NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS to attend 58th Annual Meeting of Asian Development Bank in Milan, Italy

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Milan, Italy, in the early hours of May 4 (Sunday) to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The theme of this year’s meeting is “Sharing Experience, Building Tomorrow”, focusing on development issues and challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region, such as climate change, digital transformation, and promoting mutually beneficial co-operation and inclusive economic growth. Mr Chan will deliver remarks at the Governor’s Plenary.

         He will also meet with the President of the ADB, Mr Masato Kanda, and financial officials from other countries and regions attending the meeting.

         Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on May 7 (local time) and arrive on the morning of May 8. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as the Financial Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Robert Schuman – 02-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In 1958, Robert Schuman was elected president of the European Parliamentary Assembly, predecessor to the European Parliament. This French politician, who was particularly sensitive to the tensions between France and Germany, is regarded as one of the ‘founding fathers’ of what is now the European Union. After the Second World War, he supported the establishment of the Council of Europe and helped to bring many other European projects to fruition. With his declaration of 9 May 1950, considered the founding act of the European integration process, Robert Schuman assumed political responsibility for a common coal and steel market that would later become the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). The declaration underlines the role of France in building a strong, prosperous and peaceful Europe, starting with France and Germany. Going far beyond mere objectives, the declaration also sets out the precise basis upon which the negotiations should begin. Robert Schuman was president of the European Parliamentary Assembly from 1958 to 1960. This institution was the political institution par excellence of the Communities: at once a democratic organ representing the peoples of Europe, a body invested with the power of executive scrutiny, and a unifying element between the three Communities. Highly influenced by Christian values, Robert Schuman campaigned to build a strong and united Europe step by step, and to establish institutionalised solidarity between European countries. Robert Schuman’s legacy continues to influence and shape the European Union to this day.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – How have European banks developed along different dimensions of international competitiveness? – 02-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The analysis explores the competitiveness of European banks compared to their US counterparts. It highlights structural differences between the two systems, particularly Europe’s reliance on traditional bank intermediation versus US’s market-based model. European banks generally lag in profitability and market valuations, but remain central to credit provision and financial inclusion across the EU. US banks have benefitted from more favourable macroeconomic scenarios. At the same time, recent improvements in European bank’s profitability and efficiency are driven by temporary macro factors, raising concerns about sustainability. The study emphasises the need for regulatory harmonisation, capital market development, and integration to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s banking sector. It also stresses the importance of considering both quantitative and qualitative indicators to better capture banks’ contributions to the economy and overall welfare.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Schuman Declaration, May 1950 – 02-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Aiming to secure peace in Europe after the horrors of the Second World War, the Schuman Declaration proposed cooperation among European countries in two key economic areas central to rearmament and warfare: coal and steel. As an institutional framework for this cooperation, the Schuman Declaration proposed the creation of the first supranational organisation in Europe, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Established in 1952, the ECSC laid the foundations for today’s European Union (EU). The Schuman Declaration is therefore seen as the EU’s founding act. Presented by the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, on 9 May 1950, the anniversary of this key date in European integration is marked on 9 May each year in the EU.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Say cheese, but without the cow

    Source: European Investment Bank

    To help meet the growing demand for protein-rich dairy substitutes, the European Investment Bank signed a €35 million loan with Formo in January 2025.

    “This project supports the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, which promotes the transition to more sustainable food systems,” adds Machado Mendes. “It’s one of the reasons we stand behind it.”

    Backed by the European Union’s InvestEU guarantee programme, the EIB investment enables Formo to continue developing its fermentation processes and produce more alternatives to products such as milk and eggs.

    “It’s a clear indication of our growing role in the bioeconomy,” says Alberto Casorati, the loan officer overseeing this initiative at the European Investment Bank. “Formo is bringing an innovative, sustainable product to the EU market, catering to a broad range of consumers, including those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Christodoulos Patsalides: The economy of Cyprus – developments and outlook

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Intoduction

    Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends,

    It is a great pleasure to address the 3rd Capital Link Cyprus Business Forum here in New York, a city that has long served as a global hub for business, finance, and innovation. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers for bringing us together today to exchange insights on the economic trajectory of Cyprus. Events like this are crucial in fostering dialogue and reinforcing the strong economic ties between Cyprus and the international business community.

    Key metrics of the Cypriot Economy

    The Cypriot economy and its banking sector have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience, despite an increasingly volatile global environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty and rising trade tensions. In 2024, Cyprus achieved robust economic growth, significantly outpacing the euro area average and primarily driven by foreign investment, robust tourism, and rapid expansion in Information and Communication Technologies. At the same time, unemployment declined notably, falling well below the euro area average and approaching conditions of full employment, while inflation declined significantly and remains well on track. Fiscal performance also strengthened considerably, with public debt reduced to levels well below the euro area average, highlighting the country’s improved fiscal discipline.

    Meanwhile, key indicators of banking sector strength remained solid. Capital adequacy levels, as measured by the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio, are significantly above the EU average, and profitability, as measured by Return on Equity, reached one of the highest levels across the Union. Cypriot banks also continue to maintain some of the strongest liquidity positions in the EU, further reinforcing the sector’s soundness and resilience.

    The remarkable economic performance of Cyprus was recently acknowledged by the International Monetary Fund. As mentioned in its Concluding Statement of its recent Article IV Mission:

     “Cyprus has demonstrated impressive resilience to successive shocks. Growth has remained among the highest in the euro area, mainly supported by foreign investment, strong tourism, and a boom in the ICT sector.”

    All major credit rating agencies have also recognized the notable progress of the economy, upgrading Cyprus’s credit rating to the ‘A’ category. This progress not only reflects solid economic performance but also acts as a safeguard against global uncertainty and constitutes key factor for sustaining strong growth potential.

    Domestic Economy

    Growth Outlook

    Having outlined the broader context of the Cyprus economy, I will now turn to the growth outlook in more detail. In 2024, GDP growth reached 3.4% compared to 0.9% in the euro area. Domestic demand, and most specifically, private consumption has been a key driver of growth, complemented by a positive contribution from net exports, particularly export of services. Investments also registered an increase in 2024, across both housing and other private investments, such as ongoing implementation of major infrastructure projects with foreign financing as well as projects under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Despite geopolitical challenges, tourism arrivals and revenue reached record levels in 2024, exceeding four million tourists for the first time. On the production side, the services sectors of the economy were the key drivers for economic activity. Specifically, the sectors of trade, transportation (particularly shipping), hotels and restaurants gave the greatest support to GDP growth. The information and communication sector as well as financial and professional services were also important contributors to growth. Finally, healthcare and education, real estate management activities, construction and manufacturing sectors also fueled economic activity.

    I would like to highlight at this point that the steps taken to diversify our economy-both across sectors, including services, tourism, and non-tourism-related industries, as well as across different markets-have played a key role in strengthening our resilience. These efforts have significantly enhanced our ability to withstand external shocks, particularly in times of geopolitical turmoil.

    Looking ahead, based on March 2025 projections of the Central Bank of Cyprus, GDP is expected to continue to grow robustly at around 3% per year over 2025-2027. This continued expansion is anticipated to largely stem from domestic demand, with external demand playing, to a lesser extent, a supporting role. Investments are also expected to remain strong. Nevertheless, persistent geopolitical tensions may introduce downside risks to the speed of external recovery.

    Fiscal Developments and Public Debt Reduction

    On the fiscal side, Cyprus has made significant strides in reinforcing fiscal stability, a cornerstone of sustainable economic progress. Notably, public debt declined substantially from 113.6% of GDP in 2020 to 65.4% in 2024. As of January 2025, the debt-to-GDP ratio had fallen further to 61.9%, reflecting disciplined fiscal policies and sound economic management. It should be noted that in the euro area, public debt stood at 88.2% at the end of the third quarter of 2024.

    Looking forward, the Ministry of Finance projects that this downward trajectory will persist, with public debt expected to fall below 50% of GDP by 2028. This fiscal consolidation not only strengthens Cyprus’ financial resilience but also enhances investor confidence, reinforcing the country’s attractiveness for foreign direct investment and securing long-term economic stability.

    Inflation Trends

    Turning to inflation, price stability remains a key focus. Inflationary pressures have eased significantly, with the headline inflation significantly declining to 2.3% in 2024 from 3.9% in 2023. This reduction has been largely driven by the correction of external supply-side shocks, particularly in energy markets, as well as the European Central Bank’s monetary policy tightening.

    Over the period 2025-2027, inflation is projected to sustainably stabilize around 2%. This is in line with the medium-term target we set at the Governing Council of the ECB. Although certain services sectors continue to experience relatively elevated price growth, overall inflationary pressures remain well-contained, ensuring a stable environment for households and businesses alike. However, we must remain vigilant, as exceptionally high uncertainty continues to pose upside risks to inflation, alongside climate-related factors.

    The Cyprus Banking Sector

    The banking sector in Cyprus has demonstrated remarkable progress and resilience over the past years. Our financial institutions have not only navigated a challenging global environment but have also shown notable strides in strengthening their foundations. A primary indicator of this resilience is the enhancement of the solvency capacity, with the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio increasing to 24.5% in December 2024. This increase places Cyprus at the top of the EU spectrum, well above the EU average of 16.1%.

    Despite the ongoing challenges from successive crises, Cyprus has experienced no clear signs of a decline in credit quality. On the contrary, the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio has continued to show improvement. As of December 2024, it has decreased to 6.2%. Even though this is a positive trend, we must acknowledge that more work is needed, especially considering the EU’s average NPL ratio of 1.9% as of the same period.

    Profitability has remained strong and persistent, with the Return on Equity (RoE) reaching 20.0% in December 2024, significantly higher than the EU average of 10.5% in the same period. Operational efficiency has also seen progress, as the cost-to-income ratio decreased to 37% in December 2024, a considerable improvement compared to previous years and lower than the EU’s 54% average in the same period.

    Cypriot banks maintain some of the highest liquidity levels within the EU. This strong liquidity position enhances their capacity to navigate potential market disruptions and to continue supporting economic stability. As of December 2024, the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), which reflects a bank’s ability to withstand significant liquidity outflows during stressful periods, stands at 333%, well above the EU average of 163% as of the same period and the minimum requirement of 100%. Similarly, the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR), which measures the stability of a bank’s funding sources, is at 188% in December 2024, exceeding both the EU average of 127% recorded in the same period and the required 100%.

    Looking ahead, the banking industry must navigate several challenges, including integrating AI, managing cyber risks, responding to geopolitical instability, shifting towards a more sustainable economy, addressing the growing need for substantial investments in technology, and adapting to heightened competition from the non-banking sector, particularly in the area of payment services. Addressing these key issues is crucial for maintaining the sector’s positive growth and will continue to be a primary focus of our oversight efforts.

    Conclusion

    Cyprus has demonstrated resilience and strong economic performance against a backdrop of global uncertainties. Despite elevated international risk and the increasing geopolitical fragmentation, it is my belief that Cyprus will continue to prosper thanks to its commitment on prudent, yet business-friendly policies.

    Let me bring my speech to a close by quoting Warren Buffett’s renowned advice: “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.” This obviously highlights the necessity for informed decision-making. I therefore urge you to examine the country’s track record and to assess the ingredients of its pursued policies. I am confident that Cyprus will stand out as a compelling and reliable destination for investment.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Response to arbitration tribunal final report: UK-Sandeel (The European Union v. the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government response

    Response to arbitration tribunal final report: UK-Sandeel (The European Union v. the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

    UK Government statement on the sandeel Arbitration Tribunal’s final ruling in the UK-Sandeel case

    • The UK Government has received the sandeel Arbitration Tribunal’s final ruling in the UK-Sandeel case.
    • While the UK succeeded in the majority of its arguments, the Tribunal identified a procedural error in the decision to close English waters.
    • The ruling does not mean the UK is legally obliged to reverse the closure of English waters, and the decision to close Scottish waters was fully upheld.
    • The government will undertake a process in good faith to bring the UK into compliance.

    The sandeel Arbitration Tribunal has published its final ruling.

    This relates to decisions taken in March 2024 by the UK and Scottish Governments to close our North Sea Waters to sandeel fishing. The decisions were taken to protect vulnerable seabird populations and support the wider marine environment.

    In April 2024, the EU launched dispute proceedings to challenge the closures. In October 2024, the EU referred the challenge to an arbitration tribunal to rule on the dispute.

    The report found that the UK successfully demonstrated that the measures taken to close English and Scottish waters were based on the best available science and had sufficient regard to the principle of non-discrimination. The tribunal also found that the Scottish measures had sufficient regard to the principle of proportionality.

    The Tribunal found that during the decision-making process to close English waters to sandeel fishing, the UK did not have sufficient regard to the principle of proportionality, specifically in relation to EU rights during the adjustment period – a requirement under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement  (TCA).

    The government will now undertake a process in good faith to bring the UK into compliance. 

    There is no legal obligation for the UK to reverse the closures while the compliance process takes place, and the report does not indicate that compliance must require reversing the closures. 

    A government spokesperson said: 

    We welcome the clarity provided by this decision, and we will undertake a process in good faith to bring the UK into compliance on the specific issues raised by the Tribunal. 

    The ruling does not mean the UK is legally obliged to reverse the closure of English waters, and the decision to close Scottish waters was fully upheld. 

    We remain committed to protecting our seabirds and the wider marine environment, in accordance with our commitments to the TCA and other international agreements.

    Disputes and the use of resolution mechanisms are a normal part of a mature relationship with international partners. We will continue to act in the national interest as we work towards a strong and lasting partnership with our European neighbours.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Costa to head to Barcelona on 5-6 May 2025 to highlight Europe’s industrial and innovation efforts

    Source: Council of the European Union

    The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Barcelona, Spain on 5 and 6 May 2025 to meet with regional leaders and visit key industrial and research infrastructures in the areas of the automotive sector, artificial intelligence and innovation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City commemorates VE Day 80 with community events

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The City of Wolverhampton Council has made £20,000 available in grants from the Safer Prosperity Fund, enabling communities to mark this historic occasion in style.  

    Residents will be holding street parties and joining together in parks, community centres, places of worship – even allotments.

    VE Day, celebrated annually on 8 May, commemorates the day in 1945 when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allied forces, ending nearly 6 years of brutal conflict in Europe. The 80th anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals and the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that characterised the Allied victory.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Digital and Community, said: “VE Day is a time for us to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the peace and prosperity that their bravery has afforded us.

    “As we mark this 80th anniversary, let us honour their legacy by fostering a community spirit of unity and remembrance.”

    In addition to community based celebrations, the council will be hosting several special events:

    • Coffee morning at Central Library at 10.30am on Thursday 8 May. Staff will dress in red, white, and blue, and there will be a green screen and sing along with school children in Central Library. The young poet laureate and primary poet champion have been commissioned to write a poem to be read at the event and shared widely on social media.
       
    • VE Family Celebration Event at Bantock Park on Monday 5 May, from 11am to 3pm – a themed event with bunting, 40s singers, The Bluebird Belles, and craft activities. 
       
    • Wolverhampton Art Gallery will be displaying artwork from their collection for the 80th commemoration of VE Day. The featured artwork is by Edward Bawden, titled “Ravenna: Tired Tanks parked in the Viale Farini, 1944.”

    Councillor Ahmed added: “We’re inviting all residents to participate in these events and join in commemorating this historic occasion. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of VE Day continues to inspire future generations.”

    Additionally, veterans will be attending a wide range of events including The Black Soldiers Story Untold, highlighting the often overlooked contributions of Black soldiers during VE/VJ Day and providing a platform to celebrate their courage, Vaisakhi at West Park will be honouring Sikh war veterans at Vaisakhi, Veterans in the Community will come together for a buffet, music, quiz and raffle, Bilston Memory Café will be holding a celebration for people with dementia and local veterans, while the RAFA Club will be opening its doors to families, veterans and children alike to commemorate VE Day next Saturday 10 May.

    National celebrations will be honouring the momentous announcement made by Prime Minister Winston Churchill at 3pm on 8 May, 1945, signalling the end of the Second World War in Europe after nearly 6 years of brutal conflict. 2025 will also mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15 August, 1945, which signified the Allies’ defeat of Japan.

    For more details of the national celebrations, visit the VE/VJ Day 80 website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 150 children and young people take part in The Big Sports Day

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    In a first-of-its-kind event for the city, over 150 children and young people from Special Schools and mainstream primary and secondary schools part in The Big Sports Day.

    The event was held at the Saughton Athletics Track and invoilved children and young people with with a physical disability learn,ing difficulty or autism.

    Organised by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Active Schools team and Youth Work Development Workers based at Gorgie Mills school, children and young people took part in a range of sports, facilitated by a range of trusted providers, including: football, frame running, cycling, tennis, karate, rugby, archery, cricket and lots more.

    Groups of pupils rotated around three or four specific activity stations catering to their individual needs and abilities. Edinburgh College students volunteered their support on the day.

    The event was partly funded through the Edinburgh 900 fund with a one -off amount secured to run The Big Sports Day event.

    Councillor Joan Griffiths, Education, Children and Families Convener, said:

    It is truly fantastic to see that this community event was attended by so many learners from across the city and to hear that a great time was had by all! Having fun through sport and keeping active is an important part of the curriculum across all Edinburgh schools and it’s brilliant that learners had the chance to try out a range of different sports.

    Published: May 2nd 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE Chairperson and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media reaffirm necessity of media freedom to mark World Press Freedom Day

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

    Headline: OSCE Chairperson and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media reaffirm necessity of media freedom to mark World Press Freedom Day

    OSCE Chairperson and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media reaffirm necessity of media freedom to mark World Press Freedom Day | OSCE
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Primož Dolenc: Green finance and investment

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,

    I am delighted to welcome you to today’s conference organized jointly by Banka Slovenije and the European Investment Bank.

    The event builds on the discussions from our 2023 conference, once again placing green finance and investment at the center of our debate.

    This underscores the recognition that risks linked to climate and environmental change are among the most pressing global challenges of our time.

    Confronting these challenges calls for collective action and a shared responsibility towards future generations.

    Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 requires significant investments across the EU, alongside other measures.

    According to Mr Draghi’s report and other studies, the EU will have to allocate additional green investments amounting to around two percent of GDP annually by 2030.

    Despite the funds available at the EU level and the reformed EU fiscal governance framework, we can expect a public funding gap for green investments in the years to come.

    As public finances are increasingly strained due to security concerns and an ageing population, Europe needs a strong framework to also attract and efficiently deploy private capital.

    The recently launched Savings and Investment Union strategy, which builds on the Capital Markets Union and Banking Union projects, is an important element to support the massive green investment needs.

    A more integrated and deeper EU financial system – complemented by advances in financial literacy and, ideally, a positive shift in mindset – would enable a more efficient allocation of savings from businesses and citizens.

    While Europe remains committed to ambitious climate goals, the strategies and processes guiding the green transition continue to evolve.

    A perspective that has gained traction over the last year is how Europe can reconcile the complexities of global competition and environmental imperatives and balance ambitious climate goals with economic vitality.

    In February this year, the European Commission unveiled its proposal for a Clean Industrial Deal, outlining strategies to unlock investments in clean energy and decarbonize and revitalize Europe’s industry.

    Another important initiative is the Omnibus Simplification Package, introduced by the Commission in February.

    By simplifying the business environment and reducing administrative burdens, Europe would enhance its global competitiveness and ultimately spur investments, including those supporting the green transition.

    However, this drive for simplification is not without its critics and concerns that easing regulations could undermine corporate accountability and stall progress towards our climate objectives.

    When introducing adjustments, policymakers must ensure that the underlying strategies are both ambitious and pragmatic. 

    At Banka Slovenije and within the Eurosystem, we are committed to play our part by:

    • increasingly incorporating climate-related issues into our analyses;

    • decarbonizing our monetary policy-related corporate bond holdings and implementing climate-related measures in our collateral framework;

    • greening our non-monetary portfolio;

    • and, as supervisors, encouraging and directing banks to identify, measure and manage climate-related risks in a timely and comprehensive manner, ensuring they remain well positioned to support the economy and the green transition.

    Before we move on to the discussion, let me first give the floor to the Head of the European Investment Bank Group Office in Slovenia, Mr Simon Savšek.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Solicitor General’s intervention leads to increase in sex offender’s sentence

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Solicitor General’s intervention leads to increase in sex offender’s sentence

    A sex offender who sexually assaulted multiple young women and girls has had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP intervened.

    Robert Emmerson, 40, from Manchester, had his four-and-a-half years sentence increased to seven years with a further three on licence after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

    The court heard that between 6 November 2023 and 15 April 2024, Emmerson committed five separate sexual assaults and seven acts of exposure against 11 girls and young women in central Manchester and Wythenshawe areas.

    The victims said that Emmerson’s attacks took place in broad daylight and that they were “shocked” and “terrified” with some noting that he was smiling throughout.

    The court also learned that Emmerson has a history of sexual offences, with previous convictions for indecent exposure and stalking. Some of his victims were schoolgirls.

    Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    I was sickened and angered to read of the offenders’ numerous sexual assaults against women and young girls His increased sentence clearly shows that sex offenders will be brought to justice and face the penalty they deserve.

    This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls in a decade as part of the Plan for Change and this increased sentence will keep predators like Emmerson off our streets. My thoughts today are with the young women attacked by Emmerson.

    On 30 January 2025, Emmerson was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court for four years and six months for five counts of sexual assault, and seven counts of exposure. He also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is subject to indefinite notification requirements.

    On 1 May 2025, his sentence was increased to seven years with a further three on licence after it was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Progress in clearing longest waits

    Source: Scottish Government

    More than 105,500 procedures delivered last year with additional funding.

    More than 105,500 appointments and procedures were delivered by health boards last year through an additional £30 million of targeted investment – exceeding a pledge to carry out 64,000 appointments by the end of March 2025.

    The funding was targeted at the longest waits and, as seen in latest published data, there have been reductions in waiting lists across a number of specialities. Between March 2024 and December 2024 there has been:

    • a 71% decrease in waits for Scopes at NHS Ayrshire & Arran
    • a 52% decrease in Imaging waits at NHS Fife
    • a 28% decrease in Ophthalmology waits at NHS Lothian
    • a 23% decrease in Urology waits at NHS Lanarkshire
    • a 10% decrease in Orthopaedic waits at NHS Highland.

    Latest published statistics also show improved waiting times performance with diagnostic waits at their lowest since October 2021.

    In April 2024 the Scottish Government funded NHS boards to deliver 64,000 procedures (40,000 diagnostic procedures, 12,000 surgeries and 12,000 new outpatient appointments) by the end of the year. By March 2025, 10,700 surgeries and 15,800 outpatients appointments were delivered. Almost 79,000 diagnostic procedures took place – delivering almost double the original pledge of 40,000.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “We have delivered on our promise, exceeding our original target of 64,000 by more than 41,000 procedures – we have carried out nearly double the amount of diagnostic procedures originally pledged, with diagnostic waits now at the their lowest since October 2021. This is testament to hard work and dedication of our NHS staff and I thank them for their outstanding efforts.

    “This is welcome progress and shows we are moving in the right direction.  But we know many people are still waiting too long and we are determined do more. That is why we are investing record amounts in our health service, targeting waiting list backlogs and delivering 150,000 additional appointments.   

    “This government is focussed on taking the action needed to cut waiting lists and make it easier for patients to get access to the treatment they need.  Next week the First Minister will publish our Programme for Government, setting out how we will build on recent progress and further reduce patient waits in the year ahead.”

    Background

    This is an update on progress previously reported in February this year – Pledge on waiting times exceeded – gov.scot

    Written question and answer: S6W-37418 | Scottish Parliament Website

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA publishes new analysis of health inequalities in England

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKHSA publishes new analysis of health inequalities in England

    Data shows current state of health inequalities caused by infectious diseases, as well as environmental health hazards

    As part of its commitment to achieving equitable health security outcomes for everyone, the UK Health Security Agency is publishing (Friday 2 May) comprehensive new data, the Health Inequalities in Health Protection report. The report provides a high-level summary of the current state of health inequalities in England caused by infectious diseases, as well as environmental health hazards.

    The analysis mainly uses hospital admissions as a measure of infectious disease levels; key findings include:

    • people living in the 20% most deprived areas in England are almost twice as likely to be admitted to hospital due to infectious diseases than the least deprived
    • those living in the North-West are 30% more likely to be hospitalised for an infectious disease (3,600 per 100,000 admissions for Sept 23-Aug 24), compared to the England average (2,800 per 100,000)
    • areas of high levels of deprivation typically experience higher levels of air pollution than less deprived and less ethnically diverse areas
    • the scale of inequalities between ethnic groups varies by specific disease. For example, emergency admission rates for tuberculosis were 29 times higher for ‘Asian other ‘, 27 times higher for ‘Indian’ and 15 times higher for ‘Black African’, compared to ‘White British’
    • As well as the costs to the social, physical and mental health of our communities, it was estimated that inequalities in emergency infectious disease hospital admissions cost the NHS between £970 million and £1.5 billion in 2022-23.

    People living in deprived communities experience higher emergency hospital admission rates, compared to the least deprived communities; the data show these are:

    • twice as high for respiratory diseases in general and up to seven times higher specifically for tuberculosis and six times higher for measles.
    • twice as high for invasive infections in general, and up to 2.5 times higher specifically for sepsis
    • 1.7 times higher for gastrointestinal diseases

    People from more deprived areas are also disproportionately impacted by radiation, chemical, climate and environmental hazards through their exposure, direct impact on their health, and the exacerbation of existing health conditions​. Areas with high levels of deprivation typically have higher levels of air pollution than less deprived and less ethnically diverse areas.

    Dr Leonora Weil, Deputy Director for Health Equity and Inclusion at UKHSA said:

    The report reveals some stark facts on the state of inequalities in health security faced by some people, in particular those living in the most deprived communities and certain areas of the country, some ethnic groups, as well as excluded groups such as those experiencing homelessness.

    These health protection inequalities – where there are poorer health outcomes based on where you live, your socio-economic status or ethnicity are avoidable, pervasive, and preventable. That is why it is so important to shine a light on these findings to increase action to support communities to live longer and in better health.

    Going forward our data and analysis of the evidence will help us, and our partners apply a health equity lens to all our health security work, to inform how we better target effective health services and wider interventions to those most at need.

    This report is just the start. We need to build on these insights, as only through persistent and dedicated effort across all health organisations will we make a real difference to helping all people live longer and in better health.

    UKHSA’s approach to reducing health inequalities in health protection involves:

    • building our understanding of the people and places that experience these inequalities
    • taking a ‘people and place’ approach, working with local and national systems to support integrated, tailored and accessible interventions that better meet the needs of different communities and groups
    • working in partnership across national and local government, the NHS, the voluntary, faith and charity sector and communities themselves
    • equipping the UKHSA workforce with the capacity and capability to address inequalities in health protection in everything we do

    Inclusion health groups, such as people seeking asylum, people in prison, people experiencing homelessness and people who inject drugs are often disproportionately impacted by a range of infectious diseases. For example, it is estimated that over 80% of people in England living with chronic Hepatitis C have an injecting drug history. However, inclusion health groups are often not visible in routine health surveillance data.

    In addition to the social, physical and mental health costs to our communities, health inequalities also have a significant economic burden. It was estimated that inequalities in emergency infectious disease hospital admissions cost the NHS between £970 million and £1.5 billion in 2022-23. In a recent UKHSA report summarising infectious disease trends, it was estimated that infectious diseases were the primary reason for over 20% of hospital bed usage, at an annual cost of almost £6bn in 2023 to 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Beckfoot Oakbank (Keighley): warning notice

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Beckfoot Oakbank (Keighley): warning notice

    Warning notice to Beckfoot Trust in relation to Beckfoot Oakbank.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Beckfoot Oakbank: warning notice

    PDF, 140 KB, 3 pages

    Details

    Notice relating to: Beckfoot Oakbank

    URN: 143112

    Notice issued to: Beckfoot Trust

    Reason for issue: requires significant improvement Ofsted judgement

    DfE regional director: Alison Wilson

    DfE regional director office: Yorkshire and the Humber

    Local authority: Bradford Metropolitan District Council

    This replaces an earlier notice issued on 10 February 2023 which is available on the national archives.

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Would be street racers warned of consequences of breaching ban

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It comes after another individual admitted being in contempt of court following an incident of street racing, also known as car cruising, in Bearwood, Smethwick in late March.

    Qamar Hussain, of William Road, Smethwick, appeared before the High Court in Birmingham on Thursday 25 April and admitted racing against another vehicle along the Hagley Road between Wolverhampton Road and Bearwood Road. He received a 21 day custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £2,950.30 in costs.

    The High Court injunction, led by the City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Dudley Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council and supported by West Midlands Police, prohibits people from participating in, as a driver, rider or passenger, street racing; from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings; or from participating as a spectator.

    The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall and anyone found to be breaching it will be in contempt of court and may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized. They may also be ordered to pay the council’s legal costs of any hearing.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Digital and Community, said: “The existence of the street racing injunction is widely known across the Black Country, but we are still seeing occasional incidents such as the one which occurred in Smethwick in March.

    “As we have seen once again, the court will not hesitate to take tough action against anyone who breaches the injunction.

    “We know that street racing activity typically increases with the lighter nights and warmer weather of spring and summer, and anyone who is thinking of taking part in this wholly anti social activity should recognise the severe consequences that they will face.”

    Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, added: “Street racing puts people’s lives at risk and can lead to tragedies on our roads.

    “This is the 10th person we have taken to court for breaching the injunction by racing on Sandwell’s roads, and we will continue to work in partnership with the police and other Black Country councils to respond to people’s concerns and protect our communities.”

    For more information about the street racing injunction, including copies of the latest documentation and court orders, including very recent orders made on 29 and 30 April, please visit the street racing pages of the applicants – Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, or Dudley – which are in the process of being updated.

    Incidents of street racing in Wolverhampton should be reported via asbu@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk and in Sandwell at Report anti social behaviour, or to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

    Police are also inviting members of the public to submit dash cam or mobile phone footage of street racing events or dangerous driving via its Op Snap website.

    The High Court originally granted the full and final injunction in February 2024 with the injunction and power of arrest remaining in force until at least 2027 subject to annual review, the next of which is scheduled to take place on 26 February, 2026 at the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, Birmingham District Registry at Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre, The Priory Courts, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6DS.

    Any existing defendants who wish to file any evidence in respect of the review hearing should do so no later than 14 days before the hearing by writing to FAO: Black Country Car Cruise, Legal Services, City of Wolverhampton Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1RG, emailing litigation@wolverhampton.gov.uk or calling 01902 556556.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: Abbigliamento contraffatto tra l’Italia e il Nord Europa. Sequestro record di ADM e GDF al Porto di Trieste

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Trieste, 28 aprile 2025 – Quasi un milione di capi d’abbigliamento e accessori della moda internazionale, perfettamente riprodotti, sono stati intercettati dai funzionari dell’Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli di Trieste e dai militari della Guardia di Finanza. 

    La merce, stipata in cinque differenti container provenienti dal porto turco di Ambarli e destinata ai Paesi Bassi, era occultata dietro una parete di prodotti tessili di varia natura regolarmente dichiarati. 

    Pantaloni, camicie, pigiami, cappellini, borse, cinture, t-shirt e felpe riportavano celeberrimi loghi, tra cui Adidas, Balenciaga, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Dsquared, Fendi, Gucci, Guess, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Prada, Stone Island, Versace. La contraffazione è stata considerata di pregevole fattura anche dai periti delegati dai proprietari dei marchi che hanno constatato come gli articoli siano stati fedelmente riprodotti, tanto da poter trarre facilmente in inganno il consumatore finale. 

    Le indagini, tuttora in corso, coordinate dal dottor Federico Frezza, Sostituto Procuratore presso la Procura della Repubblica di Trieste, hanno registrato una convergenza investigativa con L’Ufficio Europeo per la Lotta Antifrode – OLAF dal momento in cui, ulteriori e tempestivi accertamenti condotti nell’immediatezza del sequestro, hanno permesso di appurare che lo stesso mittente e il medesimo destinatario, si stavano occupando di ulteriori spedizioni di articoli tessili. L’attività realizzata ha consentito alle autorità belghe, attivate dall’OLAF, l’individuazione di un altro container stipato con capi ed accessori contraffatti ed il fermo di cinque soggetti di differenti nazionalità. 

    L’ingente quantitativo di merce contraffatta sottoposta a sequestro, qualora immessa sul mercato, avrebbe potuto garantire illeciti introiti quantificabili in oltre cento milioni di euro. 

    In ossequio alle disposizioni recate dal Decreto Legislativo 8 novembre 2021, n.188 si evidenzia che, per il principio della presunzione di innocenza, la colpevolezza delle persone sottoposte ad indagine sarà definitivamente accertata solo ove intervenga sentenza irrevocabile di condanna.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Former St Helens pub landlord failed to declare he was bankrupt when applying for Covid loan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Former St Helens pub landlord failed to declare he was bankrupt when applying for Covid loan

    Suspended sentence for former St Helens pub owner

    • Gary Wright was the owner of the Talbot Ale House in St Helens before it ceased trading in 2019, prior to the pandemic 

    • Wright was subsequently declared bankrupt in early 2020 

    • This did not stop him applying for a £25,000 Bounce Back Loan on behalf of the pub, failing to tell the bank he was bankrupt in the process 

    • The loan was repaid in full earlier this year

    A former St Helens pub owner who failed to disclose his bankruptcy when he applied for Covid support funds has been handed a suspended sentence.  

    Gary Wright did not inform the bank that he was bankrupt when he obtained a £25,000 Bounce Back Loan in the summer of 2020. 

    The 46-year-old made the application on behalf of the Talbot Ale House on Duke Street in St Helens town centre, the pub he ran before his bankruptcy earlier that year. 

    Wright, of Bleak Hill Road, St Helens, was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 24 April. 

    He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,500 in costs. 

    The Bounce Back Loan was repaid in full shortly before Wright was sentenced. 

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Gary Wright incurred significant debts after his business failed and he was ultimately declared bankrupt. 

    He then attempted to take advantage of a scheme which was backed by taxpayers and designed to support viable small businesses through the pandemic. 

    Bankrupts are legally required to declare their status when applying for loans or credit. Wright clearly failed to do this which is why he now has a criminal conviction. 

    Talbot Ale House ceased trading in September 2019 and Wright was declared bankrupt in February 2020 due to debts owed to a major utility company. 

    Despite this, Wright applied for a £25,000 Bounce Back Loan in June 2020, claiming the turnover of the pub was £400,000. 

    Wright remains an undischarged bankrupt, meaning he has not been officially released from his bankruptcy. 

    Individuals subject to a bankruptcy order must disclose their status if they borrow or obtain credit of £500 or more. 

    A pub continues to run from the same address but under different management. 

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Two charged following a fatal stabbing in Walworth

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    UPDATE:

    A third man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of Giovanny Rendon Bedoya in Walworth on Monday, 14 April.

    Brian Villada-Hernandes, 19, (26.02.2006) of St James’s Crescent, Lambeth, will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 May.

    Two men charged and another arrested following a fatal stabbing in Walworth on Monday, 14 April.

    Joseph Jimenez, 21 (14.08.2003) of no fixed address was charged on Tuesday, 23 April with the murder of 21-year-old Giovanny Rendon Bedoya.

    He was remanded into custody and appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 23 March. He appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, 25 April.

    Angel Gonzales Angulo, 19 (24.08.06) of Camberwell Church Street, SE5 was arrested on Wednesday, 23 April and was charged on Thursday, 24 April of murder. He appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 March. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 29 April.

    On Friday, 25 April a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder, he remains in police custody.

    On Monday, 14 April at 21:16hrs police were called to Hillingdon Street, SE17 following reports of a stabbing.

    Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated 21-year-old Giovanny Rendon Bedoya for stab injuries.

    Sadly, despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead on scene.

    Giovanny’s next-of-kin continues to receive support and updates from specialist officers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: VE Day 80 in the Winchester district

    Source: City of Winchester

    Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day and the Winchester district is remembering the sacrifices and contributions that brought peace to Europe in 1945. 

    While VE Day marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, which ended World War II.

    In Winchester, the special VE 80 flag will be raised at the Guildhall.

    Bunting to mark the occasion has also been put up in the city centre. 

    This Saturday 3 May, the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith will welcome members of the local Royal British Legion to Abbey House for a special event to mark VE 80. He will also attend a VE80 flag-raising service in Portsmouth on Sunday 4 May.      

    On VE Day itself, the Mayor of Winchester will attend a flag-raising in Wickham and will join a celebratory VE80 tea party at Hope Church in Middle Brook Street.

    The Mayor of Winchester Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith said: “On 8 May 2025, we will mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, a momentous occasion which marked the end of World War II in Europe and brought hope to war-torn communities across many countries.

    “In the Winchester district and beyond, people will come together to unite and to celebrate VE Day, and to remember the many millions who paid the ultimate price to achieve this historic victory. We pay tribute to their bravery, and to their service and sacrifice.

    “We remember with gratitude all those who served in the Allied armed forces, as well as the civilians who played their part in contributing to the war effort on this day of joy, reflection and celebration.”  

    Events are taking place across the district. For more on the local events planned to mark VE Day 80, and on Winchester’s military connections, head to Visit Winchester’s VE Day 80 page.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NDA group’s work praised in international forum

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    NDA group’s work praised in international forum

    The IAEA’s Joint Convention has recognised the good performance within the NDA group.

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management

    The progress being made within the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group in spent fuel and waste management has been recognised in a significant international forum.

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management, held in Vienna, Austria, acknowledged 15 areas where the UK is demonstrating ‘good performance’ in the field.

    A number of the areas to receive positive acknowledgement from the IAEA are being delivered across the NDA group, including:

    Supporting the UK delegation at the eighth triennial convention, which brought together a host of signatory nations, were Clive Nixon, the NDA’s Group Chief Nuclear Strategy Officer; Mark Foy, Chief Executive and Chief Nuclear Inspector at the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR); and Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator at the Environment Agency.

    In addition to reflecting on achievements over the past three years, the convention also identified a number of themes against which progress will be measured at the next meeting in 2028, including emergency preparedness, use of emerging technologies and public engagement.

    Clive Nixon said:

    We were pleased to come together with international counterparts at the Joint Convention, and to have our progress recognised in this forum is testament to the skill and innovation across our group.

    Collaborating and engaging with international partners enables us to accelerate our mission by sharing knowledge about common opportunities and challenges.

    Through these forums, we share best practice and innovative approaches to decommissioning and for the management of radioactive waste so that together we can make the world a safer place.

    The full summary report is available here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rapist who posed as professional photographer has sentence increased

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Rapist who posed as professional photographer has sentence increased

    A sexual predator who posed as a photographer to lure women to his home before sexually abusing them has sentence increased after Solicitor General intervenes.

    Anthony Williams (40), from Gloucester, has had his eight-year sentence increased to 12 years by the Court of Appeal after the Solicitor General referred his case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

    The court heard that Williams pretended to be a professional photographer, approaching women online and luring them to his makeshift studio at his home.

    During the photoshoot, Williams encouraged the women to undress before he sexually abused them.

    He carried out 17 attacks over the course of nine photoshoots between July 2021 and December 2021.

    In victim impact statements several women spoke about how much Williams had impacted their mental health. One victim said: “I find myself feeling like a mere shadow of my former self.”

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

    Williams exploited and manipulated women into thinking they were taking part in professional photo shoots but this was just part of a grim scheme to brutally assault them for his own sexual gratification.

    Protecting women and girls is an absolute priority for this government and I would like to offer my sympathies to the victims. I welcome the court’s increase to this sentence.

    Anthony Williams was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on 22 January 2025 after a jury at Gloucester Crown Court found him guilty of 14 counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of rape. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

    On 15 April 2025 at the Court of Appeal, Anthony Williams had his sentence increased to 12 years.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a EUR 50 million tap under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    2 May 2025 at 11:00 am (EEST)

    Municipality Finance issues a EUR 50 million tap under its MTN programme

    On 5 May 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of EUR 50 million to an existing benchmark issued on 29 August 2024. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the benchmark is EUR 1.150 billion. The maturity date of the benchmark is 29 August 2029. The benchmark bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.500 % per annum.

    The new tranche is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the new tranche to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 5 May 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

    NatWest Markets N.V acts as the Dealer for the issue of the new tranche.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. Our customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: xSuite Asia Invites Customers to the 2025 User Conference in Singapore

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     Under the Theme “One Team. One Journey,” the Software Provider Showcases Innovations and Solutions for the Finance Sector

    Singapore, May 2, 2025 – xSuite Asia invites users to join the 2025 User Conference, taking place on May 29 in Singapore, for an in-depth look at future-ready technologies. The one-day event will focus on today’s most critical topics for IT and finance professionals: artificial intelligence, invoice processing, SAP S/4HANA, cloud computing, and SAP Clean Core strategies.

    A highlight of the agenda will be a customer keynote presenting real-world insights into the deployment of xSuite’s automated invoice processing solution. Attendees will learn about the initial project setup, the challenges that were addressed, and the measurable outcomes that have been achieved.

    Finance Technology with a Forward Focus
    Technologies like cloud platforms and AI are creating new possibilities in financial operations—and development is accelerating. At the conference, xSuite will present its latest product innovations and roadmap, while also exploring emerging technology trends shaping the future of finance.

    Key Focus Areas
    1. Deep Dive Artificial Intelligence: xSuite’s Prediction Server delivers AI-powered support for invoice processing in SAP environments. This session will highlight how AI is expanding its capabilities across additional finance workflows, and how Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming document recognition and data extraction.

    2. Deep Dive SAP S/4HANA and Cloud: As many organizations are progressing with or preparing for their SAP S/4HANA migration, aligning with SAP’s Clean Core strategy is essential—even in Private Cloud environments—to prevent future technical debt. Participants will explore xSuite’s solution architecture, including SAP-integrated Business Solutions 6.0 and offerings built on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

    Networking and Strategic Discussions
    The event will conclude with networking opportunities and discussions around customer requirements, xSuite’s role as a premium partner, and best practices for implementing successful digital transformation projects.

    Event Details:
    xSuite User Conference
    Date: May 29, 2025
    Location: Oasia Hotel Downtown, 100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079333
    Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    More information and registration: https://news.xsuite.com/en/user-conference-2025-singapore

    About xSuite Group

    xSuite is a software manufacturer of applications for document-based processes and provides standardized, digital solutions worldwide that enable simple, secure, and fast work. We focus mainly on the automation of important work processes in conjunction with end-to-end document management. Our core competence lies in accounts payable (AP) automation in SAP (including
    e-invoicing), for leading companies worldwide, as well as for public clients. This is supplemented by applications for purchasing and order processes as well as archiving – all delivered from a single source, including both software components and services. xSuite solutions operate in the cloud or in hybrid scenarios. We take pride in the high-quality solutions we offer, as evidenced by the regular certifications we receive for our SAP solutions and deployment environments.” With over 300,000 users benefitting from our solutions, xSuite processes more than 80 million documents per year in over 60 countries.

    Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Ahrensburg, Germany, xSuite has around 300 staff across nine locations worldwide – in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Our company has an established information security management system that is certified in accordance with ISO 27001:2022.

    Contact:
    Barbara Wirtz
    xSuite Group GmbH
    Marketing & PR
    Tel. +49 (0)4102/88 38 36
    barbara.wirtz@xsuite.com
    www.xsuite.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Darryl Chan: Global outlook – unlocking market potential through financial connectivity

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Mr Peng Yang (CEO, Ant International), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:

    Good morning.  To those of you who have travelled from far and wide, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong!

    It gives me great pleasure to join you today for MO·MENTS 2025 organised by Ant International.  This is a great gathering of forward-looking, innovative people who bring and share remarkable expertise, experience and ideas to shape the future of payments.  Indeed, payments is shaping the future of finance by unlocking the many possibilities and immense potential. 

    The theme of this event is global connectivity.  In my discussion today, I will share with you the exciting journey Hong Kong is going through to promote connectivity in the payments space, both locally and globally.  Our objective is to achieve cheaper, faster, more transparent, and more accessible payment services.  Before going global, we started with local.  There were two starting points: stored value facilities (or SVF in short) and faster payment system, or FPS.

    In 2015, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) introduced a regime to regulate SVF operators who take the form of e-wallets or prepaid cards.  Today we have a robust SVF ecosystem of 15 operators.  These operators serve a wide range of institutional and retail customers from mass market to more niched segments.  In less than a decade, the number of SVF accounts have doubled, from around 40 million in end 2016 to 80 million in end 2024; and the total number of transactions has grown by almost 60%, from around 15 million per day in Q4 2016 to 24 million in Q4 2024.   

    The FPS is another success story.  Launched in 2018, it is a platform that supports full connectivity among banks and SVFs.  It provides real-time, 24×7 interbank transfers with just a few clicks on mobile devices.  Since its launch, FPS has experienced phenomenal growth.  It now has 16.4 million registrations in total, on the back of a local population of 7.5 million.  

    The SVF and FPS, working individually or in combination, provide a powerful tool that facilitates cheaper, faster payments and enhances user experience.  They promote not just financial inclusion but also the growth of e-commerce.  

    The use of SVF and FPS goes beyond Hong Kong.  For example, Hong Kong e-wallets can now be used at over 30 million merchants in Mainland China.  Between 2021 and 2024, the number of cross-border transactions in the Mainland has grown by almost 50 times.  

    In the case of FPS, in 2023 the HKMA joined hands with the Bank of Thailand to link up FPS and Thailand’s PromptPay, enabling cross-border QR payments between the two jurisdictions.  Meanwhile, we are working closely with the People’s Bank of China to connect FPS with the Mainland’s Internet Banking Payment System.  Our plan is to formally roll out the link by the middle of this year.  Looking ahead, we are also exploring the possibility of further expanding the linkage of FPS with other fast payment systems in the region. 

    There is enough to keep us busy just by enhancing the interoperability and connectivity of the existing payment systems and networks.  Yet we are keenly aware of the need to keep taps on developments that bring new dimensions to the form and functioning of money.  Here I am referring to the emergence of central bank digital currency or CBDC, tokenised bank deposits, and stablecoins. 

    In terms of CBDC, our flagship project mBridge achieved the minimum viable product stage in 2024.  It is a seamless cross-border wholesale CBDC platform co-founded by the HKMA and several other central banks.  Supported by a comprehensive legal framework and a fit-for-purpose governance structure, the platform seeks to address the typical pain points in cross-border payments by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs through central bank digital money.  Going forward, the project will continue to expand the participation of public and private institutions with a view to achieving greater network effect.

    We also leverage on our CBDC research to support the development of the tokenisation market.  Last year, the HKMA initiated Project Ensemble and established an Architecture Community to develop common industry standards that support interoperability between CBDC, tokenised money and tokenised assets.  In August, we launched the Ensemble Sandbox, working with our securities regulator and the private sector to explore and experiment with tokenisation of financial assets and real-world assets.  Currently, the use cases cover liquidity management, supply chain finance, green finance, and investment funds. We are pleased that Ant Group is an active participant of the Sandbox.  Project Ensemble also goes beyond Hong Kong.  We are partnering with other central banks including Thailand, Brazil and France to explore cross-border tokenisation use cases. 

    On stablecoin, we are in the final stage of passing the law that empowers the HKMA to license and supervise stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong.  Together with other regulatory efforts governing the exchange, trading and custody of crypto assets, the stablecoin licensing regime is an important element to nurture a responsible and sustainable crypto ecosystem in Hong Kong.

    Running in parallel to the legislative process, a stablecoin sandbox was set up last year to provide a controlled environment for potential issuers to test the various features and controls of their proposed schemes, as well as their use cases that cover supply chain, capital market activities, cross-border payments, and Web3.0 applications.  The sandbox also enables the HKMA team to gain insights that inform the formulation of specific regulatory requirements and ensure they are fit-for-purpose.

    Ladies and gentlemen, the payments industry has seen exponential growth in recent years and we should expect the momentum to sustain-if we do the right things.  On this, I don’t think people in this room need to be convinced.  Let me share some thoughts on how to capture those opportunities.

    First is to make good use of technology.  Technology is the key driver in this growth story and it keeps pushing the possibility frontier.  Just imagine the potential of combining the ever growing computing power, artificial intelligence (A.I.), machine learning and big data. 

    What technology can deliver is amazing:

    • in terms of making payment so much easier through one-click payment or voice-automated payments;
    • in terms of capturing new customer demands such as buy-now-pay later or subscription payments; and
    • in terms of tailoring payment service to the needs of individual customers.

    What we need is to stretch our imagination and be innovative.

    In the process, one thing we always need to bear in mind is the fundamental value proposition of payment services-how payments can be made easier, faster, cheaper, and equally important, more accessible.  It is therefore heartening that we have a session today dedicated to inclusive growth. 

    Technology is a double-edged sword.  One increasingly troubling aspect related to banking and payments is the prevalence of fraud and scams.  In Hong Kong, more than 44,000 deception cases were reported last year, an increase of close to 12% year-on-year.  In a way we are victim of our own success by making payments much faster and more convenient.  This has now become one of the top challenges facing financial regulators across jurisdictions.  If unchecked, it will seriously undermine public confidence in the safety of the banking and payments sector, not to mention the issue of how to apportion the loss.

    The HKMA and the banking and payments industries have therefore been in close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to raise public awareness, share intelligence and good practices, and use Scameter data to alert potentially at-risk customers.  This is a never ending battle, and technology can help address the risk.  We look forward to payments operators leveraging A.I. and machine learning in fraud detection and prevention of money laundering.  We at the HKMA stand ready to work with the industry in testing and deploying such technology.

    My second point is about collaboration.  Deglobalisation, reglobalisation, fragmentation-it may take on different names or different forms, but one thing is for sure, the global economy is entering uncharted waters, in search of the more stable state when the dust gets a little settled. 

    For an industry like payments that thrives on interoperability and connectivity, this is not good news.  But the reshaping of the global economic order and the realignment of global supply chain can also mean new business opportunities for the payments sector:

    • think about the possible shifts, within a relatively short timeframe, in trade patterns and trade flows;
    • think about new relationships to be established between buyers and suppliers; and
    • think about the new payment corridors across countries and regions that may involve more local currencies. 

    These changes call for more timely, in-depth collaboration between different players in the payments space to better support customers.  And as long as payments remains a regulated space, we also need cross-border collaboration in the official sector, either through system linkage or policy coordination, to make this happen. 

    If I may quickly turn to my third point, which is the significance of operational resilience.  With increased connectivity and collaboration, system outage or cyber incidents will have much pronounced consequences.  It is crucial therefore, that operational resilience is a core objective and KPI.  And always have a contingency plan ready should anything untoward happen. 

    Ladies and gentlemen, as we look to the future, we need to be resilient, be agile, embrace technology, and, most importantly, remain customer-centric.  This should be the winning formula to unlock market potentials and promote a more efficient and inclusive financial ecosystem.

    With that, I wish the event a great success.  Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Denis Beau: Our payment system at a time of geopolitical risks

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Slides accompanying the speech

    [Slide 1 Cover slide]

    The payments sector has undergone significant changes in recent decades, driven by digitalisation and the rise of new technologies. While the latter provide opportunities, they also bring risks, particularly in terms of financial stability and sovereignty. These risks have been amplified since the inauguration of the new US administration and the upheavals to the international order that its challenges to multilateralism and its deregulatory and protectionist policies could cause. 

    Against this backdrop of great uncertainty and the major shocks to the financial system since the start of the month, the financial authorities have an important role to play in fostering stability and trust among the players in the French and European economy and financial system. Accordingly, in addition to ensuring price stability, the objective of the Banque de France, in keeping with its monetary and financial stability mandates, is to help maintain stable access to financial services, particularly credit, and to encourage innovation and diversification. It also strives to ensure the smooth functioning of our economy and the infrastructures on which it relies, and especially our payment system.

    In my presentation this morning, I would first like to review the main trends and challenges facing the European payments ecosystem, and then present the levers we are using at the Banque de France to ensure its efficient operation and the security of payment systems and payment means, and to help strengthen Europe’s sovereignty over its payment system. 

    [Slide 2 – I. Trends and challenges for payments in France and Europe]

    I. The digitalisation of payments and its implications    

    A. Progress in technology is leading to the rapid digitalisation of the payments ecosystem

    [Slide 3: A rapid payment digitalisation process]

    For a little over a decade now, we have been witnessing a strong move towards digitalisation and the increasing use of electronic payment solutions, with an attendant decrease in the use of cash. Payment cards are now the most commonly used means of payment at the points of sale, accounting for more than 48% of transactions in France in 2024. Conversely, cash payments are gradually decreasing, falling to 43% of point-of-sale transactions in France in 2024, whereas they stood at 50% in 2022, and as high as 68% in 2016.

    This trend accelerated even further with the rise of online shopping and the Covid pandemic. The share of e-commerce in the number of transactions thus doubled between 2019 and 2024 to reach a quarter of all transactions in France. At the same time, contactless payments and mobile payments have developed rapidly, with the aim of making payments increasingly seamless and almost invisible to consumers. This trend has been facilitated by the development of new technologies that have modernised payments, such as near-field communication (NFC) and QR codes, which have enabled the roll-out of contactless payments. 

    Against this backdrop, new players in payments have emerged, whose value added stems from technological innovation. These new players are now competing with traditional financial institutions such as banks. They include not only FinTechs but also “non-financial” players, namely telecom operators, technical service providers (specialising, for example, in the tokenisation of payment card data), and BigTechs, in particular the American GAFAMs – ApplePay, GooglePay – which dominate the mobile payments market. They also include Chinese and Korean platforms such as AliPay and WeChatPay.

    The growth in the tokenisation of financial instruments, driven by the use of distributed ledger technologies (DLT) such as blockchain, represents a significant opportunity for our markets. Significant benefits are expected: faster exchanges, lower operating costs and greater transparency of transactions. However, this trend is now going hand in hand with a plethora of uncoordinated DLT initiatives, giving rise to the emergence of new private settlement assets, most notably stablecoins. These initiatives are largely controlled by non-European players and mechanisms, whose reference currency is the dollar. 

    B. The challenges raised by changes in the payments landscape

    [Slide 4: Issues and challenges posed by the digitalisation of the European payments system]

    While the digitalisation of payment means has delivered many benefits, in particular by enabling simpler, faster, more convenient and more secure payments, it also poses challenges.

    The decline in the use of cash raises questions about the sustainability of some of its characteristics, particularly confidentiality, universal acceptance and accessibility, which are not currently available in the digital sphere. Furthermore, the increase in the use of digital payments raises questions about the role of central bank money, as opposed to commercial money used for card payments, even though central bank money plays a key role in anchoring confidence in our monetary system. 

    Furthermore, expanding the use of digital solutions has steadily upped our reliance on non-European entities (particularly from the United States and China), which already leverage significant network effects, thanks notably to their ability to harness extensive datasets and customer bases. They also control a number of widely used proprietary standards (Visa, Mastercard). Beyond the question of operational resilience, this situation raises concerns over competition, strategic autonomy and data protection. With the emergence of these international players, European payment solutions appear highly fragmented and their market share has been eroding.1

    The growing digitalisation of payments also represents a challenge to maintain a high level of payment security. Fraud schemes are becoming increasingly complex, involving the manipulation of payers and the circumvention of the strong authentication mechanisms put in place to ensure the security of digital payments in Europe. In particular, artificial intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword. 

    AI amplifies cyber risk and, in payments, it can considerably facilitate payment scams, for example through deepfakes. But this technology can also become an invaluable ally in the fight against fraud, by enabling fraud schemes to be more rapidly and effectively identified. Against this backdrop, integrating AI into anti-fraud models could help to improve the security of the digital payment means available to the public.

    It should also be noted that digitalisation could extend to financial assets, through tokenisation, although at present there are no suitable and really secure payment solutions available for these financial transactions. Therefore, without a central bank money-based payment solution for these “wholesale” transactions, private non-European solutions could become dominant, in particular stablecoins. However, almost all stablecoins are currently pegged to the dollar, and their issuance in the United States is not currently subject to any protective federal regulatory framework. If the tokenisation of financial assets were to gather pace, the lack of a central bank money payment solution in euro might therefore threaten the role of central bank money as the anchor of the euro area’s monetary architecture, with concrete adverse consequences: an increase in counterparty and liquidity risks, increased fragmentation of settlement, and ultimately a loss of sovereignty and a weakening of financial stability.

    In this context, the recent positions adopted by the new US administration, and in particular the adoption on 23 January of an Executive order, are likely to amplify these risks as this Executive Order (i) prohibits all work related to the development of a new form of central bank money compatible with technological changes, (ii) promotes the development of dollar-backed stablecoins, and (iii) encourages citizens and businesses to use public blockchains. This new political direction reinforces the need for Europe to preserve its monetary sovereignty, which means developing its payment sovereignty.

    II. To meet these challenges, the Banque de France is using several additional levers for action

    [Slide 5: Transition – Two additional responses: regulation/support and innovation.]

    A. Adapting regulatory frameworks and supporting innovation within a framework of trust

    [Slide 6: Adapting regulatory frameworks at national and international level]

    First and foremost, the Banque de France promotes clear, standardised and balanced regulatory frameworks that allow innovation to flourish within a framework of trust conducive to their sustainable deployment. It therefore supports and contributes to the development of frameworks that aim to:

    • Maintain a level playing field between players. For example, this has made it possible for operators other than Apple to have access to NFC antennae on iPhones at the European level to promote better competition.
       
    • Adapt to technological progress to support the development of new players, while ensuring they are adequately regulated, based on the principle of “same activity, same risk, same regulation”. This approach has guided the deployment of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which standardises the rules applicable to crypto-asset service providers, enabling them to develop their business while ensuring that risks to users and the financial system are properly managed. 
       
    • Protect consumers. This was, for example, the aim of the second European Payment Services Directive (PSD2), which introduced “strong customer authentication” (SCA) for more secure payments. The Instant Payment Regulation (IPR) follows the same logic, requiring payment service providers (PSPs) to deploy fraud protection measures (e.g. checking the name of the beneficiary against the IBAN) to ensure the orderly development of instant payments.

    [Slide 7: Strengthening the security of means of payment]

    As part of its statutory mission, which includes ensuring the security of means of payment, the Banque de France supports innovation by ensuring that it does not jeopardise the security of payment methods. The following tasks are performed within the framework of the Observatory for the Security of Payment Means (OSMP).

    • Communication campaigns targeting the general public, such as “never give out your data”, carried by various audio-visual media and radio, and aiming to raise awareness of the personal nature of passwords in particular,
    • Initiatives aimed at boosting cooperation with data protection, cybersecurity and telecommunications authorities to limit fraud as much as possible.

    [Slide 8: Promoting innovation by supporting private initiatives]

    Support for innovation also seeks to ensure that private initiatives help to strengthen European sovereignty over the euro payment system:

    • At the national level, this support aims to consolidate the position of high-performance French payment solutions, such as the Groupement carte bancaire (CB bank card group), which has been allocated specific support within the framework of the new national retail payments strategy for 2025-30, implemented by the National Payments Committee (CNMP) last October.
       
    • At the European level, pan-European solutions, such as the European Payments Initiative (EPI), are strongly supported. EPI launched the ‘Wero’ digital payment wallet for consumers last autumn, providing instant payments across five European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands). This initiative with pan-European ambition aims to promote competition and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in retail payments.

    B. The provision of new central bank money services to preserve the key role of central bank money in a digitalised world

    Alongside regulating and supporting private initiatives, the Banque de France is making a strong and decisive contribution to the Eurosystem’s work on developing its services through the creation of a central bank digital currency for both retail and wholesale transactions. This work has become more strategically important in terms of ensuring European sovereignty over its payment system since the policy shift initiated by the new US administration that I referred to a few minutes ago.

    [Slide 9: Innovating with the digital euro: a European payment solution] 

    1. The digital euro

    Given the strong dependence on American payment solutions and networks, the Banque de France thus supports and participates fully in the digital euro project spearheaded by the Eurosystem, which will constitute a public alternative, preserving the freedom to choose means of payment, sovereignty and competition in the euro area. 

    The digital euro aims to provide everyone with the possibility to use a ‘digital banknote’ in the digital payments sphere that incorporates the main features of a ‘physical’ banknote. Its off-line mechanism will provide a cash-like level of privacy and will be a guarantee of resilience. It will be free of charge for individuals. Its characteristics will foster digital financial inclusion, including for people without bank accounts or smartphones. It will also be a new form of public money, which will safeguard the anchoring role of central bank money and trust in our single currency.

    The digital euro also aims to strengthen European integration and strategic autonomy in payments thanks to the legal tender status it would be given, making it usable anywhere and in any circumstances within the euro area. It will also be based on open and harmonised standards, which private payment solutions such as Wero will be able to use to expand their reach. In this way, the digital euro aims to foster the development of private solutions under European governance, which can be used across the euro area, whereas most solutions are currently restricted to certain countries or use cases.

    The Eurosystem is currently in a preparation phase that will last until the end of 2025. At the same time, a democratic debate is taking place at the European level to define, by means of legislation, the conditions in which the digital euro may be used. A decision on issuance can be taken once this legislation has been approved by the European Parliament and the Council.

     [Slide 10: From Wholesale CBDC to a shared European ledger]

    2. Wholesale central bank digital currency

    With the development of tokenised assets, the Banque de France is also firmly committed to providing a payment solution in central bank money that includes making it available in tokenised form, in other words, a “wholesale CBDC”. 

    The Banque de France has been resolutely committed to this solution since 2020, playing a pioneering role at the European level in an experimental programme conducted between 2020 and 2022, in partnership with various private and institutional sector players. This work, which allowed the Banque de France to develop and test its own blockchain (DL3S), was followed by that of the Eurosystem in 2024. This was used to test three solutions for settling tokenised assets in central bank currency through around 40 or so experiments.

    Drawing on the lessons learned from these experiments and their confirmation of a demand for adapting central bank money services, in February 2025, the ECB Governing Council decided to quickly make available a settlement service in CB money adapted for tokenised assets, which will include money in token form, i.e. a “wholesale” CB digital currency. 

    This decision also paves the way for discussions on building a European shared ledger that could be used to adapt European payment infrastructures to the digital era to ensure sovereignty. By providing a credible alternative to non-European solutions, based on a standardised legal and regulatory framework, a European shared ledger could support financial integration within the EU and help strengthen the resilience and attractiveness of our financial market. 

    Conclusion : As a central bank tasked with safeguarding monetary and financial stability, and notably the security and efficiency of payment systems and means of payment for the euro, the Banque de France is fully committed to monitoring, understanding and supporting the major transformations currently taking place in the payments landscape. These transformations have recently assumed major strategic importance for the monetary sovereignty of euro area countries, necessitating the mobilisation of all the European players concerned to respond in an appropriate and adequate manner. This involves developing secure, efficient public and private pan-European payment solutions that contribute to European sovereignty over its payment system. As both supervisor and provider of central bank money services, we are determined to play our part.

    [Slide 11: Thank you for your attention]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Focus on trade, investment and regional security for meeting between Sweden’s and Algeria’s foreign ministers

    Source: Government of Sweden

    On 23 April, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard received Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf in Stockholm. The purpose of the visit was to deepen cooperation between the two countries, primarily in terms of trade, and also to discuss security challenges in the region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard on the detention and death sentence of Ahmadreza Djalali in Iran

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Nine years have passed since Ahmadreza Djalali was imprisoned and then sentenced to death in Iran. Ahmadreza Djalali is being held under very difficult conditions and his poor health is deteriorating further. This is extremely worrying. The Swedish Government demands that Iran immediately release Ahmadreza Djalali on humanitarian grounds so that he can be reunited with his family.

    I want Ahmadreza Djalali and his relatives to know that my and the Swedish Government’s efforts to secure his release continue with full force.

    Sweden and the EU continue to contribute to strong international pressure on Iran.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Programme for State Visit from Iceland, 6–8 May 2025

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir is paying a State Visit to Sweden at the invitation of His Majesty the King. The President is accompanied by her spouse Björn Skúlason, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir and Minister for Health Alma Möller, together with a delegation from the business sector.

    MIL OSI Europe News –