Source: Council of the European Union
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Belarus and the involvement of Belarus in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh
The Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is supporting renewed warnings from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) as criminals stoop to new lows, targeting grieving families with heartless scams.
Police have seen a rise in cases where scammers are targeting family members of the deceased, claiming to be from the funeral service providers. As with any scam, their aim remains unchanged – to trick individuals into handing over personal and financial details, paving the way for more sophisticated scams, where the losses can be substantial and even life-changing.
Detective Inspector Harris from PSNI’s Organised Crime Department said: “The lengths scammers go to are not only extensive but disgraceful. Our advice is don’t respond to unknown calls and texts; don’t give away personal information to people you don’t know; don’t transfer money to unknown people. Where possible, do any transactions in-person with the funeral service provider, so as you know where your money is going.
“We understand this isn’t always an option, but where it is, proceed accordingly and if something doesn’t seem quite right, don’t continue – report it to your local officers.
“Scammers think they’re smart but following these rules will show them you’re smarter. Stop. Check. Report.”
As part of its ongoing work, the PCSP is committed to raising public awareness of scams and fraud prevention. Through community engagement, education, and partnership with PSNI and ScamwiseNI, the PCSP helps ensure residents are equipped to recognise and resist scams – especially those exploiting vulnerable moments like bereavement.
Alderman Mark Baxter, Chair of the PCSP said, “No one should have to worry about being scammed while grieving the loss of a loved one. That’s why we are reminding everyone of the importance of staying alert and informed. Educating our community on how scams work is vital to protecting people’s money and their peace of mind.”
The public is urged to remember the simple yet powerful message: Stop. Check. Report.
More information and guidance is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or follow the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni.
Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh
Young people aged 12–16 from across the area took part in an exciting Good Relations Digital Arts Programme recently, with workshops held at Brownlow Hub, Dromore Community Centre, and TMAC Keady.
The programme gave participants the chance to explore a wide range of digital arts including animation, photography, Minecraft, VR, and graphic design. Through hands-on activities like music production, logo design, film making, and creative structure builds, young people not only learned valuable new skills, but also had the opportunity to build friendships and connect with others from different backgrounds.
This engaging initiative helped promote creativity, confidence, and community connection, all while fostering good relations in a fun, interactive setting.
Source: City of Canterbury
Postal votes for the Kent County Council election on Thursday 1 May are being sent out from today (Tuesday 15 April).
Around 16,500 postal votes have been applied for, with the bulk of them being sent to households today. Those applied for close to the application cut off will be sent in the following days.
Many people will be familiar with the arrangements for returning them, but for those new applicants or as a general reminder, these are the options:
REALLY IMPORTANT: if you just put the postal vote through our letterbox at Rose Lane without completing the form referred to above, your postal vote will be rejected.
The maximum number of postal votes that can be handed in at one time is five, plus your own.
Finally, a reminder about proxy votes and voter identification.
If you require a proxy vote for the election, the deadline to apply is Wednesday 23 April at 5pm.
And accepted photo identification will be required for anyone voting in person at a polling station on 1 May. See the full list of accepted photo ID.
If you don’t have accepted photo ID, you can apply for photo ID (called a Voter Authority Certificate), by Wednesday 23 April at 5pm.
Polling stations will be open between the normal hours of 7am and 10pm on 1 May.
The count will then take place during the day on Friday 2 May with results published on KCC’s website.
Published: 15 April 2025
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
ATLANTA – Aliakbar Mohammad Amin has been arrested and charged pursuant to a criminal complaint with transmitting interstate threats to injure Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard and her family.
“Threatening to harm public officials is a criminal act that cannot be excused as political discourse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will vigorously prosecute individuals who commit these acts of violence.”
“The FBI sees all threatening communications as a serious federal offense. We will employ every investigative tool and resource available to identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Let this arrest serve as a clear warning: if you engage in this kind of criminal behavior, you will be caught and you will go to prison.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the complaint, and other information presented in court: Between March 29 and April 1, 2025, Amin allegedly sent text messages that included threats against DNI Gabbard and her husband, including the following statements:
During the investigation, federal agents also discovered similar threats allegedly made by Amin in social media posts, including an image depicting a firearm pointed at a photograph of DNI Gabbard, and a second image of a firearm pointed at a photograph of DNI Gabbard and her husband. Federal agents later recovered a firearm while executing a warrant to search Amin’s home.
Aliakbar Mohammad Amin, 24, of Lilburn, Georgia, was charged on April 11, 2025, via a previously sealed criminal complaint alleging a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c). He was ordered detained pending trial by a U.S. Magistrate Judge after making his initial appearance in federal court.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
AVAILABILITY OR CONSULTATION OF THE INFORMATION RELATING TO THE COMBINED GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS DATED 20 MAY 2025
Press release
Paris, 15 April 2025
The Combined General Meeting of shareholders will be held on 20 May 2025, at 4 pm, at CNIT Forest, 2, Place de la Défense, 92092 Puteaux, France.
The notice of meeting and the convening notice relating to this Meeting were respectively published in the Bulletins des Annonces Légales Obligatoires (BALO) dated 12 March and 14 April 2025.
These notices, the convening brochure as well as the documents and information mentioned in Article R. 22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code intended to be presented to the Meeting are now (regarding the information mentioned in Article R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code) or will be made available to the shareholders on Societe Generale’s website at the following address:
https://www.societegenerale.com/en/societe-generale-group/governance/annual-general-meeting.
The documents to be made available to the shareholders as part of this Meeting, may be consulted by the shareholders, in accordance with the conditions provided by the applicable regulations, at the administrative office of Societe Generale, 17 cours Valmy – 92972 La Défense Cedex (France), by sending a request by email to the electronic address: General.meeting@socgen.com.
Press contacts:
Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com
Fanny Rouby_+33 1 57 29 11 12_ fanny.rouby@socgen.com
Societe Generale
Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.
The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:
Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).
In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.
For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.
Attachment
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Robust bookings despite a challenging macroeconomic environment
€2.77 million in Annual Contract Value (ACV) in Q1 2025
Solid revenue growth of +22%, driven by a +26% increase in SaaS subscriptions, reflecting strong recurring revenue momentum
Double-digit sales growth confirmed for 2025, despite ongoing market uncertainty
Sidetrade, the global leader in AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, today announces €2.77 million in bookings for the first quarter of 2025, along with revenue growth of +22%, including a +26% increase in SaaS subscriptions.
Olivier Novasque, CEO of Sidetrade commented:
“While the start of the year has been shaped by an uncertain economic climate—particularly in the United States—we continue to deliver double-digit revenue growth quarter after quarter. In Q1, we commend the strong performance of our European bookings, reflecting solid commercial momentum among existing clients. This was driven by the adoption of new product modules and geographic expansion into new countries. This expansion within our installed base effectively offset the more cautious stance of decision-makers in the US market. Achieving a near-perfect balance (50/50) in our development model over the past three years—between bookings from Europe versus the United States on one hand, and new customer sales versus existing customer upsell on the other—has equipped us with the resilience to navigate more turbulent periods when one of these components temporarily falters. Looking ahead across all four quarters of fiscal year 2025, we are confident in our ability to maintain this equilibrium. Regarding Q1 revenue, our record bookings in 2024, combined with a revenue recurrence rate exceeding 90% and the contribution from SHS Viveon, has enabled us to achieve a strong growth of +22%, continuing the momentum from our standout 2024 performance.”
€2.77 million in Annual Contract Value (ACV) in Q1 2025
In the first quarter of 2025, Sidetrade delivered a solid performance, recording €2.77 million in Annual Contract Value (ACV) from new signed contracts, compared to €3.98 million in Q1 2024. It is important to note that Q1 2024 represented an exceptionally high comparison base, with triple-digit growth of +117%, nearing the Company’s all-time record of €4.1 million. While Q1 2025 marks a year-over-year decline of 30% against this particularly strong prior-year quarter, the performance remains robust in absolute terms and significantly exceeds the €1.83 million recorded in Q1 2023, representing a +51% increase over that period.
During the quarter, strong performance in Europe—driven by existing customers and accounting for nearly 90% of total bookings—more than offset a more mixed performance in the United States. This European momentum was supported by the successful commercialization of new product modules, including CashApps and Augmented Invoice, the latter being dedicated to electronic invoicing. In North America, bookings contributed 15% of Q1 2025 total bookings. The region faced a more cautious investment environment, as key decision-makers adopted a wait-and-see approach regarding new project commitments.
In addition, new SaaS bookings (New ARR) totaled €1.28 million, compared to €1.85 million in Q1 2024, while Services bookings totaled €1.49 million versus €2.13 million in Q1 2024.
Sidetrade’s development model—balanced between North America and Europe, and between new customer acquisitions and upsells to the existing client base—provides the Company with strong resilience against short-term market imbalances. This quarter, solid expansion sales in Europe among existing customers ultimately enabled the Company to deliver a robust overall performance, despite a more challenging macroeconomic environment in the US.
Solid revenue growth of +22%, driven by a +26% increase in SaaS subscriptions, reflecting strong recurring revenue momentum
| Sidetrade
(€m) |
Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | Change |
| SaaS Subscriptions | 12.1 (1) | 9.6 | +26% |
| Revenue | 14.3 (2) | 11.8 | +22% |
All the 2025 information in this financial release is from consolidated, unaudited data.
(1) includes €1.35 million in recurring revenue from SHS Viveon
(2) includes €1.90 million in total revenue from SHS Viveon
Sidetrade recorded a very strong start to fiscal year 2025, posting revenue of €14.3 million for the first quarter, representing year-over-year growth of +22%.
SaaS subscriptions reached €12.1 million in Q1 2025, reflecting year-over-year growth of 26%, including +12% on a like-for-like basis (excluding the integration of SHS Viveon). This sustained pace underscores the effectiveness of Sidetrade’s SaaS business model and its ability to efficiently convert bookings into recognized revenue.
In the first quarter of 2025, Services revenue posted modest growth of +3%, reaching €2.2 million. On a like-for-like basis (excluding the impact of SHS Viveon), this represents a decline of -20%. This trend reflects a lower volume of new large-scale projects and more limited-service engagements related to SaaS subscriptions among existing clients.
Sidetrade continued to expand its footprint with large multinationals. In Q1 2025, subscriptions from companies generating over €2.5 billion in annual revenue grew by 44%. For the first time, contracts from these large enterprises accounted for more than half of Sidetrade’s total subscription revenue, representing 53% of the total—underscoring the Company’s increasingly strong positioning within the large enterprise segment. This momentum is expected to remain a key growth driver in the coming quarters.
The integration of SHS Viveon’s operations (effective as of July 1, 2024) contributed €1.9 million to Sidetrade’s revenue in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for 13% of the total quarterly revenue.
It is important to note that all of Sidetrade’s multi-year contracts are systematically indexed to inflation—using the Syntec index for Southern Europe, the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Northern Europe, and the U.S. CPI for the United States. This mechanism ensures that annual price adjustments are applied automatically to SaaS subscription fees in line with inflation trends, without the need to wait for contract renewal.
Next financial announcement
Annual General Meeting: June 18, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (France, Sidetrade headquarters)
First Half Year Revenue for 2025: July 16, 2025 (after the stock market closes)
Investor relations
Christelle Dhrif 00 33 6 10 46 72 00 cdhrif@sidetrade.com
Media relations
Becca Parlby 00 44 7824 5055 84 bparlby@sidetrade.com
About Sidetrade (www.sidetrade.com)
Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA) provides a SaaS platform designed to revolutionize how cash flow is secured and accelerated. Leveraging its next-generation AI, nicknamed Aimie, Sidetrade analyzes $7.2 trillion worth of B2B payment transactions daily in its Cloud, thereby anticipating customer payment behavior and the attrition risk of 39.9 million buyers worldwide. Aimie recommends the best operational strategies, dematerializes and intelligently automates Order-to-Cash processes to enhance productivity, results and working capital across organizations.
Sidetrade has a global reach, with 400+ talented employees based in Europe, the United States and Canada, serving global businesses in more than 85 countries. Amongst them: Biffa, Bunzl, Engie, Inmarsat, KPMG, Lafarge, Manpower, Page, Randstad, Saint-Gobain, Securitas, Tech Data, UGI, and Veolia.
Sidetrade is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, adhering to its principles-based approach to responsible business.
For further information, visit us at www.sidetrade.com and follow @Sidetrade on LinkedIn.
In the event of any discrepancy between the French and English versions of this press release, only the French version is to be taken into account.
Attachment
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hossein Zarei, Assistant Professor of Operations Management, Aston University
The two blast furnaces at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant in England are the last of their kind in the UK. The UK steel industry was once a world leader, powering the industrial revolution. But these days it is in crisis.
The Chinese owner of the plant, Jingye Group, stopped ordering the raw materials needed for steel production and recently announced the furnaces would close down for good. Around 2,700 jobs are at risk at the plant – which is reportedly losing £700,000 a day.
In response, the UK government introduced emergency powers to take control of production in a scramble to stop the furnaces from going cold. But its future remains uncertain.
So why couldn’t the government just buy the raw materials needed to keep the furnaces burning? With steel, there are peculiarities around the production and supply chain.
Virgin steel is the strongest form of the material and is used in key industries like railways, construction and manufacturing. It will be vital for the government’s ambitions to invest in UK infrastructure, from housing to green energy. Virgin steel is made using the extreme heat from a blast furnace, which must run 24 hours a day all year round.
Manufacturing in other industries can be paused when demand goes down and then resumed once products are needed again. But for blast furnaces, if paused, the molten iron inside solidifies. And once reheated, it expands and cracks the furnace.
To keep the blast furnaces running, it needs steady supplies (and “steady” is a key word here) of coking coal and iron ore. These are the two main raw materials needed for virgin steel.
Planning for a steady supply requires inventory management, a science that aims to avoid either over-supply or shortages in the production process.
Within inventory management, there are various models. For the steel industry, the “economic order quantity” model minimises the costs of ordering and holding raw materials to work out the best order size.
When ordering costs go up, for example, due to increased shipping costs, the model adjusts the order size by buying larger batches. This should eventually keep the total inventory cost to a minimum.
Ordering steel supplies builds on models like this, accompanied by other inventory management techniques. This ensures that costs are minimised while keeping enough iron ore and coking coal on hand to keep the furnaces burning.
This is opposite to the “just-in-time” model, which recommends smaller quantities are ordered only when and where needed. Models like just-in-time are a better fit further downstream in supply chains, closer to the end customers. Here there is more variability in demand as customers’ tastes change.
Read more:
The past, present and uncertain future of the UK’s steel industry
Virgin steel, on the other hand, follows a much more stable demand pattern. It prioritises cost-efficiency over agility.
But problems arise when supply chains are distorted by external factors. The UK government has questioned whether Jingye was guilty of neglecting the plant. There is no doubt that if the furnaces in Scunthorpe went cold, the UK would become the only country in the G7 without the ability to produce its own virgin steel.
It would then have to turn to China, the single largest global producer of steel (subsidised by the Chinese state), for imports.
Research on geopolitical tensions in supply chains shows that larger firms often adopt a “wait and see” strategy, rather than a proactive one in the face of these tensions. And geopolitical risks are less damaging to firms that have planned their supply chain resilience better, and that have greater cash holdings.
Both of these were overlooked at British Steel, which has been struggling with financial problems and inefficient planning in recent years.
Research on supply chains also shows that in the face of disruptions, firms can reconfigure their supplier networks. They can adopt a more diversified base of suppliers, create parallel supply chains, and consider reshoring (moving operations back from overseas).
Again, the opposite is true for British Steel. It transitioned from domestic coking coal suppliers to international ones due to stricter UK environmental regulations and cheaper prices overseas.
Another factor is lead times – the time from when an order is placed until it reaches the plant’s gate. Unlike the downstream of the supply chain, which is based on agile response to changing customer demands (the “pull” concept), the upstream of supply chains, where commodities like steel are manufactured, works in anticipation of demand (“push”) for the weeks and even months to come.
Here, the lead times are long and cost-efficiency, not responsiveness, is the main objective. For steel production supplies, the lead time is around 45 days in normal times. The government has been able to secure emergency shipments from US, Australia and Sweden to tackle the supply shortage for now.
But there are other factors that exacerbate British Steel’s problems. The 25% tariffs imposed by the US on steel imports and fears of a global trade war may drive down the already declining global demand for steel.
Second, producing virgin steel in blast furnaces is extremely energy-intensive compared to other methods of production like electric arc furnaces (although these cannot produce virgin steel). And the UK already has higher energy costs than rival steel-producing nations.
Third, after years of apparent neglect, the Scunthorpe furnaces are now near the end of their lives. They should retire soon, even without Jingye’s decision to shut them down. All these elements have accelerated British Steel’s loss of competitive edge, leading to it filing those huge daily losses.
Supply chain issues compounded by global tensions and an uncertain market create a perfect storm for the demise of British Steel. Government efforts to secure supplies are half measures that will merely keep the old furnaces operational for another few years. Whether it is eventually nationalised or acquired by a new parent company, the long-term sustainability of British Steel lies in investment in newer, greener virgin steel production methods – and getting a hold of the supply chain.
Hossein Zarei 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. What caused the crisis at British Steel? – https://theconversation.com/what-caused-the-crisis-at-british-steel-254557
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine, University of East Anglia
The bin workers’ strike in Birmingham – which began on March 11 – is set to continue after the latest pay offer was “overwhelmingly” rejected.
Not only are the growing mountains of refuse unsightly and creating foul odours, they could pose significant threats to local residents’ health. Birmingham city council has declared the situation a “major incident”. This enables council leaders to request extra support from central government.
This is not the first time bins have gone uncollected in the UK, though. Glasgow experienced a major refuse strike in 2021, while Birmingham previously saw significant disruption to refuse collection in 2017.
Internationally, one of the most infamous garbage crises occurred in Naples, Italy, where mismanagement and mafia involvement led to a waste buildup that lasted over a decade. It finally ended in 2008.
Surprisingly, studies on the health effects of the build up of domestic refuse in towns and cities are scarce. The few studies that do exist tend to be in developing countries or in people living close to waste treatment centres.
Several studies have suggested increased deaths, cancer rates and birth defects associated with the Naples garbage crisis. However, these were associated with exposure over several years.
The most comprehensive review that I can find dates back to 1967 before several of the major infectious concerns were even discovered.
Probably the most apparent danger from the Birmingham crisis is the reported appearance of rats – which some locals have described as being “bigger than cats”.
Rats can transmit several diseases to humans. The infection of most concern is Weil’s disease, which can severely damage the liver and kidneys and can cause neurological problems. It can even be fatal.
This infection is transmitted in rats’ urine and gains entry to the human body through cuts and grazes on the skin. Infections are mostly acquired during immersion in water contaminated by rats’ urine. There have been outbreaks associated with swimming in contaminated water or during flooding.
Another infection is rat bite fever, a bacterial infection acquired following rodent bites. Both these infections are rare but can be fatal if not promptly treated.
Then there is Seoul hantavirus, a viral infection that is mainly caught from breathing in aerosols (fine sprays) of rat urine and faeces. All of these rat-associated infections are quite rare. But even excluding these infections, rat bites can be severe and, like all animal bites, can become infected.
Another worry is stomach bugs such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and E coli, as well as bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Wild animals, such as birds and foxes, might tear open bin bags, pick up these germs and then spread them to people through food or water. Even contact with pet dogs or cats can be a risk, since they can carry some of these bacteria.
Seagulls can pick up Salmonella and Campylobacter from waste dumps and then pass that infection onto humans. At least one outbreak of Campylobacter was caused by birds pecking through milk bottle tops.
Flies breed in rubbish and can also spread Campylobacter infections.
Finally, there is the issue of clinical waste such as needles being inappropriately disposed of in domestic refuse. Such clinical waste could include needles that could cause injury and spread blood-borne viruses, especially HIV and hepatitis B.
Figuring out the likelihood of these harms is not that easy, though. But top of my list of concerns would be sharps injuries from contact with inappropriately discarded clinical waste. I would be particularly concerned about children playing around collections of waste. Bites from rats and other vermin attracted to waste would also be high on my list.
Until the piles of refuse can be removed, children and pets must be kept away from them. If you need to move refuse sacks, make sure you wear a mask, strong gloves and as much protective clothing as possible.
Paul Hunter consults for the World Health Organization and sits on a science advisory committee for Suez. He receives funding from National Institute for Health Research and has received funding from the World Health Organization and the European Regional Development Fund.
– ref. Birmingham bin strikes: a threat to public health – https://theconversation.com/birmingham-bin-strikes-a-threat-to-public-health-254400
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
“The impact of AI on the labor market is a relevant topic that has been little studied in Russia. In our study, we used unique data from a survey of AI-using organizations, allowing us to analyze the effects of AI implementation taking into account the characteristics of organizations and the parameters for implementing these technologies,” the authors note.
Overall, the implementation of AI technologies has resulted in an increase in the quality of products or services (in 54.3% of user organizations), an increase in the efficiency of business processes (51%), and labor productivity (45%). More than a quarter of AI-using companies (27.6%) reported an increase in labor safety. The least common impacts of AI on the work of organizations were a decrease in the number of employees (10%) and labor costs (9.4%).
Most often, organizations use AI in marketing and sales (55.9%) and organizational management (39.9%), less often in working with personnel (16.5%), logistics and transportation (17.4%).
Visual data processing technologies are the most popular in all types of economic activity, except for activities in the field of information and communication, where text processing technologies are more widespread.
In total, 69.2% of user organizations participating in the survey used visual data processing technologies. Text processing technologies are used by 48.7% of respondents, and audio data processing technologies are used by 46.3%. “Four AI technologies are used by 11.3%, three by 14.6%, two by 20.1%, but a separate class of AI technologies is in demand at the majority of organizations (45.1%),” the study notes.
“While more and more organizations are adopting AI technologies, many are still in their early stages of AI integration,” the authors write.
Researchers have found that various effects on labor have a significant relationship with different characteristics of organizations and the implementation of AI. For example, the implementation of all types of AI technology (except for visual data processing) in all business processes in which AI is implemented (except for security) leads to an increase in labor productivity in the organization. At the same time, the effect, unlike others, turned out to be more typical for large organizations.
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.
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation
15th April 2025
The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke today announced Government approval to accelerate the development of a new whole-of-government Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, alongside a suite of immediate measures designed to bolster business resilience and support competitiveness
We are living in a time of significant global change, marked by growing geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and persistent cost pressures affecting businesses both large and small. While Ireland continues to perform strongly in international competitiveness rankings, we cannot be complacent. To safeguard our economic future and support our enterprises, we must act decisively on the domestic factors we can influence.
Therefore, the Government has today agreed to fast-track the creation of a vital Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, aiming to produce a draft within 12 weeks for discussion at a Ministerial Summit in July. This plan will identify concrete, actionable reforms across government to enhance our competitive edge.
As part of this plan, we are implementing a range of immediate, targeted measures by May 2025. These actions focus on key areas including enhancing international trade promotion supports for firms facing disruption, addressing business costs through regulatory adjustments and targeted initiatives, and improving energy security and infrastructure delivery.
I remain committed to the introduction of the Living Wage, and to fair wages for all workers. Government has approved substantial increases in the minimum wage, particularly over the last couple of years. The National Minimum Wage increased by €1.40 per hour in 2024, and by 80 cents per hour in January of this year. These uplifts have seen real increases in lower paid workers’ wages, exceeding inflation and wage growth across the economy.
I want to make sure that any further increases in the National Minimum Wage are managed in a sustainable way, and in a way that does not threaten employment or competitiveness. I will make sure we find a balance between a fair and sustainable rate for low paid workers, and one that will not have significant negative consequences for employers and competitiveness.
Government recognises the important work of the independent Low Pay Commission, and I look forward to receiving their recommendations for the 2026 National Minimum Wage later this year
These combined efforts – the accelerated long-term plan and the immediate support measures – demonstrate our commitment to proactively managing challenges and maintaining Ireland as an attractive and competitive location for business.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and a vital source of jobs and innovation in every town and community across Ireland. In today’s complex global environment, it’s more important than ever that we provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive. The measures announced today — from enhanced trade supports to tackling the cost of doing business reflect a strong, targeted response to the real challenges entrepreneurs and retailers are facing on the ground.
The establishment of a dedicated Small Business Unit and the creation of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum, will ensure the voice of small business is heard clearly in shaping future policy. As we fast-track the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, I am committed to making sure small firms are not only protected but empowered to grow, create jobs, and continue contributing to a vibrant, resilient economy.”
Also welcoming the announcement, Minister Smyth – Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation commented:
The rapidly evolving international economic landscape underscores the critical role of competitiveness in fostering sustainable growth within an open economy like ours. The upcoming Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity reflects the Government’s recognition of the need to address these challenges and its commitment to creating tangible growth opportunities for enterprises in Ireland.
Ahead of the Action Plan, the introduction of short-term measures demonstrates the Government’s readiness to respond swiftly to emerging developments. I particularly welcome the initiatives aimed at bolstering Ireland’s international trade promotion. Diversifying our trade relationships will be essential to maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Background:
The Government’s focus on competitiveness comes amid a changing international context and heightened EU attention on bolstering Europe’s economic dynamism, as highlighted in recent reports and the European Commission’s ‘Competitiveness Compass’. While Ireland benefits from a skilled workforce and success in attracting high-value FDI, challenges remain, notably in infrastructure capacity and the high cost of doing business compared to competitor nations.
The Programme for Government mandated the development of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, intended to cover areas critical to Ireland’s economic performance including industrial policy, regulatory burden reduction, infrastructure, energy, trade, and innovation. By expediting this Plan, the Government aims to align key decisions with the upcoming Budgetary process, enabling swift implementation. The approach will be evidence-based, involving consultation across Government Departments and with stakeholders.
In addition to accelerating the Action Plan, the Government has approved the following high-level short-term measures for implementation by May 2025:
Enhancing International Trade Promotion: Actions will focus on implementing enhanced advisory supports for exporters facing disruption, accelerating progress on key international trade agreements like CETA, developing a strategic approach to market diversification, streamlining security clearance processes for exporters, and bringing forward a National Semiconductor Strategy.
Addressing Business Costs: Measures include adjusting the implementation timeline for the Living Wage to 2029 but the Government remains committed to the introduction of a Living Wage during its term. Decisions on youth sub-minimum wage rates will be deferred, and further changes to statutory sick pay paused. A new Cost of Business Advisory Forum will be established, we will proceed with omnibus changes to simplify the CSRD regulations, a Small Business Unit will be created, and competition and consumer protection enforcement strengthened.
Improving Energy Infrastructure: Steps will be taken to provide policy certainty regarding data centres, publish plans for connecting large energy users to the grid, foster collaboration between Government and industry on offshore renewable energy development, accelerate the deployment of critical electricity grid infrastructure, and explore options for development routes to market for zones B, C and D in South Coast DMAP to provide pathway for future offshore wind energy to meet growing electricity demand
ENDS
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The statement follows the agreement of an MoU between the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and Government of Ireland
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn.
Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, said:
I welcome the Irish Government’s commitment to co-operate with the Omagh Bombing Inquiry through this memorandum of understanding.
This is a very positive step that will help enable the independent Inquiry to do its job and provide answers for families.
The Omagh bombing was a heinous atrocity committed by the Real IRA at a time when communities in Northern Ireland were looking forward to peace and stability.
It caused immense pain and suffering to the many families who lost loved ones and to those who were injured. They will always be in our thoughts.
Source: Washington State News 2
OLYMPIA – Washington is growing – fast. In the next two decades, millions more people will call this state home and demand for efficient, sustainable transportation will be greater than ever. Highways are already congested, freight movement is critical to our economy and communities need safe, reliable ways to connect.
That’s why the Washington State Department of Transportation is updating the State Rail Plan. To ensure residents across the state have a voice in this future, WSDOT is seeking public feedback on rail-related issues that are important to communities to help shape the plan update.
“Rail is a vital part of Washington’s transportation system, moving people and goods efficiently while reducing congestion and emissions,” said Jason Biggs, director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division. “Public input is essential in shaping a rail system that supports our communities, economy and the environment.”
Feedback from these outreach activities will help inform the plan update, which will be submitted to state and federal leaders in early 2026.
When: April 15 – June 24, 2025 (available 24/7)
Where: Online at the Washington State Rail Plan online engagement site
Details: This is a self-guided online open house available 24/7 from Tuesday, April 15, through Tuesday, June 24, to obtain feedback on the State Rail Plan. Visitors can explore background materials on statewide rail planning efforts and complete a brief survey to share how they currently use the rail system and what they’d like to see in the future. Both the background information and the survey are available in several different languages, including: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Russian.
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit the Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/
In addition to the online open house, WSDOT will host several online webinars in May and June. These interactive sessions will give community members and interested partners the opportunity to learn more about passenger and freight rail topics, as well as ask questions and share ideas that will help shape Washington’s rail system. Register for the webinars on the online open house webpage.
For ongoing future information, subscribe to receive email updates on the State Rail Plan and future engagement opportunities.
Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Tuesday, 15 April 2025
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by Father Massimo Miraglio*Pourcine Pic Makaya (Agenzia Fides) – Every morning, around 250 children walk for hours along steep and dangerous paths to reach the primary and nursery school in Pourcine Pic Makaya, where the village is located. They come from hamlets scattered throughout the area: some climb from the nearby valleys, others descend from the top of the plateau, facing stony and slippery paths that become almost impassable in the rain or dew.“Every morning, at 7:30, I stand at the entrance to the schoolyard to welcome our young heroes, aged between 4 and 14,” says a missionary present in the community. “Many arrive punctually and dressed up, within their means. Even the little ones, who travel long distances, have washed at the public fountain and put on their school uniforms.” Punctuality, however, is not always possible. “Are you late, Jean?” the missionary asks a child. “Father, I live in Loran. This morning my mother sent me to the fountain to get water, then I took the goat to graze… and the path is very slippery,” the little boy replies. It’s barely 8:30 in the morning, and this seven-year-old has already covered several kilometers and completed multiple family chores.“Falling ill at Pourcine Pic Makaya is a tragedy that must be avoided. The hospital is inaccessible and reserved for the most serious cases, who are carried by hand on a stretcher to the bottom of the valley (a six-hour walk) and then… by motorbike, or if you are lucky enough to meet one of the very rare cars that pass by, you can hope to reach the hospital in Jérémie, but many often die along the way.”Illnesses, especially those that are not too serious, are treated at Pourcine Pic Makaya with traditional medicine, which combines the use of medicinal plants with rituals and beliefs that are more difficult to understand. In many cases, this medicine is effective and decisive, but there are situations that, due to their severity, require immediate treatment and the presence of professional personnel. In these cases, continuing to administer traditional remedies can have fatal consequences.“In recent months, several people have died because of these ‘false beliefs’ fueled by cults. In Pourcine Pic Makaya, the parish priest’s house has become a point of reference for all those who fall ill, whether it’s a toothache, bronchitis, or a wound that needs treating… not to mention schoolchildren: parasites, fever, cough, wounds, and some then, with so much hope in their hearts, come from far away to seek a solution to even serious health problems.” “For the time being,” he continues, “what we can do is monitor the symptoms and help the person reach the bottom of the valley where, with luck, they may be able to reach the hospital. Every time I am amazed to see how a person in very poor health manages to make such an arduous and difficult journey. They arrive at the parish feverish or seriously injured, and from there they set off to reach the hospital. A people of heroes.”“In 2024 and in this first part of 2025, some steps have been taken to improve the living conditions of the local community (see Fides, 5/3/2025). During 2025, we will continue along this path, despite the country’s enormous difficulties. We will begin the literacy project for adults, maintenance work on some sections of the paths and mule tracks in the area, the second section of the aqueduct, and the safety of two other sources, the coffee nursery. The greatest challenge remains: building a small clinic to meet the population’s significant health needs.”(Agenzia Fides, 15/4/2025)* Father Massimo Miraglio is a Camillian missionary of the Order of Ministers to the Sick, parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pourcine Pic Makaya.
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Tuesday, 15 April 2025 war
Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – With tens of thousands of dead, 14 million internally displaced people, and more than three and a half million refugees in neighboring countries, Sudan is entering the third year of a devastating civil war that shows no signs on the horizon. This is the toll of two years of civil war in Sudan which broke out on April 15, 2023, between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagalo (see Fides, 17/4/2023).As the fighting continues, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Millions of Sudanese have lost their sources of income and remain trapped in displacement camps or in their homes, under constant threat of bombing and fighting. In the areas recently reconquered by the army, the situation remains critical: looting is frequent and basic infrastructure—such as water and electricity distribution—is practically destroyed. The military strategy adopted by the RSF, based on the intensive use of drones to bomb power and telecommunications plants, has left much of the country in darkness and without communications for long periods of the conflict. While the SAF has regained control of Khartoum, the capital where a third of the population resides, the fiercest fighting is now concentrated in Darfur, a stronghold of the RSF. The situation is particularly alarming in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which has been under siege for almost a year. There, thousands of civilians face extreme shortages of food and water, exacerbated by the blockade of supplies. In recent days, the RSF has intensified its attacks in the region. After bombing the Zamzam displaced persons camp, located about 12 kilometers from El Fasher, for three consecutive days, they took control of the site, causing at least 500 deaths, according to local sources (see Fides, 14/4/2025). In two years, the economic impact of the conflict is equally catastrophic. Sudan is estimated to have lost nearly $33 billion of its gross domestic product. The industrial sector, which before the conflict represented 17% of Sudan’s GDP, has been severely affected: the Ministry of Industry reported that more than 40% of factories – 2,655 out of a total of 6,660 – have closed their doors. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 15/4/2025)
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Florin-Petrica Bodale, who was a sole trader operating as a building contractor, exaggerated his turnover to obtain the maximum Bounce Back Loan.
Florin-Petrica Bodale was a building contractor and sole trader, operating in Harrow.
He claimed his business had a turnover of more than £200,000 to claim the maximum Covid Bounce Back loan.
He was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, following a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
A building contractor who fraudulently claimed a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back loan has received a 13-month suspended sentence.
Florin-Petrica Bodale operated as a building contractor offering plumbing, heating and air-conditioning installation and was based in Harrow, London.
In November 2020, the 34-year-old successfully applied to a bank for a Covid Bounce Back loan of £50,000.
But an Insolvency Service investigation found that he had falsely claimed the company’s turnover was £240,000 to receive the maximum loan available.
In reality, the turnover of the company was around £22,000 – meaning he was only entitled to £5,500.
On 10 April 2025, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Bodale was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for one count of fraud by false representation.
He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.
Insolvency Service Chief Investigator David Snasdell said:
Florin-Petrica Bodale falsely claimed a much higher turnover for his business and the reality of this is a notable sentence on top of his earlier disqualification as a director.
These loans were intended to help keep small businesses afloat, not to take money from the public purse that businesses were not entitled to.
We will continue in our efforts to bring those who abuse this scheme to justice.
In 2022, before the criminal investigation, Bodale signed a ten-year bankruptcy restriction undertaking which also included a ten-year director disqualification following a civil investigation by the Insolvency Service.
The court noted that he had repaid some money as part of the bankruptcy process.
Measures were introduced during 2020 to support businesses affected by COVID-19 such as loans, grants and tax allowances. The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government.
The Bounce Back loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business.
Florin-Petrica Bodale’s last known address is Elmsleigh Avenue, Harrow. Date of birth: 26/06/1990
The Insolvency Service can investigate complaints about corporate abuse by live companies. This may include serious misconduct, fraud, scams or dishonest practice in the way the company operates. Further information on our live investigations can be found here
Source: City of Salford
As the medieval heart of the city, plans to deliver Salford City Council’s vision for the Greengate area, focused on significant levels of development activity, have moved forward following the council’s Property & Regeneration Briefing on Monday 14 April.
At the meeting, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor approved the proposed expenditure of £2,021,877.38 of Section 106 contributions towards delivery of public realm and open space improvements within the Greengate Regeneration Strategy area.
The source of funding is Section 106 Contributions received from developments at:
The project will deliver public realm and open space projects at the northern edge of the Greengate neighbourhood. If feasible, and following engagement with local community stakeholders, the plan would also consider the sensitive relocation of the existing War Memorial located at the junction of Trinity Way and Blackfriars Road. Adjacent to the existing War Memorial is a plaque to commemorate the location where the Manchester and Salford Trades Council was formed at a meeting at the Three Crowns pub on King Street in Greengate, Salford, on 9 November 1866. The plaque will be retained within the site.
This area has been the focus of significant development over recent years, with a number of schemes delivered. Investment in high quality new public realm in this area will improve visibility of and connections into the neighbourhood from communities to the north and ensure that the area is linked to the surrounding green and blue infrastructure and walking/cycling connections along the River Irwell and Trinity Way.
The council’s overarching vision for Greengate is to deliver a dynamic residential and commercial place with an exceptional public realm for both residents and visitors alike, building on the current strong brands within the area and developing exciting new opportunities.
From major developments to city parks, revitalised waterways and green spaces, the regeneration of Salford is continuing to drive the sustainable growth of the city. Recently, the council also approved the Irwell River Park Connectivity and Movement Strategy that will transform the 8km stretch of the River Irwell into a vibrant and accessible urban park and improve connections between Greengate and Irwell River Park as the projects progress at the same time.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council said: “Salford is continuing its remarkable story of transformation as we create a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all. As the original historic core of Salford with many historical assets, Greengate takes pride of place in our regeneration plans, which has already seen the creation of Greengate Square and a large number of residential and commercial developments that have been completed.
“Following the funding approval, we can now start to shape our plans further for Greengate, which will see us deliver more high-quality public realm and connectivity improvements across the area. I look forward to progressing our detailed proposals that will contribute to a diverse dynamic economy within Salford alongside a strong residential and cultural offer.”
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 15, 2025/APO Group/ —
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and leading press release distribution service, is pleased to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard (www.Pompigne-Mognard.com), has been appointed to the newly formed Advisory Board of the Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).
With its mission being to position Africa as a leader in critical minerals, CMAG (www.CMAGAfrica.com) is dedicated to advancing responsible sourcing and sustainable development of Africa’s critical mineral resources, while ensuring that local economies benefit from the continent’s mineral wealth. With approximately 40% of the world’s essential minerals reserves estimated to be held in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, the region plays a key role in the global energy transition and advanced technologies.
Pompigne-Mognard’s appointment to the Advisory Board follows the announcement of a strategic partnership between APO Group and CMAG aimed at raising the global prominence of Africa’s critical minerals sector. The partnership leverages APO Group’s public relations and strategic communications expertise and CMAG’s industry leadership. Complementing this, Pompigne-Mognard’s ability to connect clients with key stakeholders from governments, private companies, and organisations of all sizes will be invaluable in showcasing Africa’s role in the global essential resources supply chain and elevating the profile of Africa’s critical minerals sector.
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the CMAG Advisory Board. His vast network across industries, governments, and institutions, his deep understanding of Africa’s media and technology landscapes, and his extensive business experience will equip him to work alongside fellow Advisory Board members to shape positive perceptions of Africa’s critical minerals sector amongst global stakeholders and audiences.
A Franco-Gabonese entrepreneur named among the 100 Most Influential Africans in 2023 and 2024, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard serves on multiple high-profile advisory boards and international committees. These include the Senior Advisory Board of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and the Leadership Council of the Africa Tech Festival, as well as the Advisory Boards of the African Energy Chamber, World Football Summit, Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa, Sports Africa Investment Summit, EurAfrican Forum, and All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He is also a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society of the United Kingdom, a strategic advisor to the EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce, and a special advisor to the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.
Nicolas’ wholly-owned company, APO Group, is the premier award-winning Pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. It serves more than 300 clients, including global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, UNDP, Network International, the African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
“Being appointed to the Critical Minerals Africa Group Advisory Board is an immense honour. CMAG is vital in safeguarding Africa’s critical minerals for future generations. In my advisory role, I look forward to supporting all initiatives as CMAG showcases Africa’s critical minerals potential in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and Chairman of APO Group.
Other members of the Advisory Board include Natznet Tesfay, Executive Director, Head of Insights and Analytics, S&P Global, and Richard Morgan, Former Head of Government Relations, Anglo-American PLC.
Source: City of Wolverhampton
The stall, in the centre of the market, is a designated place for local groups to raise awareness of projects, share information or organise fundraising.
It is free for local organisations to use and has been funded by £3,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered though the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
This money follows significant Government funding secured by City of Wolverhampton Council to enhance the markets in Bilston. A £5.2 million redevelopment of the neighbouring outdoor market – which will also enhance the indoor market entrance – is underway.
Local groups, schools, partnerships and charities are currently supported at the market with free stalls. However, these are usually allocated on an ad hoc basis, wherever is available.
Thanks to the funding, the new community stall offers a specially designated unit which can be pre-booked and will also allow users to advertise in advance to residents.
Pupils from St Thomas More in Willenhall hosted the stall with some Easter themed products on Friday (11 April). Their attendance is one of a series being booked by the WMCA for schools and colleges who are part of the Black Country Careers Hub.
The bookings, for special educational and mainstream schools and colleges in the Black Country, give young people the opportunity to make arts and craft items to sell, manage a stall for the day and provide students with day work experience.
As well as schools, the market has supported a range of organisations and it is hoped the community stall will encourage others to come along and share their fundraising, information and awareness raising.
Recent attendees at the market have included charities such as Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, Air Ambulance and activities run by the Bilston Business Improvement District (BID).
Stalls have also been used for public protection initiatives such as Friends Against Scams, Safeguarding Adults week, neighbourhood safety in partnership with police, Dementia action week and electric blanket testing.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for digital and community, said: “This is a great new initiative for local community groups and organisations who would like to share messages or raise funds.
“We want to support our local community and this dedicated, free stall at the centre of Bilston Indoor Market is a great way to do that. We have welcomed many groups to the market in the past and would like to encourage others to come along and share what they do with local people.
“If you are a city charity, group or organisation, please get in touch to find out more information – we’d love to hear from you.”
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: “It was fantastic to see the students with the products they have made.
“The community stall offers a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn about the world, gain valuable work experience and meet and chat with customers.
“Our markets are friendly places with experienced traders. I hope the young people had a great time and learned a lot of new skills.”
The new community stall is free for local groups, schools and other organisations to use and can be booked by contacting the markets team on 01902 555200 or by emailing markets@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Source: City of York
Leaders from City of York Council met yesterday with representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK to discuss how York can continue supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, and Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, welcomed Mr Oleksandr Yurkin, Counsellor for Consular Issues, and Ms Inna Pylypchuk, who is responsible for interregional and twinning cooperation at the Ukrainian Embassy.
During the meeting, which took place at the council’s West Offices headquarters, Cllr Douglas highlighted York’s continued support for its Ukrainian community, particularly those who arrived in the city after fleeing the war.
Since 2022, a total of 419 Ukrainians have arrived in York as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with 223 York households offering accommodation to the new arrivals.
Through a dedicated Homes for Ukraine team, the council has provided help, including financial support, longer-term housing, employment and education, health, and more to both guests and hosts.
The meeting also marked another step forward in developing closer ties between York and the city of Lviv, following the passing of a council motion in 2022.
Lviv is situated in the west of Ukraine, approximately seventy miles from the Polish border and has a population of just over 700,000. Lviv’s centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and like York, Lviv is a designated UNESCO Creative City, recognised for its literary culture.
Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said:
It was a privilege to welcome Mr Yurkin and Ms Pylypchuk to York this week to discuss our ongoing support for the Ukrainian community here and deepen our relationship with Lviv in the spirit of solidarity and friendship.
“Our priority remains finding practical and meaningful ways to support both the people of Lviv, and our Ukrainian guests in York and we will continue to do this, with the support of our communities across the city.”
Oleksandr Yurkin, Head of Consular Section at the Embassy of Ukraine in London, said:
Our visit to York and meeting with City of York Council leaders was a powerful reminder of the strength of international partnerships in times of crisis.
“We are deeply grateful for the solidarity shown by the people of York and look forward to growing our relationship through shared understanding, cultural exchange, and future cooperation between York and Lviv.”
Source: Government of Iceland
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, concluded its fourth biannual course on security and defence issues last week.
The course is designed to strengthen knowledge and awareness of security and defence affairs among professionals in government ministries, public agencies, academia, the private sector, and civil society. It forms part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to broaden understanding of Iceland’s approach to security and defence in a shifting strategic environment.
“At a time when the security environment in Europe and the North Atlantic is undergoing rapid change, it is more important than ever to deepen public understanding and dialogue about Iceland’s security and defence,” says Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs. “These courses have proven immensely valuable, and I am confident that participants leave with a stronger grasp of the issues and their relevance to Iceland’s role internationally.”
Specialists from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs offered participants an overview of Iceland’s security and defence policy and the Government’s main priorities in the field. As part of the week-long course, participants visited Keflavík Air Base, the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, and the Icelandic Coast Guard.
Source: South Africa News Agency
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, arrived in Moscow, Russia, on Monday for a two-day working visit.
During his trip, Lamola will preside over the 18th Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation, a structured mechanism for coordinating economic and trade relations between South Africa and Russia.
In addition, he is scheduled to hold political consultations with his counterpart, Minister Sergey Lavrov.
According to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, the Minister is also expected to visit the memorial centres dedicated to South Africa’s liberation heroes, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: South Africa News Agency
The Group of Twenty (G20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors are set to convene a two-day meeting on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings, taking place in the United States, later this month.
The G20 is an international forum of both developing and developed countries, which seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues.
This meeting is part of the Finance Track under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which will gather Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G20 member countries, invited countries, and international organisations to discuss global economic challenges, financial stability, and policies aimed at fostering economic growth.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency commenced on 1 December 2024 and will run until 30 November 2025. It is taking place under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”
The Finance Track is co-chaired by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, and South African Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago.
G20 members include the world’s major economies, representing 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.
The G20 comprises 19 countries (including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and since 2023, the African Union.
The two-day meeting will take place from 23-24 April 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Source: European Banking Authority
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its Report on Remuneration and Gender Pay Gap Benchmarking for institutions and investment firms. The Report shows a material gender pay gap in 2023 with women earning less than men. Remuneration practices in institutions remained stable between 2021 – 2023, but the ratio between the variable and fixed remuneration in investment firms increased significantly after the introduction of the Investment Firms Directive (IFD).
Alongside its annual Report on Remuneration of identified staff, the EBA is releasing, for the first time, a detailed section on gender pay gap covering all staff as well as those identified as having a material impact on the risk profile of institutions and investment firms.
In 2023, the average ratio between variable and fixed remuneration for identified staff in investment firms stood at 145.85% (2022: 191.42%), higher and less stable compared to the ratio in institutions of 59.59% (2022: 58.62%). Higher bonuses in investment firms are driven by different business models and a more volatile profitability. In 2023, the highest bonuses in institutions were paid in the area of investment banking, whereas in investment firms in the area of dealing on own account, underwriting and placing of instruments, where the average ratio reached 521%. This is a material increase compared to 2021, where for investment firms a 100% limit (200% with shareholders’ approval) for bonuses compared to the fixed remuneration applied. The bonus ratios in other business areas were much lower and remained between 35% and 120%.
On average, female staff in institutions earned 24.48% less in 2023 than their male counterparts. For risk takers (identified staff) the difference was at 21.64%. The pay gap was even more pronounced in investment firms, with female staff earning 32.0% and female identified staff earning 31.74% less than their male colleagues. The pay gap was mainly caused by the underrepresentation of women in higher paid positions. The Report shows the gender pay gap for each quartile of pay level. Women only held 33.45% of the highest paid positions in institutions and just 12.99% of them in investment firms. However, overall, women and men were equally represented in institutions (median representation of women 51.65%) but underrepresented in investment firms (35.43%).
The data underscores the need for entities and competent authorities to analyse closer the reasons for the observed gender pay gap and to address gender pay and gender representation disparities. In this context the EBA is also revising its internal governance Guidelines to further improve the monitoring of gender aspects in institutions and investment firms.
The EBA collects remuneration and gender pay gap data from competent authorities for benchmarking under Article 75(1) of Directive 2013/36/EU (CRD) and Article 34(1) of Directive 2019/2034/EU (IFD) and as specified in Guidelines (EBA/GL/2022/06) and (EBA/GL/2022/07), both published on 30/06/2022.
The Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) and the IFD include requirements on the variable remuneration of identified staff, who have a material impact on the banks or investment firms risk profile, or the assets managed by them. Until 2021, investment firms were subject to the same requirements as banks, including a limitation of the variable to fixed remuneration of identified staff to 100% (200% with shareholders’ approval). As of 2022, this requirement, that aims to prevent excessive risk taking, no longer applies to investment firms, that have to set an appropriate ratio for this purpose in their remuneration policies.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Bogdan Pismarkin at the forum
On April 10–11, one of the key events in the field of technological entrepreneurship took place in Kazan – the 19th Russian Venture Forum.
The event brought together more than 150 startups, over 10 venture funds, dozens of investors and representatives of government agencies. The opening ceremony of the forum was attended by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Valery Falkov, the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and the President of the Academy of Sciences of Tatarstan Rifkat Minnikhanov.
A second-year master’s student at SPbGASU, Bogdan Pismarkin, who is graduating from the Startup as a Diploma program at the Department of Construction Organization, took part in the forum organized by the university with the support of the Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career of our university.
The RVF-2025 discussed current issues of venture market development: support for technology startups, companies entering PreIPO, investments in late-stage projects and entering international markets. Particular attention was paid to the interaction between startups and investors – in the format of pitch sessions, startup battles and networking at the forum sites.
According to Bogdan, he gained valuable practical experience, made many useful contacts with startup representatives, business angels and investors, and also deepened his knowledge in the field of growth strategy and attracting investment.
“The participation of SPbGASU students in events of this scale not only contributes to the development of their projects, but also strengthens the university’s image. Our students talk about the support of entrepreneurship at the university, attracting new talented applicants – future creators of technology companies that develop the construction industry and the country’s economy as a whole,” noted Ekaterina Abolina, Director of the Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career.
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.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Mark Winfield, Professor, Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Canada
A defining feature of the ongoing federal election campaign has been the apparent marginalization of the environment and climate change as top-of-mind issues due to threats by the United States against Canadian sovereignty, security and trade.
But how Canada responds to U.S. President Donald Trump’s actions will also have profound implications for its future greenhouse gas emissions and its economy.
The current federal election is very different from those held in 2015, 2019 and 2021. In those elections, the environment and climate were central issues. Each time, more than 60 per cent of Canadian voters chose parties (Liberal, NDP, Bloc Québécois and Green) that advocated for strong climate action, including some form of carbon pricing.
Read more:
Canada’s federal election made big strides for climate and the environment
The increasing evidence of the consequences of a changing climate had placed the environment and climate change among the leading issues in the minds of Canadians for nearly two decades. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since then.
Although Trump’s second presidency is often cited as the trigger point for a decline of the environment as a top-of-mind concern for Canadians, the slide actually began a year earlier, in the fall of 2023.
Despite the record wildfire season that summer, the impact of inflation, triggered in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, moved economic concerns to the forefront of the public’s mind. Government stimulus programs needed to counter the impacts of the pandemic contributed to inflationary pressures, prompting the Bank of Canada to hike interest rates in response, adding to Canadians’ economic distress.
Amid high inflation and high interest rates, the Liberal government’s climate strategies — especially consumer carbon pricing — became an easy political target, particularly for a Conservative opposition with little apparent concern for the climate challenge.
But even though climate change is no longer top of mind for Canadians, it remains a significant embedded concern, with as many as 70 per cent of Canadians believing climate change is real and caused by human activity. And perhaps surprisingly, despite the criticism levelled at the consumer carbon tax, between 60 and 70 per cent of non-Conservative leaning voters (those intending to cast their ballots for Liberal, NDP, Bloc and Green candidates) continue to support the concept of carbon pricing.
Despite this, many political and business leaders have responded to Trump’s actions by focusing on natural resource exports, especially fossil fuels and critical minerals, to bolster the Canadian economy.
This has been accompanied by calls to further streamline environmental review and approval processes for resource extraction and export projects like pipelines, and to expand their subsidization by taxpayers.
Discussions about the climate implications of these initiatives have been noticeably absent. So have conversations about the long-term economic viability and desirability of expanding Canada’s dependency on resource commodity exports to increasingly uncertain global markets.
On fossil fuels, the International Energy Agency and others are predicting that global consumption will peak within the next decade. This will reflect the falling costs of renewable energy, improving energy productivity and the imperative of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.
The peak will likely happen before any new major export infrastructure can be built in Canada, regardless of what review and approval requirements they might be subjected to.
In a world of declining fossil fuel consumption, Canada — increasingly reliant on high-cost and high-carbon production like oilsands crude and fracked and liquified natural gas — seems more likely to be among the earliest producers to fall than among the last standing. Public investments in new export infrastructure look like dubious propositions in this scenario.
Read more:
Coal in Alberta: Neither public outrage nor waning global demand seem to matter to Danielle Smith
International markets for critical minerals are likely to remain in deep flux as the pace of technological development in renewable energy and energy storage accelerates to reduce or avoid dependency on costly and difficult-to-access materials.
Mining operations also continue to have substantial environmental impacts with significant implications for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
All of this means there must be continued meaningful scrutiny of projects in terms of their implications for climate change, environmental sustainability and reconciliation, as well as their economic viability and potential legacy costs for taxpayers — not a further streamlining of review processes.
Falling back on fossil fuels in response to Trump is a fundamentally backwards approach. It ignores the implications of the climate challenge. As recently noted by at least one Canadian business leader, it also overlooks the need to not just diversify Canada’s markets, but to diversify Canadian products as well.
Canada must design and implement strategies that transform its industries from producers of low-value raw materials into producers of higher-value products and services for a world that must decarbonize and advance sustainability.
As a coalition of Canadian mayors recently pointed out, climate change remains a real threat to Canadians and their communities. It’s not going away regardless of what Trump’s executive orders might say.
As they campaign to lead the country, the situation requires more substantive responses from Canada’s would-be prime ministers than Canadians are getting right now.
Mark Winfield receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
– ref. Canada’s federal election doesn’t seem like it’s about climate change, but it actually is – https://theconversation.com/canadas-federal-election-doesnt-seem-like-its-about-climate-change-but-it-actually-is-254458
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $90,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.
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Source: Isle of Man
Belarus
ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida
Counter-Terrorism (Domestic)
Global Anti-Corruption
Global Human Rights
Iran
Russia
Syria
The Authority has been notified that the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division has recently published new and updated information regarding the above Sanction regimes.
News Releases advising details of the updates to the above Sanctions regimes can be read on the IOM Government website (www.gov.im/news) at:
Belarus
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/19/financial-sanctions-republic-of-belarus/
Financial Sanctions: ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/13/financial-sanctions-isil-daesh-and-al-qaida/
Financial Sanctions: Counter-Terrorism (Domestic)
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/09/financial-sanctions-counter-terrorism-domestic/
Global Anti-Corruption
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/14/financial-sanctions-global-anti-corruption/
Global Human Rights
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/19/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/24/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/27/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/02/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/10/financial-sanctions-global-human-rights/
Iran
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/14/financial-sanctions-iran/
Russia
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/07/financial-sanctions-russia/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/19/financial-sanctions-russia/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/20/financial-sanctions-russia/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/24/financial-sanctions-russia/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/27/financial-sanctions-russia/
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/apr/14/financial-sanctions-russia/
Syria
https://www.gov.im/news/2025/mar/06/financial-sanctions-syria/
Copies of extant Sanctions Notices, are available free of charge over the Internet from the Sanctions and Export Control page on the website of the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division located at: https://www.gov.im/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/sanctions-and-export-control
Any queries regarding the above, or any Sanctions related matter should be addressed to the Isle of Man Treasury, Customs and Immigration Division, Sanctions Officer on telephone number +44 (0) 1624 648109 or by email to sanctions@gov.im
To receive regular updates about sanctions, including updates to the UK Sanctions List, you can subscribe to the RSS feed for sanctions & Excise news releases by copying and pasting this URL:
into your RSS feed reader or Microsoft Outlook RSS feeds folder. You can also view our guidance on how to use RSS Feeds.
The UK Treasury operate an ‘alert’ system to provide email updates as and when changes to sanctions are introduced. Licenceholders may consider it very prudent to avail themselves of this service if they do not already have relevant notification processes in place.
This service can be found at Subscribe to Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation updates
Source: European Union 2
The EU is investing €86 million in several projects in the EU and Iceland that will work on water quality and availability, cleaning up polluted rivers, improving fire and flood protection, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their work will help Europe become a climate-neutral continent by 2050.
Source: European Parliament 2
The European financial system faces significant risks from excessive bank lending to the real estate sector. Historical trends show a strong link between real estate credit booms and banking crises. Current data indicate that real estate loans constitute a substantial share of banks’ corporate loan portfolios, with varying risk levels across countries. Key drivers include expansionary ECB policies and regulatory incentives favouring mortgage lending. Strengthening oversight, improving data collection, and adjusting regulations are essential for financial stability.
