Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Black Swan Graphene Inc. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Black Swan Graphene Inc. (“Black Swan”) (TSX-V: SWAN; OTCQX: BSWGF), a company focused on the large-scale production and commercialization of patented high-performance and low-cost graphene products, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Black Swan upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB® Venture Market.

    Black Swan begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “BSWGF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    The OTCQX Market is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. Graduating to the OTCQX Market from the OTCQB Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among U.S. investors.

    “We are pleased to commence trading on OTCQX, an important step in broadening our reach with U.S. investors and increasing visibility for Black Swan,” said Simon Marcotte, President and CEO of Black Swan. “This milestone aligns with our strategy to expand our global presence, strengthen shareholder engagement, and support the development of advanced graphene applications across key industries.”

    About Black Swan Graphene Inc.

    Black Swan is focused on the large-scale production and commercialization of patented high-performance and low-cost graphene products aimed at several volume driven industrial sectors, including concrete, polymers, and others. Black Swan’s graphene processing technology was developed by Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. (“Thomas Swan”) over the last decade. Thomas Swan is a United Kingdom-based global chemicals manufacturer with a century-long track record and a reputation for being at the forefront of advanced materials and graphene innovation. Since 2024, Black Swan has launched seven commercially available Graphene Enhanced Masterbatch (GEM) polymer products which are currently being tested by several international clients.
    More information is available at: www.blackswangraphene.com.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.

    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market, and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

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    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Sudan: Advanced Chinese weaponry provided by UAE identified in breach of arms embargo – new investigation

    Source: Amnesty International –

    • Norinco Group guided bombs and howitzers used in attacks
    • Weapons almost certainly provided by UAE to RSF in Sudan
    • “Civilians are being killed and injured because of global inaction” – Brian Castner

    Sophisticated Chinese weaponry, re-exported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been captured in Khartoum, as well as used in Darfur in a blatant breach of the existing UN arms embargo, Amnesty International said following a new investigation.

    By analysing pictures and videos showing the aftermath of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Amnesty International identified Chinese GB50A guided bombs and 155mm AH-4 howitzers. This is the first time GB50A bombs have been documented in active use in any conflict worldwide. The weapons are manufactured by the Norinco Group, also known as China North Industries Group Corporation Limited, a Chinese state-owned defence corporation. The weapons were almost certainly re-exported to Sudan by the UAE.

    “This is clear evidence that sophisticated Chinese-made guided bombs and howitzers have been used in Sudan,” said Brian Castner, Head of Crisis Research at Amnesty International.

    “The presence of recently manufactured Chinese bombs in North Darfur is a clear violation of the arms embargo by the UAE. Our documentation of AH-4 howitzers in Khartoum further strengthens a growing body of evidence showing extensive UAE support to the RSF, in violation of international law.

    “It is shameful that the UN Security Council is failing to implement the existing  arms embargo on Darfur, and not heeding calls to extend it to all of Sudan. Civilians are being killed and injured because of global inaction, while the UAE continues to flout the embargo. The UAE must halt its arms transfers to the RSF immediately. Until they do, all international arms transfer to the UAE must also stop.”

    This is clear evidence that sophisticated Chinese-made guided bombs and howitzers have been used in Sudan.

    Brian Castner, Head of Crisis Research at Amnesty International

    China, as state party to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), must take urgent measures to prevent the diversion of arms to Sudan. By continuing to supply such weapons to the UAE – a state which has a long track record of supplying arms to conflict where war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law are regularly occurring – China risks indirectly supplying weapons to the conflict.

    The UAE, as a signatory to the ATT, has consistently undermined its object and purpose. All states should stop transferring arms to the UAE until such time that the UAE can guarantee that none will be reexported to Sudan or to other embargoed destinations, and that all it’s past breaches of the UNSC arms embargoes are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators brought to account.

    Last year, Amnesty International’s briefing New Weapons Fuelling the Sudan Conflict documented how recently manufactured weapons from countries including China, Russia, Türkiye and the UAE had been transferred into and around Sudan, often in flagrant breach of the existing Darfur arms embargo. Amnesty International also revealed how French-manufactured weapons systems were being used on the battlefield in Sudan.

    Amnesty International sent letters to Norinco Group regarding the findings on 18 April 2025. At the time of publication, no response had been received.

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest data on listeriosis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Latest data on listeriosis

    The infection can cause severe illnesses in the elderly, immunocompromised or those with underlying chronic conditions.

    There were 179 cases of listeriosis reported in England and Wales in 2024, according to new data published today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

    Listeriosis is caused by Listeria bacteria and is usually contracted by eating contaminated raw, chilled, or ready-to-eat foods. Most people with listeriosis won’t have any symptoms or will have mild gastroenteritis. However, the infection can cause severe illnesses in the elderly, immunocompromised or those with underlying chronic conditions. Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, or severe infections in newborn babies.

    The 179 cases reported in 2024 are comparable to the previous year’s figures (177 cases in 2023), and to levels seen in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest data show that while listeriosis can affect people of all ages, it poses a significantly greater risk to vulnerable groups, with the highest numbers seen in people aged 80 and over. Of the 28 deaths reported among 142 non-pregnancy cases, 12 were aged 80 years and over. Among pregnancy-associated infections, which accounted for approximately one-fifth of all cases, 43.7% resulted in stillbirth or miscarriage where outcomes were known.

    In England, London had the highest levels of listeriosis (0.39 cases per 100,000 population), whilst the East of England had the lowest (0.23 cases per 100,000 population).

    Vanessa Wong, UKHSA Consultant in gastrointestinal infections, said:

    Listeriosis is a rare infection and most people only experience mild symptoms of gastroenteritis that usually pass within a few days without the need for treatment. However, severe listeriosis is more likely to affect the elderly, very young babies, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system. The best way to prevent listeriosis is to practise good food hygiene and avoid high-risk foods if you are in a vulnerable group. Foods that carry a greater risk of Listeria include: soft cheeses, pâté, smoked fish, chilled sliced meats and other chilled ready-to-eat products.

    Those at higher risk from severe Listeria infection include:

    • elderly people (risk increases with age)
    • those with malignancies or undergoing immunosuppressive or cytotoxic treatments
    • pregnant women and their unborn or newborn infants
    • organ transplant recipients
    • people with chronic kidney and liver diseases
    • those with uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, alcohol dependency or iron overload

    In most people, listeriosis has no symptoms or only causes mild symptoms for a few days, such as:

    • high temperature
    • aches and pains
    • chills
    • feeling or being sick
    • diarrhoea

    If you’re pregnant, you may also have a stomach ache or notice your baby moving less than usual.

    For advice on avoiding listeriosis during pregnancy or if you are in a high-risk group, please visit the NHS website at Listeriosis – NHS

    In 2024, UKHSA investigated 7 listeriosis outbreaks across England and Wales, linked to various food products including smoked fish, chocolate and strawberry mousse, garlic sausage and pre-packed sandwiches.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Norway accelerate clean energy opportunities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK and Norway accelerate clean energy opportunities

    British workers and businesses will benefit from more investment in the UK’s clean energy future, with a new partnership signed with Norway.

    • British workers and businesses to benefit from new Green Industrial Partnership with Norway, to unleash clean energy job opportunities
    • partnership will support clean energy investment in the North Sea, including in green hydrogen and offshore wind, as Energy Secretary meets businesses to make the case for investment in UK
    • government driving forward with mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower to deliver energy security and protect billpayers

    On a visit to Oslo this week, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband secured a Green Industrial Partnership with Norwegian counterparts Ministers Terje Aasland and Cecilie Myrseth and met with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.  

    The Energy Secretary also met a number of energy companies to deepen bilateral relationships and make the case for clean energy investment in Britain. Norway is a crucial ally in securing our energy security, which in turn will deliver clean, secure and cheaper power for British families, whilst securing new clean energy manufacturing jobs through the Plan for Change.  

    The ambitious partnership enhances the UK and Norway’s longstanding collaboration on energy and is one of the key deliverables of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s and Norwegian Prime Minister Støre’s over-arching Strategic Partnership. 

    It focuses on key areas that support the development of renewables. These include offshore wind and grid development, collaboration on the protection of UK and Norwegian offshore infrastructure and reducing barriers to develop a North Sea hub for the cross-border storage of carbon dioxide. 

    This builds on the government’s aim for the North Sea to be at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future and to drive economic growth.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    Energy security is national security – and only by working with key partners like Norway can we accelerate clean power that we control, getting us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuels in these unstable times. 

    Together we can invest in a clean energy future and take advantage of the opportunities ahead in the North Sea, with good clean energy jobs and export opportunities for British business – delivering growth through our Plan for Change.

    Norway’s Minister of Energy Terje Aasland said:

    Norway and the United Kingdom have a unique relationship in the energy sector, characterized by innovation and close cooperation across the North Sea. I am very pleased that today we are establishing a forward-looking partnership to promote the green transition and further strengthen the collaboration between our two countries.

    Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth said:

    This agreement is important for Norwegian industry, especially when it comes to securing value chains for raw materials and clean energy. By combining Norwegian and British strengths, we can create jobs, develop new industries, and enhance our competitiveness.

    Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said:

    A green transition is crucial if we are to meet our climate targets, while also creating new jobs. The partnership with the United Kingdom will strengthen our joint efforts to promote implementation of the Paris Agreement through international climate diplomacy. We will also further develop the close cooperation we have to halt and reverse the deforestation of the rainforest.

    It is estimated that the UK’s seas have the potential to store up to 78 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, which this partnership could help to unlock to support jobs and reduce emissions across Europe.  

    Research also suggests that closer cooperation on the clean energy transition in the North Seas could lower bills, create up to 51,000 jobs, and add up to £36 billion to the UK economy. By 2030, the North Sea could provide up to 120GW of offshore wind generation, which is enough to power over 120 million homes. This will contribute to the UK and Europe’s energy security in a volatile world, whilst creating significant export opportunities for British business. 

    Norway is a key energy partner for the UK, and the new partnership builds on decades of collaboration and a mutual commitment to support the development of the UK’s offshore sectors in the North Sea. By working with European partners to transform the North Sea basin into a low carbon and renewables powerhouse, the UK can accelerate the global energy transition and lead efforts to combat climate change on the world stage. 

    UK and Norwegian companies are already playing an important role in driving the energy transition forward. This includes firms such as Norwegian energy major Equinor which has invested in UK offshore wind, carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen, as well as Europe’s biggest renewables generator, Statkraft, a major developer in the UK alongside other Norwegian companies Fred Olsen and Vårgrønn.  

    This agreement forms part of the UK-Norway Strategic Partnership, covering defence, security, energy and the green transition.

    Notes to editors 

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Himax Technologies, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results; Provides Second Quarter Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q1 2025 Revenues At the High End of Projected Range, Gross Margin In-Line, EPS Exceeded Guidance Range Issued on February 13, 2025
    Company Q2 2025 Guidance: Revenues to Decrease 5.0% to Increase 3.0% QoQ, Gross Margin is Expected to be Around 31.0%. Profit per Diluted ADS to be 8.5 Cents to 11.5 Cents

    • Q1 2025 revenues were $215.1M, a decrease of 9.3% QoQ, reaching the high end of the guidance range of 8.5% to 12.5% decrease QoQ
    • Q1 GM reached 30.5%, in line with guidance of around 30.5%, flat from last quarter but up from 29.3% the same period last year, mainly a result of favorable product mix and continued cost optimization
    • Q1 2025 after-tax profit was $20.0M, or 11.4 cents per diluted ADS, exceeding the guidance range of 9.0 cents to 11.0 cents
    • Himax Q2 2025 revenues to decline 5.0% to increase 3.0% QoQ. GM to be around 31.0%, up from 30.5% in the prior quarter. Profit per diluted ADS to be in the range of 8.5 cents to 11.5 cents
    • Currently, tariffs have not had a significant direct impact on Himax’s business
    • Conservative Q2 revenue guidance reflects customers’ overall caution toward the global economic outlook and end market demand. Low 2H25 market visibility as tariff negotiations continues
    • As the tariff-driven supply chain restructuring gains momentum, Himax is deepening its well-established Taiwan supply chain and strengthening into CN, KR, SG to enhance production flexibility, cost competitiveness and mitigate geopolitical risks
    • Despite near-term headwinds, Himax continues to lead the global automotive display market, holding a 40% share in DDIC, over 50% in TDDI, and an even higher share in cutting-edge local dimming Tcon technologies
    • Sample shipments of first-gen silicon photonics packaging solution for engineering validation and trial production are proceeding as planned. Himax continues to advance technology roadmap in close collaboration with FOCI, top-tier AI companies, and foundry partner through joint development of future-gen CPO solutions to meet the escalating bandwidth requirements driven by AI and HPC
    • Despite the volatile geopolitical environment, Himax continues to actively explore high-growth markets to expand global footprint while developing long-term competitive advantages. Established a three-party strategic alliance with Powerchip and Tata Electronics. The collaboration echoes the “Make in India” strategy of the Indian government for high-tech areas while exploring India’s vast market demand

    TAINAN, Taiwan, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIMX) (“Himax” or “Company”), a leading supplier and fabless manufacturer of display drivers and other semiconductor products, announced its financial results for the first quarter 2025 ended March 31, 2025.

    “The recent abrupt and significant NT dollar appreciation against the US dollar, its impact on our Q2 financial results is limited and has been accounted for in Q2 financial guidance. Currently, tariffs have not had a significant direct impact on Himax’s business, as our IC products are not directly exported to the U.S. Amid the volatile macro environment, most panel customers have adopted a make-to-order model and are keeping inventories lean. In response, we are carefully monitoring wafer-starts, maintaining low inventory levels, and rigorously controlling operating expenses,” said Mr. Jordan Wu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Himax.

    “Automotive IC business currently accounts for half of Himax’s revenue. Having served the automotive display market for almost two decades, Himax has maintained a balanced global market share across major regions while demonstrating technological leadership and offering the industry’s most comprehensive suite of panel ICs, spanning LCD to OLED. Combined with over a decade of loyal relationships with global Tier 1 suppliers and automotive brands, these strengths help mitigate potential risks from tariffs and reinforce the long-term stability of our automotive business. In addition, Himax remains committed to a number of innovative fields, namely ultralow power AI, AR glasses, and co-packaged optics. These innovative fields are relatively less affected by macroeconomic fluctuations, and customer development efforts have not slowed due to tariff uncertainties. We expect these businesses to contribute meaningfully to both revenue and gross margin in the years ahead,” concluded Mr. Jordan Wu.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Himax net revenues registered $215.1 million, a decrease of 9.3% sequentially, reaching the high end of guidance range of a decline of 8.5% to 12.5%, but representing a 3.7% increase year over year. Gross margin was 30.5%, in line with guidance of around 30.5%, flat from last quarter and up from 29.3% in the same period last year. The year-over-year increase was driven by a favorable product mix and continued cost optimization. Q1 profit per diluted ADS was 11.4 cents, exceeding the guidance range of 9.0 to 11.0 cents, primarily due to lower operating expenses.

    Revenue from large display drivers came in at $25.0 million, flat from last quarter despite the seasonal downturn. This was primarily driven by demand spurred by Chinese government subsidies aimed at reviving domestic consumption. Notebook and monitor IC sales both recorded solid double-digit growth in Q1. In contrast, TV IC sales declined as expected, due to customers pulling forward their inventory purchases in the prior quarter. Sales of large panel driver ICs accounted for 11.6% of total revenues for the quarter, compared to 10.5% last quarter and 15.1% a year ago.

    Revenue from the small and medium-sized display driver segment totaled $150.5 million, reflecting a sequential decline of 9.8% amid a typical low season. However, Q1 automotive driver sales, including both traditional DDIC and TDDI, outperformed guidance of a low-teens sequential decline, declining just single digit from the last quarter. The sequential decline reflected the waning effect of the Chinese government’s renewed trade-in stimulus, announced in mid-August 2024, while demand in other major markets remained stable. Q1 auto IC sales rose nearly 20% year over year, reflecting ongoing customer reliance on Himax’s technology and the strength of Company’s competitive moat. Himax’s automotive business, comprising DDIC, TDDI, Tcon, and OLED IC sales, remained the largest revenue contributor in the first quarter, representing more than 50% of total revenues. Meanwhile, both smartphone and tablet driver sales declined as expected amid a subdued festival season. The small and medium-sized driver IC segment accounted for 70.0% of total sales for the quarter, compared to 70.3% in the previous quarter and 69.5% a year ago.

    Q1 non-driver sales reached $39.6 million, a 12.8% decrease from the previous quarter. The sequential decline was primarily attributable to the absence of a one-time ASIC Tcon shipment to a leading projector customer in the prior quarter, coupled with a moderation in automotive Tcon shipments after several quarters of robust growth. That being said, Himax’s position in local dimming Tcon for automotive remains unrivaled, supported by increasing validation and adoption from leading panel makers, Tier 1 suppliers, and automotive manufacturers around the world. Himax also has a robust pipeline of over two hundred design-win projects that are set to gradually enter mass production in the coming years. Non-driver products accounted for 18.4% of total revenues, as compared to 19.2% in the previous quarter and 15.4% a year ago.

    First quarter operating expenses were $45.7 million, a decrease of 7.0% from the previous quarter and a decline of 9.8% from a year ago. Amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges, Himax is strictly enforcing budget and expense controls.

    First quarter operating income was $19.8 million or 9.2% of sales, compared to 9.7% of sales last quarter and 4.8% of sales for the same period last year. The sequential decrease was mainly the result of lower sales, offset by lower operating expenses. The year-over-year increase resulted primarily from higher sales, improved gross margins, and lower operating expenses. First-quarter after-tax profit was $20.0 million, or 11.4 cents per diluted ADS, compared to $24.6 million, or 14.0 cents per diluted ADS last quarter, and up from $12.5 million, or 7.1 cents in the same period last year.

    Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

    Himax had $281.0 million of cash, cash equivalents and other financial assets as of March 31, 2025. This compares to $277.4 million at the same time last year and $224.6 million a quarter ago. Himax achieved a strong positive operating cash flow of $56.0 million for the first quarter. As of March 31, 2025, Himax had $33.0 million in long-term unsecured loans, with $6.0 million being the current portion.

    Himax’s quarter-end inventories as of March 31, 2025 were $129.9 million, lower than $158.7 million last quarter and $201.9 million same period last year. Himax’s inventory levels have steadily declined for ten consecutive quarters since peaking during the Covid 19 pandemic when the industry was undergoing a supply shortage. As macroeconomic uncertainty impairs visibility across the ecosystem, Himax will continue to manage its inventory conservatively. Accounts receivable at the end of March 2025 was $217.5 million, down from $236.8 million last quarter but slightly up from $212.3 million a year ago. DSO was 91 days at the quarter end, as compared to 96 days last quarter and 93 days a year ago. First quarter capital expenditures were $5.2 million, versus $3.2 million last quarter and $2.7 million a year ago. First quarter capex was mainly for R&D related equipment for Company’s IC design business and ongoing construction of a new preschool near Himax’s Tainan headquarters for children of employees. The preschool is scheduled to open in 2026, reinforcing Company’s commitment to a family‑friendly workplace.

    Prior to today’s call, Himax announced an annual cash dividend of 37.0 cents per ADS, totaling $64.5 million and payable on July 11, 2025, with a payout ratio of 81.1% of the previous year’s profit. Himax will continue to focus on maintaining a healthy balance sheet while driving sustainable long-term growth to deliver value for its shareholders through high dividends and share repurchases.

    Outstanding Share

    As of March 31, 2025, Himax had 174.9 million ADS outstanding, unchanged from last quarter. On a fully diluted basis, the total number of ADS outstanding for the first quarter was 175.1 million. 

    Q2 2025 Outlook

    On the recent abrupt and significant NT dollar appreciation against the US dollar, its impact on Himax’s Q2 financial results is limited and has been accounted for in the financial guidance for the quarter. All of Himax’s revenues and nearly all of its cost of sales are US dollar denominated, providing a natural hedge for its buying and selling activities. In addition, the bulk of our R&D expenses, save for employee salaries, are also US dollar based. For employee compensation, a major item of Himax’s operating expenses, while its employees are paid in the local currency of their location for their salaries, their bonuses are all US dollar based. Other major non-US dollar expenses, mostly NT dollar-denominated, include utilities and income tax expenses. While Company don’t hedge for currency risk of our non-US dollar based operational expenses as the cost of such hedging would usually outweigh the benefit, Himax does purchase NTD in advance to cover the income tax payable, thereby minimizing the currency risk of a major expense item.

    The recently announced U.S. tariff measures have intensified global trade tensions, triggered volatility in capital markets, and heightened macroeconomic and market demand uncertainty. Currently, tariffs have not had a significant direct impact on Himax’s business, as Company’s IC products are not directly exported to the U.S. Instead, they are assembled into panels or modules by customers outside the United States and then sold into global markets, including the United States. Just a negligible portion — about 2%—of Himax’s products are shipped directly to the United States. Only customers for these products are subject to U.S. tariffs. Almost all of these products are manufactured in Taiwan. While some customers have requested early shipments to avoid tariff duties, many others have opted to defer their orders amid ongoing tariff-related uncertainties. The company’s conservative Q2 revenue guidance reflects the highly cautious stance of its customers in general toward the global economic outlook and end market demand amid ongoing tariff development. Looking into the second half of the year, overall market visibility remains low with the world continuing to closely monitor the development of tariff negotiations. As the tariff-driven supply chain restructuring gains momentum, Himax is deepening its well-established supply chain in Taiwan while further strengthening its supply chain presence in China, Korea, Singapore, and other regions to ensure production flexibility and cost competitiveness, and to better mitigate geopolitical risks.   

    Amid the volatile macro environment, most panel customers have adopted a make-to-order model and are keeping inventories lean. In response, Himax is carefully monitoring wafer-starts, maintaining low inventory levels, and rigorously controlling operating expenses. Concurrently, Company is further optimizing costs by diversifying both foundry and backend packaging and testing, while mitigating risks and enhancing manufacturing flexibility. This approach is exemplified by the major milestone recently achieved in automotive display IC collaboration with Nexchip in China, with products now in mass production and adopted by leading automakers. This not only validates Himax’s diversified supply chain strategy but also underscores its steadfast commitment to scaling capacity and cost optimization.

    Automotive IC business currently accounts for half of Himax’s revenue. Having served the automotive display market for almost two decades, Himax has maintained a balanced global market share across major regions while demonstrating technological leadership and offering the industry’s most comprehensive suite of panel ICs, spanning LCD to OLED. Combined with over a decade of loyal relationships with global Tier 1 suppliers and automotive brands, these strengths help mitigate potential risks from tariffs and reinforce the long-term stability of Himax’s automotive business.

    In addition, Himax remains committed to a number of innovative fields, namely ultralow power AI, AR glasses, and co-packaged optics (CPO). Technologies in these areas are approaching maturity and offer substantial growth potential. As a pioneer and leader in key technologies enabling these novel areas, Himax is working closely with supply chain partners, from technology development through to mass production, to actively expand new business opportunities. These innovative fields are relatively less affected by macroeconomic fluctuations, and customer development efforts have not slowed due to tariff uncertainties. Himax expects these businesses to contribute meaningfully to both revenue and gross margin in the years ahead.

    Despite the volatile geopolitical environment, Himax continues to actively explore high-growth markets, establish close partnerships with industry-leading companies, and continue to expand its global footprint while developing long-term competitive advantages. In Himax’s latest cross-border cooperation the Company established a three-party strategic alliance with Powerchip and Tata Electronics, a subsidiary of Tata Group, India’s largest and most influential conglomerate. This collaboration combines Tata Electronics’ deep manufacturing and local supply chain integration strengths, Powerchip’s mature wafer manufacturing capabilities, and Himax’s leading display IC and WiseEye ultralow power AI sensing technologies to jointly create a powerful ecosystem. The collaboration echoes the “Make in India” strategy of the Indian government for high-tech areas while exploring the huge potential demand of the Indian market.

    Display Driver IC Businesses

    LDDIC

    In Q2 2025, Himax anticipates large display driver IC sales to decline by a single digit sequentially, driven by customers’ pull forward orders placed in prior quarters, against the backdrop of Chinese government subsidies boosting domestic consumption. Monitor and notebook IC sales are expected to decrease in Q2, whereas TV IC sales are set to increase sequentially, driven by higher shipments to key end customers.

    Looking ahead in the notebook sector, Himax is observing a growing trend for premium notebooks to adopt OLED displays and advanced touch features, partially fueled by the rise of AI PC. Himax is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering a comprehensive range of ICs for both LCD and OLED notebooks, including DDIC, Tcon, touch controllers, and TDDI. In addition, Himax is expanding its high-speed interface product portfolio to support faster data transfer rates, lower latency, and improved power efficiency, features that are critical for next-generation displays. Himax has made progress on the next-generation eDP 1.5 display interface for Tcon for both LCD and OLED panels. This high-speed interface supports high frame rates, low power consumption, adaptive sync, and high resolution, key features essential for next-generation AI PCs. Through ongoing portfolio expansion and continuous technology innovation, Himax is well-positioned to lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI PCs and premium notebooks.

    SMDDIC

    Q2 small and medium-sized display driver IC business is expected to decline single-digit from the last quarter. Himax expects Q2 automotive driver IC sales, including both TDDI and traditional DDIC, to decline mid-teens sequentially, reflecting the combined impact of tariffs and the waning effect of China’s automotive subsidy program. Despite these near-term headwinds, automotive TDDI adoption continues to expand across the globe, driven by growing demand for more intuitive, interactive, and cost-effective touch panel features essential in modern vehicles. Himax’s cumulative shipments of automotive TDDI have outpaced competitors, with nearly 500 design-in projects secured to date, the majority of which have yet to enter mass production. On top of a continuous influx of new pipelines and design wins across the board, Himax is well-positioned for continued growth, further reinforcing Himax’s leadership in this space. For automotive DDIC, Himax continues to see solid shipment volume for automotive DDICs for non-touch applications including cluster displays, HUDs, and rear- and side-view mirrors. Company’s confidence is further strengthened by the growing proliferation of advanced technologies, such as LTDI (Large Touch and Display Driver Integration) in large-display car models. Himax is a pioneer in LTDI technology, which supports seamless, integrated large touch display panels, typically larger than 30 inches or spanning pillar-to-pillar across the entire width of the cockpit. LTDI also features high-density touch functionality for responsive performance, making it ideal for next-generation smart cabin designs that emphasize large displays and intuitive touch interaction. Additionally, Himax is seeing an increasing number of customers choosing to adopt its integrated LTDI and Tcon solution as the standard platform for their ultra large automotive display development. Such panels typically require four or more LTDI chips and at least one local dimming Tcon per panel. This growing platform adoption of more of Himax’s automotive IC offerings not only reflects strong customer loyalty to its technologies but also signifies an increase in content value for Himax on a per-panel basis. Multiple projects with global leading car brands are set to begin mass production starting the end of 2025. Himax continues to lead the global automotive display market, holding a 40% share in DDIC, over 50% in TDDI, and an even higher share in cutting-edge local dimming Tcon technologies.

    Himax expects Q2 smartphone IC revenues to decline mid-teens from last quarter, while tablet IC sales are poised to grow by high teens sequentially, driven by renewed demand from leading customers following several quiet quarters.

    On OLED business update. In the automotive OLED market, Himax has forged strategic alliances with leading panel makers in Korea, China, and Japan. As OLED technology expands beyond premium car models, Himax is well positioned to become the partner of choice and accelerate OLED adoption in vehicles by capitalizing on its strong presence and proven track record in automotive LCD displays. Leveraging Himax’s first mover advantage, Company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, including DDIC, Tcon, and on-cell touch controllers. It’s worth noting that Himax’s advanced OLED on-cell touch-control technology boasts an industry-leading signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 45 dB, delivering reliable performance even under challenging operational conditions such as glove wearing or wet-finger. The solution entered mass production in 2024, and an increasing number of leading global brands are rapidly adopting it for their premium car models. Himax expects to be a key beneficiary of the shift to OLED displays for the automotive industry over the next few years, unlocking a new growth driver for Himax that further reinforces its market leadership.

    In addition, Himax has expanded its comprehensive OLED portfolio into the tablet and notebook markets, covering DDIC, Tcon, and touch controllers, through partnerships with leading OLED panel makers in Korea and China. Several new projects are slated to enter mass production with top-tier brands later this year. Meanwhile, Himax is developing value-added features, such as active stylus and gaming models to further enhance its product differentiation and competitive edge. In the smartphone OLED market, Himax is making solid progress in its collaborations with customers in Korea and China and expects mass production to start later this year.

    Non-Driver Product Categories

    Q2 non-driver IC revenues are expected to increase low teens sequentially.

    Timing Controller (Tcon)

    Himax anticipates Q2 2025 Tcon sales to increase high teens sequentially, primarily due to increased shipment of Tcon for notebook and automotive products. Automotive Tcon sales are set to increase by double digit in Q2, fueled by a strong pipeline of over two hundred design-win projects gradually entering mass production. With a steady influx of new projects, coupled with growing validation and widespread adoption of Himax’s local dimming Tcon in both premium and mainstream car models worldwide, Himax continues to maintain an unchallenged leadership position with a dominant market share. In the second quarter, Himax expects Tcon business to account for over 12% of total sales, with notable contributions from automotive Tcon. Meanwhile, head-up-display (HUD) is emerging as a major growth area within automotive displays, where local dimming Tcon adoption is accelerating. Himax’s industry-leading local dimming Tcon eliminates the “postcard effect” often seen in HUDs, caused by backlight leakage typical of conventional TFT LCD panels, delivering crisp, high‑fidelity images on the windshield. Additionally, it features advanced transparency detection to prevent the display from obstructing the driver’s view, thereby ensuring driving safety. With several HUD projects already underway and increasing inquiries, Himax is excited about the potential opportunity ahead. Himax’s automotive Tcon business is well positioned for growth over the next few years.

    WiseEye™ Ultralow Power AI Sensing

    On the update of WiseEye™ ultralow power AI sensing solution, a cutting-edge endpoint AI integration featuring industry-leading ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm. In the rapidly evolving AI landscape, WiseEye AI technology stands out for its expertise in on‑device AI, characterized by remarkably low power consumption, operating at just single‑digit milliwatts, and enabling AI functionality in battery‑powered endpoint devices. Additionally, WiseEye AI significantly extends battery life and improves overall data processing efficiency by offloading tasks from the main processor. These attributes unlock new opportunities across a wide range of everyday battery‑powered endpoint applications, evidenced by broad adoption of WiseEye AI across diverse applications, including notebooks, tablet, smart door locks, surveillance systems, access control, smart retail and many others.

    On notebook, building on the success with Dell notebooks, WiseEye AI is expanding into additional use cases across other leading notebook brands, with some entering production later this year and expanding further into 2026. The growing adoption is further fueled by the rise of AI PCs, as WiseEye’s ultralow power, on-device inference capabilities align seamlessly with the industry’s shift toward more intelligent, context-aware, and energy-efficient computing. WiseEye’s advanced local inferencing technology enables real-time, high-precision user engagement detection by analyzing presence and motion, supporting a broad set of intelligent features, such as head pose estimation, gaze tracking, facial expression recognition, voice command, adaptive screen dimming, secure identity authentication and many others. These features enhance interactivity and user comfort without compromising battery life or system performance, making it fit for the demands of high performance and energy efficient next-generation AI PCs.

    WiseEye also continues to achieve significant market success across various sectors such as smart door lock where Himax introduced the world’s first smart door lock with 24/7 sentry monitoring and real-time event recording. Himax is now expanding globally by collaborating with a number of leading door lock makers worldwide to integrate a suite of innovative AI features, including palm vein biometric access, parcel recognition, and anti-pinch protection. Several of these value-added solutions are slated for mass production later this year. WiseEye also powers smart retail, exemplified by Himax’s collaboration with E Ink on e‑Signage. Its always‑on AI detects viewer attributes, such as gender, appearance, and age, followed by real-time personalized ads and nearby product recommendations, creating immersive engagement that elevates the in‑store shopping experience.

    For an update on Himax’s WiseEye module business. Equipped with pre-trained no-code or low-code AI, WiseEye modules simplify AI integration and support diverse use cases, including human presence detection, gender and age recognition, gesture recognition, face mesh, voice commands, thermal image sensing, palm vein authentication, and people flow management. Among them, the Himax PalmVein module has generated strong engagement across several industries. Multiple design wins have been secured, with mass production underway by global customers for smart access, workforce management and smart door lock, as Himax continues to explore additional application opportunities. Meanwhile, to meet growing demand for flexible access control in varied settings, the upgraded WiseEye PalmVein suite now combines palm‑vein recognition and facial recognition with peephole‑camera input, underpinned by an advanced liveness check for high‑precision, multi‑modal authentication. This upgraded PalmVein module not only enhances security by offering multiple layers of biometric verification but also ensures adaptability across a wide range of environments. These attributes make it particularly appealing to global brands looking to differentiate their products with enhanced security, greater user convenience, and flexible customization. Himax  anticipates increasing sales contribution from WiseEye PalmVein across a diverse array of applications starting next year and are excited about its long-term growth potential. Looking ahead, WiseEye is poised to scale rapidly across the broader AIoT market and emerge as a key growth driver for Himax in the years ahead.

    Separately, Himax is bringing intelligent, ultralow power, always‑on AI sensing to AR glasses. Powered by real‑time, context‑aware AI running at single‑digit‑milliwatt, WiseEye uniquely delivers the two essentials for AR devices: instant responsiveness and all‑day battery life. These advantages have already led to WiseEye AI being adopted by a leading AR glasses platform, with ongoing engineering engagements involving several other prominent global AR tech names for their upcoming AR glasses. WiseEye supports always-on outward sensing, enabling AR glasses to detect and analyze the surrounding environment in real time. This empowers instant response and key functionality such as object recognition, navigation assistance, translation, and environmental mapping, greatly enhancing the overall AR experience. WiseEye also enables precise inward sensing, detecting subtle eye movements, gaze direction, pupil size, and blinking, providing critical data for more intuitive and natural user interactions in AR applications.

    Wafer Level Optics (WLO)

    In June 2024, Himax, in partnership with FOCI, a world leader in silicon photonics connectors, unveiled a state-of-the-art silicon photonics packaging technology, a critical technology to enable co-packaged optics (CPO) technology. This innovation of CPO integrates silicon photonic chips and optical connectors within multi-chip modules (MCM), replacing traditional metal wire transmission with high-speed optical communication. The technology significantly enhances bandwidth, boosts data transmission rates, reduces signal loss and latency, lowers power consumption, and significantly minimizes the size and cost of MCM.

    Currently, sample shipments of Company’s first-generation silicon photonics packaging solution for engineering validation and trial production are proceeding as planned, with volumes set to increase in the coming quarters. In addition, Himax continues to advance its technology roadmap in close collaboration with FOCI, top-tier AI companies, and foundry partner through the joint development of future-generation CPO solutions to meet the escalating bandwidth requirements driven by AI and HPC applications.

    Himax is pleased to see its partner, FOCI, achieving significant advancements in silicon photonics packaging, with notable improvements in automated production and testing. Together, Himax and FOCI are actively progressing in process validation and yield optimization to enable full-scale production for leading AI customers. Himax is exceptionally positioned to capitalize on future growth opportunities in high-performance computing, AI inference, and data center markets.

    Alongside the CPO progress, certain global technology leaders are now engaging Himax’s WLO expertise to develop next‑generation waveguides for AR glasses, a testament to the market’s growing confidence in Company’s WLO technology.

    With strong growth opportunities from CPO and AR glasses in the making, Himax is as optimistic as ever that its WLO business can emerge as a significant revenue and profit engine in the years ahead.

    LCoS

    On Himax’s latest advancement in LCoS microdisplay technology. At Display Week 2025 next week in San Jose, Himax will debut its ultra-luminous, miniature Dual-Edge Front-lit LCoS microdisplay. This industry-leading solution integrates both the illumination optics and LCoS panel into an exceptionally compact form factor, as small as 0.09 c.c., and weighing only 0.2 grams, while targeting up to 350,000 nits brightness and 1 lumen output at just 250mW maximum total power consumption, demonstrating unparalleled optical efficiency. The luminance breakthrough ensures excellent eye-level visibility even in bright ambient conditions, while its compact form factor enables the development of sleek, everyday AR glasses. With industry-leading compact form factor, superior brightness and power efficiency, it is ideally suited for next-generation AR glasses and head-mounted displays where space, weight, and thermal constraints are critical. Growing collaborations with leading global tech companies are underway. Himax is confident that its technological advancements will help revitalize the AR glasses market, drive its expansion, and unlock new possibilities for immersive visual experiences.

    Second Quarter 2025 Guidance  
    Net Revenue: Decline 5.0% to Increase 3.0% QoQ
    Gross Margin: Around 31.0%, depending on final product mix
    Profit: 8.5 cents to 11.5 cents per diluted ADS
       

     

    HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES FIRST QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL 
    DATE: Thursday, May 8, 2025
    TIME: U.S.       8:00 a.m. EDT
      Taiwan  8:00 p.m.
       
    Live Webcast (Video and Audio): http://www.zucast.com/webcast/tUOBrqcV
    Toll Free Dial-in Number (Audio Only): Hong Kong 2112-1444
      Taiwan 0080-119-6666
      Australia 1-800-015-763
      Canada 1-877-252-8508
      China (1) 4008-423-888
      China (2) 4006-786-286
      Singapore 800-492-2072
      UK 0800-068-8186
      United States (1) 1-800-811-0860
      United States (2) 1-866-212-5567
    Dial-in Number (Audio Only):  
      Taiwan Domestic Access 02-3396-1191
      International Access +886-2-3396-1191
    Participant PIN Code: 3300508 #  

    If you choose to attend the call by dialing in via phone, please enter the Participant PIN Code 3300508 # after the call is connected. A replay of the webcast will be available beginning two hours after the call on www.himax.com.tw. This webcast can be accessed by clicking on this link or Himax’s website, where it will remain available until May 8, 2026.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEyeTM Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,603 patents granted and 389 patents pending approval worldwide as of March 31, 2025.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

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

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

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

    -Financial Tables-

    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Profit or Loss
    (These interim financials do not fully comply with IFRS because they omit all interim disclosure required by IFRS)
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Data)
     
      Three Months
    Ended March 31,
      3 Months
    Ended
    December 31,
       2025    2024   2024
               
    Revenues          
    Revenues from third parties, net $ 215,095     $         207,544     $ 237,182  
    Revenues from related parties, net           38               6               41  
                215,133               207,550               237,223  
               
    Costs and expenses:          
    Cost of revenues           149,581               146,805               164,963  
    Research and development           34,987               39,664               37,584  
    General and administrative           5,557               5,890               5,711  
    Sales and marketing           5,202               5,162               5,886  
    Total costs and expenses           195,327               197,521               214,144  
               
    Operating income           19,806               10,029               23,079  
               
    Non operating income (loss):          
    Interest income           2,312               2,524               2,042  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss           (17 )             (7 )             1,245  
    Foreign currency exchange gains, net           345               941               690  
    Finance costs           (903 )             (1,018 )             (964 )
    Share of losses of associates           (742 )             (221 )             (360 )
    Other gains           3,205               –               –  
    Other income           17               29               60  
                4,217               2,248               2,713  
    Profit before income taxes           24,023               12,277               25,792  
    Income tax expense           3,841               –               761  
    Profit for the period           20,182               12,277               25,031  
    Loss (profit) attributable to noncontrolling interests           (195 )             221               (423 )
    Profit attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $         19,987     $         12,498     $         24,608  
               
    Basic earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $         0.114     $         0.072     $         0.141  
    Diluted earnings per ADS attributable to Himax Technologies, Inc. stockholders $         0.114     $         0.071     $         0.140  
               
    Basic Weighted Average Outstanding ADS           174,913               174,724               175,008  
    Diluted Weighted Average Outstanding ADS           175,072               175,026               175,146  
                           
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    IFRS Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
     
      March 31,
    2025
      March 31,
    2024
      December 31,
    2024
    Assets          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents $         275,445     $         261,702     $         218,148  
    Financial assets at amortized cost           2,286               14,334               4,286  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss           3,253               1,380               2,140  
    Accounts receivable, net (including related parties)           217,549               212,326               236,813  
    Inventories           129,867               201,872               158,746  
    Income taxes receivable           717               1,003               726  
    Restricted deposit           503,700               453,000               503,700  
    Other receivable from related parties           11               136               13  
    Other current assets           37,760               60,051               43,471  
    Total current assets           1,170,588               1,205,804               1,168,043  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss           23,524               21,635               23,554  
    Financial assets at fair value through other
    comprehensive income
              29,985               1,889               28,226  
    Equity method investments           8,061               3,173               8,571  
    Property, plant and equipment, net           120,538               128,938               121,280  
    Deferred tax assets           20,872               10,440               21,193  
    Goodwill           28,138               28,138               28,138  
    Other intangible assets, net           619               851               636  
    Restricted deposit           30               31               31  
    Refundable deposits           215,271               221,886               221,824  
    Other non-current assets           17,854               20,728               18,025  
                464,892               437,709               471,478  
    Total assets $         1,635,480     $ 1,643,513     $         1,639,521  
    Liabilities and Equity          
    Current liabilities:          
    Short-term unsecured borrowings $         602     $         –     $         –  
    Current portion of long-term unsecured borrowings           6,000               6,000               6,000  
    Short-term secured borrowings           503,700               453,000               503,700  
    Accounts payable (including related parties)           105,610               117,234               113,203  
    Income taxes payable           12,785               11,071               9,514  
    Other payable to related parties           –               92               –  
    Contract liabilities-current           5,176               14,739               10,622  
    Other current liabilities           50,443               116,558               63,595  
    Total current liabilities           684,316               718,694               706,634  
    Long-term unsecured borrowings           27,000               33,000               28,500  
    Deferred tax liabilities           557               499               564  
    Other non-current liabilities           7,489               14,823               7,496  
                35,046               48,322               36,560  
    Total liabilities           719,362               767,016               743,194  
    Equity          
    Ordinary shares           107,010               107,010               107,010  
    Additional paid-in capital           115,722               114,982               115,376  
    Treasury shares           (5,546 )             (5,157 )             (5,546 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income           7,874               (94 )             8,621  
    Retained earnings           684,587               653,007               664,600  
    Equity attributable to owners of Himax Technologies, Inc.           909,647               869,748               890,061  
    Noncontrolling interests           6,471               6,749               6,266  
    Total equity           916,118               876,497               896,327  
    Total liabilities and equity $         1,635,480     $ 1,643,513     $         1,639,521  
                           
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Amounts in Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
        Three Months
    Ended March 31,
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
         2025     2024     2024
                 
    Cash flows from operating activities:            
    Profit for the period   $         20,182     $         12,277     $         25,031  
    Adjustments for:            
    Depreciation and amortization             5,156               5,471               5,564  
    Share-based compensation expenses             100               358               103  
    Losses (gains) on disposals of property, plant and equipment, net             (3,205 )             –               4  
    Changes in fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss             17               7               (1,245 )
    Interest income             (2,312 )             (2,524 )             (2,042 )
    Finance costs             903               1,018               964  
    Income tax expense             3,841               –               761  
    Share of losses of associates             742               221               360  
    Inventories write downs             4,444               4,353               4,037  
    Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains)             441               (868 )             (159 )
                  30,309               20,313               33,378  
    Changes in:            
    Accounts receivable (including related parties)             13,083               15,704               (27,302 )
    Inventories             24,435               11,083               29,675  
    Other receivable from related parties             2               (67 )             9  
    Other current assets             (978 )             2,298               2,502  
    Accounts payable (including related parties)             (7,250 )             13,202               (7,706 )
    Other payable to related parties             –               (20 )             1  
    Contract liabilities             735               1,192               6  
    Other current liabilities             (3,763 )             (7,780 )             2,508  
    Other non-current liabilities             71               514               71  
    Cash generated from operating activities             56,644               56,439               33,142  
    Interest received             438               854               3,513  
    Interest paid             (835 )             (936 )             (1,047 )
    Income tax paid             (200 )             391               (191 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities             56,047               56,748               35,417  
                 
    Cash flows from investing activities:            
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment             (5,221 )             (2,699 )             (3,222 )
    Acquisitions of intangible assets             (52 )             (118 )             –  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at amortized cost             –               (2,439 )             (2,286 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at amortized cost             2,000               500               10,289  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss             (6,160 )             (7,488 )             (6,807 )
    Proceeds from disposal of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss             5,017               8,163               3,722  
    Acquisitions of financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income             (2,500 )             –               –  
    Acquisition of a subsidiary, net of cash paid             –               –               (5,416 )
    Proceeds from capital reduction of investment             –               –               338  
    Acquisitions of equity method investment             –               –               (1,236 )
    Decrease (increase) in refundable deposits             10,283               22,217               (8 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities             3,367               18,136               (4,626 )
                 
    Cash flows from financing activities:            
    Purchase of treasury shares             –               –               (832 )
    Prepayments for purchase of treasury shares             –               –               (2,168 )
    Proceeds from issuance of new shares by subsidiaries             –               71               –  
    Proceeds from short-term unsecured borrowings             612               –               –  
    Repayments of long-term unsecured borrowings             (1,500 )             (1,500 )             (1,500 )
    Proceeds from short-term secured borrowings             484,300               447,100               461,400  
    Repayments of short-term secured borrowings             (484,300 )             (447,100 )             (461,400 )
    Payment of lease liabilities             (1,448 )             (1,148 )             (1,340 )
    Guarantee deposits received (refunded)             –               (1,868 )             219  
    Net cash used in financing activities             (2,336 )             (4,445 )             (5,621 )
    Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents             219               (486 )             (1,161 )
    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents             57,297               69,953               24,009  
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period             218,148               191,749               194,139  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $         275,445     $         261,702     $         218,148  
                 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bridge Specialty Group acquires the assets of Tim Parkman, Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — J. Scott Penny, chief acquisitions officer of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO), and Timothy Parkman, owner of Tim Parkman, Inc. (“TPI”), today announced that a Bridge Specialty Group company and subsidiary of Brown & Brown, Inc. has acquired the assets of TPI.

    Established in 2002, TPI is a full-service wholesale insurance brokerage located in Clinton, Mississippi. TPI was founded with a mission to provide all customers with consistently superior service while sustaining positive underwriting results. Initially focused on personal lines, TPI has expanded into commercial lines and leverages its proprietary state-of-the-art technology platform to deliver premier service to its network of over 5,000 retail agents. TPI will continue to operate from Clinton, Mississippi, under the leadership of President Mike Leach. Tim Parkman will continue with the business, providing oversight and support. Mike Leach will report to Jason Haupt, regional president of Bridge Specialty Group’s Mid-Atlantic and Delta region.

    Steve Boyd, president of Bridge Specialty Group, stated, “We are excited to welcome the TPI team to Bridge Specialty Group. TPI’s specialized product suite and broad distribution footprint in Mississippi and the Gulf States are a great complement to Bridge Specialty Group’s offerings today.”

    Tim Parkman said, “TPI has always been about people — our agents, carriers and team members. With Bridge Specialty, we’re joining an organization that shares our vision and brings added resources to help us achieve even more together. We’re incredibly excited for what lies ahead.”

    About Bridge Specialty Group, LLC

    Bridge Specialty Group is a leading global insurance wholesaler with access to over 230 admitted, excess and surplus lines and Lloyd’s markets that support over $7 billion premium book. With more than 50 locations and 2,000 teammates throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia, Bridge Specialty Group holds market recognition that enables us to connect retail partners with tailored insurance solutions through our specific practice groups, including property, casualty, executive risk, personal lines, public entity,
    transportation, workers’ compensation, Farm and Ranch and Environmental.

    About Brown & Brown, Inc.

    Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm providing enhanced customer-centric risk management solutions since 1939. With a global presence spanning 500+ locations and a team of more than 17,000 professionals, we are dedicated to delivering scalable, innovative strategies for our customers at every step of their growth journey. Learn more at BBrown.com.

    This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements, including those associated with this acquisition. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only Brown & Brown’s current belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Brown & Brown’s control. It is possible that Brown & Brown’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further information concerning Brown & Brown and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect Brown & Brown’s financial results and condition, as well as its other achievements, is contained in Brown & Brown’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such factors include those factors relevant to Brown & Brown’s consummation and integration of the announced acquisition, including any matters analyzed in the due diligence process and material adverse changes in the business and financial condition of the seller, the buyer, or both, and their respective customers. All forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this release, and Brown & Brown does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which Brown & Brown hereafter becomes aware.

    For more information:

    R. Andrew Watts
    Chief financial officer
    (386) 239-5770

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: AMG and Qualitas Energy Announce Partnership

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • AMG to invest in Qualitas Energy, a leading renewables-focused global infrastructure manager specializing in energy transition with more than €3.5 billion in AUM
    • Qualitas Energy has a distinctive competitive position given its opportunistic value-add approach, vertically integrated industrial platform, and strategically tailored, market-specific solutions
    • Partnership will expand AMG’s participation in private markets and alternatives more broadly

    WEST PALM BEACH, FL, and MADRID, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMG, a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a minority equity interest in Qualitas Energy, a leading global investment and management platform with a dual focus on funding and developing renewable energy, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Qualitas Energy’s management team will retain majority ownership and continue to lead the organization’s day-to-day operations, maintaining investment, strategic, and operational independence. As part of the transaction, Qualitas Energy’s Executive Chairman Iñigo Olaguíbel and Chief Executive Officer Oscar Pérez, along with other members of the senior management team, will enter into additional long-term commitments with Qualitas Energy, reinforcing their alignment with the business and its investors.

    Qualitas Energy has a long-term track record of excellent investment performance. Founded in 2006, the firm invests globally with a focus on Europe, where the heightened importance of energy security is driving demand for investments into renewable energy sources. Led by Mr. Olaguíbel and Mr. Pérez, the firm has raised approximately €5 billion in capital across six funds and co-investment opportunities, which has been deployed to invest in solar, wind, batteries and storage, hydroelectric power, and renewable natural gas.

    “We are pleased to partner with Qualitas Energy, a global infrastructure manager specializing in energy transition with a two-decade track record of delivering strong returns for clients,” said Jay C. Horgen, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMG. “Given the increasing focus on energy independence and security in Europe, along with the firm’s distinctive approach, vertically integrated industrial platform, and locally based teams with deep knowledge of their respective geographies, Qualitas Energy is well-positioned to build on its business momentum. I am delighted to welcome Iñigo, Oscar, and their partners to our Affiliate group.”

    “We are excited to partner with AMG as we continue to build an enduring multi-generational firm,” said Iñigo Olaguíbel, Managing Partner and Executive Chairman of Qualitas Energy. “We selected AMG because of its long-term orientation and reputation as a collaborative partner. Through AMG’s unique approach, Qualitas Energy will maintain our independence, preserve our unique culture, and gain access to a broad range of proven strategic capabilities to advance our long-term objectives.”

    “As part of its strategic evolution, Qualitas Energy is focused on becoming the asset manager at the forefront of energy transition investing,” added Oscar Pérez, Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Qualitas Energy. “We aim to continue expanding our investment capacity, and our partnership with AMG will enhance our ability to achieve that goal.”

    The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

    About AMG

    AMG (NYSE: AMG) is a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally. AMG’s strategy is to generate long-term value by investing in high-quality independent partner-owned firms, through a proven partnership approach, and allocating resources across AMG’s unique opportunity set to the areas of highest growth and return. Through its distinctive approach, AMG magnifies its Affiliates’ existing advantages and actively supports their independence and ownership culture. As of March 31, 2025, AMG’s aggregate assets under management were approximately $712 billion across a diverse range of private markets, liquid alternative, and differentiated long-only investment strategies. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.amg.com.

    About Qualitas Energy

    Qualitas Energy is a leading global investment and management platform with a dual focus on both funding and developing renewable energy, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure. Since 2006, the Qualitas Energy team has dedicated over €14 billion to the energy transition worldwide. These investments have been deployed through six vehicles: Fotowatio/FRV, Vela Energy, Qualitas Energy III, Qualitas Energy IV, Qualitas Energy V, and Qualitas Energy Credit Fund I. Qualitas Energy’s existing portfolio currently comprises over 11 GW of operational and development-stage renewable energy assets – including solar PV, concentrated solar power (CSP), wind, energy storage, hydroelectric power, and renewable natural gas – across Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Chile, and the United States. Over the past five years, Qualitas Energy has generated enough energy to supply 1.2 million homes and has successfully avoided the emission of 1 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent. The Qualitas Energy team consists of approximately 540 professionals across fifteen offices in Madrid, Berlin, London, Milan, Hamburg, Wiesbaden, Trier, Cologne, Stuttgart, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Santiago, Durham, Bristol, and Edinburgh. Please visit www.qualitasenergy.com for further information.

    Certain matters discussed in this press release issued by Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG” or the “Company”) may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and could be impacted by a number of factors, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in AMG’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. AMG undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. This release does not constitute an offer of any products, investment vehicles, or services of any AMG Affiliate. From time to time, AMG may use its website as a distribution channel of material Company information. AMG routinely posts financial and other important information regarding the Company in the Investor Relations section of its website at www.amg.com and encourages investors to consult that section regularly.

    Media contacts

    AMG Media & Investor Relations
    Patricia Figueroa
    (617) 747-3300
    ir@amg.com
    pr@amg.com

    Qualitas Energy
    Henar Hernández
    henar.hernandez@qenergy.com
    +34 697 11 68 72

    Headland Consultancy
    qualitas@headlandconsultancy.com
    +44 7435 546304
    +44 7311 369929

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland: Kara Owen

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland: Kara Owen

    Ms Kara Owen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland.

    Ms Kara Owen CMG CVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland in succession to Mr Paul Johnston.  Ms Owen will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Kara Justine Owen

    Year Role
    July 2024 to present Projects/ pre-posting preparation with FCDO  
    2019 to 2024 Singapore, British High Commissioner  
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Americas  
    2012 to 2016 Paris, Deputy Head of Mission  
    2011 to 2012 FCO, Head of Strategy and Network Department, Consular  
    2009 to 2011 FCO, Director for Diversity and Equality  
    2005 to 2009 Hanoi, Deputy Head of Mission  
    2003 to 2005 FCO, Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary  
    2001 to 2003 FCO, Assistant Private Secretary to Junior Ministers  
    2000 to 2001 FCO, EU Policy Officer  
    1996 to 2000 Hong Kong, Vice Consul and later Vice Consul political  
    1995 to 1996 FCO, Cantonese language training  
    1993 to 1995 FCO, Joint Assistance Unit (Know How Fund)  
    1993 Joined FCO  

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Still time to take part in consultation to help protect rare birds at Loch Ruthven

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Slavonian grebe. Credit: Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

    A public consultation to develop local guidance that could help protect a rare species of bird at Loch Ruthven near Farr is still running until Friday 16 May.

    Supported by The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), NatureScot and the Local Access Forum, the consultation invites feedback on potential guidance asking visitors not to canoe, paddleboard or swim at the east end of Loch Ruthven between 1 March and 31 August.

    Numbers of Slavonian grebes – one of the UK’s rarest breeding birds – have been declining since the 1990s and it is hoped that by reducing noise and movement on the loch, the birds would be more likely to achieve a successful breeding season preventing further decline in numbers.

    For more information on the consultation and to share your views, please visit: Consultation on Local Access Guidance for Loch Ruthven

    8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Marian Month: Pilgrimages to Marian Shrines and Prayers for the Conclave

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – As every year during the Marian month of May, many Beijing Catholics gather at the Marian Shrine of Housangyu in the Mentougou District, on the outskirts of the capital, to celebrate Marian devotion and, this year, the Jubilee Year of Hope.On Saturday, May 3, Joseph Li Shan, ordinary bishop of Beijing, presided over the solemn Eucharist at the shrine, which is dear to Beijing Catholics.On Saturday, May 10, the community of the Cathedral of the Holy Savior (known as Bei Tang) will make a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine. On May 17, the parish of the Miraculous Medal in Xi Tang will hold the same Marian pilgrimage. On May 24, it will be the turn of the community of the parish of Saint Joseph in Dong Tang, and finally, on May 31, the community of the parish of the Immaculate Conception in Nan Tang. Throughout the week, the parish communities will prepare for the pilgrimage with shared prayer hours, which will help everyone to pray “together with the universal Church in the Jubilee Year of Hope,” following “the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus, persevere in the faith with the heart of a pilgrim, practice charity, rejoice in hope, and move together toward the encounter with the glorious Lord,” as stated in the announcement of the pilgrimage by the Diocese of Housangyu.In Jiangxi Province, the Catholic communities began their pilgrimages in May, with the preferred destination being the Sanctuary of Lushan, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to which the spiritual center named after Matteo Ricci is annexed.Under the leadership of Bishop John Baptist Li Suguang of Nanchang, the diocesan community began the Marian month of the Jubilee Year by taking to heart his exhortation to “extend prayers to the diocese and the entire universal Church as it prepares for the conclave” to elect a new bishop of Rome. Bishop Li hoped the Jubilee pilgrimage will help everyone “strengthen their faith” and “receive divine grace so that the Catholic community of Jiangxi may flourish under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the blessing of Mary, our Mother.” Over the past decade, Lushan has become one of the most beloved shrines among Chinese Catholics. Mount Lushan has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now part of a large, internationally renowned natural park. In this region, French Lazarist missionaries built a church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary in 1894, with the intention of creating a spiritual oasis for Catholic communities from the Shanghai, Nanjing, and Wuhan areas, as well as from all the cities of Jiangxi Province. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 7/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/TOGO – Being a missionary with and for others

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 7 May 2025

    SG

    Lomé (Agenzia Fides) – “We are a family consisting of seven young people, all university graduates, a community leader, Father Valéry Aguh, who spent ten years in Sierra Leone; a director of studies, Jean Jacques Wisdom; and a chaperone,” says Father Silvano Galli, the “spiritual director” who, at the end of the second-term exams of the propedeutic period, the preparatory year for entry into the Society of African Missions before the beginning of the three-year philosophical cycle of the SMA missionaries, offers some insights into reflections on mission and on traditional life and cultures.”Being a missionary, far from our own lands, among unknown peoples and other cultures, means sharing the love of Christ with others and conveying to them that we are all brothers,” says one of the students. “Living with people from different countries in one house means creating unity through our differences, living in harmony as brothers, learning from one another, and being open to new cultures. Being a missionary does not just mean leaving one’s own country, but above all being a missionary with and for others.” “It is the harmony that exists between the different colors that makes a flower beautiful,” is another quote.”Charles de Foucauld reminds us that we are missionaries by who we are, not by what we do. Challenges are part of our mission and help us gain new experiences, immerse ourselves in new cultures, learn from our mistakes, and change our perspective.The courses have enabled me to be well-equipped as a missionary of tomorrow, not to be afraid to explore, to delve deeper, to understand other cultures without ever judging. Wisdom helps us live well with others, develop our maturity, and face the challenges that come our way.”Some of these young people had a difficult journey that prepared them for the complexities of life. One example is a young man from a “normal and well-functioning” family: “We were all living without major worries when our parents suddenly separated,” he says. “This event turned our entire lives upside down, as I was still in first grade, my brother in fourth, and my sister in fifth. After my parents separated, I stayed with my aunt and uncle until I finished elementary school. It was a very difficult time. The family was a peasant family, and by second grade, I had to use a hoe because that was the only way I could eat. I was on my own. And so it was until the first year of middle school when my mother came to visit me with some clothes and then disappeared again. I had to cope with this nomadic life (back and forth) and various problems, especially the lack of affection from my parents, until I finished fifth grade. After graduating, my father decided to send me to the city of Sokodé to continue my education with a teacher. In Sokodé, I attended high school. After graduating, I went to Lomé,” says the young man, “and enrolled at the University of Anthropology, passing two exams.” Then I joined the Society of African Missions.” (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 7/5/2025)
    SG

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – Mass “pro eligendo Romano Pontifice”: “Not a simple succession of persons, yet it is always the Apostle Peter who returns”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 7 May 2025

    Fabio Beretta/Agenzia Fides

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “The election of the new Pope is not a simple succession of persons, yet it is always the Apostle Peter who returns.” A few hours before the start of the Conclave, the College of Cardinals traditionally met in St. Peter’s Basilica for the Mass “pro eligendo Romano Pontifice.”A total of 220 cardinals were present, including electors and non-electors; 5,000 faithful participated in the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the Sacred College, presided over the Eucharistic concelebration. “We are here to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit, to implore his light and strength so that the Pope elected may be he whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult and complex turning point in history,” he said in his homily, adding: “We feel united with the entire People of God in their sense of faith, love for the Pope and confident expectation.””To pray, by invoking the Holy Spirit Prayer,” Cardinal Re emphasized, “is the only right and proper attitude to take as the Cardinal electors prepare to undertake an act of the highest human and ecclesial responsibility and to make a choice of exceptional importance. This is a human act for which every personal consideration must be set aside, keeping in mind and heart only the God of Jesus Christ and the good of the Church and of humanity.”In his commentary on the liturgical texts of the Eucharistic celebration, the Dean of the College of Cardinals recalled “among the tasks of every successor of Peter is that of fostering communion: communion of all Christians with Christ; communion of the Bishops with the Pope; communion of the Bishops among themselves. This is not a self-referential communion, but one that is entirely directed towards communion among persons, peoples and cultures, with a concern that the Church should always be a “home and school of communion.””Hence the “strong call to maintain the unity of the Church on the path traced out by Christ to the Apostles,” because “each Pope continues to embody Peter and his mission and thus represents Christ on earth; he is the rock on which the Church is built.” And therefore, “the election of the new Pope is not a simple succession of persons, yet it is always the Apostle Peter who returns.”Cardinal Re then cited John Paul II’s Roman Triptych, a book of poems and meditations in which the Polish Pope expressed his hope “that during the hours of voting on this weighty decision, Michelangelo’s looming image of Jesus the Judge would remind everyone of the greatness of the responsibility of placing the “supreme keys” (Dante) in the correct hands.””Let us pray, then, that the Holy Spirit, who in the last hundred years has given us a series of truly holy and great Pontiffs, will give us a new Pope according to God’s heart for the good of the Church and of humanity. Let us pray that God will grant the Church a Pope who knows how best to awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society, characterised by great technological progress but which tends to forget God.Today’s world expects much from the Church regarding the safeguarding of those fundamental human and spiritual values without which human coexistence will not be better nor bring good to future generations,” Re concluded.In the afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., the 133 Cardinals electors entered the Sistine Chapel, opening the Conclave that will elect the 266th successor of Peter. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 7/5/2025)
    Fabio Beretta/Agenzia Fides

    Fabio Beretta/Agenzia Fides

    Fabio Beretta/Agenzia Fides

    Fabio Beretta/Agenzia Fides

    Fabio Beretta/Agenzia Fides

    Fabio Beretta/Agenzia Fides

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    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Speech by President António Costa at the European University Institute event on peace and security in Europe

    Source: Council of the European Union

    European Council President António Costa participated in a special event at the European University Institute in Fiesole, Italy. In his keynote address on peace and security in Europe, he reaffirmed the European Union’s identity as a peace project, calling for stronger defense, strategic autonomy, and investment in competitiveness to confront today’s geopolitical challenges. He emphasized that peace must be actively defended and linked to economic strength, unity, and global partnerships.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China, Russia to shoulder special responsibility as major countries 2025-05-08 18:37:20 China will work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibility as major countries of the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      MOSCOW, May 8 (Xinhua) — China will work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibility as major countries of the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday.

      Xi made the remarks while holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his state visit to Russia.

      At present, in the face of the countercurrent of unilateralism and the act of power politics and bullying in the world, the two sides should take a clear stand to jointly promote the correct historical perspective on World War II, safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations, resolutely defend the rights and interests of China, Russia and the vast number of developing countries, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, Xi said.

      Noting that he was glad to visit Russia again at the invitation of Putin and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, Xi said that history and reality have fully proved that continuing to develop and deepen China-Russia relations is integral to carrying forward the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation.

      It is an inevitable choice for both sides to achieve mutual success and promote their own development and revitalization, Xi said, adding that it is also the call of the times for safeguarding international fairness and justice and promoting the reform of the global governance system.

      Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said that 80 years ago, peoples of China and Russia made tremendous sacrifices and won great victories, making remarkable historic contributions to maintaining world peace and the cause of human progress. 

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    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Register now for beauty and aesthetics webinar

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Local businesses in the skin piercing industry can sign up for a free webinar that sets out the latest developments within the sector.

    It takes place on Tuesday 13 May between 10am and midday, and our environmental health team is encouraging good attendance from relevant businesses in the district.

    The beauty and aesthetics webinar will cover:

    • Preparations for the forthcoming licensing scheme
    • Information around health and safety duty of care
    • Informed consent – what is it and what are your duties?
    • Prescription only medicines and pharmacy medicines

    Speakers include Registered Nurse and cosmetic medicine expert Andrew Rankin, Health and Safety Officer at Dartford Borough Council, Fleur Van Haeften, and Senior Infection Prevention and Control Specialist Nurse at UKHSA, Esther Taborn.

    Between them they will share their expert knowledge and provide invaluable advice to those working in this industry.

    This free webinar is open to businesses across Kent and is being led by Dartford Borough Council.

    To register attendance or to request additional topics and questions you’d like covered, email eh.admin@dartford.gov.uk.

    Published: 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s latest air quality figures among best on record

    Source: City of Leicester

    AIR quality in Leicester continues to improve, with figures from 2024 showing air pollution at some of the lowest levels ever recorded at local hotspots.

    Annual averages from 2024 (the most recent data available) show that for the third year running Leicester was fully compliant with all national air quality objectives for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (both PM10 and PM2.5).

    Over the last ten years, annual levels of NO2 – one of the key pollutants that local authorities are required to monitor – have fallen by an average of around 45 per cent across. This is recorded across the city’s network of air quality monitoring stations at five key locations designated as air quality management areas.

    Current national guidelines set an annual average limit value of 40 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) for NO2 in the air.

    In 2024, the average levels across the city’s five monitoring stations was 26 µg/m3.

    At Vaughan Way – one of the city’s busiest roads – average NO2 levels for 2024 were 33µg/m3 compared to 51µg/m3 in 2014.

    At Abbey Lane, NO2 levels were down from 35µg/m3 in 2014 to 20µg/m3 in 2024; Melton Road saw a drop from 43µg/m3 in 2014 to 29µg/m3 last year; and, at St Matthews Way, a reduction from 45µg/m3 to 30µg/m3 has been achieved over the last ten years.

    And at Glenhills Way, annual levels in 2024 were 19µg/m3, the lowest level ever recorded at any of the city’s five monitoring stations.

    Leicester remains compliant with national annual limits for all currently stated pollutants, including PM 10 and PM 2.5. In 2024, annual average limits of PM10 were recorded as 17µg/m3 across the city. The national annual limit is currently 40µg/m3.

    Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We’re very proud of the significant and continual improvements we have seen in air quality across the city in recent years.

    “Since the launch of our first Air Quality Action Plan we have seen a huge reduction in air pollution. It is very encouraging that Leicester has now been fully complaint with national limits for all pollutants for three years running, but we know there is still more to be done.

    “We remain committed to further reducing levels of harmful air pollution to help positively impact on the health and wellbeing of everyone who lives, works or spends time in Leicester.”

    Leicester City Council has also now published its new air quality action plan, which covers the period 2025 to 2030.

    The revised plan outlines measures needed to further improve air quality in Leicester and aims to build on the significant progress made since the launch of the city’s first Air Quality Action Plan in 2015.

    It sets out proposed measures for consideration under the following five broad theme areas:

    • Air quality monitoring, public awareness and engagement
    • Promoting, supporting and encouraging sustainable transport
    • Reducing emissions from transport
    • Optimising traffic management
    • Development control and regulatory services

    Actions include maintaining, expanding and enhancing the city’s air quality monitoring network to identify and understand pollution hotspots, enable targeted interventions and support awareness raising campaigns with local schools, communities and businesses.

    The city council also aims to expand further the growing network of safe and attractive routes for walkers, wheelers and cyclists, as well as continuing to invest in the city’s bus service improvement plan which could make every bus in the city electric by 2030.

    Along with providing and improving infrastructure to encourage more people to use sustainable transport, the effective management of traffic flow will help cut congestions and contribute directly to further air quality improvements.

    And, as a planning and regulatory authority, the council will also ensure air quality impacts are considered in the planning process, continue to control domestic and industrial emissions as far as possible and help mitigate the impact of future growth on the city’s air quality.

    All local authorities with a designated air quality management area are required to produce and publish an air quality action plan as part of their statutory duties under The Environment Act 2021.

    Leicester’s annual air quality figures for 2024 were ratified by experts at Imperial College London as required by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Argentina: David Cairns

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Argentina: David Cairns

    Mr David Cairns has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic.

    Mr David Cairns has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Argentine Republic, in succession to Mrs Kirsty Hayes, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    Mr Cairns will take up his appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae           

    Full name: David Seldon Cairns

    Date Role
    2019 to present Equinor, Vice President
    2015 to 2019 Stockholm, Her Majesty’s Ambassador and Director of Nordic Baltic Network
    2010 to 2014 FCO, Director, Estates, Security, Corporate Services
    2006 to 2010 Tokyo, Director of Trade and Investment
    2002 to 2006 Geneva, First Secretary WTO
    2000 to 2002 FCO, Private Secretary to Baronesses Scotland and Amos
    1999 to 2000 FCO, EU Directorate. Head of Public Diplomacy
    1995 to 1998 Tokyo, Second Secretary Commercial
    1993 to 1994 FCO, Security Policy Department
    1993 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking News: China-Russia Relations Maintain Steady, Healthy, and Upward Momentum Thanks to Joint Efforts – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Xinhua | 08. 05. 2025

    Keywords: Xi Jinping, efforts, maintain, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, Russian relations, upward momentum, Chinese, healthy, urgently, within its own, distinctive features, time of negotiations, mutually beneficial cooperation, Thursday, parties, did

    MOSCOW, May 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday that China-Russia relations have maintained a stable, healthy and upward momentum thanks to the joint efforts of both sides.

    He also noted the constant good-neighborliness, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation as the distinctive features of bilateral relations.

    Xi Jinping made the statement during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of his state visit to Russia. –0–

    Source: Xinhua

    Breaking News: China-Russia Relations Maintain Steady, Healthy, and Upward Momentum Through Joint Efforts — Xi Jinping Breaking News: China-Russia Relations Maintain Steady, Healthy, and Upward Momentum Through Joint Efforts — Xi Jinping

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications  
    With the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Communications Authority (CA), which is the statutory regulator for the telecommunications industry, is hosting the Summit in a hybrid format today and tomorrow (May 9). The prominent international conference attracted over 600 participants from more than 80 countries, including high-level representatives from policymakers, regulatory bodies, international organisations, telecommunications operators and corporations, as well as industry experts and scholars.
     
    In his keynote speech at the Summit, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said that Hong Kong’s hosting of the Summit not only reflects the city’s long-standing stature as a global and regional telecommunications hub, but also underscores the Government’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration in this transformative field.
     
    Mr Yau highlighted Hong Kong’s highly acclaimed position in leading the development of 6G, with the city’s telecommunications market being one of the most advanced and dynamic in the world and having a proven track record of embracing innovation and driving connectivity. He also shared with the audience Hong Kong’s various achievements in telecommunications, which showcase the city’s readiness to embrace the future of telecommunications.
     
    Mr Yau stressed that the Government is fully committed to fostering a conducive environment that drives technological advancement and prepares Hong Kong for the 6G era. These include releasing suitable spectrum through auctions to support the development of advanced mobile communication services, exploring further facilitation measures from telecommunications perspectives to support the development of the low-altitude economy, and conducting a review on streamlining the licensing procedures of Low Earth Orbit satellites to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in satellite development.
     
    Addressing the opening ceremony this morning, the Director-General of Communications, Mr Chaucer Leung, said that the first set of technical standards for 6G is expected to be finalised in 2029 so that commercial service can be introduced in 2030, adding that the Summit serves as an opportunity for the participants to delve into various key aspects of 6G and have better preparation for it.
     
    Delivering his keynote speech in the afternoon session, the Chairman of the CA, Mr Jenkin Suen, outlined the roles and functions of the CA, and emphasised Hong Kong’s unique role as the gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world. “Being a telecommunications hub in the Asia-Pacific region and a gateway to Mainland China, Hong Kong is an ideal place for exploring, developing and deploying the new generation of mobile technology,” Mr Suen said.
     
    Over the two days, the Summit will feature discussions on the key priorities shaping 6G developments, including standardisation, technological innovations, sustainability and potential applications, as well as the strategic role of the Asia-Pacific region and the opportunities presented by a more connected and intelligent global network. In addition to the main programme, the Summit also includes a networking reception hosted by the Communications Association of Hong Kong. Details of the Summit are available at www.global6gsummit.com 
    First held as a virtual conference in 2022 by Forum Global, the Summit has entered its fourth edition this year. The previous two editions were held in Bahrain in 2023 and the United Kingdom in 2024.
    Issued at HKT 17:42

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Global Leaders Unite at UN Vesak 2025 to Champion Buddhist Values for Peace and Sustainability

    Source: Government of India

    Global Leaders Unite at UN Vesak 2025 to Champion Buddhist Values for Peace and Sustainability

    Buddhism is the Ethical Foundation for a Just and Non-Discriminatory Society- Shri Ramdas Athawale – Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment

    Global Buddhist Voices Call for Compassion, Education, and Environmental Action

    Vajrayana Buddhist monks from India performed a prayer chanting ceremony with profound spiritual meaning

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 9:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City marked the second day of the United Nations Vesak 2025 celebrations with a profound display of spiritual unity and global cooperation. Leaders from 85 countries gathered to reflect on this year’s theme: “Solidarity and Tolerance for Human Dignity: Buddhist Wisdom for World Peace and Sustainable Development.”

    Shri Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment of India, emphasized the transformative potential of Buddhist principles in promoting justice, equality, and compassion in modern societies.

    Speakers from across continents underscored the relevance of Buddhist wisdom in addressing pressing global challenges. Messages ranged from the role of Buddhist education in modern times, to environmental advocacy, mental health, and the importance of nurturing the younger generation to carry forward the light of the Dharma.

    The program continued with messages and speeches from leaders of international Buddhist organizations, focusing on clarifying the main theme of this year’s Great Festival.

    In the beginning of the program, Vajrayana Buddhist monks from India performed a prayer chanting ceremony with profound spiritual meaning. The ceremony symbolizes the spirit of harmony, respect, solidarity among Buddhist traditions in the international community. After the prayer service, the plenary session continued with speeches from leaders and government representatives from many countries. The leaders appreciated the role of Buddhist thought in building harmonious and compassionate societies and responding to global challenges such as war, poverty and climate change.

    Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon – Deputy Supreme Patriarch, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Chairman of the National Committee for Vesak 2025 attended with leaders of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, representatives of Buddhist organizations and scholars from 85 countries and territories.

    Venerable Jeong Beom – Acting Chairman of Overseas Affairs Headquarters, Korea, delivered a message “Affirming the importance of global cooperation and solidarity among Buddhist traditions.” Associate Prof. Karsai Gábor Zsolt – Rector of Dharma Gate Buddhist College, Hungary, delivered the message “Promoting the role of Buddhist education in modern times.” Guerrero Diañez – President of the Spanish Buddhist Association, delivered the message “Sharing hope in the young generation that will continue the light of Buddhism in the West.”

    Gerhard Weissgrab – President of the Austrian Buddhist Union, delivered the message “Call for practical action for the environment and world peace.” Ricardo Vieira Sasaki – Director of the Nālandā Buddhist Studies Center, Brazil, delivered the message “Emphasizing the healing power of Buddhism for community mental health.” Associate Prof. Edi Ramawijaya Putra – President of the Indonesian Association of Higher Buddhist Education, delivered the message “Proposal to enhance exchange and cooperation in regional Buddhist education.” Mr. Egil Lothe – Former President of the Norwegian Buddhist Federation, Member of the ICDV International Executive Committee, delivered the message “Emphasizing Vesak as a symbol of global Buddhist connection.

     

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2127641) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Senior judicial appointment: non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointment of the Honourable Sir William Gillow Gibbes Austen Young as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law and section 9 of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484).

    Mr Lee said, “I am pleased to accept the JORC’s recommendation on the appointment of Sir William Young as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Sir William Young retired from the judicial office of Permanent Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, New Zealand’s final court of appeal, in April 2022. He is a judge of eminent standing and reputation. I am confident that he will contribute substantively to the Court of Final Appeal.

         “With the appointment of Sir William Young, the list of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of six eminent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The presence of these esteemed overseas jurists as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal is a manifestation of the independence of the Judiciary in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as protected by the Basic Law. Their participation demonstrates a high degree of confidence in the HKSAR’s judicial system, and enables Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions. I am fully confident that these distinguished jurists from overseas with profound judicial experience will remain as a unique strength of the HKSAR’s judicial system.”  
     
    Article 90 of the Basic Law and section 7A of the Ordinance provide that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course.

    The curriculum vitae of Sir William Young is at the Annex.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Pål Longva: Policy rate kept unchanged

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Presentation accompanying the speech

    Chart 1: Policy rate kept unchanged at 4.5 percent

    Norges Bank is tasked with keeping inflation low and stable. The operational target is inflation of close to 2 percent over time. We are also mandated to help keep employment as high as possible and to promote economic stability. 

    When inflation surged three years ago, we raised the policy rate sharply and rapidly. The policy rate has been held at 4.5 percent for more than a year. Inflation has fallen markedly from the peak but is still above target. Unemployment has edged up in recent years, albeit from a low level.

    At yesterday’s monetary policy meeting, the Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 4.5 percent.

    There is uncertainty about future economic developments, but the Committee’s current assessment of the outlook implies that the policy rate will most likely be reduced in the course of 2025.

    We have not made new forecasts for this monetary policy meeting but have assessed new information about economic developments against the forecasts presented in March. I will now provide an account of these assessments, starting with international developments.

    The global economy is marked by uncertainty about future trade policies. The US has raised tariffs on a range of goods, and some countries have responded with counter-measures. Trade barriers are now more extensive, and the global growth outlook appears to be weaker than assumed in the March Monetary Policy Report. While higher tariffs alone could push up inflation, lower global growth could dampen inflation.

    Interest rate expectations have fallen internationally since March. Oil and gas prices and prices for a number of other commodities have fallen.

    Global trade uncertainty has led to large movements in financial markets. Major equity indices fell sharply at the beginning of April but have since largely been reversed. Increased market stress and the fall in oil prices coincided with the krone weakening somewhat.

    Tariffs have also risen for Norway. The US has imposed a tariff of 10 percent on many Norwegian goods and has announced an increase to 15 percent. The direct effect on growth in the Norwegian economy is likely limited, but global trade uncertainty could dampen activity.

    Chart 2: Registered unemployment is little changed

    So far, activity in the Norwegian economy has been broadly as expected. Activity in the primary housing market appears to have picked up a little recently but is still at a low level. House prices have been lower than projected. The employment rate is high, and employment is somewhat higher than expected. In recent months, registered unemployment has shown little change.

    Chart 3: Inflation is still above target

    Since the end of 2024, inflation in Norway has risen somewhat. In March, consumer price inflation fell to 2.6 percent. Inflation adjusted for tax changes and excluding energy products was stable at 3.4 percent. This was in line with our expectations. Overall inflation is primarily being driven by the rise in prices for food and services. The wage norm for manufacturing in 2025 is close to the Bank’s projection of overall annual wage growth. High growth in business costs is likely to stoke inflation ahead. Since the March Report, the krone has been weaker than expected. A weaker krone means higher prices for imported goods.

    In summary, our assessment is that a restrictive monetary policy is still needed to bring inflation down to target within a reasonable time horizon. If the policy rate is lowered prematurely, prices may continue to rise rapidly. On the other hand, an overly tight monetary policy could restrict the economy more than needed to bring inflation down to target.

    Since March, developments in the Norwegian economy have been broadly as expected. Trade barriers have, however, become more extensive, and there is uncertainty about future trade policies. This may pull the interest rate outlook in different directions. On the one hand, the global growth outlook appears to be weaker, and oil prices have fallen. Norway’s main trading partners are now expected to make more rate cuts than previously. On the other hand, the krone has weakened somewhat and been weaker than assumed.

    The uncertainty surrounding the outlook is greater than normal, and the future path of the policy rate will depend on economic developments. The Committee will have received more information ahead of its next monetary policy meeting in June when new forecasts will also be presented.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s remarks at the London Defence Conference: 8 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    Prime Minister’s remarks at the London Defence Conference: 8 May 2025

    Prime Minister’s speech at the London Defence Conference this morning.

    It is a real privilege to be able to speak to you here today on VE Day.

    80 years to the day…

    Since an expectant nation turned on the wireless – as of course it was then…

    To hear Churchill announce victory in our war against Nazi Germany.  

    Just imagine it.

    Beacons lit across the country…

    Bunting up…

    People raising their glasses and thanking the bravery of our armed forces…

    As we will do today.

    And then they came to the streets.

    The late Queen Elizabeth II – who was then a young princess of just 19 –

    Remembering going unnoticed in the crowds, swept up in a ‘tide of happiness and relief’.

    A celebration of defiance… 

    Of sacrifice…

    The courage of that lion-hearted generation…

    The greatest victory in the history of this great nation.

    A victory not just for Britain.

    But for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil…

    For the light of our values – in a world that tried to put them out.

    And, as you know…

    There are people who would happily do likewise today.

    Our values and security are confronted on a daily basis.

    And we have to rise to this moment.

    80 years ago, just round the corner from here, Churchill said…

    “We must begin the task of rebuilding…

    Do our utmost to make this country a land in which all have a chance…

    And in which all have a duty to our countrymen”.

    The post-war generation took on that task on with relish.

    And we must use this moment…

    To do the same.

    Deepening our partnerships with allies old and new –

    From across Europe to meet the defence challenges of our age…

    To the United States…

    an indispensable ally for our economic and national security…

    As you know, talks with the US have been ongoing – and you’ll hear more about that later today.

    But make no mistake – I will always act in our national interest…

    For workers, businesses and families…

    To deliver security and renewal for our country.

    Because the world has changed, decisively.

    I mean, I remember – as some of you will also too…

    The day the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.

    A landmark moment for my generation.

    A sense of freedom, of possibility, of peace.

    European countries finally free to choose their own future.

    I didn’t think then that in my lifetime I would see Russian tanks entering a European country again.

    Yet here we are.

    And here we stand resolutely…

    With the people of Ukraine.

    Together with our allies…

    Showing the strength of our values…

    As well as the value of our strength.

    A few weeks ago, I was with the Prime Minister of New Zealand…

    To visit our forces delivering Operation INTERFLEX in Wiltshire.

    This is a multinational military operation…

    That has trained more than 50,000 Ukrainian troops for the frontline.

    Men and women who are not soldiers by trade…

    Far from it.

    They are accountants, they are builders, businesspeople, you name it.

    Who stepped up from their lives…

    Stepped away from their families…

    And, as veterans did eighty years ago…

    Answered the call to defend freedom and liberty in their homeland.

    And as these brave men and women leave their training in Britain…

    And head to the frontline of freedom…

    They are applauded by their British trainers.  

    I’ve seen this a couple of times now – it’s a really humbling sight.

    A sign of our support and solidary in their struggle…

    Pride and admiration at their courage.  

    Because in this country we know – this isn’t just a fight for freedom and democracy in Ukraine.

    No – it is a new, more dangerous era of history.

    A period of global instability…

    That fuels insecurity for working people here at home.

    The British people have already paid a price for Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, with rising bills and prices.

    Russia already menaces our security…

    They’ve launched cyber-attacks on our NHS.

    Spread disinformation online…

    And we cannot forget, just a few years ago – a chemical weapons attack on our streets in Salisbury.

    In broad daylight, in the heart of England.

    No – the battle lines in Ukraine are the front line for Western values.

    And the argument that defines this age is simple… 

    National security is economic security.

    And that is why we are boosting defence spending, with the largest sustained increase since the Cold War…

    An increase of £13.4bn year on year compared with where we are today. 

    Not just meeting our commitment to spend 2.5% of our GDP on defence…

    But bringing it forward to 2027. 

    And, alongside that, a new ambition for defence spending to rise to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament.

    But look, I do want to be clear – this investment has two objectives.

    Yes of course, the first goal is always the safety and security of the United Kingdom. 

    But the second is to create jobs, wealth and opportunity in every corner of our country. 

    Secure at home, strong abroad.

    You know – at times like this there is a lot of talk about the end of the peace dividend.

    Well, our task now is to seize the defence dividend.

    Felt directly in the pockets of working people.

    Rebuilding our industrial base.

    Creating the jobs of the future.

    The skills for the next generation…

    From the shipyards in Scotland…

    To the missile systems built in Stevenage and Belfast….

    The artillery barrels made at Sheffield forgemasters…

    And the land vehicle development in Wales…

    Mark my words – the British defence industry will be the engine of national renewal.

    Because this isn’t just about increasing our defence spending…

    It’s also about reform and rebuilding.

    And in the coming weeks, we will publish a first-of-its kind, root and branch strategic defence review…

    It will scrutinise every aspect of defence – to determine how we can best meet the threats of today…

    And return Britain to warfighting readiness.

    Alongside our National Security Strategy and our defence industrial strategy…

    We will set out a major overhaul of the British Armed Services…

    Starting by treating our Armed Forces with the respect that they deserve –

    delivering the largest pay rise for over 20 years…

    And good homes for service personnel and their families.

    But also – the biggest shift in mindset in my lifetime –

    To see security and defence…

    Not as one priority amongst many others…

    But as the central organising principle of government –

    The first thought in the morning – the last at night…

    The pillar on which everything else stands or falls.  

    Because – as in 1945…

    This has to be a collective endeavour.

    A national effort.

    A time for the state, business and society to join hands…

    In pursuit of the security of the nation…

    And the prosperity of its people.  

    So whether you’re a world-renowned business…

    Or a smaller, family-run firm…

    You have a vital part to play in boosting Britain’s defences.

    That is why we have launched a new unit – to help SMEs get their foot in the door of the defence supply chain. 

    Because I am clear – the future belongs to the innovators.

    Take the announcement made just last week…

    StormShroud drones…

    Flying as uncrewed guardians to RAF pilots and crew…

    Now, for the first time, made in Britain.

    An investment that supports hundreds of highly skilled jobs…

    Boosting our capabilities for the modern age of drone-based warfare.  

    Possible – only because of industry and military working together.

    Or take the submarines that we’re building in Barrow.

    This one is personal for me.

    Not just because I was there in Barrow at the keel laying in March –

    Not just because I met the workers and the apprentices and saw for myself what it means for them…

    And of course the 42,000 jobs it supports up and down the country…

    It’s also personal for me because just a few days before that visit…

    I went up to the Firth of Clyde, as another boat made in Barrow –

    A Vanguard-class submarine…

    Was coming in off a record-breaking patrol.

    We boarded the sub and met the crew – who had been at sea for months on end.

    And meeting those remarkable men and women is something I’ll never forget.

    There is no greater duty than the one that they carry –

    No task more vital.

    Our security…

    Nato’s security…

    Depends on them.

    They are the quiet custodians of the nation’s greatest capability…

    Part of an unbroken watch that has been maintained for 55 years.

    And in this moment – it’s time for the rest of us to step up and rebuild our country…

    Leading the world in the opportunities of the future.

    Recently, I visited the Carrier Strike Group off the coast of Cornwall…

    And stayed aboard HMS Prince of Wales…

    It was frankly humbling to see F35s taking off with just 100metres of deck to take off – and then returning and hovering to land on a sixpence

    So imagine how I felt later the very same day when I went to see the apprentices at Rolls Royce…Who had made the engines for those very F35s.

    And we need to keep those apprentices busy…

    And mark my words – we are going to do that.

    With the most ambitious programme of work to secure and rebuild our country since 1945.

    Take an example: today, I can announce a £563 million contract to maintain Britain’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets.

    The backbone of Britain’s air defence…

    Proudly part of the flypast for VE Day that you may have seen on Monday.

    All 130 Typhoons will have their engines maintained by Rolls-Royce…

    Supporting hundreds of jobs in Bristol and beyond…

    Defending British airspace.

    Helping a new generation of service come of age.

    And just imagine – what this means for a young apprentice, aged about 18.

    Entering into the work force with a good job.

    The pride of that work – as a proud I understand from my dad…

    Of knowing that what you do, what you make matters.

    The pride of following in the footsteps of local families…

    Who have been the backbone of their communities for generations.

    The grandchildren of the young men who fought on the beaches of Normandy…

    Now the submariners on a Vanguard-class submarine.

    The descendants of the code breakers at Bletchley…

    Now learning the skills to build a new generation of nuclear submarines in Barrow.

    And the pride of stepping into our national story…

    So those who follow us can say…

    We also rose to meet the moment.

    We also stood firm against tyranny and oppression.

    We also rebuilt Britain – so it serves everyone that serves our country.

    Because on VE day 80 years ago…

    Politicians of all parties and stripes understood that a people who had sacrificed so much were owed a great debt.

    And the truth is – people today are too.

    After years of being buffeted about by insecurity and uncertainty…

    They are owed the same security…

    the same prosperity and peace of mind…

    A good home to live in…

    A well-paid job with strong rights at work…

    An NHS that is there for them when they need it…

    all underpinned by the foundation of national security.

    A defence dividend – that will be felt in the pockets of working people and the prosperity of the country.

    An investment in peace…

    But also an investment in British pride and the British people…

    To build a nation that, once again, lives up to the promises made to that generation…

    Who fought for our values, our freedom and our security.

    Thank you very much indeed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Consumer Summit 2025

    Source: European Union 2

    The 2025 European Consumer Summit will bring together stakeholders from all EU Member States and other countries to explore the risks of online and cross-border e-commerce, the enforcement of consumer protection laws, and the digital safety for young consumers.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: President Putin’s transparently cynical pauses do not create the conditions for talks on a lasting peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    President Putin’s transparently cynical pauses do not create the conditions for talks on a lasting peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland urges Russia to respond substantively to the Moscow Mechanism recommendations and prove they are serious about peace by agreeing to a full and unconditional ceasefire.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.  Minister Betsa, thank you for your address today.  What an excellent exposé of what is at stake.  Thank you being here and for reminding us once again.

    We welcome Ukraine’s continued commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace, as you have reaffirmed in your statement.

    President Zelenskyy has shown his commitment to peace by agreeing in principle to a full and unconditional ceasefire.  By contrast, President Putin has not only refused to agree to that but has further stepped-up attacks on Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles.  In April Russia intensified strikes on Ukrainian cities, killing at least 151 civilians. And just yesterday, as Russia spoke of yet another artificial ceasefire, Moscow launched a ballistic missile and drone attack on a residential area of Kyiv, killing at least 2 people and injury 8, including 4 children.

    If President Putin were serious about peace, Russia would agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as Ukraine has done. His 72-hour Victory Day proposal is another transparently cynical pause which does not create the necessary conditions for talks aimed at achieving a lasting peace.  It cannot be taken seriously, particularly given Ukraine’s experience of President Putin’s so-called truce over Easter: the UK’s Defence Intelligence found no indication that a ceasefire on the frontline was observed by Russia, despite President Putin’s promises.

    We will judge President Putin by his actions not his words, and his actions suggest he has no interest in peace.  To prove he is serious about peace he must agree to the full and unconditional ceasefire offered by Ukraine and supported by the United States.

    Mister Chair, earlier this week the Human Rights Centre Zmina organised a side event in the margins of the Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on the issue of civil society resistance and losses during Russia’s war against Ukraine.  It placed a spotlight on the vital work of Ukraine’s brave civil society members and the high price that too many of them have tragically paid for their work amid Russia’s war.

    Russia continues to arbitrarily detain thousands of Ukrainian civilians, including human rights defenders and journalists.  This was established by a mission of independent experts who, a little over a year ago, reported to the Permanent Council following the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism.

    The Mission found that detainees had been subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, sexual violence and other forms of serious mistreatment.  The Mission also recorded cases of extrajudicial killings of arbitrarily detained Ukrainian civilians.

    The expert mission made a range of recommendations to the Russian Federation.  A year later, these remain unanswered; just like those from the other four Moscow Mechanism reports.  We urge the Russian Federation to respond substantively to all these recommendations and release, without delay, all Ukrainian civilians who continue to be held arbitrarily.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cheshire East Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Cheshire East Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    Best Value Notice issued to Cheshire East Council on 8 May 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Details

    On 8 May 2025, the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP, announced in written ministerial statement the issuing of a non-statutory best value notice to Cheshire East Council.

    This best value notice is a formal notification that the department has concerns regarding the authority and requests that the authority engages with the department to provide assurance of improvement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Advanced tech boosts fight against animal and plant disease

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Advanced tech boosts fight against animal and plant disease

    £10 million in new Government funding for surveillance programme will further strengthen the country’s biosecurity to protect animals, plants, people and trade.

    The fight against pests and diseases, which can cost the UK economy billions of pounds, has been stepped up today (Thursday 8 May) with £10m of new funding announced for surveillance projects.

    The Genomics for Animal and Plant Disease Consortium (GAP-DC) project led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency will undertake surveillance across animal, plant and aquatic environments, using advanced genome sequencing technologies – a method that reads the complete genetic code of a living organism, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, or animals – to detect, identify and track pathogens with precision.

    For example, when avian influenza is found in UK poultry, genome sequencing can help confirm the virus type, trace its spread, and detect any mutations, supporting disease control measures.

    The UK faces significant and growing economic threats from pests and diseases affecting agriculture, livestock, and the environment. Invasive species alone cost the UK economy an estimated £4 billion annually, while plant pathogens and pests contribute to substantial crop losses.

    Ash dieback is predicated to cost £15 billion to the UK over coming decades and livestock disease such as avian influenza can have devastating financial and societal consequences, and has been estimated to cost the poultry meat sector more than £100m over a two-year period.

    APHA Interim Chief Executive Dr Jenny Stewart said:

    “Disease presents a significant risk to our farmers, global trade and human health.

    “This vital funding and collaboration with world leading experts will help APHA identify and tackle disease risk more effectively.

    “This research will lead to significantly advanced surveillance capabilities to protect UK borders from new and existing threats.”

    Research to be undertaken in collaboration with seven expert partners will include a focus on increasing the speed of pathogen detection at our borders, addressing new and re-emerging disease outbreaks, developing new strategies to control and mitigate endemic disease, and an improved approach to working with stakeholders and the community. It will also investigate disease spillover from wild animals and plants – when a virus moves from one species to other, such as the transmission of the COVID-19 virus from bats to humans.

    The £10 million of new funding provided by Defra and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will strengthen pathogen detection across the UK over the next two years and help protect the UK economy, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    The announcement comes during National Plant Health Week (5-12 May 2025), an annual designated week of action to raise public awareness and engagement on how to keep our plants healthy, led by Defra in partnership with 32 organisations, including the Royal Horticultural Society, the Woodland Trust and the Horticultural Trades Association.

    Additional information:

    • APHA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government, and the Scottish Government, which employs around 3,600 staff, based at various sites across the UK.
    • The GAP-DC project will help APHA to get a better understanding of new sequencing technologies and platforms available in genomic surveillance so that we can test more effectively.
    • The project is supported by £7 million of funding from Defra and £3m from UKRI.
    • A full list of partners involved in the project is below:

    -Animal and Plant Health Agency (lead)

    • Defra

    • UKRI

    • Forest Research

    • Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)

    • The Pirbright Institute

    • Fera Science

    • Royal Veterinary College

    • Forest Research Head of Pathology Dr Lisa Ward said:

    “Forest Research is internationally renowned for the provision of science, research, evidence, data and services for the support of sustainable forestry.

    “The genomic methods being developed under the GAP DC project are essential to future proof Forest Research’s work on monitoring the health of our trees by enhancing early pathogen detection, allowing rapid response and more effective disease control.”

    • Royal Veterinary College Vice Principal for Research and Innovation Professor Oliver Pybus said:

    “The Royal Veterinary College is pleased to contribute its expertise in infectious disease genomics and animal health to GAP-DC.

    “The consortium will further strengthen the UK’s position as a world-leader in genomic surveillance for animal and plant pathogens”

    • Cefas Animal and Human Health Science Lead Professor David Bass said:

    “Cefas, an Executive Agency of Defra, has diverse expertise in marine and freshwater science, working for healthy and productive oceans, seas, and rivers, and safe and sustainable seafood.

    “Genomic methods for pathogen surveillance and understanding the health of aquatic organisms are central to this mission, so we greatly value our participation in GAP-DC, and contributing to the UK’s excellence and innovation in pathogen genomics.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Newham Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Newham Council: Best Value Notice (May 2025)

    Best Value Notice issued to Newham Council on 8 May 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Details

    On 8 May 2025, the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP, announced in written ministerial statement the issuing of a non-statutory best value notice to Newham Council.

    This best value notice is a formal notification that the department has concerns regarding the authority and requests that the authority engages with the department to provide assurance of improvement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nottingham City Council: Ministerial response to the Commissioners’ second report

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Nottingham City Council: Ministerial response to the Commissioners’ second report

    Ministerial response from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage to the Commissioners.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Details

    Response from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, to the Commissioners at Nottingham City Council regarding their second report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warrington Borough Council: Letter to the Chief Executive (8 May 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Warrington Borough Council: Letter to the Chief Executive (8 May 2025)

    Letter to the Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council setting out the proposed statutory support package and seeking representations.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Details

    A copy of the letter to Warrington Chief Executive, Professor Steven Broomhead, from James Blythe, Deputy Director, Local Government Stewardship and Interventions, in response to the Inspectors’ Best Value Inspection report (January 2025).

    The letter sets out the findings of the report, the proposed statutory support package under sections 15(5) and 15(6) of the Local Government Act 1999, including the appointment of a Political Envoy and Best Value Experts, and invites representations on the proposal. All representations received on or before 22 May 2025 will be considered before ministers make their final decision.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom