the loss of lives and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Honorary King’s Counsel nominations: deadline 19 September 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Honorary King’s Counsel nominations: deadline 19 September 2025

    The Ministry of Justice is inviting nominations for the award of King’s Counsel Honoris Causa. Please submit nominations via the digital form below, before the deadline of 19 September 2025.

    The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is inviting nominations for the award of King’s Counsel Honoris Causa.

    Nomination forms must be completed and returned to MOJ by 23:55 on Friday 19 September 2025. To make a nomination, please complete and submit a nomination form via this link..

    KC HONORIS CAUSA – HONORARY KC

    This is an honorary award unique to the legal profession. It is a dedicated opportunity, made by royal prerogative, to recognise those in the profession who have made a major contribution to, and impact on, the legal sector and the law of England and Wales outside the courtroom.

    The award is not a working rank and is separate to substantive KC appointments administered by King’s Counsel Appointments. Where someone is eligible to apply for substantive KC in their role, we would not normally consider them for an Honorary KC award.

    Please note that anyone nominated may be subject to criminal record checks with the ACRO Criminal Records Office.

    What is the award for?

    The award is for:

    A significant, positive impact either on the shape of the law of England and Wales, or on the legal profession. This is for work outside the courtroom.

    This criterion can be interpreted broadly, either as:

    • a major contribution to the development of the law of England and Wales (for example, by dedicated research, influencing case law/ legislation and promoting initiatives),
    • to how it is advanced (for example, by positively impacting the shape of the profession)

    What is most important is that nominations clearly evidence the significant, positive impact an individual’s efforts have had.

    It is not a long-service award. Honours may be awarded for a significant impact over a long period of time, but they may equally be awarded for such an impact over a shorter period – it is the scale of impact that is important.

    We are keen to recognise diversity within the profession, with awards that reflect the range of different legal careers and different backgrounds that make up the profession. You can see examples of previous successful nominees by viewing their biographies via this link.

    Examples of what these different contributions may look like

    Influencing legislation

    • Making an impact on the law by influencing legislation or case law (e.g. through outcome of research, creating awareness or campaigning, pro bono work or other advocacy outside the courtroom).

    Social mobility and diversity

    • Making a considerable impact on the legal profession (e.g. through initiatives that have an impact on social mobility or diversity and increase the competitiveness of the sector).

    Innovation

    • Making an impact through a standout achievement or through innovation (e.g. by breaking through into new territory, such as making an impact through work on Lawtech, innovation in legal education, or on promoting UK legal services overseas).

    Academic work

    • Making an impact through outstanding academic work that makes a positive contribution to the law and/or legal system.

    Who is eligible?

    • To be eligible for the award, the individual must be a qualified lawyer or legal academic.
    • The nomination must be for achievement outside practice in the courts. In other words, an award would be made for non-advocacy work.
    • The award is open to foreign qualified professionals. There is no residency requirement.

    Examples of those eligible may include (but are not limited to):

    • Solicitors without higher rights of audience
    • Legal executives
    • In-house lawyers, including Counsel
    • Non-practising lawyers
    • Legal academics

    Holding a fee-paid judicial office in addition to practice would not exclude lawyers who meet the eligibility criteria above.

    How are awards made?

    The process is administered by the MOJ. Nominations are considered against the criterion by a panel of representatives from the legal profession, civil service, judiciary, and academia, which is chaired by an MOJ official.

    The panel of representatives provide the Lord Chancellor with recommendations of appointable nominees. The Lord Chancellor will then consider and decide the final recommendations. The recommendations are then referred to the King, who grants the awards under the royal prerogative.

    How is the information about nominees used?

    To assess each nominee’s suitability for the award and support the selection process, we use the information provided to carry out:

    • Cross-Whitehall checks to confirm whether the individual or their work may be known by, or of interest to, another government department
    • Checks against nominees on the main honours system as per the eligibility criteria
    • Evaluation by the selection panel of the individual’s legal qualifications and evidence of their contribution and impact on the law of England and Wales
    • Shortlisted nominees will undergo a criminal record check

    For more information on how we use and protect personal data, please refer to our privacy notice.

    Where someone from outside the legal profession has made a significant impact on the law of England and Wales, or how it is advanced, they would not qualify for this award. We would welcome those nominations as part of the main honours system.

    Scotland and Northern Ireland

    There is a separate Honorary King’s Counsel award in Scotland. There is no exact equivalent in Northern Ireland. However, this does not mean that achievements of a similar nature cannot be recognised. If you would like to nominate someone for an honour whose work is in Northern Ireland, you can contact the Honours Secretariat for Northern Ireland.

    Nominees and recipients of national honours

    Someone who has been honoured in the official UK honours system within the last two years, or who has been nominated for such an honour this year, would not be eligible to receive an Honorary KC award. Where someone was awarded an honour more than two years ago, the panel will consider the individual’s contribution to and impact on the law since that honour was awarded.

    How to make a nomination

    Please submit your nomination form using our digital form via this link.

    Please note that we will only accept nominations made via the digital form.

    If you are unable to use our digital form, or have any other questions, please contact HonoraryKC@justice.gov.uk.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What is the process and timelines?

    • July: Nominations open
    • September: Nominations close
    • November: Panel meet and shortlist nominees
    • November: ACRO Criminal checks are conducted
    • December: Lord Chancellor makes final recommendations to the King
    • January: Successful nominees are announced
    • March: Ceremony

    These dates are provisional and subject to change

    2.Who can make a nomination?

    Anyone can make a nomination. You do not need to have a legal background or reside in the UK.

    3.Do I need to be a practising barrister or solicitor to be nominated?

    No. You do not need to be practising, although you do need to be a qualified lawyer or legal academic to be eligible. The award is for achievements outside the courtroom.

    4.Can I make more than one nomination?

    Yes. You may nominate as many people as you like, but please ensure that you submit separate nomination forms.

    5.Is there a limit to the number of nominations for an individual?

    No. An individual can be nominated by multiple people.

    6.Can I nominate a foreign national?

    Yes. There are no nationality or residence requirements for the award.

    7.In order to be considered for the award, do I need multiple nominations?

    No. The scoring is not based on how many nominations an individual has received.

    8.Can I attach letters or statements in support of a nomination?

    No. Letters or statements of support will not be accepted. If others wish to endorse the nomination, you can list their name(s) in the relevant section of the form.

    9.What happens if I miss the deadline to apply?

    Unfortunately, we cannot consider any nomination past the deadline. We encourage you to submit your application when the next round of nominations open.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham City Council Leaders pay moving tribute to music legend Ozzy Osbourne

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Civic Leaders have paid a heart-felt tribute to ‘Birmingham’s son’ following Ozzy Osbourne’s death on July 22nd.

    The Library of Birmingham lit up purple last night in honour of the music legend in a move designed to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and passion as the city mourns and comes to terms with this sad loss.

    A book of condolence has been set up in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) where a Black Sabbath exhibition is currently open to the public. A digital book of condolence is also available to sign. Another book of condolence has opened up at Villa Park, the venue for his farewell concert earlier this month.

    Opened last month by Ozzy’s wife, Sharon, the BMAG exhibition has been attracting fans from all over the world to see photography and artefacts donated by the band.

    Only last month, and just a week before his sell-out concert at Villa Park on July 5, Ozzy, along with founding members of Black Sabbath, were awarded Freedom of the City Birmingham during a special civic reception at Birmingham City Council.

    This honour recognised Black Sabbath’s significance to the cultural and musical identity of Birmingham, their strong association with the city, and continued influence as pioneers of heavy metal in both Birmingham and beyond.

    City Leaders were first in line to sign the special book of condolence at BMAG to mark Ozzy’s incredible life.

    Lord Mayor of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, said:

    “On behalf of Birmingham City Council and all the people of our great city, we come together with deep sadness to remember his life and legacy.

    “Only last month Ozzy was here at the Council House to accept Freedom of the City Birmingham, and just before his sell-out concert at Villa Park, where he was performing his final show. He carried the spirit of our community wherever he went.

    “We extend our heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends and everyone who loved him. Thank you Ozzy, you will always be honoured as a true legend of Birmingham.

    Council Leader, Councillor John Cotton, said:

    “Ozzy was a fantastic advocate for the city of Birmingham and we are so shocked and saddened to hear of his death.

    “Ozzy came from humble beginnings, in Aston, but that in no way deterred his passion and drive to break through the tough rock music scene of the 1970s and make it all the way to the top.

    “Birmingham is a better place for the sheer brilliance he brought to the city and now we honour his life and legacy.

    “Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Sharon, and their children who will be heartened to see the outpour of love and respect for Ozzy across the city and indeed the whole globe.”

    Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, Councillor Sharon Thompson, said:

    “Ozzy was more than a musician, he was a proud son of Birmingham.

    “From very humble beginnings in Aston, he brought the world Black Sabbath and inspired generations to follow.

    “He put Birmingham firmly on the global map. He spoke to the whole world about his pride as a Brummie and we will never forget him.

    “He was a proud Brummie through and through. As he would always say, ‘Birmingham Forever’.

    Birmingham City Council’s Managing Director, Joanne Roney, added:

    “It was so important for me to come along and sign the book of condolence and mark the life of a truly inspirational Brummie.

    “Meeting Ozzy here at the Council last month to attend the Freedom of the City Birmingham civic reception was a true honour and will stay with me for the rest of my life.

    “He captured the essence of the Brummie spirit; kind, compassionate and caring with a deep sense of love for family and friends and with a wonderful sense of humour that lit up the room.

    “He was proud to be from Birmingham and mentioned us all the time and inspired a whole generation of creatives that will live on as part of his legacy.”

    The book of condolence is now open at BMAG’s Round Room for fans to pay tribute, and where fans can also visit Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ending the suffering in Gaza and the West Bank

    Source: Liberal Democrats UK

    Liberal Democrats want to see a ceasefire agreed immediately. That’s the only way to move towards a permanent peace which provides dignity for Palestinians and Israelis. But we can only get there by drawing power away from the extremes, and empowering moderates in both societies.

    We were pleased, then, that the Government finally moved to sanction the far-right extremist Israeli Ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich – who have long advocated for the forced dispossession of Palestinians. This was a full 15 months after Ed Davey called for this step to be taken – the first major party leader to do so.  

    And Lib Dems have consistently led the way in pressing the Government to do more, including: 

    As part of that effort, we must also never forget that the Hamas terrorists continue to hold up to 50 Israelis hostage in the tunnels under Gaza, following their barbaric attack on Israel on October 7th. The hostages have been held now for over 650 days, and have been subject to the cruelty and brutality of their captors.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Millions more appointments as more than 2,000 extra GPs recruited

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Millions more appointments as more than 2,000 extra GPs recruited

    Boost is part of Plan for Change to rebuild the NHS by shifting healthcare from hospitals into the community and ending the 8am scramble

    • More 2,000 extra GPs have now been hired across the country after government action to slash red tape
    • Independent survey shows progress on ending the 8am scramble, with patients finding it easier to contact GP practices
    • Plan for Change is shifting care out of hospital and into the community as government brings back the family doctor

    Millions more GP appointments are now being delivered across the country and an extra 2,000 GPs have been hired nationwide since last October, as the government’s Plan for Change brings back the family doctor.

    The average GP is responsible for 2,300 patients, and the new tranche could deliver over four million additional appointments per year.

    It comes as encouraging new figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show the number of patients who found it difficult to contact their practice has fallen significantly from 18.7% in July/August 2024 to 10.6% in May/June this year.

    A total of 96.3% of patients who tried to contact their practice in the past 28 days were successful, while the number of patients who had a poor experience of their GP practice fell from 15% to 10.9% in the same period.

    In May 2025, an extra 12,000 GP appointments were delivered every working day compared to May 2024.

    The recruitment boost – which has already delivered an extra 2,000 GPs – forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which is rebuilding the NHS by shifting healthcare out of hospitals into the community and ending the 8am scramble.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    We said we’d deliver 1,000 more GPs this year – and we’ve busted that target, bringing 2,000 more GPs on board. With proper investment and reform we are turning the tide on our NHS, and patients are beginning to feel the benefit.

    We still have a long road ahead, and this government is determined to keep our foot on the gas.

    Our Plan for Change will deliver this progress, creating a Neighbourhood Health Service that puts GPs at its heart and makes sure the NHS is there for everyone, whenever they need it.

    Last month the government set out its 10 Year Health Plan which outlines the reforms government is driving forwards to get the NHS back on its feet and fit for the future. The plan will train thousands more GPs and create a new Neighbourhood Health Service, so millions of patients can be treated and cared for closer to their homes by pioneering teams – some based entirely under one roof.

    When the government came into office last year, unnecessary red tape was preventing practices from hiring newly qualified GPs, meaning more than 1,000 were due to graduate into unemployment.

    At the same time, there were also 1,399 fewer fully qualified GPs than a decade prior, with years of underfunding and neglect eroding GP services.

    The government took immediate action and invested an extra £82 million to allow networks of practices to hire GPs, with the funding continuing past this year.  

    This recruitment was made possible by the tough but fair decisions the Chancellor took at the budget to fix the foundations of the NHS, enabling the government to provide almost £26 billion to get the NHS back on its feet and make it fit for the future.

    The Plan for Change is already transforming the NHS for patients and staff. Backed by the government’s major cash injection of over £102 million, more 1,000 GP surgeries will receive over £102 million to create additional space to see more patients and deliver 8.3 million more appointments each year.

    An extra 4.6 million elective appointments have been delivered since July 2024 – over double the government’s target. The upgraded NHS App will also act as a digital front door to the health service, overhauling how people get advice, manage appointments and interact with services to make their healthcare more convenient and more personalised.

    ENDS

    NOTES TO EDITORS:

    • The ONS figures on general practice can be found here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest reforms and developments in Moldova: UK statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Latest reforms and developments in Moldova: UK statement to the OSCE, July 2025

    Ambassador Holland welcomes Moldova’s continued efforts to safeguard electoral integrity and counter foreign malign interference.

    The United Kingdom reaffirms its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, and for its European trajectory. As Moldova prepares for its parliamentary elections on 28 September, we commend the Moldovan people’s commitment to democratic reform and resilience. Moldova continues to play a constructive role in promoting stability and security across the European continent.

    Today, we are honoured to welcome President Maia Sandu to the United Kingdom for meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and His Majesty King Charles III. Her visit underscores the deepening partnership between our countries and our shared commitment to democratic values, security, and prosperity.

    We remain deeply concerned by the Russian Federation’s ongoing hybrid aggression against Moldova, including information manipulation, cyberattacks, and malign political interference. These actions aim to destabilise Moldova’s democratic institutions and obstruct its sovereign choices – behaviour that is incompatible with OSCE principles.

    We welcome Moldova’s efforts to safeguard electoral integrity and counter foreign malign interference, and we encourage continued cooperation with OSCE institutions.

    The UK continues to support Moldova’s institutional reforms, including strengthening the judiciary and anti-corruption efforts, to help build a resilient, democratic society anchored in European values. Moldova’s future must be decided by its citizens, free from coercion or intimidation.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Lloyds Bank plc: 2025 Half-Year Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Lloyds Bank plc

    2025 Half-Year Results

    24 July 2025

    Member of the Lloyds Banking Group

    CONTENTS

    Forward-looking statements 1
       
    Statutory information (IFRS)  
    Condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) 2
    Condensed consolidated income statement (unaudited) 2
       
    Financial review 3
       
    Risk management  
    Principal risks and uncertainties 5
    Capital risk 6
    Credit risk 10
    Liquidity risk 20
       
    Statutory information  
    Condensed consolidated half-year financial statements (unaudited) 21
    Condensed consolidated income statement (unaudited) 22
    Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income (unaudited) 23
    Condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) 24
    Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity (unaudited) 25
    Condensed consolidated cash flow statement (unaudited) 28
    Notes to the condensed consolidated half-year financial statements (unaudited) 29
       
    Statement of directors’ responsibilities 52
    Independent review report to Lloyds Bank Plc 53
    Contacts 54


    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the business, strategy, plans and/or results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Lloyds Bank Group) and its current goals and expectations. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about the Lloyds Bank Group’s or its directors’ and/or management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as, without limitation, ‘believes’, ‘achieves’, ‘anticipates’, ‘estimates’, ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘should’, ‘intends’, ‘aims’, ‘projects’, ‘plans’, ‘potential’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘considered’, ‘likely’, ‘may’, ‘seek’, ‘estimate’, ‘probability’, ‘goal’, ‘objective’, ‘deliver’, ‘endeavour’, ‘prospects’, ‘optimistic’ and similar expressions or variations on these expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements concern or may affect future matters, including but not limited to: projections or expectations of the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial position, including profit attributable to shareholders, provisions, economic profit, dividends, capital structure, portfolios, net interest margin, capital ratios, liquidity, risk-weighted assets (RWAs), expenditures or any other financial items or ratios; litigation, regulatory and governmental investigations; the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial performance; the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs; the Lloyds Bank Group’s ESG targets and/or commitments; statements of plans, objectives or goals of the Lloyds Bank Group or its management and other statements that are not historical fact and statements of assumptions underlying such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy, targets, plans and/or results (including but not limited to the payment of dividends) to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions in the UK and internationally (including in relation to tariffs); imposed and threatened tariffs and changes to global trade policies; acts of hostility or terrorism and responses to those acts, or other such events; geopolitical unpredictability; the war between Russia and Ukraine; the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East; the tensions between China and Taiwan; political instability including as a result of any UK general election; market related risks, trends and developments; changes in client and consumer behaviour and demand; exposure to counterparty risk; the ability to access sufficient sources of capital, liquidity and funding when required; changes to the Lloyds Bank Group’s or Lloyds Banking Group plc’s credit ratings; fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, stock markets and currencies; volatility in credit markets; volatility in the price of the Lloyds Bank Group’s securities; natural pandemic and other disasters; risks concerning borrower and counterparty credit quality; risks affecting defined benefit pension schemes; changes in laws, regulations, practices and accounting standards or taxation; changes to regulatory capital or liquidity requirements and similar contingencies; the policies and actions of governmental or regulatory authorities or courts together with any resulting impact on the future structure of the Lloyds Bank Group; risks associated with the Lloyds Bank Group’s compliance with a wide range of laws and regulations; assessment related to resolution planning requirements; risks related to regulatory actions which may be taken in the event of a bank or Lloyds Bank Group or Lloyds Banking Group failure; exposure to legal, regulatory or competition proceedings, investigations or complaints; failure to comply with anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing, anti-bribery and sanctions regulations; failure to prevent or detect any illegal or improper activities; operational risks including risks as a result of the failure of third party suppliers; conduct risk; technological changes and risks to the security of IT and operational infrastructure, systems, data and information resulting from increased threat of cyber and other attacks; technological failure; inadequate or failed internal or external processes or systems; risks relating to ESG matters, such as climate change (and achieving climate change ambitions) and decarbonisation, including the Lloyds Bank Group’s or the Lloyds Banking Group’s ability along with the government and other stakeholders to measure, manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively, and human rights issues; the impact of competitive conditions; failure to attract, retain and develop high calibre talent; the ability to achieve strategic objectives; the ability to derive cost savings and other benefits including, but without limitation, as a result of any acquisitions, disposals and other strategic transactions; inability to capture accurately the expected value from acquisitions; and assumptions and estimates that form the basis of the Lloyds Bank Group’s financial statements. A number of these influences and factors are beyond the Lloyds Bank Group’s control. Please refer to the latest Annual Report on Form 20-F filed by Lloyds Bank plc with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of certain factors and risks. Lloyds Bank plc may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in other written materials and in oral statements made by the directors, officers or employees of Lloyds Bank plc to third parties, including financial analysts. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of today’s date, and the Lloyds Bank Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The information, statements and opinions contained in this document do not constitute a public offer under any applicable law or an offer to sell any securities or financial instruments or any advice or recommendation with respect to such securities or financial instruments.


    CONTACTS

    For further information please contact:


    INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS

    Douglas Radcliffe

    Group Investor Relations Director

    020 7356 1571

    douglas.radcliffe@lloydsbanking.com

    Rohith Chandra-Rajan

    Director of Investor Relations

    07353 885 690

    rohith.chandra-rajan@lloydsbanking.com

    Nora Thoden

    Director of Investor Relations – ESG

    020 7356 2334

    nora.thoden@lloydsbanking.com

    Tom Grantham

    Investor Relations Senior Manager

    07851 440 091

    thomas.grantham@lloydsbanking.com

    Sarah Robson

    Investor Relations Senior Manager

    07494 513 983

    sarah.robson2@lloydsbanking.com


    CORPORATE AFFAIRS

    Matt Smith

    Head of Media Relations

    07788 352 487

    matt.smith@lloydsbanking.com

    Emma Fairhurst

    Media Relations Senior Manager

    07814 395 855

    emma.fairhurst@lloydsbanking.com

    Copies of this News Release may be obtained from:
    Investor Relations, Lloyds Banking Group plc, 33 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HZ
    The statement can also be found on the Group’s website – www.lloydsbankinggroup.com

    Registered office: Lloyds Bank plc, 25 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7HN
    Registered in England No. 2065

    Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the associated PDF document.

    http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/4360S_1-2025-7-24.pdf

    This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President hails BMW’s local production of plug-in hybrid as milestone for green mobility

    Source: Government of South Africa

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded BMW South Africa’s launch of the locally produced BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) as a significant leap toward a low-carbon future and a boost for South Africa’s industrial and economic growth.

    Speaking at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane on Thursday, the President praised the milestone as a symbol of trust in the country, as well as a demonstration of BMW Group’s long-standing commitment to the South African market. 

    The President highlighted that this world-class facility was the first BMW plant to be built outside of Germany and has been at the centre of the group’s operations since 1973. 

    “A number of world-class vehicles are manufactured right here at this plant, including both ICE and hybrid models from the BMW X family. And now, we have reached another milestone with the production of the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.  

    “The shift to green mobility and electrification in vehicle production is in line with commitments by countries to reduce emissions and support the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient global economy. We are greatly encouraged by this milestone reached by the BMW Group,” the President said. 

    WATCH | 

    [embedded content]

    President Ramaphosa said the Rosslyn plant remains a pillar of South Africa’s automotive sector, which contributes approximately 4.9% to the country’s GDP, sustains over 115 000 direct manufacturing jobs, and supports more than half a million jobs across its value chain.

    BMW’s investment in local manufacturing comes at a time when South Africa is working to position itself as a globally competitive hub for future mobility. 

    “As the transition to battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen mobility gathers momentum, South Africa is perfectly positioned as a key global manufacturing base for the mobility of the future,” President Ramaphosa said.

    He reaffirmed government’s commitment to enabling this shift, highlighting the recently released Electric Vehicle White Paper and an incentive programme under the Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP). 

    These are aimed at creating a stable and predictable policy environment to attract investment, grow exports, and expand the local electric vehicle (EV) market. 

    “The production of the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid locally is a testament to the trust placed in our skills, our workers, our partnerships and our potential. Let us honour this achievement by staying the course, driving transformation, creating jobs and leading Africa’s industrial future,” he said.

    President Ramaphosa also touched on the strategic opportunity presented by South Africa’s mineral wealth. 

    “The global shift to clean vehicles presents opportunities for the local component manufacturing sector, whose focus has been on ICE components. With our significant reserves of critical minerals, we must become a hub for processing and beneficiation. 

    “We are finalising targeted incentives for battery cell localisation, EV component manufacture, clean mobility research and design, and critical mineral beneficiation,” he said. 

    The President also acknowledged the changing global trade landscape – particularly the recent announcements on tariffs by the United States. 

    “The recent announcements on tariffs by the United States, an important market for our vehicle exports, further underscores the need to diversity our export base and accelerate domestic value creation,” he said. 

    Youth development

    The President commended BMW’s commitment to youth development, including its training academy that produces 300 apprentices annually, its long-term support for the Youth Employment Service (YES), and its initiatives to develop young women leaders and black industrialists. 

    He also praised BMW’s investment in digital skills through its partnership with UNICEF and its Tshwane-based IT Hub, which employs more than 2 000 digital professionals.

    “As a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service, BMW has supported over 3 500 youth, with placements across all provinces and in diverse sectors such as retail, IT, education and health. 

    “BMW’s roots may be in Bavaria, but its beating heart is South African. We are proud of your presence. We are greatly encouraged by your ongoing investment as we strive to build the low-carbon economies of the future,” the President said.

    Looking ahead

    Calling on BMW to continue its role as a flagship partner in the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), the President urged the company to deepen localisation, expand youth training, lead in EV battery development, and support township-based supplier development.

    “As the Government of National Unity, we welcome the role you continue to play in supporting our drive for inclusive growth and job creation.  

    “BMW’s presence in the country is one of mutual interest and shared value. To the entire BMW team, you are building more than cars. 

    “You are building a legacy of excellence, inclusion and hope among South Africans. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the next chapter of your journey,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £17 million financial gains for people in Dundee

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Council Advice Services in Dundee have successfully helped secure over £17 million in financial gains for people across the city.

    Compared to the previous year, there has been a 37% increase in the total amount of money put back into people’s pocket. This is largely a result of increased collaborative partnership working and more proactive community engagement.

    Significant financial gains and benefit claims were made in several key areas over the past year, including:

    • Maximising benefit uptake with Macmillan Cancer Support – over £2 million  
    • Working with Midwives and Health Visitors to identify and support people eligible for financial support – over £500,000
    • Pension Credit Take-Up campaign – over £2 million  
    • Partnership work with GP surgeries – over £3 million

    In addition, the Council’s money advisers have been working with people who are struggling with debt, offering advice and assistance to help them regain financial stability.

    As part of the proactive community engagement efforts, Council Advice Services has been holding clinics directly in local communities. These clinics are available in several locations including Lochee Hub, Broughty Ferry Library, and St Mary’s Community Centre. You can find a full list on our website.

    Welfare Rights, along with Brooksbank Centre are co-located in several GP surgeries and to make an appointment, you can call a GP surgery directly to book an appointment. You can find the full list of surgeries on our website.

    Convener of City Governance Mark Flynn said: “Getting £17 million into the pockets of people across the city is quite incredible, I know how important it will be to each family or individual to get more money, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

    “The team at the council have been working with partners to extend their proactive outreach work and target people who may be entitled to benefits that they don’t know they are. The outcome of this work is proving hugely successful in improving the financial wellbeing across our communities.  

    “I want to thank the team for all their hard work and would encourage anyone struggling or know of people who may need more help to get in touch with the council so we can see what support they may be entitled to and see how we can support them.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Drones Dominating the Skies with Increased Production Presenting a Rare Opportunity to Capitalize on Exponential Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – A recent release from the Department of Defense (DOD) said that: “The Pentagon to Increase Low-Cost Drone Production in U.S. It said that the Defense Department, with help from industry, will ramp up production and fielding of drones to maintain battlefield superiority. Recently at the Pentagon, 18 American-made drone prototypes were on display. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who toured the displays, said the drones that are manufactured using off-the-shelf components for rapid production are examples of disruptive thinking. Emil Michael, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, said the prototypes on display went from concept to development in just an average of 18 months, a process that normally takes up to six years. The department will continue to rapidly innovate and scale up production of drones and other systems using cost, resilience, firepower and range as driving factors, which are areas DOD wants to improve upon,” Michael said. Hegseth said in a July 10, 2025, memorandum that he’s rescinding restrictive policies that hindered drone production. “Drones are the biggest battlefield innovation in a generation, accounting for most of this year’s casualties in Ukraine. Our adversaries collectively produce millions of cheap drones each year,” he said, noting the U.S. military is lacking needed quantities of lethal small drones.  Active Companies in the drone industries include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRO).

    The DOD release added: “The secretary said there are three goals: Prioritizing the purchase of American-made drones and parts with help from industry’s private capital; Arming combat units with low-cost drones made by America’s world-leading engineers and artificial intelligence experts; and Training with drones in realistic battlefield scenarios, led by leaders who are not risk averse.” The report concluded: “President Donald J. Trump signed a June 6, 2025, executive order to speed up U.S. drone production using the latest innovative industry technologies. The president said he supports reducing regulatory uncertainty and streamlining approval and certification processes for safe and secure drone production. Also, the Federal Aviation Administration and DOD will coordinate to streamline the approval processes to expand access to airspace for conducting drone training, Trump said.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Partners with Eagle Point Funding to Win US Defense Customers – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a business technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Eagle Point Funding, a specialized consultancy for technology and defense-focused companies, to help win US defense contracts. By leveraging Eagle Point’s deep expertise in R&D grant program opportunities, the company will gain structured support in identifying and preparing competitive proposals, and in establishing and expanding relationships within key US defense and government agencies.

    “Our collaboration with Eagle Point Funding will accelerate testing, pilot deployments, and enable long-term procurement discussions—helping ZenaDrone to advance as a key provider of American-made drone solutions,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “Their expertise in navigating federal R&D funding programs such as SBIR and Department of Defense solicitations (DoD BAA), gives us a powerful advantage as we develop next-generation drone technologies aligned with US defense priorities. This partnership enhances our ability to accelerate product development, expand defense agency relationships, and unlock new growth without equity dilution.”

    Eagle Point Funding helps technology companies secure non-dilutive federal R&D grants and contracts from agencies such as the DoD, Air Force, Navy, and others. They specialize in programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Air Force Works (AFWERX), and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), guiding clients through the application process to win contracts.

    ZenaDrone has previously completed paid trials with the US Air Force and Navy Reserve, demonstrating its ability to deliver solutions including delivery of critical supplies such as blood in the field. The companies’ suite of drones for military use includes the ZenaDrone 1000, the IQ Nano and the IQ Square drone that are designed for a variety of applications including inspections, surveillance, reconnaissance, and indoor inventory management for warehouses and armories. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the drone industries include:

    Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY), a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing to the edge, recently announced it signed two agreements with a European defense prime contractor to expand and accelerate production of processing subsystems and components for radar and electronic warfare missions.

    In June, Mercury extended this decades-long customer relationship with a five-year agreement that will enable faster, higher-volume production of sensor processing subsystems powered by Mercury’s HDS6605 6U OpenVPX multiprocessing boards for airborne, land-based, and sea-based radar systems.

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered defense and security solutions, recently announced the successful integration of its patented AI object detection models with drone platforms selected for the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record. Safe Pro is seeking to provide the U.S. Army’s future fleet of drones with enhanced explosive threat detection, force protection and essential intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities utilizing the Company’s AI-powered computer vision technologies.

    This integration supports the U.S. Army’s evolving need for real-time threat detection and ISR capabilities across its next-generation drone fleet. Safe Pro’s proprietary computer vision technology enhances these drones with battlefield-proven AI models capable of rapidly identifying explosive threats and other hazards in complex environments.

    RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX) recently reported second quarter 2025 results. “We continued our momentum in the second quarter with organic sales and profit growth* across all three segments, including 16 percent commercial aftermarket growth,” said RTX Chairman and CEO Chris Calio. “Our backlog grew to $236 billion, up 15 percent versus prior year, and we secured major awards for our geared turbofan engines and integrated air and missile defense capabilities in the quarter.”

    “Our updated outlook reflects strong operational performance in the first half and incorporates our current assessment of the impact of tariffs. We are focused on delivering on the strong growth in our commercial and defense end markets and remain well positioned to drive long term profitable growth.”

    AIRO Group Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: AIRO), a global leader in advanced aerospace and defense technologies, recently announced at EAA AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh, WI, the development of its new middle-mile, medium-lift cargo drone and the expansion of its operations into the YMX Innovation Zone in Mirabel, Quebec. The initiative is led by its Electric Air Mobility segment, Jaunt Air Mobility, and its Canadian subsidiary, Jaunt Air Mobility Canada.

    Jaunt’s presence in this hub for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) innovation strengthens its collaboration with Vertiko Mobilité, a Canadian leader in AAM operations and ground infrastructure development, and benefits from the support of Aéroports de Montréal (ADM).

    The new cargo drone is designed to carry 250–500 lbs. over distances of 200+ miles, aiming to provide an efficient, low-emission alternative to traditional middle-mile freight solutions such as box trucks and tractor-trailers.

    About FN Media Group:

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    DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein.  FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material.  All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks.  All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers.  Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks.  For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Unimot plans to enter the defence sector – a joint project with PZL Sędziszów and a Ukrainian partner in the field of drones

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WARSAW, Poland, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PZL Defence was established on 21 July 2025 and is currently undergoing registration. On 24 July 2025, Unimot signed a letter of intent with PZL Sędziszów and PZL Defence, declaring its intention to develop strategic cooperation and build the new company’s expertise in the field of advanced defence technologies. At the same time, an agreement was concluded under which Unimot, following the registration of PZL Defence in the National Court Register, will acquire 40% of the shares in the new company for the amount of PLN 400,000. The initial shareholding structure also provides for a target share of 10% for PZL Sędziszów and 50% for the Ukrainian partner. After completion of the investment process and obtaining the necessary administrative approvals, PZL Defence plans to launch the production of civilian drones and then, after obtaining a licence, expand its activities to include military drones and anti-drone systems for the protection of critical infrastructure.

    “We see the growing importance of unmanned technologies for regional security. That is why we plan to engage in a project that combines Polish engineering resources with the unique know-how of our Ukrainian partners, proven not on a training ground but in real combat conditions,” says Adam Sikorski, President of the Management Board of Unimot.

    PZL Sędziszów (the name comes from the abbreviation: Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze, meaning Polish Aviation Works), as a licensed manufacturer for the defence sector, will contribute advanced expertise in precision engineering to the project and provide access to a new production hall adapted to the requirements of the defence industry and extensive laboratory and technological facilities. PZL Sędziszów is a plant with over 85 years of history and, based on its current military production licences, currently manufactures filters for military vehicles (Rosomak) and military helicopters from the Leonardo group.

    The team of the new company, PZL Defence, is being built with the participation of experts from Poland and Ukraine, including specialists with military and industrial experience. Ultimately, the company will establish a research and development (R&D) centre focused on the design of reconnaissance and interception drones, loitering munitions and systems for neutralising threats from unmanned aerial vehicles.

    “The PZL Defence project is a carefully considered response to the profound transformation taking place on the modern battlefield. Since 2022, Russia has deployed over 28,000 Shahed drones against Ukraine, and according to Ukrainian intelligence, this number could soon rise to over 500 drones every night. This clearly shows that anti-drone systems are becoming an integral part of modern defence, both offensive and defensive. Together with our partners, we want to develop technologies that provide a real response to these challenges,” emphasises Adam Sikorski.

    The planned activities are in line with the long-term trend of increasing defence spending, both in Poland and across Europe. In 2025, Poland’s defence budget will reach a record PLN 186.6 billion, which is 4.7% of the planned GDP. In the following years, spending is expected to grow – according to estimates, in 2025–2035 it may reach a total of PLN 1.9 trillion. The PZL Defence project is also in line with EU priorities such as the Readiness 2030 programme and the SAFE mechanism, which aim to allocate up to EUR 800 billion to investments in the European defence industry, with access to financial resources, EIB instruments and a flexible budgetary framework.

    CONTACT:
    Agnieszka Pawelska
    rzecznik prasowy
    tel. + 48 695 102 997
    e-mail: pr@unimot.pl
    https://www.unimot.pl/

    Source: UNIMOT S.A.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1fc0953e-992e-47b1-80cb-cf9d1278580c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference with President von der Leyen following the EU-China Summit in Beijing

    Source: Council of the European Union

    European Council President António Costa held a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, following the EU-China summit held in Beijing on 24 July 2025. In his remarks, President Costa underlined the importance of the EU-China relationship.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report by the Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe: UK Response, July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Report by the Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe: UK Response, July 2025

    Ambassador Holland welcomes the OSCE Programme Office’s engagement with the Government of Tajikistan during the reporting period, and its continued focus on promoting gender equality, fostering cross-border cooperation and supporting penal reforms.

    Thank you, Madam Chair.

    I warmly welcome Ms. Turcan to the Permanent Council and thank you for stepping into the leadership role during this transitional period. Strong leadership and reliable resourcing are essential for OSCE field missions to function effectively. We again urge participating States to resolve the budget impasse and ensure all OSCE institutions – including the Border Management Staff College – are adequately funded.

    I would like to highlight several areas of the Programme Office’s work that are of particular importance to the UK.

    First, the Mission’s efforts to promote gender equality and support survivors of domestic violence through Women’s Resource Centres and police capacity building. These centres provide vital shelter and services, helping women escape cycles of abuse and rebuild their lives. The UK remains deeply committed to addressing gender-based violence.

    Second, the Programme Office’s role in fostering cross-border cooperation and regional security. We commend Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic for their leadership in peacefully resolving border disputes. These diplomatic achievements underscore the value of dialogue. The UK remains committed to working with Tajikistan, its neighbours, and the OSCE to address regional challenges, including those stemming from Afghanistan.

    Third, we commend the Mission’s work in the human dimension, particularly on penal reform and embedding human rights in government training. We also welcome efforts to strengthen media standards. We note with regret that ODIHR’s observation mission were unable to implement their mandate for the elections in March and encourage all relevant parties to facilitate the required access in the future.

    I would also like to commend the Government of Tajikistan for their continued leadership on climate and water security, not least demonstrated by their co-hosting of the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation earlier this year resulting in the adoption of the Dushanbe Declaration. As climate change makes water access more competitive and harder to manage, cooperation and solutions become more vital.

    Finally, we support Tajikistan’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth. Achieving this requires a stable, transparent investment climate grounded in the rule of law. This will attract quality foreign investment and create clean, inclusive growth for Tajik citizens.

    Madam Chair, in closing, I thank Ms. Turcan again for her report and wish her continued success.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: McCuddy’s Marine Insurance Partners with Applied to Promote Agency Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced that McCuddy’s Marine Insurance has selected Applied Epic as its foundational agency management system to standardize their business operations to drive efficiencies of scale. The newly founded agency will leverage Applied Epic’s automated workflows to make day-to-day policy management tasks consistent and faster, allowing all staff a consistent experience from day one and an easy system to onboard and train as they grow their operations in the future.

    “As a young agency managing an influx of new clients, I needed a management system that would meet my current needs so I can get off the ground quickly, while still giving me room for growth as I looked towards the future of my business,” said Max McCuddy, chief executive officer, McCuddy’s Marine Insurance. “Applied Epic’s automated capabilities will enable me to create consistent, streamlined policy management and renewals processes that save time for my small staff now and make it easy to onboard new producers and account managers joining the team in the future.”

    Applied Epic and its Digital Agency technologies deliver the most technologically advanced suite of software applications to independent insurance agencies to enable faster and more profitable growth. Applied’s suite of applications provides essential capabilities for each stakeholder within an agency to manage client relationships, sales opportunities, market appetite search, quoting, financial accounting, and policy and benefits administration more effectively across all lines of business. Built on leading cloud technology, Applied Epic offers a comprehensive view of client and prospect information and delivers internal workflows through a modern user experience, enabling users to drive greater efficiencies and business value across the entire enterprise.

    “It’s important that new businesses not get bogged down in inefficient, disconnected paper-driven processes that take time away from higher-value tasks,” said Anupam Gupta, chief product officer, Applied Systems. “Using Applied Epic as its foundational management system, staff at McCuddy’s Marine Insurance will be able to run back-end processes smoothly and optimize their time to focus on new growth opportunities.”

    # # #

    The Applied products and logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S.

    About Applied Systems
    Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

    About McCuddy’s Marine Insurance Partners
    Max McCuddy, founder and chief executive officer of McCuddy’s Marine Insurance, grew up in the marine industry. His grandfather started McCuddy’s Marina in the 1950s, which now operates as one of the largest privately owned marinas in the Pacific Northwest. Having always been entrepreneurial, Max decided to get into the insurance industry after personally experiencing a lack of local insurance agents who specialized in marine risks. Max’s mission is to become the go-to marine insurance agency in the Pacific Northwest, with a long-term vision of becoming the #1 marine insurance agency in the country.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Business coalition calls for 25% cut in the cost of red tape by 2030

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Business, universities, and investors have jointly urged the federal government to commit to cutting the cost of red tape by 25% by 2030, in a submission for next month’s Economic Reform Roundtable.

    The push to reduce regulation is in line with action by the EU and the United Kingdom’s Labour government, the submission says.

    “Cutting red tape means faster home builds, quicker loan approvals, and lower prices at the checkout,” it says.

    “For Australians, it’s the difference between waiting months or days for a service, and it ensures growth isn’t choked by unnecessary or outdated processes that haven’t kept up with the modern world.”

    The need to push against red tape is highlighted in the recently-published book Abundance by Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein. The book has impressed Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who has urged his colleagues to read it.

    The coalition of 27 groups includes small, medium and large businesses, universities and the investment community. The united approach is an attempt by business to avoid being divided and trapped at the roundtable, as business felt it was at the 2022 Jobs and Skills summit.

    On taxation, the submission proposes a three-month review, supported by Treasury, the Productivity Commission, business representatives and other stakeholders to “kick start” comprehensive tax reform.

    The exercise would be underpinned by principles that encouraged investment and economic growth.

    Business has become concerned the roundtable could be a way of seeking support for tax increases rather than comprehensive tax reform.

    The submission says tax reform and the trade offs involved, should not be pursued separately from measures to promote efficiency and spending restraint to “ensure government lives within its means”.

    Tax reform should support the dynamism and productivity of Australian individuals and businesses”, the submission says.

    Revenue should be raised with the least possible cost to society, and there should be minimum distortions to work, savings and investment.

    Among other proposals, the coalition urges a boost to investment and innovation by reforming the handling of R&D.

    It says there should be a national strategy to boost Australia’s investment competitiveness.

    The submission backs reforming the framework for environmental and planning approvals. It says there should be a “single, predictable, and transparent approval pathway that provides timely and certain decisions.”

    “Our economic rule book is out of date. If we don’t fix it, not only will Australians struggle to get ahead in life, but future generations are at risk of missing out on the quality of life we enjoy today,” the joint group of industry associations says.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Business coalition calls for 25% cut in the cost of red tape by 2030 – https://theconversation.com/business-coalition-calls-for-25-cut-in-the-cost-of-red-tape-by-2030-259688

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for evidence: An inspection of refusals and cancellations of permission to enter the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Call for evidence: An inspection of refusals and cancellations of permission to enter the UK

    The ICIBI invites anyone with knowledge or first-hand experience of refusals and cancellations of permission to enter the UK to submit evidence to contribute to this inspection by close of play 20 August 2025.

    The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) has begun an inspection of refusals and cancellations of permission to enter the UK. 

    As Independent Chief Inspector, I am inviting anyone with knowledge or first-hand experience of refusals and cancellations of permission to enter the UK to submit evidence to inform this inspection. I would be pleased to hear about both what is working well and what could be improved in the following areas:  

    • the role of Border Force officers in refusing and cancelling permission to enter the UK at airports, seaports and juxtaposed controls 

    • the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of current practice 

    • the impact of carrier checks for organisations and passengers 

    • the impact of digitisation of the border on the ability of Border Force officers to identify individuals whose permission to enter the UK should be refused or cancelled 

    These areas of interest are not exhaustive, and I welcome submissions that touch on other points. Information received in response to this call for evidence will play an important part in defining the precise scope and focus of the inspection.   

    This call for evidence will remain open until 20 August 2025.  

    The information you submit may be quoted in the final inspection report, but it is the ICIBI’s practice not to name sources and to anonymise as much as possible any examples or case studies.  

    Please click here  to email your submission to the Independent Chief Inspector.  

    Please note: The ICIBI’s statutory remit does not extend to investigating or making decisions about individual cases or applications for asylum. This remains a Home Office responsibility. The Chief Inspector is interested in hearing from people with lived experience of refusals and cancellations of permission to enter the UK, to the extent that they illustrate or point to systemic problems. 

    Data Protection  

    Information on how we process personal data submitted in response to a call for evidence can be found in the ICIBI privacy information notice available on the ICIBI website.  

    David Bolt CBE, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

    24 July 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Old pontoon and link bridge at Mount Batten Pier to go

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Work will start next week (last week of July) to remove the old link bridge and pontoon at Mount Batten Pier.

    The structure has been closed to the public since last spring and ferry services rerouted to the landing stage at the Mount Batten Water Sports and Activities Centre nearby.

    An investigation earlier this year found that cracks detected within the bridge link to the pontoon had opened up significantly and could break at any time, posing a risk to marine traffic in the vicinity. Bracing works were carried out to the structure as a temporary measure while options were considered.

    Marine traffic were made aware and asked to keep their distance from the structure.

    The Council has been looking at the logistics of removing the bridge and pontoon and following a competitive tender process, has now entered into an arrangement to transfer ownership of the bridge and pontoon to Voyager Marine, who will also carry out the works to safely remove the structure.

    Logistics are being finalised but this move expected to start next week, subject to tide and weather.

    The Mount Batten Water Taxi service has been using the Mount Batten Sailing and Watersports Centre pontoon to operate since the closure.

    The link bridge will be removed by barge when high tide facilitates this and will be towed away, with the pontoon, to Voyager Boat Yard where they will be repurposed. The work will also involve removal of the piles below the seabed.

    The Plymouth Sound National Marine Park project have plans in train to replace the centre’s pontoon with a new structure. These plans have been extended to include extra provision for the Mount Batten Water Taxi to enable a return to a full service.

    The Council, is working in partnership on the project with the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and the Mount Batten Centre and its board. Detailed onsite investigations have been carried out and the Council has issued a tender for work to build a new pontoon, with associated seabed infrastructure.

    The contract is expected to be awarded later this summer.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth Taxi Licensing Team first Council service to earn community safety accreditation

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council’s Taxi Licensing Team is set to play a greater role in keeping the public safe, thanks to new powers granted through the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) accredited by Devon and Cornwall Police.

    The accreditation recognises the team’s ability to support frontline safety efforts and gives officers additional tools to help tackle anti-social behaviour, manage traffic incidents, and work more closely with police.

    CSAS gives trained Council officers limited police powers, enabling them to respond more effectively to issues that affect residents and visitors across the city.

    Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety for Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our Taxi Licensing Team and a real boost for community safety in Plymouth. By equipping our officers with additional powers and training, we’re making sure they can respond quickly and effectively to issues that matter to residents. It’s about being proactive, visible, and working hand-in-hand with the police to keep people safe.”

    The team has undergone an assessed training with police colleagues, including traffic management and public engagement. Once accredited, officers will be able to:

    • Request name and address in cases of anti-social behaviour
    • Power to stop and direct traffic to protect public safety
    • Require names and addresses for individuals not complying with the above requests
    • Share and access relevant intelligence with Devon and Cornwall Police

    These new powers will help the team respond more effectively to incidents, increase partnership working between the council and provide a more visible uniformed presence in the community. Officers will continue to wear their standard uniforms, which will now display the CSAS logo as well as carrying police-approved ID badges and powers cards to reflect their new responsibilities.

    The scheme has already proven successful in other parts of the country, and across Devon and Cornwall, and Plymouth’s adoption marks a significant step forward in local efforts to build safer, more resilient communities.

    Find out more about CSAS and other schemes in Plymouth and the surrounding area by visiting www.dc.police.uk/csas

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tree-mendous news from Armada Way!

    Source: City of Plymouth

    We’re branching out again! Over the next few days over 40 new trees will be taking root in Armada Way, adding even more leafy loveliness to the city centre. Here’s the lowdown on our latest green arrivals:

    • Magnolia Kobus – These beauties are blooming marvellous!
    • Alders – Perfectly planted in rain gardens, because they absolutely love a good soak.
    • Himalayan Birch – Forming a stunning copse grove, surrounded by rain gardens for that extra splash of nature.
    • ‘New Horizon’ Elms – Specially bred to thrive in city settings and resistant to Dutch Elm disease, adding strength and structure to the landscape
    • Red Maple – a one-of-a-kind showstopper in the scheme marking the new mobility hub.
    • London Plane – the tallest and most majestic of them all, this striking specimen will be the crown jewel of Armada Way’s canopy.

    These trees have been specially chosen to thrive in a city centre setting, boosting biodiversity and bringing shade, shelter, and seasonal colour to Armada Way. All this in time for the countdown of the big reveal! The first section of the Armada Way regeneration scheme opens on Thursday 31 July! 

    The first zone around the Phoenix Fountain – which includes the brand-new amphitheatre and performance space – will be ready to welcome you. Expect pop-up events, live music, and plenty of reasons to stop and enjoy the space.

    It’s a tree-rific time to be in Plymouth!

    Planting trees in the summer

    We know that there are a lot of questions as to why we’re planting trees in Armada Way this summer.

    We know summer isn’t the ideal time to plant trees – normally, it’s better to do it in the cooler, dormant months. But because Armada Way is such a complex and busy part of the city, we’ve had to carefully plan the work to avoid too much disruption for residents, businesses and everyone who uses the city centre. That means some of the tree planting is happening now, during the growing season.

    We’re not taking any chances though. Our team has worked closely with tree experts, nurseries and contractors to make sure the trees have the best possible chance to thrive. Here’s what we’re doing:

    • Quick turnaround: Trees are being planted as soon as they arrive, so they’re not left out of the ground for long.
    • Top-quality trees: We’ve chosen strong, healthy trees from trusted nurseries that are used to growing for urban environments.
    • Specialist planting team: The people planting the trees are experienced and using the right tools and techniques.
    • Container-grown trees: Where we can, we’re using trees that have been grown in containers, which makes them more adaptable to being planted in summer.
    • Better soil: We’ve used specially engineered soil that holds moisture and nutrients, and we’ve made sure the roots have plenty of space to grow.
    • Boosting root health: We’ve added natural fungi to the soil to help the roots absorb water and nutrients more easily.
    • Smart watering: A built-in irrigation system is in place to keep the trees well-watered, and we’re also using misting during heatwaves.
    • Mulch magic: A layer of mulch around each tree helps keep the soil moist and stops weeds from taking over.
    • Regular checks: Our team is keeping a close eye on the planting to make sure everything’s done properly and the trees are settling in well.

    We’re also being realistic. Even with all these measures, planting trees in a city centre during summer is tough – especially with the kind of heatwaves we’ve had this year.

    That’s why we’ve got a two-year aftercare plan in place. If any trees don’t make it, they’ll be replaced.

    This is all part of making Armada Way greener, more welcoming and better for the future. Thanks for bearing with us while we get it done.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen Art Gallery welcomes one millionth visitor

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen Art Gallery has welcomed its one millionth visitor since re-opening in November 2019 following its landmark redevelopment.  
    Eleanor Watson of Giffnock was visiting with her sister and nephew. They were met by Helen Fotherghill, Service Manager – Archives Gallery & Museums, who presented Dorothy with a certificate for an artwork which will be ‘adopted’ in her name – A Ground Swell, Carradale, by William McTaggart, which is on display in the French Impressions gallery. Eleanor also received a goody bag of Tall Ships commemorative items.  
     
    Visitor numbers to the Art Gallery swelled during the Tall Ships Races weekend, with the Gallery offering extended opening hours until 8pm during the event for visitors to enjoy the Monsters of the Deep exhibition and Festival of the Sea events. 
     
    Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said, “The re-imagined Art Gallery, with its outstanding collection, is the city’s flagship cultural venue. I’m delighted to share the news of this major milestone and offer my congratulations to Eleanor Watson on being the millionth visitor. The Art Gallery is a safe, accessible, public space in the heart of the city where you can see great art for free. We want everyone to feel welcome here and we look forward to inspiring and delighting the next million visitors.”  
     
    Commenting on being the millionth visitor, Eleanor said, “I’m thrilled and honoured to be the one millionth visitor. This is my first visit to the Gallery, but my nephew Eoin, who lives in Aberdeen, is a regular visitor, and he suggested we come today. I’m delighted to have this beautiful painting by William McTaggart adopted in my name to commemorate the milestone. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the artist and to visiting again when we’re next in Aberdeen.”  
     
    Eleanor’s nephew, Eoin, said, “The Gallery has been a very important place for me. I visited with my mother from early childhood. I lost both my parents to cancer at a young age and have been away from Aberdeen for some 30 years. Recently returning to the city I am extremely grateful I rediscovered the Gallery. I have faced a number of personal challenges this year and the Saturday morning Artroom sessions at the Gallery run by Elaine from Grampian Hospitals Art Trust, which I have attended for a couple of months, have shone a light in my life. It is so apt and somewhat overwhelming that walking through the door with my Aunts, showing them where Mum and I spent time together, that Eleanor should be singled out as the millionth visitor since reopening.” 
     
    Aberdeen City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund were the major funders of the Art Gallery redevelopment, with support from many other trusts, foundations, corporate and individual donors. The much-loved building, which was designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie and originally opened in 1885, was completely re-imagined by internationally-acclaimed Hoskins Architects and exhibition designers Studioarc.  
     
    Notable milestones and successes since the re-opening include: 

    2020 – joint winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 
    2021 – only Scottish venue for the prestigious British Art Show 9; named Building of the Year by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland  
    2022 – shortlisted for European Museum of the Year 
    2023 – presented the major special exhibitions Galloway Hoard – Viking Age Treasures (on loan from National Museums Scotland) and Book of Deer, one of the principle antiquities of Celtic Scotland (on loan from Cambridge University Library); named Best Visitor Attraction – Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Thistle awards  
    2024 – acquired a ceramic pot by celebrated British Artist Sir Grayson Perry 
    2025 – offered new experiences for visitors – All Fired Up interactive display of studio ceramics and the McBey reference library, supported by volunteers; achieved Gold level Green Tourism Award  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 50 years on from the signing of the Helsinki Final Act Russia fails to live up to its promises: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    50 years on from the signing of the Helsinki Final Act Russia fails to live up to its promises: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland commits to continuing to highlight and condemn Russia’s attacks against Ukraine for as long as Russia insists on carrying them out. Doing so is necessary because of the obvious humanitarian imperative but it is also a question of living up to our promises to one another when we signed the Helsinki Final Act.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Mr Chair, there have been 120 Permanent Councils and 46 Special and Reinforced Permanent Councils since Russia launched its illegal full scale war of aggression on Ukraine in February 2022.  The UK has spoken on each of these occasions, highlighting Russia’s violation of the Helsinki principles and the Final Act.

    Next week we gather in Helsinki to mark 50 years of the signature of the Final Act. This should have been a moment to reflect on its positive and historic legacy; alongside the UN and Paris Charters, it has set the standards by which we should treat each other and our citizenry. Instead we are travelling to Finland with drones still pummelling Ukrainian civilian targets indiscriminately and an unapologetic Russia refusing to take the outstretched hand of peace offered to them by the victim of their aggression, Ukraine.

    The UK deeply regrets that there is still no sign of a let up in these attacks on civilians. One of the latest of these was an attack on the entrance to a metro station providing shelter to Ukrainian civilians escaping Russian bombardment. The Russian State evidently want as many Ukrainian people to be terrorised as possible. The UK will continue to highlight and condemn them for as long as Russia insists on carrying them out. As well as an obvious humanitarian imperative, doing so is also a question of living up to our promises to one another when we signed the Helsinki Final Act.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China hopes Thailand and Cambodia can properly resolve dispute through dialogue, MFA says

    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 24 (Xinhua) — China is deeply concerned about the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and hopes the two countries can properly resolve the dispute through dialogue and consultation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Thursday.

    Calling Thailand and Cambodia China’s friendly neighbors and important members of ASEAN, the Chinese diplomat noted that good-neighborliness and proper settlement of differences are in the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides.

    In view of the common interests and concerns of countries in the region, China, in a fair and impartial position, continues to make efforts to promote reconciliation and peace talks, thereby playing a constructive role in easing tensions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed. -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 publishes report on research into building SCO community of common destiny

    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

    ZHENGZHOU, July 24 (Xinhua) — A research report on building a community with a shared future for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was released by a think tank in China on Thursday, calling for a closer regional community with a shared future and focusing on expanding dialogue among civilizations and people-to-people cooperation.

    The document was released by the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province, central China.

    The report notes that building a community of shared destiny for the SCO is an important step in line with the flow of history and a significant conceptual innovation in contemporary international relations. It is necessary to formulate a framework for action aimed at promoting regional cooperation through stability and achieving regional prosperity through development.

    In order to fully realize the high-quality platform function of the SCO, all member states should accumulate collective strength while taking into account their own interests, the document added.

    According to the report, the SCO member states have different cultural traditions. They should attach great importance to organizing a broad dialogue among civilizations and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science and technology, sports, expand exchanges between different groups of people, especially between the media and youth, and continue to hold high-level forums of people’s diplomacy, media forums, youth forums and women’s forums.

    The report emphasizes that in order to improve the regional governance system and make joint efforts to implement modernization, it is necessary to clearly understand the differences between the current major tasks and long-term goals for the future. A series of small-scale but effective projects for improving the people’s well-being of the member states of the organization should be implemented to demonstrate the most significant signs of building a community of common destiny of the SCO. -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: Flash: Xi Jinping sends condolence telegram to Russian President Vladimir Putin over Russian passenger plane crash

    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

    Xinhua | 24.07.2025

    Key words: China-Russia

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: Xi Jinping sends telegram of condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over Russian passenger plane crash Flash: Xi Jinping sends telegram of condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin over Russian passenger plane crash

    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: Explosion in northwest Syria, casualty toll under investigation

    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

    DAMASCUS, July 24 (Xinhua) — A powerful explosion rocked northwestern Syria’s Idlib province on Thursday, causing casualties and causing fires near the town of Maarat Misreen, Syrian state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV reported.

    Idlib’s Disaster Management Authority confirmed that the blast, whose cause has not yet been determined, killed and injured people. Private Syria TV reported that the blast likely occurred at an ammunition depot in the area.

    The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported an unidentified aircraft flying over the region at the time of the explosion, although no official statement has confirmed the airstrike.

    The number of victims and the cause of the explosion are being determined. –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: Primech Holdings Announces Fiscal Year 2025 Results, Contracted Revenue Backlog at $120.8 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Primech Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: PMEC), an established technology-driven facilities-services provider to public and private-sector customers in Singapore, today reported audited financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.

    FY 2025 Highlights:

    • Revenue grew 2.5% to $74.3 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, compared with revenue of $72.5 million in fiscal year 2024.
    • Gross profit margin expanded 130 basis points to 23.6% as technology adoption and grant support offset wage pressures.
    • Net loss narrowed 40% to $2.2 million, or $(0.05) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.2 million, or $(0.10) per share.
    • Cash and cash equivalents increased by 32.7% to $10.1 million; total assets were $41.2 million, and total liabilities were $26.5 million.
    • Future contracted revenue, scheduled for recognition in FY 2026 and onward, totals $120.8 million, providing multi-year visibility.

    Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results:

    Financial Metrics (US$ millions, except per share data) FY 2025 FY 2024 Change
    Revenue $74.3 $72.5 +2.5%
    Gross profit $17.5 $16.0 +9.8%
    Gross profit margin 23.6% 22.0% +160 bps
    Operating loss $(0.9) $(2.8) +65.9% improvement
    Net loss $(2.2) $(3.2) +31.1% improvement
    Basic & diluted EPS $(0.05) $(0.10) +50.0% improvement
    Cash & cash equivalents $10.1 $7.6 +32.6%
           

    Primech A&P Highlights:

    • Over $18.9 million in new contracts secured during fiscal year 2025, including a major contract extension worth $8.3 million
    • Industry recognition achievements, including ASEAN Public Toilet Award for Newton Food Centre management and LOO Awards 2024 Best Market Award
    • Sustainability leadership with nomination as a finalist for the Singapore Apex Corporate Sustainability Awards in the “LowCarbonSG” category
    • Strategic partnerships, including membership in the Singapore International Facility Management Association (SIFMA)

    Primech AI Highlights:

    • Revolutionary HYTRON robot launch with successful deployments at Temasek Polytechnic, a major Singapore shopping mall, and one of Singapore’s largest hospitals
    • Global expansion achievements, including partnerships in Hong Kong (Chinachem Group), Japan (Golden Rim Investment), and Europe (TCOrobotics GmbH covering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland)
    • Technology excellence recognition, winning the Robotics category at the Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards 2025
    • Advanced AI integration incorporating NVIDIA Jetson Orin technology components for enhanced robotics performance
    • Manufacturing scale-up with a China production partnership targeting 300 robots’ initial production capacity
    • Product innovation with the launch of the compact HYTRON Lite model optimized for space-constrained environments

    CEO Commentary
    “Primech delivered resilient top-line growth and achieved a significant improvement in our bottom line during our second year as a public company,” said Mr. Kin Wai Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “More importantly, this year marked our dramatic transformation into a technology-first organization through our revolutionary HYTRON AI-powered cleaning robots and aggressive global expansion strategy. We’ve evolved from a traditional facilities services company into an innovative robotics and automation leader.”

    “Our HYTRON technology represents the future of commercial cleaning. We’ve successfully deployed robots at prestigious locations and established partnerships across Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Europe. With our three-phase expansion plan and $120.8 million of contracted backlog, we are positioned to return to profitability and capture significant market share in the rapidly growing global service robotics sector.”

    Future Contracted Revenues
    As of March 31, 2025, our contracted revenues for future fulfilment were approximately $120.8 million. The following table provides a breakdown of the value of our contracted revenues, which we estimate will be fulfilled in FY2026, FY2027, and subsequent years, subject to cancellations or other contractual changes that are not presently foreseeable. Our order book as of any particular date is not indicative of our revenue for succeeding periods, as secured contracts are subject to cancellations, deferrals, or early terminations by our customers:

      ($’000) (%)
    Estimated amount of services contracted for at April 1, 2025 to be recorded in revenue for FY ending March 31,
    2026    		 59,876 49.5
    Estimated amount of services contracted for at April 1, 2026 to be recorded in revenue for FY ending March 31,
    2027    		 34,069 28.2
    Estimated amount of services contracted for at April 1, 2027 to be recorded in revenue for FY ending March 31,
    2028    		 26,899 22.3
      120,844 100.0
         

    Annual Report on Form 20-F
    The Company will file its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 with the Securities and Exchange Commission later today, which can be accessed on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov and on Primech’s investor relations website at https://investor.primechholdings.com/filings/. 

    About Primech Holdings Limited
    Headquartered in Singapore, Primech Holdings Limited is a leading provider of comprehensive technology-driven facilities services, predominantly serving both public and private sectors throughout Singapore. Primech Holdings offers an extensive range of services tailored to meet the complex demands of its diverse clientele. Services include advanced general facility maintenance services, specialized cleaning solutions such as marble polishing and facade cleaning, meticulous stewarding services, and targeted cleaning services for offices and homes. Known for its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Primech Holdings integrates eco-friendly practices and smart technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction. This strategic approach positions Primech Holdings as a leader in the industry and a proactive contributor to advancing industry standards and practices in Singapore and beyond. For more information, visit www.primechholdings.com.    

    About Primech AI
    Primech AI is a leading robotics company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in technology. With a team of passionate individuals and a commitment to collaboration, Primech AI is poised to revolutionize the robotics industry with groundbreaking solutions that make a meaningful impact on society. For more information, visit www.primech.ai.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about completing the acquisition, anticipated revenues, growth, and expansion. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are also based on assumptions regarding the Company’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    Company Contact:
    Email: ir@primech.com.sg

    Investor Relations Contact:        
    Matthew Abenante, IRC
    President                                        
    Strategic Investor Relations, LLC                                         
    Tel: 347-947-2093
    Email: matthew@strategic-ir.com

     
    ***tables follow***
    Primech Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands except share data, U.S. dollars)
     
        As of March 31,  
        2025     2024  
    Assets            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 10,145     $ 7,648  
    Accounts receivable, net (including unbilled receivable of $3,520 and $4,068)     15,633       18,452  
    Government subsidies receivable     1,485       1,368  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,700       3,810  
    Inventories     44       55  
    Total current assets     29,007       31,333  
                     
    Non-current assets                
    Property and equipment, net     9,686       10,082  
    Right of use assets     2,114       3,406  
    Goodwill     391       667  
    Intangible assets, net     2       21  
    Total assets   $ 41,200     $ 45,509  
                     
    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                
    Current liabilities                
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 10,330     $ 9,406  
    Notes payable-current portion     8,481       11,277  
    Lease liabilities-current portion     1,595       2,059  
    Income tax liabilities     461       —  
    Total current liabilities     20,742       22,742  
                     
    Non-current liabilities                
    Notes payable-long term     4,331       5,705  
    Lease liabilities-long term     1,068       1,752  
    Deferred tax liability     255       251  
    Total liabilities     26,521       30,450  
                     
    Shareholders’ Equity                
    Common Stock, 38,417,987 and 35,550,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively,     23,961       22,193  
    Additional paid-in capital     924       924  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     995       923  
    Accumulated deficit     (10,991 )     (9,049 )
    Total Primech Holdings Limited shareholders’ equity     14,889       14,991  
                     
    Non-controlling interests     (210 )      68  
    Total shareholders’ equity     14,679       15,059  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 41,200     $ 45,509  
     
    Primech Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Operations and other Comprehensive Loss
    (in thousands except share and per share data, U.S. dollars)
     
        For the Years Ended
    March 31,    		  
        2025     2024  
    Revenues            
    Revenues, net   $ 74,349     $ 72,524  
                     
    Operating costs and expenses                
    Cost of revenue (net of $4,148 and $2,550 of government subsidies)     56,823       59,915  
    General and administrative expenses (net of $318 and $68 of government subsidies)     16,176       13,160  
    Sales and marketing expenses     2,007       2,231  
    Goodwill impairment     291       —  
    Total operating costs and expenses     75,297       75,306  
    Loss from operations     (948 )     (2,782 )
    Other operating income, net (includes $8 and $202 of government subsidies)     (27 )      211  
    Interest expense     (789 )     (1,145 )
    Loss before income taxes     (1,764 )     (3,716 )
    Income tax benefit     (456 )      493  
    Net loss     (2,220 )     (3,223 )
    (Profit)/ loss attributable to non-controlling interests     278       (16 ) 
    Net loss attributable to Primech Holdings Limited     (1,942 )     (3,239 )
    Total foreign currency translation adjustment     72       (24 ) 
    Comprehensive loss   $ (1,870 )     (3,263 )
                     
    Earnings loss per share:                
    Basic and diluted   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.10 )
                     
    Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding:                
    Basic and Diluted     37,584,000       33,929,000  
     
    Primech Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands except share data, U.S. dollars)
     
        For the Years Ended
     March 31,    		  
        2025     2024  
    Cash flows from operating activities:            
    Net loss   $ (2,220 )   $ (3,223 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
    Depreciation of property and equipment     1,483       1,640  
    Amortization of right of use assets     2,479       2,203  
    Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment     1       (13 )
    Amortization of intangible assets     29       29  
    Share based payment     1,768       —  
    Provision for doubtful accounts     31       —  
    Impairment of Goodwill     291       —  
                     
    Change in operating assets and liabilities:                
    Deferred tax liability     —       (454 ) 
    Accounts receivable     2,888       (3,330 )
    Government subsidies receivables     (111 )      290  
    Prepaid expenses & other current assets     2,132       (2,657 ) 
    Inventories     11       84  
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     879       (1,329 ) 
    Operating lease liability     (2,731 )     (2,322 )
    Tax payable     462       —  
    Net cash used in operating activities     7,382       (9,082 )
                     
    Cash flows from investing activities:                
    Acquisition of property and equipment     (1,098 )     (909 )
    Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     67       102  
    Net cash used in investing activities     (1,031 )     (807 )
                     
    Cash flows from financing activities:                
    Net Proceeds from issue of new shares     —       9,473  
    Deferred offering costs     —       545  
    Payment of finance lease liabilities     (126 )     (86 )
    Repayment of bank loans     (159,107 )     (3,163 )
    Proceeds from bank loans     154,846       1,412  
    Net cash provided by financing activities     (4,387 )      8,181  
                     
    Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     1,963       (1,708 ) 
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents     533       284  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     7,648       9,072  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   $ 10,145     $ 7,648  
                     
    Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions                
    Acquisition of equipment under finance leases     367       173  
    Recognition of Right of use assets and liabilities     1,167       2,553  

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