NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Implementation of innovations in Samotlorneftegaz gave an economic effect of 6.9 billion rubles

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Specialists from Samotlorneftegaz, one of Rosneft’s key production assets, developed 29 projects to improve production efficiency in 2024. The economic effect from their implementation amounted to 6.9 billion rubles – almost 2.6 times more than the year before.

    The greatest result was achieved by the project of compounding (mixing different oil fractions) during primary oil preparation. The new method allows to significantly improve the quality characteristics of the raw material. The creation of an integrated model of the Samotlor field also had a great effect. The digital model of the mechanized production fund allows to quickly optimize the operation of wells. Thanks to the innovation, the efficiency of field operation increases and hydrocarbon production increases.

    Improving production efficiency is one of the key elements of Rosneft’s strategy. The company is carrying out large-scale work aimed at reducing operating costs and optimizing capital investments, including through the introduction of advanced technological solutions.

    Samotlorneftegaz is constantly engaged in innovative activities to improve production indicators, increase the reliability of equipment and rational use of resources.

    Reference:

    Samotlorneftegaz, one of Rosneft’s key production assets, is developing Russia’s largest Samotlor field in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra. The total area of the enterprise’s licensed sites is 2.9 thousand square kilometers.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 23, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Happy #StGeorgesDay 🌹 | Spot the Tudor Rose at UK Parliament

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Look closely and you’ll see the Tudor rose across the Palace of Westminster – in stained glass, tiles and furnishings.

    It’s just one of the symbols of the UK’s nations found in Parliament, alongside the leek, thistle and shamrock.

    #PalaceOfWestminster #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTG_LteNtbk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New funding to support Windrush compensation scheme applications

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New funding to support Windrush compensation scheme applications

    A successful grassroots fund has been extended after reaching 50,000 people in first year. Applications are now open for grants between £5,000 and £10,000.

    Windrush scandal victims yet to claim compensation are being encouraged to come forward as part of a grassroots scheme extended by the Home Office today.  

    The government is making a further £150,000 available to the Community Engagement Fund (CEF), which was set up to raise awareness of the Windrush compensation and documentation scheme. 

    The successful first round of funding helped grassroots organisations reach more than 50,000 people who may be entitled to claim, while revealing barriers preventing victims from coming forward. 

    Local groups can now apply for grants of £5,000 to £10,000 to deliver projects that address these barriers, particularly the widespread misconception that Windrush schemes only apply to Caribbean communities. 

    Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said: 

    Windrush victims have waited too long for recognition and redress – with many still not feeling able to come forward to access the compensation they are entitled to.

    We need to see this change. By funding trusted grassroots organisations to provide advocacy and support, we want to better reach those who have been wronged but remain unaware of the support available.

    This government is determined to deliver on its manifesto commitment that every victim of this scandal receives the justice they deserve.

    Insights from the first CEF funding round revealed that while compensation scheme awareness is higher among Caribbean communities, people from other backgrounds have not applied due to confusion about their eligibility or misconceptions about the schemes. 

    The additional support will be of immense importance to victims. For many, the Home Office Windrush scandal resulted in loss of employment, denial of healthcare, threats of deportation, and in some cases, actual deportation from a country they had every right to call home. 

    CEF applicants with strong community links will be prioritised. Projects must be completed within the 2025/26 financial year and should focus on: 

    • raising awareness among non-Caribbean communities and correcting misinformation 

    • gathering insights on why eligible individuals aren’t applying 

    • helping potential claimants connect with support services 

    The CEF complements the recently launched £1.5 million Advocacy Support Fund, which helps organisations provide practical and emotional assistance to victims making compensation claims. 

    The funds deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment to provide additional support and work more closely with affected communities, forming part of the wider Plan for Change to deliver justice for Windrush victims. 

    The deadline for CEF applications is 4pm on 28 May 2025. Full details are available at the ‘Find a Grant’ portal on GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ODS donates vital tech to support digital inclusion

    Source: City of Oxford

    Wednesday, 23 April 2025

    ODS has donated over 30 smartphones and tablets to local charity initiative Getting Oxfordshire Online, supporting its mission to bridge the digital divide for those most in need across the county. 

    The generous donation, which includes both brand-new and high-quality used Samsung tablet and smartphone devices, will go directly to individuals and families who currently lack access to essential digital tools — helping them connect to education, services, employment, and community support. 

    Comments 

    “Digital access is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. We’re proud to support Getting Oxfordshire Online in their mission to empower people with the tools they need to participate fully in society.” 
    Harry Clent, ICT Service Delivery Analyst at ODS 

    “This generous donation of phones and tablets from ODS will allow us to provide much needed devices to people experiencing digital exclusion.  

    “They will enable our recipients to join online classes, apply for jobs and keep in touch with family and support workers. In our modern society, a smartphone and a SIM can make all the difference between a person being able to easily access services and support or struggling with everyday tasks that now expect people to have access to a device.” 
    John Dennis, ICT Manager, Getting Oxfordshire Online 

    Getting Oxfordshire Online collaborates with councils, schools, charities, and businesses to refurbish and redistribute donated technology to those who would otherwise be digitally excluded. This first donation from ODS is part of their wider commitment to community investment and digital inclusion, with further donations planned over the coming months. 

    To find out how your organisation can support this important initiative, visit the Getting Oxfordshire Online website.      

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: From UConn to the White House: A Conversation with Anita McBride ’81 (CLAS)

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Anita McBride ’81 (CLAS) has spent decades working alongside some of the most influential women in American government: the first ladies who shaped national conversations both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.

    This spring, McBride returned to UConn to share what she’s learned with students in the College’s Women’s Leadership Collective and First-Generation Mentorship Program, offering candid reflections on leadership, resilience, and public service.

    “Anita McBride’s career reflects the many directions a UConn education can take you,” says Ofer Harel, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “Her visit gave students a valuable opportunity to hear how mentorship and public service have shaped her path — and how they might shape their own.”

    A veteran of three presidential administrations, McBride held senior roles under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. As chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush, she directed initiatives in global health, education, literacy, women’s empowerment, and historic preservation, and led diplomatic travel to 67 countries.

    Today, she serves as executive-in-residence at American University’s Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, where she leads the First Ladies Initiative. She is also a founding member of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education and sits on the board of the White House Historical Association.

    McBride is the co-author of the first-ever textbook on first ladies, “U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies”; its public-market adaptation, “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women”; and a recent children’s book she co-wrote with her daughter, “First Ladies Make History.”

    “Anita’s keynote brought lived experience, insight, and a sense of purpose that resonated with everyone in the room,” says Jessica Alexander, associate director of alumni relations for CLAS. “Our mentorship programs create meaningful connections between students and alumni.”

    UConn Today caught up with McBride to discuss her path from UConn to the White House, and what she’s learned from a career at the highest levels of American government.

    What advice do you have for first-generation students navigating college life and what comes after?

    There is no one path — It’s constantly changing and moving. You need to be open to changes.

    I came to UConn knowing exactly what I wanted to do. I was pre-med — until I failed. It was the first time I’d been hit with failure. I went to meet with an advisor, and while I was there, I saw a sign for a new study abroad program in Italy. I grew up in an Italian immigrant household, so I figured this might be a way for me to reset my academic path and also see where my family came from. I applied and was accepted.

    It was the most transformative experience of my life on so many levels. I just gained so much confidence. I’m a big believer in fate, so walking into that building that day and seeing that sign, something about it felt so familiar.

    It’s scary to make a real pivot like that — and it wasn’t the last one I’ve made. When you go into politics, you never know what’s coming from one day to the next. The person you work for can win or lose. You’re in, you’re out. There’s a lot to navigate. What got me through all those changes was the belief that there’s always a new opportunity.

    How did UConn prepare you for success?

    UConn helped me navigate some turns, pivots, and challenges. It was a formative time for me. I built friendships that I still hold close today. It gave me a platform to make choices and changes, and I’ve always appreciated that.

    I’ve never really left my experience at UConn behind — I’ve just carried it with me and have used it in different ways throughout my life.

    You’re considered one of the foremost experts on U.S. first ladies. How did you become interested in this subject?

    I had a front-row seat to history, watching this position up close in three administrations, with Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, and Laura Bush. It’s a powerful platform, despite having no official authority, position description, salary, or mention in the Constitution. I really appreciated the impact they could have, and that they’re not required to do anything with the role if they choose not to.

    After I left the White House, the president of American University met with me and expressed interest in developing a program to study the growing influence of first ladies. That conversation led me to launch a conference series on the legacies of first ladies that eventually grew into an established academic initiative at American University. It covers their influence not only on the president, but on the presidency and the White House in general.

    Who, in your opinion, is the most influential first lady?

    Eleanor Roosevelt, bar none. She held the role for 12 years — longer than anyone else — and came in highly educated, politically active, and already in the public eye. She gave paid speeches, had a radio show, and wrote a daily newspaper column before becoming First Lady.

    Her husband didn’t want her to have a public role, but she pushed back. She held press conferences for female reporters, who were excluded from the president’s briefings, and gave them a platform during a critical time for women in journalism.

    She also took controversial stances, especially on civil and human rights. When the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to let [renowned Black opera singer] Marian Anderson perform at Constitution Hall, Roosevelt not only resigned from the group, but she also helped arrange Anderson’s now-historic performance at the Lincoln Memorial.

    These were bold steps. She didn’t get everything right and was controversial, but she set a standard for activism that went unmatched for a long time.

    What inspired you to write a children’s book, and what do you hope young readers will take away from it?

    The children’s book grew out of my academic work. I initially set out to fill a gap in the literature with a textbook, highlighting the contributions of first ladies — often unsung and underappreciated.

    Turning it into a children’s book was an exciting new challenge, especially because I did it with my daughter, who is studying to be an elementary school teacher. She had her own front-row seat to history — watching me work and having some exposure to the White House. Together, we adapted the stories from my book for children and worked with an illustrator. I brought the content, and she helped shape it for a young audience.

    For me, this book is about civic education. If we want people to truly understand and care about our history, we have to start at an earlier age. As divided as we are right now, I still believe this is one of the best systems of government — and it’s up to all of us to be part of it.

    You’ve served several presidential administrations. What’s one thing that sticks with you about that experience?

    I’ve met a lot of people in politics with different views. But one of the most lasting lessons I learned came from Laura Bush, the First Lady to former President George W. Bush, who served from 2001 to 2009 during a very turbulent time. Those eight years included two wars, the Sept. 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the economic collapse. Her husband faced a lot of criticism, and I’d often ask her how she handled it.

    She never took the political bait. She kept things calm and steady, no matter the pressure. If she was disappointed, you could tell — but she expressed it with quiet resolve, she used her voice but didn’t raise her voice.

    What she taught me was this: In public service, you can’t take criticism personally. She would say, “I know who George is. We know who we are as a family. That’s what gets us through.” That mindset has stayed with me. In politics, you have to realize that not everyone will agree with you.

    It’s a challenging time, both economically and politically. What advice do you have for students on how to succeed through the challenges?

    Be respectful of other people’s opinions. Try and not respond in a way that’s adversarial, even if that’s what you see all around you. You don’t have to be that person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA response to ‘A railway fit for Britain’s future’ consultation

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    CMA response to ‘A railway fit for Britain’s future’ consultation

    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its response to the Department for Transport’s consultation on rail reform.

    Documents

    CMA response to ‘A railway fit for Britain’s future’ consultation

    PDF, 177 KB, 5 pages

    Details

    The CMA responded to the consultation on proposed policies to be included in the forthcoming Railways Bill, led by the Department for Transport.

    Our response recaps previous advice on competition in ticket retailing, with emphasis on the importance of effective market design in supporting investment and innovation in this sector. We then set out the potential merits of considering passenger outcomes in Great British Rail’s Access and Use policy.

    Our response also extends an ongoing offer of advisory support as the UK government takes forwards its reforms in the sector.

    For questions about our response, contact the CMA advocacy team at advocacy@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: No one is forgotten, nothing is forgotten. A number of events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory were held at the State University of Management

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The closer the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the more thematic events the State University of Management holds.

    The Institute of Personnel Management, Social and Business Communications held a patriotic event on the topic “Military Translators – Contribution to the Great Victory.”

    The students discussed the details of the complex and responsible work of specialists who speak foreign languages. Military translators are needed not only during military operations, but also in peacetime, providing troops with important information. In addition to their main duties, military translators also acted on the battlefield. They provided assistance in rescuing wounded soldiers and participated in special operations.

    One of such specialists was Doctor of Economics, Professor of the State University of Management Boris Ionas. During the Great Patriotic War, he served as a military translator for the intelligence department of the headquarters of the 3rd Guards Tank Army of the 1st Ukrainian Front and reached Berlin with it. He was awarded two Orders of the Red Star, medals “For the Liberation of Prague” and “For the Capture of Berlin”. After the end of the war, from 1949 until his death in 1989, Boris Yakovlevich worked at the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute (currently the State University of Management) in the Department of Construction Economics, including as the head of the department.

    On April 22 at 12:00, near the entrance to the Central Control and Monitoring Center, a grand opening ceremony of the Immortal Regiment exhibition of the Marketing Institute “The Names of Heroes in Our Hearts” took place.

    First-year students majoring in Advertising and Public Relations, staff and teachers of the Institute of Management collected invaluable evidence, photographs and stories that tell of the feat of our heroes.

    During the opening of the exhibition, the director of the Marketing Institute Gennady Azoev said: “Remembering the exploits of our relatives, we create the history of our Motherland! After all, Motherland and relatives are words with the same root! And the names of our relatives are in our hearts!”

    The exhibition will run until May 12.

    On April 22 at 16:00, a joint screening of Mikhail Kalatozov’s film “The Cranes Are Flying” (1957) was held at the Institute of Economics and Finance. The film is the only Soviet film to receive the Palme d’Or at the Cannes International Film Festival.

    After viewing, the students left their feedback.

    Anzhelika Yamshchikova: “The film immerses you in the atmosphere of military events and conveys the tension and drama on the battlefield. The acting is impressive, each character reliably reflects the real emotions and experiences of the soldiers. The direction and camera work create vivid and memorable scenes, making you think about the price of war and heroism.”

    Ilham Usmonov: “Today I watched the work of art “The Cranes Are Flying” for the first time. In the epilogue, we were shown that not all films, as in real life, do not always have a Happy Ending, but this is not a reason to give up or throw in the towel.”

    Immersion in the history of the Great Patriotic War allows the modern generation of students to better understand the significance of the feat of the Soviet people in those years.

    #Scientific regiment

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.04.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUNMORE, Pa., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FDBC) and its banking subsidiary, The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, announced its unaudited, consolidated financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025.

    Unaudited Financial Information

    Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $6.0 million, or $1.03 diluted earnings per share, compared to $5.1 million, or $0.88 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The $0.9 million, or 18%, increase in net income resulted primarily from a $2.1 million increase in net interest income coupled with a $0.4 million increase in non-interest income. This was partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in non-interest expense, a $0.4 million increase in the provision for income tax, and a $0.3 million increase in the provision for credit losses on loans.

    “Highlights of our first quarter results include achieving total assets of $2.7 billion, along with strong net income primarily driven by accelerated loan and deposit growth and improvement in net interest margin,” said Dan Santaniello, President and CEO. “While we continue to closely monitor the external environment, our outlook for the year is positive, reflecting rigorous expense management, healthy credit metrics and ongoing successful execution of our strategic plan. I want to thank our bankers for their commitment and service. Their contributions are essential to our achievements, enabling us to serve our clients, shareholders, and community with exceptional experiences.”

    Consolidated First Quarter Operating Results Overview

    Net interest income was $17.0 million for the first quarter of 2025, a 14% increase over the $14.9 million earned for the first quarter of 2024. The $2.1 million increase in net interest income resulted from the increase of $2.7 million in interest income primarily due to a $148.0 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets and a 21 basis point increase in fully-taxable equivalent (“FTE”) yield. The loan portfolio had the most significant impact, producing a $2.5 million increase in FTE interest income from $116.4 million in higher quarterly average balances and an increase of 26 basis points in FTE loan yield. Slightly offsetting the higher interest income, there was a $0.6 million increase in interest expense due to a $124.3 million quarter-over-quarter increase in average interest-bearing liability balances. The increase was due to growth of $179.3 million in average interest-bearing deposit balances and a 6 basis point increase in the rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. This was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on borrowings due to $53.9 million less in average short-term borrowings.

    The FTE yield on interest-earning assets was 4.73% for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 21 basis points from the 4.52% for the first quarter of 2024. The overall cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.49% for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of 2 basis points from the 2.51% for the first quarter of 2024. The cost of funds remained flat at 1.93% for both the first quarters of 2025 and 2024. The Company’s FTE (non-GAAP measurement) net interest spread was 2.24% for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 23 basis points from the 2.01% recorded for the first quarter of 2024. FTE net interest margin increased to 2.89% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from 2.69% for the same period of 2024 due to the increase in the loan and lease portfolio coupled with the continued re-investment of cash flow into more effective interest-earning assets.

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the provision for credit losses on loans was $455 thousand partially offset by a $85 thousand net benefit in the provision for unfunded commitments, compared to a $125 thousand provision for credit losses on loans and a $50 thousand net benefit in the provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments for the three months ended March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the increase in the provision for credit losses on loans compared to the prior year period was due to higher loan growth and higher net charge-offs. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the higher net benefit for credit losses on unfunded commitments was due to a larger reduction in unfunded commitments during the quarter compared to the same period in 2024.

    Total non-interest income increased $0.4 million, or 9%, to $5.0 million for the first quarter of 2025 compared to $4.6 million for the first quarter of 2024. The increase in non-interest income was primarily attributed to $0.2 million in wealth management fees and $0.1 million in interchange fees. During the first quarter of 2025, gains of $0.5 million on the sale of a commercial loan and $0.3 million from the sale of a property were offset by $0.8 million in losses recognized on the sale of securities.

    Non-interest expenses increased $0.9 million, or 6%, for the first quarter of 2025 to $14.6 million from $13.7 million for the same quarter of 2024. Salaries and benefits expense increased $0.6 million due to an increase in bankers, group insurance costs, and banker incentives in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, the Company saw an increase of $0.3 million in advertising and marketing expenses primarily due to an increase in Neighborhood Assistance Program donations from which the Company recognized $0.2 million in additional tax credits causing a corresponding decrease in PA shares tax expense. 

    The provision for income taxes increased $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 primarily due to a $1.3 million increase in income before taxes and $0.1 million less in tax credits. 

    Consolidated Balance Sheet & Asset Quality Overview

    The Company’s total assets had a balance of $2.7 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $126.7 million from December 31, 2024. The increase resulted from $127.8 million in growth in cash and cash equivalents during the three months ended March 31, 2025. The loans and leases portfolio increased $16.3 million during the same period of 2025. Asset growth was offset by a decrease of $16.7 million in the investment portfolio primarily due to the sale of $17.5 million in available-for-sale securities and $5.2 million in paydowns partially offset by $4.6 million in purchases of securities.

    During the same time period, total liabilities increased $119.0 million, or 5%. Deposit growth of $116.6 million was utilized to fund loan growth and increase interest-bearing cash balances. For interest-bearing deposit accounts, the Company experienced increases of $54.1 million in money market deposits, $27.6 million in interest-bearing checking accounts, $7.9 million in time deposits, and $5.3 million in savings and clubs. The deposit growth is primarily driven by growth in existing account balances from the relationship strategy along with targeted direct marketing driving new client acquisitions and active management of promotional and retention rates. Additionally, the Company experienced an increase of $21.7 million in non-interest-bearing checking accounts. Also as of March 31, 2025, checking deposit balances remained at more than half of total deposits. As of March 31, 2025, the ratio of insured and collateralized deposits to total deposits was approximately 75%.

    Shareholders’ equity increased $7.7 million, or 4%, to $211.7 million at March 31, 2025 from $204.0 million at December 31, 2024. The increase was caused by $3.7 million higher retained earnings from net income of $6.0 million plus a $3.6 million, after tax, improvement in accumulated other comprehensive income from lower net unrealized losses recorded on available-for-sale securities, partially offset by $2.3 million in cash dividends paid to shareholders. An additional $0.6 million was recorded from the issuance of common stock under the Company’s stock plans and stock-based compensation expense. At March 31, 2025, there were no credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is excluded from regulatory capital ratios. The Company remains well capitalized with Tier 1 capital at 9.22% of total average assets as of March 31, 2025. Total risk-based capital was 14.74% of risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 risk-based capital was 13.57% of risk-weighted assets as of March 31, 2025. Tangible book value per share was $33.16 at March 31, 2025 compared to $31.98 at December 31, 2024. Tangible common equity was 7.11% of total assets at March 31, 2025 compared to 7.16% at December 31, 2024.

    Asset Quality

    Total non-performing assets were $6.1 million, or 0.23% of total assets, at March 31, 2025, compared to $7.8 million, or 0.30% of total assets, at December 31, 2024. Past due and non-accrual loans to total loans were 0.66% at March 31, 2025 compared to 0.71% at December 31, 2024. Net charge-offs to average total loans were 0.02% at March 31, 2025 compared to 0.03% at December 31, 2024.

    About Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. and The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank

    Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. has built a strong history as trusted financial advisor to the clients served by The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank (“Fidelity Bank”). Fidelity Bank continues its mission of exceeding client expectations through a unique banking experience. It operates 21 full-service offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh and Northampton Counties and a Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital banking experience online at www.bankatfidelity.com, through the Fidelity Mobile Banking app, and in the Client Care Center at 1-800-388-4380. Additionally, the Bank offers full-service Wealth Management & Brokerage Services, a Mortgage Center, and a full suite of personal and commercial banking products and services. Part of the Company’s vision is to serve as the best bank for the community, which was accomplished by having provided over 5,960 hours of volunteer time and over $1.3 million in donations to non-profit organizations directly within the markets served throughout 2024. Fidelity Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the full extent permitted by law.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures to provide information useful to the reader in understanding its operating performance and trends, and to facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. Management uses these measures internally to assess and better understand our underlying business performance and trends related to core business activities. The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures and key performance indicators may differ from the non-GAAP financial measures and key performance indicators other financial institutions use to measure their performance and trends. Non-GAAP financial measures should be supplemental to GAAP used to prepare the Company’s operating results and should not be read in isolation or relied upon as a substitute for GAAP measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP are presented in the tables below.

    Interest income was adjusted to recognize the income from tax exempt interest-earning assets as if the interest was taxable, fully-taxable equivalent (“FTE”), in order to calculate certain ratios within this document. This treatment allows a uniform comparison among yields on interest-earning assets. Interest income was FTE adjusted, using the corporate federal tax rate of 21% for 2025 and 2024.

    Forward-looking statements

    Certain of the matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as such may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

    The Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

      ■ local, regional and national economic conditions and changes thereto;
      ■ the short-term and long-term effects of inflation, and rising costs to the Company, its customers and on the economy;
      ■ the risks of changes and volatility of interest rates on the level and composition of deposits, loan demand, and the values of loan collateral, securities and interest rate protection agreements, as well as interest rate risks;
      ■ securities markets and monetary fluctuations and volatility;
      ■  disruption of credit and equity markets;
      ■ impacts of the capital and liquidity requirements of the Basel III standards and other regulatory pronouncements, regulations and rules;
      ■ governmental monetary and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes;
      ■ effects of short- and long-term federal budget and tax negotiations and their effect on economic and business conditions;
      ■ the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation;
      ■ the impact of new or changes in existing laws and regulations, including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance and their application with which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply;
      ■ the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters;
      ■ the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds and other financial institutions operating in our market area and elsewhere, including institutions operating locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, together with such competitors offering banking products and services by mail, telephone, computer and the internet;
      ■ the effects of economic conditions of any other pandemic, epidemic or other health-related crisis such as COVID-19 and responses thereto on current customers and the operations of the Company, specifically the effect of the economy on loan customers’ ability to repay loans;
      ■ the effects of bank failures, banking system instability, deposit fluctuations, loan and securities value changes;
      ■ technological changes;
      ■ the interruption or breach in security of our information systems, continually evolving cybersecurity and other technological risks and attacks resulting in failures or disruptions in customer account management, general ledger processing and loan or deposit updates and potential impacts resulting therefrom including additional costs, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses;
      ■ acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses;
      ■ the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for loan losses and estimations of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities;
      ■ acts of war or terrorism; and
      ■ the risk that our analyses of these risks and forces could be incorrect and/or that the strategies developed to address them could be unsuccessful.

    The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect analyses only as of the date of this release. The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

    For more information please visit our investor relations web site located through www.bankatfidelity.com.

     
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (dollars in thousands)
     
    At Period End:   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 211,195     $ 83,353  
    Investment securities     540,960       557,221  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     4,021       3,961  
    Loans and leases     1,817,509       1,800,856  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (20,017 )     (19,666 )
    Premises and equipment, net     34,995       35,914  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     58,458       58,069  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,431       20,504  
    Other assets     43,758       44,404  
                     
    Total assets   $ 2,711,310     $ 2,584,616  
                     
    Liabilities                
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 555,684     $ 533,935  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,901,775       1,806,885  
    Total deposits     2,457,459       2,340,820  
    Short-term borrowings     10       –  
    Secured borrowings     6,190       6,266  
    Other liabilities     35,977       33,561  
    Total liabilities     2,499,636       2,380,647  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity     211,674       203,969  
                     
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,711,310     $ 2,584,616  
    Average Year-To-Date Balances:   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 97,384     $ 55,773  
    Investment securities     557,726       557,537  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     3,973       3,960  
    Loans and leases     1,813,040       1,741,349  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (20,019 )     (19,391 )
    Premises and equipment, net     35,722       35,580  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     58,307       56,455  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,459       20,641  
    Other assets     43,177       41,755  
                     
    Total assets   $ 2,609,769     $ 2,493,659  
                     
    Liabilities                
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 533,286     $ 527,825  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,826,957       1,697,529  
    Total deposits     2,360,243       2,225,354  
    Short-term borrowings     22       32,446  
    Secured borrowings     6,226       6,830  
    Other liabilities     34,937       32,471  
    Total liabilities     2,401,428       2,297,101  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity     208,341       196,558  
                     
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,609,769     $ 2,493,659  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (dollars in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended
        Mar. 31, 2025   Mar. 31, 2024
    Interest income                
    Loans and leases   $ 24,596     $ 22,133  
    Securities and other     3,712       3,492  
                     
    Total interest income     28,308       25,625  
                     
    Interest expense                
    Deposits     (11,187 )     (9,941 )
    Borrowings and debt     (88 )     (741 )
                     
    Total interest expense     (11,275 )     (10,682 )
                     
    Net interest income     17,033       14,943  
                     
    Provision for credit losses on loans     (455 )     (125 )
    Net benefit for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments     85       50  
    Non-interest income     4,973       4,572  
    Non-interest expense     (14,554 )     (13,689 )
                     
    Income before income taxes     7,082       5,751  
                     
    Provision for income taxes     (1,091 )     (694 )
    Net income   $ 5,991     $ 5,057  
        Three Months Ended
        Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    Interest income                                        
    Loans and leases   $ 24,596     $ 24,584     $ 24,036     $ 22,516     $ 22,133  
    Securities and other     3,712       3,475       3,263       3,523       3,492  
                                             
    Total interest income     28,308       28,059       27,299       26,039       25,625  
                                             
    Interest expense                                        
    Deposits     (11,187 )     (11,468 )     (11,297 )     (10,459 )     (9,941 )
    Borrowings and debt     (88 )     (217 )     (571 )     (463 )     (741 )
                                             
    Total interest expense     (11,275 )     (11,685 )     (11,868 )     (10,922 )     (10,682 )
                                             
    Net interest income     17,033       16,374       15,431       15,117       14,943  
                                             
    Provision for credit losses on loans     (455 )     (250 )     (675 )     (275 )     (125 )
    Net benefit (provision) for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments     85       85       (135 )     (140 )     50  
    Non-interest income     4,973       4,847       4,979       4,615       4,572  
    Non-interest expense     (14,554 )     (14,395 )     (13,840 )     (13,616 )     (13,689 )
                                             
    Income before income taxes     7,082       6,661       5,760       5,701       5,751  
                                             
    Provision for income taxes     (1,091 )     (826 )     (793 )     (766 )     (694 )
    Net income   $ 5,991     $ 5,835     $ 4,967     $ 4,935     $ 5,057  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (dollars in thousands)
     
    At Period End:   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    Assets                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 211,195     $ 83,353     $ 120,169     $ 78,085     $ 72,733  
    Investment securities     540,960       557,221       559,819       552,495       559,016  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     4,021       3,961       3,944       3,968       3,959  
    Loans and leases     1,817,509       1,800,856       1,795,548       1,728,509       1,697,299  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (20,017 )     (19,666 )     (19,630 )     (18,975 )     (18,886 )
    Premises and equipment, net     34,995       35,914       36,057       35,808       34,899  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     58,458       58,069       57,672       57,278       54,921  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,431       20,504       20,576       20,649       20,728  
    Other assets     43,758       44,404       41,778       42,828       44,227  
                                             
    Total assets   $ 2,711,310     $ 2,584,616     $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645     $ 2,468,896  
                                             
    Liabilities                                        
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 555,684     $ 533,935     $ 549,710     $ 527,572     $ 537,824  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,901,775       1,806,885       1,792,796       1,641,558       1,678,172  
    Total deposits     2,457,459       2,340,820       2,342,506       2,169,130       2,215,996  
    Short-term borrowings     10       –       25,000       98,120       25,000  
    Secured borrowings     6,190       6,266       6,323       7,237       7,299  
    Other liabilities     35,977       33,561       34,843       30,466       28,966  
    Total liabilities     2,499,636       2,380,647       2,408,672       2,304,953       2,277,261  
                                             
    Shareholders’ equity     211,674       203,969       207,261       195,692       191,635  
                                             
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,711,310     $ 2,584,616     $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645     $ 2,468,896  
    Average Quarterly Balances:   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    Assets                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 97,384     $ 67,882     $ 41,991     $ 58,351     $ 54,887  
    Investment securities     557,726       560,453       554,578       551,445       563,674  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     3,973       3,957       3,965       3,983       3,934  
    Loans and leases     1,813,040       1,797,023       1,763,254       1,707,598       1,696,669  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (20,019 )     (20,050 )     (19,323 )     (19,171 )     (19,013 )
    Premises and equipment, net     35,722       36,065       36,219       35,433       34,591  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     58,307       57,919       57,525       55,552       54,796  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,459       20,529       20,602       20,677       20,759  
    Other assets     43,177       41,454       41,734       42,960       40,871  
                                             
    Total assets   $ 2,609,769     $ 2,565,232     $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828     $ 2,451,168  
                                             
    Liabilities                                        
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 533,286     $ 538,506     $ 522,827     $ 530,048     $ 519,856  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,826,957       1,769,265       1,702,187       1,670,211       1,647,615  
    Total deposits     2,360,243       2,307,771       2,225,014       2,200,259       2,167,471  
    Short-term borrowings     22       10,326       37,220       28,477       53,952  
    Secured borrowings     6,226       6,297       6,429       7,269       7,335  
    Other liabilities     34,937       34,695       31,999       30,734       32,434  
    Total liabilities     2,401,428       2,359,089       2,300,662       2,266,739       2,261,192  
                                             
    Shareholders’ equity     208,341       206,143       199,883       190,089       189,976  
                                             
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,609,769     $ 2,565,232     $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828     $ 2,451,168  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Selected Financial Ratios and Other Financial Data
     
        Three Months Ended
        Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    Selected returns and financial ratios                                        
    Basic earnings per share   $ 1.04     $ 1.02     $ 0.87     $ 0.86     $ 0.88  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 1.03     $ 1.01     $ 0.86     $ 0.86     $ 0.88  
    Dividends per share   $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.38     $ 0.38     $ 0.38  
    Yield on interest-earning assets (FTE)*     4.73 %     4.68 %     4.68 %     4.58 %     4.52 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.49 %     2.60 %     2.70 %     2.58 %     2.51 %
    Cost of funds     1.93 %     2.00 %     2.08 %     1.96 %     1.93 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)*     2.24 %     2.08 %     1.98 %     2.00 %     2.01 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)*     2.89 %     2.78 %     2.70 %     2.71 %     2.69 %
    Return on average assets     0.93 %     0.90 %     0.79 %     0.81 %     0.83 %
    Pre-provision net revenue to average assets*     1.16 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.00 %     0.96 %
    Return on average equity     11.66 %     11.26 %     9.89 %     10.44 %     10.71 %
    Return on average tangible equity*     12.93 %     12.50 %     11.02 %     11.72 %     12.02 %
    Efficiency ratio (FTE)*     61.67 %     65.48 %     65.33 %     66.47 %     67.56 %
    Expense ratio     1.37 %     1.48 %     1.41 %     1.47 %     1.50 %
    Other financial data   At period end:
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    Assets under management   $ 955,647     $ 921,994     $ 942,190     $ 906,861     $ 900,964  
    Book value per share   $ 36.70     $ 35.56     $ 36.13     $ 34.12     $ 33.41  
    Tangible book value per share*   $ 33.16     $ 31.98     $ 32.55     $ 30.52     $ 29.80  
    Equity to assets     7.81 %     7.89 %     7.92 %     7.83 %     7.76 %
    Tangible common equity ratio*     7.11 %     7.16 %     7.19 %     7.06 %     6.98 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to:                                        
    Total loans     1.10 %     1.09 %     1.09 %     1.10 %     1.11 %
    Non-accrual loans   3.36x     2.68x     2.77x     2.75x     5.31x  
    Non-accrual loans to total loans     0.33 %     0.41 %     0.39 %     0.40 %     0.21 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.23 %     0.30 %     0.29 %     0.28 %     0.15 %
    Net charge-offs to average total loans     0.02 %     0.03 %     0.02 %     0.03 %     0.01 %
                                             
    Capital Adequacy Ratios                                        
    Total risk-based capital ratio     14.74 %     14.78 %     14.56 %     14.69 %     14.68 %
    Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio     13.57 %     13.60 %     13.38 %     13.52 %     13.47 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio     13.57 %     13.60 %     13.38 %     13.52 %     13.47 %
    Leverage ratio     9.22 %     9.22 %     9.30 %     9.30 %     9.15 %
    * Non-GAAP Financial Measures – see reconciliations below
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to GAAP
     
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP   Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands)   Mar. 31, 2025   Dec. 31, 2024   Sep. 30, 2024   Jun. 30, 2024   Mar. 31, 2024
    FTE net interest income (non-GAAP)                                        
    Interest income (GAAP)   $ 28,308     $ 28,059     $ 27,299     $ 26,039     $ 25,625  
    Adjustment to FTE     771       764       775       751       747  
    Interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)     29,079       28,823       28,074       26,790       26,372  
    Interest expense (GAAP)     11,275       11,685       11,868       10,922       10,682  
    Net interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 17,804       17,138       16,206     $ 15,868       15,690  
                                             
    Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)                                        
    Non-interest expenses (GAAP)   $ 14,554     $ 14,395     $ 13,840     $ 13,616     $ 13,689  
                                             
    Net interest income (GAAP)     17,033       16,374       15,431       15,117       14,943  
    Plus: taxable equivalent adjustment     771       764       775       751       747  
    Non-interest income (GAAP)     4,973       4,847       4,979       4,615       4,572  
    (Loss) gain on sales of securities     (822 )     –       –       –       –  
    Net interest income (FTE) plus adjusted non-interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 23,599     $ 21,985     $ 21,185     $ 20,483     $ 20,262  
    Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (1)     61.67 %     65.47 %     65.33 %     66.48 %     67.56 %
    (1) The reported efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income, on an FTE basis, and adjusted non-interest income.                                        
                                             
    Tangible Book Value per Share/Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP)                                        
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 2,711,310     $ 2,584,616     $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645     $ 2,468,896  
    Less: Intangible assets, primarily goodwill     (20,431 )     (20,504 )     (20,576 )     (20,649 )     (20,728 )
    Tangible assets     2,690,879       2,564,112       2,595,357       2,479,996       2,448,168  
    Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)     211,674       203,969       207,261       195,692       191,635  
    Less: Intangible assets, primarily goodwill     (20,431 )     (20,504 )     (20,576 )     (20,649 )     (20,728 )
    Tangible common equity     191,243       183,465       186,685       175,043       170,907  
                                             
    Common shares outstanding, end of period     5,767,500       5,736,252       5,736,025       5,735,728       5,735,732  
    Tangible Common Book Value per Share   $ 33.16     $ 31.98     $ 32.55     $ 30.52     $ 29.80  
    Tangible Common Equity Ratio     7.11 %     7.16 %     7.19 %     7.06 %     6.98 %
                                             
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets                                        
    Income before taxes (GAAP)   $ 7,082     $ 6,661     $ 5,760     $ 5,701     $ 5,751  
    Plus: Provision for credit losses     370       165       810       415       75  
    Total pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)     7,452       6,826       6,570       6,116       5,826  
    Total (annualized) (non-GAAP)   $ 30,220     $ 27,157     $ 26,423     $ 24,600     $ 23,432  
                                             
    Average assets   $ 2,609,769     $ 2,565,232     $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828     $ 2,451,168  
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets (non-GAAP)     1.16 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.00 %     0.96 %
    Contacts:  
       
    Daniel J. Santaniello Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr.
    President and Chief Executive Officer Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
    570-504-8035 570-504-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes ONWARD Medical N.V. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced ONWARD Medical N.V. (Euronext Brussels: ONWD; OTCQX: ONWRF, ONWRY), a medical technology company creating innovative spinal cord stimulation therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and other movement disabilities now trades on the OTCQX market.

    ONWARD Medical N.V. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbols “ONWRF and ONWRY.” US investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    “We are pleased to expand access to US investors, many of whom have expressed interest in supporting ONWARD after learning about our mission to help people with spinal cord injury,” said Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD Medical. “Trading on OTCQX provides greater visibility and the opportunity for improved liquidity. We have also established a sponsored Level 1 ADR program to facilitate ease of trading for qualified US financial institutions, with our ADRs also trading on OTCQX. Broader US investor participation is an important step in our journey to a potential US IPO.”

    “We are proud to announce the addition of ONWARD Medical to the OTCQX Market,” said Jason Paltrowitz, EVP of Corporate Services at OTC Markets. “This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for the company but also highlights the interplay between the European capital markets and U.S. investors seeking new investment opportunities.”

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    ONWARD has also established a Level 1 ADR program to facilitate trading by qualified financial institutions. BNY acts as the depositary bank and transfer agent for the Company’s ADR program, with one ADR representing one ordinary share. The Company’s ADRs can also be traded on OTCQX under the ticker symbol ONWRY.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.

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

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

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

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

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    About ONWARD Medical

    ONWARD Medical is a medical technology company creating therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with SCI and other movement disabilities. Building on more than a decade of scientific discovery, preclinical research, and clinical studies conducted at leading hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and neuroscience laboratories, the Company has developed ARC Therapy, which has been awarded ten Breakthrough Device Designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Company’s ARC-EX System is now cleared for commercial sale in the US. In addition, the Company is developing an investigational implantable system called ARC-IM with and without an implanted brain-computer interface (BCI).

    Headquartered in the Netherlands, the Company has a Science and Engineering Center in Switzerland and a US office in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company is listed on Euronext Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam (ticker: ONWD).

    For more information, visit ONWD.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

    To be kept informed about the Company’s technologies, research studies, and the availability of therapies in your area, please complete this webform.

    Media Contacts:

    For OTC Markets Group Inquiries:
    media@otcmarkets.com
    +1 (212) 896-4428

    For ONWARD Media Inquiries:  
    media@onwd.com 

    For ONWARD Investor Inquiries: 
    investors@onwd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA to host Ukrainian President on an Official Visit

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, marking the first official visit by a Ukrainian Head of State to South Africa. 

    This engagement follows President Ramaphosa’s visit to Ukraine in June 2023, as part of the African Peace Initiative, which also saw African leaders meeting with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to table a 10-point peace proposal.

    Alongside leaders from six other African nations, President Ramaphosa emphasised Africa’s call for negotiation, respect for sovereignty, and an urgent end to the conflict which continues to impact global and African economies.

    “The visits provide South Africa and Ukraine with an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, agriculture and education. It will also explore areas of cooperation with the objective to support efforts to bring lasting peace,” the Presidency said. 

    The official visit will commence with a welcome ceremony where President Ramaphosa will receive President Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings. They will proceed to a closed session to hold official talks. 

    Later in the day, President Ramaphosa and President Zelenskyy will address a media briefing. – SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement between the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister of New Zealand

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Joint statement between the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister of New Zealand

    This Joint Statement follows the meeting of the United Kingdom and New Zealand Prime Ministers in London on 22 April 2025.

    This Joint Statement follows the meeting of the United Kingdom and New Zealand Prime Ministers in London on 22 April 2025.

    Reflecting on the enduring UK-NZ partnership, underpinned by shared values, rich connections between our people, and profound mutual trust, and cognisant of these uncertain times, the Prime Ministers expressed high ambition to deepen cooperation to ensure our modern and dynamic partnership continues to thrive, and contributes to our security and prosperity. We are energised by our shared commitment to deliver for our people.

    The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to upholding the fundamental principles that underpin our partnership – democracy, human rights and the rule of law – which are central to a stable international order. They reaffirmed their commitment to international cooperation to address global challenges, supported by effective and efficient multilateral institutions, and recognised the indivisibility of the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

    The Prime Ministers reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and welcomed US-led efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The United Kingdom and New Zealand called on Russia to withdraw its forces immediately and end its illegal invasion. They called on those supporting Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex through the supply of dual use components and weapons, to cease fuelling Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Prime Ministers expressed gratitude to the military personnel of the United Kingdom and New Zealand who have trained over 54,000 Ukrainians through Operation Interflex the UK-led multinational training effort. As the conflict evolves, both Leaders agreed to coordinate on training to meet Ukraine’s evolving needs.

    The Prime Ministers welcomed on-going discussions on future support for Ukraine as part of the UK and France-led Coalition of the Willing – a multinational reassurance force to support Ukraine’s long-term defence and security. Prime Minister Starmer thanked New Zealand for its ongoing participation in military and diplomatic discussions about possible post-conflict support for Ukraine.

    Noting the mounting threats to international peace and security, the Prime Ministers noted the decisions taken by both governments to substantially increase defence spending. They agreed to renew our historic defence partnership to make it fit for the future, and to deepen cooperation in our defence capabilities and industries.

    The Prime Ministers acknowledged the ongoing cooperation between our defence forces on global challenges, including in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Starmer welcomed New Zealand’s upcoming participation in the UK-led Carrier Strike Group deployment in the Indo-Pacific, and welcomed ongoing consultations as New Zealand continues to explore potential opportunities for participation in AUKUS Pillar II.    

    The Prime Ministers agreed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity. They reiterated their concern at China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait Issues.

    The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work together to promote the prosperity, security and resilience of Pacific Small Island Developing States. In the context of climate change they welcomed joint work on the TIDES renewable energy investment fund.

    Free trade is a cornerstone of prosperity in both countries. Recognising that open markets, and reliable legal and regulatory frameworks are essential for trade, the Prime Ministers committed to strengthening and modernising the rules-based trading system. The Prime Ministers welcomed our enhanced trading relationship since the entry into force of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement, with the United Kingdom now one of New Zealand’s fastest growing export markets.

    The Prime Ministers agreed to work together to strengthen the role that free trade plays in increasing prosperity, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (which the United Kingdom and New Zealand are Parties to). This includes growing the agreement ambitiously through further accessions and pursuing concrete updates through the ongoing General Review.

    Noting that economic growth and improving the lives of British and New Zealand citizens are fundamental priorities for both governments, the Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of commercial deals including on clean technology and infrastructure.

    The Prime Ministers agreed to further enhance our mutual security and prosperity by: 

    • Forging a new Clean Energy Partnership to encourage two-way investment in renewable energy and low and zero emissions technologies.
    • Launching an investor partnership for New Zealand investment into agritech SMEs in the UK, and collaboration on Earth Observation from space.
    • Affirming our partnership with, and support for, Pacific Island countries’ climate resilience through clean energy, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation.
    • Continuing close cooperation to protect Antarctica as a place for peace and science and upholding the Antarctic Treaty System.
    • Strengthening cooperation in support of the rules-based system, including through reform of multilateral institutions.
    • Updating our Double Taxation Agreement to provide long term certainty and stability to business.
    • Recognising the renewed mutual recognition of professional qualifications between Engineering New Zealand and UK’s Engineering Council.
    • Modernising our Film and TV Co-production Treaty to promote the growth of our world-class screen industries and bring more iconic stories to the screen.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A record number of people attended the parade and exhibition of Moscow trams.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Those who wished could enter the salons, examine the cash box and composters. There were also competitions, a concert and a tasting of dishes from the field kitchen.

    A ceremonial tram parade took place in Moscow. A column of 11 retro trams traveled along a new route – from Shabolovka to Danilovskaya Manufactory and back.

    The event guests were also able to visit the renovated tram depot named after P. L. Apakova, which opened its doors to everyone for the first time after a large-scale reconstruction. An exhibition of historical carriages was held on the depot territory.

    “Moscow Transport is happy to support the tradition of holding tram parades in the capital. Last year, we organized three such celebrations, which were attended by more than 500 thousand people. The tram parade on Shabolovka once again proved that residents love and appreciate this wonderful form of transport, which can safely be called a symbol of our city. We will continue to develop the capital’s tram on the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    In total, more than 20 trams of different generations took part in the exhibition. You could enter any car and try out the softness of the seats, hold onto the handrails, examine the cash box and composters – they were used to pay for travel in the past.

    Musical and dance groups performed at the event. The special guest of the program was the musical group “Moralny Kodeks”. Visitors were able to take part in competitions and win memorable prizes, as well as try dishes prepared in the field kitchen.

    The parade and tram exhibition on Shabolovka was seen by more than 220 thousand residents and visitors of the city. This is a record figure for the last five years.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Record attendance at Moscow tram parade and exhibition.

    Moscow recently hosted a grand tram parade that attracted a record-breaking number of visitors. Over 220,000 residents and guests gathered to celebrate the city’s tram history, marking the highest attendance in the past five years.

    A procession of 11 trams travelled along a new route, starting from Shabolovka Street to Danilovskaya Manufactory and then back. Visitors had the unique opportunity to step inside the meticulously restored tramcars, explore their interiors, and take a closer look at vintage fare boxes and ticket punchers, once used for fare collection.

    The celebration extended to the newly renovated P.L. Apakov tram depot, which opened its doors to the public for the first time after an extensive reconstruction. The depot hosted an exhibition featuring over 20 historic tramcars from various generations, allowing attendees to sit on the seats, hold onto the handrails, and immerse themselves in the history of Moscow’s tram system.

    The event was more than just a parade. Visitors enjoyed live performances by musical and dance ensembles, with the renowned band «Moralny Kodex» headlining the program. Guests also participated in contests to win memorable prizes and sampled hearty dishes prepared in a field kitchen.

    Moscow Transport is proud to uphold the tradition of hosting tram parades in the capital. Last year, we organized three such events, drawing over 500,000 visitors. The tram parade at Shabolovka Street once again demonstrated that residents love and appreciate this wonderful mode of transport, which can rightfully be called a symbol of our city. We will continue to develop Moscow’s tram system under the directive of Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, — said Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

    Tram parade and exhibition served as a vibrant reminder of the city’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its transportation heritage while continuing to modernize and expand its tram network. This year’s event was a resounding success, bringing the community together to honor a cherished symbol of Moscow.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Danish krone now available in all TARGET Services

    Source: European Central Bank

    23 April 2025

    • Danish krone available for settlement in T2 and TIPS
    • TARGET Services provide safe and efficient financial market infrastructures for Danish financial markets
    • All TARGET Services now multi-currency

    As of 22 April 2025, Danish market participants are able to settle wholesale and retail payments in Danish krone instantly in the Eurosystem’s T2 and TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) services. Following a successful migration, Danmarks Nationalbank has become the first non-euro area central bank to participate in all three TARGET Services with its currency. Settlement in Danish krone has already been available in TARGET2-Securities since 2018.

    By using T2 and TIPS, Danish financial markets will benefit from common standards with the euro area, optimised liquidity management and strengthened IT security, allowing efficient and secure real-time settlement of wholesale and retail payments.

    This achievement is a result of the close collaboration between Danmarks Nationalbank and the Eurosystem since the decision to join T2 and TIPS was taken in 2020. Danish market participants have been conducting testing campaigns and migration rehearsals since September 2023 to ensure full readiness for onboarding to the two systems.

    With the inclusion of Danish krone, T2 activated its multi-currency function for the first time. TIPS now supports three currencies: the euro, the Swedish krona, which was onboarded in 2024, and the Danish krone. Including other currencies in TARGET Services strengthens European integration and enhances financial market efficiency beyond the euro area. Sweden has expressed an interest in joining additional TARGET Services, while other non-euro area countries, such as Norway and Iceland, have also expressed an interest in joining TARGET Services with their respective national currencies. An added benefit of multi-currency infrastructures is the potential for safe and efficient cross-currency settlement. Danmarks Nationalbank, Sveriges Riksbank and the ECB are collaborating on the implementation of such cross-currency capabilities in TIPS.

    Danmarks Nationalbank applied to join T2 and TIPS in 2020, and the currency participation agreement was signed in 2024. TARGET Services are developed and operated by the Eurosystem and provide safe and efficient financial market infrastructure services in central bank money, which supports financial integration and the capital markets union. Including branches and subsidiaries, more than 40,000 banks worldwide and all their customers can be reached via T2, which every six days processes a value close to the entire euro area GDP. TIPS settles instant retail payments at any time of day and on any day of the year.

    For media queries, please contact Benoit Deeg tel.: +49 172 1683704.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New data release: ECB wage tracker continues to indicate that negotiated wage pressures will ease over the course of the year

    Source: European Central Bank

    23 April 2025

    • ECB wage tracker updated with agreements signed up to first week of April 2025
    • Forward-looking information suggests negotiated wage pressures will ease overall in 2025, consistent with data published following March Governing Council meeting

    The European Central Bank wage tracker, which covers active collective bargaining agreements, indicates negotiated wage growth with smoothed one-off payments of 4.8% in 2024 (based on an average coverage of 48.8% of employees in participating countries), and 3.1% in 2025 (based on an average coverage of 46.5%). The ECB wage tracker with unsmoothed one-off payments indicates average negotiated wage growth level of 4.9% in 2024 and 2.8% in 2025. The steeply downward trend of the forward-looking wage tracker in 2025 partly reflects the mechanical impact of large one-off payments (that were paid in 2024 but drop out in 2025) and the frontloaded nature of wage increases in some sectors in 2024. The wage tracker excluding one-off payments indicates growth of 4.2% in 2024 and 3.8% in 2025. See Chart 1 and Table 1 for further details.

    The ECB wage tracker may be subject to revisions, and the forward-looking part should not be interpreted as a forecast as it only captures information in active collective bargaining agreements. For a more comprehensive assessment of wage developments in the euro area, please refer to the March 2025 ECB staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area, which indicate a yearly growth rate of compensation per employee in the euro area of 4.6% in 2024 and 3.4% in 2025, with a quarterly profile for 2025 of 3.8% in the first quarter, 3.7% in the second quarter, 3.4% in the third quarter and 2.8% in the fourth quarter.

    The ECB publishes four wage tracker indicators for the aggregate of seven participating euro area countries via the ECB Data Portal.

    Chart 1

    ECB wage tracker: forward-looking signals for negotiated wages and revisions to previous data release

    2023-25

    Revisions to previous data release

    (left-hand scale: yearly growth rates, percentages; right-hand scale: percentage share of employees)

    (percentage points)

    Sources: ECB calculations based on data on collective bargaining agreements signed up to the first week of April 2025 provided by the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, the Dutch employers’ association AWVN and Eurostat. The indicator of negotiated wage growth is calculated using data from the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Ministerio de Empleo y Seguridad Social, the Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, Statistik Austria, the Istituto Nazionale di Statistica (ISTAT), the Banque de France and Haver Analytics.

    Notes: Dashed lines denote forward-looking information up to December 2025.

    What do the four different indicators show?

    • The headline ECB wage tracker shows negotiated wage growth that includes collectively agreed one-off payments, such as those related to inflation compensation, bonuses or back-dated pay, which are smoothed over 12 months.
    • The ECB wage tracker excluding one-off payments reflects the extent of structural (or permanent) negotiated wage increases.
    • The ECB wage tracker with unsmoothed one-off payments is constructed using a methodology that, both in terms of data sources and statistical methodology, is conceptually similar to, but not necessarily the same as, the one used for the ECB indicator of negotiated wage growth.
    • The share of employees covered is the percentage of employees across the participating countries that are directly covered by ECB wage tracker data. This indicator provides information on the representativeness of the underlying (negotiated) wage growth signals obtained from the set of wage tracker indicators for the aggregate of participating countries. Employee coverage differs across countries and within each country over time (more details are provided in Table 2).

    Table 1

    ECB wage tracker summary

    (percentages)

    ECB wage tracker

    Coverage

    Headline indicator

    Excluding one-off payments

    With unsmoothed one-off payments

    Share of employees

    2013-2023

    2.0

    1.9

    2.0

    49.1

    2024

    4.8

    4.2

    4.9

    48.8

    2025

    3.1

    3.8

    2.8

    46.5

    2024 Q1

    4.1

    3.8

    5.2

    49.0

    2024 Q2

    4.4

    3.9

    3.4

    49.0

    2024 Q3

    5.2

    4.5

    6.8

    48.7

    2024 Q4

    5.3

    4.7

    4.3

    48.3

    Jan 2025

    4.9

    4.3

    3.0

    49.4

    Feb 2025

    5.0

    4.7

    3.2

    49.5

    Mar 2025

    4.0

    4.3

    1.4

    49.5

    Apr 2025

    4.1

    4.4

    4.2

    49.3

    May 2025

    3.8

    4.1

    3.9

    49.2

    Jun 2025

    3.8

    4.0

    3.8

    46.9

    2025 Q3

    2.1

    3.4

    1.9

    45.1

    2025 Q4

    1.6

    3.0

    2.9

    42.9

    Sources: ECB calculations based on data provided by the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, AWVN and Eurostat.

    Notes: See the technical details at the end of this press release. ECB wage tracker indicators reflect yearly growth in negotiated wages. Coverage is defined as the share of employees in participating countries. Rows with values in italics and bold refer to the forward-looking aspect of the respective indicators.

    Table 2

    Employee coverage by country

    (share of employees in each country, percentages)

    Germany

    Greece

    Spain

    France

    Italy

    Netherlands

    Austria

    Euro area

    2013-2023

    42.0

    10.0

    61.0

    51.7

    48.7

    64.2

    56.7

    49.1

    2024 Q1

    43.7

    16.0

    56.8

    48.3

    48.2

    62.7

    78.6

    49.0

    2024 Q2

    44.1

    15.9

    56.1

    48.2

    48.1

    62.4

    77.8

    49.0

    2024 Q3

    44.3

    15.8

    54.5

    48.1

    47.9

    62.1

    77.8

    48.7

    2024 Q4

    43.8

    15.7

    53.4

    48.2

    47.8

    61.9

    77.8

    48.3

    2025 Q1

    44.0

    19.5

    53.1

    52.9

    47.8

    61.3

    75.9

    49.4

    2025 Q2

    45.0

    16.3

    52.0

    52.4

    43.4

    60.2

    72.2

    48.5

    2025 Q3

    43.8

    8.7

    49.4

    48.3

    35.8

    57.6

    70.2

    45.1

    2025 Q4

    42.1

    8.3

    49.0

    43.4

    35.6

    53.3

    65.3

    42.9

    Sources: ECB, the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, AWVN and Eurostat.
    Notes: The euro area aggregate comprises the seven participating wage tracker countries. The coverage shows the relative strength of wage signals for each country and the euro area. The historical average is calculated from January 2016 to December 2023 for Greece and from February 2020 to December 2023 for Austria. For the other countries, it is calculated from January 2013 to December 2023. Rows with values in italics and bold refer to the forward-looking aspect of the respective indicators.

    For media queries, please contact Benoit Deeg, tel.: +491721683704

    Notes:

    • The ECB wage tracker is the result of a Eurosystem partnership currently comprising the ECB and seven euro area national central banks: the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Bank of Greece, the Banco de España, the Banque de France, the Banca d’Italia, De Nederlandsche Bank, and the Oesterreichische Nationalbank. It is based on a highly granular database of active collective bargaining agreements for Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria. The wage tracker is one of many sources that can help assess wage pressures in the euro area.
    • The wage tracker methodology uses a double aggregation approach. First, it aggregates the highly granular information on collective bargaining agreements and constructs the wage tracker indicators at the country-level using information on the employee coverage for each country. Second, it uses this information to construct the aggregate for the euro area using time-varying weights based on the total compensation of employees among the participating countries.
    • Given that the forward-looking nature of the tracker is dependent on the underlying collective bargaining agreements database, the wage signals should always be considered conditional on the information available at any given point in time and thus subject to revisions.
    • The results in this press release do not represent the views of the ECB’s decision-making bodies.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Shawn Sharpe Paints ‘CANvas’ Mural for Earth Day

    Source: City of Preston

    23 April 2025

    To celebrate Earth Day 2025, Preston City Council have partnered with Every Can Counts and local artist Shawn Sharpe to create a thought-provoking mural made from 700 recycled drink cans.

    Shawn live-painted the #EveryCanCounts ‘CANvas’ with a bespoke Earth Day design during Preston’s Egg Rolling event, which saw thousands of locals gather in Avenham Park on Easter Monday. The mural aimed to raise awareness of the infinite recyclability of aluminum, and the importance of recycling drink cans both at home and on-the-go.

    The artwork displays two hands holding a smiling cartoon Earth character, alongside the words ‘Every Action Counts’. The message aims to inspire people to take individual action, no matter how small it may seem, as even small changes can make a big difference to the environment.

    Shawn Sharpe, responsible for many of Preston’s iconic murals in the city centre, explained how his first live-painting experience went:

    “It has been interesting because I don’t get nervous when I paint…but because it is my first live painting in Preston, I didn’t really know what the response from the public was going to be like. [They have been] really engaging, humbling, and it’s nice to see that a lot of people know what’s happening within the City.”

    Earth Day is an annual global event dedicated to raising awareness about important environmental issues and the need to protect natural resources for future generations.

    Mark Taylor, Interim Director of Environment and Property, said:

    “Earth Day is such an important time to remind people that we only have one planet, and we should all be making individual efforts to take care of it. Artwork, particularly from artists that understand our community, can be such a powerful tool to raise awareness of these important events. We are very pleased to have partnered with Shawn on this project, he has done a fantastic job.”

    A team of Every Can Counts ambassadors were also in attendnnce, collecting used drink cans in their recycling backpacks and engaging with members of the public to spread their message about the benefits of recycling. Canzee the mascot, made from over 300 recycled drink cans, made a noisy appearance to show the public just how fun drink can recycling can be.

    Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts, said:

    “It was great to make an appearance at the popular Preston Egg Roll with our ‘CANvas’ installation designed by the brilliant Shawn Sharpe. The event was not only a great way to celebrate Easter but also to mark Earth Day, which is all about encouraging worldwide action to help benefit the environment and preserve the planet.

    “Aluminium, including drink cans and foil wrapper from Easter eggs, is infinitely recyclable so it’s important to dispose of it properly this Eastertime and beyond!”

    Every Can Counts is a not-for-profit communications programme working to inspire, encourage and empower people to recycle their empty drink cans. The programme is funded through a partnership between European and UK drink can manufacturers, the aluminium recycling industry and drink brands.

    The CANvas is now on display at Lancashire County Council’s new education experience, Eco Town, in Farington. Visits must be booked in advance, and you can find further information about how to book by visiting Lancashire County Council – Eco Town education walkway

    You can recycle your cans on-the-go in the city centre at the following locations:

    • Market Street
    • Earl Street
    • Friargate
    • Ribblesdale Place

    Further information can be found at Recycling on-the-go bins in Preston City Centre

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor opens books of condolence for Pope Francis in Derry and Strabane

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor opens books of condolence for Pope Francis in Derry and Strabane

    23 April 2025

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has opened books of condolence in Derry and Strabane for Pope Francis.
    The 88 year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
    He was elected in March 2013 and in 2018 became only the second pope in history to visit Ireland.
    The public can leave a written message in the books located in the reception of Derry’s Guildhall and The Alley Theatre in Strabane while an online book is also available on Council’s website.
    Mayor Barr encouraged the public to use the books as an opportunity to express their sympathy and share their personal experience of what his papacy meant to them.
    “There has been a huge outpouring of sorrow and grief across Derry and Strabane since Pope Francis’ passing on Monday,” she said.
    “The compassion, humility and bravery he exhibited during his papacy had an impact on the lives of so many people locally and I want to give the public an outlet to record their feelings and sympathy.
    “On behalf of the people of Derry and Strabane, I offer our deepest sympathies to Archbishop Eamon Martin, the clergy, and all members of the Catholic Church.
    “May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to guide us toward compassion and unity.”
    For those unable to sign the books in the Guildhall and The Alley in person, the online book is available here

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Moscow Exchange Financial Services and Alfa Capital launch proprietary funds

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Marketplace for money Financial Services of the Moscow Exchange and the management company Alfa-Capital have started selling proprietary funds — shares of open-end mutual investment funds (OPIF) created to implement investment strategies of famous financial experts. The funds are managed by popular opinion leaders with extensive investment experience who will share their solutions and market vision with investors.

    A product that is innovative for the Russian collective investment industry is available for purchase at marketplace Finuslugi and on the website of the Alfa Capital Management Company. The marketplace and the management company provide all stages of the funds’ functioning, while the authors of strategies have the opportunity to form fund portfolios based on their own expertise and assessment of the prospects of investment ideas. The rules of trust management of funds are registered by the Bank of Russia.

    The new product line includes three funds:

    “Black Line” managed by Nazar Shchetinin, the author of the “Harmful Investor” Telegram channel. The fund will focus on stocks of companies that can create value for their holders, while the expert will open positions during periods of active business development. “The Magnificent Seven” managed by Ivan Kreynin, the author of the Investment Diary Telegram channel. Based on seven key criteria, the fund’s portfolio will select stocks that can show growth in any market environment. “Matryoshka a la Rus” managed by Konstantin Kudritsky, the author of the “Ask Vasilich” Telegram channel. The portfolio, diversified by asset class, will include stocks and bonds of companies from many industries that react differently to the economic situation.

    The funds are available to non-qualified investors, the minimum investment amount is 100 rubles. The total limit on expenses and remuneration provided for by the rules of trust management of the funds is 2.5% of the average annual value of the fund’s net assets. You can leave the fund without restrictions, no commission is charged for buying and selling on the Finuslugi marketplace.

    “Funds managed by invited experts are an absolute breakthrough in the Russian financial market. We offer clients the opportunity not only to follow the authors of well-known investment channels, but also to participate in their strategy. Finuslugi creates an accessible way to invest in fund shares: marketplace clients do not need to open a brokerage account, they just need to top up their wallet and buy the asset they like,” said Igor Alutin, Senior Managing Director for Retail Business, Development of Electronic Platforms and the Finuslugi Project at Moscow Exchange.

    “Author funds are not just open-end mutual funds, they are funds with a public manager, to whose feed investors will soon have access directly within the marketplace, where fund news, webinars and the author’s thoughts on strategy and completed transactions will be published. We hope that the new product will give a powerful impetus to the popularization of collective investments, and will also attract the attention of other market participants to the practice of creating author funds,” said Boris Blokhin, Managing Director for the Stock Market at Moscow Exchange.

    “Launching funds managed by invited experts is a fairly common practice in foreign markets, a proven one. Combining the resources of the management company, expertise and audience coverage of the creators of proprietary strategies will attract additional attention to the retail mutual fund industry and will contribute to the growth of popularity of the portfolio approach to investments in general. We are confident that the joint project with Finuslugi will open a new chapter in the development of the product offer on the Russian market for a larger number of retail investors,” commented Elena Chikulaeva, Strategy Director of Alfa Capital Management Company.

    Finuslugi is a marketplace for money created by the Moscow Exchange. On Finuslugi, you can select and open bank deposits online 24/7, take out cash loans, purchase mutual fund units, OSAGO, CASCO, mortgage insurance, real estate insurance policies, as well as public bonds of companies and Russian regions. You can top up deposits and accounts on Finuslugi for free using the Fast Payment System (FPS). The service can be used regardless of the region, anywhere in Russia and the world. More details on website.

    Alfa Capital Management Company is one of the largest companies in the asset management market. Alfa Capital Management Company was established in 1996 and is a pioneer in the asset management market for private, institutional and corporate investors.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: Over 6 years, the number of all IVF cycles performed under compulsory medical insurance has increased by almost 20%

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Video greeting from Tatyana Golikova to the participants of the IV All-Russian Congress “Right to Life”

    11 hours ago

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova addressed a video greeting to the participants of the IV All-Russian Congress “Right to Life”, which is being held from April 23 to 25, 2025 at the National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov:

    Dear colleagues!

    I am pleased to welcome the participants, guests and organizers of the IV All-Russian Congress “Right to Life”, which is taking place at the Academician Vladimir Kulakov Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology.

    The President of the country defined the key national goal – preserving the population, strengthening the health and well-being of people, supporting the family. The protection of motherhood and childhood makes a significant contribution to achieving this goal, and today’s event is an opportunity to once again discuss the most pressing issues in this area with the highest level professionals, exchange experiences, and develop new solutions.

    Over the past 6 years, thanks to the implementation of the national project “Healthcare”, we have significantly updated the infrastructure: built and repaired more than 11 thousand primary care facilities, re-equipped more than 98% of children’s clinics, built 21 children’s hospitals. All this has allowed us to bring medical care closer, and especially preventive care.

    Infrastructure changes along with the introduction of modern perinatal technologies ensured the achievement of a new historical minimum of infant mortality in 2024 – 4.0 per 1,000 children born alive. This is a significant result!

    But we still have much to do.

    The first important block is protecting the reproductive health of our citizens. In 2024, more than 26 million children were covered by preventive medical examinations. Over 97% of adolescents aged 15–17 years – for the purpose of preserving reproductive health. Reproductive system diseases were detected in 5% of girls and 4% of boys. All children were taken under dispensary observation.

    Last year, a medical examination of the adult population aged 18 to 49 years was launched to assess reproductive health. Almost 7 million of our citizens underwent it at the expense of compulsory medical insurance funds. More than 230 thousand diseases affecting the ability to have children were identified. Treatment was organized for all patients.

    From 2022 to 2024, a pilot project “Reproductive Health” was implemented in 7 regions, and a pilot project aimed at stimulating the birth rate was implemented in 3 regions. Based on the results of their implementation, regional programs were adopted in 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, including a new set of measures aimed at protecting reproductive health and increasing the birth rate. This work creates the potential for additional births, the main efforts should be aimed at increasing the coverage of medical examinations for the timely correction of reproductive disorders.

    The second block of measures is aimed at preserving nascent life – reducing the number of abortions. For this purpose, new approaches have been developed to working with women in the situation of reproductive choice and supporting pregnant women who find themselves in a difficult life situation.

    This is a set of measures that includes legal, psychological, medical and social support and assistance. Today, such work is being carried out in 900 created women’s consultation offices and social assistance centers. Thanks to these measures, more than 41 thousand pregnancies were saved in 2024. This work must be continued, paying attention to each woman.

    The third block is increasing the availability and effectiveness of IVF. From 2019 to 2024, the number of all IVF cycles performed under compulsory medical insurance increased by almost 20%, and the number of full IVF cycles increased by 14%.

    It is necessary to improve the methods of providing such assistance, increasing its quality. The main criterion should be the achievement of the result – the birth of a healthy baby.

    Last year, more than 32 thousand children were born thanks to reproductive technologies.

    Measures to protect motherhood and childhood will be continued within the framework of the federal project “Protection of Motherhood and Childhood” of the national project “Family”, which was launched on January 1, 2025, by decision of the head of state. 146.7 billion rubles have been allocated from the federal budget for its implementation, of which 76 billion will be allocated in the next three years.

    By 2030, we plan to create 336 women’s consultations, equip 142 perinatal centers and maternity hospitals, 180 children’s hospitals, and purchase 526 mobile medical complexes for children’s clinics. This will ensure the availability of qualified care for women and children, including reproductive health care.

    I thank everyone gathered here for the invaluable contribution you make to the protection of motherhood and childhood in our country.

    I am confident that during today’s fruitful discussions you will exchange experiences and best practices that help preserve the reproductive health of our citizens, save the lives and health of newborn babies, and also develop new solutions so that there are more of us, Russians!

    Good luck to you!

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/23/2025, 10:21 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A102G35 (MosOb35016) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/23/2025

    10:21

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 23.04.2025, 10-21 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 93.4) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 486.53 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.75%) of the security RU000A102G35 (MosOb35016) were changed.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/23/2025, 10:32 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A109916 (RostelP10R) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/23/2025

    10:32

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 23.04.2025, 10-32 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 105.81) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1131.28 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.75%) of the security RU000A109916 (Rostel P10R) were changed.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/23/2025, 11-16 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A0JV0U1 (AlphaBO-15) security were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/23/2025

    11:16

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 23.04.2025, 11-16 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 108.51) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1221.68 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 15.0%) of the RU000A0JV0U1 (AlphaBO-15) security were changed.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 04/23/2025, 11:37 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXSS1 (Akron B1P2) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    04/23/2025

    11:37

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 23.04.2025, 11-37 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 82.62) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 886.69 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 12.5%) of the RU000A0JXSS1 security (Akron B1P2) were changed.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: “Kavkaz.RF” is becoming the center of competence of the tourism sector of the North Caucasus

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a final meeting of the board of directors of the North Caucasus Federal District Development Institute, where the results of work for 2024 were presented. Andrey Yumshanov, CEO of Kavkaz.RF, delivered a report.

    Since 2021, Kavkaz.RF’s contribution to the economy has been participation in projects worth a total of 139 billion rubles, of which almost 70% are related to the creation and development of resorts, the rest are investments in other areas of the North Caucasus Federal District economy. There is an obvious steady increase in the share of banks in these projects. If in 2021 it was zero, then in 2024 it amounted to more than a third.

    “We are witnessing a change in the business attitude towards the North Caucasus Federal District and what the state, represented by Kavkaz.RF, is creating here. There are 76 SEZ residents operating at the resorts with a declared investment volume of 158 billion rubles, and 21 of them received the status in 2024. Plus, another 10 were added in the first quarter of this year, which indicates a serious increase in business interest in these sites. This became possible due to the active construction of infrastructure and the promotion of tourism products being created. Kavkaz.RF is today becoming a real center of competence in the tourism sector of the North Caucasus,” noted Alexander Novak.

    In 2024, residents began construction of four hotels on Elbrus, five on Mamison, and a large hotel on Veduchi under the management of Cosmos Hotel Group is being completed. It is planned that investors will invest 12.9 billion rubles this year. All this gives the right to expect an increase in tourist flow.

    Over the years of its existence, the company has commissioned more than 100 facilities, 11 of which were commissioned in 2024. Among these facilities last year were three technologically complex cable cars – on Elbrus, Arkhyz and Veduchi. Also, in record time, the main part of the infrastructure of the new resort “Mamison” was completed, the technical launch of which took place in March of this year.

    “Today, our main focus is on completing the construction of the infrastructure of the northern slope of the Veduchi resort. There are 5 out of 20 facilities left to be commissioned, including a unique road through the gorge. We are also starting the construction of the supporting infrastructure of the Caspian coastal cluster. Of all the facilities of the federal project “Five Seas and Lake Baikal”, we are the first to enter active construction,” Andrey Yumshanov noted in his speech.

    The CEO of Kavkaz.RF added that this year the construction of a new tourist ascent zone on Elbrus, a multifunctional service center on the Azau glade, as well as the recreation of the legendary “Shelter 11”, the concept of which can be seen at the Caucasus Investment Forum, will begin.

    The board of directors of Kavkaz.RF includes Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Alexander Kozlov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Sergey Nazarov, First Deputy Minister of Energy Pavel Sorokin, CEO of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Svetlana Chupsheva, Deputy Chairman of VEB Daniil Algulyan, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the North Caucasus Federal District Vladimir Nadykto, Advisor to the Rector’s Office of MGIMO Zarina Doguzova, as well as heads of Kavkaz.RF Andrei Yumshanov and Khasan Timizhev. The board of directors is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The work of Kavkaz.RF is supervised by the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 4.22.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 22, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Claire Cullis, of Carmichael, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Business and Consumer Relations at the California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Cullis has been Chief of Staff to the First Partner in the Governor’s Office since 2021. She was Founder of Claire Cullis Consulting, LLC from 2018 to 2021. Cullis was the Executive Director of the Institute for Democracy and Justice from 2018 to 2021. She was the Director of Dignitary and Speaker Engagement at the Global Climate Action Summit for the United Nations Foundation in 2018. Cullis was a Consultant to the Special Olympics for the Austria Winter World Games in 2017. She held multiple positions at the United States Department of the Treasury from 2013 to 2017, including Director of Scheduling, Advance, and Administration, and Associate Director of Scheduling and Advance for the Treasury Secretary. Cullis was an Advance Associate at The White House from 2013 to 2017. She was Deputy Parade Director at the Presidential Inaugural Committee from 2012 to 2013. Cullis was National Advance Staff for Obama for America in 2012. She was a Senior Associate at the Dewey Square Group from 2006 to 2012. She was a Teacher at the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program from 2005 to 2006. Cullis was National Advance Staff for the John Kerry presidential campaign in 2004. Cullis earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Virginia Tech, and her Bachelor of the Arts degree in International Studies and Studio Art from the University of Iowa. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $195,564. Cullis is a Democrat.

    Sophia Carrillo, of Santa Monica, has been appointed Assistant General Counsel of Enforcement at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Carrillo was an Assistant United States Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office, Central District of California from 2023 to 2025. She was a Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice from 2019 to 2023. Carrillo was a Judicial Law Clerk at the United States District Court, Eastern District of California from 2018 to 2019. She was an Associate Director of the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments/D.C. Human Resources at the Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2015. Carrillo is a member of the Latino Community Foundation’s Los Angeles Giving Circle. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation and compensation is $174,000. Carrillo is a Democrat. 

    Iris “Marlene” De La O, of Berkeley, has been appointed Deputy Secretary of Public Policy at the California Environmental Protection Agency. De La O held several positions at Chemonics International from 2021 to 2025, including Senior Partnerships Manager and Director of Climate Change and Resiliency. She was the Director of Resiliency and Acquisitions at the Department of Housing, Preservation, and Development in 2019. De La O was Deputy Director at the California Strategic Growth Council from 2017 to 2018. She was a Consultant at Inter-American Development Bank from 2015 to 2016. De La O was a Manager and Regional Contracts Specialist at Chemonics International from 2012 to 2015. She earned a Master of Public Policy degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Development Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $175,512. De La O is a Democrat.

    Adam Ebrahim, of Carmichael, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Ebrahim has been the Senior Director of Policy and Continuous Improvement at the Commission on Teacher Credentialing since 2024. He was the Principal Consultant at Azimuth Learning Partners from 2016 to 2024. Ebrahim was the Director of Education Strategy at Parsec Education in 2024. He was a Staff Consultant at the California Teachers Association from 2020 to 2024. Ebrahim was the Director of Local Control and Accountability Plan and Continuous Improvement at San Juan Unified School District from 2019 to 2020. He was a Project Director at Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation from 2016 to 2019. Ebrahim was a Staff Consultant at Fresno County Superintendent of Schools from 2015 to 2016. He was a Teacher at Fresno Unified School District from 2010 to 2015. Ebrahim was an Enlisted Soldier and Commissioned Officer at the California Army National Guard from 2007 to 2012. He received his Master of Education degree in United States Education in a Global Context from National University, a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from Washington University in Saint Louis, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $181,344. Ebrahim is a Democrat.

    Vanessa Ejike, of Cerritos, has been appointed to the State Board of Education. Ejike was a Poll Worker for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk and an Intern for Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva in the California State Assembly in 2024. She is the National Partnerships Director for the High School Democrats of America, Local Affairs Director for California High School Democrats, Communications Coordinator for the Pacific Coast Coalition of Girl Up USA, Student Representative for the Legislative and Policy Committee at the ABC Unified School District, and Founder and Chair of the Principal’s Advisory Council at Gretchen Whitney High School. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ejike is not registered to vote. 

    Niki Woodard, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of Communications and External Affairs at the California Energy Commission. Woodard has been the Senior Communications Officer at Resources Legacy Fund since 2019. She was the Deputy Assistant Director at the California Department of Water Resources from 2016 to 2019. Woodard was the Communications and Marketing Director at the Center for Climate Protection from 2015 to 2016. She was Founder and Principal of Spiral-PR from 2011 to 2016. Woodard was the Communications Director at Sequoia Riverlands Trust from 2008 to 2011. She was a Research Associate at the Pew Research Center from 2006 to 2008. Woodard earned a Master of the Arts degree in Communications from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of the Arts degrees in Rhetoric and Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $160,968. Woodard is a Democrat.

    Lee Herrick, of Fresno, has been reappointed California’s Poet Laureate, where he has served since 2022. Herrick has been an English Professor at Fresno City college since 1997 and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe since 2012. He was the Poet Laureate of the City of Fresno from 2015 to 2017. Herrick was an Adjunct English Professor at Modesto Junior College from 1995 to 1997. He is the Founder of LitHop and an Advisory Board Member of Terrain.org, Sixteen Rivers Press, and Anacapa review, and a Member of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs. Herrick earned a Master of Arts degree in English, Composition and Rhetoric and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American Literature from California State University, Stanislaus. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the California Arts Council provides an annual stipend. Herrick is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

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    News What you need to know: The Governor and First Partner marked Earth Day at Chico State University with students from the Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems. CHICO –  Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom celebrated…

    Apr 22, 2025

    News What you need to know: Classes resumed in person at Palisades Charter High School today at a new temporary site in Santa Monica. All eight public schools that were damaged in the fires are now back to learning in person. LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom…

    Apr 22, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Cradle-to-Career Data System displays key milestones in students’ experience over time and provides insights about education and career pathways. Sacramento, California – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a first-of-its-kind…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Meet three female Indigenous anti-war activists from Russia

    Source: Amnesty International –

    During Russia’s escalating repression following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 172 indigenous and decolonial organisations have been designated as “terrorist” by the Russian authorities.

    Amnesty International spoke to three female Indigenous rights activists from Russia, currently in exile, to discuss the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on their activism, their communities and women’s leadership.

    Zarema Gasanova is an Avar indigenous rights and feminist activist from Dagestan, Victoria Maladaeva is a Buryat-Mongolian activist and co-founder of the Indigenous of Russia Foundation, while Viliuia Choinova is an environmental engineer and Sakha activist from the Republic of Sakha, currently studying in Berlin.

    Amnesty: How did Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine affect indigenous women in Russia?

    Victoria: Even before the war, women in Russia lacked protection from domestic violence. In the republics with a significant Indigenous population, such as Yakutia, Buryatia or the republics of the North Caucasus, men have been disproportionately affected by the military draft.

    In one village in Buryatia, local women raised the alarm as all the men from the village were drafted to be sent to fight in Ukraine. Now, as the drafted troops return home, there are reports of rising rates of domestic abuse and femicide.

    The Free Yakutia Foundation reported numerous cases of violence against women at the hands of men returning from the war. This is just the beginning; there will likely be even more cases when tens of thousands of soldiers return home.   

    Viliuia: Many Indigenous families in the north, including those in my native Republic of Sakha, rely on traditional subsistence activities such as reindeer herding, fishing, and farming. With men drafted en masse to fight Ukraine, women are left to take on physically demanding tasks that were traditionally shared or primarily carried out by men. This has significantly increased their workload and made survival more difficult, especially in regions with poor infrastructure and harsh climates.

    The war has also disrupted the ability to maintain traditional cultural practices, which require generational knowledge often carried by men, risking the loss of cultural continuity. With Indigenous populations already declining due to high mortality rates and low birth rates, the disproportionate drafting of Indigenous men further exacerbates this issue, threatening the long-term survival of Indigenous peoples.

    Zarema: While men are disproportionately drafted to the army, women are left to bear the brunt of resistance. When Vladimir Putin announced military mobilization in September 2022, large numbers of women in Dagestan came out to the streets to protest it. They confronted officials, reminding them that it’s not Ukraine that invaded Russia, formed barricades to block police cars and tried to liberate those arrested by the police. During the protest dispersals, police were particularly violent towards women – they pushed, beat, dragged and verbally abused them.

    Victoria: Indeed, it is women who hide their husbands and relatives from mobilization. Almost all requests for help I receive are from women searching for ways to keep their sons, husbands, or fathers from being sent to war. It is Indigenous women who write letters, reach out to human rights organizations, and fight for their loved ones.   

    Amnesty: How did the full-scale invasion affect your activism?

    Viliuia: Speaking out against Russia’s war in Ukraine and its colonial policies has become increasingly dangerous, with Indigenous activists facing imprisonment, exile, or violence. The recent designation of 172 Indigenous and ethnic organizations as “terrorist” has criminalized Indigenous activism, making legal operations nearly impossible and forcing many into exile or underground work.

    Despite the challenges, the conflict has also created new opportunities for collaboration, as international organizations are now paying greater attention to Indigenous issues in Russia and strengthening global solidarity with other decolonial movements.

    Zarema: I had to leave Russia due to the risk of persecution for my anti-war position. Now in exile, my activism has shifted towards raising awareness internationally, supporting Indigenous communities in resisting militarization, as well as creating networks of solidarity among Indigenous peoples facing similar struggles.

    The full-scale invasion has made Indigenous activism more dangerous, especially in the North Caucasus. Russia’s colonial narratives have long portrayed the Caucasus as aggressive and marginalized. The government frames any activism in the region as a threat to the state and labels Indigenous activists as societal dangers, making their dissent appear more menacing.

    Despite these challenges, Indigenous activists continue to speak out, drawing attention to systemic injustices and advocating for their communities.

    Victoria: Since the start of the war in Ukraine, my activism became more visible, and now I frequently receive threats. Although I don’t live in Russia, I have to take safety precautions, as there are threats to get to me even here in the United States. My social media accounts are constantly under attack, and at one point, I was receiving 3-5 hacking attempt notifications on my Instagram per day. 

    Despite that, activism has also introduced me to courageous and honest people from different regions. We are all united by a common struggle – the fight for the survival of our peoples. We are building networks of solidarity and working on joint projects. Together, we are strong, and we are each other’s support. 

    Amnesty: In a country like Russia, where most influential politicians are men, many Indigenous rights groups from Russia are led by women. What is the reason for this?

    Viliuia: The female leadership of the Indigenous rights movements reflects both Indigenous social structures and the colonial system. In the Republic of Sakha, societal roles between men and women have traditionally been more equal, with women often serving as matriarchs and playing central roles in decision-making, economic activities, and cultural preservation. This strong presence in both domestic and public life has translated into leadership in activism.

    In my family, women have been ambitious, pursuing university degrees, owning small businesses, and even becoming auto mechanics. Meanwhile, men have continued traditional ways of life or taken on practical jobs in housing, communal services, driving, and mining. This contrast mirrors a broader reality in Indigenous communities, where women often lead in education, business, and activism, while men are drawn to physically demanding labour that keeps them away from home for long periods.

    Zarema:  Indigenous women have a strong tradition of resistance, driven by their responsibility to preserve language, culture, and traditions under colonial oppression. Grassroots movements like Feminist Anti-War Resistance intersect feminist and decolonial agendas, providing a space for Indigenous women to combat both gender-based and colonial oppression. The authoritarian nature of the Russian government leaves no room for Indigenous political participation, forcing women to turn to grassroots activism.

    Zarema: There are multiple ways to support us. People from outside Russia can help amplify our voices by sharing our stories and perspectives. International media can help us challenge Russian propaganda and the Kremlin’s narratives that use Indigenous peoples as symbols of loyalty to the state. International organisations can help us advocate for Indigenous rights at international institutions like the UN, ensuring that Indigenous voices from Russia are included in discussions about human rights and decolonization. They can also help us establish connections between Indigenous activists from Russia and those from other colonized regions. Shared experiences and strategies can strengthen resistance efforts.

    By supporting Indigenous women in Russia, the international community contributes to both anti-war efforts and the broader fight for Indigenous rights and decolonization.

    Victoria: One of the biggest challenges we face is the lack of financial support for our projects. Indigenous organizations are not only marginalized but often have to operate on a volunteer basis. Having support in accessing funding would help us to step up our efforts.

    Viliuia: Despite the importance of our presence in global advocacy spaces, it remains difficult for Indigenous peoples to access these platforms, due to financial constraints, bureaucratic visa processes and exclusionary institutional structures. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring Indigenous perspectives are not just included, but prioritized in global decision-making processes.

    The war in Ukraine has exposed Russia’s colonial nature more clearly than ever before. Indigenous women from Russia are not just victims of this war – we are frontline defenders of our peoples, cultures, and lands. The international community must recognize our struggles, amplify our voices, and support our right to self-determination. Decolonization is not just a theoretical concept; it is a necessary process for justice and long-lasting peace.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Young UK journalists learn towards activist roles, away from objectivity – new survey

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Imke Henkel, Lecturer in Journalism and Media, University of Leeds

    fizkes/Shutterstock

    The role of journalists has been changing for some time now. Due to the rise of social media, journalists no longer hold the monopoly on informing the public and holding the powerful to account. Nor do they keep their role as exclusive gatekeepers for news. And many readers find that algorithms do a better job of selecting news than human editors.

    For a new report on the state of the journalism profession in the UK in the 2020s, my colleagues and I asked journalists what they think their role in society should be today. Facing a world of rising authoritarianism, war in Europe and catastrophic climate change, a younger generation of UK journalists increasingly believe they should occupy a more activist role in society.

    We asked a representative sample of 1,130 UK journalists how important a selection of 24 roles were to them. These included informer roles such as “being a detached observer”, to advocating roles such as “promote peace and tolerance” and audience-oriented roles such as “provide entertainment and relaxation”. We measured their answers on a scale from “not at all important” to “extremely important”.

    These questions were part of a wider survey my colleagues Neil Thurman, Sina Thäsler-Kordonouri and I conducted at the end of 2023. Our survey is the UK leg of the third wave of the Worlds of Journalism Study, a global project researching the state of journalism across 75 countries.

    The survey follows a similar one conducted eight years earlier. Comparing journalists’ answers to both allows us to understand how their professional attitudes have changed.

    Then and now, the roles journalists hold to be most important are those considered to be the traditional purpose of journalism: being a detached observer (linked to objectivity), providing analysis of current affairs, and – the classic watchdog role – monitoring and scrutinising those in power. More than half of our respondents thought that these roles were “extremely” or “very important”.

    However, we found a notable shift in which roles journalists emphasise over others. While they still consider their traditional roles to be essential, many appear to be leaning more towards activist roles, and away from roles linked to objectivity.

    In 2015, 77% of respondents thought that “being a detached observer” was “extremely” or “very important”. In 2023, it was 69%. Tellingly, there is also a generational shift. While 74% of respondents over 40 rate their role as detached observers as very or extremely important, just 60% of those under 40 do.

    The activist role

    UK journalists’ interest in the more activist watchdog role has risen between 2015 and 2023. It should be noted that the question was asked slightly differently in 2015. Then, 48% found it very or extremely important to monitor and scrutinise political leaders, and 59% thought the same about business. In 2023, 65% considered monitoring and scrutinising those in power very or extremely important.

    In general, we found that as younger journalists are turning away from roles that can be considered more neutral, such as “providing analysis of current affairs”, they are becoming more interested in more activist roles.

    Roles such as “speaking on behalf of the marginalised” and “shining a light on society’s problems” are both more important for journalists under 40 than for older journalists.

    We also found that the role of “educating the audience” was significant – 88% of respondents said it was important. This role can sometimes be considered more activist, as it may involve conveying cultural or moral values in addition to information. Along with younger journalists, we found those who produce for podcasts and for radio are significantly more interested in this role than other journalists.

    Young journalists were more likely to embrace activist roles.
    Silatip/Shutterstock

    We also observed that roles which support active participation in democracy, such as “provide information people need to form political opinions”, are more favoured by journalists working for local and regional media than by their colleagues at national outlets.

    Those working for internet native media reported being less interested in these roles than those in legacy media (newspaper, TV or radio). Additionally, journalists’ interest in commercially driven roles like “providing the kind of news that attracts the largest audience”, has decreased.

    Responding to pressure

    Recent political and social upheavals have raised confronting questions about journalists’ role in society.

    In the aftermath of Brexit, journalists were accused of failing their democratic role. So-called mainstream media have been criticised by alternative media for supposedly reinforcing the establishment’s agenda. And journalists’ traditionally most treasured value – objectivity – has been questioned in the face of the war in Ukraine, social movements such as Black Lives Matter and existential threats like climate change. It’s no wonder that many journalists themselves are perturbed by what is happening to their profession.

    Our survey points to a notable shift in journalists’ professional attitudes. UK journalists, especially the younger generation, seem to respond more to the pressures that challenge their traditional roles. Meanwhile, local news outlets and legacy media emerge as the most determined advocates for journalism’s democratic role.

    The dispute about the contested value of journalistic objectivity has become a bellwether for journalists’ changing professional culture. Our survey shows that, while still important for UK journalists, it is indeed eroding.

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

    – ref. Young UK journalists learn towards activist roles, away from objectivity – new survey – https://theconversation.com/young-uk-journalists-learn-towards-activist-roles-away-from-objectivity-new-survey-254839

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Green taxation in Cyprus – E-001234/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001234/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgos Georgiou (The Left)

    The Cypriot Minister of Finance said in a statement[1] that next May the Government is due to put into force green taxes on fuel, water and waste. The previous administration under Nicos Anastasiades had pledged to introduce these taxes under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

    Given the very difficult circumstances (high prices, stratospheric cost of living and energy poverty) currently faced by the majority of households and small and medium-sized businesses in Cyprus and the fact that country is relatively behind with regard to its green transition, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Bearing in mind the lack of infrastructure and the high prices and energy poverty that exist in Cyprus, can the Recovery Fund be revised to avoid green taxes, with a view to minimising pressure on households and businesses in Cyprus?
    • 2.Given that there is no European directive or regulation imposing green taxes, is there a legal obligation to implement the measure?

    Submitted: 25.3.2025

    • [1] (https://www.sigmalive.com/news/oikonomia/1265209/ypik-perithwrio-mekhri-maio-ghia-prasini-forologhia-apomenoyn-telikes-pinelies)
    Last updated: 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Canada ahead of the 2025 election: Navigating a complex geopolitical landscape – 23-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Following increasing pressure from members of his own party and a period of low opinion poll ratings, Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau announced his resignation from the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada on 6 January 2025. Mark Carney, his successor as prime minister of Canada, and new leader of the Liberal Party, has called a snap parliamentary election for 28 April. This year’s election will mark a decade of Liberal Party rule in Canada, a period with significant political, economic and diplomatic developments. In some cases, the administration continued already existing policies; in some others, it diverged significantly. While Canada’s relationship with China and India has grown increasingly tense in recent years, the country has traditionally relied on close partnerships with its Western allies, particularly its southern neighbour, the United States (US). This dynamic has shifted under the second Trump administration, which has started its term in a far more bellicose tone than before. Canada’s next administration will need to navigate a volatile geopolitical environment characterised by the US’s trade war and weakening commitment to its role as a global leader and guarantor of the Pax Americana; China’s increasingly assertive posture as a second superpower; Russia’s renewed ambitions for a greater global role; and the emergence of middle powers and countries from the Global South. This briefing builds on a 2022 EPRS briefing on Canada’s Parliament and other political institutions. While the earlier briefing examines Canada’s federal structure, parliament and levels of governance, the present one focuses more on the political, economic and external relations developments over the past decade, in light of the upcoming election.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The dangers of counterfeit medication ordered online in the EU – P-001561/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001561/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dirk Gotink (PPE)

    Last Friday, a person died in the Netherlands after taking fake oxycodon pills, bought online without prescription. The authorities have warned that these pills contain the highly dangerous synthetic opioid isotonitazepyne, a substance from the nitazene family.

    These substances are often linked to production in China. Reports indicate that they are manufactured in Chinese laboratories and distributed via rapidly changing online networks. The sellers hide behind multiple identities, frequently change addresses and use encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram, making them difficult to tackle.

    • 1.How can the European Commission ensure that such dangerous substances are not fraudulently distributed within the EU?
    • 2.What measures is the European Commission planning to raise public awareness of the dangers of counterfeit pain medication and synthetic opioids?
    • 3.Given the rapidly changing nature of illicit drug networks, what additional steps will the Commission take to strengthen cooperation with third countries, in particular China, to tackle the production and export of synthetic opioids in counterfeit medication?

    Submitted: 16.4.2025

    Last updated: 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –