Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘Exit tax’ in connection with relocating to another Member State – P-001754/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001754/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Barbara Bonte (PfE)

    The Belgian Federal Government is considering introducing an ‘exit tax’, i.e. a tax measure requiring individuals and some legal persons to pay a tax on accumulated capital gains when relocating to another EU Member State.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s position on this?
    • 2.In connection with relocating to another Member State, would such an arrangement be contrary to the principle of free movement?

    Submitted: 30.4.2025

    Last updated: 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Contract for supervision of the Rome incinerator project – P-001714/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001714/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left)

    In Rome, the Special Government Commissioner for the Jubilee – who is also Waste Commissioner[1] and Mayor – has initiated the construction of an incinerator[2]. According to the report published in Tenders Electronic Daily[3], the legal basis for the contract for supervision of the project is Directive 2014/24/EU and, for reasons of extreme urgency caused by events that were unforeseeable for the developer, the contract was awarded by means of a negotiated procedure without publication of a tender procedure.

    It seems implausible that there could be an unforeseeable urgency connected with the Jubilee and waste management, as the Jubilee has been running for centuries at a very regular 20-year interval.

    The Commissioner decided[4] to award the contract without a call for tenders and by means of an urgent procedure to ‘ensure that the project [was] carried out within the timescale set out in the project schedule’[5]. The project schedule[6] and the schedule for the Rome waste management plan[7] (which the project schedule is part of) were signed off by the Commissioner for the Jubilee and Waste Commissioner himself.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm that the contract for the supervision of the incinerator project has Directive 2014/24/EU as a legal basis?
    • 2.If so, is the justification for the urgent procedure without a call for tenders the same as that permitted under Directive 2014/24/EU?
    • 3.If not, what measures does the Commission intend to take?

    Submitted: 29.4.2025

    • [1] https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/commissario-straordinario-di-governo-per-il-giubileo.page.
    • [2] https://commissari.gov.it/media/2335/ordinanza_n_8_rm228-ordinanza_attivita_propedeutiche_termovalorizzatore_signed_firmato.pdf.
    • [3] https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/775283-2024.
    • [4] https://commissari.gov.it/media/v2waavsi/ordinanza_30_2024_rm_4434_project_financing.pdf.
    • [5] Ibid., p. 11, last sentence.
    • [6] https://www.comune.roma.it/web-resources/cms/documents/termovalorizzatore_piano_rifiuti_slide.pdf, see page 9.
    • [7] https://commissari.gov.it/media/2336/piano_gestione_rifiuti.pdf, see pp. 180-181.
    Last updated: 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Posting of workers – 05-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    A ‘posted worker’ is a worker who is sent by their employer to provide a service in another EU Member State on a temporary basis. Freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services are fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The principle governing the status of posted workers is ‘equal pay for the same work in the same place’.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Health and safety at work – 05-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Improving health and safety at work has been an important concern for the EU since the 1980s. Legislation at European level sets minimum standards for the protection of workers, while allowing Member States to maintain or introduce more stringent measures. Health and safety at work is a key component of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Türkiye

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Türkiye

    UK Statement on Türkiye, delivered at Türkiye’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President,

    We recognise efforts by Türkiye to address human rights concerns. The UK urges Türkiye to take further action to uphold freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and media freedom, in accordance with its international human rights obligations.

    We recommend Türkiye:

    1. Strengthens judicial independence by amending constitutional provisions for appointing members of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, ensuring peer election and preventing executive interference.

    2. Protects workers’ rights by enhancing legal frameworks for trade unions, prevents harassment and intimidation, and guarantees the right to union activities without reprisals.

    3. Eliminates restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, ensuring no undue interference and allows independent media to operate freely, without fear of censorship.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Tourism in transport policy: State of play and future perspectives – 06-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    With the appointment of Apostolos Tzitzikostas as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, tourism policy has received new impetus. In the European Commission’s communications, returning policy objectives are geared towards making tourism greener, more digital, more competitive and – since the COVID-19 pandemic – more resilient. The Commission has also set out several initiatives to improve the travel experience by protecting the rights of passengers and making tourism more accessible for people with disabilities. In addition, the EU makes use of digital tools for issuing or refusing travel authorisations, processing biometric data and protecting travellers’ personal data. Furthermore, it addresses the environmental impact of tourism with legislation that encourages energy efficiency and the use of alternative fuels. It also promotes eco-friendly accommodation and little-known destinations in order to cope with overtourism. Service providers in the travel industry face several challenges and opportunities. The sector is affected, among other things, by new taxation rules. Service providers will be able to collect more reliable information on hosts and their short-term rental properties. Funding for tourism is spread across several EU programmes. Some are meant to make the sector more resilient, others to support businesses, protect the environment or encourage cultural exchange. Looking ahead, the Commission work programme for 2025 envisages amending passenger rights, digitising passports and identity cards, facilitating consular protection and protecting travellers.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – €8 million in EU aid for 2,400 dismissed workers in Belgium

    Source: European Parliament 3

    Employees affected by the bankruptcy of Belgian automotive company Van Hool will benefit from an EU aid package worth €8 million.

    On Tuesday, Parliament approved Belgium’s request for support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) by 598 votes in favour, 48 against and with 5 abstentions.

    MEPs acknowledged that “the European automotive and supplier industry is facing unprecedented pressure from both external and internal challenges, such as distortion of competition and high-energy costs.”

    Van Hool produced coaches, buses, trolleybuses, and trailers. The company was declared bankrupt in April 2024 following a sharp decline in sales prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and exacerbated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, rising inflation, and supply chain disruptions. As a result, 2,400 workers were dismissed, one third of them aged 50 or over, and 80 % with outdated skillsets.

    The support package finances counselling, vocational orientation, job-search assistance, and new professional and digital skills training. It is worth €9.4 million in total – with the EGF providing €8 million and Belgium’s Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service (VDAB) funding €1.4 million. Support measures have been available since the layoffs.

    Background

    Under the EGF Regulation for the 2021-2027 period, the fund supports displaced workers and self-employed individuals who have lost their jobs. EGF support is available for those affected by all types of unexpected major restructuring events, including the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as broader trends, such as decarbonisation and automation. Member states can apply for EU funding when at least 200 workers lose their jobs within a specific reference period.

    Once a member state submits an application detailing the redundancies and planned support measures, the Commission evaluates it. If the application meets the EGF criteria, the Commission makes a proposal to mobilise funds that must be approved by Parliament and Council. Since 2007, the EGF has intervened in 182 cases, allocating €700 million to help more than 170,000 people in 20 Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inverness commemorates VE Day 80th anniversary

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council is supporting public commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Thursday 8 May) both in Inverness and at Saint-Valery-en-Caux, France to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. 

    On 8 May at 11:30 there will be a service and laying of wreaths at Cavell Gardens War Memorial, Inverness led by the Inverness Branch of Royal British Legion, Scotland.

    Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Ian Brown and Depute Provost Cllr Jackie Hendry will lay a wreath at the service at Cavell Gardens War Memorial.

    Cllr Brown said: “We will honour the people of Inverness who were deployed during World War II and we will remember them.”

    Depute Provost Cllr Jackie Hendry added: “Victory Europe was a day in history full of relief and joy after six long, dark years of war.  We remember those who fought but did not come home.  Never forget.”

    Following the service, a reception for veterans has been supported by the Inverness Common Good Fund.

    The Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair and Depute Provost Cllr Morven Reid along with members of the City of Inverness Pipe Band will attend ceremonies at Inverness’s twinned town Saint-Valery-en-Caux.

    Provost Campbell Sinclair said: “It is an honour and a privilege to represent Inverness at Saint-Valery-en-Caux to mark the ultimate sacrifice made by thousands in the defence and ultimate liberation of our twinned town 80 years ago including the many soldiers from the 51st Highland Division.”

    On the morning of 8 May, they will attend a mass at the Church of Saint-Valery-en-Caux then a wreath laying ceremony at the Place de la Gare. In the afternoon there will be ceremonies at the monument of the 51st Highland Division and at the Military Cemetery

    6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Giants warning of dangers of military land to remain permanently

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Giants warning of dangers of military land to remain permanently

    An installation to warn of the dangers of accessing military land has been granted permanent planning permission to remain.

    Local children running alongside the Respect the Range installation. Richard Dawson PA Media Assignments.

    A striking art display warning of the dangers of accessing military land has been granted permanent planning permission to remain on the edge of Salisbury Plain Training Area in Westbury. 

    The display, consisting of 29 silhouettes, including three 10ft ‘giants’ modelled on local soldiers, was originally installed by charity Standing with Giants in the summer of 2024.  

    Initially planned as a temporary art piece, the installation promoting the MOD’s Respect the Range safety campaign, has proved to be incredibly popular. Images of the giants have regularly appeared across social media as the public visit what is fast becoming a valued landmark in the area.  

    The MOD has been working closely with Westbury Town Council to secure permanent planning permission for the installation. The display will be gifted to the council so the giants can continue standing proudly to share the Respect the Range campaign’s important safety messages to locals and visitors for years to come.  

    Lt Col Andy Hough, Regional Commander of the Defence Training Estate in the South West, said:  

    We’re delighted that the giants are to stay at Westbury. It’s been a great collaborative effort with Westbury Town Council to secure this result and we’d also like to thank our industry partner Landmarc Solutions for their ongoing support with the project.  

    The giants carry with them important safety messaging that we hope people will take on board when in and around the military training estate at Salisbury Plain.  

    Military training can take place at any time of day and night across the year and, with heightened tensions across the globe, it’s important our armed forces can train uninterrupted and that we work with the public to keep each other safe.

    Deborah Urch, Westbury Town Council Town Clerk said: 

    There was real excitement when the giants were unveiled last year and it’s fantastic to know they’ll be staying. They have really added something special to the area and local residents I’ve spoken to feel a real sense of pride in them.  

    We have a strong relationship with our military, and we’re delighted that we’re able to support them by continuing to promote this key public safety message.

    Dan Barton, CEO Standing with Giants said:  

    It’s always humbling when your artwork is so keenly adopted by local residents and talked about with such enthusiasm. Our ethos has always been about respecting what our military have and continue to sacrifice for our freedoms and we’re delighted that this piece of art will be staying in Westbury, adjacent to such an iconic military training area.

    Two thirds of the MOD’s land is used for military training, which is vital to ensure the UK’s Armed Forces are ready to deploy on operations. 

    Across the UK each year, thousands of incidents are recorded of the public accessing MOD land when and where they shouldn’t, posing a serious safety risk and often impacting on the training taking place.  

    Respect the Range: The Salisbury Plain Giants – YouTube

    The public are reminded that they should only access military training areas when and where it is safe to do so and should exercise caution at all times. To help keep themselves and their loved ones safe, the MOD is asking the public to follow these simple steps: 

    • Look out for red flags and observe all signs and information 

    • Check live firing online at Gov.uk before visiting a military training area 

    • Stick to footpaths, bridleways, byways and Public Rights of Way  

    • Keep dogs under close control and pick up after them.  

    • Never touch any military debris (UXO), report it for safe removal 

    For further information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-access 

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National exposure to boost Portsmouth tourism

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth’s tourism sector has been given a major boost with a new regional partnership opening doors to national exposure and funding opportunities.

    The city is part of a newly formed Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), which just received accreditation by VisitEngland.

    It gives the partnership power to take a strategic approach for growing the visitor economy across the Solent and Hampshire region, working alongside the existing Isle of Wight LVEP.

    It puts Portsmouth at the national table with the 40 regional LVEPs, to collaborate on activity that boosts the whole region, bid for new funding and share a wealth of information and resources with local businesses.

    Portsmouth’s growing tourism sector already supports 12,589 jobs in the city and attracts 12.4m visitors each year, making it one of the city’s major industries.

    Achieving LVEP status is an important milestone, opening doors to boost the region’s visitor economy estimated to contribute £3.3bn a year and employ over 87,000 people. It gives opportunity to showcase the region’s unique attractions, drive growth, new investment and create jobs.

    The LVEP will be delivered by Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Winchester City Council, working with the local authorities and key stakeholders, with Tourism South East taking the strategic lead.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:

    “The accreditation of the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton LVEP is great news. The Visit Portsmouth team already make a huge impact on the destination economy and are keen to work with colleagues across the county to grow the visitor economy and ensure that our local tourism businesses benefit from the additional resources and best practice that being part of an LVEP will provide.”

    The city’s Visit Portsmouth tourism brand will continue, with support for Portsmouth businesses and marketing activity still delivered locally and focussed on the city and its partners.

    The national LVEP programme is developed and administered by VisitEngland to create a portfolio of high-performing partnerships working locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets to grow of the national visitor sector.

    VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

    “The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and regenerative way, and I am delighted to welcome the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton LVEP.”

    “Working together, the LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors.  As Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton is established as an LVEP, VisitEngland will provide ongoing support, including a dedicated regional lead.”

    The LVEP partnership will start work on a region-wide Destination Management Plan and Growth strategy, outlining the foundations, sustainable direction, opportunities and work plans.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 15 years in hockey: anniversary photo exhibition opens at GUU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On May 6, 2025, the State University of Management opened an exhibition dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the SUM hockey team.

    Rector Vladimir Stroev welcomed the guests and noted the importance of university sports.

    “The number of people who are interested in the game in general and our team in particular is growing steadily. Many watch the matches of student hockey leagues and it is nice when our teams stand out with success. The guys finished the season quite confidently, the playoffs are ahead, I encourage everyone to go and support, because these are the most interesting matches. Congratulations on the intermediate end of the season and the St. Petersburg championship!” – concluded Vladimir Vitalyevich.

    Also speaking at the opening was 2011 team player Dmitry Neidorf, who became a professional coach and opened his own hockey school in Moscow.

    “It’s nice to visit my home university. I want to note the positive changes in the field of university sports. In 2011, when we started playing, it was more on a volunteer basis, and now the team is supported by both students and the rector’s office, which is very valuable. I wish today’s players to be united, we still communicate with our team and carry our friendship through life,” Dmitry noted.

    The grand opening was concluded by the current captain of our university’s hockey team, Andrei Larin.

    “Thank you to the rector’s office for opening the exhibition. It is especially nice to see those who previously defended the honor of our university. It is important that sports are actively developing at GUU: a student sports club has been created, there are curators from among the staff, the support of the rector’s office is felt, and not only during victories, but also when the team fails at something. This is very important and valuable for us. We strive to be the best, to occupy only the highest steps of the podium, and we will do everything to achieve this,” Andrey emphasized.

    The GUU hockey team was founded in 2010, and the official start in the Moscow Student Hockey League is considered to be April 9, 2011.

    Over 15 years, the team has become one of the most titled in the MSHL and pre-season tournaments, demonstrating consistent success. Among the key achievements are the Moscow championship among universities, victories in the Mayor’s Cup, bronze in the Russian Championship and success in the Bachelor and Master divisions.

    In the 2024/2025 season, the team was updated, changing its nickname from “hippos” to “GUUsi” in honor of the unification of the university sports club. Now HC GUU plays in two capital leagues – MSHL and NSHL, occupying confident positions in the tournament tables.

    The photo exhibition is located in the covered passage between the Administrative Building and the Flow Auditorium Building and reflects key moments in the team’s history, including outstanding matches, memorable seasons and player achievements. The exhibition will allow visitors to follow the team’s path from its founding to its current successes and inspire the further development of student hockey at the State University of Management.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05/06/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung UK Reveals Final Ten Shortlist For Annual Solve For Tomorrow Competition

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, U.K. – May 06, 2025 – Samsung Electronics UK announced the final 10 teams shortlisted for their annual tech for good competition, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. Now in its fifth year, the initiative is designed to empower young people, regardless of their background, by encouraging them to submit tech-for-good solutions that benefit society by addressing real-world issues.
     
    Solve for Tomorrow is free to enter, and open to all young people aged 16-25 across the UK and Ireland. 508 applicants submitted ideas to this year’s competition before the deadline on 12th January, and 49 teams were then shortlisted to take part in expert-led workshops and Samsung mentoring. For the first time this year, all 100 young people shortlisted also received a Samsung Galaxy Tab to support them through their workshops.
     
    Participants took part in five weeks of design thinking, market research & prototyping workshops alongside 1-2-1 Samsung mentorship, to help develop their design concepts ready for re-submission in April.
     
    Commenting on her experience as a Samsung Mentor, Jessica Diniz, Senior Manager at Samsung Design Europe, said: “It’s so inspiring to work with young entrepreneurs and creatives, whose ideas will fuel technological possibilities for a more equitable world in the next era of AI. Their highly progressive ideas and high-quality design output bring fresh perspectives on the power of STEM, Innovation and Design to pioneer positive change.”
     
    To decide which teams would make it through to the final stages of the competition, our panel of Samsung and industry experts closely reviewed participants’ submissions, whittling down the shortlist to just 10 final teams across both age categories (16-18 and 18-25).
     
    Charlotte Heard, Managing Director at Mettle Studios, was part of the judging panel for this year’s 18-25 category and commented on our finalists:“It was such a joy to be immersed in the ideas that felt truly innovative and aimed to solve some of society’s biggest challenges. I can’t wait to see what the winning candidates go on to achieve – we’re so lucky to have a platform like Samsung Solve for Tomorrow to support the change makers of the future.”
     
    The final 10 have now made it through to the ultimate phase of the competition, where they will pitch their idea to another panel of Samsung & industry experts, to be in with the chance of winning a £10,000 cash prize, Samsung tech and further mentoring to help them make their idea a reality.
     
    The winners and runners up for each age category (16-18 and 18-25) will be announced following the awards ceremony in July.
     
    To find out more about our Solve for Tomorrow Competition, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/solvefortomorrow/
     
    Team
    Age Category
    Theme
    The Idea
    1
    16-18
    Healthcare
    Sanoband pairs with your smartwatch to detect alcohol cravings and offer personalised interventions to prevent relapse and support long-term recovery.
    2
    16-18
    Healthcare
    CycleSense is a unique period tracker: a device measuring the concentration of progesterone in users’ saliva to accurately predict the start of their next menstrual cycle.
    3
    16-18
    Healthcare
    DexTec is a smart assistive glove that works by replacing the lost dexterity within users who suffer from the effects of having immobile hands.
    4
    16-18
    Education
    WormNote is a study companion app designed for students, offering intelligent and tailored support throughout their learning journey.
    5
    16-18
    Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
    SproutBot is a gardening companion empowering individuals who suffer from mobility issues to garden independently by automating the more demanding tasks.
    6
    18-25
    Healthcare
    HeartAware is an AI-powered tool that uses your phone to detect heart risks – built for communities left out of the system.
    7
    18-25
    Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
    Trippl is a mobile platform that lets women plan and share rides by matching them with verified, compatible co‑riders to make late‑night travel safer and more affordable.
     
    8
    18-25
    Healthcare
    Zera is a discreet thermoelectric device, with corresponding AI app, to ease hot flushes, track symptoms, and foster a community to empower women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
    9
    18-25
    Healthcare
    Lea is an AI-driven breast health app that syncs with wearables to guide self-exams, track changes, and generate clinician-ready reports.
    10
    18-25
    Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
    Athena is a haptic collar that syncs with any audio to translate music into tailored vibrations and bone‑conduction feedback, letting D/deaf users feel melody, rhythm, and emotion.
     

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Global: Valentin-Yves Mudimbe: the philosopher who reshaped how the world thinks about Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Christophe Premat, Associate Professor in French Studies (cultural studies), head of the Centre for Canadian Studies, Stockholm University

    Valentin-Yves Mudimbe. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Congolese thinker, philosopher and linguist Valentin-Yves Mudimbe died on 21 April 2025 at the age of 83. He was in the US, where he had lived for many years.

    A towering figure in African critical thought, Mudimbe’s work – translated and studied worldwide – has profoundly shaped postcolonial studies. He leaves a groundbreaking intellectual legacy on the colonisation of knowledge and the condition of Africans.

    At a time when debates on decolonising knowledge are gaining ground, Mudimbe’s passing invites us to revisit the work of a thinker who, since the 1980s, paved the way for a radical critique of imposed “categories”. He wanted to help rebuild intellectual frameworks which imagined and defined Africa on its own terms, not through the labels or categories imposed by colonial powers.

    As a specialist in postmodern and postcolonial theories, I think he had considerable influence on the field of postcolonial studies.

    He was one of the most influential African thinkers of the 20th century. His impact did not come from activism, but from careful, sustained intellectual work. With his seminal work The Invention of Africa (1988) he profoundly disrupted African and postcolonial studies. His work went far beyond the usual east-west divide.

    A journey between Africa and exile

    Valentin-Yves Mudimbe was born in 1941 in Jadotville (now Likasi), in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His early education took place in a Benedictine monastery. Later, he pursued further studies at Louvain in Belgium.

    His religious education left a lasting mark on his thinking. It shaped his critical approach to knowledge. His work often explored the connections between language, power, and how ideas become institutionalised.

    In 1970, Mudimbe returned to the newly independent Congo. He began teaching at the National University of Zaïre. The country was then caught between postcolonial hope and growing disillusionment.

    Under Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime, the political atmosphere grew stifling for independent thinkers. The state had adopted the rhetoric of “authenticity”, turning it into a tool of control. Faced with this ideological stranglehold, Mudimbe chose exile in 1979.

    He relocated to the US, where he taught at Stanford and later Duke University. There, he continued his work of critical deconstruction. Yet, despite his physical distance, he remained deeply committed to Africa’s future.

    Deconstructing the ‘colonial library’

    First published in English in 1988 as the The Invention of Africa, the book was translated into French in 2021 under the title L’Invention de l’Afrique, (Présence africaine).

    Mudimbe offers much more than a critique of colonial representations. He examined the “colonial library”. It refers to the vast collection of religious, anthropological and administrative texts that, for centuries, framed Africa as an object to be studied, dominated and “saved”. Mudimbe was always careful not to accept ideas just because they were passed down. Instead, he was always looking for new ways to think freely and independently.

    Unlike Edward Said, the Palestinian-American literary theorist and critic who exposed how the west constructed a mythologised “Orient”, Mudimbe revealed something more insidious. He showed that Africa was often imagined as a void to be filled. It was cast as a cultural blank slate, which helped justify the colonial mission.

    This radical deconstruction raised a crucial question: how can we produce knowledge that does not, even through critique, reproduce the very colonial frameworks it seeks to challenge?

    The book’s impact was profound, resonating across Africa, Europe and North America. It created an intellectual foundation for thinkers like Achille Mbembe, Souleymane Bachir Diagne and Felwine Sarr, who, in turn, continued to explore what truly decolonised African thought might look like.

    Building something new

    Mudimbe was never satisfied with existing structures. He aimed to build something new from the ground up. For him, liberating Africa required a rebuilding of knowledge systems. He rejected the assumption that western intellectual frameworks alone could define Africa. He also warned against essentialist temptations – the trap of creating new conceptual prisons in the name of authenticity.

    His thinking followed a rigorous method: analysing discourse, questioning inherited categories, and dismantling false assumptions.

    This demanding work aimed to empower Africa to think for itself without cutting itself off from the rest of the world.

    His fiction – Between Tides (in French, Entre les eaux. Dieu, un prêtre, la révolution), Before the Birth of the Moon (Le Bel Immonde in French), Shaba Deux : les carnets de mère Marie Gertrude – embodies the same refusal to be stereotyped.

    His characters navigate colonial legacies, state nationalism and rigid identity politics through stories of displacement and fragmented memory.

    Language itself becomes a battleground for creativity in his novels. Sharply crafted, his prose captures the diversity of contemporary African experience. Through both his literary and philosophical works, Mudimbe consistently insisted that identity is never a given. It is always a construct to be questioned.

    A living legacy

    As Africa navigates complex geopolitical transformations and redefines its cultural identities, Mudimbe’s intellectual legacy proves more vital than ever. His work challenges us to recognise that true liberation extends beyond political sovereignty or cultural revival. It requires the radical work of reinventing how knowledge itself is produced and validated.

    Mudimbe’s lasting legacy urges us to remain intellectually vigilant in a world where knowledge is constantly shifting. He challenges us to reject rigid categories, embrace complexity with care, and make room for uncertainty instead of rushing to resolve it.

    For Mudimbe, to decolonise knowledge means relentless critique paired with creative reconstruction. It means building pluralistic and open frameworks that honour Africa’s diverse experiences without nostalgia or complacency.

    Christophe Premat is a lecturer and researcher in Francophone cultural studies at the Department of Romance and Classical Studies at Stockholm University. In 2018, he published the book For a Critical Genealogy of the Francophonie, released by Stockholm University Press. He states that he worked at the French Institute of Sweden / French Embassy in Stockholm from 2008 to 2013, dealing, among other things, with issues related to the Francophonie. He is currently a member of CISE (Confédération Internationale Solidaire Écologiste), an association of French citizens abroad founded in 2018 (https://cise-francaisdeletranger.net/). He is the head of the Centre for Canadian Studies at Stockholm University.

    ref. Valentin-Yves Mudimbe: the philosopher who reshaped how the world thinks about Africa – https://theconversation.com/valentin-yves-mudimbe-the-philosopher-who-reshaped-how-the-world-thinks-about-africa-255902

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost for woodlands as research to tackle plant pests & diseases

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Boost for woodlands as research to tackle plant pests & diseases

    Key research to combat ongoing pest and disease outbreaks and emerging threats to protect our trees

    British woodlands and trees will benefit from new research aimed at boosting protection against pests and diseases, announced today (Tuesday 6 May).

    Our plants and trees are estimated to contribute £4.1 billion per year to the UK’s economy – their vast canopies are teeming with birds and insects, they help mitigate the impact of flooding for communities across the country, trees outside woodland in towns as well as rural areas are cherished by the British people. But our trees are vulnerable, with plant pests and diseases posing a significant threat to nature and the economy.

    The threat from pests and diseases is growing due to factors like climate change, and it is increasingly important to plant resilient trees that can withstand warmer temperatures so people and nature can enjoy the widespread benefits they bring.

    17 new research projects will improve tree health and resilience through the Centre for Forest Protection – a collaboration between Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    These will help plant and protect treescapes that are resilient to stresses including climate change and pests and diseases such as ash dieback, which has been estimated to kill over 100 million trees in the UK and cost the economy up to £15 billion to Great Britain over the coming decades.

    The £4 million of funding will include projects to facilitate future tree breeding for resilience to ash dieback and a fungal disease affecting Scots pine, and new technologies so trees can flower at a younger age to accelerate breeding programmes.

    Professor Nicola Spence, Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer, said:

    “Tackling the growing threat from plant pests and diseases due to climate change is critical to protect the long-term health and resilience of our trees.

    “Expanding our research efforts and work to restore native ash trees are an important step in the fight against diseases which devastate our nations woodlands, protecting trees for the benefits they bring to our climate and for people’s enjoyment.”

    Dr Louise Gathercole, Centre for Forest Protection Coordinator, said:

    “At Forest Research and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, we are delighted to continue our collaboration under the Centre for Forest Protection.

    “Funding this virtual centre gives us the opportunity to leverage the expertise and resources of both organisations, along with a wide range of other collaborators, to carry out innovative science and produce the evidence needed for future woodland resilience.”

    Projects for 2025/26 include:

    • Dodging the double whammy, looking into whether trees resilient to ash dieback can also help avoid damage from Emerald Ash Borer, an exotic emerald coloured beetle from Asia which has caused significant damage to ash trees in North America.
    • Infusing resilience into the Scots pine genetic resource, breeding pine trees resilience to Dothistroma needle blight, a fungal disease which can reduce timber yields and even cause tree death.
    • Developing novel methods to understand and mitigate grey squirrel bark stripping behaviour, on the impact of invasive grey squirrels on woodlands – with an estimated economic cost of £37 million annually – and how to combat bark stripping behaviour, which disincentivises tree planting and leaves trees susceptible to increased risk of disease.

    As part of £700,000 of Defra-funded research, a second UK ash tree archive in Scotland has now been planted aimed at increasing resilience and further developing efforts for a breeding programme of tolerant UK ash. This is a key step towards restoring native ash back to our landscape. 

    2500 young trees have now been planted over the 1-hectare site. These trees have been specially selected as showing signs of potential resistance to the disease. Over the coming years, the less healthy individuals will be weeded out, allowing for the best trees to form a potential seed orchard for resistant ash seed production in future.

    This follows over 3000 trees of tolerant ash being planted at the first ash archive site in southern England in 2019. Screening for tolerant trees in a different climate away from other threats will significantly boost research efforts. Identifying ash with a high tolerance to the disease will enable the development of orchards producing commercially available seed and prove transformative to our future landscapes.

    The announcement marks the launch of this year’s 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:

    • The second ash archive is funded by Defra on an estate owned by Forestry Land Scotland in Clackmannanshire.
    • The Centre for Forest Protection is a collaborative, virtual hub which aims to protect our trees from environmental and socioeconomic threats, through innovative science, interdisciplinary research, expert advice and training. The CFP is led by Forest Research – Great Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research – and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, whose mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi, for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

    The 17 new research projects are:

    • Dodging the Double Whammy: Does Resistance to Ash Dieback Help European Ash Avoid Damage by Emerald Ash Borer?
    • Knowledge synthesis: How trees evolve under novel conditions
    • SUPPoRT: Sustainable Plant Provenancing for Resilient Trees
    • Genomic basis of ash health after five and thirteen years’ exposure to ash dieback
    • Complex Yew Decline Research
    • ADGROW: Applied Dendrochronology for the Genomic Resilience Of Woodlands
    • EXPLORATION: Assessing the robustness of mixed species planting as a drought adaptation measure during early stage establishment – an experimental approach
    • Enhancing forest resilience through stand structural complexity
    • Infusing resilience into the Scots pine genetic resource
    • Phenology, Genomics, and Non-Destructive Testing: A Comprehensive Approach to Detecting, Understanding, and Reducing Oak Shake (PhenoGenDT)
    • Speed breeding technologies for UK broadleaved trees
    • Forest Sector Modelling of the Impact of Biotic and Abiotic Risks on Forest Resilience
    • Developing novel methods to understand and mitigate grey squirrel bark stripping behaviour
    • Supporting farmers’ on-farm integration of tree resilience actions
    • REWARD, Remote Early Warning and Advanced Response for Diseases.
    • The wind within the trees: understanding cultural, silvicultural, and timber quality dimensions to windstorm risks and impacts
    • Resilience to compound abiotic and biotic stress in native Scots Pine

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: VE Day: Stoke-on-Trent marks 80 years since the end of WWII in Europe

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 6th May 2025

    A VE Day Civic Service is being held in Stoke Minster to mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.

    Members of the public are invited to attend the service to honour those who gave their lives in battle. 

    Germany officially surrendered to the Allies on 8 May 1945, and the news was greeted with celebrations across the UK and world. 

    The service will be led by Reverend Alison Thomas and start at 7pm on Thursday 8 May. Stoke Minster’s bells will ring from 6pm to 6.45pm. Tickets are not required. There is no reserved seating 

    Later that evening, the city will join over one thousand locations as beacons are lit across the country at 9.30pm. The beacon at Park Hall Country Park will be lit by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Cllr Lyn Sharpe – representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war. 

    Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This is an opportunity for people to come together and reflect on what the brave men and women from that generation did to secure the freedoms we have today. 

    “It’s an honour to be lighting Stoke-on-Trent’s beacon as the nation comes together to honour the sacrifices that secured our freedom.” 

    Stoke Minster is on Glebe St, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1LP. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston to Mark VE Day and VJ Day with Special Events in 2025

    Source: City of Preston

    Preston City Council will proudly mark both VE Day and VJ Day in 2025 with a series of commemorative events in the city centre, following requests from local veterans and community members.

    This year, in recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the city’s focus will shift from the usual Armed Forces Day to these two historically significant dates.

    VE Day, celebrated on Thursday, 8 May, commemorates the end of the war in Europe. Starting at 8:45pm at The Flag Market with speeches, performances from vintage singer Hattie Bee, music from Brindle Brass Band and a commemorative beacon lighting at 9:30pm directly followed by the National Anthem.

    VJ Day marks the surrender of Japan and the true end of WWII. will be observed this year on Saturday, 16 August, slightly later than its official anniversary of 15 August, to allow for wider public participation over the weekend.

    This year on Friday the 15 August, Victory over Japan or VJ Day which was the day all hostilities ceased, the traditional commemoration ceremony will be held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorial in Preston Cemetery to remember those “who gave their tomorrows so we could have our todays.” This ceremony has been held without fail every year since 1947, including socially-distanced events during Covid, and in keeping with previous years will be led by The Right Worshipful Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe.

    Join in an unforgettable Victory Over Japan Day (VJ Day) in Preston, where history comes to life through a range of events and performances, beginning with a military parade. Expect performances and workshops, and vintage music transporting you back in time with songs from the wartime period.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes of World War Two and celebrate 80 years of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.

    Councillor Close, Armed Forces Champion at Preston City Council, said:

    “It’s important that we remember both VE Day and especially VJ Day, which marked the end of WWII, and the immense sacrifices made by our armed forces and their families. 

    By commemorating these events in Preston, especially on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we honour those who gave so much. The VJ Day event on 16 August allows us to welcome more people to reflect, remember, and show their support.”

    Colonel David Waters, President Lancashire Armed Forces Association said:

    “It would be easier to generalise and talk about freedom and democracy, but in this last week, we’ve had the anniversary of the liberation of Belsen Concentration Camp, and if that was to concentrate 

    your mind on something, it’s about what people did lose in Europe through the occupation of the Germans, and so that in itself is a reason to celebrate VE Day.”

    These events aim to bring together veterans, families, and the wider community in remembrance and gratitude. Full details of the programme will be released in the coming months.

    Find out more about VE Day and VJ Day events in Preston at Visit Preston – Preston City Centre Events 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s representative calls for strengthening international cooperation in peaceful use of outer space

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    VIENNA, May 6 (Xinhua) — China calls for strengthening international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space and continuously improving global governance, Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the 64th session of the Legal Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space on Monday.

    According to him, space technology is currently changing the way humanity explores the universe at an unprecedented speed, while creating new challenges for global space governance. The international community must adhere to true multilateralism and oppose any form of unilateralism and bullying, Li Song noted.

    The diplomat said China has been actively carrying out international cooperation in space and sharing its achievements in space exploration with the international community. For example, the first batch of experimental projects selected through China’s cooperation with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs are being carried out on board the Chinese space station, he said.

    Li Song said China is willing to make greater contributions to the peaceful use of outer space and improving global governance so that the results of space exploration can benefit all of humanity, especially the Global South. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: F. Merz did not receive the required majority of votes in the Bundestag in the vote for the post of German Chancellor

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Xinhua | 06. 05. 2025

    Keywords: post of chancellor of germany, majority of votes, merz, bundestag, received, voting, election as chancellor, democratic union, votes, christian, enough, will take place, policy, necessary, collected, candidate

    BERLIN, May 6 (Xinhua) — Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union’s candidate for German chancellor, fell short of the required majority in the Bundestag election on Tuesday, falling six votes short of the 316 needed to be elected chancellor.

    Numerous German media outlets have suggested that there will be no second round of voting on Tuesday. –0–

    Source: Xinhua

    F. Merz did not receive the required majority of votes in the Bundestag when voting for the post of German Chancellor F. Merz did not receive the required majority of votes in the Bundestag when voting for the post of German Chancellor

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft opened a photo exhibition in Ufa and laid out an alley of oil workers in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    ANK Bashneft (part of Rosneft) opened a photo exhibition in Ufa called “Bashkir Oil of Victory” and laid a memorial Alley of Bashkir Oil Workers. Representatives of the Government of the Republic, employees of the Company and schoolchildren of the “Movement of the First” took part in the ceremonial event. The patriotic initiative is aimed at preserving the historical memory of the contribution of Bashkir oil workers who fought at the front and home front workers to achieving Victory.

    The photo exhibition and memorial alley are located in the park near the memorial complex “Ufa – the city of labor valor” on the bank of the Belaya River. The exhibition tells about the milestones in the development of the republic’s oil industry and the labor feat of Bashkir oil workers during the war years. The historical shots depict working teams of the Ufa cracking plant and the Ishimbay oil refinery, and oil workers at the fields.

    During the Great Patriotic War, Bashkortostan became one of the significant centers of the country’s fuel and energy complex. The republic produced more than 5 million tons of oil, processed 6.5 million tons of oil, and produced 2.5 million tons of oil products. New fields and deposits were discovered in the republic, and the capacity of oil refineries was significantly increased. Bashkiria became the key center of the Volga-Ural oil province, which was called “Second Baku”.

    The photo chronicle tells about the people who forged the common Victory. Including the heroism of women in the rear, who worked in harsh conditions in several shifts for 12 hours at the fields and factories. Bashkir oil workers were repeatedly awarded the Challenge Red Banner of the State Defense Committee (GKO). In 1946, the Red Banners of the GKO as a symbol of labor glory were transferred for eternal storage to Field No. 1 of the Tuymazaneft Trust and the Ufa Oil Refinery.

    Rosneft and its subsidiaries actively participate in patriotic events that help strengthen historical memory, foster civic responsibility and preserve cultural heritage.

    Reference:

    ANK Bashneft is one of the oldest enterprises in the oil and gas industry of the country, carrying out activities in the extraction and processing of oil and gas, the company’s key assets are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Exploration and production of oil and gas are also carried out in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Orenburg Region and the Republic of Tatarstan.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 6, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU and “Veterans of Russia” laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the State University of Management took part in a ceremonial laying of wreaths and flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden.

    The event, organized by the All-Russian public movement “Veterans of Russia”, brought together more than 200 participants, including Acting Rector of the State University of Management Dmitry Bryukhanov, Chairman of the Moscow City Organization of the All-Russian Public Organization “Union of Paratroopers” Andrey Peshkov, students and teachers of the State University of Management, veterans, volunteers, representatives of public organizations and sports associations of Moscow, employees of the Department of Labor and Social Protection, the Moscow Sports Committee, the Department of Health of the capital and many others.

    The event was given a special solemnity by the participation of the Honor Guard Company, which accompanied the laying of two wreaths – from the State University of Management and “Veterans of Russia”.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05/06/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The HSE team is the champion of the All-Russian student festival in advertising and PR

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    “PR and Advertising Week on Yenisei” – “Yarpiar” – All-Russian student festival on advertising and PR brought the School of Communications of the National Research University Higher School of Economics 22 awards.

    Photo by: Yulia Korogod

    The festival was held from April 21 to 24 and included an advertising Olympiad, the Blue Cone competition, a scientific and practical conference and master classes. This year’s concept was “Eco-communications”, as well as the role of advertising and PR in sustainable development. This year, 27 teams from three countries, 16 cities and 25 universities took part in the Festival.

    The Yes.My team, led by Rimma Pogodina, Associate Professor of the School of Communications, received 22 awards. This year, the team has 8 first, 6 second, 3 third places and 4 special nominations. And Karina Amdieva was awarded the individual championship cup.

    Photo by: Yulia Korogod

    – The individual assessment included the Olympiad: it is very similar to the Unified State Exam in advertising, only with open tasks – ten questions with atypical cases or situations. For example, you are a PR manager for a mayor who has spoken out sharply on some issue, and you need to conduct anti-crisis communication because he was “exposed” on a federal channel. Or another example: you are a PR manager for a gamer streamer who was invited to give a lecture to students of the journalism department of Moscow State University. What advice would you give him? That is, these are questions that require reflection and a professional approach.

    The second part of the individual championship is the analysis of a communication case. This year it consisted of two stages: online and offline. The online stage is a classic case solution: you are given a problem, you do analytics, formulate input and propose a strategy. At the in-person stage, it was necessary to analyze the Silver Archer case according to the criteria in an hour and a half: evaluate it for compliance with the target audience, the stated results and generally give your expert assessment, – said Karina Admieva, a bachelor’s student “Advertising and Public Relations”.

    Representatives of the companies that provided cases for the Festival – market leaders – emphasized the high level of training of students from HSE.

    As Elena Kharlamova, Deputy Director for Communications of the Krasnoyarsk Representative Office of the Norilsk Nickel Mining and Metallurgical Company, noted: HSE teachers have an incredibly broad vision of everything, they teach students to look at the task from a different angle, in an unconventional way. “The team managed to offer a comprehensive approach, which we take and do! This will all be implemented, you will see it all,” she said at the award ceremony.

    The “Promotion of Territories” competition is part of the team championship of the All-Russian Olympiad in Advertising and Public Relations. It consists of two stages. The first is solving a task in an online format before the festival: this year the task was presented in the form of an analysis of existing narratives for promoting territories to choose from.

    Photo by: Yulia Korogod

    – My team and I analyzed the campaign to promote Kolomna and proposed improved approaches. Following this stage, we and seven other teams were shortlisted, – shared Yulia Korogod, a master’s student “Integrated Communications”.

    The second stage was carried out directly at the festival and included two competitions. The first was related to homework and involved creating creative slogans for the chosen territory. The second competition involved creating a communications campaign to promote one of the places in Southern Yenisei Siberia.

    Photo by: Yulia Korogod

    – The creative framework of our solution was expressed in the contact of man with the universe, which was positively noted by the jury members. Based on the results of two stages of the competition, our team took first place. This result was incredibly desirable and significant. Moreover, for us personally, this became another proof of high preparation at the university, since in the conditions of limited time, various theories and creative frameworks seemed to be in the subcortex, – Yulia Korogod.

    Congratulations to Karina Amdieva, Yulia Korogod, Evgenia Guseva, Ekaterina Solovieva and Stefania Bochkareva on their awards!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foster Care Fortnight 2025 Celebrating the Power of Relationships

    Source: City of Derby

    Foster for East Midlands part of Derby City Council is proud to support Foster Care Fortnight, running from 12 to 25 May 2025—the UK’s largest campaign to raise awareness of fostering, led by national charity The Fostering Network.

    This year’s theme, The Power of Relationships, celebrates the vital connections that sit at the heart of every fostering journey. From the deep bonds between foster carers and children to the support of social workers, friendships within fostering communities, and relationships with birth families—these connections shape lives, create stability, and open doors to brighter futures.

    Across the fortnight, we’ll be celebrating how relationships transform the lives of children and young people in care. Here in the East Midlands, we’re shining a spotlight on powerful Fostering Moments—real stories that show just how life-changing these bonds can be.

    Foster for East Midlands is a regional fostering hub, bringing together Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire. Our mission is to increase the number of foster carers across the region and ensure they have the support needed to thrive in their roles. When more foster carers are available in local communities, fewer children need to be moved to unfamiliar areas, helping them maintain connections with friends, schools, and families.

    Foster carers currently look after around three-quarters of the 100,000+ children in care across the UK. Every day, they provide safe, loving, and supportive homes—and it’s the relationships they build that make a lasting difference.

    Fostering Moments from Our Region

    Kerry and Neil – Derbyshire

    Fostering isn’t just love—it’s being a professional parent. The process was detailed but necessary. Training, especially in therapeutic parenting, helped us understand and support each child’s needs. Intuition alone isn’t enough. We’ve grown so much through fostering and feel proud to make a real difference in children’s lives.

    Pat – Derby City

    Fostering has transformed my life. Over 36 years, we’ve welcomed countless children into our home, offering love and stability. Each child leaves a lasting impression. It’s not always easy, but the joy and growth we witness make it profoundly rewarding.

    Mavis – Nottingham City

    My fostering journey began in a one-bedroom flat, driven by a desire to help. Decades later, I’ve cared for many children who became family. Watching them succeed, stay connected, and support each other shows the power of love and stability. Fostering truly transforms lives—including your own.

    Sharnie and Zak – Nottingham City

    Fostering isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up with love. We’re new to this, learning every day, but already it’s changed us. Seeing our daughter bond with children, building trust and connection—it’s beautiful. With support from Foster for East Midlands, we know we’re never alone on this journey.

    Shelly and Lyn – Nottinghamshire  

    Fostering is about making kids feel like they belong. From first trips to the seaside to Christmas presents—they’re memories that show love. Over 100 children later, some still call us grandparents. Every child we’ve cared for has left a mark on our hearts—and hopefully, we’ve done the same.

    In celebration of the relationships within our foster care community, there will be two special events for foster carers and their families to enjoy a heart warming Fostering’s Got Talent showcase and a fun-filled family picnic. These events are a chance to come together, recognise the incredible bonds formed through fostering, and celebrate the people who make it all possible.

    Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Council’s Cabinet Member for Foster East Midlands said:

    Foster Care Fortnight is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible commitment of our foster carers across the East Midlands. Their dedication provides children and young people with the stability, care, and support they need to thrive. As a region, we are proud to work together through Foster for East Midlands to raise awareness and recruit more amazing individuals to join our fostering community. Thank you to every foster carer for the life-changing difference you make.

    Chief executive of The Fostering Network, Sarah Thomas, said:

    Foster Care Fortnight is a time to celebrate foster carers and raise awareness of the incredible impact they have on children and young people.

    Strong, supportive relationships are at the heart of fostering. They connect foster carers, children, families, and professionals, creating a community that surrounds children with the care they need to thrive. But with more children entering care, we urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs.

    “There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. The fostering community is made up of people from all walks of life- regardless of age, gender, relationship status, or sexual orientation. So, if you do one thing this Foster Care Fortnight, take a moment to find out more about fostering.

    If you’re inspired, why not consider fostering? Join the incredible network of foster carers who are changing lives across the East Midlands. Contact Foster for East Midlands, your local council fostering team for Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire councils. Call 03033 132 950 or visit fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk to learn more.

    You can get behind the campaign by sharing your support on social media, using #FCF25

    Join us at a Foster Care information events:

    Online Events (Zoom)
    Register online at fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/events and a link will be sent to join the call.

    • Tuesday 13 May, 2pm – 1pm
    • Wednesday 4 June, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
    • Friday 20 June, 12pm – 1pm

    In-Person Events
    Register to attend in person at fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk/events

    • Thursday 22 May, 6pm – 7:30pm
      Derby Council House, Corporation Street, Alice Wheeldon Room, Derby DE1 2FS
    • Friday 13 June, 3:30pm – 7pm
      Arnold Library, 161 Front St, Arnold, NG5 7EE
    • Wednesday 25 June, 6pm – 7pm
      Belper Leisure Centre, John O’Gaunts Way, Belper DE56 0DA

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Justified Gatekeeping

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Justified Gatekeeping

    One important role held by the Traffic Commissioners is that of gatekeepers to the industry. In a recent public inquiry heard by Traffic Commissioner for Wales, Victoria Davies, the importance of this can readily be seen.

    JB Plant & Co Groundworks Limited had applied for a restricted goods vehicle operator’s licence to operate six vehicles and six trailers, but the commissioner had concerns around the applicant’s fitness to hold a licence, his ability to maintain vehicles in a fit and serviceable condition and a failure to submit required financial and attendance information before the hearing.

    Sole director Samuel Burton was convicted in 2019 for serious environmental offences related to illegal waste dumping. He failed to comply with the inquiry case management directions y, claiming non-receipt of inquiry letter until a few days before the hearing, although that was confirmed to have been properly delivered and emailed to him six weeks previously. He produced financial documents very late and after deadlines.

    The Commissioner also heard that the previous operator’s licence held by Burton was revoked in 2001 due to poor maintenance. More recently, he was stopped by DVSA in October 2024 driving an unsafe 12-tonne vehicle; issued an “S” marked prohibition for serious roadworthiness defects, which he attempted to downplay the severity of. An investigation is still ongoing into that matter.

    Commissioner Davies said “The offences for which Mr Burton was previously convicted and sentenced are serious and resulted in a lengthy sentence of imprisonment… he was imprisoned for illegally dumping vast quantities of controlled waste at sites in Swansea and Carmarthenshire.  He also dumped skip loads of rubbish at the rear and front of a house in Llanelli when the customer for whom he had carried out work failed to pay him.  I note the comments made by Judge Thomas in sentencing Burton that he showed a “complete and utter contempt for any regulatory regime” … I also note the evidence about the revocation of the sole trader licence previously held by Samuel Burton and him being stopped by the DVSA on 19 October last year… His ability to maintain vehicles in a fit and roadworthy state has not improved on the evidence before me.”

    The licence application was refused because the applicant failed to satisfy the traffic commissioner that it met the requirements to hold an operator’s licence. The full written decision can be found here.

    For any further details or enquiries, please contact:

    Office of the Traffic Commissioner

    Email: pressoffice@otc.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bluefin tuna catch and release applications re-opened

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Bluefin tuna catch and release applications re-opened

    Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has re-opened the process to apply for permits for 2025’s bluefin tuna catch and release fishery.

    Applications were paused at the end of April to enable adjustments to guidance and application criteria, focusing on inclusion of relevant experience and training held by masters as well as vessel owners.

    The criteria to be eligible for a permit and the application form now recognise master and skipper training either through the Cefas UK CHART programme or the Recreational Angling Training for Bluefin Tuna Permit Holders 2024 funded by the Government’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.

    There is an additional requirement that the individuals with this training must be aboard for each fishing trip if they are awarded a permit.

    MMO’s adjustments to guidance and eligibility mean that interested stakeholders will need to submit a fresh application via the online or paper forms here.

    To take account for the pause in the process, the closing date for submissions has been extended to 2 June 2025 from 18 May 2025.

    Full guidance on this year’s catch and release fishery is available here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Enlight Renewable Energy Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    All of the amounts disclosed in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted

    TEL AVIV, Israel, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy Ltd. (NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT) today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025 ending March 31, 2025. Registration links for the Company’s earnings English and Hebrew conference call and webcasts can be found at the end of this earnings release.

    Financial Highlights

    3 months ending March 31, 2025

    • Revenues and income of $130m, up 39% year over year
    • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $132m, up 84% year over year
    • Net income of $102m, up 316% year over year
    • Cash flow from operations of $44m, up 24% year over year
      For the three months ended
     ($ millions) 31/03/2025 31/03/2024 % change
    Revenues and Income 130 94 39%
    Net Income 102 24 316%
    Adjusted EBITDA 132 72 84%
    Cash Flow from Operating Activities 44 35 24%

    ________________________
    1 The Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort because items that impact this IFRS financial measure are not within the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Please refer to the reconciliation table in Appendix 2

    • In January 2025, the Company announced the sale of 44% of the Sunlight cluster of renewable energy projects in Israel for a consideration of $52m at a valuation of $119m, and deconsolidated the cluster from its balance sheet. The transaction added $42m to Adjusted EBITDA (actual consideration received less the book value of the associated assets) and $80m to net profit in the 1Q25 results.
    • A detailed analysis of financial results appears below

    Impact of U.S. Tariffs on the Company’s Operations

    Enlight’s procurement strategy has effectively mitigated significant exposure to increased U.S. import tariffs. The agreements and good relationships we have with our supply chain partners allow for a significant distribution of the impact of tariffs.

    Costs

    • Solar panels for projects under construction are either domestically constructed or sourced from outside China and carry no tariff exposure
    • 80% of battery capacity for projects under construction is supplied by Tesla, a supplier with high levels of domestic U.S. manufacturing

    Revenues

    • Negotiations for PPA price adjustments are now underway to account for higher tariff-related construction costs

    “Enlight showed strong financial results for 1Q25, including 84% growth in Adjusted EBITDA and a 316% rise in net profit,” said Gilad Yavetz, CEO of Enlight Renewable Energy.

    “The introduction of U.S. tariffs underscores how Enlight’s diversified procurement strategy in this market over the past two years has proven itself, effectively shielding us from cost increases. As a result, our U.S. projects now under construction, with total capex of $1.7bn, have no solar panel exposure under the current tariff policy. Selecting Tesla as our primary storage supplier further strengthens this position – its substantial levels of U.S. manufacturing offer greater tariff protection than other battery suppliers.

    “Securing $1.8bn in financing over recent months marks a significant milestone, and was achieved through three financial closings, a sale of a stake in the Sunlight cluster to institutional investors, and a successful bond issuance. This funding will enable the launch of our aggressive plan to begin construction on 4.7 FGW of capacity in 2025. Combined with our existing operating portfolio, these projects represent 90% of the capacity required to reach an annual revenue and income run rate of $1.4bn by 2027.”

    Portfolio Review

    • Enlight’s total portfolio is comprised of 19.2 GW of generation capacity and 49.8 GWh storage (33.4 FGW2)
    • Of this, the Mature portfolio component (including operating projects, projects under construction or pre-construction) contains 6.1 GW generation capacity and 8.8 GWh of storage (8.6 FGW)
    • Within the Mature portfolio component, the operating component has 2.5 GW of generation capacity and 1.9 GWh of storage (3.0 FGW)

    The full composition of the portfolio appears in the following table:

    Component Status FGW2 Annual revenues &
    income run rate ($m)
    Operating Commercial operation 3.0 ~5003
    Under Construction Under construction 1.8 ~305
    Pre-Construction 0-12 months to start of construction 3.8 ~615
    Total Mature Portfolio Mature 8.6 1,420~
    Advanced Development 13-24 months to start of construction 7
    Development 2+ years to start of construction 17.8
    Total Portfolio   33.4

    ________________________
    2 FGW (Factored GW) is a consolidated metric combining generation and storage capacity into a uniform figure based on the ratio of construction costs. The company’s current weighted average construction cost ratio is 3.5 GWh of storage per 1 GW of generation: FGW = GW + GWh / 3.5
    3 Based on the midpoint of 2025 guidance.

    • Operating component of the portfolio: 3 FGW
      • The operational portfolio totals 3 GW of capacity is spread over three regions: 44% of the capacity is located in 7 European countries, 29% is located in Israel, and 27% in the U.S.
      • 81% of the operational capacity sells electricity under PPA agreements, with 29% of the power sold under inflation-linked PPAs.
      • The operational portfolio generates annualized revenues and income of approximately $500 million.
         
    • Under Construction component of the portfolio: 1.8 FGW
      • Consists of three projects in the U.S. with a total capacity of 1.4 FGW; the Gecama Solar project in Spain with a capacity of 0.3 FGW; the solar and storage cluster in Israel; and the addition of storage capacity at project Bjornberget in Sweden. Approximately half of the cluster is expected to reach COD in 2025, with the rest expected to commission in 2026.
      • Projects under construction are expected to contribute $305m to the annual revenues and income run rate during their first full year of operation
         
    • Pre-construction component of the portfolio: 3.8 FGW
       
      • Two mega projects in the U.S., Snowflake and CO Bar, with a combined capacity of 2.6 FGW will begin construction in 2025 and are expected to contribute $455m to revenues and income on an annualized basis.
      • Nardo, a stand alone storage project in Italy with a capacity of 0.25 FGW, is expected to begin construction in 2H25. The Pre-construction portion of the Mature portfolio includes additional projects in Israel, Hungary, and the US with a combined capacity of 0.9 FGW.
      • Pre-construction projects are expected to contribute $615m in revenues and income in their first full year of operations.

        The under construction and pre-construction projects are expected to reach COD by the end of 2027, which is expected to boost operating capacity to 8.6 FGW and the annualized revenue and income run rate to $1.4bn.

    • Advanced Development component of the portfolio component: 7 FGW
      • 5.7 FGW in the U.S., with 100% of the capacity having passed completion of the System Impact Study, the most important study of the grid connection process, significantly de-risking the portfolio.
      • The U.S. pipeline includes several mega-projects, including the 1.4 FGW Cedar Island facility in Oregon and the 1.1 FGW Blackwater project in Virginia.
      • The U.S. portfolio includes several follow-ons to Mature projects, such as Atrisco 2 (0.7 FGW), the energy storage expansion at CO-Bar (0.9 FGW), and Snowflake B (1.3 FGW).
      • These projects reflect the Company’s “Connect and Expand” strategy, leveraging existing grid infrastructure with the development of new ones, thereby reducing construction costs and project risks while improving project returns.
      • 0.7 FGW in Europe, focused on Italy, Spain, and Croatia.
      • 0.6 FGW in MENA, focused on solar and storage projects and stand alone storage facilities, including approximately 0.4 FGW that won availability tariffs as part of the Israel Electricity Authority’s first high voltage storage availability tariff tender.
         
    • Development component of the portfolio: 17.8 FGW
      • 12 FGW in the U.S. with broad geographic presence, including the PJM, WECC, SPP and MISO regions. The storage portion of the US portfolio has grown by 5.6 FGW to reflect greater demand for energy storage in this region.
      • 3 FGW in Europe, focused on Italy, Spain, Croatia and entry into stand-alone storage operations in Poland.
      • 2.8 FGW in MENA, focused on solar combined storage projects and stand-alone storage facilities.

    Mature Portfolio Components Expected to Generate Annualized Revenues and Income of ~$1.4bn4,5

    ________________________
    4 Projection based on 2025 guidance, adding on total revenues and income (sales of electricity and tax benefits) of under construction and pre-construction projects
    5 The company’s revenues from tax benefits are estimated at approximately 20-24% of the total revenue run rate for December 2025; approximately 22-26% of the total revenue run rate for December 2026, and approximately 26-30% of the total revenue run rate for December 2027

    Financing Activities

    • During the quarter, the Company secured $1bn in financial closings for the Country Acres and Quail Ranch projects, representing 830 FMW of combined capacity.
    • Along with the financial close on the 560 FMW Roadrunner project in December 2024, the financing for the second wave of U.S. projects in now complete, with a total of $1.5bn raised.
    • Raising $245m through the sale of Series G and H bonds to finance the Company’s growth.
    • Sale of 44% of the Sunlight cluster for $52m cash at a valuation of $119m, generating Adjusted EBITDA of $42m (actual consideration received less associated book value of assets) and a pre-tax profit of $97m.
    • As of the balance sheet date, the Company maintained $350m of revolving credit facilities, of which none have been drawn.

    2025 Guidance

    Construction and commissioning

    • Expected commissioning of 0.9 FGW of capacity, which is expected to add approximately $148-152m to annualized revenues and income and $129-133m annualized EBITDA, starting in 2026.
    • Starting construction on 2.9 FGW of capacity, which is expected to add approximately $487-495m in annualized revenues and income and approximately $428-436m in annualized EBITDA gradually through 2026-2027.

    Financial guidance

    • Total revenues and income6 for 2025 are expected to range between $490m and $510m. Of the projected revenues and income, 38% are expected to be denominated in ILS, 35% in EUR, and 27% in USD.
    • Adjusted EBITDA7 for 2025 is expected to range between $360m and $380m.
    • Approximately 90% of the electricity volumes expected to be generated in 2025 will be sold at fixed prices through PPAs or hedges.

    ________________________
    6 Total revenues and income include revenues from the sale of electricity along with income from tax benefits from US projects amounting to $60m-80m.
    7 EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure. The Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort because items that impact this IFRS financial measure are not within the Company’s control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted. Please refer to the reconciliation table in Appendix 2.

    Financial Results Analysis

    Revenues & Income by Segment
    ($ millions) For the three months ended  
    Segment 31/03/2025 31/03/2024 % change
    MENA 42,867 28,474 51%
    Europe 51,384 59,160 (13%)
    U.S. 34,789 4,495 674%
    Other 829 1,532 (46%)
    Total Revenues & Income 129,869 93,661 39%


    Revenues & Income

    In the first quarter of 2025, the Company’s total revenues and income increased to $130m, up from $94m last year, a growth rate of 39% year over year. This was composed of revenues from the sale of electricity, which rose 21% to $110m compared to $90m in the same period of 2024, as well as recognition of $20m in income from tax benefits, up 516% compared to $3m in 1Q24.

    The Company benefited from the revenues and income contribution of newly operational projects. Since the first quarter of last year, 576 MW and 1,526 MWh of new projects were connected to the grid and began selling electricity, including seven of the Israel Solar and Storage Cluster units in Israel, Atrisco in the U.S, Pupin in Serbia, and Tapolca in Hungary. The most important increases in revenue from the sale of electricity originated at Atrisco, which added $13m, followed by the Israel Solar and Storage Cluster, with $11m, while Pupin contributed $6m. In total, new projects contributed $30m to revenues from the sale of electricity.

    Offsetting this growth, the amount of electricity generated at our wind projects operating in Europe was lower compared to the same period last year mainly due to weaker wind volumes. In addition, generation at project Bjornberget in Sweden this quarter fell compared to last year due to a blade malfunction experienced at one of the site’s turbines. This prompted a complete shutdown of the wind farm, which is now in the process of gradually resuming operations. The Company recognized compensation of $4m from Bjornberget’s operating contractor in lieu of the lost revenues, which is recorded in other income.

    Revenues and income were distributed between MENA, Europe, and the US, with 34% denominated in Israeli Shekel, 39% in Euros, and 27% denominated in US Dollars.

    Net Income

    In the first quarter of 2025, the Company’s net income amounted to $102m compared to $24m last year, an increase of 316% year over year. This increase stems from the $28m increase in revenues and income and $80m profit from the partial sale of the Sunlight cluster. This was offset by higher total operating expenses of $17m and net financial expenses of $10m (all after tax).

    Adjusted EBITDA8

    The Company’s Adjusted EBITDA grew by 84% to $132m in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $72m for the same period in 2024. Of this increase, $36m was driven by the factors described in the Revenues and Income section. The partial sale of the Sunlight cluster contributed $42m, representing the actual consideration received less the book value of the associated assets. Offsetting this growth was an increase of $11m in COGS linked to the addition of new projects, and an increase of $4m in operating expenses. Adjusting for the effects of this transaction, 1Q25 Adjusted EBITDA grew by 25% year-on-year to $90m.

    ________________________
    8 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. Please see the appendix of this presentation for a reconciliation to Net Income

    Conference Call Information

    Enlight plans to hold its First Quarter 2025 Conference Call and Webcasts on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 to review its financial results and business outlook in both English and Hebrew. Management will deliver prepared remarks followed by a question-and-answer session. Participants can join by dial-in or webcast:

    Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

    The press release with the financial results as well as the investor presentation materials will be accessible from the Company’s website prior to the conference call. Approximately one hour after completion of the live call, an archived version of the webcast will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://enlightenergy.co.il/info/investors/.

    Supplemental Financial and Other Information

    We intend to announce material information to the public through the Enlight investor relations website at https://enlightenergy.co.il/info/investors, SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, and public webcasts. We use these channels to communicate with our investors, customers, and the public about our company, our offerings, and other issues. As such, we encourage investors, the media, and others to follow the channels listed above, and to review the information disclosed through such channels. Any updates to the list of disclosure channels through which we will announce information will be posted on the investor relations page of our website.

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    This release presents Adjusted EBITDA, a financial metric, which is provided as a complement to the results provided in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). A reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial information to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is provided in the accompanying tables found at the end of this release.

    We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, share based compensation, finance expenses, taxes on income and share in losses of equity accounted investees and minus finance income and non-recurring portions of other income, net. For the purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA, compensation for inadequate performance of goods and services procured by the Company are included in other income, net. Compensation for inadequate performance of goods and services reflects the profits the Company would have generated under regular operating conditions and is therefore included in Adjusted EBITDA. With respect to gains (losses) from asset disposals, as part of Enlight’s strategy to accelerate growth and reduce the need for equity financing, the Company sells parts of or the entirety of selected renewable project assets from time to time, and therefore includes realized gains or losses from these asset disposals in Adjusted EBITDA. In the case of partial assets disposals, Adjusted EBITDA includes only the actual consideration less the book value of the assets sold. Our management believes Adjusted EBITDA is indicative of operational performance and ongoing profitability and uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the operating performance and for planning and forecasting purposes.

    Non-IFRS financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for financial information presented under IFRS. There are a number of limitations related to the use of non-IFRS financial measures versus comparable financial measures determined under IFRS. For example, other companies in our industry may calculate the non-IFRS financial measures that we use differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance. All of these limitations could reduce the usefulness of our non-IFRS financial measures as analytical tools. Investors are encouraged to review the related IFRS financial measure, Net Income, and the reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA provided below to Net Income and to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

    Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy and plans, capabilities of the Company’s project portfolio and achievement of operational objectives, market opportunity, utility demand and potential growth, discussions with commercial counterparties and financing sources, pricing trends for materials, progress of Company projects, including anticipated timing of related approvals and project completion and anticipated production delays, the Company’s future financial results, expected impact from various regulatory developments and anticipated trade sanctions, expectations regarding wind production, electricity prices and windfall taxes, and Revenues and Income and Adjusted EBITDA guidance, the expected timing of completion of our ongoing projects, and the Company’s anticipated cash requirements and financing plans , are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions.

    These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; disruptions in trade caused by political, social or economic instability in regions where our components and materials are made; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; exposure to market prices in some of our offtake contracts; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives or benefits for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage the global expansion of the scale of our business operations; our ability to perform to expectations in our new line of business involving the construction of PV systems for municipalities in Israel; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, the impact of tariffs on the cost of construction and our ability to mitigate such impact, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with increasingly complex tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel, including the ongoing war in Israel, where our headquarters and some of our wind energy and solar energy projects are located; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as may be updated in our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

    These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    About Enlight

    Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023.

    Company Contacts

    Yonah Weisz
    Director IR
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
    Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
    +1 617 542 6180
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Appendix 1 – Financial information

    Consolidated Statements of Income    
        For the three months ended at
    March 31
        2025   2024(*)
        USD in   USD in 
        Thousands   Thousands
             
    Revenues   109,758   90,397
    Tax benefits   20,111   3,264
    Total revenues and income   129,869   93,661
             
    Cost of sales (**)   (26,638)   (15,436)
    Depreciation and amortization   (33,789)   (25,604)
    General and administrative expenses   (11,846)   (8,859)
    Development expenses   (2,564)   (2,418)
    Total operating expenses   (74,837)   (52,317)
    Gains from projects disposals   97,262   27
    Other income (expenses), net   (1,105)   1,517
    Operating profit   151,189   42,888
             
    Finance income   6,695   8,065
    Finance expenses   (30,203)   (19,493)
    Total finance expenses, net   (23,508)   (11,428)
             
    Profit before tax and equity loss   127,681   31,460
    Share of losses of equity accounted investees   (1,227)   (144)
    Profit before income taxes   126,454   31,316
    Taxes on income   (24,651)   (6,831)
    Profit for the period   101,803   24,485
             
    Profit for the period attributed to:        
    Owners of the Company   94,458   16,763
    Non-controlling interests   7,345   7,722
        101,803   24,485
    Earnings per ordinary share (in USD) with a par value of        
    NIS 0.1, attributable to owners of the parent Company:        
    Basic earnings per share   0.80   0.14
    Diluted earnings per share   0.75   0.14
    Weighted average of share capital used in the        
    calculation of earnings:        
    Basic per share   118,783,541   117,963,310
    Diluted per share   125,316,177   122,889,909
             

    (*) The Consolidated Statements of Income have been adjusted to present comparable information for the previous period. For additional details please see Appendix 8.
    (**) Excluding depreciation and amortization.

    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of        
             
        March 31   December 31
        2025   2024
        USD in   USD in
        Thousands   Thousands
    Assets        
             
    Current assets        
    Cash and cash equivalents   449,530   387,427
    Restricted cash   82,692   87,539
    Trade receivables   73,125   50,692
    Other receivables   71,475   99,651
    Other financial assets   405   975
    Assets of disposal groups classified as held for sale     81,661
    Total current assets   677,227   707,945
             
    Non-current assets        
    Restricted cash   59,964   60,802
    Other long-term receivables   62,092   61,045
    Deferred costs in respect of projects   392,119   357,358
    Deferred borrowing costs   61   276
    Loans to investee entities   32,329   18,112
    Investments in equity accounted investees   49,303  
    Fixed assets, net   3,961,021   3,699,192
    Intangible assets, net   293,035   291,442
    Deferred taxes assets   8,023   10,744
    Right-of-use asset, net   210,739   210,941
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   74,555   69,216
    Other financial assets   63,903   59,812
    Total non-current assets   5,207,144   4,838,940
             
    Total assets   5,884,371   5,546,885
             
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of (Cont.)        
             
        March 31   December 31
        2025   2024
        USD in   USD in
        Thousands   Thousands
    Liabilities and equity        
             
    Current liabilities        
    Credit and current maturities of loans from banks and other financial institutions   207,662   212,246
    Trade payables   167,765   161,991
    Other payables   101,928   107,825
    Current maturities of debentures   23,049   44,962
    Current maturities of lease liability   10,192   10,240
    Other financial liabilities   5,777   8,141
    Liabilities of disposal groups classified as held for sale     46,635
    Total current liabilities   516,373   592,040
             
    Non-current liabilities        
    Debentures   549,517   433,994
    Other financial liabilities   118,891   107,865
    Convertible debentures   232,536   133,056
    Loans from banks and other financial institutions   2,024,315   1,996,137
    Loans from non-controlling interests   79,081   75,598
    Financial liabilities through profit or loss   25,985   25,844
    Deferred taxes liabilities   62,310   41,792
    Employee benefits   1,092   1,215
    Lease liability   209,958   211,941
    Deferred income related to tax equity   387,943   403,384
    Asset retirement obligation   85,141   83,085
    Total non-current liabilities   3,776,769   3,513,911
             
    Total liabilities   4,293,142   4,105,951
             
    Equity        
    Ordinary share capital   3,323   3,308
    Share premium   1,028,528   1,028,532
    Capital reserves   49,890   25,273
    Proceeds on account of convertible options   25,083   15,494
    Accumulated profit   202,377   107,919
    Equity attributable to shareholders of the Company   1,309,201   1,180,526
    Non-controlling interests   282,028   260,408
    Total equity   1,591,229   1,440,934
    Total liabilities and equity   5,884,371   5,546,885
             
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows        
             
        For the three months ended
    at March 31
        2025   2024
        USD in   USD in
        Thousands   Thousands
             
    Cash flows for operating activities        
    Profit for the period   101,803   24,485
             
    Income and expenses not associated with cash flows:        
    Depreciation and amortization   33,789   25,604
    Finance expenses, net   22,388   11,486
    Share-based compensation   1,710   3,117
    Taxes on income   24,651   6,831
    Tax benefits   (20,111)   (3,264)
    Other income (expenses), net   1,105   (134)
    Company’s share in losses of investee partnerships   1,227   144
    Gains from projects disposals   (97,262)   (27)
        (32,503)   43,757
             
    Changes in assets and liabilities items:        
    Change in other receivables   (856)   (2,142)
    Change in trade receivables   (20,376)   (16,909)
    Change in other payables   8,604   (539)
    Change in trade payables   7,802   71
        (4,826)   (19,519)
             
    Interest receipts   2,512   2,928
    Interest paid   (22,298)   (15,624)
    Income Tax paid   (1,075)   (798)
             
    Net cash from operating activities   43,613   35,229
             
    Cash flows for investing activities        
    Sale (Acquisition) of consolidated entities, net   36,223   (1,388)
    Changes in restricted cash and bank deposits, net   8,176   (4,988)
    Purchase, development, and construction in respect of projects   (255,862)   (199,733)
    Loans provided and Investment in investees   (7,430)   (11,284)
    Repayments of loans from investees   30,815  
    Payments on account of acquisition of consolidated entity   (7,447)   (10,851)
    Purchase of financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss, net   (3,040)   (8,409)
    Net cash used in investing activities   (198,565)   (236,653)
             
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Cont.)      
        For the three months ended at March 31
        2025   2024
        USD in   USD in
        Thousands   Thousands
             
    Cash flows from financing activities        
    Receipt of loans from banks and other financial institutions   143,578   71,371
    Repayment of loans from banks and other financial institutions   (108,922)   (10,448)
    Issuance of debentures   125,838  
    Issuance of convertible debentures   114,685  
    Repayment of debentures   (21,994)   (1,284)
    Dividends and distributions by subsidiaries to non-controlling interests     (108)
    Deferred borrowing costs   (35,199)   (2,682)
    Repayment of loans from non-controlling interests     (955)
    Increase in holding rights of consolidated entity   (1,392)  
    Exercise of share options   11  
    Repayment of lease liability   (4,058)   (3,671)
    Proceeds from investment in entities by non-controlling interest   7,732   152
             
    Net cash from financing activities   220,279   52,375
             
    Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   65,327   (149,049)
             
    Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   387,427   403,805
             
    Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents   (3,224)   (4,905)
             
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   449,530   249,851
             


    Information related to Segmental Reporting

      For the three months ended at March 31, 2025
      MENA(**)   Europe(**)  

    USA

      Total reportable segments   Others   Total
      USD in thousands
    Revenues 42,867   51,384   14,678   108,929   829   109,758
    Tax benefits     20,111   20,111     20,111
    Total revenues and income 42,867   51,384   34,789   129,040   829   129,869
                           
    Segment adjusted EBITDA 68,017   44,663   30,549   143,229   81   143,310
         
    Reconciliations of unallocated amounts:    
    Headquarter costs (*)   (11,701)
    Intersegment profit   106
    Gains from projects disposals   54,973
    Depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation   (35,499)
    Operating profit   151,189
    Finance income   6,695
    Finance expenses   (30,203)
    Share in the losses of equity accounted investees   (1,227)
    Profit before income taxes   126,454
         

    (*) Including general and administrative and development expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization and share based compensation).

    (**) Due to the Company’s organizational restructuring, the Chief Operation Decision Maker (CODM) now reviews the group’s results by segmenting them into three business units: MENA (Middle East and North Africa), Europe, and the US. Consequently, the Central/Eastern Europe and Western Europe segments have been consolidated into the “Europe” segment, the Israel segment has been incorporated into the MENA segment, and the Management and Construction segment has been excluded. The comparative figures for the three months ended March 31, 2024, have been updated accordingly.

    Information related to Segmental Reporting

      For the three months ended at March 31, 2024
      MENA   Europe  

    USA

      Total reportable segments   Others   Total
      USD in thousands
    Revenues 28,474   59,160   1,231   88,865   1,532   90,397
    Tax benefits     3,264   3,264     3,264
    Total revenues and income 28,474   59,160   4,495   92,129   1,532   93,661
                           
    Segment adjusted EBITDA 24,528   50,707   3,122   78,357   668   79,025
         
    Reconciliations of unallocated amounts:    
    Headquarter costs (*)   (7,606)
    Intersegment profit   190
    Depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation   (28,721)
    Operating profit   42,888
    Finance income   8,065
    Finance expenses   (19,493)
    Share in the losses of equity accounted investees   (144)
    Profit before income taxes   31,316
         

    (*) Including general and administrative and development expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization and share based compensation).

    Appendix 2 – Reconciliations between Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

     
    ($ thousands)   For the three months ended at
        March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024
    Net Income   101,803   24,485
    Depreciation and amortization   33,789   25,604
    Share based compensation   1,710   3,117
    Finance income   (6,695)   (8,065)
    Finance expenses   30,203   19,493
    Gains from projects disposals (*)   (54,973)  
    Share of losses of equity accounted investees   1,227   144
    Taxes on income   24,651   6,831
    Adjusted EBITDA   131,715   71,609
             
    * Profit from revaluation linked to partial sale of asset.
       

    Appendix 3 – Debentures Covenants

    Debentures Covenants

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the indenture for the Series C, D, F, G and H Debentures, based on having achieved the following in its consolidated financial results:

    Minimum equity

    The company’s equity shall be maintained at no less than NIS 375 million so long as debentures F remain outstanding, NIS 1,250 million so long as debentures C and D remain outstanding, and USD 600 million so long as debentures G and H remain outstanding.

    As of March 31, 2025, the company’s equity amounted to NIS 5,916 million (USD 1,591 million).

    Net financial debt to net CAP

    The ratio of standalone net financial debt to net CAP shall not exceed 70% for two consecutive financial periods so long as debentures F remain outstanding and shall not exceed 65% for two consecutive financial periods so long as debentures C, D, G and H remain outstanding.

    As of March 31, 2025, the net financial debt to net CAP ratio, as defined above, stands at 36%.

    Net financial debt to EBITDA

    So long as debentures F remain outstanding, standalone financial debt shall not exceed NIS 10 million, and the consolidated financial debt to EBITDA ratio shall not exceed 18 for more than two consecutive financial periods.

    For as long as debentures C and D remain outstanding, the consolidated financial debt to EBITDA ratio shall not exceed 15 for more than two consecutive financial periods.

    For as long as debentures G and H remain outstanding, the consolidated financial debt to EBITDA ratio shall not exceed 17 for more than two consecutive financial periods.

    As of March 31, 2025, the net financial debt to EBITDA ratio, as defined above, stands at 8.

    Equity to balance sheet

    The standalone equity to total balance sheet ratio shall be maintained at no less than 20% ,25% and 28%, respectively, for two consecutive financial periods for as long as debentures F, debentures C and D and debentures G and H remain outstanding.

    As of March 31, 2025, the equity to balance sheet ratio, as defined above, stands at 55%.

    An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94346603-d361-4e84-aabc-62db3e22c10c

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brand Scotland backing for female entrepreneurs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Brand Scotland backing for female entrepreneurs

    Minister Kirsty McNeill champions all-women exporting power with female-led business roundtable hosted at Scotland Office Edinburgh HQ

    Scottish female entrepreneurs are getting direct access to the UK Government’s global trade expertise as Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill urged women business leaders to join her on the first all-female Brand Scotland trade mission.

    The Scotland Office hosted a gathering of female business leaders from across Scotland on Thursday 1 May to identify and tackle any export challenges they face. Minister McNeill wanted to bring together business professionals to boost the success of women-led firms in the worldwide market.

    It’s part of the department’s Brand Scotland mission, to sell Scotland’s unique strengths around the world – promoting our goods and services to new markets, helping Scottish businesses export, and supporting trade missions to key global markets to unlock jobs and investment for the future.

    At the roundtable discussion event in Edinburgh Minister McNeill asked for the views of company leaders across the technology, sustainability, clean energy and beauty sectors, as well as from representatives of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry and Women’s Enterprise Scotland.

    Minister McNeill said:

    From science and sustainability to culture and financial services, we’re amongst the best in the world – and by selling Scotland globally, we can unlock jobs and investment, an essential part of our Plan for Change.

    It’s crucial that I hear from Scottish businesswomen about the barriers they face, find out what we can do to help, and demonstrate how Scottish companies can really benefit from having direct informal access like this to the UK’s vast global network of trade expertise. By harnessing the combined resources of the Scotland Office, the Foreign Office and Department for Business and Trade, we can create significant opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

    We’re already seeing positive results from championing Brand Scotland internationally and I’m committed to unlocking more global opportunities for Scottish women in business.

    The roundtable discussion addressed three key challenges – how businesses can access finance and investment, overcoming export barriers, and tackling market access issues that disproportionately affect women-led businesses.

    Ideas and suggestions from the meeting will directly shape the Scotland Office’s all-women trade mission to Madrid in June where Minister McNeill will use diplomatic networks to expand markets for British exporters and meet with the Spanish business community to strengthen trade links. Representatives of Scottish female-led companies are being invited to join.

    Background

    • Brand Scotland is about selling Scotland’s unique strengths around the world – promoting our goods and services to new markets, helping Scottish businesses export, and funding and supporting trade missions to key global markets to unlock jobs and investment for the future. 

    • As part of this, the Scotland Office will lead trade missions to sell Scotland and its products to the world, encourage inward investment in Scotland and encourage Scottish firms to export to overseas markets – often for the first time. All this will drive growth and jobs here in Scotland. 

    • The Budget allocated an additional £750k for the Scottish Secretary and the Scotland Office to develop the Brand Scotland programme. 
    • The Scottish Secretary has already made trade trips to Norway, South East Asia and the US. Minister McNeill’s first trade trip will be to Madrid in June.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reforms to get Britain building will boost economy by billions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Reforms to get Britain building will boost economy by billions

    New analysis shows economy could be boosted by up to £7.5 billion over the next decade thanks to the pro-growth Planning and Infrastructure Bill

    Planning reforms to accelerate the delivery of new homes, roads and railways, and clean energy projects will boost the UK economy by billions of pounds, according to new analysis.

    The Planning and Infrastructure Bill’s Impact Assessment, published today (Tuesday, May 6) has shown the government’s pro-growth changes to get Britain building could benefit the economy by up to £7.5 billion over the next 10 years.

    A growing economy is at the heart of our Plan for Change to improve the lives of hard working people and by making it quicker and easier to build 1.5 million new homes, the reforms will turn the tide of the housing crisis and ensure critical infrastructure – including public transport links and clean energy projects that will protect billpayers – is sped up.

    Lower costs for businesses, fewer delays and more certainty as a result of the Bill’s measures could lead to further investment and provide an additional boost to the economy.

    Even this assessment is expected to be an underestimate of the true economic value the reforms will have in boosting development. The current assessment also does not account for recent amendments to the Bill to overhaul the pre-application stage for critical infrastructure, which government analysis suggests will add another £1 billion over this Parliament. 

    This huge boost to the economy is on top of the measures already implemented in the new pro-growth National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Office for Budget Responsibility recently said the changes to NPPF alone will drive housebuilding to its highest level in over 40 years, and deliver an additional £6.8 billion by 2029/2030. 

    Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said:

    “Getting Britain building will not only boost economic growth but ensure we deliver the homes and infrastructure working people deserve. 

    “This landmark pro-growth Bill will get spades in the ground and the foundations laid for a new generation of homes, as we deliver on our Plan for Change.” 

    The analysis has also been given a ‘green rating’ by the Regulatory Policy Committee, which means the assessment is considered robust and fit for purpose by the independent scrutiny body that considers them.

    The Bill will help deliver on the Plan for Change by streamlining the building of 1.5 million homes and crucial infrastructure needed to make Britain a clean energy superpower and protect billpayers and reduce future energy shocks.

    This will help put money back into the pockets of working people and support the government’s push to make at least 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects this Parliament, with 17 decided so far.  

    Further reforms tabled at Committee Stage, and not included in the impact assessment, will streamline the pre-application process for windfarms, new roads and other major infrastructure projects. 

    For more information:

    • The government has now published its impact assessment for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which has now received a green rating from the Regulatory Policy Committee. This can be read in full here.
    • The analysis includes higher, central and lower estimates for how much money the Bill could add to the economy over 10 years. The highest estimate was up to £7.5 billion, the central estimate was £3.2 billion and the lower estimate was £1.3 billion. 
    • This assessment does not include the amendments tabled at the Committee Stage, which the government predicts will further boost the economy by £1 billion over the course of this Parliament. 
    • It is expected to be an underestimate of the true impact as there will be ‘wider, un-monetised benefits such as the benefit to society from quicker delivery of housing and infrastructure, and the macroeconomic contribution of increased development supported by the Bill”. 

    • The Bill will deliver a range of measures to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure and 1.5 million homes.

    • The OBR analysis of the National Planning Policy Framework forecast 0.2% to be added to GDP by 2029/30– worth around £6.8bn in today’s prices.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National Lottery funding set to future-proof Norwich’s historic parks

    Source: City of Norwich

    Norwich’s most historic parks and open spaces are set to benefit from a significant £216,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

    The funding, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will support a comprehensive project aimed at surveying and analysing 22 of the city’s most cherished parks and green spaces, paving the way for long-term investment and conservation efforts.

    Parks included boast rich histories and significant heritage designations, such as Grade II* Eaton Park and Waterloo Park, and the country’s first non-conformist cemetery, Rosary Cemetery.

    Norwich City Council, who is responsible for managing the city’s parks, will also contribute a further £10,000 to the project which will explore:

    • long-term protection and conversation,
    • opportunities for restoration and enhanced visitor experiences,
    • community views on the parks, working closely with volunteer groups who support them.

    By proposing a strategic green space network, the initiative will emphasise heritage, biodiversity, and community involvement, aligning with Norwich’s ambition to become a ‘Nature City’.

    Surveys will cover both the obvious and hidden heritage of each site, focusing on restoration and reinterpretation to ensure sustainability and visitor enjoyment

    The project, which will take place over the next 12 months, will also include feasibility studies, appraisals, and community consultations to define achievable goals and necessary steps for long-term success.

    Councillor Emma Hampton, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for parks and open spaces, said: “We know how much the city’s parks mean to our residents, and are committed to protecting their heritage and maximising their potential.

    “This investment will allow us to understand the full potential of these spaces and ensure their long-term future for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.”

    The grant marks a continuation of Norwich’s successful history with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, following significant funding for the restoration of Waterloo Park and Eaton Park 25 years ago. This new project aims to revisit and secure the future of all historic parks in the city.

    The full list of parks included:

    • Waterloo Park (II*)
    • Eaton Park (II*)
    • Earlham Park (II)
    • Mile Cross Gardens (II)
    • Wensum Park (II)
    • Heigham Park (II)
    • Chapelfield Gardens (II)
    • Ketts Heights (within a Conservation Area)
    • Mousehold Heath (including Britannia Barracks Park) (within a Conservation Area)
    • Rosary Cemetery (II*)
    • Earlham Cemetery (II)
    • James Stuart Gardens (within a Conservation Area)
    • Riverside Walk (within a Conservation Area and several adjacent listed buildings)
    • Pilling Park (within a Conservation Area)

    ENDS

    About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

    Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past. 

    Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

    www.heritagefund.org.uk

    Follow @HeritageFundUK on X/TwitterFacebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Marquette National Corporation Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marquette National Corporation (OTCQX: MNAT) today reported net loss of $2.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to net income of $8.5 million for the first three months of 2024. The loss per share for the first three months of 2025 was $(0.67), as compared to income of $1.93 per share for the comparable period in 2024.

    At March 31, 2025, total assets were $2.217 billion, an increase of $9.6 million, compared to $2.208 billion at December 31, 2024. Total loans increased by $4.6 million, to $1.410 billion compared to $1.405 billion at the end of 2024. Total deposits increased by $10.3 million, or 1%, to $1.750 billion compared to $1.740 billion at the end of 2024.

    Paul M. McCarthy, Chairman & CEO, said, “the primary reason for the decrease in consolidated earnings was a lower level of unrealized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio in the first quarter of 2025. The decrease in unrealized gains on the Company’s equity portfolio was partially offset by an increase in net interest income. Other comprehensive income was positive for the first quarter and helped deliver an increase to tangible book value per share for the first quarter.”

    Marquette National Corporation is a diversified financial holding company and the parent of Marquette Bank, a full-service, community bank that serves the financial needs of communities in Chicagoland. The Bank has branches located in: Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Summit and Tinley Park, Illinois.

    For further information on financial results, visit: https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/MNAT/disclosure.

    Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. 
    This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the Company and its management may contain, forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the Company. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “bode”, “predict,” “suggest,” “project”, “appear,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” ”annualize,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “likely,” “might,” “potential,” “continue,” “annualized,” “target,” “outlook,” as well as the negative forms of those words, or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

    A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) the strength of the local, state, national and international economies and financial markets (including effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints); (ii) effects on the U.S. economy resulting from the implementation of policies proposed by the new presidential administration, including tariffs, mass deportations and tax regulations; (iii) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, widespread disease or pandemics, acts of war or threats thereof (including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East), or other adverse events that could cause economic deterioration or instability in credit markets, and the response of the local, state and national governments to any such adverse external events; (iv) new or revised accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; (v) changes in local, state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the Company’s general business and any changes in response to the bank failures in 2023; (vi) the imposition of tariffs or other governmental policies impacting the value of products produced by the Company’s commercial borrowers; (vii) increased competition in the financial services sector, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and fintech companies, and the inability to attract new customers; (viii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (ix) unexpected results of acquisitions which may include failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the possibility that transaction costs may be greater than anticipated; (x) the loss of key executives and employees, talent shortages and employee turnover; (xi) changes in consumer spending; (xii) unexpected outcomes and costs of existing or new litigation or other legal proceedings and regulatory actions involving the Company; (xiii) the economic impact on the Company and its customers of climate change, natural disasters and exceptional weather occurrences such as tornadoes, floods and blizzards; (xiv) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio, including as a result of changes in interest rates; (xv) credit risk and risks from concentrations (by type of borrower, geographic area, collateral and industry) within our loan portfolio and large loans to certain borrowers (including CRE loans); (xvi) the overall health of the local and national real estate market; (xvii) the ability to maintain an adequate level of allowance for credit losses on loans; (xviii) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and who may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xix) the ability to successfully manage liquidity risk, which may increase dependence on non-core funding sources such as brokered deposits, and may negatively impact the Company’s cost of funds; (xx) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxi) interruptions involving our information technology and communications systems or third-party servicers; (xxii) the occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our third-party vendors’ information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents, including as a result of sophisticated attacks using artificial intelligence and similar tools or as a result of insider fraud; (xxiii) changes in the interest rates and repayment rates of the Company’s assets; (xxiv) the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management framework, and (xxv) the ability of the Company to manage the risks associated with the foregoing as well as anticipated. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

    Marquette National Corporation and Subsidiaries
    Financial Highlights
    (Unaudited)
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
                     
    Balance Sheet
      03/31/25   12/31/24   Percent
    Change
     
                     
    Total assets $2,217,293     $2,207,663     0 %
    Total loans, net 1,395,105     1,390,799     0 %
    Total deposits 1,750,071     1,739,799     1 %
    Total stockholders’ equity 174,216     173,579     0 %
                     
    Shares outstanding 4,367,449     4,367,477     0 %
    Book value per share $39.89     $39.74     0 %
    Tangible book value per share $31.80     $31.65     0 %
                     
    Operating Results
      Three Months Ended March 31,   Percent
    Change
     
      2025   2024      
    Net Interest income $12,098     $11,025     10 %
    Provision for credit losses 328     200     64 %
    Realized securities gains, net 6,316     215       *
    Unrealized holding gains (losses) on equity securities and exchange traded funds (11,963 )   9,860       *
    Other income 3,658     4,331     -16 %
    Other expense 14,086     13,835     2 %
    Income tax expense (benefit) (1,357 )   2,930       *
                     
    Net income (loss) (2,948 )   8,466       *
                     
    Basic and fully diluted earnings (loss) per share $(0.67 )   $1.93       *
    Weighted average shares outstanding 4,367,473     4,381,148     0 %
                     
    Cash dividends declared per share $0.31     $0.28     11 %
                     
    Comprehensive income $1,992     $7,404     -73 %
                     
    * Not meaningful
                     

    For more information:
    Patrick Hunt
    EVP & CFO
    708-364-9019
    phunt@emarquettebank.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares Launches Cronos ETP to Expand Access to Emerging Web3 Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New product offers investors regulated exposure to the fast-growing Cronos blockchain, powered by Crypto.com

    Zurich, 6 May 2025 – 21Shares AG (“21Shares”), one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), today announced the launch of the 21Shares Cronos ETP (ticker: CRON), offering investors exposure to CRO, the native token of the Cronos blockchain. 

    Exchange Product Name Ticker ISIN Fee
    Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam 21Shares Cronos ETP CRON CH1443364232 2.50%

    Cronos is a fast, scalable, and low-cost Layer 1 blockchain designed to support decentralised finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 applications. Built for interoperability, Cronos seamlessly integrates with both Ethereum and Cosmos networks, creating a multi-chain environment that bridges centralized and decentralised ecosystems. The network also stands at the forefront of Web3 innovation, merging blockchain technology with AI to power the next generation of finance, gaming, and business applications.

    “Cronos is uniquely positioned at the intersection of centralised access and decentralised innovation,” said Mandy Chiu, Head of Financial Products Development at 21Shares. “By launching a Cronos ETP, we are offering investors easy, regulated exposure to a blockchain ecosystem that is driving real-world adoption and pioneering the future of Web3.”

    “Providing more ways for traders to engage with cryptocurrencies is central to our vision of further mainstreaming crypto,” said Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com. “Crypto.com is proud to be a long-time supporter and contributor to the Cronos ecosystem, and we are incredibly excited to partner with 21Shares to enable even more exposure to Cronos and Web3 infrastructure.”

    The 21Shares Cronos ETP provides investors a straightforward way to integrate CRO into their portfolios through traditional banks and brokers, eliminating the need to directly handle digital wallets or exchanges. Cronos benefits from a strong network and offers a compelling investment case with its focus on scalability, interoperability, and AI-driven applications.

    Notes to editors

    About 21Shares

    21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

    21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com

    Media Contact
    Matteo Valli
    matteo.valli@21shares.com

    About Cronos

    Cronos (cronos.org) is a leading blockchain ecosystem, adopted by Crypto.com and more than 500 application developers and partners representing an addressable user base of more than 100 million people around the world. Cronos’ mission is to make it easy and safe for the next billion crypto users to adopt self-custody in Web3, with a focus on Decentralized Finance and Gaming.

    The Cronos universe encompasses 3 chains: Cronos (EVM), the leading Ethereum-compatible blockchain built on Cosmos SDK; Cronos POS, a leading Cosmos chain for payments and NFTs; and Cronos zkEVM, a new high performance layer 2 network.

    Cronos ranks among the top 15 blockchain ecosystems, safeguarding more than 6 billion dollars of user assets. Since launching in 2021, it has securely settled more than 100 million transactions.

    Cronos Labs is the $100M startup accelerator focused on Cronos.

    About Crypto.com

    Founded in 2016, Crypto.com is trusted by more than 140 million customers worldwide and is the industry leader in regulatory compliance, security and privacy. Our vision is simple: Cryptocurrency in Every Wallet™. Crypto.com is committed to accelerating the adoption of cryptocurrency through innovation and empowering the next generation of builders, creators, and entrepreneurs to develop a fairer and more equitable digital ecosystem.

    Learn more at https://crypto.com.

    DISCLAIMER

    This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

    This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

    This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

    Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

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    The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

    This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

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    The MIL Network