NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two Residents Killed in Ukrainian Drone Attack on Car in Russia’s Kursk Region – Acting Governor

    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

    Moscow, May 5 (Xinhua) — A Ukrainian FPV drone attacked a car in Russia’s Kursk region, killing two people, acting regional governor Alexander Khinshtein said on his Telegram channel on Monday.

    The attack took place near the village of Shchegolek in the Belovsky district on a car with 5 people in it. Two women were killed. One man and two women were injured.

    In addition, as reported by A. Khinshtein, in the village of Zvannoye, Glushkovsky District, Kursk Region, a driver was killed when an explosive device was dropped on a civilian vehicle. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s statement on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands:

    “On May 5, 1945, occupying German forces in the Netherlands surrendered to the Allies, ending five years under the brutal Nazi regime. The Canadian First Army played a central role in defeating the enemy, engaging in fierce battles to remove the occupiers village by village, town by town, canal by canal. Joyous crowds of civilians cheered Canadian troops as the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague were finally liberated.

    “The Dutch also endured a deliberate famine known as the Hunger Winter, during which about 20,000 Dutch people died. With liberation, Canadians and our allies delivered food and other provisions to a grateful people.

    “Canada also provided refuge for the Dutch royal family during the Second World War. During their stay, the Canadian government temporarily declared an Ottawa hospital ward to be extraterritorial land in 1943 so Princess Juliana’s third daughter, Princess Margriet, could be born as a Dutch national. Princess Margriet is scheduled to visit Ottawa later this month to take part in commemorative events, including officially opening the famous Canadian Tulip Festival, which helps keep alive the memory of Canada’s role in liberating her homeland.

    “Our two nations forged lasting bonds from that wartime experience. Many Dutch people immigrated to Canada after the war, including more than 1,800 war brides, leaving their devastated homeland to start new lives in a new nation.

    “The connection between our peoples endures eight decades later. Along with strong commercial ties, the people of the Netherlands have never forgotten the sacrifices made by Canadians in freeing their country from fascist tyranny. Every Christmas Eve, local schoolchildren light a candle for every fallen soldier at the Holten Canadian War Cemetery and the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery.

    “The liberation came at a terrible price. More than 7,600 Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen died in the eight-month campaign to free the Netherlands from Nazi oppression.

    “Today, symbols of the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands can be found across our land. In Victoria, the Netherlands Centennial Carillon with its 62 bells was a gift from British Columbia’s Dutch community to celebrate Canada’s Centennial in 1967.

    “May the ties between our two democratic and peace-loving countries strengthen in an age when authoritarianism is once again on the rise. And may we never forget the sacrifice required to defeat those forces. Lest we forget.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Keynote address by President Pierre Tremblay at the 2025 Canadian Nuclear Association conference

    Source: Government of Canada News

    April 17, 2025 

    – Check against delivery –

    Introduction 

    Good morning, everyone. 

    Thank you, Jill, for that kind introduction.  

    Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered here today in Ottawa on the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe peoples. 

    I respectfully recognize the relationship that First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have with the land and waters that all Canadians live in and enjoy. Please take a moment to reflect and offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Nations and communities who are the traditional caretakers of these lands and waters. 

    As mentioned, I am Pierre Tremblay, President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, or CNSC, and I couldn’t be happier to be speaking to you today on behalf of the regulator.  

    My 40 years in Canada’s nuclear sector have been very rewarding. My career has given me a deep appreciation and respect for the people who work in the sector and their shared focus on safety and the culture that supports it.   

    For my remarks this morning, I will share my perspective on the nuclear landscape here in Canada – both our focused oversight of the existing fleet and our readiness to regulate new nuclear. 

    I also want to provide updates on how the CNSC is working to become more efficient in delivering its priorities. And finally, I will offer my thoughts on furthering our own engagement efforts and strengthening trust with all people in Canada – as well as our expectations of industry and proponents.   

    Nuclear in Canada

    This is an important and interesting time for Canada’s nuclear sector – we must step up and face the moment.  

    We recognize the sector will continue to evolve and we will continue to be ready to regulate and respond to advancements without compromising safety. 

    As the regulator, we are expected to continue our efforts to manage regulatory burden, expedite reviews and maintain a competent and talented workforce, innovating and leveraging new techniques, approaches and technologies to find even greater efficiencies.  

    As we do all of this, we will never compromise on safety. The industry must do the same. Together, we can all ensure the deployment of safe nuclear projects. 

    While Canada’s nuclear sector is complex and changing, the continued safe operations of the existing fleet is paramount and fulfilling our mandate and delivering on our important job here at home remains my top priority.  

    We also need to continue to ensure readiness to regulate new technologies and approaches. The CNSC is committed to reviewing and regulating safe nuclear projects in Canada, including new reactors, large and small. 

    That is why we value our strong relationships with international partners such as the US NRC and the United Kingdom’s ONR.  

    And why we are heartened to know they are equally committed and value our ongoing collaboration. 

    There is a drive to build new nuclear and expand infrastructure in support of the growing electricity market; this includes, for example, the appropriate extraction of minerals.  

    Luckily, the CNSC as a life cycle regulator is an extremely capable organization. But the responsibility does not sit with us alone. We need others to engage meaningfully. Only then will the sector move forward. 

    New nuclear

    From my perspective at the regulator, Canada’s nuclear sector continues to be one of this country’s strengths. The mechanisms and tools are in place. But there is a need to embrace the moment. 

    Now, what do I mean by this? 

    More provinces are now looking at carbon-free technologies. Nuclear is naturally seeing more interest. 

    This includes the potential for new units in Ontario and New Brunswick. We are also seeing the sector expand to include new provinces and sites in Saskatchewan and Alberta. 

    On April 4, the Commission issued a Nuclear Power Reactor Construction licence to Ontario Power Generation to construct 1 General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor at its Darlington New Nuclear Project site in Clarington, Ontario.

    This is the first power reactor licence to construct that the CNSC has issued in its 25 years. And actually, the first power reactor licence to construct in Canada in over 50 years.  

    The CNSC will continue to work with all provincial partners to ensure regulatory clarity and efficiency. 

    With this evolution in the sector, the concept of the traditional nuclear host community in Canada is evolving along with the technology. This requires a change in how the CNSC informs and engages with all people in Canada, a need to continue to modernize our regulatory framework, and a willingness to evolve together. 

    The CNSC at its core 

    This gets to the heart of the CNSC – how we operate, what our priorities and focus are. All of these considerations are essential to the nuclear sector in Canada.  

    The CNSC is a globally recognized, mature nuclear regulator, with all the governance needed to provide strong regulatory oversight. 

    Whether this is working alone or in collaboration the CNSC is willing to evolve and work to improve the regulatory framework and identify efficiencies.  

    Collaboration and regulatory efficiency

    We are open to recognizing and altering how we achieve our goal to ensure the safety of all people in Canada.  

    While we will never reduce our high standards for safety and security that we have established, we recognize there may be different ways to get the same result. And this is where we remain open.

    It is not for me or the CNSC to tell industry how to pivot, but as technology continues to evolve and the sector continues to modernize, there are opportunities to revisit how we work together.  

    Remote monitoring and access to data is something industry is – and should be – considering. Remote access supports efficiency, as the regulator can access more real-time information. 

    The CNSC will evolve along with the sector. We welcome the suggestions and will engage in a meaningful way to identify improvements. 

    But improvement begins at home, and the review of the CNSC’s regulatory framework identified an opportunity to ensure clarity of requirements for SMRs, such as ensuring we are using a technology-neutral, risk-informed, performance-based approach.

    We recognize and are committed to ensuring that our regulations are risk-informed and set out clear performance objectives.  

    For example, exploring amendments to the Nuclear Security Regulations that respond to changes in security threats and adapt to technological advancements.  

    The CNSC as a lifecycle regulator is committed to delivering effective and timely regulatory decisions for nuclear projects. 

    SMRs and other advances in technology continue to afford us the ability to identify challenges and turn them into opportunities to modernize and evolve.

    CNSC readiness 

    I have already mentioned that we are refocusing our energies here at home – there is a need to focus on mission critical and safety significant issues in our existing nuclear fleet, and to be efficient and timely in our work. 

    This of course must be balanced with a readiness for new technologies, techniques and activities – all of which require us to conduct meaningful engagement and consultation with the Indigenous Nations and communities whose rights and interests may be impacted by nuclear activities.  

    Delivering on this considerable agenda means that talent management is vital to ensure that we have the capacity to support our work. 

    This capacity comes from a diverse workforce. We know from experience that our workplace is stronger, better and more capable when it is diverse. We remain unabashedly committed to diversity in the workplace. 

    That is why the CNSC continues to focus efforts on supporting diversity across the nuclear sector. 2025 will see our third Indigenous Girls in STEM workshop, which provides Indigenous girls an inclusive space to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM subjects. The workshop enables them to do so in a way that weaves together learning with Indigenous culture, knowledge and traditions.

    Diverse voices are vital to fostering innovation and lead to better decision-making and better safety outcomes. Complex challenges like those we face in the nuclear sector require varied perspectives. 

    The path to positive results

    I will now offer my thoughts on how we further our engagement efforts and strengthen trust with all people in Canada – this, I believe, is the recipe for success.   

    We are committed to continuing our collaboration, engagement and consultation with Indigenous Nations and communities in support of advancing reconciliation. The CNSC is also committed to engaging with the public and interested parties as part of improving our regulatory processes. 

    We remain flexible and open minded around how we execute our mandate and our requirements. This will enable us to find new ways of working that serve all involved – and we will never compromise on safety.  

    Barriers need to be removed, support and capacity provided and a commitment to meaningful engagement. All of this will allow us to address the key challenges to meaningful engagement, finding tangible solutions to enable an effective path forward for advancing reconciliation. 

    Meaningful engagement and inclusion of Indigenous peoples in relation to the nuclear sector is something that the whole of Government and the nuclear sector must be committed to and actively support. 

    There are a number of examples across the nuclear sector where we have seen some promising relationship-building and partnerships. 

    One such example is the Neya Wabun Guardian Program established through the long-term relationship agreement between the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation or AOPFN, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, AECL and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, CNL. 

    This program establishes an AOPFN monitoring presence at Chalk River Laboratories, enabling reporting back to their leadership. The environmental monitoring program weaves together science with Indigenous Knowledge and values which is an important step towards reconciliation. 

    AOPFN have been willing to engage meaningfully and are working hard to the benefit of their nation and community.  

    The equity partnership between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation or SON and Bruce Power supports the global fight against cancer and provides new economic opportunities within SON Territory, including an equity stake and a revenue-sharing program benefiting the community directly.

    It is important to highlight these partnerships that provide many groups – Indigenous Nations and communities, environmentalists, community members – with access and opportunities to participate.  

    At the CNSC we have made material changes to demonstrate that we are listening and responding to the interests and concerns of rights holders. 

    For example, during our part two hearing for OPG’s application for a licence to construct an SMR at the Darlington site – the Darlington New Nuclear Project, we listened, heard and learned, which led to important and impactful changes to this proceeding that demonstrated inclusivity and recognition of the rights holders. 

    We changed the physical layout of the room by removing the standard stage under the Commission, so we were all on the same level. The Commission also benefitted from the time that was dedicated for Indigenous ceremony, song and prayer. 

    These efforts enhanced the experience of all hearing participants, resulting in a more inclusive and collaborative environment, which in turn serves to continuously strengthen trust.  

    The Commission has also revised its practices, addressing feedback from rights holders and providing more time to ensure the perspectives of rights holders are heard. 

    It is also focused on transparency in its hearing process. Understanding that the public is entitled to hearing information and documentation and that such transparency serves to build and maintain trust in the regulatory process.  

    We must do more. And we are committed to doing more.

    The CNSC remains committed to consultation, engagement and collaboration with Indigenous Nations and communities.  

    This is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act or “UNDA”, which was passed by Canadian Parliament in 2021.

    UNDA requires the development and implementation of an action plan in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples. It also requires we ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the UN Declaration. 

    In addition to supporting the Action Plan efforts, the CNSC actively works to establish long-term relationships with Indigenous Nations, supporting capacity building, enabling studies and data gathering through our funding programs, and collaborating on monitoring and oversight activities, joint assessments and reporting to the Commission.

    Recently, the Federal Court of Canada issued its decision on the Judicial Review application brought by Kebaowek First Nation, KFN, challenging the Commission’s authorization to CNL to construct a Near Surface Disposal Facility.  

    This decision recognizes the CNSC’s “broad, inclusive approach to consultation” and finds that the Commission’s decision concerning the impacts of the proposed NSDF is reasonable. The Court also directed CNL and the CNSC to resume consultation with KFN with a view to implementing the UNDRIP free, prior and informed consent standard 

    There is a need for us to better understand from the perspective of Indigenous Nations and communities what free, prior and informed consent means to them. We need to better understand these perspectives so that we can work together to move forward.  

    All of this is an example of how we are evolving to address the ever-changing landscape. 

    In short, we’re doing our part and expect industry to do the same.  

    Conclusion

    We are at a critical juncture in history. And we have lots to do.  

    The CNSC will be here making sure that safety remains top of mind for everyone. 

    And we will continue to work hard to provide clarity on our expectations and requirements. In return, we expect everyone else to engage and to deliver as well.  

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Kvika banki hf.: Publication of Q1 financial results on Wednesday 7 May

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Board of Directors of Kvika banki hf. is set to approve the financial statements of the Group for the first quarter of 2025 at a board meeting on Wednesday 7 May. The financial statements will subsequently be published after the domestic market has closed.

    A meeting to present the results to shareholders and market participants will be held the next day, at 08:30 on Thursday 8 May, at the bank’s headquarters on the 9th floor at Katrínartún 2, where Ármann Þorvaldsson, CEO of Kvika, and Eiríkur Magnús Jensson, CFO, will present the company’s financial results.

    The presentation will be conducted in Icelandic and will be streamed live. Further, a recording of the meeting with English subtitles will later be made available on Kvika’s website.

    Meeting participants will be able to send questions before or during the meeting via ir@kvika.is

    The investor presentation will be made public before the meeting.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Heelstone Renewable Energy, a Qualitas Energy company, acquires renewable development portfolio from Valor Infrastructure Partners (“VIP”) and appoints new CEO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The transaction includes the acquisition of VIP’s portfolio of greenfield solar and onshore wind projects located in the Southwest and Western regions of the United States
    • Mike Weich, former CEO of VIP, will assume the role of CEO at Heelstone Renewable Energy (“Heelstone”)
    • This acquisition represents another milestone in Heelstone’s strategic expansion into a fully integrated renewable energy independent power producer (IPP)

    DURHAM, N.C., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Heelstone Renewable Energy (“Heelstone”), a premier U.S. utility-scale renewable energy platform, has acquired the wind and solar development assets and the team of Valor Infrastructure Partners (“VIP”), a renewable energy company based in Palm Beach, Florida. This transaction marks Heelstone’s first acquisition since its purchase in May 2024 by Qualitas Energy, a leading global investment and management platform with a dual focus on both funding and developing renewable energy, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure.

    The acquired portfolio of development-stage projects includes a number of early-stage onshore wind projects in the Western region of the country, as well as an advanced-stage solar PV project in Texas, which has an expected installed capacity of 190 MWp and a targeted commercial operation date (COD) between 2027 and 2028, subject to development progress.

    As part of the transaction, eleven experienced professionals from VIP will join Heelstone’s team, bringing deep expertise across onshore renewables—including solar, wind, and battery storage. Among them are Mike Weich, former CEO of VIP, who will assume the role of CEO at Heelstone, and Daryl Hart, former Chief Development Officer of VIP, who will take on same role at Heelstone.

    Heelstone, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, now comprises around 60 professionals whose capabilities span the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects. The team brings a robust understanding of the U.S. market landscape, backed by extensive experience in project execution.

    With a portfolio of over 5 GW and a track record that has been built over more than a decade, Heelstone continues to grow as a premier renewable energy development platform. Under the ownership of Qualitas Energy, the company is evolving into a fully integrated IPP and reinforcing its intention to become a market leader in developing, de-risking, and executing renewable energy projects. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in that objective, as it will expand the company’s capabilities, technology focus, and geographic reach.

    Alejandro Ciruelos, Partner and Country Head USA at Qualitas Energy said: “Heelstone’s resilient business model and solid fundamentals provide a strong foundation for long-term growth. The integration of VIP’s team and select assets enhances our platform, combining best-in-class capabilities with a maturing project pipeline. With this strengthened position, Heelstone is ready to capitalise on strategic opportunities—both organically and through acquisitions—at a pivotal moment for the renewable energy industry, where high-quality execution is key to success.”

    Mike Weich, CEO at Heelstone Renewable Energy, added: “I’m honored to lead Heelstone at such an exciting time for the company. With the support of Qualitas Energy and the addition of the VIP team, we’re well-equipped to expand our footprint and accelerate the delivery of high-quality renewable energy projects. Together, we’re building a stronger, more agile platform ready to meet the growing demand for clean energy across the U.S.”

    About Heelstone Renewable Energy
    Heelstone Renewable Energy, LLC (Heelstone) is a leading solar and storage independent power producer with expertise in development, construction, and operation. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Heelstone has extensive knowledge of project finance and a proven track record from over a decade in bringing utility-scale solar projects to fruition. Heelstone continues to add to its development pipeline and operating portfolio as it expands its presence in markets across the United States. For more information, visit www.heelstoneenergy.com.

    About Qualitas Energy
    Qualitas Energy is a leading global investment and management platform with a dual focus on both funding and developing renewable energy, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure.

    Since 2006, the Qualitas Energy team has managed investments of over €14 billion in renewable energies worldwide. These investments have been deployed through five vehicles: Fotowatio / FRV, Vela Energy, Qualitas Energy III, Qualitas Energy IV, and Qualitas Energy V.

    Qualitas Energy’s existing portfolio currently comprises over 11 GW of operating and development energy assets across Spain, Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, Chile, and the United States. This includes 7 GWp of solar PV, 4 GW of wind energy, 242 MW of concentrated solar power (CSP), 136 MW of battery storage, 66 MW of hydroelectric power, and 1.9 TWh of biomethane.

    Qualitas Energy has produced enough energy to supply 1.2 million homes and has successfully avoided the emission of 1 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent since 2022.

    The Qualitas Energy team is composed of more than 540 professionals across fifteen offices in Madrid, Berlin, London, Milan, Hamburg, Wiesbaden, Trier, Cologne, Stuttgart, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Santiago, Durham, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

    Please visit qualitasenergy.com for further information.

    Media contacts
    Henar Hernández
    Global Head of Communications
    henar.hernandez@qenergy.com
    +34 697 11 68 72

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b408bdd9-6bd6-41fb-8e09-4615cffe2648

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How industrial diversity affects local employment growth in France

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Nadine Levratto, Directrice de Recherche au CNRS, Université Paris Nanterre – Université Paris Lumières

    In an interconnected global economy, regions face recurring economic shocks and intense competition. For policymakers and researchers, understanding the drivers of local employment growth has become critical. Recent theoretical advances highlight the importance of different relational proximities that influence the benefits of the geographic clustering of economic activities.

    Our research focusing on France’s labour market areas – “geographical areas within which most of the labour force lives and works” – from 2004 to 2015 offers new insights into how industrial diversity affects local employment. The study finds that having a variety of industries – especially those related to one another – can be a significant driver of employment growth. This finding has crucial implications for regional development strategies.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    Related vs. unrelated diversity

    Economic geography literature distinguishes between two types of diversity: related variety and unrelated variety. Here, variety refers to industrial diversity or, more precisely, the different kinds of industrial sectors or technologies. The prevailing argument is that knowledge spillovers within a region, which are known to boost employment, occur primarily among related industries and to a limited extent between unrelated industries.

    Related variety describes a situation in which industries share common elements, as do pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Such elements allow for synergies, collaboration and innovation by the leveraging of similarities in knowledge bases, technologies and skills. By contrast, unrelated variety describes a situation in which industries have little in common, as do agriculture and software development. Unrelated industries operate in entirely different domains, leading to weaker direct synergies, but potentially fostering innovation through difference.

    Impacts on employment

    While unrelated variety offers protection against industry-specific downturns, it does not have the same direct impact on employment growth as related variety. Our research approach distinguishes between these two varieties at the local level (i.e. within a labour market area) and at the neighbourhood one (i.e. between adjacent labour market areas).

    Our analysis finds that regions with industries with high related variety experienced higher employment growth from 2004 to 2015, especially during periods of economic expansion. This effect was particularly pronounced in sectors like machinery, chemicals and IT, which demonstrated strong positive impacts on local employment. We found that when industries share similarities in knowledge bases, technologies or supply chains, they create conditions for interactive learning and innovation. This process fosters intersectoral knowledge flows, enhancing regions’ capacity to adapt and grow. It can help provide balance between regional specialization, which risks stagnation due to industries’ excessive cognitive proximity – a condition economists call “lock-in” – and regional diversity, which may face challenges from too much cognitive distance.

    Unrelated variety showed a more complex relationship with employment. While local unrelated variety cushioned regions from economic shocks (since sectors are less vulnerable to industry-specific downturns), it did not directly drive employment growth as related variety did. We also found that unrelated variety in neighbouring regions exerted a negative influence on local employment dynamics.

    Employment and the 2008 financial crisis

    During the 2008 global financial crisis, knowledge spillovers from neighbouring regions helped mitigate the impact of the economic shock. The neighbourhood effects of related industries acted as a buffer, stabilizing local employment and protecting regions from greater losses.

    Drivers of local employment growth in France from 2004 to 2015

    Source: INSEE, CLAP 2004-2015. Authors’ calculation. NS: not significant.
    Fourni par l’auteur

    Urban-rural dynamics

    The difference between rural and urban areas is another important dimension. Our research found that related variety of diversity had a more pronounced positive effect in urban areas, where high concentrations of industries enable faster innovation and employment growth. Rural areas benefitted less from these knowledge spillovers, likely due to a less dense industrial ecosystem. This urban-rural divide highlights the need for tailored economic policies to support diverse regional needs.

    Policy implications

    For policymakers, fostering sectoral diversity, particularly the related variety, should be a priority. They could encourage collaboration between related sectors within regions to enhance resilience and growth. This would consist of supporting the development of innovation clusters where businesses in related sectors are geographically concentrated, or platforms for cross-sector collaboration where businesses, universities, research institutions and government agencies can share knowledge and explore partnerships. Promoting interregional cooperation could also help spread the benefits of related variety across neighbouring regions, especially during periods of economic crisis.

    Policymakers should also consider the role of the unrelated variety of diversity. While unrelated sectors may not directly contribute to employment growth, they provide stability when economic uncertainty dominates by diversifying the regional economy. Encouraging a balance between related and unrelated sectors could offer the best of both worlds – innovation-driven growth and economic resilience.

    Sectoral diversity – especially when it comes to related industries – is a key driver of local employment growth in France. However, for regions to thrive, policymakers must not only support the growth of local industries but also foster cross-regional cooperation. The lessons from France’s labour market areas provide insights for regions worldwide seeking to navigate the complexities of economic development.

    Les auteurs ne travaillent pas, ne conseillent pas, ne possèdent pas de parts, ne reçoivent pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’ont déclaré aucune autre affiliation que leur organisme de recherche.

    – ref. How industrial diversity affects local employment growth in France – https://theconversation.com/how-industrial-diversity-affects-local-employment-growth-in-france-251729

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ambassador Gerard McGurk assumes duties as new Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Ambassador Gerard McGurk assumes duties as new Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo

    Ambassador Gerard McGurk of United Kingdom, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. Prishtinë/Priština, 5 May 2025. (OSCE/Leurina Mehmeti ) Photo details

    PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 05 May 2025 – Ambassador Gerard McGurk, a career member of the British Diplomatic Service, has been appointed as the new Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and has officially assumed his duties today.
    Ambassador McGurk’s previous diplomatic experience includes extensive engagement in crisis management, bilateral and multilateral international relations across a variety of regions, from Madrid, Amman, and Skopje to the United Nations in New York. Ambassador McGurk was part of the British Government’s Final Status Team related to the work of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari (2005-2007).
    “These experiences have shaped my approach to diplomacy, focusing on inclusive dialogue, partnership, respect and collaboration. These are virtues that are deeply rooted in OSCE’s work here. As the new Head of Mission, I am committed to building on the outstanding work of my predecessors in fulfilling the Mission’s core mandate to improve good governance, protect and promote human and community rights, and enhance public safety for all,” Ambassador McGurk said.
    Ambassador McGurk’s previous roles include Deputy Director and Head of the Security and Resilience Department in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Deputy Director of Network and Performance.
    He led the Consular Pillar in the Afghanistan Task Force in London, playing a critical role in crisis leadership during the high-profile international Kabul evacuation in August-September 2021. He was part of the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York as the UK Government’s representative to the Iraq and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committees. He deployed to Iraq to work with the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in the summer of 2003. His first overseas assignment was at the British Embassy in Athens, Greece, in 1991.
    Ambassador McGurk holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Open University in the UK. Apart from his mother tongue, English, he speaks Macedonian and some Spanish. He is married with two adult children.
    In his role as the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, he succeeds Ambassador Michael Davenport of the United Kingdom.
    For more information on his biography, click here: https://www.osce.org/node/590342

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of SPbGASU were invited to build a career in the companies “Region” and “Petersburg-Dorservis”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Students of SPbGASU are already actively immersed in the industry during their studies. In April, our university was visited by representatives of the companies “Region” and “Petersburg-Dorservis”. The meetings were organized by the Department of Water Use and Ecology.

    The professionals told the students about the intricacies of their work and the prospects that open up for future young specialists.

    Alexey Shchukin, founder and CEO of Region, graduated from SPbGASU in 2003. He is the founder of a company that has completed more than 230 projects in the field of designing water supply and sanitation facilities and maintains a personal expert blog. From his speech, students learned about the methodology for designing water intakes for cities and enterprises, and about the mistakes and problems that specialists in this field encounter.

    Maria Bezruk, a marketer at Region, emphasized that the team consists of people with different experience, skills, and qualities. This helps young professionals gain knowledge directly from people who have worked on large-scale, unique projects. “You will gain the skill of designing complex industrial water supply and sanitation facilities; an understanding of how to achieve your goals and the goals of the team; the opportunity to reveal your full personal and professional potential. And, in addition, knowledge of the basics of construction, which will allow you to build your dream home or your parents’ house in the future!”

    Students took part in a production-themed game and received corporate souvenirs.

    Vladimir Fedotov, Deputy General Director for Non-Urban and Special Facilities at Petersburg-Dorservis, has worked for the company for 33 years. He introduced the audience to the company, which designs and builds highways, city streets, bridges, overpasses, tunnels and other road infrastructure facilities.

    Company representatives invited students for internships, practical training, and, in the future, jobs.

    Ekaterina Dundukova, a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Economy, is already working at Region. According to her, the company has a very friendly and pleasant atmosphere, the employees are genuinely interested in their work and are always happy to help each other, share their work knowledge and experience.

    Under the scientific supervision of Yulia Romanova, assistant of the Department of Water Use and Ecology, Ekaterina is writing her final qualification work “Reconstruction of water intake and water treatment facilities in the city of M.” The object of the study is being developed by the design organization “Region”.

    The student is confident in the relevance of her work for two reasons. Firstly, at present, a significant portion of the existing water intake and water treatment facilities throughout the country are becoming obsolete and require reconstruction or complete replacement, as their service life is coming to an end. Secondly, the required productivity is growing due to the increase in the scale of production in individual cities and the migration of the population within the country from small settlements to larger ones.

    “I plan to connect my future life with this specialty, because I consider it interesting and necessary, because no person and no production can do without water. I like to see the results of my work and know that it will benefit people,” Ekaterina shared.

    “Defending a final qualifying work is a key moment in the educational process of each student. This stage not only demonstrates accumulated knowledge and research skills, but also opens the way to a future professional career. Effective interaction with a production supervisor can significantly improve the quality of the final work and the student’s confidence in successful defense,” believes Yulia Romanova.

    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: The new version of the Articles of Association of Artea bankas AB was registered

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Artea bankas AB, legal entity’s code 112025254, registered office address Tilžės st. 149, Šiauliai, Lithuania (hereinafter – “the Bank“) informs that on 5 May 2025, a new version of the Articles of Association of the Bank was registered in the Register of Legal Entities. The new version of the Articles of Association was approved on 31 March 2025 during the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (resolution of agenda item No. 8).

     

    Additional information:
    Darius Bačinskas 
    Head of Legal Department
     darius.bacinskas@artea.lt , +370 635 20988

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FHLBank Atlanta Contributes Nearly $6 Million to Help Homeowners Safeguard their Inheritances

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBank Atlanta) is awarding a total of $5.9 million to 21 organizations committed to preventing and resolving heirs’ property issues through its Heirs’ Property Family Wealth Protection Fund (FWP).

    Heirs’ property issues arise when a homeowner passes away without a will/trust or estate plan or when a property is left to multiple beneficiaries without a plan to manage it, resulting in a tangled or fractured title.

    A 2024 Harris Poll survey sponsored by FHLBank Atlanta found that 90% of homeowners expect the equity in their home to benefit their heirs, yet 43% don’t have a will/trust or estate plan. Further, more than a third (38%) of homeowners without a will/trust or estate plan intend to leave their property to more than one heir.

    Click here to view the grant recipients of the Family Wealth Protection Fund, which are each delivering services to homeowners to resolve tangled titles, executing wills and estate plans, or provide education on heirs’ property.

    “As part of our broader work to address housing challenges, we added a program to focus on heirs’ property issues,” said FHLBank Atlanta President and CEO Kirk Malmberg. “Without the proper paperwork or legal process, it is often difficult for homeowners or their heirs to benefit from those assets, which are often purchased with the goal of building generational wealth. The organizations receiving these grants work with homeowners to resolve tangled titles, execute wills and estate plans and provide education to ensure their intended heirs can benefit from the hard-earned equity in their homes.”

    Organizations receiving the grant funding assist property owners located in low-to-moderate income areas within the FHLBank Atlanta district: Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

    “In addition to our programs that provide downpayment assistance to homeowners and expand access to affordable housing, we introduced the Family Wealth Protection Fund to address another key challenge impacting the housing sector,” said FHLBank Atlanta Senior Vice President and Director of Community Investment Services Tomeka Strickland. “This program aims to help individuals ensure they have clear titles and to strengthen communities, which are impacted by neighborhood blight when homes cannot be maintained or sold.”

    About FHLBank Atlanta
    FHLBank Atlanta offers competitively-priced financing, community development grants, and other banking services to help member financial institutions make affordable home mortgages and provide economic development credit to neighborhoods and communities. The Bank’s members are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, community development financial institutions, and insurance companies located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. FHLBank Atlanta is one of 11 district Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Since 1990, the FHLBanks have awarded approximately $9.1 billion in Affordable Housing Program funds, assisting more than 1.2 million households.  

    For more information, visit www.fhlbatl.com.

    CONTACT:
    Sheryl Touchton
    Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta
    stouchton@fhlbatl.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. 6th Fleet and STRIKFORNATO kick off Exercise Formidable Shield 2025

    Source: United States Navy

    BODØ, Norway — Eleven Allied nations kick off exercise At Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 25, led by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), in the North and Norwegian Seas and North Atlantic Ocean, May 3, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: National security advisers manage decision-making as advocates or honest brokers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Gregory F. Treverton, Professor of Practice in International Relations, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

    Mike Waltz speaks with reporters in the press room at the White House on Feb. 20, 2025. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    The removal of Mike Waltz as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser – formally the assistant to the president for national security affairs – raises the question of just what that position entails and also what it means that Marco Rubio will now act as secretary of state and national security adviser.

    The National Security Act of 1947 created the National Security Council to advise the president on matters of national security. It’s also tasked with integrating domestic, foreign and military policies.

    But the national security adviser position is neither enshrined in law nor accountable to Congress.

    I’m an economist and international relations scholar who has worked with three national security advisers − Zbigniew Brzezinski, Samuel “Sandy” Berger and Susan Rice.

    I’ve seen the job up close. The core of the national security adviser’s role is managing the national security decision-making process, as decisions on issues from Ukraine to Gaza to nuclear proliferation are made. It’s a coordinating role.

    Honest broker

    National security advisers set the timing and flow of policy analysis and recommendations to the National Security Council committees − first, the principals committee, which brings together the Cabinet secretaries with national security responsibilities from the State Department, Department of Defense, the CIA and others.

    While the principals committee typically rarely meets and virtually never with the president in the chair, not so the deputies committee. That committee brings together the Nos. 2 and 3 in the same departments.

    In my most recent stint in Washington as chair of the National Intelligence Council in the Obama administration, the deputies committee met almost every day, sometimes more than once. Its formal role is to tee up issues for decision by the principals and the president.

    National security advisers have the advantage of proximity to the president, with an office footsteps from the Oval, as it is known in Washington lingo. They also manage a relatively lean staff.

    In my time on the National Security Council staff in the Carter administration, it was perhaps 150 all told, including the watch officers in the White House Situation Room. In the Biden administration it was on the order of 350 staff.

    For us National Security Council staffers, if we disagreed with our counterparts at the State Department or the Defense Department, we could let the principals decide. We knew that we could get to Brzezinski faster, for example, than they could get to their Cabinet secretaries.

    National security adviser Susan Rice walks with Fang Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, in Beijing, in September 2014.
    AP Photo/Wang Zhao

    In Washington, proximity is opportunity. And, not surprisingly, national security advisers since McGeorge Bundy in the John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson administrations have become central figures in the foreign policy arena. The have had to manage the balance between seeking to influence the president and remaining an honest broker.

    As Berger put it, “You have to be perceived by your colleagues as an honest representative of their viewpoint, or the system breaks down.”

    Managing the tension

    National security advisers have managed the tension in their roles in different ways. And two models of those roles have emerged.

    Henry Kissinger, who served Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, was a powerful strategist driving presidential policy, often bypassing traditional channels. He, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio will do, served a dual role from 1973 to 1975 as national security adviser and secretary of state. Condoleezza Rice, the national security adviser who served George W. Bush, also later became secretary of state.

    Brent Scowcroft, who served both Ford and President George H. W. Bush, is the exemplar of the other model − an “honest broker” ensuring a fair, collegial policy process. He was the consummate insider: low-key, meticulous about process and influencing through quiet proximity. The Bush administration he served was also, as described by a friend, as collegial as the men’s locker room of an upscale country club. Still, while I never had the chance to work with him, he is my standard for the role of national security adviser.

    Waltz served too briefly to evaluate his record. It’s ironic that what seems to have done him in was the Signalgate scandal, in which Waltz added a journalist to a Signal group chat in which government officials discussed details about a planned U.S. military strike in Yemen.

    That was an example of Waltz’s coordinating role, bringing most of the relevant policy officials together to discuss an important issue. The purpose was right, but the means was extremely unwise.

    Henry Kissinger shakes hands with Chinese Premier Chou En-lai in Peking, China, in July 1971.
    AP Photo/White House

    Learning from the past

    Historically, the worst crisis of the National Security Council system ensued when it sought to conduct operations, not just organize them. That was the case in the Iran-Contra affair of the Reagan administration.

    Robert McFarlane took over as national security adviser in October 1983. A former Marine officer and deputy national security adviser, he was conscientious to a fault: In one meeting while he was consulting during the transition from President George H. W. Bush to President Bill Clinton, we asked him about work hours. He replied: “They’re not bad. I’m out of here by eight most nights, earlier on Sunday.”

    He was done in by Iran-Contra, a clandestine effort run by the National Security Council to trade arms to Iran − then under a U.S. arms embargo − in hopes of freeing American hostages, with proceeds diverted to fund the Nicaraguan Contras, despite a congressional ban on funding them. He pleaded guilty in 1988 to withholding information from Congress.

    It’s a telling lesson for Rubio and other Waltz successors as the national security adviser of the dangers of moving from honest broker and quiet advocate to operator − especially if the operation is contrary to public U.S. policy and perhaps against the law.

    This story is part of a series of profiles of Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

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

    – ref. National security advisers manage decision-making as advocates or honest brokers – https://theconversation.com/national-security-advisers-manage-decision-making-as-advocates-or-honest-brokers-255760

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of SPbGASU are among the winners and prize-winners of the All-Russian Olympiad “Heat and Gas Supply and Ventilation”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – SPbGASU Team: Vitaly Chumakov, Nikita Chernikov, Vasily Gromov and Rostislav Benfialov

    The All-Russian Olympiad “Heat and Gas Supply and Ventilation” was held at the Don State Technical University (Rostov-on-Don). Students from 15 leading Russian universities took part in it: 37 undergraduate students and 29 master’s students.

    Nikita Chernikov, a fourth-year student of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Urban Management in the field of Construction (Engineering Life Support Systems in Construction), was recognized as the winner; Vitaly Chumakov, a second-year master’s student of the same faculty in the field of Construction (Heat, Gas Supply and Ventilation), took third place.

    Victory at first attempt

    Nikita Chernikov admits that he had never participated in Olympiads before and was glad to learn what they are like, including university-level all-Russian ones.

    “Participation in the Olympiad gave me the opportunity to assess the real level of my knowledge, compare it with students of our specialty from universities in other cities. It was very nice to know that I have such a high level of preparation in my specialty. I hardly prepared for the Olympiad: I applied the knowledge that I had accumulated over several years of studying in specialized subjects. Only before the trip I looked at the topics of the Olympiad problems that were given in previous years. I would like to thank SPbGASU for providing students with the opportunity to attend such events and demonstrate their level, and personally the teacher of the Department of Heat and Gas Supply and Ventilation Viktor Aleksandrovich Yakovlev, who invited me to take part in the Olympiad,” said Nikita.

    The Olympiad motivates and expands communication!

    Vitaly Chumakov took part in this Olympiad not for the first time, and already became a winner. Due to his experience and knowledge, he believes that it is quite possible to complete all the tasks correctly. The competition tests included a test task, tasks and practical tasks. For example, in an office there are violations of the ventilation systems, which led to fogging of windows, high humidity, and an unpleasant smell. It is necessary to determine what could have gone wrong? But there is one nuance in completing the tasks: you need to complete them in four hours.

    “The time limit is also a test of skill: it is not enough to be able to solve everything, you need to be able to do it quickly. The Olympiad gives you the opportunity to test your strength, understand the gaps in your knowledge, meet the best students of other universities, and these contacts can be useful in the future in your professional activities, since different regions have different schools, and the exchange of experience is interesting and useful. I had a gap in heat and gas supply and heat supply of external networks due to the fact that in practice I did not deal with them that much. I work in design, and my area is internal networks. I want to continue my studies in graduate school. The results of the Olympiad motivate and give me confidence that I can also master graduate school. You can’t stop at a specific result, you always need to develop yourself,” Vitaly noted.

    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 Canada: Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence mark 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, ON – Today, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence issued the following statement:

    “Over the course of eight grueling months from September 1944 to May 1945, the First Canadian Army played a major role in liberating the Netherlands from German occupation.

    “Town by town, canal by canal, Canadian soldiers pressed forward against a fierce and determined enemy. From the Battle of the Scheldt, to the Rhineland Campaign, to the push north to liberate the Netherlands, those who fought to free the Dutch people achieved and sacrificed much in their efforts to bring peace to Europe.

    “Private Léo Major became a legendary figure for his actions in April 1945. In a single night, and with the help of Dutch resistance fighters, he liberated the town of Zwolle without the need for large-scale Allied assaults. For his extraordinary gallantry, Major was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

    “In the 80 years since the liberation of the Netherlands, Canada has worked within the rules-based international order to live up to the legacy of bravery, commitment and sacrifice demonstrated by Private Major and soldiers like him. Our commitment to upholding global peace and stability has been unwavering, with active participation in international peace support missions, humanitarian efforts, and consistent advocacy for human rights and diplomacy in conflict resolution.

    “Today, we remember the more than 7,600 Canadians who died in the 8 dreadful months it took to liberate the Netherlands. In their memory, and in honour of all those who served in this vital operation, we pledge to always stand up for peace, prosperity, and a safe and just world for all.”

    Associated Links:

    The Liberation of the Netherlands – Veterans Affairs Canada

    80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – Veterans Affairs Canada

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian delegation travelling to Toronto to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Remembering those who fought for peace and freedom.

     

    5 May 2025 – Toronto, ON – Veterans Affairs Canada

     

    All Canadians share a responsibility to keep Veterans’ stories alive, recognize the cost of war and honour their sacrifices that led to the privileges and peace we know today.

    From the fall of 1944 to the spring of 1945, Canadian soldiers served in Western Europe helping to liberate the Netherlands from German occupiers. Town by town, canal by canal, their perseverance paved the road to liberation and the eventual surrender of the remaining German forces. The friendship between the Netherlands and Canada has been shaped by our shared history and has only grown stronger over the years.

    To mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, an official Government of Canada delegation is travelling to Toronto to participate in a variety of commemorative events and ceremonies.

    The delegation includes Veterans—some of whom served in the Second World War—and their families, along with representatives of Veterans’ organizations, and departmental officials. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces will also participate in events and ceremonies in Toronto.

    On 6 May 2025, following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, the Government of Canada will host a commemorative ceremony at CIBC SQUARE to welcome the Boots of Remembrance. Combat boots symbolize the service and sacrifice of Canadians who left their hometowns, boarded trains, and embarked from Halifax to fight in Europe.

    On 8 May 2025, the Department will commemorate Victory in Europe Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Victory-Peace Monument in Coronation Park. Later, at sunset, a national commemorative ceremony for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and the Liberation of the Netherlands will take place in the heart of Toronto, at Canada Lands Square. The commemoration will include the lighting of the CN Tower—along with national landmarks across Canada and in France—as Beacons of Peace, a lantern-lighting ceremony, and a symbolic presentation of the Boots of Remembrance.

    Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #CanadaRemembers or visit veterans.gc.ca/CanadaRemembers.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Notable efforts to address electoral integrity but certain aspects of Romania’s presidential campaign left without sufficient oversight: international observers

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Notable efforts to address electoral integrity but certain aspects of Romania’s presidential campaign left without sufficient oversight: international observers

    Notable efforts to address electoral integrity but certain aspects of Romania’s presidential campaign left without sufficient oversight: international observers | OSCE
    Skip navigation

    Navigation

    Navigation

    Home Newsroom News and press releases Notable efforts to address electoral integrity but certain aspects of Romania’s presidential campaign left without sufficient oversight: international observers

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Press conference: European Parliament reports on Kosovo and on Serbia

    Source: European Parliament 3

    Standing rapporteur for Kosovo, Riho Terras, and standing rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, will hold a joint press conference at 15:40 on Wednesday.

    MEPs will vote on Parliament’s response to the Commission’s 2023 and 2024 reports on Kosovo and on Serbia on Wednesday. Following the announcement of the results of the vote on Wednesday, Riho Terras (EPP, ET) and Tonino Picula (S&D, HR) will answer questions from journalists during a press conference.

    When: 15:40 – 16:10, Wednesday, 7 April, 2025

    Where: Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201) and remotely via Interactio

    Interpretation will be available in Croatian, English, Estonian, French, German and Italian.

    Journalists online wishing to take part and ask questions, please connect via Interactio.

    You can also follow the press conference online via webstreaming.

    Background

    The enlargement reports are the European Parliament’s response to the Commission’s annual reports on the candidate and potential candidate countries in the EU accession process. Resolutions adopted in plenary represent the European Parliament’s official position regarding EU relations with these countries.

    Information for the media – Use Interactio to ask questions

    Interactio is only supported on iPad (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser).

    When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields.

    For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for interventions with video.

    Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press event to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary.

    When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service.

    more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxylabs Releases 2024 Impact Report with Focus on Ethical Data Practices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vilnius, Lithuania / Oxylabs, a leading web intelligence collection platform, has published its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting key environmental, social and governance initiatives.

    Aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the 2024 Impact Report details Oxylabs’ continued focus on three key areas: climate action, education, and innovation.

    “2024 was a year of unprecedented breakthroughs in AI, reshaping the tech landscape. For Oxylabs, operating at the forefront of public web data collection, it only highlighted our belief in balancing innovation with responsibility. While advancing cutting-edge technology, we remained deeply committed to ethical data collection standards and supporting socially impactful initiatives.”- said Julius Černiauskas, CEO of Oxylabs.

    In 2024, Oxylabs reached a symbolic milestone of 100 patents globally and introduced the industry’s first AI-driven scraping assistant OxyCopilot. The company was also busy sharing their knowledge with the industry – from a web scraping conference OxyCon, to numerous webinars and lectures.

    “Being a technology company, we direct our efforts where they are most impactful. Therefore we put strong emphasis on promoting ethical standards around data gathering in our whole industry, and empower social initiatives with our infrastructure”, – said Urte Karkliene, sustainability manager at Oxylabs.

    The year was fruitful for Oxylabs pro-bono initiative, Project 4β, which provides public web data gathering infrastructure to those driving social impact. Oxylabs broadened partnerships with NGOs, investigative journalism organizations and academic institutions. Among the most prominent new partnerships were Bellingcat, Global Witness, The Ferret, and The Pulitzer Center.

    Oxylabs continued to invest in carbon removal projects, aiming to make a positive climate contribution. The company chose to support a REDD Project in Brazil Nut Concessions in Peru. It also supported and joined various environmental and social initiatives.

    The 2024 Impact Report is available for download at https://oxylabs.io/sustainability

    About Oxylabs

    Established in 2015, Oxylabs is a web intelligence platform and premium proxy provider, enabling companies of all sizes to utilise the power of big data. Constant innovation, an extensive patent portfolio, and a focus on ethics have allowed Oxylabs to become a global leader in the web intelligence collection industry and forge close ties with dozens of Fortune Global 500 companies. Oxylabs was named Europe’s fastest-growing web intelligence acquisition company in the Financial Times FT 1000 list for several consecutive years. For more information, please visit: https://oxylabs.io/

    Media Contacts

    Vytautas Kirjazovas
    Oxylabs.io
    Tel: +370 655 34419
    Email: press@oxylabs.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 5.7 magnitude earthquake hits off coast of Taiwan

    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 | 05. 05. 2025

    Keywords: Taiwan, earthquake magnitude, coast of Taiwan, occurred, center, degrees north latitude, degrees east longitude, Beijing time, earthquake source, point, reported, networks, Monday, coordinates, kilometers, lay

    BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 jolted offshore Hualien County, Taiwan Island at 18:53 Beijing time on Monday, the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) said.

    According to CENC, the epicenter of the tremors was located at 23.87 degrees north latitude and 121.94 degrees east longitude. The earthquake’s source was located at a depth of 15 kilometers. -0-

    Source: Xinhua

    A 5.7 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Taiwan A 5.7 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Taiwan

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In the first quarter of 2025, 60.2 percent more fresh fruits and vegetables were exported through the Khorgos checkpoint

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    URUMQI, May 5 (Xinhua) — The volume of fruits and vegetables exported through the Horgos port on the China-Kazakhstan border in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has grown rapidly since the beginning of this year.

    According to Khorgos Customs, 179 thousand tons of fruits and vegetables were exported through the Khorgos checkpoint in the first three months of this year, which is 60.2 percent more year-on-year. The main importers of fruit and vegetable products were Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia.

    “This year, our company has exported a huge batch of potatoes, especially to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan,” said Yu Chengzhong, chairman of the board of Horgos Jinyi International Trade (Group) Co., Ltd.

    In order to reduce the time and costs of customs clearance of goods, the Khorgos checkpoint constantly optimizes the overall customs clearance process, closely coordinating its actions with the relevant authorities, ensuring the preservation of the freshness of exported fruits and vegetables.

    According to the representative of the Khorgos Customs, Yang Qiang, a special channel has been set up at the customs, thanks to which timely registration, inspection and dispatch of batches of fruits and vegetables as they arrive at the customs point is carried out, which in turn guarantees the preservation of maximum freshness of the products.

    Let us recall that Khorgos is located near the border with Kazakhstan and is the country’s first-class land port with the longest history and the largest total volume of transportation in the western region of China. Today, 87 international railway freight routes pass through Khorgos, connecting 18 countries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Announces Agenda, Panelists for Roundtable on Tokenization Plus Date Change for Roundtable on DeFi

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force has announced the agenda and panelists for its May 12 roundtable, “Tokenization — Moving Assets Onchain: Where TradFi and DeFi Meet.”

    “Tokenization is a technological development that could substantially change many aspects of our financial markets,” said Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, leader of the Crypto Task Force. “I look forward to hearing ideas from our panelists on how the SEC should approach this area.”

    The roundtable, announced in March as part of a series on crypto asset regulation, will be held at the SEC’s headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. from 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The event will be open to the public and webcast live on the SEC’s website. Doors will open at 12 p.m.

    For online attendance, registration is not necessary; a link to watch the event will be available on May 12 on www.sec.gov. Please register for in-person attendance.

    In addition, the date for the Crypto Task Force’s roundtable, “DeFi and the American Spirit,” has been changed from June 6 to June 9. All those who previously registered were informed of the change of date, and their registrations have carried forward to the new date. New registrations can continue to be completed.

    To learn more about the Crypto Task Force and the roundtable topics, please visit the Crypto Task Force webpage.

    *    *    *

    Agenda

    1 p.m. –

    2 p.m.

    Opening/Welcome Remarks from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

    • Richard B. Gabbert, Chief of Staff, Crypto Task Force
    • Chairman Paul S. Atkins (keynote address)
    • Commissioner Caroline A. Crenshaw
    • Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda
    • Commissioner Hester M. Peirce

    2 p.m. –

    3:30 p.m.

    Evolution of Finance: Capital Markets 2.0

    Moderator:

    • Jeff Dinwoodie, Cravath

    Panelists:

    • Cynthia Lo Bessette, Fidelity
    • Eun Ah Choi, Nasdaq
    • Will Geyer, Invesco
    • Sandy Kaul, Franklin Templeton
    • Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock
    • Christine Moy, Apollo Management
    • Johnny Reinsch, Tokenized Asset Coalition
    • Christian Sabella, DTCC
    • Alex Zozos, SuperState

    3:30 p.m. –

    4 p.m.

    Break

    4 p.m. –

    5:30 p.m.

    The Future of Tokenization

    Moderator:

    • Tiffany Smith, WilmerHale

    Panelists:

    • Hilary Allen, American University Washington College of Law
    • Gene Hoffman, Chia Network
    • Johann Kerbrat, Robinhood
    • Kelly Mathieson, Canton
    • Sidney Powell, Maple Finance
    • Georgia Quinn, Securitize
    • Joshua Rivera, Blockchain Capital
    • Angela Walch, Independent Researcher

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) Egypt and the United Kingdom (UK) strengthen collaboration to support Palestinian patients in Egypt

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

    Download logo

    WHO Egypt has signed a new £1 million funding agreement with the UK Government to help provide high-quality medical care for patients who have been evacuated from Gaza to receive treatment in Egypt. The project aims to support around 4000 individuals, including trauma patients and those with chronic conditions.

    The new funding complements an initial £1 million grant provided a few months ago, bringing the total UK contribution to £2 million.

    Earlier this year, a high-level delegation from WHO Egypt and the British Embassy in Cairo visited El Arish General Hospital, a key referral hospital receiving patients from Gaza. During the visit, the delegation spoke with Palestinian patients receiving treatment, met with hospital staff and representatives from Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, and assessed the hospital’s medical needs.

    WHO Representative in Egypt Dr Nima Abid said: “Egypt has received the highest number of medical evacuees from Gaza and continues to provide them with specialized health care on par with Egyptian citizens across 170 hospitals in 24 governorates. We deeply value our longstanding partnership with the United Kingdom and welcome this additional £1 million in funding which will help us continue supporting the Ministry of Health and Population to ensure patients and the injured from Gaza receive the lifesaving care they need. Ultimately, peace is the best medicine. WHO reiterates its call for the protection of health in Gaza, the lifting of the aid blockade, and –above all – an immediate and permanent ceasefire.”

    British Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley said: “Egypt has played a crucial role in helping those most in need from Gaza, and the UK is proud to stand alongside our Egyptian partners and WHO in this lifesaving work. Whether it’s funding medical care in Egypt or supporting treatment for patients who have now arrived in the UK, our shared commitment is clear: to ensure the wounded and vulnerable get the care they urgently need.”

    Since November 2023 Egypt has received and treated thousands of patients and wounded people from Gaza. Since the beginning of the crisis, WHO has worked closely with Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population and other partners to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity. This support has included over US$ 8 million worth of medical supplies delivered to Egyptian hospitals and the training of nearly 3000 health workers across multiple governorates in emergency care and mental health and psychosocial support.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.05.2025, 10-05 (Moscow time) the values of the lower boundary of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A104AM1 (IADOM 1P17) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.05.2025

    10:05

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.05.2025, 10-05 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 70.33) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 350.46 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the RU000A104AM1 security (IADOM 1P17) were changed.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.05.2025, 10-36 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the BYN/RUB currency pair have been changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the foreign exchange market and the precious metals market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the NCC (JSC), on 05.05.2025, 10-36 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to RUB 31.78 in the mode with TOD calculations) and the range of market risk assessment (up to RUB 32.8032, equivalent to a rate of 19.51%) of the BYN/RUB currency pair were changed. New values are available Here.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.05.2025, 11-32 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A105DN0 (FSK RS BO6) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.05.2025

    11:32

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.05.2025, 11-32 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 95.93) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1047.3 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 17.5%) of the security RU000A105DN0 (FSK RS BO6) were changed.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.K.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05.05.2025, 12-01 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A1012B3 (FPK 1P-07) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.05.2025

    12:01

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.05.2025, 12-01 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 97.51) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1037.78 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A1012B3 (FPK 1P-07) were changed.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin visited the memorial complex “City of Angels” in Beslan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Those killed in the terrorist attack on September 1-3, 2004, at School No. 1 in Beslan are buried at the memorial cemetery “City of Angels”, which appeared after the tragedy. There are 266 people buried here, 186 of whom are children. The necropolis also contains the “Tree of Sorrow” monument, a khachkar, and a monument to the fighters of the special forces “Alpha” and “Vympel” and the employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations who died during the storming of the school.

    The memorial complex “City of Angels” was opened in 2005. It includes the building of school No. 1, a sports hall, memorial plaques with the names of the victims, a memorial cemetery, the “Tree of Sorrow” monument, a monument to special forces and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Church of the New Martyrs of Russia, a worship cross and a khachkar donated by the children of Armenia.

    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: Financial news: 05.05.2025, 14-06 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXSS1 (Akron B1P2) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05.05.2025

    14:06

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 05.05.2025, 14-06 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 83.41) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 896.76 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 12.5%) of the RU000A0JXSS1 security (Akron B1P2) were changed.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin visited the Atsamaz Makoyev Children’s Music School and the Children’s Art Center in Beslan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A new children’s music school for 270 students opened in Beslan in April 2024. The school was built according to the general plan for the integrated development of Beslan.

    The three-story building includes a concert hall for 160 people and 24 classrooms for individual lessons. The school has four departments: folk instruments (bayan, accordion, Ossetian harmonica), piano, string instruments, choir department. The school is equipped with modern equipment and new musical instruments: 28 pianos, 2 grand pianos, 3 accordions and 8 national harmonicas. The building is fully adapted for people with limited mobility.

    The children’s music school is named after the honored artist of Russia, South Ossetia and North Ossetia – Alania, People’s Artist of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania, member of the Union of Composers of the USSR, artistic director and chief conductor of the North Ossetian State Philharmonic, Atsamaz Makoev. Thanks to him, the first composer’s class in the republic was opened in the institution.

    The House of Pioneers opened in Beslan in May 1961. In the 1990s, it was renamed the House of Children’s Creativity.

    Today it is a municipal budgetary institution of additional education “Center for Additional Education of Children” (CDED) of the Pravoberezhny District of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania. Of the 36 teachers of the center, 9 have the highest qualification category, 5 have been awarded the title of “Honorary Worker of Education of the Russian Federation”, 3 teachers have been awarded honorary certificates of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania and one is a People’s Artist of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania.

    In the 2024/2025 academic year, the center will implement 4 additional general educational development programs: art (1,072 people), natural sciences (75 people), social and humanitarian (180 people), and physical education and sports (220 people).

    Due to the reconstruction of the building, the CDOD is temporarily located on the basis of district educational institutions and the district Palace of Culture. All creative associations are equipped with the necessary equipment, some of which is already outdated. By the end of the construction of the new building with a total area of 1507.15 sq. m., new modern equipment was purchased, which will soon be transferred to the center along with the building.

    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: Mikhail Mishustin visited the North Ossetian agro-industrial enterprise “Cossack Farm”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The fruit and berry sub-complex of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania is a traditional industry, since the natural and climatic conditions are generally favorable for growing most fruit and berry crops.

    Thanks to state support at both the federal and republican levels, the industry has recently increased production volumes. At the beginning of 2020, the area of perennial plantings in agricultural enterprises was 2 thousand hectares. Over four years, 1.26 thousand hectares of new gardens were planted, resulting in a sharp increase in the production of fruit and berry products from 58.5 thousand to 63 thousand tons, or 1.1 times.

    Today, the area of fruit and berry plantations in the republic is 3.65 thousand hectares. Increasing the area of orchards will increase the harvest in five years to 75.6 thousand tons due to the growth of intensive orchards. It is planned to increase the gross harvest by increasing the amount of products from 1 hectare. Taking into account the annual planting of young orchards, the total area of perennial plantings by 2030 is planned to increase to 5.1 thousand hectares.

    LLC “Kazachiy Khutor” was established in 2015. The main activity is the cultivation of pome and stone fruit crops.

    As part of the investment project, 1,000 hectares of garden were planted, a workshop for the production of plastic containers was put into operation, as well as a fruit storage facility designed to store 50 thousand tons of fruit. Land plots with a total area of 1,315 hectares are available for lease. The investment phase of the project is complete.

    The enterprise is expected to reach its design capacity in 2029. The project plans to create 730 jobs (as of April 1, 2025, 614 jobs have been created).

    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 –